Chapter 361
After saying this, he stopped worrying about the coffin behind the other person and turned around to study the Mara-struck that were sealed by the Power of Light.
Compared to the forces of reproductive destiny that they had already come into contact with, this unknown force from abundance was clearly more attractive.
The Mara-struck, which seems to be a side effect of the blessing of longevity, is actually more like a "curse" caused by some kind of limit of the Immortal Ship people themselves, which makes Ai Yue very curious.
But at that moment, he suddenly raised his head and looked in a certain direction in the distance.
From that place, a powerful energy reaction arose, one that drew attention.
"No way, they've started fighting so quickly?"
Chapter Forty-Three: Preparing to Take Action
In fact, not only Ai Yue, but even Tingyun, who started the dispute, did not expect the battle to come so suddenly.
At the beginning, Tingyun didn't show much emotion. Although she was indeed a little nervous and afraid of being seen through, she was still able to rationally realize what she should do and try her best not to attract the attention of the fake Tingyun.
At this time, everything was going very smoothly. Although Tingyun noticed the group of people on the Stellar Train that appeared at the Divination Department, she did not linger on them because the cause and effect were very reasonable. She just exchanged a few pleasantries and left.
But later, watching the fake Tingyun use her appearance and memories to chat and laugh with everyone from the Divination Department, watching her affectionately flirt with Yukong, and the previously indifferent Siduo responding with a doting smile, Tingyun felt something in her mind gradually cracking.
Ah, so that should be "reason"?
However, this is not incomprehensible. After all, it would be difficult for anyone to remain calm if they saw someone impersonating them to enjoy their former life and even using people they used to know to carry out nefarious schemes.
Tingyun's reaction was naturally noticed by others.
In fact, Dan Heng had already realized what might happen when the fake Tingyun entered the Divination Department. So, while everyone's attention was drawn to the fake Tingyun, he tugged at March 7th and Xing's sleeves and conveyed his concerns in a way that only the nameless guest would know.
Subsequent events confirmed his fears. When Tingyun focused most of her attention on the fake Tingyun, Jing Yuan, standing opposite them, immediately noticed something was amiss. "Miss Himeko, you seem quite interested in Miss Tingyun. Have you two had some kind of interaction?"
"Ah, no, it's just that Miss Tingyun looks somewhat familiar." Tingyun suddenly realized what was happening and casually replied, "Perhaps I have indeed seen her somewhere before."
We can't delay any longer.
As the person most familiar with Jing Yuan in the room, Dan Heng knew from the smile that the other party revealed with narrowed eyes that he had already been added to Jing Yuan's list of suspects.
If we cannot prove the existence of the fake Tingyun at this point, it will take several times longer to find a way to explain it clearly, and by then, it will give the fake Tingyun an opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
Therefore, he made the quickest and most impulsive judgment.
"Miss Pardofelis, thank you for your help!"
As they were talking, Dan Heng suddenly shouted, attracting everyone's attention. He summoned his spear Strike Cloud, and hurled it at the fake Tingyun without hesitation.
However, such an offensive was clearly incapable of harming a disguised Great Extinguisher, and she didn't even need to lift a finger, since she had a Divination Department Commander who completely trusted her by her side.
As a aviator who had survived the battle against the bountiful people, Yukong was quite skilled. Although she was shocked that the guest from the Stellar Train had suddenly attacked Tingyun, her body reacted instinctively, wielding her sword to deflect the spear.
It was in that instant that she recognized the weapon.
The spear "Strike Cloud"—isn't that the sinner's weapon?!
But he had already been expelled from the Luofu Xianzhou, so why would he be here at this time...?
Two different kinds of confusion intertwined, leaving Yukong's mind momentarily blank. It was precisely because of this momentary lapse in attention that she failed to notice the attacks that followed.
With Dan Heng's throw as a signal, the nameless guests sprang into action. March 7th unleashed a barrage of arrows in unison, hindering the others' movements, partly to prevent them from providing support and partly to avoid them getting caught in the crossfire later. Hoshi also joined the fray, wielding his baseball bat and drawing everyone's attention from the front.
Meanwhile, Pardofelis, the strongest among the nameless guests, took advantage of this opening to launch a sneak attack on the fake Tingyun.
When a weak scream rang out behind her, Yukong finally woke up with a start. Her eyes widened in horror as she looked behind her, only to be met with an unbelievable sight.
The little cat-eared girl in the Stellar Train exuded a terrifying aura. The curved dagger in her hand pierced Tingyun's chest from behind, but did not draw a single drop of blood.
Instead, the faint light emanating from the weapon blurred the figure of the fake Tingyun, and countless dense golden-blue lights burst forth from her body, eventually transforming into a strange flame that separated from her body.
At the same time, a terrifying power no weaker than Pardofelis, and even stronger than her, erupted from the flame, instantly blasting everyone present away. Even those Yukong were unable to resist this power and fell to the ground in a sorry state.
She stared in disbelief at the golden-blue flame that soared into the sky.
Even though Yukong knew nothing about this situation, she could clearly realize that this was not the situation a fox-person should be in when they suffered a fatal injury. Moreover, as a seasoned captain of the Divination Department, she recognized at a glance that this was a scene that would only occur when an energy life form called "Solaris" was exposed!
Is Tingyun actually Solaris in disguise? Then where is the real Tingyun? And how did the Stellar Train find out about this?
Having just recovered from the bewilderment of the sudden attack by the Stellar Train, Yukong was once again stunned into a blank mind by this unbelievable reality.
But clearly, the shock that reality has brought her is not yet over.
Just as the golden-blue Solaris was trying to escape, four white beams of light flew in from not far away and hit it directly.
Although the Solaris reacted in time and used a layer of energy protection to block part of the attack, this strange power seemed to have strong penetrating power. Even through the Solaris's energy protection, it still made the Solaris's main body sway and look like it was about to go out.
"Damn it!"
A cry of resentment and pain rang out from within the Solaris, but the force of this attack also accelerated his escape from the Divination Department.
Yukong stared blankly in the direction the beam of light came from, only to find a familiar figure standing among the nameless guests.
Although the magnificent robes made him difficult to recognize at first glance, Yu Yukong immediately recognized the familiar face.
Why would Tingyun appear among Tingyun nameless guests?
"Miss Pardofelis, please follow it to prevent it from causing chaos!" Just as the Divination Department was thrown into disarray by this sudden turn of events, Dan Heng still clearly realized something. "And while you're at it, track the direction it fled in!"
"What about you guys?" Pardofelis had wanted to chase after them, but then she realized something and paused. "They won't do anything to you..."
"Don't worry, we'll be fine here," Dan Heng replied decisively. "The matter of Solaris is the most important!"
Pardofelis hesitated for a moment, but ultimately disappeared into the room.
Meanwhile, Jing Yuan, who was only a virtual projection and therefore unable to do anything, witnessed the entire process. After it was all over, he sighed, "It seems just as I thought, this matter was indeed not as simple as it seemed."
As he spoke, he turned his gaze to the boy whose straw hat had fallen off due to his involvement in the battle. "Aren't you right, Dan Feng?"
"I am not Dan Feng." Dan Heng responded to Jing Yuan with a nostalgic yet unfamiliar gaze, and said firmly, "I am Dan Heng."
"Regardless of the circumstances, you have already violated the judgment made against you by the Luofu Xianzhou." Jing Yuan paused for a moment, then his tone became serious. "Yukong, bring them to the Divinity Manor to see me. Also, keep what happened today a secret for now."
"I... I understand." Despite the chaos and confusion, Yukong retained her basic rationality. As the helmsman, she quickly returned to work mode, but couldn't help glancing at Tingyun, who had become somewhat different. "Pass on my order: the Divination Department is temporarily placed under martial law. No one is allowed to leave the premises or use the Jade Sign!"
"What do we do now?" Watching Jing Yuan's virtual projection disappear before his eyes, March 7th couldn't help but feel a little guilty. "Are we going to go to jail?"
Looking at the lingering frost covering the Divination Department premises and the strange glances cast at him by the Divination Department's employees, March 7th felt uneasy.
"Don't worry, Jing... General of the Divine Might isn't the kind of person who can't distinguish right from wrong. At most, only I will be thrown into prison." Dan Heng slightly curled the corners of his mouth, seemingly trying to lighten the atmosphere with a joke. "Miss Tingyun, are you alright?"
"I'm sorry to have put you all in such a difficult position again." Tingyun clearly realized that the whole incident was caused by her overly obvious reaction, and couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed. "It seems that I still need to work on my temper."
"It doesn't matter," Xing, the most relaxed person present, patted Tingyun on the shoulder and gave her a thumbs up. "Look on the bright side, this way we can skip a lot of tedious plot points!"
"Sometimes I really envy her carefree attitude," March 7th couldn't help but complain. "I wish I could be this happy all the time."
"Huh, really?" Xing looked at her with feigned surprise. "But I learned all of this for you!"
"You're asking for it!"
Amid the gray-haired girl's banter, the nameless guests gradually calmed down. Meanwhile, having finished her business, Yukong finally returned to the nameless guests, her gaze fixed on the fox-woman girl before her, as if trying to discern her authenticity.
It's not surprising that she had this thought, after all, she had just been chatting happily with a fake Tingyun who was completely flawless.
Seeing Yukong's reaction, Xing couldn't help but say, "Stop staring, it's true."
"I'm sorry, I'm just... still a little hesitant to believe it." Startled by these words, Yukong came to his senses, sighed softly, and couldn't help but take a step towards Tingyun. "You're really Tingyun? But what... exactly happened?"
"Time is of the essence, let's get to the point first," Dan Heng said, putting his pockets back on. "We can explain the whole story after we meet the general in person, what do you think?"
"That makes sense." Yukong understood. He could explain it to her here, but he would have to explain it to Jing Yuan again when they arrived at the Divinity Manor. So he suppressed his curiosity and said, "Come with me. To avoid attracting attention, we need to go through the back door."
Whether it was Jing Yuan's prior arrangement or Yukong consideration, in any case, when the group left the Divination Department, the outside had already been cleared by the Cloud Cavalry to create a quiet and empty road. Following Yukong's guidance, the group continued forward without seeing a single stranger.
Throughout the journey, Yukong frequently looked back, his gaze lingering on Tingyun for a long time, but he never said anything. However, from her expression, it was clear that the astute captain had probably realized something.
When they arrived at the Divinity Manor, it had already been arranged by Jing Yuan. Apart from a few close guards and staff, there was only a sword-wielding boy with a flaxen ponytail following behind him.
"General, the person has been delivered."
Yukong spoke first, wisely avoiding using unpleasant words like "escort".
"Thank you for your hard work, Yukong Commander." Jing Yuan looked up from the pile of files on the table, nodded to her, and then looked at the people on the Stellar Train. "Everyone, this is truly our first meeting. Time is short, so I'll skip the formalities—I hope you can tell me everything that happened at the Divination Department."
The nameless guests had come to resolve the crisis of the Luofu Xianzhou, so they naturally had no reason to refuse such a request. However, they hesitated for a moment about who should explain the situation.
"Let me speak first. After all, as someone directly involved, I'm the most suitable person to share my experience." Finally, Tingyun stepped forward and began to recount her story to everyone, "This matter begins with an accident not long ago..."
Even among the clever and eloquent fox people, Tingyun was the most articulate. In her description, she clearly explained everything that had happened in the past few days in just a few words. Moreover, because she had informed Dan Heng and the others in advance, she did not hide anything about the Stellaron Hunters.
"You have amnesia?" Yukong had been wanting to say something since Tingyun began describing him, but finally spoke at the very end, "So that means you don't remember me?"
Although Yukong had already guessed what was going on from Tingyun's calm gaze, she still couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion when she heard Tingyun say the result himself.
"I'm sorry, Yukong Kong, it is indeed true." Faced with Yukong's excited expression, Tingyun was also not feeling well. She knew that the person in front of her should be the closest person in her life, but now she couldn't find a ripple in her heart. "However, one must always look forward. I am already very fortunate to have survived."
"Miss Tingyun's experience is indeed regrettable, but right now we probably need to focus our attention on more important matters," Jing Yuan interjected at the opportune moment, bringing the topic back on track. "Excuse my frankness, but in Miss Tingyun's account, it seems that Mr. Ai Yue occupies a significant portion of the story?"
"I wonder where this gentleman is right now?"
Chapter Forty-Four: Okay, I'll do it.
Jing Yuan truly lived up to his reputation as a resourceful and General of the Divine Might; he grasped the most crucial figure based on only a few words from Tingyun.
Of course, this is also thanks to his keen observation. Whenever Tingyun mentions this name, he can see deep trust and reassurance on the faces of the others. This is enough to show that the other party is definitely a pillar of the Stellar Train.
Even the cat-woman girl whose strength was unfathomable before seemed to be his junior. In addition, Tingyun said that her "resurrection" was inseparable from Ai Yue's help. Based on all this information, Jing Yuan became very interested in this person.
Of all the news Tingyun brought, the most explosive should have been about the Great Extinguisher, whose details were unknown. However, the surprise Ai Yue brought to Jing Yuan made him somewhat forget about this enemy who could potentially cause a huge disaster.
"Why does it feel like General Jing Yuan's focus is a bit strange?" March 7th had obviously noticed this as well, and couldn't help but complain to Xing with a subtle expression, "Shouldn't the focus at this time be on that Great Extinguisher?"
"What Miss March said makes sense, but things have come to this point, and there's no point in worrying about the Great Extinguisher." Jing Yuan's senses were incredibly sharp; what March 7th thought was a private conversation was no secret from him at all. He couldn't help but laugh and say, "Rather than wasting my emotions on an enemy whose identity has already been confirmed, I would rather learn about potential allies."
Jing Yuan witnessed the entire incident at the Divination Department and was aware that the most powerful cat-woman among the nameless guests was currently tracking Solaris. Since she possessed the ability to tear apart the disguise of the Great Extinguisher with a single blow, she was undoubtedly no ordinary person. Moreover, Solaris did not have strong direct combat abilities, so there was no need to worry about her in the short term.
"Mr. Ai Yue is also in Luofu now, but he said he has something he's interested in, so he's not traveling with us." Tingyun hesitated for a moment, but finally told the truth, "However, if we encounter an emergency, we can get his help by calling his name."
"That's really..." Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. "In that case, we can change the subject—how much do you know about that Great Extinguisher is so similar to Sui Solaris?"
As Seven Generals of the Emperor's Bow, who had seen much, Jing Yuan naturally understood what Ai Yue's ability meant. In addition, since the location of the other party could not be determined at present, there was no need to continue discussing Ai Yue's matter.
But this makes Mr. Ai Yue's intentions quite intriguing. Does his appearance only when the Nameless Guest and his companions are in danger mean that he wants them to deal with the most troublesome matter Great Extinguisher?
After all, apart from the Great Extinguisher, Jing Yuan couldn't think of anything else on the Luofu Xianzhou that could put these people in danger.
"Currently, all we know is that this Great Extinguisher is obsessed with spiritual destruction, and the annihilation of hundreds of civilizations in the galaxy is suspected to be related to her," Dan Heng said. "Aside from that, there is very little other information, and we are not yet certain what her purpose is in coming to the Immortal Ship."
"If the goal was simply to dismantle the Luofu Xianzhou on a spiritual level, then she can be considered relatively well-behaved now. I retrieved the activity records of that fake Tingyun during this period, and there was nothing noteworthy in them." Jing Yuan also disclosed the information about the Luofu side. "However, judging from the movements of the Medicine Master's Legacy Teachings, we cannot rule out the possibility that they have joined forces."
"The Medicine Master's Legacy... is that the organization that worships the Star God of Abundance?" March 7th subconsciously looked at Dan Heng. "Speaking of which, back in the Star-chasing Sea, we encountered a monster called the Mara-struck..."
"The Mara-struck isn't a monster, it's a kind of... well, that understanding isn't wrong either." Jing Yuan paused for a moment, then gave a wry smile. "In short, these Mara-struck are related to the Medicine Master's Legacy. Now that the Great Extinguisher has suddenly encountered a change, we don't know what their next move will be."
"The Great Extinguisher may not yet know that her true identity has been exposed. Perhaps she will choose to continue to lie low and wait for the right opportunity to strike?" Yukong analyzed from the side. "Of course, we can't rule out the possibility that she will resort to desperate measures and release her planned conspiracy ahead of time."
"If we're going to assume the worst, we should naturally prepare for the worst. The former possibility isn't out of the question, but with that cat-woman girl tracking him, it'll be difficult for the Great Extinguisher to find another opportunity to lie low," Jing Yuan smiled slightly and made his judgment. "Judging by the time, you should have received a reply by now."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xing's phone rang. After the girl answered, a lively voice came from the other end. "Hello? A Xing, and Sanyue and Xiaobailong, that flame escaped from a place full of furnaces! There are a lot of guys with branches blocking my way here, and I lost them. Come help!"
"A place full of furnaces, that must be the Alchemy Commission," the phone call wasn't kept secret from everyone, so everyone could hear it. Yukong was the first to react, but he frowned, "But what Great Extinguisher Alchemy Commission?"
If an ordinary life form were injured, it would indeed need medicine or similar treatments. However, Solaris is essentially an energy life form, and the pills from the Alchemy Commission are ineffective against it. If it needs enough energy to replenish its losses, there's no need to travel such a long distance to absorb the Alchemy Commission's furnace fire, is there?
Unless the Great Extinguisher had ulterior motives.
"There are two possibilities. One is that her helper is there, just like what happened to that cat-woman girl. The Great Extinguisher used his Mara-struck to get rid of her pursuit," Jing Yuan pondered for a moment, then said. "The other possibility is that she was just passing through here."
"You mean, she has another destination?" Yukong was stunned for a moment, then his expression changed drastically. "Damn it, the Scale-Abyss Realm!"
Jing Yuan didn't speak, but his expression also turned gloomy.
"Dan Heng, what kind of place is that Scale-Abyss Realm?" Seeing the atmosphere become tense, March 7th couldn't help but look at the only person on their side who knew anything about the Luofu Xianzhou. "Why do the General and the Captain both look like they're facing a great calamity?"
"Because that is indeed the case." Dan Heng searched through the remaining memories in his mind and then explained, "Scale-Abyss Realm is the grotto-heaven where the Dragon-Scythe Clan of Luofu Xianzhou lives. At the same time, it is also a seal."
"What it seals is the divine relic left behind by the Star God of Abundance on the Luofu Xianzhou —the mysterious root of the Jianmu tree."
"Oh..." March 7th and Xing exchanged a glance, pretending to ponder, then shook their heads. "I didn't understand."
"Simply put, there is a wondrous artifact there containing abundant power of destiny. If the Great Extinguisher were to obtain this power, the consequences would be unimaginable." Jing Yuan sighed. "Moreover, in that case, the location of the star core has probably already been found."
"The Jianmu tree has withered, leaving only its coiled mystical roots. Even if the seal is broken, it will be difficult to obtain the power of a rich destiny," Yukong added, his expression growing increasingly grim. "But if a star core were to provide nourishment for the mystical roots, the Jianmu tree could recover its vitality at the fastest speed."
"But how did they manage to put that thing in there?" March 7th was dumbfounded. "Such a dangerous thing shouldn't be under heavy guard with layers upon layers of security."
"Yes, that's how it is theoretically." Jing Yuan glanced at Dan Heng and said meaningfully, "So this matter is probably more complicated than we thought."
After saying this, he paused for a moment, then continued, "However, there is no time to continue this discussion now. We must act immediately. Everyone on the Stellar Train, if possible, I hope you can lend a helping hand to the Luofu Xianzhou. The Xianzhou Alliance will surely repay this kindness!"
"What else is there to say?" The nameless guests, who were already prepared to face the Great Extinguisher head-on, exchanged glances, then Xing readily waved his hand, "Lead the way!"