"Heh heh, don't worry, Miss Xiao Xi. I understand all that, and I'm happy to see that Dan Heng has found such good friends in you all." Jing Yuan hadn't taken their earlier disagreement to heart.
"Then let's not delay. We should head to Scalegorge Waterscape right away. Whatever happens, we need to find a way to resolve the crisis facing the Luofu Xianzhou."
"I have no objections," Dan Heng said.
"Neither do I," Xiao Xi chimed in.
On the way to Scalegorge Waterscape, Dan Heng said quietly, "Xiao Xi, thanks for earlier. I didn't know how to deal with my past self, either. I... After all, I have some of Dan Feng's memories... Heh. I feel a lot better now."
"...At least, I don't know anyone named Dan Feng. The person I've always known is you, Dan Heng—a member of the Astral Express Crew and my companion." Xiao Xi looked at Dan Heng with a determined expression.
"...Yeah. Let's go to Scalegorge Waterscape and meet up with our companions."
Luofu Xianzhou — outside Scalegorge Waterscape
Stelle, March 7th, and Welt were waiting in front of a massive statue of the High Elder.
"Xiao Xi, you're back! And Dan Heng... Ah, wait!" March 7th cried out. "You're Dan Heng! What happened to you? You look different! Just like I said before, we all have hidden powers!"
"So, Dan Heng, did you transform? Wow! Those horns and that tail! Hehe, can I touch them?"
"Uh..." Dan Heng was at a loss for words at March 7th's sudden enthusiasm.
At some point, Stelle had come over, too. She gave an awkward smile. "Hehe, um, I want to touch them, too. Just once, Dan Heng..."
Xiao Xi hadn't thought much of it at first, but seeing Stelle and March 7th like this, she glanced at Dan Heng's horns and tail... What was she supposed to do? They looked really nice to touch!
When Dan Heng noticed the longing look in Xiao Xi's eyes, the corner of his mouth twitched. He silently closed his eyes and said, as if steeling himself for the worst, "Go ahead and touch them if you want."
"Yay! You're the best, Dan Heng!"
Ahem. There's no need to say more about what happened next. No one could resist the temptation of those horns and that tail.
"The Astral Express Crew certainly get along well," Jing Yuan remarked, watching alongside Welt. Neither of them had joined in the youngsters' antics.
"The members of the Astral Express Crew travel the path of the Trailblaze together and share countless adventures. Naturally, they're close," Welt said with a soft chuckle.
"Is that so... Heh. Let's leave it at that. We can't delay any longer. We should get ready to go."
"I agree. But, General Jing Yuan, I think... Though those who've passed are gone, that doesn't mean there can be no future. I believe that if we keep moving forward, one day we'll see the light."
"Hmm... You members of the Astral Express Crew are all so good at comforting people."
"It was just something I felt moved to say."
After speaking, Welt headed forward. "Little March, Stelle, stop giving Dan Heng a hard time. We should get going."
"Ah, got it, Mr. Yang." March 7th rubbed her head.
"Then let me try opening the sea," Dan Heng said solemnly, gazing at the entrance to Scalegorge Waterscape.
"Don't push yourself. Even if you can't open the sea this time, we can find another way."
"Yeah, don't worry. I understand."