The pigs were roasted, and after a hearty meal, everyone set off for the desert.
At Dishia's suggestion, they chose to travel through the rainforest. Although it meant a longer journey with many detours, it kept them hidden from the eyes of the Order.
Kevin swaggered down the trail, carrying three little mushroom pigs in one hand, and munching on a roasted pork chop with the other. The three pigs lay slumped in the cage, their eyes dull and hopeless as if they'd accepted their fate.
Suddenly, everyone halted.
A young girl was cornered by several hand mushroom beasts up ahead—the situation looked dire.
Without hesitation, Aether stepped forward, summoning the Sword of the Descender. With a single, powerful slash, he took down the beasts. Yuri and the others rushed to catch up.
The girl stood shakily and bowed in gratitude.
"Thank you for saving me. I'm Lana, an apprentice forest ranger."
Yuri's expression changed the moment he heard her name.
Lana. The Forest Book. 76 Lanaro. Hiss~
He glanced at Aether, silently apologizing.
"Aether, she must be pretty shaken from the attack. Why don't you walk her back to her village? We'll head on to the desert for now. Come find us later when you're done."
Without giving Aether time to react, Yuri pulled Kevin and the others onward. Aether stood in a daze.
Are you kidding me? If we don't run now, when would we?
Kevin, March 7th, and Liuying were baffled.
"Yuri, why the rush?"
Yuri looked over his shoulder and sighed in relief when Lana was out of sight.
"You'll understand later. Let's keep going."
His cryptic reply sparked the curiosity of Kevin, March 7th, and Liuying, who began pestering him with questions.
Meanwhile, Aether had arrived at Lana's village, thinking his task was done. But little did he know—it was just the beginning.
The sun set, and night crept over the rainforest.
After a day of wandering, the kids were exhausted. Yuri opened a portal and returned everyone to the Astral Express for rest, planning to resume the journey at dawn.
To Nashida, it felt less like a dangerous mission and more like a leisurely field trip.
Kevin, March 7th, and Liuying ran around without a care—climbing trees for Tree King Mushrooms, fishing in the streams, and even capturing mushroom beasts for fun.
They were especially fond of the small air-blowing mushroom beasts. With no real threat, the breeze they emitted felt cool and refreshing—like portable fans.
Each of them carried one like a treasure.
Beneath Jingshan Palace in Sumeru City.
"Just a little more... soon, Sumeru will welcome its true god!"
Great Sage Azar stared at the giant mech with a maniacal gleam in his eyes.
Since they had failed to acquire the Electro Archon's Heart, Azar and the Doctor resorted to using the Dendro Archon's Heart.
Sanbing sat inside the mech, thick energy conduits wrapping around his body. In his chest, the Heart of the Grass God glowed with blinding light.
The Doctor watched with satisfaction—his plan to create a god was nearing completion.
Even if it was a weaker pseudo-god, it still held divine-level power.
Just then, a Fatui soldier approached.
"Executive Officer, we have news from the Transformation City."
The Doctor's interest was piqued.
"Oh? Speak."
"The Little Auspicious Grass King and her companions appeared in Transformation City and distributed medicine that cured those afflicted with Magic Scale Disease. They have since left the city—their destination is currently unknown."
The Doctor's lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Interesting... so she finally appeared."
He glanced once at the maddened Azar and exited the lab.
Quietly, he traveled to Transformation City. Upon arriving, he could sense it—a rich surge of dendro energy.
The strongest concentration was in the plaza where Nashida had distributed the medicine.
The Doctor stood silently for a moment before following the trail left by the elemental energy.
Back on the Astral Express, inside Yuri's shop.
"Damn rabbit! Let me go!"
"You mangy cat! Who let you on board?!"
That's right—the wild cat was none other than Elio.
He had just landed on the train with a small spacecraft and immediately ran into Pom. Mistaking him for a stray cat, Pom tried to chase him off.
Now, the train's captain and the leader of the Stellaron Hunters were in a full-blown brawl.
Nearby, Misha and Kafka cheered them on.
"Pom, Captain of the Train! Bite him!"
"Elio, don't lose face as a Stellaron Hunter boss!"
Tufts of fur—both rabbit and cat—flew everywhere as the two wrestled.
Noel stood beside them with a tiny broom. One handful of fur dropped, and she swept it up like clockwork.
Silver Wolf silently filmed the whole thing with Nashida's phone and sent the video to the group chat.
Silver Wolf: Video: [Shock! Stellaron Hunter Boss vs. Astral Express Boss—Epic Showdown!]
Bronya: Uh... what is this?
Seele: 666!
Xiangling: By the way, I recently learned a dish called Hand-Shredded Rabbit. Shall we try it tonight?
Silver Wolf: 👍
Kafka: 👍+1
Blade: 👍+1
Jing Yuan: I never imagined the leaders of two major factions would be... this.
Fei Xiao: Fight! Violence is the answer!
Huai Yan: I'm heading to the train to see this for myself. Who's in?
Welt: Coming? I just got a fresh batch of tea. Join me for a cup.
Huai Yan: Perfect. On my way.
Jing Yuan: Count me in.
Topaz, reading all this, looked up at the scene in front of him.
He never expected the infamous leaders of the universe to be... a rabbit and a cat.
Just then, the portal opened, and Yuri and the others returned to the train.
Kevin's eyes widened.
"Oh! Pom's fighting someone! What's going on?!"
Liuying immediately recognized Elio.
"Elio! Why are you brawling with Pom?!"
She rushed over to separate them, only to get scratched.
"Liuying! Let me go! I'm teaching this damned rabbit a lesson!"
On the other side, Pom, who had been scooped up by Himeko, shouted back.
"Come on, furball! Who's afraid of who?! Pah! Dead cat! Pah!"
Yuri couldn't help but stare—Pom had said "pah" three times in a row. That was real rage.
Himeko stepped in at last.
"Alright, alright! Both of you, calm down already."
Himeko and Liuying forcibly separated the two, which finally calmed Pom and Elio down.
Xiangling noticed the cage led by Kevin and came over.
"Kevin, are there mushroom pigs in your cage?"
Kevin nodded.
"Yep! Three little mushroom pigs. They're super tasty. I'm planning to raise them in my cave. Once they grow up, hehe... slurp~"
Xiangling's mouth began to water as she stared at the little mushroom pigs.
She recognized this breed. She'd eaten one before—it had a tender, juicy flavor with a rich mushroom essence.
"Alright! I'll help you cook them when they're ready. I guarantee they'll taste amazing!"
Kevin thumped his chest confidently and pointed at Xiangling.
"No problem, I trust your cooking skills!"
Xiangling smiled happily.
"Let's go! Let's put them in your woods."
Kevin and Xiangling ran into the cave, carrying the tiny mushroom pigs together.
Topaz noticed the small mushroom beast in March 7th's arms.
The little mushroom beast looked listless, its energy completely drained.
"March, what is that thing in your hands?"
March 7th grinned.
"This? We caught it in Teyvat today. It's really fun. Look, if you squeeze its belly, it sprays air."
She gave it a gentle squeeze, and the annoyed mushroom beast blew a bubble that softly hit March 7th's face. The puff of air was weak, only enough to ruffle her hair.
Topaz laughed. The little guy was adorable, with a funny temper and lively features.
"March, can you help me catch one tomorrow? I want to raise one too."
"Of course! We'll head back there and catch one for you."
Topaz lit up.
"Then I owe you milk tea—pick anything you want from the company site!"
"Deal!" March 7th said with a cheer.
Dishiya and Alhaisen were still curiously exploring.
Dishiya turned to Yuri, wide-eyed.
"Oh my goodness... Yuri, you're really from another world? Am I dreaming?"
Nashida smiled.
"You're not dreaming, Dishiya. This truly is another world."
Alhaisen was amazed as well. That his little Lucky Grass King had connections with people from other worlds only reaffirmed his belief: under her guidance, Sumeru would flourish. And for him, it meant exposure to even more extraordinary knowledge.
Himeko approached Nashida.
"Nashida, will you be staying the night?"
Nashida nodded gently.
"Yes. Thank you for your help. Could you arrange three rooms for us?"
"Of course," Himeko replied. "There are plenty of empty rooms in Kevin's Cave Heaven. You and Dishiya can have one. As for this gentleman, he'll have to stay in a smaller room on the train."
Alhaisen shook his head lightly.
"No worries. A place to stay is enough. Thank you."
Meanwhile, the six little ones yawned as they returned. Clearly exhausted.
Yuri scooped up the sleepy Klee, gently scratching her nose.
"Sleepy already?"
Klee gave a soft nod, her eyes barely open as she rested against Yuri's shoulder.
Yuri patted her back with care.
"Hold on a bit longer, Klee. We need to take a bath first."
He took the six little ones back to their room.
After a warm shower and putting on their cozy pajamas, they all scrambled into bed.
They had had so much fun that day, but the travel had worn them out.
Qiqi, dressed in laurel-patterned pajamas, was the first to fall asleep.
When Yuri had bought pajamas for the six, Qiqi didn't know what she liked—so he got her the same set as Yaoyao.
Klee stretched and hugged her Duduko plush tightly.
"Hook~ Turn off the light~"
Hook, closest to the door, reached up and flicked the switch.
The room darkened. The six little ones burrowed under their covers and quickly drifted off to sleep.
Morning came.
After a hearty breakfast, Yuri and the others set out again, returning to the Sumeru rainforest to continue their journey.
But the moment they stepped out, they saw someone unexpected—the Doctor.
Nashida's eyes narrowed.
"You! Fatui Harbinger... The Doctor!"
The Doctor blinked, surprised to see Nashida and the group.
"Ah... Little Lucky Grass King. Finally. Come quietly and no one has to get hurt."
Hearing this, Bailu's face fell. Memories of being captured flashed through her mind.
"Why should I go back with you? You're a weirdo—and clearly evil! Get lost or I'll make you regret it!"
Klee and Hook joined in instantly.
"Yeah! Go away, or Klee will throw a bouncing bomb at you!"
"Move it! A good dog doesn't block the road! Dark Lord Hook is mad now!"
The Doctor turned his gaze to Bailu.
"Interesting... dragon horns? A tail? Hah, you'd make a fascinating research subject."
Kevin smirked, silently pulling out his phone and hitting record.
"What did you just say? You want to catch Bailu?"
The Doctor met his eyes.
"Naturally. If she agrees to become a test subject, I'll let the rest of you go."
Kevin finished recording and tugged Yuri's sleeve.
"Yuri, open a portal. I've got work to do."
Understanding immediately, Yuri waved his hand and summoned a glowing portal. Kevin slipped through without hesitation.
Once back aboard the train, Kevin opened the group chat without delay.
Kevin: @RealNameOnline @ColdFaceLittleGreenDragon @DevilYinBody @DianDaoGe I got a good one. Check this vid. [Video Attached]
Within minutes, Jing Yuan, Jing Liu, Blade, and Yin Yue Jun Dan Heng materialized in front of Kevin.
Jing Liu's voice was icy.
"Where is he?"
Kevin gestured dramatically toward the portal.
"Right through there. Enjoy the show."
The four stormed into the portal.
Kevin grinned. "Oho~ This'll be good."
Right behind him, Aha rushed in with Huohuo.
"C'mon, Master Huohuo! We've got a new recruit incoming!"
Back in the rainforest, Jing Yuan, Jing Liu, Blade, and Dan Heng surrounded the Doctor.
Kevin pulled up the video again and paused on the Doctor's face.
"That's him. Said he wants to catch Bailu."
Before the Doctor could say a word—
Jing Liu and Blade moved instantly.
They soared high.
"Illuminate the Ten Thousand Rivers!"
"Funeral on the Other Shore!"
In a flash, the Doctor was obliterated. Their swords sliced him into fragments finer than rice grains.
Yuri stepped forward.
"This wasn't the real one. He's fragmented himself—left pieces at different stages of life all over the world."
Jing Yuan nodded.
"Then we split up. I'll head north. Jing Liu, east. Blade, west. Dan Heng, south. Let's find them all."
They darted off in their respective directions.
March 7th stared at the remains on the ground and clicked her tongue.
"Tsk... Of all the people he could've messed with, he chose Bailu? That was dumb. Anyway, let's keep moving. Dan Heng and the others can handle the rest."
And with that, Yuri and the rest of the group continued their journey, heading toward Aru Village.