"Yaoging Star-skiff."
"Occupation?"
"Trade Official of the Luofu Starfaring Vessel's Sky-Faring Commission."
"Then tell us what happened today, and explain how exactly you saw through those Buli Ren disguises."
A Cloud Knights official questioned Ji Yuan gently, keeping his voice as soft as possible so he would not frighten Ji Yuan.
After all, considering his age, Ji Yuan could probably get a refund for livestream donations under the minor-refund policy.
Ji Yuan had not simply left after following Yanqing back to Cloud Knights headquarters. The Cloud Knights officials had to ask him about what had happened today and why he had been able to see through the Buli Ren disguises.
"Hmm..." Ji Yuan looked thoughtful before answering the official. "I'm not sure either. It was probably just intuition. When I was sitting on those crates, something felt off. So, to be safe, I went over and reported it to the Cloud Knights soldiers."
"Intuition?"
"Yes, intuition." Ji Yuan straightened up. "I was born on the Yaoging Star-skiff, which has been at war with the Abundance Followers for years. My biological parents both died on the battlefield against the Abundance Followers and the Buli Ren. My adoptive parents were both Cloud Knights generals as well. Growing up influenced by all that, I may have developed an instinctive sense for the Abundance Followers."
He absolutely could not mention his system.
Upon hearing Ji Yuan's words, the Cloud Knights officials all looked at him with respect.
He was the descendant of Cloud Knights martyrs. As those who had survived, they naturally had a duty to take good care of Ji Yuan.
Since Ji Yuan truly had nothing more to say, they stopped questioning him. Instead, they pulled him aside and asked about his life in great detail—how things were at the Sky-Faring Commission, whether anyone bullied him, whether he was living well, and so on.
The female Cloud Knights, seeing Ji Yuan's youthful face, treated him like a nephew and kept feeding him snacks. Ji Yuan could not handle the aunties' enthusiasm. Fortunately, Yanqing was waiting outside, so he hurriedly said that he was going to eat with Yanqing. Only then did the Cloud Knights finally let him go.
"Brother Ji Yuan, what happened inside Cloud Knights headquarters?"
Yanqing looked inside as he asked.
"Nothing much. The people in there were just too enthusiastic."
"That's true."
Yanqing seemed to recall something and nodded with lingering fear.
It was obvious that, being younger than Ji Yuan, Yanqing had probably endured no less "teasing" at Cloud Knights headquarters than Ji Yuan had.
Ji Yuan asked Yanqing, "Where should we eat next? Exalting Sanctum isn't far from here. How about we go there directly?"
"Sure."
Yanqing did not care in the slightest. Having something to eat was good enough. It had to be better than eating beside the General.
"Alright, let's head over now."
"Mm-hm."
Yanqing nodded quickly.
The two left Cloud Knights headquarters and headed toward Exalting Sanctum.
Ji Yuan was somewhat frail, but he had the foundation laid down by his adoptive mother. They soon arrived at Exalting Sanctum.
Exalting Sanctum was the most prosperous place on the Luofu Starfaring Vessel, especially at night, when it bustled with people. Many Celestial Ark Natives with free time came here to enjoy the nightlife. Ji Yuan had not visited often, since he worried that an accident might happen with so many people gathered here.
But with Yanqing beside him this time, Ji Yuan felt there should not be any problems.
Perhaps because it was a holiday, Exalting Sanctum was even more crowded than usual. Ji Yuan and Yanqing visited several restaurants, only to be told that every one of them was full.
Holding their queue ticket, Ji Yuan said to Yanqing, "Well, looks like we'll have to wait here for a while."
"Mm, alright."
Yanqing nodded helplessly.
The two found a spot beside a flower bed and squatted down to wait.
They had only chatted for a few moments when they suddenly sensed a shadow fall over them. Turning around, they found a young girl standing before them.
The girl looked quite young and was especially short. She was probably not much taller than Yanqing, who was still a child, and stood over a head shorter than Ji Yuan.
Her large eyes tilted slightly upward, her cute little mouth held a constant smile, and her round face gave her a lively, mischievous look. Her twin ponytails were decorated with phoenix ornaments, reminding Ji Yuan somewhat of his own younger sister.
Her outfit blended emerald green and black. She wore a high-collared, off-the-shoulder top and a layered short skirt. Though petite, the lines of her legs were exceptionally straight and beautiful. On her feet were a pair of thick ankle boots.
Ji Yuan sighed regretfully.
But after taking a closer look at the girl, his spirits immediately lifted.
I've seen this little sister before.
"Hey, you two, are you bored waiting for other people to finish eating?" the girl asked Ji Yuan and Yanqing.
"Yeah, it's pretty boring."
Yanqing nodded honestly.
At that moment, the girl leaned toward Ji Yuan and said in an ambiguous tone, "Then how about doing something exciting?"
"What!?" Yanqing asked excitedly.
Could there be some underground place around here where people competed in swordsmanship?
"Let's play a round of Jade Abacus!"
Jade Abacus was a form of entertainment on the Celestial Ark, similar to mahjong from Ji Yuan's previous life.
"This..." Yanqing instantly lost interest. He turned to look at Ji Yuan, wanting to see his reaction.
Ji Yuan thought for a moment, then said to Yanqing,
"Let's go give it a try. Otherwise, we can only sit here doing nothing."
It would be a good chance to see whether he could get close to this girl.
"Now that's more like it."
The girl grabbed Ji Yuan's hand and led him away.
"Oh, right. My name is Qingque. What are your names?"
"My name is Yanqing."
"I'm Ji Yuan."
"Yanqing, Ji Yuan?" Qingque repeated their names, then said in surprise, "One of you is the General's disciple, while the other is the youngest Trade Official at the Sky-Faring Commission. I didn't expect to run into both of you here. What an honor."
As she spoke, Qingque tightened her grip on Ji Yuan's hand and quickened her pace.
"So we have to play a few more rounds today."
Yanqing was utterly confused.
What did the two of them being famous have to do with playing a few more rounds of Jade Abacus?
Meanwhile, over at the Sky-Faring Commission.
After returning, Tingyun rested temporarily at Sky-Faring Commission headquarters.
"Tingyun, are you alright? I heard you encountered danger. Mother and I hurried over to see you."
Qingni entered with another graceful Fox Folk woman. As she walked, Qingni kept asking Tingyun concerned questions.
As she approached Tingyun, Qingni saw her carefully wiping her feet with a handkerchief.
Seeing Tingyun being so careful, Qingni immediately asked with concern,
"Tingyun, did you hurt your feet?"
Only then did Tingyun realize that Qingni and Lady Yukong had arrived beside her, both staring at her feet. She immediately curled up shyly.
Tingyun quickly explained, "I'm not injured. My feet just got a little dirty after coming back from outside."
"Oh, so that's what it was." Qingni finally relaxed after hearing that. Then she immediately asked Tingyun, "Tingyun, what exactly happened today? Tell us about it."
Brother, Your Swordsmanship Doesn't Deserve That Sword
After hearing Qingni's question, Tingyun gave her a detailed account of everything that had happened today.
"What? You're saying that kid Ji Yuan risked himself to save you from being surrounded by the Buli Ren?"
Qingni leaned closer to Tingyun, still finding it hard to believe.
"Mm-hm, that's right. If it hadn't been for him, this little lady might have met her end today."
As Tingyun spoke, the corners of her lips rose unconsciously.
She had met many people who professed their affection for her, but all of them had only been interested in her appearance. And when faced with danger like today's, none of them would have acted as Ji Yuan had.
Only Ji Yuan—his actions had not carried the slightest ulterior motive.
He had done it purely to protect her safety.
Oh,
The only notable thing was that Ji Yuan might really like her feet.
As she thought of that, Tingyun glanced at her own feet.
Wrapping her heels like this and wearing flat sandals was simply too plain. It was not eye-catching at all.
Perhaps she should try high heels?
Would he like that?
Even now, Tingyun had not figured out Ji Yuan's behavior. Did he like her, or did he not care about her at all? When she was fine, he kept her at arm's length, yet whenever something happened, he was always by her side.
Damn it,
Could this seemingly inexperienced little fellow actually be an expert angler!
Ji Yuan, you little rascal, I admit it.
You—
You successfully reeled me in.
Qingni could not help rolling her eyes when she saw Tingyun's expression.
That irritating feeling of being in love was truly infuriating.
Yukong did not care much about Tingyun's romantic matters, but if it was Ji Yuan, he was indeed a good choice. After all, both of them were from the Sky-Faring Commission. Once Yukong stepped down as Helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission, the position would most likely be handed to Tingyun. With Ji Yuan assisting her then, the Sky-Faring Commission's future would be quite secure.
What concerned her was the Orion Trading Company.
Yukong said solemnly, "This matter is not over yet. Tingyun, rest for the next two days. I'll have people investigate whether the Orion Trading Company has colluded with the Abundance Followers. Once we confirm that they have, I'll immediately report it to the General. If necessary, we will begin an immediate campaign to wipe out the Abundance Followers."
"Mm, I understand."
Tingyun nodded seriously.
After saying that, Yukong turned and left.
Qingni leaned close to Tingyun and said with a smile, "Alright, Mother just gave me a few days off too. How about I keep you company tonight? Once my leave is over, I'll properly investigate Ji Yuan's situation."
"That would be wonderful."
Tingyun nodded in agreement.
Qingni took Tingyun's hand and led her out of the Sky-Faring Commission.
"Where should we go next? Tingyun, shall we go have tea at Nevernight Marquis?"
"Hmm..." Tingyun considered it before saying to Qingni, "How about we find a hot spring and take a bath?"
She had heard it was good for the skin.
"...Fine."
Qingni rubbed her forehead helplessly, but still agreed.
"Everyone, I've won again!"
Before you continue