After probing Liu Hui’s thoughts on establishing a nation through those closest to him, like Mei Peng, and seeing Liu Hui waver on the issue of whether or not to establish an Emperor, the leadership of the “City of Starlight” rejoiced and formally presented him with the proposal to found the “Starry Sky Empire.”

Liu Hui knew that establishing a nation was inevitable, but he hadn't yet clarified what kind of nation it would be, so he kept the proposal tabled, making no immediate decision. This decision would have profound consequences for future generations, so Liu Hui felt compelled to weigh it carefully before proceeding.

When discussing the proposal to form the Starry Sky Empire with his wives, Liu Hui joked that if he eventually became the Emperor, they would become the Empresses and concubines of the Empire, asking if they were willing. To his surprise, not a single one of them was keen on him becoming Emperor. They had long understood the pros and cons of emperors from history and feared that becoming Emperor would lead to an expanded harem and cause him to neglect them.

Shu Yan brought up her previous suggestion that they all abandon the “City of Starlight” and roam the universe instead. This idea deeply moved Liu Hui, who was struggling with the dilemma of founding a state. The “City of Starlight” had developed to its current level, and his departure might not necessarily lead to its collapse, so he genuinely began to consider whether this was the right moment to leave Earth and the “City of Starlight.”

However, the worries expressed by Mei Peng and the others about the “City of Starlight” resurfaced in Liu Hui’s mind. While their concerns might not be entirely accurate, they were not entirely without reason. If his departure caused the “City of Starlight,” for which he had strived for so many years, to crumble, he would be deeply regretful. Thus, he became indecisive, unable to reach a clear conclusion for a long time.

And so, two months passed while Liu Hui wrestled with his dilemma.

One day, Liu Hui was at home accompanying Hu Xian’er, who was heavily pregnant and resting indoors. At this stage, Liu Hui dared not let her do any housework. Though he wished to handle all the chores himself, he was clumsy as a man and could not manage them well. Consequently, his wives automatically stepped in, helping with housework and caring for Hu Xian’er at his home.

After conferring, Liu Hui’s wives decided to create a rotating schedule, visiting his home in shifts to help out. Today, the one assisting at Liu Hui’s house was Shu Yan, who was closest to Hu Xian’er.

Hu Xian’er sat comfortably on the sofa, watching the news on television. Occasionally, she would caress her swollen belly, a maternal glow illuminating her face. Liu Hui sat beside her, watching the news and chatting idly.

Watching the broadcast, Hu Xian’er remarked, "Niu Niu, if our child is born, won't we have so much to worry about!"

Liu Hui laughed, "Where are there so many things to worry about? Look at Xiao Bao, hasn't he grown up just fine?"

Hu Xian’er replied, "But even if Xiao Bao has grown up, don't you worry about his studies and the direction of his future life? Look at the television—today is the day university entrance exam results are announced. Don't all those parents waiting for the results look anxious?"

Liu Hui glanced over and saw that the television was indeed showing coverage of the college entrance exam result announcements. On the screen, several parents were nervously checking their children's scores. Suddenly, Liu Hui remembered something: today was also the day Xiao Yao’s exam results were due. He wondered how well Xiao Yao had performed.

Hu Xian’er looked at Liu Hui and asked, "Niu Niu, what are you thinking about?"

Liu Hui glanced at Hu Xian’er, a flicker of concern for Xiao Yao in his mind. He said, "Xian’er, I’m sorry! I need to step out for a moment immediately."

Hu Xian’er, still watching the news, casually replied, "Oh, I see. Remember to come back early and be home for dinner."

Liu Hui smiled, "Got it. I promise I’ll be back."

Liu Hui left the house, considered for a moment, and then made several calls to the education department to inquire about Xiao Yao’s exam scores. Soon, Xiao Yao’s official results were in Liu Hui’s hands.

"How is this possible? For an exam totaling seven hundred and fifty points, Xiao Yao only scored one hundred and twenty? Could this score just be for one subject?"

When Liu Hui saw Xiao Yao's astonishingly low score, confusion set in, followed by immediate verification. He discovered that Xiao Yao had indeed scored only one hundred and twenty points—a score barely higher than what some students scored on a single subject. With such a dismal performance, Xiao Yao wouldn't just fail to get into university; she might not even graduate from high school.

Upon seeing Xiao Yao’s results, Liu Hui began to worry deeply about her current state. The results had been out for a while, and Xiao Yao hadn't contacted him. He didn't know how she was doing.

Liu Hui now understood the immense resolve Xiao Yao must have summoned to agree to their pact regarding the exam. With her dream instantly shattered by this failure, he feared what rash action she might take.

The more Liu Hui worried, the more anxious he became. He tried calling Xiao Yao, only to find her phone turned off. He then called Gao Dasao several times, but she also had no idea where Xiao Yao had gone. Unable to reach Xiao Yao, Liu Hui grew frantic. Suddenly, he remembered the temple where he and Xiao Yao had made their agreement that day. A thought struck him, and he immediately drove straight to the temple.

Today was the day of the exam results announcement, and many students who had prayed to the Bodhisattvas in this temple were returning to offer thanks after their wishes were granted. Thus, the temple was bustling with activity. However, Liu Hui did not see Xiao Yao among the crowd. When he went to the secluded back area of the temple where he and Xiao Yao had made their pact, Xiao Yao was nowhere to be found. Liu Hui felt a pang of worry. Then, something occurred to him, and he approached the Bodhisattva statue where Xiao Yao had hidden the small box. He searched meticulously and discovered that the small box Xiao Yao had tucked between the Bodhisattva’s fingers was gone. From the faint marks near the fingers, Liu Hui deduced that someone had taken the box earlier that day.

Seeing the small box, which was clearly of great importance to Xiao Yao, missing, Liu Hui’s anxiety spiked. He worried that Xiao Yao might have met with misfortune. Just as he was about to call Desheng, asking him to immediately locate Xiao Yao, he faintly heard a woman’s sobbing sound drifting up from the cliff face overlooking the sea.

Liu Hui listened intently and heard the woman cry out, "Xiao Yao, you are so foolish! With such terrible results this time, you don't deserve Uncle's love. You should just give up..."

Liu Hui started in alarm, rushed over, and saw Xiao Yao standing in a small recess below the cliff, weeping. She held the small box in her hand. After speaking those words, Xiao Yao flung the box from her grasp. It described an arc through the air before plunging into the turbulent ocean below, vanishing amidst the churning waves.

Seeing Xiao Yao standing alone in such a dangerous spot, Liu Hui was greatly shocked. He quickly jumped down, grabbed Xiao Yao, and said, "Xiao Yao, what are you doing here? This place is very dangerous..."

Xiao Yao turned to see Liu Hui. Her usually enchanting eyes were filled with despair. She said, "Uncle, I am truly useless. I still couldn't graduate from high school, nor did I get into any university. The agreement between us can never be fulfilled..."

Liu Hui felt a deep unease seeing the hopeless, dead grayness in Xiao Yao’s vibrant eyes. He said, "Xiao Yao, even if you didn't graduate this time, it doesn't mean you can't later! Don't you still have plenty of opportunities? We can make another agreement."

Xiao Yao shook her head. "Uncle, you don't understand how important this agreement was to me. I know that opportunities like this only come once; once lost, they are gone forever. I have failed completely."

Impulsively, Liu Hui said, "Xiao Yao, I know this agreement was vital to you, but why do you think it was a one-time chance? If you keep working hard and keep making agreements with me, won't there be many chances? Failing this time doesn't mean you'll never succeed..."

Xiao Yao stared blankly at Liu Hui, silent for a moment. Then, a glimmer of light returned to her eyes. She said, "Uncle, are you saying you will continue to make agreements with me? That you will wait to hear what I have to say to you—is that right?"

Liu Hui regretted the words as soon as they left his mouth, but seeing the light return to Xiao Yao's eyes, he couldn't bring himself to utterly extinguish her hope. He said, "Yes. Uncle will continue to make agreements with you. In fact, Uncle is curious to know what words Xiao Yao has for me!"

Xiao Yao was overjoyed. She declared, "Then I will make a new agreement with Uncle: if I can graduate and get into university next year, I will tell you what is in my heart, and then you can give me what was inside that little box."

Before Liu Hui could reply, Xiao Yao cried out, "Oh no! I already threw the little box away! What should we do?"

Liu Hui sighed. "Xiao Yao, let’s get up first. It’s not safe here. Your little box fell into the sea, but I remember roughly where it landed. I'll help you find it!"

Xiao Yao exclaimed happily, "That would be a great trouble for you, Uncle." So, Liu Hui helped Xiao Yao climb back to the top of the cliff, and then they went down to the seashore. Liu Hui took off his clothes, leaving only his underpants, and said, "Xiao Yao, you stay here and watch my clothes carefully. I will go find that little box for you."

With that, Liu Hui dove into the sea, beginning his search for the small box on the seabed. Xiao Yao stood happily on the shore, guarding Liu Hui’s clothes and watching him search the ocean depths for what she had lost.

Liu Hui’s half-naked body rose and fell on the waves, revealing the robust physique of a healthy man. This sight made Xiao Yao’s heart race, and she unconsciously blushed deeply.

Liu Hui possessed immense power, already a God-level expert. He could hold his breath underwater for extended periods and see much farther than normal. However, the sea currents here were fierce and the waves rough. Furthermore, the small box was tiny and pale in color; once submerged, it was nearly invisible. Liu Hui couldn't locate it immediately.

Seeing that Liu Hui had been searching for so long without success, Xiao Yao became worried for his safety and urged him to give up. But Liu Hui knew that whatever was inside must be the thing Xiao Yao valued most, holding extraordinary significance for her, so he persisted in his underwater search.

After two hours, his efforts were rewarded. Liu Hui finally located the small box Xiao Yao had thrown away nestled in a crevice on the seabed. When he held the box in his hand, he strongly felt the urge to open it and see what it contained.

In the end, however, he controlled the impulse, choosing not to open the small box and instead handing it back to Xiao Yao intact.

Xiao Yao took the small box from Liu Hui’s hand, her face shining as she gazed at him, a strange expression flashing in her eyes. Liu Hui secretly regretted it immediately. He realized that his act of retrieving the box for Xiao Yao would likely deepen her affection for him—a result entirely contrary to his original intentions.

Liu Hui felt a sense of helplessness. By the time he put his clothes back on, the sky had darkened, and it was already evening. Xiao Yao said, "Uncle, I’m hungry. Treat me to dinner!"

Liu Hui sighed and said, "Alright, Xiao Yao, what do you want to eat?"

Xiao Yao naturally took Liu Hui’s hand and said, "Uncle, I know a place with delicious food. Let’s go there together!"

So, Liu Hui was led by Xiao Yao to the place she recommended, which turned out to be an open-air barbecue stall right next to the temple. It seemed Xiao Yao frequented this spot, as she sat down and expertly ordered the barbecue ingredients.

The owner of the barbecue stall was extremely excited to see Liu Hui dining there. He approached and said, "Boss, hello! It is a great honor to see you!"

Liu Hui smiled, "Here, you are the boss. We rely on your good service."

The barbecue owner replied excitedly, "In our hearts, Boss, you are forever our Boss. No one can compare to you. Even if you asked us to walk through mountains of knives and seas of fire, we would go. But it’s a pity this is the modern era. If it were ancient times, Boss, if you wanted to be Emperor, we would fully support you."

Liu Hui was taken aback, surprised that someone from the "City of Starlight" would actually wish for him to be Emperor. He said, "Boss, you exaggerate too much. Surely not everyone thinks the way you do. Who wants to be ruled by an Emperor?"

The barbecue owner became earnest. "Boss, I am not lying to you. Among everyone I know, they all think the same way I do. Our regret is simply, why aren't you our Emperor? Under the leadership of an Emperor like you, we would surely live happily forever. If there is anyone in this world who genuinely wants to be ruled by an Emperor, that Emperor must be you, the Boss of our 'City of Starlight.'"

Liu Hui was momentarily stunned by the barbecue owner's words. Xiao Yao laughed, "Uncle, this owner speaks the truth! My classmates also say that if you wanted to be Emperor, they would support you immediately. Anyone who opposes you would become their enemy and be completely eliminated."

Liu Hui chuckled, "Alright, alright, I just came for some barbecue. You are making too much of a fuss about me becoming Emperor!"

The barbecue owner looked embarrassed. "Boss, I apologize for saying such outlandish things. I will have them bring the barbecue items up right away."

Once the food arrived, under Xiao Yao’s personal supervision, Liu Hui and Xiao Yao enjoyed a delicious barbecue feast. Liu Hui realized just then that Xiao Yao was also quite skilled at cooking. Under her preparation, the simple roadside barbecue tasted as exquisite as if made by a top chef, making Liu Hui thoroughly enthusiastic about the meal. And Xiao Yao, her heart newly filled with hope, also ate with smiles blooming across her face.

They stayed there for over an hour, eating to their hearts' content. When they finished and settled the bill, the barbecue owner absolutely refused to take any money from Liu Hui, which made Liu Hui feel awkward for quite some time.

When Liu Hui finally returned home, he found Hu Xian’er and Shu Yan waiting for him at the dining table.

Liu Hui then remembered Hu Xian’er’s request for him to return for dinner, and a feeling of shame washed over him.

Hu Xian’er saw Liu Hui return and smelled the smoke clinging to him, but she didn't ask where he had been. She simply told Shu Yan to serve the meal.

Feeling guilty, Liu Hui, despite having just eaten a full meal of barbecue outside, forced himself to rally and ate several bowls of rice at his own dining table.

Alexander of the magic plane continued his rapid expansion trend. During this period, he fought several major battles against the priests of the Nature Goddess Temple. Having completely discarded any reservations about the Nature Goddess and her divine emissaries behind the priests, the armies of the Church of Light pushed them into continuous retreat, allowing the Church of Light's sphere of influence to expand considerably further.

As for Xiaoyaozi, he continued to use the excuse that Liu Hui had broken his most precious possession and that he needed a quiet place to mourn, thus refusing to answer Liu Hui’s calls. The combat puppet he had promised to build for Liu Hui had also vanished without a trace. After paying the price of fifty thousand high-grade spirit stones, Liu Hui received nothing in return, which left him deeply frustrated.

The Zerg swarm continued its monumental war against the Protoss. While the scale of battle saw victories and defeats for both sides, the overall trend indicated that the Zerg had completely reversed the unfavorable situation from the war's outset. They were now capable of gaining the upper hand in localized theaters, posing a massive threat to the Protoss. This epoch-making war between the Zerg and the Protoss was no longer like previous conflicts where the Protoss were always victorious. The struggle between them had regained its element of suspense.