Chapter 08 – Temporary Marking

Xi Ming’s eyes turned red as his fingers gently brushed against the skin near Shi Chan’s gland, his gaze locked onto the other’s face. “…Do you consent?”

If he backed out now, then… Xi Ming’s eyes narrowed slightly, his expression unreadable.

“I consent,” Shi Chan answered without hesitation, his eyes meeting Xi Ming’s. After a pause, he added softly, almost tentatively, a term he had held in his heart for a long time, “Commander of the Stars.”

“Commander of the Stars” was what Xi Ming’s fans used to call him. He had protected the Empire’s planets and its people. But after the fall of Star System 823, the title had faded from people’s lips.

Hearing the familiar yet distant nickname, Xi Ming’s expression faltered slightly, his emotions surging as unpleasant memories came flooding back.

Harsh and venomous insults echoed in his mind, like countless people shouting accusations directly into his ears. Xi Ming’s face darkened instantly.

“You’re nothing but a murderer!” “Six planets’ worth of lives—destroyed because of you!” “Poisonous and incompetent! How did the Imperial Military Academy produce someone as disgraceful as you?” “You’ve betrayed the Empire, betrayed your parents! Mr. Xi and Mrs. Xi were heroes of the Empire, and yet you caused the deaths of so many!” “Why aren’t you dead yet…?” “Just die already! Redeem yourself for their sake…”

On the verge of losing his composure, Xi Ming was pulled back to reality by the sight of clear, concerned eyes. They anchored him, offering a glimmer of clarity.

Wrapping his arms tightly around Shi Chan, Xi Ming murmured the omega’s name under his breath. A sudden memory surfaced—one he hadn’t paid attention to before.

This omega, with his clear eyes, was his unexpected match in this lifetime…

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The presence of an alpha was overwhelming, especially now, with Xi Ming’s spiritual energy leaking out. The intense, domineering aura enveloped Shi Chan completely. He could feel it in every breath—a potent, unfamiliar, dangerous scent that brooked no resistance.

Shi Chan’s heartbeat quickened, his breathing shallowed, and he instinctively surrendered as Xi Ming moved closer to the gland on the back of his neck.

For an omega, being marked was a moment of utter vulnerability. When Xi Ming bit into his gland, a surge of unfamiliar pheromones flooded Shi Chan’s system. In that instant, it wasn’t just his senses—it felt as if his skin, his blood, even his very bones were being saturated with Xi Ming’s pheromone scent.

It was damp and eerie.

Even in his haze, Xi Ming’s brow furrowed slightly.

Xi Ming’s pheromones had once carried the fresh, bittersweet scent of grass and wood. But after being exposed to radiation, they had transformed into this dark, damp smell. While Xi Ming himself didn’t find it unpleasant, he wasn’t fond of it either. The scent always made him frown.

Shi Chan, however, seemed to adore Xi Ming’s pheromone scent. He unconsciously leaned closer, his mind growing hazy while his spiritual energy tentatively reached out to connect with the powerful aura surrounding him.

In this world, spiritual energy and pheromones were two defining characteristics.

Spiritual energy was universal, tied to one’s intelligence, mental fortitude, and potential. With rigorous training, the best of the best could weaponize their spiritual energy for combat and defense, evolving it into a powerful ability.

Xi Ming, once hailed as the Star of the Empire, had been recognized for his remarkable talent. By the age of twenty, his spiritual energy had already evolved—a feat that cemented his reputation as a prodigy and a powerhouse.

Pheromones, on the other hand, were exclusive to alphas and omegas. Their primary function was to attract the opposite gender and establish bonds.

For alphas, pheromones awakened naturally, though the timing varied—some as early as their teens, others closer to their twenties. But by the age of twenty-eight—the legal marriage deadline for alphas—their pheromones were fully developed.

Omega pheromones were different. They remained dormant until triggered—usually after their first mark. Day-to-day, omega pheromones were restrained, only surfacing during estrus or when influenced by an alpha.

Shi Chan understood these biological facts. He had mentally prepared himself for being marked when Xi Ming approached his gland. However, theory remained just that.

When Xi Ming bit into his gland, Shi Chan’s thoughts scattered entirely. Trapped in the alpha’s embrace, his body flushed as Xi Ming’s pheromones engulfed him.

Dazed, Shi Chan’s gland dutifully began secreting omega pheromones the moment he was marked.

It was Xi Ming who first caught the scent of Shi Chan’s pheromones.

At first, it was faint, but it quickly intensified—a sweet, ethereal fragrance with a hint of fresh bitterness. It was a scent Xi Ming had never encountered before.

His body reacted faster than his mind.

Without thinking, Xi Ming instinctively pursued the aroma, pulling Shi Chan closer and nuzzling the omega’s neck.

Xi Ming found himself deeply drawn to Shi Chan’s scent. It calmed his turbulent emotions, even easing the pain in his head.

Shi Chan, too, caught a whiff of his own pheromones. Taking a deep breath, a flicker of confusion crossed his eyes. The scent…

Why did it remind him of the healing elixir he had consumed before being struck by lightning in his previous life?

Never mind. He set the thought aside.

Clearing his mind, Shi Chan refocused on his task. Gently wrapping his arms around Xi Ming’s waist, he nestled against the alpha’s chest. Taking a deep breath, he began guiding his spiritual energy to soothe Xi Ming’s chaotic mental state.

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An hour later.

Ignoring the reluctant pull of Xi Ming’s spiritual energy, Shi Chan retracted his own and slowly opened his eyes.

Calming an alpha’s mental state was an exhausting process. It required attunement, synchronization, guidance, and gentle reassurance—each step demanding intense focus and energy.

After more than an hour, Shi Chan was drained. Still, his efforts had successfully stabilized Xi Ming for the time being.

Xi Ming’s expression had softened considerably, his breathing steadying. However, his grip on Shi Chan showed no sign of loosening.

Having remained in the same position for so long, Shi Chan grew restless. Gently pushing against Xi Ming, he asked, “Are you feeling better now?”

“Mm.” Xi Ming grunted softly, though he showed no intention of moving. His eyes remained closed as he regulated his breathing.

Shi Chan stayed on the floor beside him. After a moment, he suggested, “Should I help you up?”

Xi Ming emerged from his hard-won sense of calm, opening his eyes. His hand, still resting on Shi Chan’s neck, shifted slightly, his fingers brushing over the omega’s soft skin.

“Before that…” Xi Ming’s gaze turned cold, his tone sharper than before. “I want to know why you’re here.”

Shi Chan hesitated briefly. Instead of concocting a romantic excuse, he decided to tell the truth. Over the next few minutes, he remained still, recounting everything—from their system match to his family’s situation, including his estrangement from Shi Wen.

Xi Ming’s hand stilled against Shi Chan’s neck. His gaze darkened. “Not voluntary?”

Shi Chan shook his head. “Marrying you was voluntary. I just didn’t want to be sold off without consideration, so I cut ties with him.”

This was Shi Chan’s honest belief.

Xi Ming studied the omega’s eyes for a few seconds before deciding to trust him. Yet, he didn’t avert his gaze. Instead, he continued observing Shi Chan.

Earlier, in his frenzied state, Xi Ming had only noticed Shi Chan’s remarkably clear eyes. Now, he realized the omega’s appearance was strikingly flawless, each feature seeming sculpted to perfection.

Shi Chan’s beauty was undeniable. Yet, despite his captivating features, his eyes remained pure and unblemished, like the reflection of shattered starlight on tranquil water.

Xi Ming had encountered many omegas before, but none possessed Shi Chan’s unique combination of brilliance and innocence.

Frowning slightly, Xi Ming muttered with a trace of bitterness, “A volunteer to marry an ‘imperial criminal,’ are you?”

His reputation on the star net was abysmal, and omegas had always treated him with contempt. For ten years, Xi Ming had endured his mental instability through sheer willpower, never knowing the comfort of an omega’s touch.

But now, barely a few days into his second life, he had bonded with an omega willing to soothe his mind. Xi Ming found it hard to believe.

Shi Chan, aware of the harsh comments online, frowned and said firmly, “I like you. What they say doesn’t matter to me.”

Xi Ming scoffed at the memory of the vitriol he had faced. His eyes turned cold again. “It’s not just them. It’s the entire Empire.”

This time, he silently vowed to watch the Empire crumble into ashes before his eyes.

Setting aside his doubts about Shi Chan’s motives, Xi Ming reached out to cradle the omega’s head, his fingers threading through Shi Chan’s soft hair. His touch, though inexperienced, was commanding.

Staring at the mark he had left on Shi Chan’s neck, Xi Ming’s gaze softened slightly. “From now on, stay by my side.”

“Mm.” Exhausted but compliant, Shi Chan rested against Xi Ming, his voice calm. “If your mental state becomes unstable, let me know anytime.”

Hearing Shi Chan’s gentle voice, Xi Ming recalled the comfort of their spiritual connection. Glancing down at the omega in his arms, he murmured, “Alright.”