How come I'm the one being conquered?

ps: After careful consideration, the plan to go on sale this week has been postponed to next Friday, meaning I will be adding 30,000 free words.

What's more, thanks to all of you, I'm already a chapter and a half behind. After thinking it over, I've decided to update normally while saving drafts, and then repay all the overdue chapters in one go when the sale starts, along with 20 bonus chapters!

Lastly, thank you to all the family members who voted for monthly tickets and gave gifts of knife pieces~

Chapter 26: Dragon-Tiger Battle, Fox's Sorrow (5k)

The plaza in front of the headquarters of the Tianbo Division on the Luofu, the Starcruiser Sea Hub, is just a few steps further than the Sichen Palace.

As the saying goes, the earth carries all things like a chariot, which complements the Tianbo Division managing the starcruisers in front of the palace. Swaying fox tails were busy under the sunlight.

The pilots and navigators of the Tianbo Division were busy in front of the majestic palace with eaves like prows. Most of them were holding thick stacks of documents, rushing back and forth between the Sichen Palace and the Kunyu Platform, covered in dust. From time to time, they would shake off the mineral dust from their fox ears and tails, anxiously shouting:

"Cough, cough, have the Sky-Jade Ore on that side been counted? Remember, not a single gram can be short, all of it must be transported to the starcruiser dock!"

"No mistake! But after it's transported to the starcruiser dock, do we hand it directly over to the company dogs? Honestly, I really want to punch that bastard named Scott in the face."

"You don't need to worry about it. Miss Tingyun will be coordinating with the company people then."

After giving the instructions, the pilot in charge of the count waved towards the plaza on the steps at the street corner. Seeing Tingyun on the plaza nod, the pilot received the signal and turned to attend to other matters.

Tingyun picked up her brush and meticulously recorded the accounts that needed to be tallied. Then, she turned and walked towards the green-haired Foxkin not far behind her.

Her long green hair was half-tied behind her, and the snow-white fur around her collar complemented her beautiful face, making them shine. Her elegant long dress could not hide her perfect figure that seemed ready to burst forth. Beneath the slanted hem of her skirt were a pair of fair and rounded beautiful legs. The exquisite black high heels she wore had a gentle and intellectual charm, and her fluffy, soft fox tail made one want to bury their face in it.

At this moment, she was speaking with a gentle smile to the delicate woman with a somewhat pale complexion beside her: "We are truly grateful for this shipment of Sky-Jade Ore from Ms. Shen Sha. On behalf of everyone at the Tianbo Division, I express our sincere thanks."

"I am unworthy of such thanks from the esteemed leader of the division. In the end, it is simply the duty of a merchant, an exchange of equivalent value," Shen Sha said, covering her mouth and coughing lightly a few times as she smiled and shook her head.

"Ms. Shen Sha's physical condition..." Yukong pursed her thin lips slightly, a hint of worry flashing in her gentle and peaceful eyes.

"It's nothing, just a hereditary old ailment, please don't mind it."

Shen Sha wanted to say more, but seeing Tingyun walking towards them, she retracted her words and changed the subject: "Since the inventory is in order, I will not disturb you further. I have important family matters to attend to, so I will take my leave. If anything unexpected arises, you may instruct my attendant, Todd."

Pointing to Todd, who was supervising the work on the plaza, Shen Sha nodded to Tingyun as she approached and then gracefully departed.

"Director Yukong, here are the recently tallied accounts. Please take a look."

"Ah, thank you for your hard work, Tingyun."

Yukong turned around, took the accounts presented by Tingyun with a smile, glanced at them briefly, and then handed them back to her: "You are the expert in these matters, so please handle them entirely. You don't need to ask me next time."

"How can that be? Whether it's piloting a starcruiser or leading the Tianbo Division, your presence is always on the Xianzhou's course, and it cannot do without you, Director Yukong. So, don't say such things anymore!" Tingyun pouted indignantly, opened her folding fan, and immediately objected.

"You're all grown up, but you're still like when you were a child."

Hearing her childish remark, Yukong chuckled lightly, her gentle eyes showing motherly affection. She reached out and gently ruffled Tingyun's hair, then pinched her soft cheek. Only when Tingyun blushed and mumbled did she withdraw her hand:

"Alright, I need to report my work to the General. You should hurry to the starcruiser dock to attend to important matters. Without you, our ferryman, no one can deal with the company's lackeys."

"General is here too?" Tingyun covered her mouth in surprise. Such an event as the General's visit was not a small matter. She then looked around curiously, wondering why she hadn't noticed him for so long.

Yukong nodded, a helpless smile appearing on her gentle face. She shifted her body and pointed towards the entrance of the Sichen Palace: "Look, he's right there."

Tingyun followed Yukong's gaze and saw two figures, one white and one pink, standing in front of the Sichen Palace. Jing Yuan stood to the left of the stone lion, while Fu Xuan of the Divination Bureau stood on the other side, clearly separated and easy to distinguish.

Her fox ears twitched slightly. Driven by her innate curiosity, the woman leaned closer to Yukong and nudged her shoulder: "Director Yukong, it's understandable that the General is here, but why is the Grand Diviner also here?"

"The General is here to inspect the matter of the Sky-Jade Ore, and as for Grand Diviner Fu... I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, perhaps it's the same as usual." Yukong gently brushed away Tingyun's mischievous hand with her fox tail, responding helplessly.

Tingyun gradually understood everything. After all, the Grand Diviner's feelings were almost common knowledge. She was probably discussing the matter of "abdication and yielding the throne" with the General again.

"I understand. Then, Director Yukong, please proceed. I'll go to the starcruiser dock to deal with the company."

"Yes, thank you for your trouble."

Yukong watched Tingyun's retreating figure disappear from her sight, then walked towards Jing Yuan in front of the Sichen Palace.

The spring breeze in March still carried a hint of dampness during the day, feeling like cotton fluff on the face. A cheerful gust of wind blew, faintly carrying the sound of an argument from over there, allowing Yukong to hear it.

"I've had enough! This is the 112th time you've promised to recommend me as the next General, and after three months, there's still no news. This time, you must give me a written promise—!"

The pink-haired Grand Diviner's cute and delicate face was tense. Holding a brush in one hand and paper in the other, she stared up at the white-haired General in front of her with icy eyes.

"Hmm..." Hearing this topic, Jing Yuan yawned carelessly, casually stroking his chin.

"You must sign your name at the bottom, and the date must be written in capital Chinese numerals—!"

"Mhm, mhm..." Jing Yuan nodded in response, perfunctorily.

"And you must also affix your fingerprint, and you're not allowed to let the Divine Monarch do it for you, you must do it yourself!"

"Mhm, mhm, mhm..."

"Jing Yuan?"

Seeing Jing Yuan consistently nodding in a rhythmic manner, Fu Xuan curiously stepped forward, only to discover that he was actually dozing off while standing. She became enraged, grinding her teeth: "Fine, fine, fine. Since that's the case, then the matter we discussed earlier should also be settled. Bai Jun's talent should not be wasted in the Department of Earthly Rulings. In my opinion, the General should transfer him back to the Divination Bureau as soon as possible so I can continue to discipline him."

"Oh dear, this matter seems to require further discussion. Minister Fu, why don't you continue discussing the matter of 'abdication and yielding the throne'? Or perhaps I can sign it for you right now?" Upon hearing this topic, Jing Yuan's previous drowsiness and perfunctory attitude instantly vanished. He wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth with his sleeve and eagerly accepted the written document brought by Fu Xuan, his spirits high.

"Jing Yuan! You're just trying to placate me, aren't you!" Fu Xuan tightly clenched the cuffs of her sleeves, her teeth grinding.

"How could I? After I step down, only our Great General Fu can shoulder the great responsibility of this vast Luofu."

"Hmph, that's more like it... Wait, you're changing the subject again!" Realizing something, Fu Xuan instantly stopped her slightly proud expression, tilted her head, and looked resentfully at Jing Yuan, who was trying hard to suppress his laughter.

"Heh, caught me—Whoa!"

The sharp pain in his toes nearly made Jing Yuan bite off his tongue as he tried to stifle a yelp. He covered his mouth with all his might, his body trembling as he looked at the endless stream of passersby. If it weren't for the sake of the General's dignity, he would have definitely howled while clutching his right foot.

The culprit behind all this was the tiny, pink-haired figure before him. Who would have thought she had such strength?

"All things in the world have their own ways. Even a frail Diviner can use unique methods to strengthen their physique. Jing Yuan, don't underestimate me." Fu Xuan let out a soft hum, her small, silk-clad feet tapping lightly on the ground. The purple particles swirling around her quickly dissipated into mist.

That kick was just a demonstration. She was quite sure that such little force wouldn't cause any harm to a distinguished Emissary. Seeing Jing Yuan's smile fade, she got straight to the point: "Jing Yuan, I'm not kidding. You know the Divination Bureau has been struggling to find new talent in recent years, and the few promising ones are lazy. Bai Jun is a rare talent, and I want to cultivate him properly."

Jing Yuan curled his lips and shrugged indifferently. "Hmph, I don't mind. But even if I were willing, my Yan Qing would never agree to something like this. He and Qing Yan have a very good relationship. Of course, if you can convince that kid, I'll hand Bai Jun over to you, how about that?"

Get past Yan Qing? Who on the Luofu didn't know he was Jing Yuan's most loyal shadow? It was hilarious. Believing he would let Bai Jun go was as likely as believing she herself was an ancient emperor.

Fu Xuan's brow furrowed slightly, then smoothed out again. A confident smile bloomed on her lips. "My Qing Que also has a good relationship with Bai Jun. How about you bring Bai Jun here and let him choose in person?"

She dared to say this with her own confidence. Qing Que was not lacking in beauty, and Bai Jun had a good relationship with her. It wasn't that Fu Xuan was being underhanded using a honey trap; Jing Yuan could use a male honey trap too. It all depended on whether Bai Jun would fall for it.

The thought of Bai Jun soon being obediently in her grasp made Fu Xuan beam with joy. Jing Yuan, however, saw through her little scheme. He wagged a finger and said calmly, "Heh heh, Minister Fu, you jest. Qing Yan is the most famous attendant in the Department of Earthly Rulings. He's usually busy with important duties and wouldn't want to waste his precious time coming here. It wouldn't be appropriate, would it?"

"What's inappropriate about it? Aren't your orders as the General overseeing the Luofu considered important duties?" Fu Xuan retorted dismissively.

"Abusing your power for personal gain isn't a good tendency, Minister Fu. How could you say such foolish words?" Seeing that she had fallen into his trap, Jing Yuan's face immediately took on a sly, fox-like smile.

"You—!" Fu Xuan was instantly rendered speechless, only able to glare at him angrily.

Just as the atmosphere between them became tense and on the verge of erupting, a gentle voice from the sky arrived in time to break the deadlock. Yukong walked over gracefully, as usual, mediating: "Since you two are in dispute over Bai Jun's affiliation, why not hand him over to me? The Tianbo Division is also in great need of such talent, and it would be perfect for my Tingyun to mentor him..."

"No!"

The two of them objected in unison at this moment, their sights turning towards the new peacemaker. What followed were words like "a toad wanting to eat swan meat," making it hard to believe they had been arguing fiercely just moments ago.

As the helmsman of the Tianbo Division, Yukong was naturally not one to be pushed around. On the contrary, in her youth, she was one of the most skilled racers on the entire Luofu. It was only with age that she gradually reined in that temperament. If it came to causing trouble, she was no less capable than anyone else.

Veins bulged on Yukong's fair forehead, and the smile she maintained showed signs of cracking. She glanced around one last time, confirming Tingyun had already walked away. Then, she unbuttoned her collar, cleared her throat, and joined the debate over someone's affiliation.

Turning the corner of Xuan Ye Avenue, Su Shang quickly spotted the majestic palace with eaves like a ship's prow in the distance. She eagerly tugged at Bai Jun's sleeve, wanting to confirm if it was the so-called Palace of the Celestial Mandate.

"Yes, yes, Miss Su Shang is so clever."

Bai Jun pulled his sleeve away. Su Shang's incessant chatter had been quite annoying to him on the way, so he grunted irritably.

"The plaza directly opposite the Palace of the Celestial Mandate is that Kun... what's it called, Kunyu Platform? There are so many people. Bai Jun, are you sure the Cloud Cavalry reports here?" Su Shang found a bench, stood on it, and tiptoed to get a better look, asking curiously.

"Generally, newly enlisted Cloud Cavalry need to report to the local Department of Earthly Rulings or the Tianbo Division of their respective realms. Your situation is a bit special, so I suggest you go directly to the Palace of the Celestial Mandate to ask."

Bai Jun sighed and pulled Su Shang, who was standing on the bench, down. "Also, don't stand on public benches, you idiot."

"Heh heh, sorry, sorry, I'll wipe it clean."

While she wiped the bench, Bai Jun also took a few glances at the Kunyu Platform in the distance. Seeing the flying vehicles and Starcruisers laden with ore coming and going, he quickly understood the situation—it was likely related to the Tianbo Division's acquisition of Sky-Jade Ore.

"Alright, let's go. We're almost there."

In the spirit of seeing things through, Bai Jun planned to take her to the Kunyu Platform and then go to the Nocturne House for a cup of hot tea.

As they approached the Kunyu Platform, all they saw were fluffy fox ears and tails, giving Su Shang a sense of returning to Yaoqing as she walked up the steps. Bai Jun, beside her, frowned and looked around uneasily.

His intuition had always been accurate, and he now vaguely felt something was wrong.

The two stone lions guarding the entrance to the Palace of the Celestial Mandate today still looked majestic. However, standing beneath them were not the usual Cloud Cavalry guards. Bai Jun stopped to observe and found it was Jing Yuan, Yukong, and... Fu Xuan!?

Bai Jun's face turned pale. The moment he saw the pink figure, he successfully remembered what he had forgotten yesterday afternoon—he was so busy playing with Bailu that he forgot to find Fu Xuan!

The wind continued to flow freely, brushing against his face along the wide corridor. He could faintly hear muffled words like "everything is visible under the discerning eye" and "only I can tame him!" making Bai Jun shiver.

First, I'm not afraid of Fu Xuan.

Second, I forgot. In any case, I absolutely cannot let Fu Xuan catch me.

Bai Jun's dead fish eyes gradually sharpened. He immediately pointed at Su Shang and made a shushing gesture with his hand, then silently retreated into the crowd without a word, lowering his head slightly, doing his best to conceal his presence, and turned to leave this place of trouble.

However, Su Shang seemed to have completely misunderstood his intention. She blinked her clear, large eyes and called out unfeelingly, "Bai Jun! Don't go, okay? Wait for me to finish reporting, and I'll treat you to a meal!"

"?"

After the keywords were triggered, the three figures beneath the stone lions in the distance exuded a dangerous aura like beasts of prey, their gazes simultaneously locking onto Bai Jun, who stood pale-faced in the crowd, just about to flee.

"You ignorant fool, what are you causing trouble for now!"

Bai Jun was terrified, his arm pointing at Su Shang trembling uncontrollably. Before he could even turn around, a swift shadow, accompanied by a howling storm, had already arrived beside him.

In less than half a breath, Yukong, who understood the principle of striking first, forcefully pressed her hands on his shoulders. The soft, deep purple eyes revealed an unprecedented seriousness: "Alright, Bai Jun, I know this is sudden for you, but I still want to ask, are you willing to come to the Tianbo Division to assist me?"

"Huh? What nonsense are you talking—Mm!"

Let alone waiting for Bai Jun's reply, Yukong didn't even need his attitude. She pulled out a pre-drafted contract from her bosom, took out lipstick, and forcibly grabbed Bai Jun's finger to press it onto the document.

"Helmsman Yukong has good methods, but before that, shouldn't we let Qing Yan have his say before making a decision?"

A bolt of lightning struck from nowhere. As fiery talismans rose, hundreds of meters of golden lightning descended, coiling and lingering in the sky to form a magnificent and revered spirit—it was the Divine Might Heavenly Monarch, the Commander of the Divine Firmament Thunder Palace, who dispels thunder, draws lightning, pursues demons, and sweeps away filth, who had previously guarded the Jade Gate.

The only difference was that he wasn't holding a Formation Blade, but instead, he grabbed Bai Jun beside Yukong as if he were carrying a small chicken, and then placed him next to Jing Yuan.

"Jing Yuan, you scoundrel, is this how the Divine Monarch is supposed to be used!?" Little Fu Xuan, with her short legs, finally arrived, furiously pointing at Jing Yuan, who was occupying Bai Jun, and scolded loudly: "This is completely abusing your power for personal gain!"

"I didn't call the Divine Monarch; he came on his own initiative."

Jing Yuan pulled two lollipops from his pocket and stuffed them into Bai Jun's mouth. He turned around and spread his hands helplessly, the amused glint in his eyes igniting Fu Xuan's temper.

If she ever got her hands on the Divine Monarch in the future, she'd definitely order it to pry off Jing Yuan's roof while he was sleeping at night.

Meanwhile, Yukong had frozen in place the moment Bai Jun was snatched away. She stared blankly at the golden phantom in the sky, never imagining the Divine Monarch would intervene for such a trivial matter.

Divine Monarch: So, I'll just leave then?

The commotion the Divine Monarch had caused on the street had already thrown the surrounding flyers and pedestrians into chaos. In contrast, Su Shang seemed unfazed, foolishly gazing at the majestic, revered spirit in the sky, occasionally nodding and offering a few exclamations.

"Oh, oh, seeing the Third Grandfather up close is truly handsome."

But speaking of which, was Bai Jun really this popular?

Chapter 27: Lord Fu Xuan's Full Authority

The clamor and commotion on the street quickly attracted many of the nearby Cloud Cavalry on patrol.

When they arrived excitedly, fantasizing about apprehending the culprits and finally making a name for themselves in their monotonous military careers, the first thing they saw was Jing Yuan and Yukong standing in front of the Palace of Stars. Their initial enthusiasm was immediately doused with a bucket of cold water.

They exchanged silent glances, utterly bewildered by the current situation. After all, they couldn't possibly go and arrest General Jing Yuan, could they?

"Ahem, all soldiers, listen up! Return to your posts."

Jing Yuan spoke up in time, ordering the staring Cloud Cavalry soldiers to disperse, thus breaking the almost stagnant awkwardness in the air.

"Understood!" All the Cloud Cavalry saluted Jing Yuan in unison, then promptly dispersed and returned to their posts.

Watching their retreating backs, Jing Yuan felt he had indeed been impulsive. At the very least, he shouldn't have let the Divine Monarch help. Sigh, he wondered what kind of rumors would surface today. The thought made his head ache.

To prevent further incidents like this, Jing Yuan, Yukong, and Fu Xuan forcefully dragged Bai Jun into the Palace of Stars.

Most of the flyers and astrologers from the Tianbo Division were busy outside with the Sky-Jade Ore matter, so the Palace of Stars was quite empty. With no external interference and no need to worry about onlookers, the three finally had the chance to continue their bickering. They placed Bai Jun aside as if he were a prize and resumed their dispute over his custody.

Bai Jun tried to escape several times along the way but was always caught and brought back. He could only obediently sit on the chair, occasionally having to answer their questions – topics like "Tell us, who do you actually want to be with?", "I was clearly here first!", and "Disgraceful, get back!"