"A collaboration... to destroy the Luofu..."
Lumina's voice echoed through the pitch-black alley, startling the crawling creatures hidden in the shadows. Perhaps because the alley was far from the bustling streets, or perhaps because Lumina had erected a barrier, Tingyun, trapped within the alley, could hear no sound but Lumina's voice.
"Ha ha, Lady Lumina, what are you saying?" After a long silence, Tingyun, though now aware her true identity had been exposed, avoided directly acknowledging it. Instead, she forced an awkward laugh.
Lowering her head as if struggling with the weight of the situation, she paused before raising it again, her face grave. "If this were anyone else, I would report this matter even if it cost me my life."
"But since it's you, Lady Lumina, I have no choice but to pretend I heard nothing."
Having stated her position, Tingyun let out a sigh, as if the words truly weighed on her. It seemed that uttering them had genuinely troubled her.
Lumina silently observed Tingyun's appearance and words, her serene smile unwavering. Without a word, she gently flicked her fingers, and a vibrant jade-green staff materialized in her hand. She twirled it lightly and smiled faintly at Tingyun. A faint green glow emanated from the staff, as if warning her:
One strike from this staff could kill you...
Tingyun: ...
For some reason, Tingyun felt as if the staff in Lumina's hand had come alive, issuing a silent, palpable threat directly to her.
"So, how do you propose we cooperate?"
Realizing Lumina was determined to work with her, Tingyun—no, Phantylia—paused to consider before agreeing.
As an Emanator of Abundance, Lumina was undoubtedly opposed to the Xianzhou. This much was undeniable. Even if she was universally recognized as the Cosmos' "Great Benefactor," that fundamental truth remained unchanged.
Therefore, Phantylia had no reservations about collaborating with her.
As an Emanator of Abundance, with the Xianzhou Alliance as her enemy, how could she possibly betray me when our interests align so perfectly?
"As a Lord Ravager, your presence on Xianzhou Luofu must mean you intend to destroy it, right?"
Phantylia had no idea what Lumina was truly thinking, and it was probably for the best. If she did, Lumina would have burst into laughter and unleashed her most venomous curses upon her.
This Phantylia... she's got to be an idiot...
"So, you're here for the Ambrosial Arbor?" Understanding Lumina's implication, Phantylia nodded. The complete alignment of their interests suited her perfectly.
"Of course," Lumina replied with a smile, then feigned fervent enthusiasm. "The Ambrosial Arbor is a divine miracle of Abundance. Even as an Emanator of Abundance, I yearn for it deeply. Such a wondrous treasure..."
Lumina took a deep breath, her voice and eyes filled with longing for the divine miracle of Abundance, as if hypnotized.
The initial impression Lumina had made on Phantylia had completely vanished, leaving no trace of her former purity and holiness.
At least, in Phantylia's eyes, this Lumina was indistinguishable from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus she had encountered before.
This realization stirred a hint of disdain in Phantylia's gaze.
If Lumina hadn't possessed such formidable power, essential for Phantylia's plan to destroy the Xianzhou Luofu, she would have slapped this cult-like creature into oblivion long ago.
"..."
Noticing the disdain in Phantylia's eyes, the Saintess felt a flicker of displeasure.
If Phantylia couldn't help her put on a show for the players, Lumina would have already bludgeoned this foolish Emanator of Destruction to death with her staff.
Regaining her composure, Lumina turned to Phantylia and asked, "So, what's your plan?"
"To dismantle the Luofu from within, driving them step by step toward their ultimate Destruction."
As Phantylia unveiled her scheme, her face twisted into the same fanatical expression Lumina had worn earlier.
"Tch!"
Lumina took in Phantylia's appearance, inwardly clicking her tongue, her gaze filled with undisguised disdain.
She shook her head. As partners, a certain level of respect was necessary.
Lumina smiled and said, "Now, let me outline my own plan."
[You've been under Jing Yuan's constant surveillance. Aren't you worried he'll overthink things if you and Tingyun enter an alley outside his observation range?]
After Lumina finished talking with Phantylia, the System chimed in with a puzzled message.
"I'm more worried he won't overthink it," Lumina replied, shaking her head with a mysterious smile.
[?]