"G-General... how did you become like this?"
After realizing that the much younger Jing Yuan before her was indeed the genuine General, Fu Xuan fell silent for a moment, her face a mask of confusion and bewilderment as she stared at him.
"That's a long story," Jing Yuan replied, glancing at Lumina. "I'll tell Lady Fu when we have time later. Now isn't the moment for that." He shook his head, deciding to keep the matter to himself for now.
Having endured this calamity, the Luofu would undoubtedly draw the attention of the Alliance. With the emergence of an Emanator of Abundance, the Luofu might even receive a visit from one of the Alliance's Generals. It might be best to report this matter only after such a visit.
Pushing these thoughts aside, Jing Yuan continued, "Our immediate priorities are to tally the Luofu's casualties and losses, mop up the remnants of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, and... inform the Six Charioteers of our current situation. These are the matters that demand our attention now."
"Hmm... you're right," Fu Xuan agreed, nodding in agreement with Jing Yuan's assessment.
Although Jing Yuan's demeanor had grown noticeably younger, as long as he remained the same General, not controlled by anyone, the problem shouldn't be too serious.
Hmm... shouldn't be.
Fu Xuan mused inwardly. The problem seemed both significant and trivial at the same time.
If the upper echelons of the Xianzhou Alliance learned about the General's sudden rejuvenation, they would likely subject him to rigorous interrogation...
Her expression turned serious as she looked up and met Jing Yuan's gaze directly. "General," she said, "I will report the full account of the Stellaron Event to the Alliance, without omitting a single detail."
"Hmm? Of course," Jing Yuan replied with a knowing smile, nodding in agreement. As a shrewd man, he understood Fu Xuan's unspoken implications perfectly.
Spending time in the Ambrosial Arbor's realm with an Emanator of Abundance, then emerging looking significantly younger?
If this report reaches the Marshal's ears and he has time, he might even come here personally...
Jing Yuan sighed inwardly. He had no intention of concealing anything. Even if the Marshal came himself, it wouldn't matter. He had done nothing wrong and would simply recount the truth.
Hmm... If I had to pinpoint a flaw, it would be my lack of strength.
"In that case, you should immediately issue orders for the Luofu's subsequent missions."
Seeing no trace of panic on Jing Yuan's face and hearing his nonchalant tone, Fu Xuan felt a slight sense of relief.
If Jing Yuan, the Divine Foresight General of the Luofu, had been seduced by the Long-Life offered by the Ambrosial Arbor and fallen completely into the Abyss, the consequences would have been catastrophic—for Jing Yuan himself, for Fu Xuan, and for the entire Xianzhou Luofu. Such a failure could have led to irreversible damage.
At the very least, for the next few centuries, the Luofu's Divine Foresight General would have lost all credibility.
Fortunately, Jing Yuan's upright character meant he had nothing to fear. Fu Xuan hadn't been overly worried in the first place.
"Hmm? What subsequent missions? General Fu Xuan, what are you talking about?" Jing Yuan feigned confusion, waving his hand dismissively as he addressed Lady Fu Xuan.
Fu Xuan: ?
Several large question marks popped above Fu Xuan's head upon hearing this.
"General, has your brain malfunctioned?"
Fu Xuan stared at Jing Yuan with a puzzled expression.
Could he have been addled by the intense Abundance energy within the Ambrosial Arbor after his journey there?
"General Fu Xuan, my mind is perfectly sound," Jing Yuan said, shaking his head with a faint smile.
"Haven't you always wanted to be a General?"
"While I can't grant you the full rank of General just yet, you can certainly experience it temporarily."
"I'm entrusting you with all the tasks related to the Xianzhou Luofu's Stellaron crisis recovery, General Fu Xuan."
Jing Yuan walked over to Fu Xuan, reached out, and patted her shoulder a few times, as if to offer encouragement.
"Are you serious?" Hearing this, Fu Xuan instantly shook off her drowsiness, her brow arching in disbelief as she turned to Jing Yuan.
As the Master Diviner of the Divination Commission, Fu Xuan was undoubtedly intelligent. She knew that Jing Yuan's usual words were nothing but empty promises.
She was quite familiar with such promises, having often made them herself to others...
Though she occasionally felt a flicker of resentment toward Jing Yuan's constant empty promises, she still found herself rather fond of the habit.
After all, he had only ever painted illusions for himself, never for anyone else. This implied that his appointment as General was essentially a foregone conclusion.
But now, having grown accustomed to Jing Yuan's empty promises, Fu Xuan found herself suddenly appointed General, a reality that felt oddly unfamiliar.
"What's wrong? Worried you won't be up to the task?" Jing Yuan chuckled softly, seeing through her thoughts at a glance.
He then feigned disappointment, sighing dramatically. "Since you lack confidence and doubt your capabilities, perhaps we should reconsider."
"I had hoped that if you performed well during this probationary period, we could make your appointment permanent."
Jing Yuan shook his head, sighing repeatedly, his expression seemingly earnest.
"Who says I lack confidence?!" The pink-haired shorty instantly bristled, her face flushed with indignation as she retorted, "Just you wait! The General's position will be mine, no matter what!"
"Then the Luofu's future mission planning will be entrusted entirely to General Fu Xuan," Jing Yuan nodded with a smile, then turned to Lumina, who was practically pulling out a watermelon to enjoy the spectacle as a spectator.
"Miss Lumina, I have some urgent matters to attend to. Please excuse me."
"Although the Luofu suffered a Stellaron disaster, it hasn't undergone any major changes."
"Therefore, Miss Lumina, you can still visit the Luofu's renowned scenic spots."
Seeing that Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan's conversation had finally concluded, Lumina put away her "gossip-watching" expression.
As she listened to his words, a benevolent smile spread across her face. "General Jing Yuan... no, Mr. Jing Yuan, have you forgotten something?"
"This is my first time on the Xianzhou Luofu. I'm completely unfamiliar with its complex terrain."
"How can I possibly admire the Luofu's splendid scenery if you don't provide me with a guide?"
Lumina's smile was radiant, her implication crystal clear: hurry up and find me a guide.
Now that Fu Xuan had become acting General, she was occupied with planning the Luofu's future development and lacked the time to serve as Lumina's guide.
So, hurry up and find me another guide! Xueyi, Hanya, Bailu, anyone will do... as long as she's a beautiful girl, I'm not picky!
"Ah, I see. I hadn't considered that," Jing Yuan said, a hint of apology in his voice.
He turned to Fu Xuan beside him. "Lady Fu Xuan, Miss Lumina is an honored guest of the Luofu."
"She urgently needs a guide to show her around the Luofu... Does General Fu Xuan have anyone suitable in mind?"
Fu Xuan: ?
Startled by the request, Fu Xuan paused. Finding a guide? Is this really a matter for a general to concern herself with?
Yet, recalling how Jing Yuan had approached her with a similar request before, she kept her thoughts to herself.
After a moment of deliberation, she quickly identified the perfect candidate in her mind: someone intimately familiar with the Luofu, who spent their days idly wandering, and who had already interacted with Lumina. No one could be more suitable.
"You—"
"Aiya, Aiya, Master Diviner! How can your little short legs run so fast?!"
Having made her choice, Fu Xuan looked up to speak. But before she could utter a word, a lively, endearing voice interrupted.