Gilgamesh followed Jingliu back to the Central Starskiff Haven to gather more information about the recent events.
The Wise King already had a general understanding of the situation from observing how the generals aboard the Xianzhou had been acting, especially the white-haired woman known as Yao Guang. She had also shared additional information, which Gilgamesh accepted without objection.
"Such vague information is of little use before me." He let out an amused chuckle. In truth, even without that woman's explanation—or even if she had foreseen everything beforehand—he had already reached the same conclusion long before she ever spoke.
"What are you smirking about?" Jingliu narrowed her crimson eyes.
Unlike Gilgamesh's blood-red irises, hers resembled finely polished crimson gemstones, cold yet beautiful. It was one of the few reasons why the King of Heroes acknowledged her existence, even going so far as to pardon her crimes.
"It is nothing of concern," Gilgamesh replied calmly. "Merely an amusing thought that crossed my mind."
Before long, they arrived at Yukong's office.
Her long dark-teal hair flowed neatly behind her back, while her composed face carried its usual stern expression. Her fox ears twitched ever so slightly as her gaze shifted toward the entrance.
A trace of surprise flashed across her eyes before quickly disappearing, replaced once more by her usual composure as she looked at Gilgamesh and the wanted criminal standing beside him.
"I did not expect to see you here again, Gilgamesh... and you as well, former Sword Champion Jingliu."
Gilgamesh stood proudly with his arms crossed over his chest, while Jingliu remained silent, not even bothering to raise her head.
The Wise King stepped forward first. His presence still radiated overwhelming arrogance, yet there was an unmistakable solemnity behind it.
"I have come to ask about the current situation of the Luofu."
Yukong hesitated before lowering her head slightly.
"My apologies, but this matter concerns only the people of the Xianzhou Luofu. There is no reason for an outsider such as yourself to become involved."
"I will not repeat myself." Gilgamesh's scarlet eyes met hers. "Jing Yuan and the General of Yuxue have already granted me permission to interfere."
Rather than taking offense, Gilgamesh found himself mildly pleased. Even in the face of a crisis, Yukong remained steadfast in her convictions, refusing to drag outsiders into the Luofu's affairs.
"General Jing Yuan gave his approval? And the Yuque?! "
As soon as the words left her lips, a familiar hologram materialized beside her.
Jing Yuan walked forward with his usual carefree smile.
"Indeed, Madam Yukong." He inclined his head slightly.
"I personally requested His Highness' assistance regarding this matter, and the General of Yuxue has also approved it. There is no need for concern."
"But, General—"
Before Yukong could finish, Jing Yuan gently interrupted.
"It is fine." His golden eyes drifted toward Gilgamesh with a faint smile.
"Think of it as His Highness cleaning up the mess left behind after arriving here."
"Watch your tongue, Jing Yuan."
Gilgamesh's voice remained calm, though the authority within it was unmistakable.
"Such insolence will not be forgiven a second time."
A faint grin spread across his face.
"Though... you are not entirely wrong."
"A king should clean up the mess that his soldiers could not."
With a faint smirk, Jing Yuan finally took the opportunity to excuse himself. His hologram gradually faded before disappearing entirely, leaving only Gilgamesh, Jingliu, and Yukong in the room.
"Well... if General Jing Yuan and Madam Yao Guang have both approved it, then..." Yukong said softly, though reluctance still lingered in her voice as she began briefing Gilgamesh on everything that had transpired.
She spoke of the sudden invasion by the Antimatter Legion, the Mara-struck soldiers, the abominations rampaging through the Alchemy Commission, and every other important detail she knew.
After a while, silence settled over the room.
Gilgamesh remained still for a brief moment before turning his gaze toward Yukong.
"I see..." he said calmly.
"You may return to your duties. I shall personally investigate these incidents and determine the truth behind everything you have reported."
Yukong gave a slight nod before immediately returning to the mountain of work before her. She had no time to rest—not while the Xianzhou Luofu remained in the midst of a crisis.
Without another word, Gilgamesh walked toward the exit, with Jingliu following closely behind.
After leaving the Sky-Faring Commission, the two made their way toward Cloudford.
"Why are we heading to Cloudford?" Jingliu asked.
"Every incident has an origin," Gilgamesh replied calmly as he stepped atop one of the countless cargo containers.
"Cloudford is where countless shipments from beyond the Luofu arrive. If the abominations truly infiltrated from outside, then this is where the trail begins."
His crimson eyes slowly swept across the endless rows of containers before finally settling on a lone man dressed in a long robe.
"And that..." Gilgamesh's lips curved into a faint smile. "...is precisely why we came."
"A... merchant?" Jingliu tilted her head slightly.
"I doubt it," Gilgamesh answered. "More likely a worm that has infiltrated the Luofu... one who worships the Abundance."
The moment those words left his mouth, snowflakes began drifting gently from the sky.
An icy wind swept across the harbor as the surrounding temperature plummeted.
"A traitor..." Jingliu muttered coldly. "Or perhaps someone from the Alchemy Commission."
Because of the scars the Abundance had left upon the Xianzhou, Jingliu's hatred for Yaoshi far surpassed that of most Luofu natives. The mere thought of traitors praising and serving the Aeon of Abundance caused the murderous intent within her to surge uncontrollably.
"Indeed." Gilgamesh let out a quiet chuckle.
"It appears I underestimated the depth of your hatred."
A golden ripple spread through space behind him.
From the treasury emerged a magnificent sword, slowly floating toward Jingliu.
"Use it well, woman."
His scarlet eyes met hers.
"After all... you are now my sword."
Jingliu wasted no time.
Her hand firmly grasped the weapon as the power of Destruction flowed into its blade.
The very next instant, her figure vanished.
She became nothing more than a blur that cut across space itself, leaving behind only countless drifting snowflakes and a trail of freezing frost in the air.
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Err... At very least it didn't take me a month to update? Another update in Monday and after that, probably gone again.... Sorry for this indefinite hiatus