Chapter 134

When they came to their senses, it was already around 11 a. m. The two left the Shence Mansion and headed to the designated location. During this time, Jing Yuan did not order the Vanguard to act as a guard team, nor did he deploy too many troops near the port of Starcruiser Sea Hub. The welcoming ceremony was not deliberately exaggerated, as if it were just an ordinary diplomatic event.

"Speaking of which, Jing Yuan, do you know anything about that general who visited Luofu?"

"I've heard it's Seer Strategist from the Xianzhou 'Jade Palace,' or perhaps General of Dust and Darkness from 'Xuling,' but whoever it is, they must be extremely difficult to deal with."

While on the road, Bai Jun and Jing Yuan chatted as they walked, discussing which general would be visiting. However, the first one that could be ruled out was General Feixiao from "Yaoqing," leaving only the generals from other flagships.

We arrived at the port of Starcruiser Sea Hub at approximately 11:52.

The enormous Starskiff ferry platform appears to have been carved from a single, enormous block of moonstone, with the truss framework of the structure seamlessly embedded in the harbor—like metal veins naturally growing from the mineral's texture.

As a special platform for welcoming VIPs, stepping into the Starskiff Crossing is as cool as immersing oneself in a pool of water, where the light is filtered and flows into a comfortable honey color.

"Oh dear, I just remembered something. Qing Yan, don't move around here. I'll be right back!"

Jing Yuan had just stepped onto the platform, found an excuse and left Bai Jun's side like the wind. "Huh? That general is about to visit. Jing Yuan, where are you going?" While Bai Jun was confused, he happened to catch a familiar figure in the corner.

"Huh? A-Bai, you actually came too! Hehe, you've really grown into a responsible man. I thought you definitely wouldn't dare to come, and I was just planning to bring him to your house tonight to surprise you."

Miss Lingsha, the current head of the Alchemy Commission Cauldron Master, appeared on the Starskiff Chariot Crossing Platform for some unknown reason. Upon seeing Bai Jun, she first covered her mouth in surprise, then approached him with a gentle smile, poking Bai Jun with her slender fingers. She was both gratified and moved by his reaction.

"Him? Senior sister, you mean... him!?"

A heavy silence descended upon Bai Jun. It took him a while to recover from Lingsha's words, and he immediately felt a chill.

"Yes, A-Bai, you'd better watch out for your surroundings. This isn't a private place. If you dare to call Elder General Huai Yan 'old man' again, he might give you a hard time. Don't come crying to me then... Ah! Look, look! A-Bai, Elder General Huai Yan is here--"

Lingsha poked Bai Jun 'Bai Jun cheeks, chuckling as she explained, seemingly quite pleased with the feel of his face. She continued to playfully poke his cheeks, and upon hearing the Zhuming ship pass through the Astral Gate with a tremendous roar, Lingsha excitedly shook Bai Jun's arm.

I was outsmarted by that Jing Yuan!!!

The moment those words flashed through Bai Jun's mind, he instantly understood everything. Jing Yuan's strange smile, his suggestive words, the facts he deliberately concealed, and his immediate escape from the scene upon arrival—a vast amount of Remembrance and information up to this point flashed through his mind at lightning speed.

It's too late to settle scores with that guy now, because that elderly yet energetic figure has already stepped out of the open hatch.

"The scenery of Luofu remains unchanged, but you have changed quite a bit. It's been a long time since I've seen you, Bai Jun. I thought you wouldn't dare to come see me."

He was an ordinary, elderly craftsman, his face reddened by the furnace fire and furrowed by the wind and sand, like an abandoned military drum, rough but still resilient. He was still wearing that old, clean white robe, stroking his pale beard, and looking at Bai Jun with a gratified gaze.

"It has indeed been a long time, old man. I'm so happy to see you're in good health."

Unable to escape reality, and besides, Bai Jun didn't actually have any intention of escaping. At first, he was just angry that Jing Yuan had kept this from him. But after getting over his initial panic, all that remained in Bai Jun Huai Yan, who was like family, was nostalgic and guilty.

"Yes, I'm very happy to see you safe and sound, but... remember to call me Master! You disrespectful brat, I thought you would have changed a bit after all these years, but I didn't expect you to still have the same bad habits!"

As Huai Yan gazed at Bai Jun's face, a kind smile spread across his face, as if he were seeing a child he hadn't seen for many years. He walked towards Bai Jun step by step. Just when he thought a long-awaited reunion between master and disciple was about to take place, Huai Yan's kind face changed expression, and with years of pent-up resentment, he kicked Bai Jun hard in the buttocks.

Just like countless times before, he kicked Bai Jun, sending him flying two meters away.

"Are you trying to kick me to death with that kind of force!?"

Feeling a sense of familiar force, Bai Jun got up from the ground and complained loudly. Although he looked miserable, Bai Jun knew that Huai Yan hadn't used much force at all. In the past, when he was studying in Zhuming, Huai Yan would kick him a few times from time to time, and... he really deserved to take those few kicks.

Before Bai Jun could even dust himself off and stand up, he saw Huai Yan stride over. Bai Jun was going to kick him again, so he closed his eyes and prepared to let the old man vent his anger. However, there was no pain as he had imagined. Instead, Huai Yan hugged Bai Jun tightly.

"It's so wonderful to see you again in my lifetime... you brat."

"Don't say such things. With your health, you could easily live for hundreds more years. Besides, no matter what, I would never be so heartless, Grandpa... no, Master, I'm sorry, I was too willful before."

Bai Jun didn't feel shy or struggle, nor did he joke around anymore. He silently felt the old man's shoulders trembling and gently patted his back. Perhaps it was just Bai Jun's imagination, like fallen leaves in the autumn wind. Time had left its mark on Huai Yan's body, and without realizing it, his body seemed to have become much more hunched over.

"A-Bai, you've really grown up..."

Lingsha was standing nearby, witnessed the touching reunion of the master and disciple. She was so moved that she shed tears. She wiped her tears with her handkerchief and felt genuinely gratified for the two of them.

Huai Yan removed his hand from Bai Jun's hair, seemingly unable to swallow his pride and wanting to leave as if nothing had happened. He stroked his pale beard and awkwardly changed the subject, saying, "Ahem... Where's that kid Jing Yuan?"

"Here! Here! Elder Yan, I'm here!"

Hearing Huai Yan's call, Jing Yuan, who had been hiding somewhere, suddenly popped his head out and waved in response with a smile.

Sitting on the floor in a daze, Bai Jun subconsciously touched the floor beside him, wanting to pick up his coat, but found the floor nearby empty. Just as he was wondering where his clothes had gone...

Bare, fair feet stepped on the ground, their smooth, alluring feet, like ice cream, slowly walked to Bai Jun.

"Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river, Bai Jun, do you still remember the promise we made back then? Are you ready now?"

Ignoring Bai Jun's gaze, Yunli crossed her arms and proudly raised her fair chin.

She casually draped Bai Jun's coat over her back, letting her shoulder-length black hair fall loosely over it. The oversized coat didn't fit her figure at all; it looked like a nightgown three or four sizes too big on her, completely covering her thigh-length dress, which almost reached her knees, almost completely enveloping the girl's petite body.

However, she ignored him, flashing a sweet, cat-like smile, awaiting Bai Jun's reaction.

Whose child is this?

"Hey! What's with that expression? And didn't you just call me a kid? Clearly, in terms of seniority within the 'Flame Wheel Eight Leaves,' you're below me. You should be calling me Senior Sister! Why are you calling Sister Lingsha, who has no master-disciple relationship with you, Senior Sister, so disrespectful to me, your proper Senior Sister?!"

Bai Jun clicked his tongue in displeasure and turned to question Huai Yan, who was talking to Jing Yuan in the distance. Yunli, on the other hand, looked like a cat with its fur standing on end. She puffed out her red cheeks and jumped onto Bai Jun in a huff, grabbing his arm and biting him in a fit of rage.

Chapter 167 When we met again, he was already a husband.

"Elder Yan, it's been so many years! You must be tired from your journey."

"Oh, it's no trouble at all. It's kind of you to take the time to greet me. Besides, there are no outsiders here, Jing Yuan, you don't need to be so polite with this old man."

Ignoring the commotion, the two generals made room for each other and chose a quiet place to talk. These two outdated old men were no longer keeping up with the latest trends, so they left their complicated emotional entanglements and dramatic conflicts to the young people to resolve themselves.

"Elder Yan is absolutely right. Then I will speak frankly. Elder Yan, what are your instructions for coming here today, Marshal?"

Contrary to his usual lazy demeanor, Jing Yuan stood before Huai Yan, who was stroking his pale beard, like a child who had done something wrong. However, Huai Yan seemed to have no intention of questioning him. He removed his old, withered, and calloused hands from his beard, put his hands behind his back, and calmly looked up, saying:

"Jing Yuan, you're overthinking it. As I've said before, besides seeing my rebellious child, I have no intention of interfering in Luofu's situation. The Marshal's order isn't a trial; it's merely allowing me to offer my perspective. Even setting aside those factors, I simply want to have a good talk with you and clarify some facts."

"So, what does Elder Yan want to talk about?"

"Before that, Jing Yuan, do you still remember what I told you back then?"

Faced with Huai Yan's calm question, Jing Yuan shifted his gaze back to the boundless Starskiff Haven directly in front of him, his long, light silver hair that covered his left eye swaying gently with his movements.

--The battlefield for the Reignbow-General is not limited to the Xianzhou.

Huai Yan gave Jing Yuan this advice when he first became a general.

Huai Yan saw Jing Yuan hesitate, as if considering his answer, he immediately understood his situation, and a faint smile appeared on his aged face.

"It seems you still remember it very clearly, so I'll be frank. There are some parasites within the Xianzhou who question your loyalty and speculate that you are muddle-headed and incompetent. They rejoice in General of Divine Strategy's miscalculation because it's their nature; they have no achievements of their own and only crave to witness the failures of others as sustenance for their survival."

"..."

"I've seen these things all before, and I have no intention of questioning your loyalty and beliefs, Jing Yuan. However, out of concern for my colleagues and the future of the Xianzhou, I'm curious: after you, who in Luofu can shoulder the responsibility?"

"Regarding this matter, I actually have something I'd like to explain to Elder Yan— "

Jing Yuan silently shifted his gaze from Starskiff Haven to the sky, looking at the majestic divine figure that replaced the sky. Then, he turned his gaze to Bai Jun not far away.

"Gentlemen, please don't stand here any longer. This is not the right place to discuss this. Let's talk it over back at the Shence Mansion."

"Grandpa! Bai Jun is bullying me again!"

As Bai Jun walked down from the ferry platform towards them, a struggling black-haired girl was tucked under his arm. The young man had several small teeth marks and cat-like scratches on his face, and he said expressionlessly, "I can't stand it. I really don't understand why you brought this biting cat to Luofu, old man?"

"W-what? Who are you calling a cat?! She's clearly your senior sister!"

Bound tightly by Bai Jun's arm, Yunli kept shaking her petite body, her fair and slender legs kicking and thrashing about like a dying carp. Apart from giving the fisherman a lively first impression, it seemed to have no effect at all.

"I'm sorry, Elder General Huai Yan, but I really couldn't stop these two..."

Standing next to Bai Jun, Lingsha smiled faintly, like a gentle housewife watching her husband and daughter playfully bickering.

Huai Yan and Jing Yuan, who had stopped talking, exchanged a glance. Their serious expressions faded, replaced by helpless smiles.

"Alright, you brat, stop bullying Yunli. And Yunli, you too, you're so old, yet you still act so recklessly and without any sense of propriety."

"Hey~ Grandpa, you're treating me like a child again! You clearly promised me before that you would treat me like an adult from now on! And today's incident is clearly Bai Jun's fault, who told him to call me a child so disrespectfully!"

Bai Jun loosened his grip, and the already light and agile Yunli teleported to Huai Yan's side like the wind, gently shaking the old man's arm in a coquettish tone.

This tactic had always worked in the past, and it was still effective now. The old man's initial intention to scold her vanished after the adorable and lively girl's Huai Yan. He gently ruffled Yunli's soft black hair and comforted her affectionately:

"In that case, I'll punish Bai Jun by making him your tour guide today, showing you around Luofu and letting you appreciate the scenery and food. How about that?"

"That's great! Grandpa, you have to keep your word!"

Yunli happily hugged Huai Yan's arm, her soft face gently rubbing against his clothes like a kitten. This adorable appearance instantly melted the old man's heart. He raised his head with a kind expression, but his eyes instantly turned ominous and cold as he stared intently at Bai Jun, saying:

"You brat, take your two senior sisters for a stroll around town today. General Jing Yuan and I have some matters to discuss. You should know what I mean, right?"

"Hmph, did you hear that? Bai Jun, you'd better behave and listen to your senior sister today, or else grandpa will teach you a lesson!"

As Huai Yan's voice faded, Yunli arrogantly raised her chin, her mischievous smile seeming to say, "What, you're not convinced?"

Bai Jun's cheeks twitched and spasmed, his vision blurred with anger, but faced with Huai Yan's blatant threat and Lingsha's expectant gaze, Bai Jun ultimately chose to succumb to the tyranny and had no choice but to nod in agreement.

Under Huai Yan's meaningful gaze, Bai Jun clicked his tongue in reluctance and left the ferry platform with Yunli and Lingsha.

Now only Jing Yuan, who had been watching the commotion, and a weary Huai Yan remained. Without anyone else to disturb them, they could continue their previous conversation. Huai Yan gestured for Jing Yuan to finish his sentence, namely, "Regarding this matter, I also have something I'd like to explain to Elder Yan— "

Jing Yuan looked around nervously, as if he had done something wrong. After making sure no one was around, he cautiously asked, "Speaking of which, I didn't expect that Elder Yan, with his current physique, could still bear the pressure of the title 'General.' Are you really alright?"

Huai Yan didn't immediately grasp the sudden shift in Jing Yuan's topic. After a long while, he stroked his beard and replied:

"Uh, I think I understand what you mean. But the titles of General and Hundred Refinements Master are just titles bestowed upon this old man in response to the times. I have already resigned several times, but now the situation has changed and the Marshal has summoned me again, so I have no choice but to take up the post. However, in terms of physical condition, I can probably hold on for another three or four hundred years. Right now, the person who should be more anxious to find a successor is you, Jing Yuan, right?"

Huai Yan thought Jing Yuan was avoiding the topic, but to his surprise, Jing Yuan suddenly revealed a relieved smile, as if his scheme had succeeded, after receiving his answer. He patted his chest.

"That's wonderful! Elder Yan is absolutely right. Since you've been able to hold on for so long, then let's hand over the reins of Luofu to Bai Jun!"

"W-What did you say? No, I see... Jing Yuan, you actually had ulterior motives towards my successor!"

Realizing that the other party was trying to steal his precious treasure and that he had inadvertently fallen into their trap, Huai Yan. He started arguing loudly with Jing Yuan, disregarding his image. This was a rare display of anger from the venerable elder!

The main street of Starcruiser Sea Hub was already packed with a large crowd.

The road was lined with many vendors, presenting a prosperous scene and attracting crowds of people to stop and watch in various places.

The sight of people from all walks of life—including the Xianzhou native, the Foxkin, and the Wisdom- Vidyadhara —in Outworlders attire, regardless of age or gender, mingling together, is both awe-inspiring and spectacular. Different races converge on the streets, creating a bustling and vibrant avenue before your eyes.

Wow, the streets of Luofu are so lively!

"Really? I was quite shocked when I first returned to Luofu. In just a hundred years, the once lifeless Luofu has been transformed into what it is today. General Jing Yuan's governance skills are truly remarkable."

Yunli, who was standing on tiptoe and trying to see, was both excited and happy. Seeing her innocent and cute appearance, Lingsha naturally placed her hand gently on Yunli's head.

Anyone else would probably have been sent flying by Yunli's outstretched arms, but she showed no resistance to Lingsha's touch, even seeming to enjoy it. "Hehe, Sister Lingsha, don't always touch my head, I heard it stunts growth~"

When Yunli was on the Zhuming Xianzhou, she would go to play with Lingsha and Flamecourt Lord whenever she had free time.

When she got tired of playing, she would habitually lie down on Lingsha's lap as a resting pillow. Yunli's most profound impression of her was probably... she smelled so good!

The excitement of the cute girl and the gentle beauty continued to rise naturally. Bai Jun, feeling rather helpless, led the two who kept chatting through the surging crowd, and suddenly stopped in front of a coffee shop built next to the avenue.

It wasn't that Bai Jun had anything to do, but rather that Yunli suddenly tugged at his sleeve.

I want to eat that!

"Qiongshi... bird skewers?"

Noticing the sweet fragrance of Qiongshi Bird Skewer in the air, Bai Jun pointed to the jujubes, which were as clear and translucent as rubies, and asked Yunli, Qiongshi Fruit beautiful eyes seemed to be sparkling. The response he received was an eager nod.

"Where's Senior Sister Lingsha? Shall I buy you one too?"

"Mmm, it tastes so sweet. I've already had enough sugar for today. If I had any more..."

Lingsha shook her head shyly, her answer a polite refusal, but a hint of expectation flickered in her eyes.

Girls will deliberately avoid consuming large amounts of sugar and calories for the sake of their figure and health. Bai Jun was aware of this, so he nodded and said, "It's okay, eating a skewer occasionally won't affect your figure, and you're already pretty enough." Despite Lingsha's objections, he insisted on bringing her a Qiongshi Bird Skewer.

"Ugh, he actually said something like 'And you're already pretty enough,' that idiot A-Bai, when did he become so good at understanding girls..."

Standing on the main road outside the coffee shop, Lingsha, with her hand on her chest, her face slightly flushed, let out a deep breath.

Does Sister Lingsha like Bai Jun?

"Hey, hey, hey? You, you, you, Yunli, what are you saying?!"

Normally reliable and composed, she only becomes flustered when faced with Bai Jun's questions.

Sure enough, Sister Lingsha also likes Bai Jun very much.

Watching Ling Sha's face change color rapidly, sometimes bright red and sometimes pale Lingsha, almost as vibrant as a roadside stove, Yunli blinked her clear eyes happily. Embracing this joyful and reassuring feeling, she truthfully confessed her feelings:

"It's alright. There are many people in the 'Flame Wheel Eight Leaves' who like Bai Jun. We're all pretty open about things, so Sister Lingsha doesn't need to hide anything."

Just as Lingsha was trying to clear her still chaotic mind, thinking, "I never thought that even Yunli, whom I regarded as my younger sister, would have romantic feelings for Bai Jun," Yunli suddenly stood on tiptoe and stood facing her again.

"Speaking of which, I didn't expect Sister Lingsha to also like Bai Jun... It seems we'll be rivals from now on."