『 With the matters properly settled, the crowd gradually dispersed, leaving only Stelle, Yanqing, Lingsha, and a few others remaining.
[ I anticipated that the IPC representatives would be difficult to deal with when I came, but I didn't expect them to be quite so troublesome. ]
[ Thank you for your assistance, Miss Lingsha. ]
Yanqing finally had the opportunity to formally express his gratitude to Lingsha.
[ I should be the one thanking you for saving my life. It was thanks to your superb swordsmanship that you brought down that big fellow. ]
[ I originally thought the General's retainers were all burly, imposing warriors… I didn't expect Yanqing to be so… ]
Lingsha carefully sized Yanqing up, a teasing smile playing at the corners of her lips.
[ Cute. ]
Stelle chimed in, finishing Lingsha's sentence.
[ Hmm, can't argue with that. ]
[ As for these three, you must be the guests from the Astral Express? ]
[ You saved the Luofu from dire straits. It is truly admirable. ]
Lingsha turned to look at the Express trio and began showering them with compliments.
[ Hehehe, it wasn't a big deal, really... ]
March 7th felt a bit flattered and giddy from the praise.
[ It's still early. Why don't we take this opportunity to invite you all to the Alchemy Commission for a cup of tea? ]
[ And while we're at it, I would love to hear your suggestions regarding the reconstruction of the Alchemy Commission. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Oh? We're going to be guests at the Alchemy Commission again?"
Stelle: "In that case, can I get a free physical exam?"
March 7th: "With your physical constitution, do you even need an exam?"
March 7th: "Be good now. Let's not waste medical resources, okay?"
Stelle: "Even though my body is in tip-top shape…"
Stelle: "What if there's some hidden illness I can't see?"
Stelle: "Early detection leads to early treatment!"
Qingque: "You've got a Stellaron stuffed inside you, what kind of hidden illness could you possibly have?"
Qingque: "If we're really talking about hidden illnesses, the only thing that qualifies is probably that Stellaron in your body."
Lumine: "I really want to know what it actually feels like to have a Stellaron inside your body?"
Asta: "Uh… for ordinary people, having a Stellaron inside them is a one-way ticket to the grave, right?"
Stelle: "Actually, it doesn't feel like much. Maybe it acts a bit like a power bank?"
Stelle: "I'm not entirely sure either."
Stelle: "If you want my evaluation, I'd say it's not as awesome as a Cornerstone!"
Aventurine: "My friend, you certainly know your stuff."
Paimon: "A Cornerstone can grant someone one-tenth of an Emanator's power."
Paimon: "And while the Stellaron is very powerful, it doesn't seem to have given Miss Stelle any obvious boosts."
Paimon: "Looking at it from that perspective, the Cornerstone is indeed more impressive."
Furina de Fontaine: "And the most important point is that the Cornerstone doesn't have major side effects; it's much safer."
Furina de Fontaine: "But the Stellaron is hard to say."
Hu Tao: "Is it possible that Miss Stelle just hasn't found a way to develop and control the power of the Stellaron yet?"
Hu Tao: "If she can find a way to utilize the Stellaron's power, Miss Stelle's strength would probably skyrocket, right?"
Stelle: "I've tried, but the Stellaron in my body completely ignores me."
Stelle: "It seems there's still a long, long way to go on this path…"
....
『 [ Then Yanqing shall respectfully accept your invitation. ]
Yanqing nodded, accepting Lingsha's offer.
[ The three of you should come along as well. ]
Lingsha looked back at the Express trio.
[ No problem! ]
The three of them agreed in unison.
Afterward, they began walking side by side toward the Alchemy Commission.
After some time, they arrived at the borders of the Alchemy Commission.
From quite a distance away, Stelle spotted Sushang standing guard nearby.
So, she temporarily left the group and ran over to Sushang's side.
[ Eh? Stelle! You're back on the Luofu! ]
[ Why didn't you say something in the group chat beforehand? I'm on duty right now, let's chat later. ]
Sushang looked pleasantly surprised to see Stelle.
[ Sushang, you're on duty? ]
[ Oh. Bleeeh! ]
Hearing that Sushang was standing guard on duty, Stelle couldn't resist making a silly face to tease her.
[ … ]
[ … ]
[ Pfft… I'm warning you, guard duty is sacred! It'll be annoying if you keep cracking jokes like that! If you don't have anything else to do, don't loiter around here. ]
[ Once I'm done with my busy shift in a few days, I'll call Kei-chan and Houhou, and we can grab a bite together at Aurum Alley. ]
[ It's been a while since we hung out. ]
[ Goodbye! ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Hu Tao: "Oh, we get to see Miss Sushang herself this time!"
Hu Tao: "By the way, why is Miss Sushang standing guard here?"
Li Sushang: "I am a Cloud Knight too, after all."
Li Sushang: "Of course, I have to stand guard."
Furina de Fontaine: "Miss Sushang is also a Cloud Knight?"
Furina de Fontaine: "I really couldn't tell."
Furina de Fontaine: "Mainly because Miss Sushang isn't wearing a uniform, so she's hard to recognize."
Stelle: "That's normal. Strong people don't wear uniforms."
Stelle: "Look at Yanqing, he's a Cloud Knight Lieutenant, and he doesn't wear one either."
Li Sushang: "Ah, well… even so… I still have self-awareness!"
Li Sushang: "What kind of strong person am I?"
Stelle: "You're stronger than the average Cloud Knight, so doesn't that make you an elite?"
Stelle: "You're a powerhouse who managed to hold your own against Yanqing for quite a while!"
Stelle: "You could practically be called invincible below the rank of Lieutenant!"
Yanqing: "Indeed. I have sparred with Miss Sushang's swordplay. It is very solid and powerful. Her strength is remarkable."
Li Sushang: "Ah? Please stop talking."
Li Sushang: "You're praising me so much I'm getting embarrassed."
Mualani: "It seems Miss Stelle and Miss Sushang have a very good relationship."
Stelle: "You bet!"
Stelle: "Me, Sushang, Guinaifen, and Houhou."
Stelle: "The four of us are the most formidable ghost-hunting squad on the Luofu!"
Guinaifen: "Hehehe, sister, you are so right!"
Guinaifen: "Once the four of us set out, any demon or ghost gets thoroughly thrashed!"
Houhou: "Um… just now, Mr. Tail said that his contribution was actually the biggest."
Li Sushang: "Mr. Tail?"
Li Sushang: "Yes, indeed. Mr. Tail also deserves a lot of credit!"
Li Sushang: "Without Mr. Tail, catching those ghosts really wouldn't have been easy."
Paimon: "G-Ghost… ghost hunting?!"
Paimon: "That's… that's too scary!"
Lumine: "That sounds really thrilling."
Lumine: "It must have been very interesting."
March 7th: "Aw, what a shame I didn't participate back then."
March 7th: "I completely missed out on such a great opportunity."
Stelle: "No big deal. Next time the Luofu has a ghost problem, we'll ride out again!"
....
『 Stelle didn't plan on continuing to disrupt Sushang's guard duty. After smiling and saying goodbye, she started heading back.
However, on the way, she overheard a conversation between two nearby passersby.
[ I am Shehong, a messenger sent by Preceptor Taoran. ]
[ The Preceptor heard that our clanswoman has been promoted to Cauldron Master and was overjoyed. He wished to congratulate you in person, but unfortunately, his health does not permit it. ]
[ Therefore, today, I have been ordered to pay respects to the new Cauldron Master, Lady Lingsha, on behalf of my master. ]
[ Could the Chief Alchemist please pass along the message for me? ]
The messenger named Shehong looked eagerly at the Chief Alchemist, Yuluo, who stood opposite him.
[ Lady Lingsha has only just arrived on the Luofu. Her living arrangements are not yet settled, and her work transition is not yet complete. She is truly busy and has no time to receive guests. ]
[ Please return. ]
Chief Alchemist Yuluo shook her head.
[ Then… please accept this modest gift and hand it over to Lady Lingsha on my behalf. ]
Seeing this, Shehong hastily took out a lavish gift, intending to hand it to Yuluo.
But she declined.
[ The Preceptor's 'modest gift' must be exceedingly valuable. ]
[ As a mere Chief Alchemist, I dare not transfer it on his behalf. If anything goes wrong in the middle, I cannot bear the responsibility. ]
Yuluo found a reasonable excuse, leaving Shehong speechless.
[ I see. ]
[ Then, when will I be able to see Lady Lingsha? ]
Shehong pondered for a moment before inquiring.
[ I do not know. ]
[ When Lady Lingsha is free to receive guests, she will contact your residence at the earliest opportunity. Please return. ]
Yuluo began to see the guest out.
[ Well… then I shall await your favorable reply. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Is this someone sent by the Preceptors to build connections?"
Stelle: "Good grief, we can't have this kind of atmosphere!"
Yunli: "Ha, Sister Lingsha probably anticipated this would happen long ago."
Yunli: "So she definitely gave this Chief Alchemist instructions beforehand to help brush them off."
Dan Heng: "Preceptor… Taoran?"
Dan Heng: "Heh, a familiar name indeed."
Dan Heng: "I didn't expect him to still be alive."
March 7th: "What, is he an old acquaintance of yours?"
Dan Heng: "Barely, I suppose."
Dan Heng: "After all, given my past identity, it was inevitable to have some dealings with the Preceptors."
Lingsha: "But judging by the current situation…"
Lingsha: "As soon as I arrived, this Elder Taoran was impatient to invite and win me over."
Lingsha: "I'm afraid his motives are not pure…"
Dan Heng: "The mess in the Alchemy Commission is not small, but the internal issues of the Vidyadhara are just as riddled with problems."
Dan Heng: "Sigh… The future of the Vidyadhara is indeed increasingly worrying."
Stelle: "Don't lose heart! There's always a way to find a solution."
Lingsha: "Hehe, Miss Stelle is right. I'll take your auspicious words then."
....
『 Stelle listened for a moment, didn't pay much attention, and returned to the group.
Afterward, they walked together for a while longer, finally arriving near the Alchemy Commission.
[ After so many years, the scenery of the Luofu's Alchemy Commission remains unchanged. ]
[ The ancient sea is eternal, with its tides coming and going. For us, Vidyadhara, there is no homeland more worthy of nostalgia than this. ]
Lingsha looked at the familiar place, feeling a bit deeply moved by the scene.
[ …Is Lady Lingsha a native of the Luofu? ]
Hearing Lingsha's words, Dan Heng asked curiously.
[ Indeed. I was raised on the Luofu since childhood. In the Alchemy Commission, I listened to the sound of these waves while dedicating myself to researching medicinal formulas alongside my mentors and peers. ]
[ Alas, the ways of the world are impermanent yet so similar. ]
[ Like Mr. Dan Heng, I traveled far from home. ]
[ Now returning to witness the scenery of old, I cannot help but feel some emotion in my heart. ]
Lingsha shook her head with a slight sigh.
[ Without the Ambrosial Arbor, the scenery here would probably be even better. ]
Yanqing said, looking at the distant view.
[ Is that so? I actually think the Ambrosial Arbor standing there makes for quite a spectacular sight. ]
Lingsha gazed at the Ambrosial Arbor, offering a different perspective. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Yanqing: "The Ambrosial Arbor may be spectacular, but unfortunately, it is not a harmless tree after all."
Yanqing: "In Yanqing's view, it would be better to have less of this kind of spectacular sight."
Furina de Fontaine: "If the Luofu didn't have the Ambrosial Arbor, wouldn't it be many times more stable?"
Fu Xuan: "That goes without saying."
Fu Xuan: "Speaking of which, the Ambrosial Arbor is like a time bomb buried deep within the Luofu."
Fu Xuan: "If it remains dormant, that is well and good, but once there is any disturbance, it brings immense disaster to the Luofu."
Hu Tao: "Is there no way to completely eradicate it?"
Paimon: "Yeah, why not just dig this thing up, roots and soil alike?"
Boothill: "Hahaha, son of a nice lady! If it were that simple to solve this thing, I reckon the Xianzhou Alliance would've dug it up long ago. Why would they leave it till now?"
Fu Xuan: "This is a genuine Abomination of Abundance, a power personally bestowed by the Plentiful One."
Fu Xuan: "We mortals simply do not possess the ability to eradicate it."
Fu Xuan: "And the reason the Ambrosial Arbor fell into dormancy before was only that the Reignbow Arbiter struck, severing it."
Fu Xuan: "Regrettably, after Phantylia's recent schemes, the Ambrosial Arbor has revived once more."
Fu Xuan: "This is by no means a good thing for the Luofu."
Lumine: "It actually required the Aeon of Hunt to personally strike to sever it."
Lumine: "And it can still revive even after being severed…"
Lumine: "As expected of an Aeon's handiwork. Truly troublesome!"
....
『 [ No matter how spectacular, it is still an Abomination of Abundance. ]
[ The Xianzhou has fought against abominations for thousands of years. Seeing the Ambrosial Arbor rise again, everyone inevitably feels a faint unease deep down. ]
Yanqing looked at the Ambrosial Arbor, worry reflecting in his eyes.
[ Once a seed is planted, no matter how its growth is delayed, there will always come a moment when it sprouts and bears fruit. ]
[ In my humble opinion, the rebirth of the Ambrosial Arbor, much like the reappearance of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, is inevitable. ]
[ This seed was already sown the moment the Xianzhou ancestors sought immortality. ]
Lingsha suddenly spoke words that carried a somewhat profound meaning.
[ Why did the conversation suddenly turn to such a serious topic? ]
[ You shouldn't speak so carelessly, Lady Lingsha. ]
[ Didn't we say we were having tea? Where is the tea? ]
Seeing that Lingsha seemed about to say something startling, Stelle hastily laughed it off and interrupted her.
[ It was my rashness. Mr. Dan Heng and Lieutenant Yanqing were eyewitnesses to this Ambrosial Arbor disaster, so there were some matters I wished to discuss with them. ]
Lingsha explained to the group.
[ What does Lady Lingsha wish to ask? ]
Yanqing nodded.
[ I have been fortunate enough to be commissioned by the Alliance to clean up the accumulated dust of many years within this Alchemy Commission. ]
[ However, this Luofu Alchemy Commission is riddled with holes and has long reached a state beyond easy remedy. ]
[ I wish to write a healing prescription, but I wonder what noble insights you two might have? ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Paimon: "Accumulated dust??"
Paimon: "Is Lady Lingsha here to do a spring cleaning of the Alchemy Commission?"
Lumine: "…"
Lumine: "Paimon, you really are silly."
Lumine: "This clearly refers to those corrupt individuals within the Alchemy Commission, right?"
March 7th: "Corrupt individuals in the Alchemy Commission…"
March 7th: "Does she mean the hidden Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
Dan Heng: "Indeed, as well as some Vidyadhara clansmen who have secretly defected long ago."
Stelle: "What's so hard about that?"
Stelle: "Just ferret them all out. Execute those who should be executed, punish those who should be punished!"
Stelle: "Once you kill off this batch of parasites, the Alchemy Commission will be clean."
Guinaifen: "My goodness, heads rolling all over!"
....