Unable to sway her, Fesili could only nod in agreement, though he still cautioned her, "Alright, but don't wander off. We don't know if there are any potential dangers here yet."
Muxi nodded obediently and joined the soldiers in doing some simple tasks.
The soldiers had a clear division of labor. Some were responsible for pitching tents, some carried equipment for storing food and water, while others set up basic defensive fortifications around the perimeter.
Thanks to everyone working together, the new temporary camp quickly took shape.
Just then, a soldier on guard duty ran up to report, "Commander, we've found suspicious tracks not far ahead."
Fesili's expression instantly turned serious. After a moment's thought, he said, "Step up vigilance. A few of you come with me to check it out, and the rest continue perfecting the camp's setup."
Turning to Muxi, he added, "Stay in the camp and don't run around. Wait for me to come back."
Though Muxi was a bit worried, she obediently nodded.
Shortly after returning to the starship, Muxi walked back out carrying Xixi.
The busy soldiers were astonished to see the Little Milk Cat in her arms, appearing out of nowhere. Their eyes went wide, and they stopped their work to steal extra glances.
A young soldier stepped forward curiously, scratching his head. "Miss Muxi, where did this Little Milk Cat come from? I didn't see it around the camp earlier."
Muxi smiled and stroked Xixi's head. The little guy narrowed its eyes contentedly in her arms, occasionally stretching out a tiny paw.
Muxi replied, "It's my Spiritual Body."
Everyone was stunned. A Materialized Spiritual Body?
Just how high was her Mental Power?
Deputy Commander Zhou was so shocked that he dropped the tool in his hand. He had only seen a Materialized Spiritual Body once before—when the Commander's Mental Power was about to go out of control during his rut.
Muxi's Spiritual Body could actually materialize as well, and it seemed even more lifelike than the Commander's.
"Can I pet it?" a soldier asked, looking expectant yet hesitant.
Muxi smiled and nodded. "Sure, if Xixi is willing to let you."
Only after several soldiers spent a while coaxing it did Xixi reluctantly flick its tail and let them stroke it once.
The soldier carefully reached out and gently stroked Xixi's back.
The texture was soft and real. The Little Milk Cat, Xixi, seemed to enjoy the gentle touch as well, letting out soft meows from its throat.
Seeing this, the surrounding soldiers crowded around, their eyes filled with curiosity and amazement, chatting excitedly among themselves.
"Wow, you can actually touch it! That's amazing!"
"Let me pet it too!"
"Get out of the way! I was here first, so I get to pet it first!"
"Is everyone finished with their work?" A voice, cold and completely flat, sounded from behind them, causing everyone to freeze instantly.
The terror of being ruled by the Commander instantly swept over them. The soldiers who had just been gathered around Muxi and the Little Milk Cat chatting animatedly now stood frozen as if bound by a spell, not even daring to breathe loudly.
Deputy Commander Zhou jolted in fright, hurriedly yanking his hand back from Xixi. Straightening his posture, he stammered, "N-Not completely finished yet, Commander! We'll get right back to work, right away!" Without daring to raise his head, he turned and scurried off toward his assigned area.
The other soldiers also snapped back to reality. Not daring to tarry any longer, they quickly dispersed and returned to their respective posts.
They busied themselves with brisk efficiency, moving much faster than before as if being chased by a terrifying monster.
Even Muxi was startled into a jump, straightening her posture slightly.
Sensing danger, Xixi let out a soft meow and snuggled deeper into her arms.
Fesili walked up to her and glanced at the Little Milk Cat in her arms, his expression still dark.
Muxi quickly explained, "Commander, please don't be angry. They were just curious about Xixi and came over to take a look. They didn't neglect their work."
"Xixi?"
"Mhm. I'm Muxi, and he's Xixi."
"..."
Only then did Fesili shift his gaze back to Xixi. Looking at the fluffy Little Milk Cat, a strange glint flickered in his eyes.
"Since you brought him out, keep a close eye on him. Don't let him run around the camp."
Muxi patted her chest reassuringly. "Don't worry, I'll keep holding him. I won't let him run wild."
Fesili gave a soft hum of acknowledgment and added a warning, "To outsiders, say he's just a pet you keep."
Reminded by his words, Muxi suddenly realized in shock that she had exposed her trump card.
If someone with ill intentions found out, she would be in grave danger.
She couldn't help shivering, a wave of lingering fear washing over her as she mentally berated herself for being so careless just now.
Looking up at Fesili, her eyes were filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Commander. If you hadn't reminded me, I wouldn't have realized how serious this is. I'll definitely be careful in the future and never be so reckless again."
Fesili nodded slightly, his demeanor remaining stern. "You must understand that in such a complex environment, even the smallest oversight could trigger major trouble. Your Spiritual Body is so unique—if the Diluo Empire finds out, they will stop at nothing to snatch you away."
Currently, no Guide in the galaxy had been reported to possess a Materialized Spiritual Body. If her information leaked out, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Muxi nodded vigorously. "I understand."
As if understanding the conversation, Xixi also let out a meow toward Fesili.
Fesili glanced at Xixi, his expression softening slightly. He reached out and gently patted Xixi's head. The little guy wasn't shy around strangers at all and even squinted its eyes contentedly.
This little guy was quite clever—much cuter than his own.
"Though you need to be careful, don't be overly tense. It's fine to move around within our legion, just don't expose it in front of anyone else in the future."
Muxi nodded repeatedly. "Mhm, I'll keep that in mind! You can rest assured, Commander."
By now, the camp setup was largely complete, and the soldiers had taken their positions to carry out patrol and guard duties. Fesili took Muxi on a tour around the camp to inspect whether everything was properly arranged, not forgetting to remind her of various precautions along the way.
After completing the inspection, Fesili told Muxi to go back to the starship and rest for a while.
After being tossed around for so long, the little female must be tired.
He needed to discuss subsequent action plans with Deputy Commander Zhou and the others to prevent any moves from the Diluo Empire.
Muxi responded obediently and walked toward the starship carrying Xixi. Once back in her room on the starship, Xixi automatically retreated into her mental sea, while she sat on the bed, thumping her head in frustration.
How could she forget that this was no longer a peaceful era? Without a powerful background, one had to learn to keep a low profile.
...
Meanwhile, Fesili was in the command room, seriously discussing matters with Deputy Commander Zhou and the officers.
"Although we currently have the upper hand for now, the Diluo Empire definitely won't let it slide. Once they learn that we've discovered the treasure and also possess a Guide with a Materialized Spiritual Body, they will certainly stop at nothing to seize them," Fesili said, his face grave.
Deputy Commander Zhou nodded, frowning. "Yes, Commander. We must make preparations in advance and reinforce the camp's defenses."
"Have you thoroughly checked Muxi's background?"