The Charmony Festival finally came to an end.
With Robin's song dedicated to Harmony, the farce of Penacony finally drew its curtain.
Of course, in this version, the original plot where Sparkle tossed out bombs and made a huge mess did not happen either.
If she had not been worried that leaving early would make her the laughingstock of her peers, she would have loved nothing more than to leave Penacony several days ago.
How could she possibly still have the mood to attend some Charmony Festival?
However, there was one thing worth mentioning.
This time, the IPC really did show a bit of sincerity.
Although Wei Qing's purpose after accepting Robin's commission had merely been to allow Penacony to refuse signing some unequal treaties, the IPC seemed intent on currying favor with him. Not only did they give up the benefits they could originally have obtained from Penacony with ease, they even paid out of their own pockets to provide enormous amounts of funding and technical maintenance for the smooth holding of the Charmony Festival and the later upkeep of the dreamscape.
This move left the Family members who did not know the truth feeling somewhat flattered and shocked.
They had originally thought the IPC had come this time intending to take advantage of their misfortune. They had never expected the other party to come here doing charity.
Could it be that they had changed their nature?
That couldn't be right, could it?
Or had the current person in charge of the Family, Oak Family Head Sunday, given them something?
The answer was destined to remain unknown.
But no matter what, at least with the IPC spending lavishly to help, the scale of this Charmony Festival was indeed the grandest one the Family had ever held.
Even from Wei Qing's perspective, apart from his own succession ceremony back then, there was probably no other ritual that could compare with it.
"Ah, finally, this Charmony Festival is over."
"Now then, O successor of Trailblaze, what did you think of this cosmic-level festival that the Family poured all its strength into and the IPC sponsored so generously?"
During a rare moment alone, Baiheng lazily stretched, then spoke to Wei Qing.
"If you have something to say, just say it. Don't beat around the bush," Wei Qing said, glancing at her blandly.
Baiheng immediately sat up straight and leaned closer, her face full of excitement.
"I just think it's funny!"
"You didn't see the expressions on those Family higher-ups' faces when they watched the IPC people running back and forth, spending money and effort, while still wearing those sincere looks that said, 'We're doing this for Penacony's bright future!'"
"Their faces were priceless!"
"They wanted to keep acting dignified, but their eyes kept revealing how much they were questioning their lives. Tsk, tsk."
After saying this, she even imitated the expressions she had seen, putting on a stern face while her eyes wandered uncertainly.
"I bet they were all thinking: when did those IPC vampires change careers and start doing charity?" Baiheng became more energetic the more she talked.
"They probably wouldn't figure it out even if they cracked their heads open. The root cause of all this was just that our big shot here temporarily didn't want to move, and those IPC people, in order to please you, practically wished they could move all of Pier Point to Penacony."
Wei Qing answered calmly, "If the IPC is willing to show sincerity, that is their business. Penacony can use this opportunity to recover. That can be considered their good fortune."
"Yes, yes, yes. One golden word from Your Ancient Eminence—'I'll think about it'—was enough to make the Interastral Peace Corporation rush over to be a sucker… no, to express their boundless respect for the Amber Lord's will."
Baiheng grinned.
"Seriously, I've lived this long, and this is the first time I've seen the IPC act so… hm, well-behaved?"
"When dealing with them in the past, when were they not haggling over every last credit, wishing they could squeeze juice out of every single one? But now? They've become total money-scattering saints, and the kind who are afraid their money won't get accepted."
She threw an arm around Wei Qing's shoulder.
"Hey, tell me. What does it feel like to be held up like this by the richest organization in the universe? Do you feel the thrill of 'I am the law'?"
Expressionlessly, Wei Qing peeled her paw off his shoulder.
"Look at how little ambition you have. The IPC is essentially trying to please Qlipoth. It's not that they personally respect me that much."
"Aiya, that's true in principle," Baiheng said, not annoyed after being pushed away and still grinning.
"But the one being pleased is still you! This experience of borrowing the tiger's might… no, basking in a dragon's authority, is pretty novel! I never got this kind of treatment before."
She rubbed her chin and continued, "Say, if I go shopping at an IPC-owned store now and give them your name, can I get a discount? Or can I get them to directly gift me their newest model of starship?"
Wei Qing could not help rolling his eyes.
"Keep dreaming. The IPC's obedience has a clear objective. It is limited to making sure I consider attending Qlipoth's appointment."
"If you try to freeload off them, believe it or not, they'll turn around and prepare a beautifully formatted bill and deliver it to me, claiming they're sharing my burdens?"
When Baiheng heard that, she immediately wilted like a punctured balloon and muttered,
"…True. Those guys are sharp. They'd definitely calculate everything clearly. Boring."
Looking at her regretful appearance after her money-grubbing attempt failed, Wei Qing shook his head helplessly.
Just as the two of them were preparing to head back, pack up, and leave Penacony, Robin's voice came from behind.
"Mr. Yiqing, please wait."
At this moment, Robin had already changed out of her stage costume and was wearing a simple yet elegant formal dress.
Looking at the benefactor before her, her face still carried the flush left behind after a successful performance, as well as a deeper gratitude.
This action was especially eye-catching in the plaza, which had gradually thinned out but still had some people remaining. Vague gazes of surprise and inquiry turned toward them.
Wei Qing paused and raised his brow slightly.
"Does Miss Robin have something else?"
Robin raised her head. Her beautiful eyes shimmered with a moist light as she nodded firmly.
"Mr. Yiqing, I imagine that after this Charmony Festival, you will soon be leaving, yes? I wanted to express my gratitude to you one last time."
"Because you stayed, this ceremony dedicated to Harmony was able to proceed smoothly, without being overshadowed by disturbances from the outside."
She paused, and her voice became gentler.
"I know that for this, you even temporarily set aside the Amber Lord's invitation. We truly do not know how to repay this kindness."
Wei Qing looked at Robin, whose attitude was incomparably sincere, and waved his hand.
"There is no need for repayment. The Family doesn't have anything I particularly want."
"I agreed to help because of Mikhail and the others. As for the Amber Lord, that was my own decision. It has nothing to do with you, so there's no need to dwell on it."
His gaze swept over the faint looks coming from around them, then he said lightly,
"Stand up. With so many people watching, it does not look good for the person speaking for the Family to make such a grand gesture."
Only then did Robin straighten herself as he said.
She took a deep breath, retrieved a token engraved with the Family's crest from her chest, and presented it with both hands.
"Mr. Yiqing, this is a token of the Family's regard."
"With this token, you will possess the highest authority in Penacony, equivalent to that of a Family Head. You may freely enter and leave every dreamscape zone, including certain secret locations not open to outsiders."
"This token is permanently valid. No matter when you come to Penacony, this place will be your firmest place of rest."
In truth, was this token useful to Wei Qing?
Of course, it was not particularly useful.
But what the Family sought was to show an attitude. It was no exaggeration to say that Penacony had been able to survive this difficulty entirely because of him.
Therefore, they could not simply prepare nothing just because the other party did not need it or might look down on it.
At the same time, Robin also handed over a small, exquisite music box.
"This is a small item I nurtured with my own Path of Harmony," she explained softly.
"Although it should not be of much use, perhaps it can help when you need to calm your mind. Consider it… a small personal token from me."
Of these two gifts, one represented the Family's promise, and the other represented her personal gratitude and blessing. They could at least be said to show some sincerity.
Wei Qing pondered briefly and did not refuse.
"Penacony is a decent place. Perhaps I will come visit often in the future."
Seeing that he accepted them, a bright smile immediately bloomed on Robin's face.
"In that case, I will not disturb your time with your friend any longer."
Robin smiled sweetly.
"The Family will always welcome your arrival. I wish you smooth travels on your journey ahead."
"I look forward to seeing you again next time, Mr. Yiqing. When that time comes, I will certainly prepare an even more splendid performance for you!"
After saying this, Robin solemnly bid him farewell once more before turning to leave.
"Senior, you're finally done."
Just then, a crisp voice rang out.
Wei Qing and Baiheng followed the voice and looked over, only to find that it was the trio of women from the Astral Express.
Beside them were two unfamiliar people. One of them was a seemingly honest and simple middle-aged man dressed in an IPC uniform.
An Emanator of Preservation.
Diamond.
One of the true highest-ranking managers of the Interastral Peace Corporation.
Wei Qing only glanced at him once before judging his identity from the faint aura of Preservation emanating from him.
"Senior!"
Stelle waved her hand, her face carrying that smile of hers that was both a little cool and a little dumb.
"Let me tell you, this guy is Diamond, an IPC Emanator of Preservation. He was just trying to buy us off!"
"Buy you off?" Wei Qing raised a brow, his gaze sweeping lightly over Diamond.
Diamond immediately stepped forward, his posture extremely humble. There was none of the usual grandeur one would expect from someone who controlled trillions in assets.
"Mr. Yiqing, you misunderstand. The IPC has absolutely no such intention."
"We have admired the Astral Express for a long time. We merely wished to express our goodwill and respect toward the Express crew through gentler means."
Before Wei Qing could say anything, March 7th rushed to speak.
"They said they wanted to comprehensively upgrade the Express, and even said they'd arrange permanent docking rights for us at Pier Point, with all expenses waived!"
Stelle added, "They also said they'd send us several planet-destroying starships as escorts."
Himeko smiled helplessly and spread her hands elegantly.
"It seems the IPC really did spend quite a lot of thought to improve your mood."
"But rest assured, Senior. We did not accept the IPC's attempt to buy us off."
Hearing this, Diamond continued explaining from the side.
"Miss Himeko, this is absolutely not a bribe. It is merely the IPC's long-standing respect for the Astral Express."
"Perhaps you are unaware, but this Mr. Yiqing certainly still remembers that, eight hundred years ago, on Planet Qilan, our company once cooperated with the Astral Express."
"Now that we have learned of Senior's return and that he has been summoned by the Amber Lord, we merely hope to offer what modest help we can and provide some support for the revival of Trailblaze."
Listening to Diamond's watertight speech, Wei Qing thought for a moment.
He did still remember Planet Qilan. It was on that planet that he had formed a bond with the Astral Express.
It was just that, from the IPC's current behavior, they seemed to be trying to play the emotional card.
After all, Wei Qing did have some impression of the special talents of the Lightweaver people there. The person currently following beside Diamond was probably a member of the Lightweaver race.
"Planet Qilan…"
Wei Qing spoke lightly.
"That planet threatened by a Stellaron and Nihility back then?"
"Precisely." Diamond quickly nodded. "Back then, had the Astral Express not extended its aid, that planet might never have seen daylight again. The IPC has always remembered this silent contribution to the cosmos."
Wei Qing smiled noncommittally.
"I dare not accept such praise. The true benefactor of Planet Qilan back then should have been Senior Granholm. I merely provided a little support."
Diamond's posture remained deferential as he continued,
"Mr. Granholm's achievements are naturally something the IPC will never forget."
"But Mr. Yiqing, your contribution back then was equally crucial. Had you not driven off Lord Ravager Phantylia back then, all subsequent rescue efforts would have been impossible."
These words made Wei Qing pause.
It seemed the IPC had also discovered Phantylia's presence back then. It was just that after hearing of his current strength, they had imagined a whole pile of nonexistent stories.
"Drove off Phantylia?" Wei Qing raised his brow slightly. "You people really are good at imagining things."
"Mr. Yiqing, you are too modest. If you had not acted back then, with Phantylia's strength, Planet Qilan would likely already have been reduced to cosmic dust."
Wei Qing was too lazy to dwell on this matter and changed the subject.
"So, you personally came all this way just to say this?"
"Of course not," Diamond continued. "I have come this time representing the Interastral Peace Corporation to express gratitude to you on behalf of the entire universe."
"Whether it was the chaos in Penacony a few days ago, those despicable Abominations of Abundance, or Phantylia, who once lost to you, every one of them was a tremendous threat to the universe."
He presented with both hands a badge radiating amber light.
"This is the IPC's highest-level Cornerstone Badge. Its holder may seek convenience from the IPC within any sphere of influence belonging to the company."
"We know that ordinary wealth or power has no meaning in your eyes. This badge represents not restraint, but convenience."
"No matter where you are, should you require supplies, intelligence, or assistance, the IPC will do everything in its power to serve you. This is not only for the convenience of your response to the Amber Lord's invitation, but also the highest respect the IPC wishes to express to you personally."
At this, Himeko, March 7th, and Stelle all showed surprised expressions.
Although they knew the IPC had gone all out, they had not expected them to go this far.
First, they showered the Express crew with concern, and now they were promising to answer Senior's every need. Anyone who did not know the situation might think this was some simp trying to pursue a goddess while also sucking up to the goddess's best friends.
Of course, they were not the only ones. Even Baiheng's eyes lit up as she listened.
As an "honorary Nameless" who had traveled everywhere for years, she understood even more clearly how much convenience this badge could bring.
Baiheng took a swift step forward, moved closer to Diamond, and stared at the radiant Cornerstone Badge. Rubbing her hands together, her face piled high with a friendly smile.
"Aiya, Diamond, was it? You really are far too polite and thoughtful!"
As she spoke, she frantically signaled Wei Qing with her eyes.
"Look at this! Look at the IPC's breadth of mind! This sincerity! They specially prepared a small gift like this, one that doesn't involve crude worldly goods but is incredibly practical. It's simply timely aid in the snow, perfectly addressing urgent needs!"
Without waiting for Wei Qing's reaction, she turned back to Diamond.
"Aiya, us Galaxy Rangers are always poor!"
"Sometimes, if we want to find rare materials or inquire about some information, we have to spend so much effort. But now, with this, hehe…"
As Baiheng spoke, her hand involuntarily reached toward the badge, while she continued muttering,
"When traveling out there from now on, booking a ship ticket, finding a guide, buying some local specialties—won't it all be much more convenient? Maybe there'll even be discounts…"
"Ahem."
Wei Qing coughed softly, carrying a trace of helplessness.
This dumb fox was really embarrassing today.
Although she had always been this money-grubbing, acting like this in front of outsiders today made it seem as though the Stellaron Hunters were very stingy.
Baiheng's outstretched hand instantly froze in midair. She awkwardly pulled it back.
"…I was just looking. Just looking, okay? Such a pretty thing would be wasted if I didn't look at it a few more times…"
Seeing this, Diamond immediately pressed the advantage.
"Miss Baiheng is absolutely correct. This item was indeed prepared to provide convenience for Mr. Yiqing and reduce trivial disturbances. If it can make Mr. Yiqing's journey even slightly smoother, that would be our honor."
"Of course, this is also a small token of apology I offer on behalf of the Interastral Peace Corporation for Lady Jade's previous offense."
Baiheng immediately nodded hard and looked at Wei Qing with eyes full of anticipation.
Fine.
In the end, Wei Qing still decided to accept it.
He truly lacked nothing, but the convenience represented by this badge might save him quite a bit of trouble at certain times.
Moreover, the IPC had lowered its posture so much and repeatedly shown goodwill. It was indeed rather pleasant to see.
Sigh. As expected, they were a bunch of people who changed their attitude depending on who they were dealing with.
Seeing that Wei Qing had finally accepted the badge, Diamond also quietly breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. The smile on his face became a little more sincere.
Unlike the others, he was one of the only two Emanators present.
As an Emanator of Preservation, Diamond's strength was naturally not low. Even after hearing about Wei Qing's deeds, he had believed that he would not be much weaker than the other party.
Unfortunately, from the moment the two of them had first met just now, Diamond realized that he seemed to have been wrong.
He would be instantly killed by the other party.
That was the warning Diamond received from the depths of his soul.
After gathering those thoughts away again, Diamond turned slightly and brought forward the man who had been quietly standing behind him.
"Mr. Yiqing, please allow me to introduce him to you. This is Ragwock, a Lightweaver from Planet Qilan. He currently works under me."
"After hearing of your reappearance, he has always wanted to come and properly thank you for what you did for Planet Qilan back then."
Ragwock stepped forward. His expression was excited and respectful as he bowed deeply to Wei Qing.
"Mr. Yiqing, finally… I can finally thank you in person."
"If not for you and Mr. Granholm back then, the Lightweaver race might have long since vanished into the dust of history. This kindness is something our entire race will never forget, for all generations."
Wei Qing looked at this descendant of the Lightweavers and briefly used the power of Harmony to investigate.
Mm. The other party's emotions were not fake. Although there was some suspicion that Diamond had brought him here to curry favor, his gratitude was also genuine.
"There is no need for that. What happened back then was only what I ought to have done."
Ragwock, however, remained emotional.
"To you, it may have been a simple act, but to the Lightweavers, it was a grace that determined our survival. We have always hoped for a chance to repay you."
Diamond interjected at the right moment, his tone gentle.
"Ragwock is now a senior consultant in charge of cultural preservation for the IPC. He is responsible for organizing and protecting the histories and cultures of civilizations across the universe."
"He has always hoped to record the story of Planet Qilan and the Astral Express more completely."
"Oh?" Wei Qing looked at Ragwock. "The Lightweavers' talent is indeed very suitable for this kind of work."
Ragwock quickly nodded.
"Yes! Our race has always been trying to restore the complete story of what you and Mr. Granholm did on Planet Qilan back then. Unfortunately, too much time has passed, and many details have already grown unclear…"
His eyes carried expectation.
"Mr. Yiqing, if you have time, could you perhaps fill in some of the details from back then for us? This would be of great significance to my race and to the preservation of history."
Wei Qing looked at the plea almost overflowing from Ragwock's eyes, then glanced at Diamond, who seemed calm but was actually nervous. He understood.
This was probably not just Ragwock's personal wish. It was also another method for the IPC to show goodwill and attempt to establish a closer connection.
Seeing this scene, the still-inexperienced March 7th whispered to Stelle,
"Wow, so this is what being a veteran Nameless is like? Wherever Senior goes, people remember him."
Stelle nodded in deep agreement.
Diamond seized the moment to continue,
"Mr. Yiqing, as you can see, whether it is the IPC or the planets that once received your kindness, all of us hold gratitude toward you. We sincerely hope to maintain a good relationship with you."
"We dare not speculate on the Amber Lord's will, much less urge you. We only hope that when convenient, you will consider it. In the meantime, the IPC and I personally are always at your command."
"Fine. Then let's go now."
Wei Qing spoke blandly.
This time, forget Diamond—even Baiheng, who had been staying with Wei Qing the whole time, did not react immediately.
"Now?" Diamond froze, almost thinking he had misheard.
After all, not long ago, Wei Qing had still seemed completely uninterested in the matter. Diamond had thought he would have to keep licking his boots for quite a while longer.
"What?" Wei Qing raised a brow. "Is it inconvenient for you?"
"No! Of course it's convenient! Incredibly convenient!"
Thus spoke Diamond, the simp.
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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