The moment Wei Qing said, "We'll charge a little interest," Tingyun's heart leapt straight into her throat.
She instinctively took a half-step back, arms drawing in protectively.
"...Interest?" Tingyun asked, tense.
She was grateful—truly. But she also knew there was no such thing as a free lunch in the cosmos, especially not when the man in front of her was someone as dangerous and hard to read as Qingzhou.
Baiheng burst out laughing and punched Wei Qing lightly in the side, annoyed.
"Hey! Don't scare the kid!"
Then she turned back to Tingyun with a bright, reassuring smile.
"Relax, little sister. I'll do the nice thing all the way through—I'll send you back to Luofu."
"Just… you'll help big sis with one teeny-tiny favor~"
Tingyun blinked. Baiheng's grin was far too sly.
Somehow, that made her even less calm.
But reality was reality.
In her current state, getting from this desolate stretch of space back to Luofu on her own was a fantasy. And these two—however sensitive their identities were—had shown no malice so far. They had, in fact, saved her life.
"In that case… I'll trouble you both," Tingyun said softly.
Three days later, a seemingly ordinary civilian starskiff passed through Luofu's Jadegate.
Inside, Baiheng handled the navigation with practiced ease, clicking her tongue in admiration.
"Wow, wow. Been a few hundred years and Luofu's security really did level up."
"If your merchant credentials hadn't still been active, little Tingyun… there's no way we'd have slipped in this clean."
Tingyun gave a small, bitter smile.
"Sister Baiheng, you're teasing. It's only been three days since the convoy lost contact. On Luofu's network I'm barely 'missing,' not 'dead.'"
She sat in the back seat, staring out at the familiar skyline of Luofu with a dazed expression.
A few days. Life and death. Then returning home alongside two "legendary figures" in the most absurd way possible.
Her emotions were a knot she couldn't untangle.
"Speaking of which," Baiheng said, glancing at her through the rearview mirror, "I helped you this much—shouldn't you return the favor and help your big sister with something?"
Tingyun's spine tightened.
She forced composure into her voice. "Sister Baiheng, please say it. If it's within my ability, I won't refuse."
"Easy." Baiheng smiled like a fox about to steal food. "Your Whistling Flames Merchant Guild is well-connected. Lots of channels. Lots of eyes."
"Help me keep an eye on a couple people. See what they've been up to lately—especially if they have any unusual plans."
Then she gave the names.
Dan Heng. Yingxing.
Tingyun's expression shifted subtly.
"Sister Baiheng… you intend to…" she began, hesitant.
This kind of inquiry wasn't classified military intel, but prying without cause still brushed against taboo.
"Relax, I'm not asking you to steal secrets." Baiheng waved it off. "I just want to 'catch up' with old friends. Don't want to barge in like an idiot, so I'm checking the weather first, that's all."
It was a flimsy excuse. Tingyun didn't believe it for a second.
She instinctively looked to the passenger seat.
Wei Qing had been sitting there with his eyes closed, as if none of this concerned him.
"What, is that hard for you?" Baiheng lifted a brow. "If it is, forget it. Your sister isn't the type who forces people…"
"No—no, it's not difficult," Tingyun said quickly, cutting her off. "I'll do my best."
"That's my girl!" Baiheng beamed. "Don't worry, I won't let you work for free. From now on, in Luofu—big sis has your back. Anyone bullies you, just say my name!"
Tingyun managed a polite smile.
If she reported Baiheng's name, the Cloud Knights would arrest her on the spot.
Wei Qing finally opened his eyes and gave Baiheng an amused look.
"Your name is literally on Luofu's wanted list. You're telling her to make her life harder?"
Baiheng snorted. "Then she can say yours. Former general Qingzhou, yeah?"
"Heh. My name worked pretty well on Phantylia, didn't it?"
Tingyun broke out in cold sweat.
"P-please don't joke like that… I'll gather what I can, but it'll take time."
"Not urgent," Baiheng said sweetly. "We've got plenty of time."
The skiff touched down smoothly at a designated berth in Cloudford Wharf.
The moment her feet hit solid ground, Tingyun felt a little steadier—until she saw the figure striding toward her with unmistakable urgency.
"Tingyun!"
Yukong, Helm Master of the Sky-Faring Commission, looked nothing like her usual poised self. Worry and shock were plain on her face.
She grabbed Tingyun's shoulders, scanning her up and down.
"Thank the stars you're alive. When we got word the convoy was attacked, I… we all—"
"Lady Yukong…" Tingyun's throat tightened, like a child seeing her guardian after a nightmare. "I'm sorry to trouble you. I'm back."
Only then did Yukong look at the two people beside Tingyun.
Wei Qing was still dressed in his "Yi Qing" guise. Baiheng had already disguised herself as a human girl.
Tingyun hurried to explain, voice still trembling with aftershock.
"Lady Yukong, it was thanks to these two benefactors. They saved me—I escaped Phantylia and made it home."
"Phantylia?!" Yukong's pupils shrank.
The name of a Destruction Lord stunned her.
In the last three days, Luofu had located the convoy's last known wreck site. The lingering Destruction aura had been terrifying, but they had assumed it was merely the Antimatter Legion.
A Destruction Lord herself…?
With the new intelligence pouring in from Fanghu, Yukong felt a chill crawl down her back.
She studied the two "benefactors" more carefully.
The white-haired woman—she didn't recognize.
But when Yukong's gaze landed on Wei Qing, she froze.
As Sky-Faring Commission helm master, she'd already reviewed the footage circulating after Fanghu's battle: the mysterious Galaxy Ranger who turned the tide.
That face—
It matched perfectly.
"It's you…" Yukong's voice carried a reverence she didn't even realize she'd adopted. "The Galaxy Ranger who broke Fanghu's siege… Lord Yi Qing?"
She stepped back, formally bowed, and saluted.
"Yukong of Luofu's Sky-Faring Commission. On behalf of the Alliance, thank you for saving Fanghu."
"And now you've saved Tingyun as well…"
Wei Qing gave a slight nod, accepting the gratitude without fuss.
Baiheng smiled and casually added, "No need for that, Helm Master. Rangers do what Rangers do—see trouble, draw steel."
Yukong turned to her, polite but cautious.
"And you are…?"
"I'm Bai Qing," Baiheng said brightly. "Also a Galaxy Ranger."
Then—just to be obnoxious—she hooked her arm around Wei Qing's, leaning in like they were inseparable.
Wei Qing's expression didn't change. He simply pulled his arm free.
Yukong's eyes flickered with curiosity at their interaction, but she didn't pry.
"Your great kindness will be remembered," Yukong said solemnly. "Please, come with me to Sichen Palace and rest. Allow me to show proper hospitality and express Luofu's gratitude formally."
"No need." Baiheng waved it away. "We're used to roaming. Saving her was just a hand we happened to lend. Don't trouble yourself, Helm Master."
She gently nudged Tingyun forward and smiled.
"Little Tingyun's safely delivered. That's enough for us. Right, Yi Qing?"
Wei Qing cooperated with a small nod.
Yukong, seeing their refusal, didn't force the matter. Their status was special—an Alliance benefactor pressing them too hard would be discourteous.
"Still," Baiheng said, stretching the word out, "I haven't been back in hundreds of years, and wow—Luofu really changed."
"Since we're here anyway, I want to stay and look around for a bit. Helm Master Yukong, could you arrange lodging for the two of us?"
"Look around?" Yukong's brows knit slightly.
That "hundreds of years" remark didn't sit right. Was this woman originally from Luofu too?
But she kept her face composed.
"Of course," Yukong said. "Stay as long as you wish. I'll ensure no one disturbs you."
She paused, thinking, then added, "There is a quiet, tasteful residence in Starskiff Haven called Stargazer Pavilion—open view, calm surroundings. Would that suit you?"
Baiheng's eyes lit up. "Stargazer Pavilion? Perfect! Thank you, Helm Master!"
Wei Qing said nothing—effectively agreement.
Yukong summoned a Sky-Faring Commission attendant and issued soft orders. The attendant bowed and left to make arrangements.
Tingyun stood beside Yukong, watching Baiheng wink at her. The earlier "favor" wasn't just a joke—it had officially begun.
Tingyun could only sigh inwardly and hope Baiheng wouldn't cause chaos.
"Then I won't disturb you further," Yukong said. "If you need anything, contact me through your jade communicator."
She handed over two specially crafted jade tokens—passes and contact channels in one.
"These will make transit easier. Consider it a small token of the Sky-Faring Commission's gratitude."
"How thoughtful," Baiheng said with a grin, accepting them—then casually pocketing Wei Qing's token as well.
Yukong bowed again, then led Tingyun onto a waiting skiff. They departed in a streak of light.
Once they were gone, Baiheng stretched lazily.
"Alright! Done! Come on, Lord Yi Qing, let's go see our new home!"
Wei Qing glanced at her. "You're far too comfortable."
"That's right!" Baiheng said smugly. "Back then, there wasn't a corner of Luofu I didn't fly through. I know this place better than you."
She reached to link her arm with his again. Wei Qing sidestepped with perfect indifference.
Baiheng pouted. "Seriously? Can't you play along for once? Is it gonna kill you?"
"It won't," Wei Qing replied flatly. "Still unnecessary."
They took a public skiff and soon arrived at Starskiff Haven.
Under the attendant's guidance, they entered Stargazer Pavilion's top-floor private courtyard.
Once the attendant left, Baiheng dropped all pretense and flopped onto the sofa like she'd melted.
"Ahhh—Luofu sofas are the best!"
"Way better than those rock-hard seats out in deep space."
Wei Qing ignored her and walked to the window, looking down at the bustling crowds below.
Eight hundred years had changed Luofu—more than he'd expected.
"Enough," Wei Qing said, turning back. "Why did you have Tingyun track Dan Heng and Yingxing? What are you planning?"
Baiheng sprang up into a sitting position, her playful expression sobering slightly.
"What else? I'm checking in on old friends."
"Especially Yingxing, that dead-serious craftsman. Haven't seen him in centuries—wonder if his skill rusted. And Dan Heng… that 'half-dragon' is right in the middle of a mess."
"Dan Heng isn't Dan Feng," Wei Qing said coolly.
"I know." Baiheng swung her feet. "Doesn't mean I can't look."
Wei Qing didn't respond. He settled into another chair and closed his eyes again.
For all Baiheng's joking, her gaze had carried something else—a quiet ache.
A long silence filled the room.
Finally, Baiheng spoke again, unusually earnest.
"Honestly, Wei Qing… coming back this time? Everything feels familiar and strange at once. Places changed. People are gone."
She hesitated, voice lowering.
"Sometimes I wonder… if we hadn't left back then, or if that whole mess never happened… what would it be like now?"
"There are no 'ifs,'" Wei Qing said, merciless as ever. "And you doing nostalgia is stupid."
Baiheng glared. "Hey! Can't you let me have one dramatic moment?"
Wei Qing didn't indulge her.
Baiheng collapsed again, muttering, "Fine, fine. One of us is 'Lord Qingzhou the Destruction Lord,' the other is 'Baiheng the notorious Stellaron Hunter.' Happy?"
Then she perked up, eyes glittering.
"Still, you made a splash at Fanghu. 'Galaxy Ranger Yi Qing' is basically a legend now."
"And Yukong? She almost looked like she wanted to build you a shrine."
Wei Qing didn't reply.
Baiheng leaned in, delighted. "Be honest. You have no urge to visit Jing Yuan? That kid's the General of Luofu now. Don't you want to see what he's like?"
"No," Wei Qing said.
"Tsk. Heartless." Baiheng shrugged. "Whatever. If you won't, I will."
"With the war this tight, I bet Yingxing came back. Once Tingyun sends info, I'm going 'accidentally' running into them."
She grinned with a hint of menace.
"And Jingliu… she's been chasing me for years. Every time I show my face, she tries to catch me."
Wei Qing stayed silent.
Baiheng couldn't resist needling him one more time.
"Hey. Do you think little Tingyun will sell us out? Especially you, Lord Yi Qing?"
Wei Qing's eyes remained closed.
"She won't."
Baiheng raised a brow. "So confident? What if she decides you're too dangerous and tells Yukong everything for Luofu's safety?"
Wei Qing answered in the flattest tone imaginable:
"You think I'm you?"
"I already planted a restriction on her."
At the same time, inside the Seat of Divine Foresight…
Yukong held Tingyun's hand, her concern unwavering.
"Tingyun, what's wrong? You look pale."
Tingyun forced a smile.
"I'm fine, Lady Yukong."
It was a lie.
She'd made it back to Luofu. She was inside the general's domain. The moment General Jing Yuan arrived, she'd finally be safe.
And yet her mind was in chaos.
Because she was still hesitating—whether she should reveal Baiheng and Qingzhou's identities to Jing Yuan.
Those two weren't "tourists." Someone like them didn't return to Luofu without purpose.
But betraying her lifesavers…
Her conscience gnawed at her.
After struggling for a long while, reason crushed sentiment.
"Lady Yukong, I…" Tingyun opened her mouth—
And suddenly her words jammed in her throat.
A faint dizziness washed over her, like invisible hands clamping down inside her skull, stopping her from saying the name she needed to say.
At that moment, Tingyun understood.
A restriction.
Of course.
Why would those two bring her home and let her leave Yukong's side without insurance?
Her eyes stung.
Lady Yukong… I've been kidnapped.
"N-no, it's nothing," Tingyun said shakily, forcing a smile. "I'm just… tired."
Yukong steadied her immediately. "Are you sure? Your injuries—"
Before Tingyun could answer, the doors opened.
Jing Yuan walked in with his usual unhurried grace.
"Yukong. She's back? Let me see our little lucky star who survived."
His tone was relaxed, smiling. It broke the tension in the room like warm sunlight.
"General," Yukong bowed. "Tingyun has returned safely. She's shaken, and her wounds are only just stabilized."
Tingyun tried to stand and salute, but Jing Yuan raised a hand to stop her.
"No need. You're home. That's what matters."
"I've heard about the convoy."
"For the fallen… I grieve. Luofu will compensate their families."
Then Jing Yuan looked back at Tingyun, gaze gentle but sharp.
"Escaping a Destruction Lord—Tingyun, your luck and quick thinking make even me a little jealous."
Tingyun's heart clenched.
Was the General suspecting she was an impostor? A puppet? Something Phantylia left behind?
Yukong stepped in immediately.
"General, I've already confirmed it. Tingyun is not a substitute."
"And her safe return was thanks to two Galaxy Rangers."
"Oh?" Jing Yuan asked smoothly. "Two?"
"One is Lord Yi Qing," Yukong said. "The same one who turned Fanghu's battlefield."
"The other is his companion, a ranger named Bai Qing."
"Yi Qing?" Jing Yuan's eyes narrowed slightly in surprise. "He came to Luofu?"
"Where are they now?" he asked.
"I arranged for them to stay in Starskiff Haven, at Stargazer Pavilion," Yukong replied. "Lord Yi Qing dislikes noise. Lady Bai Qing said she wants to sightsee."
Jing Yuan nodded. "Good. They're guests and benefactors. Do not slight them."
"If they request anything reasonable, fulfill it."
"Yes," Yukong said.
Jing Yuan returned his attention to Tingyun.
"Miss Tingyun, rest. Recover. Yukong will help you with the convoy's aftermath—don't strain yourself."
Tingyun bowed, relief flooding her.
"Thank you, General."
She wanted nothing more than to leave and breathe—her mind still reeling from the realization of the restriction inside her.
Yukong escorted Tingyun out.
Jing Yuan watched them go. The lazy smile on his face faded.
"Master," Jing Yuan said quietly, "you've traveled as a Galaxy Ranger for over eight hundred years. What do you think of these two?"
The air cooled, almost imperceptibly.
A figure stepped out of the shadows, cold and clean as frost.
Jingliu.
"I've never heard of Galaxy Rangers named Yi Qing or Bai Qing," she said calmly.
"However… if Marshal Hua brought him in as a friend, then he is likely not a threat."
Jing Yuan's gaze shifted. "I see."
Then Jingliu added, voice unchanged:
"But I still want to speak with this 'Lord Yi Qing.'"
Join here to read ahead.
In Star Rail, Ultra-Beast Armored — Have I Caught "Equilibrium"? l (Chapter 80)
Uma Musume, But I Only Have Five Years Left to Live (Chapter 178)
Zenless Zone Zero: I'm a Doctor, Not a Bangboo (Chapter 165)
Ben Tennyson Wants to Join the Justice League ( 126 )
TYPE-MOON: Redemption Beginning with the Holy Grail War (Chapter110)
Yu-Gi-Oh! — Transmigrated into the White Dragon Girl (Chapter220)
"Is this chat group even serious?" (Chapter125)
I, Lord Ravager, Utterly Loyal! (This matter is completely finished.)
Can Playing Games Save the World? 65
Crossover Anime Multiverse: The Demon Hunter of an Unnatural World 77
From Junkman to Wasteland 66
Weekly Refresh of Overpowered 31
I'm Grinding Proficiency Like 46
From Kiana, Lord Ravager, Onwa 220
Honkai: Is This Still the Prev 42
Elf: My Starter Pokémon Is Inc 65
Warhammer: My Primarch Is Remi 185
From Demon Slayer to Grand Ass Volume2/20
The Way the Umamusume Look at 68
Uma Musume, but My Cheat Power 248
Naruto: Weaving the Future, Be 65
Zenless Zone Zero, but Kamen R 76
Multiverse Crossover: The Perf 66
My Cyberpsycho Girlfriend 65
Uma Musume: The Dark Trainer 230
Uma Musume: A Calamity Born fr 154
I, a Reincarnation-Loop Player Volume4/40
The Violent Girl Group Is Beat 125
Uma Musume: The Horse Girl Who 67
Uma Musume: From Beginner 145
Becoming a Horse Girl, I Will 85
Uma Musume: I Want All 120
I Can Copy Unique Skills 115
Summoning an Evil God, but the 75
Supernatural Multiverse 110
My Harem Is Indescribable 100
Jujutsu Kaisen: Heroic Spirit 105
"I'm just a Valkyrie passing through." 67
Uma Musume: Today Is Another Romantic Battlefield 105
Still playing traditional Honk 80
The Most Filial Son Under Heav 85
What Should I Do After Switchi - Volume2/3
Reincarnated as a Demon, Skill 78
Hell-Difficulty Dungeon? 55
Transmigrated as Sukuna 80
Checking In in Demon Slayer 85
The Reincarnating Trainer of Tracen Academy 100
I Refuse to Become a Heroic 85
My Best Friend Into a Slime? 80
A Saiyan Stands Above Marvel 90
What Do You Mean by Using a Lab Mod to Be the Hero? 75
Tanya Starts from Re:Zero 85
Why did they assign me to Uma 75
MYGO Beauties 70
DanMachi: Emiya the Giant Hero 75
The Gacha Merchant Who Started 80
Honkai's Otherworld? Wait—Who Are You People?! 100
Emiya Shirou, Determined to Slay Every Curse and Evil Spirit 60
The Uma Musume Who Became 60
I'm Definitely Not the King of 80
After Maxing Out Every Class 80
Naruto: I'm Konoha's Local Men 44
Honkai: World Modulation Mode 57
I, the Elden Sword Saint 50
Dio Brando Is Challenging FGO 43
No One Knows Pokémon Better 50
I, Sakazuki, Won't Go Down Tha 45
From Trilobites to Titans 45
Chainsaw Man: Contracted with 55
DanMachi: My Party Members Are 60
An Anime Heroine Darkened 55
My patreon : patreon.com/queen_sin
My patreon : patreon.com/queen_sin