The colossal hull of the Eternal Snowfall advanced slowly through the void, crossing the sea of stars in the blink of an eye.
Deep space was solemn and silent. Before a celestial-class warship, anyone who dared to look up could not help but feel awe and fear, unable to meet it head-on.
Only at the very top of the starship's bridge was there the faintest murmur.
"Mm, Sacrosanct..."
It was Tingyun's first time boarding the flagship of the Starsea Empire. This was the Empire's strongest weapon of war, bound as one with Setsuna himself—the very embodiment of its ruler.
With a flick of a finger, he could shatter galaxies and turn countless stars to dust.
So nervous that she didn't even know where to place her tail, she curled up tightly in his arms.
She had no way of handling something she had no experience with, let alone when the other party was the ruler of the Starsea Empire.
"Relax. And also, you should change how you address me."
Setsuna gently brushed through her hair.
"Mm..."
"Husband?"
Tingyun carefully let the two words slip from her lips.
She recalled when the delegation first visited the Starsea Empire. Back then, she hadn't even dared to meet his gaze.
In the hearts of the Xianzhou people, he had always been an existence comparable to the Aeons—almost divine. Even calling him that now felt somewhat irreverent to her.
"That's better. Don't be so distant with me from now on."
Setsuna tapped her forehead lightly.
"Your social finesse is for dealing with outsiders, not for those close to you."
"Mm..."
Tingyun nodded silently. As Setsuna pressed closer, she murmured softly:
"It's a bit heavy..."
"Mm."
The Whistling Flames Guild had made countless investments before, and under her sharp judgment as its leading figure, most had yielded generous returns.
This time, Tingyun felt she had made the biggest investment of her life—staking herself and everything she had.
"No, wait... This... my lifelong matter shouldn't be measured in gains and losses like that, right?"
"Mm, have I been in the guild too long? Has it become a habit? No, no... this isn't something to calculate."
As her thoughts wandered, a sudden pain made her brows knit slightly, her body tensing instinctively.
All those scattered thoughts were instantly swept away.
At first, Tingyun was clumsy. The usually cunning foxian girl now seemed stiff as wood, overwhelmed by nervousness and fear.
But soon, a different, unfamiliar sensation arose, and her awareness gradually blurred.
Her gaze drifted through the holographic dome toward the vast galaxy outside, then slowly returned, settling on the one she loved.
"Husband... please take care of me for the rest of my life."
...
Hum—
When the starship's dome completed a full day-night cycle and sunlight streamed into the room—
Tingyun slowly opened her eyes.
By her usual standards, she had slept a bit too long. Glancing at the time, the Sky-Faring Commission had long since started work.
"Ah! I'm going to be late!"
The foxian girl hurriedly got out of bed, only to find that her clothes had already been neatly folded by the Angeloids and placed aside.
"Are you seriously rushing off to work at the Sky-Faring Commission? That dedicated?"
Setsuna chuckled as he watched her flustered movements.
"Mm..."
Tingyun paused, her hands stopping mid-motion.
Indeed, her body was so weak and sore that she was in no condition to work.
She sent a message to Yukong, saying she had urgent matters today and would be absent.
"Benefactor, you can't bully this humble one like that in the future."
She leaned against Setsuna's chest, poking him lightly.
In the past, he had been an untouchable ruler. Anyone who saw him treated him with reverence.
Now, she had gained a little "freedom"—like the other girls by his side, she could act spoiled.
"I didn't. That wasn't even one percent of my strength."
Setsuna spoke honestly.
While extensively transforming and constructing Galactic Wonders across the sixteen mini-universes within the Eternal Snowfall, he could feel his power growing every day.
Tingyun had only undergone basic genetic enhancement. In terms of physical condition, she was far inferior even to Gudako.
"When we return to the Starsea Empire, go to the Life Sciences Department for a meta-morph procedure. Or wait until Mobius arrives."
He pinched her cheek.
"Thank you, Sacrosanct... no, Husband."
Tingyun spoke softly.
She knew what that procedure meant: true, limitless lifespan.
And a massive enhancement to physical ability—far beyond even the blessings of the Abundance.
For the Xianzhou, which had struggled across countless eras for such an ideal, it was the ultimate dream—one that had sparked endless wars.
The Starsea Empire had never shared this technology with them, and the Xianzhou leadership wouldn't dare accept it either. They knew full well what would happen when ordinary civilizations gained immortality.
Another disaster of life, nothing more.
"In that case, saying 'for the rest of my life' doesn't quite apply anymore."
"It does! My life is infinite, so I can stay by your side forever and see the sights of other worlds."
Tingyun's voice was soft and alluring.
Her finger traced a few circles on Setsuna's chest before pausing.
"Um... Husband, speaking of this, this humble one has a request."
"Mm? Go ahead."
Setsuna said.
"A foxian's lifespan is only about three hundred years. Though this humble one is fortunate to have received your favor and need not worry about lifespan anymore..."
"The head of the Sky-Faring Commission has shown me great kindness, and we are very close. But as the years pass... mm... this humble one would like to boldly ask Husband for a favor."
"Oh, you mean Yukong?"
Setsuna quickly understood.
Yukong was the head of the Sky-Faring Commission and Tingyun's superior. She had even raised Tingyun when she was young.
At 246 years old, she would still be considered young in the Starsea Empire. But by Xianzhou and foxian standards, she was already elderly.
"That's simple. Let her undergo genetic enhancement first. When she arrives at the Starsea Empire later, she can receive the meta-morph procedure."
Setsuna smiled.
"Or even if we do nothing, it doesn't matter. The cycle of life and death on the Xianzhou is now under Ereshkigal's control."
"Even if Yukong reaches the end of her lifespan, I can just ask Ereshkigal to send her back and give her a new body."
"!!!"
Only then did Tingyun realize that the life and death of the entire Xianzhou—and even this universe—would eventually fall under the Starsea Empire's jurisdiction.
Life and death depended solely on a thought from Setsuna.
"Husband's power is truly boundless... this humble one feels a bit ashamed..."
"It's fine. Aren't you skilled in trade? If you want to continue your career, I can find you something to do."
Setsuna said.
The Starsea Empire itself had no internal trade, but there were cross-world transactions that she could handle.
"Thank you, benefactor."
Tingyun replied softly.
The two lingered together for a while longer.
"..."
Setsuna stroked her tail, feeling that something was still missing, that he hadn't quite had enough.
"Ah—"
Tingyun let out a soft cry as she was pulled back into his arms.
"W-wait, benefactor, it's almost noon already..."
"Heh."
Setsuna chuckled.
He raised his hand and snapped his fingers.
Snap—
Under the distortion of space-time, the scenery outside froze instantly.
"Then we'll just have a little more time."
"Eh—eh—eh?!"
Tingyun looked around in shock. The entire Xianzhou seemed frozen—whether it was passing starskiffs or moving crowds, everything had slowed to an extreme.
To her, manipulating time itself was already a miracle. Yet Setsuna could do it effortlessly.
What was even more outrageous was how he chose to use it.
"B-but this humble one..."
"Belfast, Sirius, Dido..."
Setsuna called over several Royal Maids.
"Good day, Commander."
Belfast wore a faint smile, already understanding most of the situation.
"Eh?"
Tingyun was startled.
"Sacrosanct, this...?!"
"Yesterday was just the beginner's tutorial. The real game is only just starting."
...
Click—
Time, after being distorted, passed in a fleeting instant.
When Tingyun once again set foot on the Xianzhou and returned to the garrison with Setsuna—
Gudako and Stelle both felt that something about her had subtly changed.
Not only was her complexion more radiant, but she no longer carried the same sense of distance when standing beside Setsuna.
More importantly, the way she occasionally looked at him was so gentle it seemed almost tangible.
That kind of gaze could only be seen in a girl deeply in love.
"Oh~"
Gudako dragged out the sound meaningfully before suddenly asking:
"So? Was the Eternal Snowfall fun? How did it feel?"
"Eh?"
Tingyun's face flushed red, caught off guard.
"Mm... Husband bullied this humble one..."
She had learned all sorts of strange and unusual things.
For example, there was only beginner protection the first time—after that, everything became a team battle.
She had even been personally guided step by step by experienced seniors and made to practice on the spot.
Just thinking about it made her blush furiously.
"Tsk, figures. Looks like I missed a great opportunity."
Gudako smacked her lips in regret.
She had been too busy tinkering with the Astral Express with the crew yesterday and forgot to go join in on the fun.
"Huh? What? What are you talking about?"
Stelle looked completely confused, feeling like they were speaking in riddles.
"The Eternal Snowfall? Is that the flagship of the Starsea Empire? What's so fun about it?"
"Photoid cannons? Fallen Star Lance? Or did they build an entertainment district on the ship?!"
The gray-haired girl was extremely curious.
"Way better than anything you're imagining."
Gudako patted Stelle's shoulder.
"I'll take you there sometime and broaden your horizons."
"Really? Okay!"
The Stellaron girl was instantly eager.
"..."
Tingyun felt deeply worried about Gudako's lack of restraint—and Stelle's future.
Then, a stranger thought suddenly crossed her mind.
"There are so many companions on the Xianzhou... how many of them will end up boarding the Eternal Snowfall in the future?"
"Mm... what if I run into someone I know? Wouldn't that be incredibly awkward?..."
...
Tingyun quickly became the center of gossip on the Xianzhou.
She frequently visited the Starsea Empire's garrison and often stayed overnight.
Occasionally, people would even see her appearing together with Setsuna. Anyone with half a brain could tell there was something going on.
Few dared to ask Setsuna directly, so naturally, Tingyun became the target of all inquiries.
Especially those who already knew something about the Starsea Empire—they were even more curious.
"Mm..."
Yukong and Fu Xuan looked at Tingyun with complicated expressions.
Back when the Xianzhou delegation was formed, Tingyun had been chosen as the leader and put in charge of receiving the Starsea Empire precisely because of her exceptional interpersonal skills.
The goal had been for her to represent the Xianzhou and build a good relationship with the Starsea Empire.
Now, the good news was that her relationship with Setsuna was far better than expected—so good that it had exceeded expectations several times over.
She could even share a bed with the Sacrosanct.
The bad news was that she had practically been whisked away.
"Don't say it like that. This humble one is still an Amicassador of the Sky-Faring Commission. Husband also said I can continue doing what I enjoy."
Tingyun lightly fanned herself.
"'Husband'... we don't even dare call him 'Sacrosanct' casually..."
Fu Xuan sighed.
Despite holding a higher official rank as the Master Diviner, she suddenly felt like they were no longer in the same world.
If one day she went to meet the commander of the Starsea Empire, with Setsuna seated above and Tingyun standing beside him, she might even have to bow to them.
At least she wouldn't have to kneel.
"Husband is very easy to get along with. No need to think of him as so serious."
Tingyun said.
"Of course you'd think that. Why don't you ask the Interastral Peace Corporation what they think?..."
Fu Xuan narrowed her eyes.
"Lady Tingyun, how did you do it?"
Qingque immediately bombarded her with questions.
"So the Sacrosanct has emotions too? No, wait—what kind of person does he like? How did you get closer to him? Can you share your experience? No, wait, I'll take notes!"
"Huh?"
Tingyun couldn't understand why this diviner from the Divination Commission was so invested in this topic.
"If I were chosen by the Sacrosanct, could I live like you in the Starsea Empire—no need to work, just lie around all day..."
Qingque started daydreaming.
Clinging to Setsuna would fulfill all her wishes.
First, he was the most powerful man in the universe, solving her lifelong concerns.
Second, in the Starsea Empire, she could live her dream life of doing absolutely nothing.
Even the entertainment industry there was highly developed—perfect for her hobbies.
"?"
Fu Xuan glanced at her.
"There are countless girls around the Sacrosanct. What makes you think it would be your turn, someone who only knows how to slack off all day?"
"But the Starsea Empire provides everything for free, right?... As long as I can become one of them, that's enough!"
Qingque's imagination ran wild.
"I could sell myself to the Starsea Empire! Being the Sacrosanct's 9,527th maid is fine too! There are so many people there anyway—what's one more?"
If not for being held back, she would have emigrated immediately.
"Mm?"
Fu Xuan calculated with her fingers, frowning.
"Are you also thinking that once you succeed, you won't have to answer to the Divination Commission anymore—and might even get to boss me around?"
"Eh?! N-no, no, no! Master Diviner, your calculations are truly divine..."
Qingque panicked.
"Go copy documents in the archives. Now. Immediately!"
"Hmph."
Fu Xuan snorted and sent her away.
"With you like this, and you still dare to daydream? Tingyun can at least help the Sacrosanct with her trade expertise. If you were brought in, would you just slack off all day and play Celestial Jade?"
"Besides, if the Sacrosanct truly needed a diviner, wouldn't I... be better than you?"
...
Setsuna remained on the Xianzhou for a few more days.
Aside from handling garrison affairs and planning future actions, he spent his time accompanying Tingyun shopping—and occasionally hosting parties.
Beep—
One day, a communication from Grey arrived first.
"Commander, the Simulated Universe (Experimental Type I) is complete."
"Uh, also... there's a familiar face here. You might want to come take a look. She doesn't get along with Mobius."
At the same time, a message from Herta arrived.
"Please, just come test it already."
Whoosh—
The starship immediately set off, crossing the stars.
The Herta Space Station looked somewhat different from before. Several additional energy supply modules had been added to its flanks.
There were also shield systems for resisting external impacts. Angeloids bustled everywhere across the platforms and main control sections.
Entering the containment sector, the research team that had been transferred here earlier was already prepared.
There were small girls analyzing data, Mobius writing manuscripts on a holographic interface, nanobots patrolling the area—
And a woman seated at a round table.
She wore a form-fitting teal slit dress. Her black hair was styled into a neat bun, secured with a dark gold hairpin. Her green eyes shimmered faintly.
Her figure was graceful, her legs shapely and graceful, her feet clad in matching high heels.
At a glance, she looked like a refined lady from the Xianzhou.
Of course, Setsuna knew her true nature was nothing like her gentle appearance.
Like the others in the Genius Society, this woman—Ruan Mei—was a complete scientific madwoman.
"Mm?"
Ruan Mei looked up upon noticing Setsuna. A trace of curiosity and confusion flickered in her green eyes.
She stood and reached out, intending to touch his face.
Faint Imaginary energy gathered at her fingertips.
Smack—
Setsuna grabbed her hand midair.
"Touching people the moment you meet them isn't a very good habit."