In that instant, the entire universe boiled.
Just moments ago, the Aeon of Preservation, Qlipoth, had struck the world-wall three times in succession.
Not only that—Qlipoth's voice had echoed across the cosmos. Nearly every sapient being heard it.
The oldest Aeon—perhaps the oldest thing still existing—had actively summoned someone to meet Them?
That had never happened in recorded history.
And the wording made it even more absurd:
"Successor of Trailblaze."
The Astral Express had only just returned to the stage. And Trailblaze had a "successor"?
As Qlipoth's will faded, the crushing pressure blanketing Penacony dissolved like mist.
Inside the mid-deck lounge of the Radiant Opal, silence fell—dead and total.
Sunday and Robin were breathing hard. Even though that will hadn't targeted them, merely being within its shadow was enough to make their souls tremble.
[Successor of Trailblaze.]
[Come to Me.]
Two short lines—heavy enough to be carved into the universe's history.
Jade, one of the Ten Stonehearts, who had seen storms that swallowed star systems, had completely lost composure.
She slumped in her chair, cold sweat coating her brow.
The IPC revered Qlipoth as the root of its faith, yet even the most devout follower might never earn a single glance from the Amber Lord in a lifetime.
But Jade had heard Qlipoth's summons with her own ears…
…and watched the birth of a new Preservation Emanator with her own eyes.
Yes—Wei Qing standing before her had now become a Preservation Emanator.
Jade didn't need intuition for that. The Preservation Cornerstone clenched in her hand was screaming proof.
What did it mean?
Honestly, Jade didn't know the deeper meaning. No one could fathom an Aeon's mind.
But the IPC didn't need to fathom.
If it was Qlipoth's will, then the faithful complied—without hesitation.
Jade was the first to force her voice into the silence.
She straightened her slightly disheveled collar and bowed toward Wei Qing.
"Mr. Yi Qing. I was in the wrong."
"If this is your wish, the IPC is willing to make every concession."
"Regarding Penacony—we will withdraw our proposal unconditionally, and we are willing to provide all necessary assistance to restore Penacony's stability and prosperity."
She lifted her head, eyes complicated.
"I will report this to Diamond immediately. The IPC will re-evaluate our relationship with Penacony at the highest level."
The speed of her surrender stunned Sunday and Robin.
Jade didn't say it outright, but everyone understood why.
To be blunt: Jade didn't have the authority to give up the IPC's entire Penacony plan on her own.
Yet she was confident no one above would blame her.
If anything, they'd praise her decisiveness.
"Ms. Jade is quick to read the room," Wei Qing said, utterly unshaken by her newfound humility.
"Good. Then handle Penacony exactly as you said."
"I hope to see sincerity—not compliance in public and sabotage in private."
"Rest assured, Mr. Yi Qing," Jade said firmly. "Qlipoth's will is above all else."
"We will dispatch a dedicated team to draft a new cooperation framework with Penacony that ensures its independence and future development."
"As for Aventurine… that was a misunderstanding. The IPC will handle it internally."
She hesitated—careful, respectful, afraid.
"And… regarding Qlipoth's summons. What are your plans?"
"If you agree, the IPC can arrange everything—fastest ships, safest routes, full escort to—"
"No need," Wei Qing cut her off. "I don't feel like going right now."
The answer was so casual it detonated the room all over again.
Jade, Robin, Sunday: ???
"…You don't feel like going?" Jade's respectful mask froze in place. "Mr. Yi Qing—are you saying you intend to ignore Qlipoth's summons?"
Not only Jade—Sunday and Robin were also stunned.
A direct summons from an Aeon wasn't just an honor.
It was a cosmic event.
Refusing an Aeon—especially Qlipoth, whose will was broadcast across the cosmos—was simply unthinkable.
"How is that a problem?" Wei Qing raised a brow, as if genuinely confused. "They tell me to come, so I have to come? Do I look like I'm bored?"
Jade opened her mouth, then closed it again.
A problem?
It was an enormous problem.
She had never imagined anyone—anyone—could refuse an Aeon's direct call.
"Mr. Yi Qing…" she struggled to assemble words. "Qlipoth's summons is no small matter. Their will may relate to—"
"Their will is their business," Wei Qing waved her off. "My schedule is my business."
"I just agreed to help Penacony clean up this mess. The Charmony Festival hasn't even started."
"After that I'm meeting old friends from the Express."
"Things have an order. First come, first served."
He glanced at Jade's bloodless face and added, almost kindly:
"As for Qlipoth… They can wait a little. When I'm done, when I'm in a good mood, maybe I'll consider dropping by."
Jade felt like she was suffocating.
She had managed crises, wars, scandals—she'd never faced something this absurd.
Was this because of how she'd acted earlier? Had she offended him into doing this?
"Mr. Yi Qing," Jade said again, voice tightening, "I offer my most sincere apology for my shortsightedness and disrespect."
"The IPC can renegotiate any terms."
"If you are willing to answer Qlipoth's summons, the IPC will fund Penacony's next ten years of development in full, provide advanced technical support, and guarantee complete self-governance."
"Aventurine's issue will be settled permanently. The IPC will never again take action against Penacony."
She watched him like a prey animal watches a predator.
"As for your schedule—we will not interfere."
"We only hope to provide convenience, as an expression of our reverence for Qlipoth's will… and our respect for you."
Inside, Jade was already drowning in regret.
She had thought this was a straightforward negotiation—maybe complicated by a strong Emanator.
She never expected Qlipoth to personally descend—
…and for the key figure to treat the summons like an annoying calendar invite.
This was beyond her authority. Beyond her comprehension.
Her only remaining instinct was simple:
Stabilize Wei Qing. At any cost. Do not let him truly refuse.
Wei Qing watched her and found it mildly entertaining.
He knew exactly what Qlipoth's summons implied.
He also genuinely wasn't leaving yet.
One reason was practical: he did have unfinished business.
Another was caution: if Qlipoth called him like that, it wasn't going to be a small matter. He wanted time to digest the Preservation blessing and straighten his thoughts.
And yes—Jade wasn't wrong about the third reason.
He was not pleased with the IPC's initial posture.
If the IPC now wanted to kneel, he didn't mind letting them kneel a little longer.
"Ms. Jade," Wei Qing said, tone easing slightly. "Your apology and your offer are noted."
"Penacony proceeds as you promised."
"As for Qlipoth's summons…"
He paused deliberately, watching Jade's entire body tense.
"…We'll see."
Jade's heart sank—then loosened just enough to keep her alive.
At least it wasn't a hard refusal.
There was room.
"I understand," she said, bowing deeply. "Thank you for your magnanimity. The IPC will begin fulfilling our commitments to Penacony immediately."
She didn't dare say another word.
She saluted again and left at once. She had to report this universe-shaking development to headquarters now.
The lounge was left with only Wei Qing, Sunday, and Robin.
Sunday stared at him, emotions tangled beyond description.
He finally understood how laughable his old ambition—reviving Order to "counterbalance" this man—truly was.
Robin clutched her chest and exhaled.
"Thank goodness… Penacony's crisis is finally resolved."
"Thank you, Mr. Yi Qing. Truly."
She seized his hand with bright, hopeful eyes.
"And the festival is about to begin—this time the performance is entirely new. I promise it won't disappoint you!"
Wei Qing blinked.
She… had taken his excuse to Jade seriously. She genuinely believed he postponed Qlipoth because he wanted to attend the festival.
He couldn't help smiling.
This girl really was… earnest.
"Mm," he said. "I'm looking forward to it."
Sunday finally recovered enough to speak properly. He straightened his attire and bowed.
"Mr. Yi Qing—regardless of your reasons for remaining in Penacony, the Family acknowledges your aid."
"Please enjoy the Charmony Festival to the fullest."
"If you require anything, the Family will do everything in our power."
"Save the formalities," Wei Qing waved him off. "I'm heading back. I've got people waiting."
His head ached at the thought.
Compared to the IPC, the two women back home were far more troublesome.
Robin covered her mouth with a soft laugh—she'd noticed something when she went to ask them earlier.
"Then we won't keep you."
Wei Qing left.
But the moment he stepped outside, his phone started vibrating.
He glanced down.
It was the group chat Himeko had pulled him into.
Group name: Astral Express Family
The screen was being absolutely drowned in messages—mostly March and Stelle.
March 7th:Senior! Senior! Senior! Did you hear it?! That was the Amber Lord's voice! They were calling YOU, right?!
Stelle:Successor of Trailblaze… is that you?? So you're actually Akivili's heir?! (blurred shock.jpg)
March 7th:HAS to be you! Who else could it be?! That's SO COOL! A STAR GOD name-dropping you in public!!
Stelle:@Senior Yi Qing are we leaving now? TAKE ME WITH YOU!!
Dan Heng:…Calm down. Senior has his own plans.
Himeko:It seems we underestimated you again. @Senior Yi Qing Whatever you choose, the Express supports you.
Welt:…I just got online. What happened? Three Amber Era strikes?
March 7th:@YiQing@YiQing@YiQing@LittleQing@YiQing@YiQing
Stelle:@YiQing@YiQing@YiQing@Qing@YiQing@YiQing
Wei Qing could practically see their faces through the screen.
Those two were truly something.
He tapped a reply.
Yi Qing:Yeah, I heard it. Not a big deal. Don't panic.
The chat exploded even harder.
March 7th:NOT a big deal?! That's a STAR GOD summons!!
Stelle:This is absolutely a big deal!! The entire universe heard it! (cat shock.jpg)
March 7th:Also we were literally outside shopping when it happened, and EVERYONE looked at us!!
Stelle:We ran. Successfully.
Wei Qing paused.
Right—the Express crew had been in Penacony for days. People had probably memorized their faces.
And since his identity wasn't public…
To most bystanders, "Successor of Trailblaze" probably meant one of the Express kids.
Dan Heng:…Senior's mental state is beyond normal human understanding.
Himeko:It seems you've already decided.
Wei Qing typed again.
Yi Qing:I'm not going now. Order matters. I promised to attend the festival, and I promised to catch up with you all afterward. Those aren't done.
Yi Qing:As for the IPC, if they want to wait, they can wait.
The chat fell quiet for a beat.
Stelle:(slowly raises thumbs-up.jpg)
March 7th:…Senior, you're insane. (March salutes.jpg)
Dan Heng:Understood. We'll proceed with the festival normally.
Himeko:Then we'll simply look forward to the festival.
When Wei Qing returned to the temporary residence, the atmosphere inside was still… fragile.
Jingliu and Firefly occupied opposite corners of the living room, as if an invisible border split the space.
Baiheng lounged in the middle, seeing him enter and immediately grinning.
"Oh? Our 'Successor of Trailblaze' is back?" she dragged the tone out, shamelessly teasing. "The entire universe is talking about you. How's it feel?"
Wei Qing sighed. "Even you?"
"How is this teasing?" Baiheng stood and walked a circle around him like a critic. "Three hammer strikes. A universe-wide summons. You're officially a cosmic headline."
Then she seemed to remember something and added:
"By the IPC's Amber Calendar… does that mean we're in Amber Era 2161 now?"
"Amber Era?" Wei Qing dropped onto the couch lazily. "Who knows. Qlipoth hits the wall once and the IPC will publish whatever number they want."
A cold voice came from the side.
"When are you going?"
Jingliu.
Even she assumed he'd comply eventually.
No matter how people felt about the IPC, most still respected Qlipoth.
Firefly also looked over, eyes full of concern and curiosity.
"Not now," Wei Qing said. "After the festival ends."
Then he glanced at the two of them.
"What—do you both want to go with me to meet Qlipoth?"
Jingliu shook her head without hesitation. "Where you go, I go."
Firefly blurted out immediately. "Me too! Senior—I can be your guard!"
Baiheng laughed. "Guard? Firefly, if there's a situation where he needs guarding, do you think you can guard anything?"
Firefly choked, cheeks reddening, but she pushed back stubbornly.
"Then—then I can at least handle errands! I can help with logistics!"
Jingliu's reply was calm and lethal.
"Errands? With your temperament, you'd force him to spend more energy watching you than doing anything else."
Her gaze slid to Wei Qing—unspoken meaning clear:
I'm the one who can truly help you.
Wei Qing watched the familiar spark catch again and rubbed his brow.
"Enough. Later."
His phone vibrated again. Not the group chat—an unknown call.
Caller ID: IPC Headquarters
Wei Qing declined without hesitation.
Immediately another call: Diamond — IPC Board
Declined.
A third. A fourth. Then a flood—different departments, different executives, all trying to reach him like the entire IPC comms network had decided to swarm.
"Wow," Baiheng peered at the screen. "The IPC is panicking. Your face is expensive now."
Wei Qing switched the phone to silent and tossed it aside.
IPC Headquarters — Pier Point
Diamond stared at yet another rejected connection request, face dark.
A massive holographic screen displayed Penacony's live feed and Wei Qing's thin dossier.
"He's still not picking up?" a voice asked over comms.
Diamond shook his head. "Not picking up. He's likely blocked us."
"What does he want?! Qlipoth summoned him personally—this is beyond honor!"
"Maybe he understands," Diamond said slowly. "And simply… doesn't care."
He exhaled, eyes fixed on the image of Wei Qing.
"Based on Jade's report… Yi Qing cannot be assessed by normal logic."
"Then what do we do?"
"We wait," Diamond said, voice heavy.
"And we satisfy anything he asks."
"Send notice: Penacony's requests are to be met unconditionally."
"The Charmony Festival—fund it at maximum sponsorship level. Provide full support."
"And until he contacts us first…"
"No further attempts to 'reach out.' Not one."
"Because in the face of Qlipoth's will," Diamond added quietly, "the IPC's rules, pride, and reputation mean nothing."
He paused, then spoke again.
"And tell the tech division to recalibrate the Amber Calendar."
"Effective immediately—"
"The universe has entered Amber Era 2161."
Join here to read ahead.
Uma Musume, But I Only Have Five Years Left to Live (Chapter 178)
Zenless Zone Zero: I'm a Doctor, Not a Bangboo (Chapter 180)
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 (Chapter260)
"Is this chat group even serious?" (Chapter135)
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 240
Honkai: Is This Still the Prev 42
Elf: My Starter Pokémon Is Inc 65
Warhammer: My Primarch Is Remi 210
From Demon Slayer to Grand Ass Volume2/20
The Way the Umamusume Look at 68
Uma Musume, but My Cheat Power 280
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 260
Uma Musume: A Calamity Born fr 154
I, a Reincarnation-Loop Player Volume4/40
The Violent Girl Group Is Beat 130
Uma Musume: The Horse Girl Who 67
Uma Musume: From Beginner 155
Becoming a Horse Girl, I Will 85
Uma Musume: I Want All 120
I Can Copy Unique Skills 120
Summoning an Evil God, but the 75
Supernatural Multiverse 135
My Harem Is Indescribable 105
Jujutsu Kaisen: Heroic Spirit 110
"I'm just a Valkyrie passing through." 67
Uma Musume: Today Is Another Romantic Battlefield 110
Still playing traditional Honk 91
The Most Filial Son Under Heav 95
What Should I Do After Switchi - Volume2/3
Reincarnated as a Demon, Skill 80
Hell-Difficulty Dungeon? 55
Transmigrated as Sukuna 90
Checking In in Demon Slayer 95
The Reincarnating Trainer of Tracen Academy 105
I Refuse to Become a Heroic 95
My Best Friend Into a Slime? 80
A Saiyan Stands Above Marvel 100
What Do You Mean by Using a Lab Mod to Be the Hero? 95
Tanya Starts from Re:Zero 85
Why did they assign me to Uma 80
MYGO Beauties 75
DanMachi: Emiya the Giant Hero 80
The Gacha Merchant Who Started 90
Honkai's Otherworld? Wait—Who Are You People?! 105
Emiya Shirou, Determined to Slay Every Curse and Evil Spirit 65
The Uma Musume Who Became 70
I'm Definitely Not the King of 85
After Maxing Out Every Class 85
Naruto: I'm Konoha's Local Men 44
Honkai: World Modulation Mode 70
I, the Elden Sword Saint 60
Dio Brando Is Challenging FGO 60
No One Knows Pokémon Better 55
I, Sakazuki, Won't Go Down Tha 55
From Trilobites to Titans 55
Chainsaw Man: Contracted with 66
DanMachi: My Party Members Are 70
An Anime Heroine Darkened 60
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duel Links 50
Honkai: The Fire Devil 30
Honkai Transformation Cards 35
Age of Heroes, I'm Just a Back 45
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