However, just as the tip of her boot was about to touch the inside of the gate, she paused slightly, as if she had suddenly remembered something extremely important.
(Hmm... Since I'm already here, and I took such a "valuable" gift from them, not leaving a message seems... a bit impolite?)
A mischievous impulse welled up in her heart.
She stopped, turned back, and extended the index finger of her right hand, which was covered by a gray silk glove.
A tiny point of light condensed at her fingertip.
She traced lines in the air, her movements fluid and elegant.
The purple-red energy trail left a clear imprint in the air following her fingertip, condensing into a line of flowing calligraphy that hovered mid-air, emitting a faint glow:
[Happily accepted!]
[—A kind and amiable alien ^_^]
Madam Herta examined the message with satisfaction.
(Perfect.)
Now, the flavor was just right.
Presumably, the leader of the World Serpent would have a very "splendid" expression when he saw this message.
She didn't linger, turning and stepping into the portal.
The system puppet followed closely behind.
The perspective shifted, arriving at the bustling, vibrant streets of the Luofu Immortal Boat.
Baiheng, the former Xianzhou legend entrusted with a secret mission, was walking among the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
She was still wearing her modified Xianzhou attire, predominantly black, her snow-white long hair and fox tail drawing attention, while the special visor on her face added a layer of mystery.
Her mission, mandated by Madam Herta, was to silently deliver specially treated "small items"—such as dolls, necklaces, and pendants—to specific target individuals.
The list included many important figures on the Luofu Immortal Boat: from the lively street performer Guinaifen, to Qingque of the Divination Commission who enjoys slacking off, to the influential Fu Xuan, General Jing Yuan of the Seat of Divine Foresight, and even the young sword Genius Yanqing... The difficulty of the mission lay in the method.
Unlike in Belobog, where she could relatively "recklessly" drop dolls, the waters of the Luofu Immortal Boat run deep; not only is it filled with experts, but it is also guarded by Envoys.
Causing too much commotion would be minor compared to alerting the enemy, but attracting unnecessary attention and trouble, or even facing the scrutiny of the "General of the Closed Eye," would be extremely unfavorable.
Therefore, she could only adopt this gentler approach, using these small items as mediums to remotely collect the required data.
Baiheng stood by the bustling street, slightly furrowing her brow in contemplation.
(How can I deliver these items naturally? "I can't just walk up and say, 'Hello, beautiful lady/esteemed adult, here is a small gift for you, please accept it,' can I?"...)
Just as she was deep in thought, a burst of noisy cheers and the sound of gongs and drums drifted over from a small square nearby, interrupting her concentration.
She looked in the direction of the sound and saw a large crowd gathered, three layers deep inside and three outside, creating a lively scene.
(Hmm? Something entertaining happening?)
Baiheng's heart stirred. Since she had no leads yet, perhaps watching might relax her tense nerves, or even... give her some inspiration?
She moved through the crowd, easily finding a spot with a good view, thanks to her agile Foxian physique.
In the center of the square, a passionate and vibrant young woman was performing.
She had striking orange long hair tied up in a neat bun, golden eyes as bright as sunlight, and a highly infectious smile radiating from her face.
Her movements were agile and fluid; one moment she was performing a difficult handstand while eating noodles, and the next she was breathing fire, eliciting continuous gasps and applause from the onlookers.
"Excellent!"
"Guinaifen, do another one!"
(Guinaifen...?)
Baiheng immediately recognized the young woman; she was one of the individuals on Madam Herta's list!
(What a coincidence.)
A flash of successful planning crossed her azure eyes, and she decided to observe first to find the right moment for contact.
Guinaifen's performance was indeed splendid, full of vitality and passion. Even the well-traveled Baiheng couldn't help but be infected by the cheerful atmosphere, her lips curving upward slightly, finding it quite amusing.
However, accidents always happen when least expected.
During a segment requiring audience interaction and throwing/catching props, Guinaifen made a slightly exaggerated movement for effect. A seemingly innocuous but rather sharp-edged metal performance ring slipped from her hand and spun directly toward Baiheng, who was watching in the front row!
"Watch out!"
Guinaifen cried out in alarm, her face instantly turning pale.
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