"I am Tingyun, Amicassador of the Whistling Flames Guild under the Sky-Faring Commission of Xianzhou Luofu."
Having left Cloudford and boarded the Starskiff bound for Central Starskiff Haven, Tingyun realized she hadn't introduced herself yet. She offered a brief introduction to the three members of the Astral Express Crew.
"Miss Tingyun, it's a pleasure to meet you," they replied with nods.
Tingyun smiled faintly and continued, "Gentlemen, I have a question that has been troubling me greatly, and I require an answer."
Her smile faded, and a hint of suspicion crept into her tone. "The Starskiff Jetty is under a complete lockdown. Since none of you are Xianzhou natives, how did you manage to arrive here?"
"And what is the purpose of your presence here?"
"If you can't provide a satisfactory explanation..."
As she trailed off, unnoticed by the others, Tingyun glanced at Lumina with a playful glint in her eyes. Lumina, however, pretended not to notice her gaze.
If the person before her was truly Tingyun, Lumina would be overjoyed.
But this was Phantylia in disguise... Phantylia was too "grand," and Lumina feared she might not be able to handle her.
"I apologize, Miss Tingyun."
The Astral Express crew remained calm, unfazed by Tingyun's accusatory tone.
As the crew's elder, Welt naturally stepped forward to explain.
"We're from the Astral Express, seeking entry to Xianzhou Luofu."
"When we hailed the spaceport for docking clearance, we initially received no response. Then, without warning, someone suddenly opened the Jade Gate."
"After entering Xianzhou, we found no one around and had no choice but to search for you."
"How is that possible?" Tingyun frowned, clearly disbelieving Welt's explanation.
"My ship was the last to dock. The Jade Gate closed immediately afterward, and the Sky-Faring Commission completely sealed off the Starskiff Jetty."
"I'm not lying. The Jade Gate's activation logs can easily be verified."
Welt shook his head in response to Tingyun's questioning. "The person who opened the gate didn't say a word. I suspect something's amiss..."
Hearing Welt's words, Tingyun feigned a thoughtful expression, lowering her head to obscure her face.
Lumina: ...
Lumina observed Tingyun's every move, a flicker of surprise crossing her features. You know, if someone else were watching, they'd never suspect this Tingyun of being the Lord Ravager.
After a moment, under the watchful eyes of the Astral Express Crew, Tingyun slowly raised her head, revealing a warm, welcoming smile. "Welcome to the Xianzhou Luofu, esteemed guests."
The crew collectively breathed a sigh of relief. Though Tingyun was merely an Amicassador, she represented the full might of the Xianzhou Alliance. Had she distrusted them, their Trailblaze journey on the Xianzhou would have been fraught with obstacles.
Welt and Stelle maintained impassive expressions, but March 7th wore her emotions openly.
Perhaps because her "mother" was nearby, March 7th didn't feel the need to stand on ceremony.
Observing March 7th's expression, Tingyun smiled and said, "Unfortunately, your timing couldn't be worse. The Xianzhou has suffered an accident and is no longer suitable for receiving guests."
"Whether you came for sightseeing, medical treatment, or trade, I'm afraid none of that will be possible."
"That's not why we're here," Welt replied, shaking his head gently.
"Is that so..." Tingyun studied Welt for a moment before tilting her head slightly. "In that case, I'll escort you to Madam Yukong, the Director of the Sky-Faring Commission. You may state your business to her directly."
"Thank you, Miss Tingyun," Welt said, offering a polite nod.
While Tingyun might have ulterior motives for arranging a direct audience with such a high-ranking official, it was undeniably a stroke of good fortune for the Astral Express Crew.
With the conversation between Tingyun and the crew concluded, the Starskiff fell into a period of silence...
Until...
After March 7th spoke up...
"Sister Lumina, why aren't you saying anything? Could you be feeling sick from the Starskiff?" March 7th asked with concern, watching Lumina gaze silently out the window without uttering a word.
Lumina: ?
Hearing this perplexing question, Lumina turned her head sharply, eyes filled with bewilderment.
How did March 7th even arrive at the conclusion that she was Starskiff-sick?
Lumina strongly desired to pry open March 7th's skull and inspect the contents of her brain.
Unaware of Lumina's intense stare, March 7th patted her thigh and declared, "Sister Lumina, if you're feeling unwell, you can rest your head on my lap! Even if you vomit on me, it's fine!"
Lumina: ...
Witnessing March 7th's utterly earnest expression, Lumina's lips parted slightly before closing again without speaking.
It seemed even Lumina found herself at a complete loss for words in response to March 7th's well-meaning but bizarre offer.
"Everyone, please allow me, on behalf of the Sky-Faring Commission, to welcome the Astral Express to the Starskiff Jetty."
Ignoring the minor commotion aboard the Starskiff, the group soon arrived at their destination.
As Tingyun gazed upon the Sky-Faring Commission building, a glint flashed in her eyes. She turned to the Astral Express Crew, offering a gentle smile, and briefly introduced the Commission.
"On Luofu, all matters related to Starskiffs—airspace, trade, and navigation—are overseen by the Sky-Faring Commission."
"And as the largest port, the Starskiff Jetty naturally falls under our jurisdiction."
Though Tingyun's voice was soft and warm, it carried an undeniable air of authority, making the Astral Express Crew feel the weight of her words.
"Whoa... No wonder she's called an Ambassador. Her speech is so commanding!" March 7th couldn't help but feel a little nervous, listening to Tingyun's tone and the subtle aura she effortlessly projected.
"It's 'Amicassador'," Lumina corrected, sighing like an exasperated mother as she watched March 7th's bewildered expression.
But as for Phantylia...
Unnoticed by the others, Lumina stole a furtive glance at Tingyun.
If she didn't know the "script" and possess absolute power, she might actually suspect she was an imposter.
Her impersonation is just too perfect...
"Heh heh." March 7th awkwardly scratched the back of her head, hearing Lumina's words.
"Haha, you flatter me. This humble servant is specially responsible for receiving and guiding visiting merchants."
"These pleasantries have become routine; I have to recite them almost every other day, you know."
Tingyun chuckled softly at this.
"Alright, let's hurry to the Palace of Astrum to meet Madam Yukong," she said, eager to bring the Astral Express Crew before Yukong as soon as possible.
"Why are you in such a rush?" Stelle asked, puzzled by Tingyun's hurried demeanor.
"Oh, it's not that I'm in a rush. I'm just worried Madam Yukong might blame me if we delay."
Tingyun's radiant face immediately fell.
"If Madam Yukong holds me accountable, I can't possibly bear the responsibility..."
"You're making her sound like some terrifying three-headed, six-armed monster..."
Hearing the slight fear in Tingyun's voice, March 7th couldn't help but let her imagination run wild, conjuring up images of what terrifying creature this Yukong might be.
Tingyun simply smiled at March 7th's words, offering no response.
After a moment of silence, Welt spoke up. "We need to prepare before meeting with the Six Commissions."
"Miss Tingyun, rest assured, we won't go anywhere else," Welt continued. "We'll wait here while you notify them of our arrival."
"This..." Tingyun's expression turned troubled. She clearly feared the Astral Express Crew causing trouble on Xianzhou.
"Perfect timing, Miss Tingyun. There's something I'd like to discuss with you," Lumina said, stepping forward to "rescue" Tingyun from the awkward situation.
"Hmm?" Tingyun froze, a flicker of shrewdness in her eyes as she considered Lumina's words. Then, she smiled and nodded. "Lady Lumina wishes to speak with me? This humble one would never refuse."
"Good. Come with me," Lumina said, gesturing to March 7th and Qingque before turning to leave.
"Everyone, use this time to prepare thoroughly," Tingyun called out before hurrying after Lumina.
"Lady Lumina, may I ask why you sought me out?"
Tingyun followed Lumina into a pitch-black alley. Though she already suspected the reason, she feigned ignorance and asked the question.
"Tingyun... No, Miss Lord Ravager..." Lumina turned to face her, her gaze locking onto Tingyun's eyes. A sinister smile slowly spread across her lips, radiating pure villainous intent.
"I want to propose a collaboration."
"A collaboration... to destroy the Luofu..."