More and more people joined the memorial.

In the holographic projection, countless pieces of white spirit money drifted down from the sky.

On the ground, numerous electronic incense sticks glowed with a bright yellow light. From a distance, it truly looked like a path lit by countless candles.

And as passersby saw what was happening, even more people joined in.

Lan Yuyan quietly went and bought a set of electronic incense as well.

The memorial lasted for over an hour before finally ending. As the crowd gradually dispersed, what followed was a surge of people beginning to promote *Strange Tales*.

People began to research ancient customs.

[These customs, which were once so cumbersome for humanity, are now fascinating bits of trivia for us.]

[I wonder, when our ancestors cast aside these cumbersome customs, was it for the sake of convenience, or did they forget their roots?]

[As an archaeology student, I find it deeply regrettable. All those customs, tinged with legend, have been lost to the river of time.]

[I feel so much more at ease after paying respects to those who died unjustly.]

[I feel the same way. And to avoid being wasteful, I even ’burned’ some nearly expired nutrient liquid for them. I hope that when they become souls, they can have a full meal before they reincarnate.]

[Wait... are you guys for real? You’re taking a TV show this seriously, talking about souls and reincarnation and all that.]

[Everyone, please believe in science!]

[No, I don’t want to believe in science! I want to believe in myths! I want to believe the Underworld is real, that good people will have a good next life, and that the wicked will get what they deserve!]

[Honestly, these are probably just strange legends that ancient humans made up to comfort themselves.]

After all, back in those days, life would have been too bitter without some kind of spiritual anchor.

This was especially true in ancient times, a period when the world was filled with strife.

It was an era of warring states, of widespread chaos, with no technological advancements and dynasties where resources like food and cloth were scarce.

...

Riding this wave of interest, the ratings for *Strange Tales* became exceptionally explosive.

The show already had a novel premise, and with Jiang Qin’s reputation guaranteeing its quality, its success was inevitable.

But no one expected it to be *this* popular. Even several entertainment companies from the Empire and the Myriad Races had come seeking to discuss collaborations.

However, due to the destruction of the planets, Tianwen Entertainment hadn’t scheduled any meetings today. So for now, Jiang Qin had only received the messages; the details would be discussed after the day of mourning.

While their Federation had destroyed three Frontline Stars, the Empire had likewise destroyed two.

Every Beastman across the Interstellar was dispirited today.

Jiang Qin was no exception.

After returning home, she quietly shut herself in her room.

She stroked her belly, lost in thought for a while.

It wasn’t until late at night, when she received a call from Shi Lichuan, that she managed to pull herself together.

"Qinqin, I’m taking them to the hospital first. It’s too late tonight, you don’t need to come over.

You can come tomorrow when they’re doing a bit better."

"But... I’m worried about you all..."

"We’re fine. Yun Xie and Mo Chen’s issues aren’t critical, either. Their external injuries are easy to treat; the main problem is their spiritual power’s Riot Value.

So the most important thing for you to do right now is rest and take care of yourself. Only then will you be able to soothe us."

Jiang Qin thought Shi Lichuan had a point, so she agreed.

Her anxiety eased considerably, and at the very least, she finally felt a little sleepy.

***

The next day, she rushed to Central City’s largest hospital at the crack of dawn, unable to wait any longer.

All four of them, Shi Lichuan included, were hospitalized.

He and Cang Hong were relatively fine. They just had some external injuries and a significant rise in their Riot Values. A bit of time in a Healing Pod and some soothing would be enough for them.

But Yun Xie and Mo Chen were in bad shape; both of them were still in a coma.

Mo Chen, in particular, was already showing signs of going feral.

The doctors were currently discussing transferring him to a military sanatorium.

If a Soothing Master could save him, Mo Chen might survive. If not, he would be put down the moment he went completely feral.

The main concern of the Medical Masters was that Mo Chen would go feral in the hospital and go on a killing spree.

Therefore, they didn’t dare keep him admitted.

The only reason they had accepted him as a patient last night was out of a sense of duty.

If they hadn’t provided emergency treatment, Mo Chen likely wouldn’t have survived the night.

No matter the circumstances, they couldn’t just abandon a patient without at least attempting to save him.

So, despite being terrified that he might suddenly go feral, the Medical Masters had spent several hours treating Mo Chen in the operating room.

Shi Lichuan had no objections to the transfer, allowing the hospital to contact the military to come and pick the admiral up.

He and his friends didn’t really have any connection to Mo Chen; he had only rescued the man as a matter of convenience.

After all, this was a highly decorated Admiral. As long as they could save him, they wouldn’t just stand by and watch.

"In that case, Mr. Shi, we will now arrange for Admiral Mo’s transfer."

"Mm."

Shi Lichuan didn’t mention that Jiang Qin could save him. Whether to save the man was up to Jiang Qin’s own wishes. Even though he was her partner, he would never interfere with her decisions.

The only thing he could do was inform her of the situation when she arrived at the hospital.

He didn’t ask her whether she would save him or not.

Naturally, Jiang Qin was willing to help.

However, since he had already been transferred to the military sanatorium, which surely had plenty of outstanding, High-level female soothers, she figured she probably wouldn’t be needed.

So, she didn’t offer to go and help.

"There are plenty of Soothing Masters at the sanatorium, so we probably don’t need to worry about it.

If they really need my help, I’ll step in then."

After everything she had been through recently, Jiang Qin felt she had gained a new perspective on things.

She still wouldn’t openly reveal her trump card, but she wouldn’t be as overly cautious about using her Calming Power as she had been before.

’Life is too short,’ she thought. ’I don’t want to have too many regrets.’

"Why hasn’t Yun Xie woken up yet? Did the doctors say what he needs to recover?"

Shi Lichuan replied, "It’s not a major issue. He just needs to stay in the hospital for a few days and get some medication. The main thing is his Riot Value.

It rose a little too quickly, skyrocketing from 0 to 66. His Spirit Sea couldn’t handle the strain, so it entered a state of self-induced dormancy."

Interstellar Medical Masters were very experienced with this kind of situation.

All it took was a Soothing Master to help lower the Riot Value, followed by medication to keep it under control.

So, what Yun Xie needed most right now was soothing.

Jiang Qin nodded and took out a guitar.

"You and Cang Hong should lie down, too. I can soothe all of you at once."

Shi Lichuan didn’t try to act tough and lay down directly in a Medical Pod.

As for Cang Hong, he was already resting in his own Medical Pod.

With three Medical Pods placed inside, the entire hospital room looked a bit crowded.

...

A few minutes later, the sound of a melodious, somewhat sorrowful song drifted out from the hospital room.