Chapter 122: The Future of the Xianzhou Luofu... Bright Prospects Ahead
"There are five Stellaron Hunters in total. Their leader, Elio, never makes an appearance, and most operations are masterminded by Kafka."
Jing Yuan continued to speak with a warm, unwavering smile, seemingly oblivious to the subtle shifts in the expressions of the Astral Express crew.
"If the Divination Commission hadn't intercepted that encrypted communication, she might have remained hidden even longer. Once she is captured... leave her to us."
"But Kafka is proficient in Spirit Whisper..." Welt reminded him cautiously, his brow furrowed in thought.
"Though Spirit Whisper is an unusual power, our Xianzhou's Divination Commission has its own methods for dealing with it," Jing Yuan's tone was calm and reassuring. "Don't misunderstand; the Xianzhou does not mistreat suspects, and obtaining information doesn't necessarily rely on violence. In short, just leave it to us."
He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over each of them with a disarming sincerity.
"I will share all the information we obtain with you without reservation. If this matter proceeds smoothly, I look forward to chatting with you all about your experiences in the sea of stars in the future." A flicker of distant lament passed through his eyes. "I have been tied down by mundane duties for many years and haven't traveled far in a long time. Seeing the Astral Express gallop through the stars once more and return to its proper course... it truly gladdens my heart."
Many years ago, he too had yearned to be a Galaxy Ranger, roaming the cosmos with a blade at his side. Who could have known that through the unpredictable twists of fate, he would ultimately remain in this position of General, standing guard over the Luofu for so many years? Time flowed on like a river; old friends and old dreams, hazy and indistinct, now seemed so very far away.
"I have other important matters to attend to and cannot stay long. Farewell."
Jing Yuan's phantom gave a slight nod, his form dissolving into motes of golden light that gently faded into the air.
"This General Jing Yuan... is not a simple man," Welt mused, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.
"Uncle Yang, you think he's acting strange?" Stelle leaned in, her curiosity piqued.
"Not necessarily strange, but I just feel... something isn't quite right." Welt analyzed in a low voice, "There's one detail worth scrutinizing—he deliberately skipped over 'Blade'."
He looked at his companions. "Since the Cloud Knights have already captured one Stellaron Hunter, logically they should just follow that trail to hunt down Kafka. Why specifically ask us to act as 'bait' to lure her out?"
"If the Xianzhou is unwilling to let outsiders interfere in the Stellaron crisis, why are they so 'generous' when it comes to the Stellaron Hunters?" Welt paused, his voice growing deeper with conviction. "The only reasonable explanation I can think of is this: regardless of whether Blade's capture is true, at the very least, he has likely escaped the Xianzhou's control by now."
"Therefore, if Jing Yuan wants to lure out Kafka, we 'outsiders' who have had contact with her become the only viable bait."
"That's why he had to go out of his way to ask for our help—because Blade's escape must never be known." He looked up, his gaze sharp. "Once we understand this point, perhaps we are beginning to approach the core of this matter."
"What about the second task?" Serval asked, changing the subject.
When the second task was mentioned—investigating the source of that absurd rumor—the expressions of the Astral Express crew became a bit strained.
We can't... actually bring Leon back, can we?
"Actually, it's not impossible!" Caelus stroked his chin, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous spark. "Big Bro is so powerful; even if he gets caught, he can definitely slip away easily."
"Right, right, right!" Stelle immediately nodded in agreement, a grin spreading across her face. "We complete the task and get the reward, and Big Bro makes his own getaway. It's a win-win!"
The two of them grew more excited as they spoke, even high-fiving with a resounding smack. "Maybe we can even start an industry... specifically catching Big Bro to trade for money!"
"Leon having the two of you is truly his 'blessing'," March 7th sighed, pressing her palm to her forehead.
"Wait, why are you so sure it was Leon who spread it?" Serval couldn't help but speak up. "Although he was the one who told the story first, I feel like he's not someone without a sense of propriety. Maybe... someone else spread it?"
'Serval, you really do understand me, I'm so moved...'
"That makes sense," Welt nodded thoughtfully. "Although Leon is usually frivolous, he should know the weight of such matters. I suspect... some Masked Fool heard the story and then spread it far and wide across the Xianzhou."
He remembered the "little stories about Nanook" circulating in the tavern earlier, which were exactly the same as what Leon had said. Looked at that way, it was indeed possible that a Masked Fool had overheard Leon and then broadcast it everywhere. The likelihood was quite high.
"Now that you mention it... it really is possible," March 7th also nodded, her expression clearing.
In any case, this blame must absolutely not fall on their own heads.
"By the way, what do you all think of General Jing Yuan?" March 7th changed the subject again.
"He's pretty handsome!" Caelus immediately gave his affirmation.
"A bit suspicious," Stelle stroked her chin, maintaining her usual caution.
"You seem to find everyone suspicious. Are you overthinking it?" March 7th curled her lip. "I think he's much easier to talk to than that Yukong. Is it any wonder he's the General while she's only the Helm Master? The level of interpersonal skill is just different." March grumbled, clearly still a bit miffed by Yukong's earlier attitude.
"It could also just be a case of one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop..." Serval added softly.
Meanwhile, inside the Seat of Divine Foresight.
"Lord Diviner, you heard my conversation with them." Jing Yuan looked toward the phantom of Fu Xuan floating beside him. "What are your thoughts?"
"What thoughts? The ways of heaven are distant, and the hearts of men are subtle... Do you want me to cast a hexagram for those few, to test the fortune of their intentions?" Fu Xuan's phantom spoke in a flat, unimpressed tone.
"That won't be necessary." Jing Yuan shook his head with a smile. "The Astral Express has nothing to do with this matter; of that, I am certain. You and I needn't explore their motives. As long as the bait is taken and the fish is caught, that will suffice."
"That was clearly my suggestion, General." Fu Xuan puffed out her cheeks, a hint of indignation in her voice. How did it suddenly seem to become Jing Yuan's grand scheme in the blink of an eye?
"It is all thanks to Lady Fu having everything under control," Jing Yuan readily agreed, his smile deepening. "In the future, I will have to rely on you for everything."
"Humph, then you should abdicate sooner," Fu Xuan let out a soft snort, though the corners of her mouth couldn't help but curl upward slightly.
"It's not time yet." Jing Yuan looked out the window, his gaze deep and far-reaching. "If any variables arise, I must bear the responsibility in this position of General. I cannot simply walk away now and leave Lady Fu in an unjust position."
Handing over the position of General to Fu Xuan? It was still too early.
Fu Xuan's talent was more than sufficient, but her way of handling things was still somewhat immature. It wasn't just her; all the capable people on the Luofu today needed more time to grow. And he had to protect them until they were capable of standing on their own.
Thinking of those vibrant young faces on the Xianzhou—Yanqing, Sushang, Huohuo, Qingque, Bailu, Tingyun... a gentle light flickered in Jing Yuan's eyes.
The future of the Xianzhou Luofu was, after all, bright and promising.
"If you had transferred the Stellaron Hunter to the Divination Commission for a thorough investigation earlier, why would there be so many troubles now?" Fu Xuan's voice pulled him back from his thoughts, carrying a hint of confusion and reproach. "General, what exactly... are you planning?"
She paused, and a possibility suddenly occurred to her. Her gaze sharpened. "Jing Yuan—it couldn't be that you let him escape on purpose, could it?"
"How could I have foreknowledge like you, Lady Fu?" Jing Yuan chuckled softly, his tone gentle and unhurried. "The Cloud Knights' poor guarding is due to my lax management of my subordinates. The responsibility... naturally lies with me."
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