: But with this, I feel reassured, Luofu really has things under control!
-----------------------------------
After Scott was forced to voluntarily request an inspection.
Lingsha, along with her guards, opened the cargo box.
The scene inside was shocking.
One by one, exquisitely shaped mechas, gleaming with cold light, were lying in the darkness.
"Wait?"
"Miss Lingsha! Step back!"
Just as Lingsha brushed over these mechas, Yanqing suddenly shouted from the side.
Those pilotless mechas, as if possessed, suddenly moved on their own! And their intent to attack was intense!
The movements of these mechas were clearly not within the IPC's expectations. Even Scott was so terrified he fell to the ground, his face full of shock.
Fortunately, Stelle immediately blocked in front of Lingsha, and together with the March 7th, Dan Heng and Yanqing, instantly suppressed the mechas' actions.
Flying swords pierced through, coordinated with Stelle and March 7th's sharp attacks.
It didn't take much effort to subdue the mechas.
"You just left this thing at Luofu's docks for several days? That's way too dangerous!"
This time March 7th was truly angry.
"This… this really has nothing to do with us, it must be that you accidentally triggered the 'cargo's' positioning program!"
Scott, though still shocked, instinctively tried to shift the blame.
But judging from his expression, it seemed he himself wasn't clear about the matter either.
"Stop pushing it onto others." Dan Heng frowned and said.
"Ah, no, it's just…"
Scott's expression was rather brilliant, looking extremely aggrieved: "I really don't know how this thing started moving, I can swear to the Amber King!"
...
: Looks like this time it really wasn't Scott, he himself was so scared he fell straight onto the ground.
: But these mechas are far too dangerous, to attack on their own without anyone piloting?
: … There's a bad premonition, feels like they're targeting Luofu.
: Could this attack be connected with that recent strange incident?
: For now, it looks like there are indeed hidden dangers within the Xianzhou, just don't know who's behind it.
...
Previously, the werewolf's attack and now this incident. Everything hinted at dark clouds gathering within this Luminary Wardance.
As the audience racked their brains thinking who had the motive to strike, on screen, Scott had already been taken away by the Cloud Knights.
And the mecha wreckage left behind was given a preliminary examination.
The results were shocking. Inside this mecha, biological tissues were hidden.
And these tissues played a decisive role in the mecha's construction.
For the moment, the audience couldn't even tell whether this thing should be classified as a machine or a creature.
But in any case, it was not a normal creation.
At this moment, Kongqing, who had recently arrived, explained to everyone.
This mecha was made by the IPC and the Intelligentsia Guild's research result- wetware.
Simply put, this machine was driven by using some creature's neurons as the central control.
With that explanation, the audience instantly understood. After all, the way the mechas attacked just now had an inexplicable similarity to the werewolfs.
The incident of the docks, being attacked by the werewolf's, also seemed to make sense now.
After that, Yanqing gave the order. All personnel involved, including the mechas, were sent to the Shackling Prison to be imprisoned.
Once everything settled, Lingsha, the newly appointed Cauldron Master of the Alchemy Commission, became very interested in the Nameless, hoping to invite them to the Alchemy Commission for tea.
Hmm… drink tea in the literal sense.
...
: Lingsha's words were very subtle, but in truth she probably intends to probe them.
: After all, she parachuted as the head, surely, like the generals, she came with a mission.
: The Nameless are indeed the most important witnesses, no matter who, they'll have to face some questioning.
: Ok, Charioteer-level questioning.
: With such a smart Lingsha, she'll surely make sure nothing unexpected happens in Luofu!
...
The scene shifted.
The Nameless, invited by Lingsha, soon arrived at the Alchemy Commission.
The place had changed greatly since before. Without those wandering monsters, everywhere was now filled with busy workers.
And large numbers of Cloud Knights patrolling nearby. At least it looked much more lively.
The three followed the main road, just about to look for Lingsha, when at the gate sentry post, they saw a familiar figure.
It was Sushang. This girl was standing guard with a serious face. So serious that Stelle almost didn't recognize her.
"Pfft!" Stelle couldn't help making a funny face, startling March 7th and the others.
But the camera didn't focus on Sushang and Stelle for long instead, it cut to a spot not far from Stelle.
"I am Shehong, a messenger sent by Master Taoran, a Vidyadhara Preceptor."
"The Preceptor heard that his tribesman has been promoted as the Cauldron Master of the Alchemy Commission, and was overjoyed. He wanted to come personally to congratulate, but unfortunately, due to health reasons, he could not."
A travel-worn middle-aged man said respectfully to the lady before him: "Thus today, I come under orders, representing my master to pay respects to Lady Lingsha. May I trouble you, Deputy Head, to pass this on?"
Vidyadhara Preceptor? Taoran? At such a sensitive moment, a Vidyadhara Preceptor wanted to meet the newly arrived Lingsha. The audience immediately became cautious.
Fortunately, the Deputy Head of the Alchemy Commission refused the request: "Lady Lingsha has just arrived in Luofu, and is truly busy, she has no time to meet guests. Please leave."
The middle-aged Vidyadhara was still persistent: "Then… at least this small gift, please pass it to Lady Lingsha on my master's behalf."
The Deputy Head crossed her arms, looking strictly businesslike, "The Lord Preceptor's generous gift is far too precious. I, a mere Deputy Head, dare not pass it along on your behalf. If any mishap were to occur in between, I could not possibly bear the responsibility."
Shehong's face revealed undisguised disappointment, and he couldn't help but ask, "I see… then when will I be able to meet Lady Lingsha?"
"I don't know either."
The Deputy Head shook her head, "When Lady Lingsha is available for an audience, she will certainly make contact at the first possible moment. Please, return for now."
Only then did Shehong smile, bowing respectfully, "I shall await good news."
After the Vidyadhara tribesmen departed, the Deputy Head furrowed her brows, sinking into thought.
...
: This kind of probing is just right.
: I was just thinking, during the Phantylia Calamity, it seemed things weren't so stable for the Vidyadhara Preceptors either.
: At least the troubles Dan Heng faced couldn't be separated from these Vidyadhara Preceptors.
: Thinking carefully, there was serious division among them at that time… some supported Bailu, some wanted Dan Feng back, and some just muddled through.
: Not only them! Both the Vidyadhara and the Alchemy Commission were like this.
: It's just unclear whether things will be any better now that Lingsha has taken charge of the Alchemy Commission.
: The only thing certain is that, at present, Lingsha is completely trustworthy. At the very least, she's someone chosen on the alliance level, and thus can be relied upon.
: But that deputy head's way of deflecting is really impressive, when facing a test, she remained completely watertight.
: Can't deny it, I just love seeing our Xianzhou folks play out these power struggles here.
...
The comments scrolled by.
And the reason viewers were so sensitive about Luofu's Preceptors, was because they had already fully learned about the mess the Luofu Preceptors were in the previous Xianzhou storyline.
Luofu Vidyadhara roughly divides into three factions:
The Faction led by the Vidyadhara Preceptors, the Vidyadhara Faction venerating Bailu, and the Neutral Faction that sided with neither.
Among these, the Preceptors Faction holds absolute dominance, controlling Luofu Vidyadhara authority.
Among the neutral faction with the least strength, some hoped to welcome back Dan Feng, while others simply became disheartened. It could be called a gathering place for "losers."
This imbalance of power led to the swelling dominance of the Preceptors Faction.
By the end of the Phantylia's incident, it was already showing signs of losing control.
After all… the assassins who tried to eliminate their own High Elder were in fact Preceptors Faction members disguised under High Elder Faction members.
Luckily, Dan Feng had been split in two, otherwise, seeing the Vidyadhara Preceptors act in such a way, another "Sedition of Imbibitor Lunae" would have surely erupted.
...
After this interlude, the three smoothly arrived at the shores of the Alchemy Commission.
Refreshments had already been prepared here.
According to the deputy head, the "busy, hard-working" Lingsha was leisurely sitting here, quietly waiting for her guests to arrive.
Seeing this scene, the audience immediately realized that the deputy head's earlier refusal was in fact at Lingsha's behest.
This newly appointed Cauldron Master, also a Vidyadhara beauty, clearly had her own calculations in play.
This attitude inevitably led the audience to wonder,
Didn't this move indirectly confirm that Luofu Vidyadhara was not so clean, and that Lingsha, knowing this, was unwilling to meet the preceptors?
Once the three sat down, Lingsha, smiling brightly, personally poured tea for the nameless. This gesture eased their nerves somewhat.
As the atmosphere warmed, small talk began. Before they knew it, the topic turned to backgrounds.
"Since childhood, I was raised in Luofu, studying diligently at the Alchemy Commission amidst the sound of waves with my mentors."
"Alas, the world is ever changing." Lingsha sighed, yet her words gently steered the conversation toward Dan Heng:
"Like Mister Dan Heng, I too traveled far from home, and now that I return, I cannot help but feel deeply moved."
Dan Heng remained silent, sipping his tea.
But Yanqing shook his head, speaking up: "If not for the Ambrosial Arbor, this place's scenery would surely be even better."
"Is that so?" Lingsha chuckled lightly: "I, however, find the Ambrosial Arbor's presence rather magnificent."
With those words, the audiences' PTSD nearly exploded instantly.
...
: ??? Sis, you can't say that!
: The last foxian who thought the Ambrosial Arbor was magnificent, but ended up with her body taken over!
: That statement is way too dangerous!
: Don't! Miss Lingsha is so beautiful! Please don't let her become another Phantylia,
: But saying this, could she actually be questioning?
: No matter how much probing, don't use this as a probe! Too terrifying!
...
"No matter how magnificent, it is still a Plague Mark of the Abundance."
"For thousands of years, the Xianzhou has struggled against the Denizens of Abundance. Seeing the Ambrosial Arbor rise again, everyone can't help but feel a hidden unease in their hearts."
Yanqing spoke gravely.
"The rebirth of the Ambrosial Arbor, in my view, is just like the reappearance of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, utterly unavoidable."
Lingsha smiled slightly, and softly said: "This seed was buried long ago, back when the ancestors of the Xianzhou sought immortality."
The two held completely different philosophies.
And Lingsha's perspective was entirely unique. As a member of the Vidyadhara, who need not rely on the Abundance's blessings to enjoy long life, her viewpoint was surprisingly gentle.
Yet such a person had been chosen as the new Cauldron Master of the Alchemy Commission, was it that the higher-ups of the Alliance did not know, or was it intentional?
"Why suddenly such a serious topic…"
At this moment, Stelle suddenly cut in: "You can't just say things carelessly, Miss Lingsha. Weren't we drinking tea? Drink, drink, drink!"
She looked dazed, as if she didn't understand the conversation. But once she spoke, Lingsha and Yanqing's debate had no choice but to be set aside.
"It was my recklessness."
Lingsha glanced at Stelle, who was grinning awkwardly at her, and understood perfectly well…
These nameless were a group of fools acting simple, but truly wise, sheep in wolf's clothing.
Moreover, their stance was completely aligned with Luofu.
To Lingsha, sometimes to understand a person, All one needed was to observe their words, deeds, and the truths hidden within.
And this nameless called Stelle clearly belonged to… the very clever kind. She might not care about some things, but she absolutely understood.
"In any case, I am honored to have been assigned by the Alliance, tasked with cleaning away the long-festering filth within the Alchemy Commission."
"Yet this Luofu Alchemy Commission is already riddled with holes, long past the point of easy remedy. I wish to prescribe a 'cure,' but I still wish to hear the esteemed guests' views."
Since the Ambrosial Arbor could not be discussed further, Lingsha switched to a more direct topic.
During the Phantylia incident, the nameless had confronted the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus head-on, and regarding the Alchemy Commission, they had their own insights.
Dan Heng, who had been silently drinking tea, finally raised his head at this moment and said coolly: "Though I am a Vidyadhara, I am also an outsider. The remedy Miss Lingsha seeks, I cannot provide. However… I have a word of advice, and I hope you will heed it."
"Please, speak."
Hearing Dan Heng's voice, Lingsha leaned forward, listening intently.
"For a long time, the Luofu Vidyadhara and the Alchemy Commission have been deeply intertwined. If Miss Lingsha cannot place herself outside of this relationship, then changing the state of the Alchemy Commission will be exceedingly difficult."
Stelle and March 7th opinions just made Lingsha smile and shake her head.
Meanwhile, Yanqing was more direct: "This is not something I understand, but you can discuss it with the General."
The conversation among them fascinated the audience, who watched in rapture.
Not only for the hidden sharpness in their words, but also the way each person presented themselves in such a setting.
Listening to clever people converse is, at times, a depth all its own.
After mention of the General, Lingsha smiled faintly, and then told everyone a story.
It was from when she was young, still in Luofu.
She studied under the head of the Alchemy Commission of that time, and her master, besides being outstanding in medicine, also saw the rot festering within the Commission.
"Though she was skilled in medicine, she did not understand human hearts, and knew nothing of how to cut away the poison within the Alchemy Commission."
"In the end, my teacher was framed and expelled, forced into becoming a wandering healer."
"And I too, implicated, had no choice but to leave Luofu."
Lingsha's tone was gentle and calm, as though she were not speaking of her own experiences.
Even the three, as well as Yanqing, all listened in silence.
Then, Lingsha continued slowly: "And the one who presided over this case, who permitted the decree of exile… was none other than General Jing Yuan himself!"