What She Seeks, Winning Someone's Trust; Old Friends by Fate, Hurting Each Other!

After easily making the decision to keep it a secret from the Ten-Lords Commission, Jing Yuan did not immediately pull Fei Xiao aside to start a generals' meeting. Instead, he slowly turned his smiling gaze to Gwen once again.

"Regardless of the final outcome, the Xianzhou Alliance will always remember your contributions and help."

Even though he still had that warm, welcoming smile, his words carried a hint of seriousness—

"Such great help deserves a response from the Xianzhou Alliance. But I wonder what you desire, Gwen?"

The evening light filtering through the carved lattice window fell perfectly on half of his face, the interplay of light and shadow highlighting the seriousness in his expression.

But at this moment, his gaze was calm, and although the corners of his lips still held their usual indifferent curve, there was no hint of jest in his eyes.

On a small scale, this matter concerns the survival and future of General of Heavenly Strike Fei Xiao her Qingqiu Army; on a larger scale, it affects the fate of the entire Yaoqing Xianzhou, the stability of the Foxian, one of the three main races of the Xianzhou, and will also influence the delicate relationship between the Xianzhou Alliance and Gwen, the rising star.

There's a common saying, "Great kindness is like great enmity," Jing Yuan was certainly aware of its profound meaning. His fingertips paused, unconsciously stroking the rim of the teacup. Though his gaze didn't move, he had already taken in every subtle reaction of the person before him.

Not only him, but even in previous internal meetings, there were many calls to win over Gwen, this unexpected and powerful ally, this strongman recognized by the Emperor Bow's Light Arrow —the vast Xianzhou must not turn against its benefactor because the debt of gratitude is too heavy to repay.

For the Xianzhou Alliance, that would be tantamount to destroying their own Great Wall.

Moreover, even though both are blessings bestowed by the Emperor Bow God, compared to his Divine Monarch and Fei Huang of the Fei Xiao, the light arrow in Gwen's hand now holds a far more extraordinary significance for the Xianzhou native—

"The Emperor's Bow proclaims his decrees with radiant arrows"—this phrase is not a pun for the Xianzhou native, but is a fact written in numerous official documents, and even part of the Xianzhou's belief in the Emperor Bow God of Fate.

If the Alliance were to turn against Gwen, who wields the Emperor Bow's Light Arrow... it would be a godsend for the enemies of the Xianzhou.

The problem is that, despite the current pleasant relations and harmonious conversations between the two sides, Gwen is extremely tight-lipped about his key intelligence.

Even now, the Xianzhou Alliance still can't figure out what he really wants, and even Jing Yuan, who is known as the Divine General, can't help but feel a little helpless.

It's really frustrating not even knowing what the other party wants.

Previously, saving Luofu from danger and single-handedly fighting against the Great Lord Phantylia of Annihilation Lord was already a great favor that no one could ignore; now, if we add the treatment of the Moon Madness in Fei Xiao and even the Foxian Clan, and even the other benefits that the related technology may bring—this favor is so heavy that even the Xianzhou Alliance has to be extremely cautious.

If Gwen had simply bestowed favors without expecting anything in return...

It wasn't that Jing Yuan had a dark mind; it was simply that, as the General of Luofu, he had to think one step ahead and see things from a different perspective than others.

His gaze remained warm and steady as he quietly awaited Gwen's response.

"Oh..."

Hearing Jing Yuan put it this way, Gwen's lips curled up slightly, seemingly with a hint of smugness, no different from his usual playful demeanor.

"Since you've put it that way, Jing Yuan, then I won't stand on ceremony—"

The smile on his face faded slightly, and a serious look appeared in his eyes:

"Although the civilization I came from can be considered to have a long history in terms of time, due to the gap in the middle, it is still at the stage of just stepping into the universe."

"If this is ultimately successful,"

He paused briefly, meeting Jing Yuan's gaze.

"I hope to exchange this for some assistance and support from the Xianzhou Alliance— "

"Certainly,"

He raised his hand in a gesture of restraint, his voice calm and controlled.

"I am not asking the Xianzhou Alliance for unconditional and unlimited support. We can discuss the specific aid plan later."

That's it?

Jing Yuan almost blurted out those words.

He picked up the teacup beside him, using the rising steam to conceal the fleeting surprise in his eyes. Offering assistance to a civilization that had not yet officially set foot in the starry sea was by no means a difficult task for the Xianzhou Alliance, or even for Luofu alone.

"Haha... Young friend, you are indeed a man of character. It is truly remarkable that so many talented people are emerging in this world today."

An aged yet deep voice echoed from the depths of the Divine Might Palace. Everyone looked over and saw that General Huai Yan of Zhuyuan had appeared quietly in the corridor. He was slightly hunched over, his white hair was as white as snow, but his eyes were clear and bright. He was now watching Gwen with a smile and walking forward with steady steps.

"General Huai Yan, you flatter me. I have only done what I should have done." Gwen had already noticed the other party's arrival. He turned around and nodded slightly, his tone humble yet courteous.

"It's been a long time, General Huai Yan." Jing Yuan smiled broadly, stepped forward, and bowed familiarly. Although they didn't actually meet frequently, because of a certain friend, he and this old general always had a more tacit understanding and closer relationship than others.

The three generals gathered in the hall and exchanged brief pleasantries.

Without further delay, Jing Yuan briefly informed Huai Yan of the necessary information before activating the Jade Abacus to guide the other Xianzhou and initiate the online council.

Previously, Jing Yuan had not asked Gwen to leave, but instead naturally gestured to invite this "outsider" to listen in as well.

As the light screen shifted, several figures gradually appeared.

Several generals logged on one after another, greeting each other naturally at first, but paused slightly when they caught sight of Gwen, then became serious, and the atmosphere silently turned solemn.

Gwen sat quietly to one side, but from this brief reaction, he glimpsed a side of the general that was different from what was rumored outside.

Then, when Jing Yuan calmly presented Gwen's proposed plan, the previously peaceful atmosphere of the meeting suddenly became turbulent.

The debate was not directed at Gwen himself, but rather focused on the feasibility and long-term effects of the treatment. In their exchange, each side held firm to their own opinions and refused to yield.

Before the debate could linger, a clear and steady voice emanated from the autonomous light screen—it was not manifest, yet it possessed immense power. Marshal Hua intervened, quelling the murmurs. She decided that Fei Xiao would remain in Luofu for the time being to cooperate with the preliminary experiments and observe the therapeutic effects, and resolved to approve it on the spot.

After setting the direction, the marshal turned to Gwen and asked what he could ask for, saying that as long as the Xianzhou possessed it, he would not refuse.

To this, Gwen calmly replied that he only wished to exchange this for the help and support of the Xianzhou for his homeland's civilization.

As soon as he finished speaking, the generals' gazes subtly shifted, their previous cautious scrutiny finally giving way to genuine approval.

The marshal remained silent for a moment, then readily agreed: Regardless of the success or failure of the treatment, the Xianzhou would certainly lend a helping hand without hesitation or shirking responsibility—this was not a transaction, but a way of expressing gratitude to friendly nations and dear friends.

As the meeting drew to a close, the marshal spoke again, his calm voice carrying a hint of expectation that was not entirely undisguised:

"Gwen, would you be willing to take a sinecure in the Xianzhou Alliance? You can participate in politics and integrate yourself, or you can retire without any restrictions."

Gwen smiled slightly, met the gazes of the generals, and readily agreed.

But just before the meeting finally ended, Gwen still made that request, the one for which the answer already existed, and whose answer itself was no longer important—

"Would the Marshal please show himself?"

"...certainly."

Seemingly not expecting Gwen to make such a request at the end, the Marshal remained silent for a moment before softly agreeing.

With just one glance, Gwen knew the answer—

Indeed, he has the bearing of an old friend, but seems to be even more impressive.

Seeing that Gwen, Marshal Hua didn't ask any more questions and ended the meeting.

Fei Xiao, on the other hand, strode over to Gwen and unceremoniously put his arm around Gwen's shoulder.

"What, it seems you know the Marshal?"

"It was just that I noticed the marshal's appearance happened to resemble an old friend from my hometown."

Gwen smiled, making no attempt to hide it—

"However, upon closer inspection, there are many differences."

"In the storytelling of Xianzhou, there has never been a shortage of such stories since ancient times. Two people who are clearly unrelated are surprisingly similar in appearance, background and experience. They may join hands to help each other or they may just meet by chance."

Huai Yan stroked his beard and chuckled as he recounted something that the younger generation, such as Jing Yuan and Fei Xiao, were unaware of.

"As far as I know, this is not something that storytelling created alone, but rather it is a real story."

"Two different worlds with similar people and events... is this really true?"

Fei Xiao raised an eyebrow in surprise.

She had only heard about it and hadn't verified it.

They're either on a campaign or on their way to one every day, so this kind of talk is just something to listen to casually.

"I did hear about this from an old friend. She was very excited when she talked about it, and she didn't want to stop even when she was drunk."

Jing Yuan smiled and replied, but the look of reminiscence in his golden eyes inevitably carried a hint of nostalgia...

"Now that the alliance has approved it, let's get started as soon as possible."

Huai Yan also knew a great deal about what happened back then, and before Jing Yuan could grieve for too long, he suddenly said—

"But before we begin, I would like to introduce you to a talented person, Jing Yuan, who may be an old acquaintance of yours."

"Oh?

But have the Alliance's people sent to deal with the Luofu Alchemy Commission arrived?

Upon hearing this, Jing Yuan smiled nonchalantly, seemingly unconcerned about the possibility of having his power divided.

"Exactly."

Huai Yan nodded with a smile.

Soon, Yanqing led Yunli, whose hands and feet were covered in crimson Ling Sha and whose lotus Yunli were completely naked, to the group.

However, judging from Yanqing's expression, Gwen realized that the child seemed to be in a bad mood, probably because he had been teased by the two of them.

However, although her expression was not very peaceful, Yanqing remained meticulous in her work and did not bring her emotions into her work.

Looking at the famous dishes of the Xianzhou beside her... cough, Yunli didn't show any smugness. In fact, when Gwen's gaze swept over her, Yunli, barefoot, subconsciously stood at attention, making her appear even taller.

Even though some time has passed, the sword energy that swept through when Gwen sparred with Fei Xiao is still deeply imprinted in the girl's heart.

Gwen was slightly puzzled. Why was this Yunli so obedient? She stood at attention as soon as they met.

But it's not a big deal; I can just ask about it when I have another chance.

"This humble woman Ling Sha. I greet the three generals and this gentleman..."

At this moment, Ling Sha no longer looked as tired as before. Her small face under her bangs was full of smiles, but when it was Gwen's turn, she couldn't help but hesitate a bit.

"Just call me by my name, Miss Ling Sha."

Gwen laughed.

"Yes, Gwen."

Upon hearing this, Ling Sha's brows immediately relaxed, and she smiled warmly.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the group completed the handover procedures, and Ling Sha, the Cauldron Master of the Luofu Alchemy Commission, officially took office.

However, upon assuming Cauldron Master, Ling Sha's task was not to reform and innovate, or to thoroughly investigate the deeply entrenched remnants of the Demon King's Secret Transmission faction within the Alchemy Commission. Instead, he cooperated with Gwen in conducting a series of experiments—

"The relationships within the Luofu Alchemy Commission are already quite complex. It's hard to know who can be trusted and who needs to be replaced. Everything rests on your shoulders."

Jing Yuan looked at Ling Sha and sighed with a leader-like air.

"Since it is for the official business of Luofu, Ling Sha naturally has no choice but to take on the responsibility."

Ling Sha ate the cake with a seemingly smiling face, but her words concealed a sharp edge. Huai Yan, who was standing to the side, glanced at Jing Yuan and smiled without saying a word.

"So, what's the first thing we need to do?"

Fei Xiao also noticed, but since it was a matter concerning Luofu, it was inconvenient for him to interfere, so he simply broke the slightly strange atmosphere.

"First step...

Naturally, I wanted to see what the Alchemy Commission of Luofu looked like.

Ling Sha chuckled softly, not looking at Jing Yuan, but she heard Jing Yuan smile helplessly.

"Then it seems I'll have to act as Miss Ling Sha's blade today, sweeping away the filth of the Alchemy Commission?"

Gwen smiled, seemingly oblivious to the hidden meaning in Ling Sha's words, and said with a smile.

"Oh...

With your help, sir, I believe we can surely turn the tide again.

Ling Sha covered her mouth and smiled, her eyes full of bright joy...

"As for Fei Xiao, I'm afraid you can't go with us, since you're too conspicuous."

Gwen shrugged at Flying Sky.

"Then you guys go ahead. I'll also go and meet Yaoqing and the people who came. My schedule has changed, and I need to adjust my plans as well."

Fei Xiao nodded, showing no disappointment.

According to her original plan, she would be going to war soon after returning.

Now that Yue Kuang has hope of being cured, Fei Xiao is no longer in such a hurry.

It's very open now; only Jing Yuan and Huai Yan remain here.