Arriving at the Divination Commission, Gilgamesh walked through the bustling realm with Jingliu bound behind him and Tingyun resting in his arms.
The Astral Express crew seemed nowhere to be seen here, ruling out the possibility that they had been summoned by the Divine General.
Gilgamesh abruptly stopped near a bench and gently placed Tingyun down. A white blanket soon materialized and draped itself over her body.
Such a small act was hardly fitting for a king, yet the thought merely passed through his mind. His actions were absolute; whether men viewed them as insignificant or grand held no meaning to him.
"You've grown attached to that Foxian, Golden," Jingliu commented, her crimson eyes fixed on him.
"Obviously. She is worthy of standing behind my back. As a king, guiding this woman is merely my duty." Gilgamesh glanced at her over his shoulder, his serpent-like eyes gleaming like jewels as they met her hollow gaze. "Though I doubt you would understand such sentiment."
The chains binding Jingliu suddenly retracted before dissolving into golden mist. She staggered slightly as she regained her freedom, faint confusion crossing her face.
"Walk. I am unfamiliar with this place, and my vessel fainted because of your impulsive actions. Be grateful I have not granted you a swift death."
"Feisty," Jingliu replied as she walked beside him.
"Such a foul mouth. Perhaps tying it into a knot would finally silence you," Gilgamesh sneered.
"Talk to yourself. I should be the one saying that, Golden."
"Snort."
Gilgamesh merely snorted in response.
The artificial sky had already darkened, while the usually bustling Cloud Knights now stood guard throughout the Divination Commission. After the recent assault by the Abominations, Fu Xuan had raised the alert to its highest level, allowing no traitor or intruder to slip through their defenses.
Ahead of them stood a man with messy white hair and a posture brimming with confidence. Green armguards adorned his wrists, while elegant white attire only added to the charisma he naturally exuded.
Beside him stood a woman dressed in robes reminiscent of a peacock's plumage, the slit along her left thigh revealing graceful strides. Her snow-white hair rivaled that of the woman accompanying Gilgamesh.
"It seems we've arrived at the right place, woman. Since you're acting as my guide, shouldn't you at least tell me who they are before we meet them?" Gilgamesh glanced toward Jingliu.
"Jing Yuan, the current General of the Luofu, and Yao Guang, General of the Yuque and Master Seer of Strategies." Jingliu answered briefly. "Their titles alone should provide the answers you seek."
"Hn. A mad dog remains a mad dog, even when restrained by a leash. Incapable of giving a proper explanation while pretending to be wise."
Jingliu's ears twitched as her eyes narrowed.
"What did you say? Care to repeat that, Golden?"
"Fool. Must I repeat myself? Have your ears deteriorated to the point that you can no longer hear my voice?" Gilgamesh shook his head before continuing forward.
"A leash would suit your neck well once this matter is settled."
"Tsk."
Even Jingliu's cold composure had its limits.
Gilgamesh strode toward the two generals as though he owned the place. The sound of approaching footsteps halted their conversation, prompting both to turn around.
"Oh, we've finally met, King Gilgamesh. I foresaw your arrival." Yao Guang spoke first.
Beside her, Jing Yuan's gaze fell upon Jingliu—his former master from a bygone era, a figure long lost to time.
For a fleeting moment, his composure nearly broke.
Fortunately, he regained it.
Wearing his usual casual smile, he shifted his attention toward the golden king.
"You must be Gilgamesh, the one Fu Xuan and Miss Yao Guang spoke of. On behalf of the Xianzhou Luofu, I offer you my sincerest welcome. Though, regrettably, the current situation hardly allows for a proper reception."
"No need. It appears you're already well-informed about me..." Gilgamesh's gaze shifted toward Yao Guang.
"...And those beautiful eyes of yours, capable of observing the distant future. Truly remarkable."
"You flatter me, King Gilgamesh." Yao Guang covered her lips as a soft laugh escaped.
"I merely state the obvious. Enough of the pleasantries. Explain why this king's presence is required."
"As expected of you, Gilgamesh. You saw through us." Jing Yuan's smile faded, replaced by solemnity.
"I apologize, but this matter concerns you greatly."
"According to Yao Guang's foresight, Phantylia will lead the Antimatter Legion in an all-out assault against the Hunt."
Jing Yuan fell silent, signaling Yao Guang to continue.
"More importantly," Yao Guang spoke softly, "among all the possibilities I've witnessed, none lead to a favorable outcome. Every path ends with the destruction of the Luofu... and Phantylia obtaining the blessings of the Abundance."
Silence descended upon them.
Gilgamesh listened quietly, offering neither interruption nor reaction.
"This is the first time I've encountered such a possibility, King Gilgamesh," Yao Guang continued. "Surely, you understand what I'm implying."
Her gaze remained fixed upon him before a soft sigh escaped.
"I wasn't supposed to be here. Jingliu, the Champion Swordmaster, should have remained imprisoned by Jing Yuan. The Astral Express should have followed the scripts woven by fate. That Foxian..." Her eyes drifted toward Tingyun.
"...She wasn't meant to survive."
"And yet, all of it changed."
Despite the gravity of the situation, Yao Guang's smile never faltered.
"You're correct," Gilgamesh replied, his eyes calm and unwavering, carrying the dignity befitting a king.
"By my very nature, fate has already diverged from its intended course."
"Tingyun was meant to die. Phantylia would have infiltrated the Luofu using her likeness."
"She was never supposed to be here."
"And yet, here she remains."
"Indeed." Yao Guang nodded.
"However, among the countless futures I've observed, there exists one possibility capable of restoring the proper course of fate..."
Her expression grew serious.
"But the price it demands is immense."
"Very well."
Gilgamesh declared without hesitation, he'd already seen the fate of this world and he is capable of restoring it back to where it originally belongs.
"It seems this king must intervene personally and settle this matter with his own hands."
He raised his head proudly.
"Rejoice. I shall lead you back onto the rightful path."
Yao Guang's smile widened ever so slightly, mirroring the king before her.
"Perfect~"
She clapped her hands together.
"Before that, what should we do with her, Jing Yuan?" Yao Guang asked, her gaze drifting behind Gilgamesh toward Jingliu, who stood with her arms crossed.
"Shouldn't you greet your master properly?" Yao Guang nudged Jing Yuan lightly.
Jing Yuan merely let out an awkward chuckle.
"No need. I have no desire for such greetings." Jingliu replied coldly, her hollow crimson eyes shifting toward Gilgamesh.
"I'm here for one reason and one reason alone."
"I'll keep this woman by my side," Gilgamesh said, answering Yao Guang instead.
"Her presence shall serve as my guide through this place."
For the briefest moment, surprise flickered across Jingliu's face before it vanished beneath her usual indifference.
"Now that I think about it..." Yao Guang tilted her head. "Where is that Foxian? In several of my visions, she was accompanying you."
"She fainted because of this mad dog." Gilgamesh pointed directly at Jingliu.
"Don't call me that, arrogant bastard." Jingliu gritted her teeth. Had he not launched that surprise attack, his head would have long since rolled across the ground.
"I'll call you whatever I please, mad dog."
It seemed Gilgamesh found genuine amusement in provoking her.
"...Indeed." Yao Guang lowered her gaze thoughtfully.
"It appears the 'eyes' of the Hunt have once again failed to foresee this possibility."
A faint smile curved her lips.
"Truly... how abnormal."
"Well, regardless, we'll remain here, King Gilgamesh. Simply notify us when you're prepared to set the plan into motion."
She clasped her hands behind her back.
"I shall accompany you as well. After all, it will be my first time witnessing 'that.'"
The mysterious smile on her face never faded.
"Very well."
Gilgamesh turned his back and began walking away.
"Let's go, mad dog."
"I refuse."
Jingliu furrowed her brows, rejecting him outright.
Unfortunately for her, the King of Heroes had never been one to consider the opinions of others.
"I wasn't asking for your consent."
A golden portal rippled into existence behind him.
From within it, a golden chain shot forth and wrapped itself around Jingliu's waist before forcefully dragging her forward.
"Damn it."
Even Jingliu couldn't suppress the irritated click of her tongue.
------.
Did you really think I'm dead? Nuh-uh... Er... I'm technically am since I'm working and don't have time to post, but seriously, I hate this job. I wanted to quit and continue writing this fanfic. :-\