Chapter 57

"That must have been really tough."

"It's alright. I've been bogged down in worldly affairs for years and have seen all sorts of troubles. This little problem is nothing."

Jing Yuan has served as a general for over seven hundred years. The most memorable time was when he commanded Luofu to support the defeat of the living planet "Ketu Mirage". He remembers that he stayed in the command room for more than two months straight, and for more than twenty days he did not close his eyes. Even with the Divine Monarch keeping him alive, he almost died of exhaustion in the command room.

It's only been four or five days now, which seems like a drop in the ocean to him, but even so, the physical and mental exhaustion is undeniable. With the accumulation and wear and tear of time, even though the Xianzhou native don't really grow old, Jing Yuan has truly experienced what the Short-lived species calls aging. He's afraid that in a few decades, his mission will come to an end.

But that's a matter for later. Right now, what he should do most is to fulfill his duties as general before the next general is chosen.

"Speaking of which, Qing Yan, how was your mission? Has anything happened these past few days?"

Jing Yuan rubbed his neck, which was stiff from looking down for so long, and leaned back in his chair to pick up the tea that had long since gone cold.

"The Medicine King's Legacy has only been revealed once, and I have recorded the specific details in the mission report, but there has been no further news in the following days. However, what I am more concerned about is that the Dragon Master have also been completely inactive these past few days, which is a bit too quiet."

"Is that so? It seems those Dragon Masters have heard quite a bit of gossip... In that case, let's leave them alone for now. We can't convict them based on mere rumors. To clean up this mess, we need to wait until the mud is churning most violently before we can clear the way."

Jing Yuan knew better than anyone how much trouble and risk was lurking in Luofu, both openly and secretly. But the closer they got to this point, the less they could afford to be impatient. The enemy lurking in the shadows was waiting for an opportunity, waiting for Luofu to reveal even the slightest flaw.

Moreover, Jing Yuan's intuition told him that the group of Dragon Master were not the masterminds behind the scenes. They did not yet have the ability to orchestrate the Medicine King's Legacy. The real mastermind was probably someone else. So what he needed to do now was to play the long game and wait for a good opportunity to completely eradicate all the ailments of Luofu.

"As long as you understand, that's fine. If you encounter any problems, feel free to tell me anytime. I don't mind helping you with some troubles."

Bai Jun didn't say much, he just nodded.

"Okay, I'll have to trouble you then... By the way, what are you bringing?"

Jing Yuan suddenly noticed the flower arrangement that Bai Jun was carrying. If he remembered correctly, it was the farewell gift that he had given to the Guinaifen on behalf of the Shence Mansion yesterday afternoon. How did it end up in Bai Jun's hands again?

Could it be...?

Jing Yuan's gaze gradually softened, and he nodded in satisfaction, revealing an expression that said, "As expected of you."

"I arranged these flowers yesterday, and I wanted to ask you to take care of them for a while. And what was with that look you gave me? It was so strange..."

"You've accomplished this in just five days? I really underestimated you, Qing Yan."

Although Bai Jun didn't understand what Jing Yuan was saying, just seeing Jing Yuan's lazy smile made him feel that it couldn't be anything good. He suppressed the urge to punch Jing Yuan and placed the flower arrangement on his desk.

"Don't look at me like that, it seems. Actually, I'm best at taking care of plants. Don't worry, I'll take good care of them for you."

Noticing Bai Jun's dangerous gaze, Jing Yuan quickly made a solemn promise, then pulled the flowers out of the vase, cut the bottom of the flower stems at an angle, and put them back in. This would effectively increase the water absorption surface of the flower stems and prolong their life.

"... Then I'll leave it to you. I still need to go to the Artisanship Commission to pick up a Synesthesia Beacon. I'll be going now, see you in a month."

"Yes, have a safe journey. I have some urgent matters to attend to, so I cannot see you off any further."

After witnessing Jing Yuan's professional skills, Bai Jun felt more confident. He submitted the concert task report and left Shence Mansion amidst Jing Yuan's smiling farewell.

As mentioned earlier, the next destination is the Artisanship Commission.

Bai Jun didn't know what language the people inside the "Herta" space station spoke, but he was certain they didn't speak the Xianzhou Language. Therefore, he needed to prepare a Synesthesia Beacon first.

"Synesthesia Beacon" are the foundational technology of all intelligent life in the galaxy. With just one injection, the beacon is processed in the central nervous system, and anyone can understand the most unfamiliar languages of distant worlds as if hearing their own hometown accent.

The principle behind this is that the thought processes of civilized beings are primarily expressed through internal language. Just as people are unaware of it, they silently recite in their minds when reading, forming thoughts.

The role of Synesthesia Beacon is to bypass the transmission process, connect each other's perceptions, transform them into internal language codes, and then have the other party's language cognitive system automatically process and restore them, thus sweeping away all obstacles that hinder communication.

In fact, most natives of Xianzhou are vaccinated with Synesthesia Beacon when they are young, but Bai Jun, an outsider, is an exception. However, his situation can be explained by an allergy to Synesthesia Beacon, so he is not particularly unusual. He only needs to have a Synesthesia Beacon.

When the master craftsmen in the Artisanship Commission saw Bai Jun arrive, they couldn't hide their excitement and immediately ran to inform Gongshu Liang, who was in the workshop working on something new.

A short while later, Gongshu Liang, covered in soot and looking quite excited, arrived. He dusted himself off and asked, "Hundred Refinements Master, you could have just told me you needed the Synesthesia Beacon. Why did you have to come all the way here?"

"I just happened to be passing by. Besides, rather than waiting for you to bring the Synesthesia Beacon, I might as well come and get it myself. After all, efficiency is the most important thing in our line of work, isn't it?" Bai Jun shrugged.

"As expected of Hundred Refinements Master, every word he says is very helpful!"

"Stop flattering me, hurry up and get me a Synesthesia Beacon, I'm in a hurry to leave."

No wonder people always like to climb to higher positions. Even a casual remark from Gongshu Liang can elevate someone to the heavens. However, it is precisely because of this that Bai Jun doesn't care much about the name Hundred Refinements Master, and even dislikes being called by that name. In other words, it can be said that it is a lineage, because Bai Jun's master Huai Yan, also dislikes being called Hundred Refinements Master.

"Alright, alright, please wait a moment, I've already told my apprentice to get it for you."

As they were talking, a craftsman rushed over carrying a sandalwood box containing the Artisanship Commission's top-of-the-line external Synesthesia Beacon. Unlike hearing aids, they were more like thin bandages, which could be easily applied behind the ear to blend in with the skin and would not dissolve in water.

Both in terms of quality and portability, they are among the top-of-the-line.

Bai Jun took one and was about to put it behind his ear when he suddenly asked, "Let's get this straight, you didn't do any sound muting on the language module conversion for this Synesthesia Beacon, did you?"

The special circumstances of Boothill were still fresh in Bai Jun's mind, forcing him to pay attention to this issue. After all, he didn't want his words to be heard as "little darling, little darling" by others.

"Mute? Although I don't know exactly what Hundred Refinements Master is referring to, these external Synesthesia Beacon are absolutely original and have not been modified in any way. You can use them with complete peace of mind. If you feel anything is wrong, just take them off."

Gongshu Liang thought Bai Jun was dissatisfied with the quality of this batch of Synesthesia Beacon, so he quickly spoke up to explain.

Hearing this, Bai Jun felt relieved and placed the external Synesthesia Beacon was successfully activated.

Bai Jun nodded, thanked them, and left the Artisanship Commission.

"What? My benefactor is leaving Luofu!?"

Bai Jun arrived at the Tianbo Division to apply for an interstellar voyage. Even though he was being cautious enough, he was caught red-handed by Tingyun, who appeared out of nowhere. Helpless, Bai Jun could only tell this fox his thoughts and purpose. Unsurprisingly, she let out an incredulous exclamation.

The loud exclamation attracted the attention of the other aviators and stargazers from the Tianbo Division, but Tingyun seemed completely oblivious, anxiously moving closer to his face and repeatedly pounding his chest with her small fists.

"My benefactor, you wicked scoundrel! Luckily, I happened to run into you today, otherwise you would have disappeared without a trace like you did a few days ago! Ugh... you wicked scoundrel, you wicked scoundrel!"

Tingyun wasn't angry because of Bai Jun leaving Luofu; she was just annoyed by Bai Jun's attitude of keeping everything from her.

"Sorry, can I bring you something delicious when I come back?"

Bai Jun rarely showed an embarrassed expression. He walked up to Tingyun, gently pinched the other's delicate and cute cheek, and whispered words of comfort.

It's a trick to fool children; anyone with eyes can see through it.

It might seem childish to a child, but it suits Tingyun perfectly; she falls for it, or rather, she's drawn to Bai Jun's style.

"Okay! Then you have to bring me lots of delicious food, okay?" Tingyun smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons; she looked absolutely gorgeous.

Seeing the girl's Tail wagging behind her, Bai Jun knew she wasn't saying anything against her will, so he breathed a sigh of relief.

"My benefactor, could you grant me one more request?"

However, just before Bai Jun was about to leave, Tingyun suddenly came closer, her warm and soft body leaning against Bai Jun, clinging tightly to his arm, her little head rubbing against his shoulder. The fragrance of her hair and the scent of her body were enough to make any man lose his resistance.

"You say it..."

Bai Jun froze. Although he had a vague feeling that something was wrong, he didn't seem to have any other suitable answer besides agreeing.

"Make sure you come back soon!"

Tingyun tiptoed and bit his shoulder hard, as if asserting her dominance, before happily running away.

Gazing at Tingyun's pretty back, Bai Jun subconsciously thought of another large white fox that liked to bite.

"Why do you Foxkin all like this kind of thing..."

Fortunately, Tingyun didn't hear his mutterings, otherwise he would definitely have been bitten again.

P. S.: The Herta Space Station arc, a full-fledged serial!

Old Yang's favorite episode is here!

A Few Things About the Space Station

Chapter 82 Peppy Lee a God or Demon in Gan?

The Herta space station has a rich and complex history.

As its name suggests, its founder is the infamous Ms. Herta of the Genius Society, who captured and sealed a Stellaron, saved her planet from the brink of Destruction nineteen times, and twice visited the Aeon.

Not content with the laws governing everything in the ordinary world, she turned her gaze to the unsolved mysteries of the galaxy, hoping that those distant enigmas could satisfy her curiosity.

To this end, the Herta spearheaded the construction of a museum-style interstellar ship and launched it into planetary orbit, initiating research to "seal all the strange things within the stars." The renowned Herta Space Station was thus born.

In other words, the so-called space station is actually a veritable star museum, housing and accepting Curio from all over the universe.

Today, the space station boasts countless Curio artifacts.

A large number of followers who admired the Herta's talent gathered here. They continuously collected Relic and Curio from all over the galaxy, recorded their shapes and functions, and established systematic methods of observation and research... ultimately finding even more perplexing mysteries within mysteries. This was precisely the Herta's original purpose.

Although the large number of rare Curio often attracted envious glances and various forces were secretly plotting against them, thanks to the strength of the Herta, the space station rarely faced a real crisis throughout the Amber Era, and the collection and research work continued in an orderly manner.

The space station remains brightly lit today, operating day and night.

The core of the two-stage separation structure between the starship and the space station is the main activity area for the space station crew's daily life.

In the corridor, a dark-skinned boy with purple eyes, dressed in a neat white uniform with buttons fastened in order, stopped halfway and looked out the window. The universe was silent, reflecting his bloodshot eyes and dark circles.

"Brother Arlan, why are you still here? Go back and rest early, we can take care of things here."

Suddenly, another pair of bloodshot eyes appeared on the window. Although the owner of the eyes also didn't look well, he was at least more relaxed than the dark-skinned boy, and casually let out a long yawn.

"It's alright, I still have many things to take care of, I can't rest now."

The dark-skinned boy, whom the staff member called Brother Arlan, rubbed his sore, purple eyes and took out the form tucked under his arm to confirm his upcoming schedule.

"Identify the hardware equipment upgrade needs in the coordinated area, process the staff's emergency requests, sign for and organize the young lady's shopping packages, collect and organize last week's feedback on desserts and drinks and develop corresponding optimization plans. Oh, and the young lady just notified me to go to the Master Control Zone, saying there's something she needs me to do..."

"Brother Arlan, you're working too hard! Take a break. Even a robot will break if you wind it up too tightly for too long!"

The staff member in the Security Department looked at the mature-beyond-his-years Security Department chief with concern, fearing that one day he might collapse from exhaustion on the space station.

Arlan shook his head, appreciating the clerk's concern. "It's alright, I know my own health condition."

"That's good, but you can't fall down, big brother! You are the guiding light for the Security Department, the core that sustains everyone in this battle! Without you for even a day, the space station would be a scene of utter devastation; without you for ten days, the people of the space station would be living in misery; without you for a hundred days, the space station would be like hell..."

"Okay, stop talking. It feels so childish. If the young lady hears this, she'll make fun of me again."

Arlan's face showed an embarrassed expression. He really didn't know why the staff of the Security Department always liked to give him such chuunibyou nicknames as Space Station's Fierce Tiger, Young Lady's Destructive Dragon, and Burning Big Brother.

Because of this, Miss Asta had joked about him more than once. Arlan sighed slightly, each time wanting to explain something but unable to utter a sound.

This time was no exception. Arlan couldn't utter any further rebuttal until the very end. Instead, his cheeks turned bright red, and he turned and left towards the Master Control Zone as if fleeing.

The Master Control Zone is the core area of the space station. When connected to the base, it serves as the control center of the space station. Therefore, the number of crew members here is significantly less than in the Base Zone.

Located at the entrance and on both sides of the Master Control Zone are huge video screens composed of numerous monitoring images, which can observe a panoramic view of the space station's perimeter. They are equipped with obstacle interception control consoles and protective projection control consoles, which can be used to snipe unknown threats and generate anti-gravity protective shields.

"Hello, brother!"

The Security Department standing at the hatch let Arlan through immediately and cast admiring glances at Arlan as he strode in.

Arlan walked straight along the corridor of the Master Control Zone and soon arrived at the space station commander's office. After pushing open the door, he saw a pink-haired girl busily working at her desk.

She has neat, shoulder-length pink hair, and her fair and delicate face always exudes an elegance and nobility unique to those in positions of power. Her clear and bright blue eyes are exceptionally gentle and rational. Her simple off-shoulder business attire does not give her the air of a pretty face; instead, it gives her the competence of a powerful career woman.

But she seemed to be too busy right now. Upon noticing Arlan standing at the door, she immediately adopted the arrogant demeanor of a spoiled young lady and said angrily, "Arlan, why are you so late? Hurry up and help me tidy up these manuscripts."

"Ms. Herta is really something. So many precious manuscripts are just piled up in her office like trash. Hmm... when will she ever finish sorting them out?"

The Herta's manuscripts are an extremely valuable asset to the space station.

The core rarity of this genius lies not in the fact that Herta rarely spends time writing down his inspirations and ideas, but in the fact that for such a genius, nothing in the world is worth recording.

These manuscripts, however, might represent the culmination of a decade's or even a lifetime of research for an ordinary clerk, potentially illuminating an entire unfamiliar research field. But to her, they were as ordinary as casually turning on an energy-saving light bulb. Who would waste time systematically recording such trivial matters?

Therefore, this task fell to the current stationmaster Asta. On ordinary days, managing the staff who expressed their opinions freely, or responding directly and politely to the various difficulties raised by the Genius Society, were all easy tasks for Asta. However, organizing the manuscripts was a real ordeal for her.

The reason is simple—faced with thousands upon thousands of manuscripts here, no one could walk out of the office, which resembled a waste paper dump overgrown with weeds, with a smile on their face.

"Forget it, Arlan, don't bother organizing these manuscripts for now. We can deal with them more carefully later when we have more time."

Asta, rising from the sea of papers, sighed softly. There were other urgent matters she needed Arlan to attend to, so she stopped Arlan from his obedient work of organizing the manuscripts, handed him a room key card, and explained:

"Arlan, a guest of Ms. Herta will be visiting the space station soon. Could you go and greet her for me? As you can see, I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll have to trouble you."

It wasn't that Asta didn't want to go, but rather that she had other scheduled meetings to attend, making it difficult to find the time.

Logically speaking, she should have been notified of the arrival of guests earlier, but Ms. Herta was not one to follow such rules. Asta only learned about the arrival of guests at the space station thirty minutes ago.

Ms. Herta was too lazy to come out, and she had to chair a meeting. After thinking it over, Arlan seemed to be the most suitable person for the situation.

"Huh? Leave it to me? Is it really appropriate for me to entrust Ms. Herta's guest to you...?"

Upon hearing that they were guests of the Herta, Arlan's expression visibly stiffened.

The club of the Nous, the crazy, the lone wolf, the autistic genius, and the socially awkward is well-known in the galaxy.