"I've heard much about the Xianzhou's Alchemy arts; may we have a look ourselves?"
At this moment, Ruan Mei spoke.
"That's possible." After some thought, Fu Xuan finally agreed.
Although the Alchemy Commission was adjacent to the Scalegorge Waterscape, she could use the excuse that the Scalegorge Waterscape was the sacred land of the Vidyadhara to dissuade them from going there.
After all, the Vidyadhara preceptors didn't want outsiders to disturb the Scalegorge Waterscape either.
Fu Xuan was thinking for their sake, after all.
-----------------------------------------
"Walking in the Alchemy Commission, looking towards the Scalegorge Waterscape, I vaguely remember the desperate situation where Imbibitor Lunae parted the waves and controlled the tides, it truly feels like a lifetime ago."
The Alchemy Commission is adjacent to the Scalegorge Waterscape, and the distance between them is so close that during the Ambrosial Arbor Calamity, the Alchemy Commission bore the brunt of it.
Coupled with the Disciples of the Sanctus Medicus stirring the situation, it once led to the fall of the Alchemy Commission.
At this moment, standing once again at the long-separated Alchemy Commission, Jingliu said with emotion, turning her head to look at Dan Heng who was standing a bit farther away.
"Who knows if there will be another chance to witness such a desperate situation."
Dan Heng did not speak.
"The Ancient Sea is vast and magnificent, inevitably stirring one's yearning. But if we proceed further, we will reach the Scalegorge Waterscape's depths. Although I would like to take a look, the nearby Scalegorge Waterscape Realm is not suitable for sightseeing right now."
Jing Yuan joined the conversation, chuckling.
Jingliu nodded slightly: "I heard that the reinforcements summoned by the Nameless joined forces to repel the Emanator of Destruction. It is indeed another legend worthy of being passed down."
The Emanator... you should know that the largest loss of the Xianzhou Alliance recently was in the battle with the Emanator of Abundance, Shuhu. In that battle, everyone realized the Emanator's terrifying power.
The Cloud Knights' High Cloud Quintet were crushed one-sidedly.
Only Dan Feng, who had transformed into a dragon, struggled alone. If not for his possession of immortal power and thicker life force than others, he would have fallen long ago.
Incidentally, Jingliu was also among the first batch that was forcibly defeated back then.
And hundreds of years later, when the Emanator of Destruction visited Luofu, in that battle, Xianzhou managed to capture the Emanator of Destruction alive at the cost of some chaos.
If the other Lord Ravagers knew that Phantylia was captured alive, who knows what they would think.
"Hmm? General, you all... "
As the group fell into memories, a loud noise suddenly broke the oppressive silence.
Fu Xuan looked doubtfully at the group standing there silently, then turned her attention to Jingliu.
Her expression became serious.
This face, even after hundreds or thousands of years, she would not forget — the former Sword Champion of Luofu, Jingliu.
"Yo, how lively. The Luofu General, the Nameless, and the former Sword Champion who defected from Luofu all gathered together. Such a lineup is rare even across the universe."
Before Fu Xuan could speak, Herta behind her interrupted, eyes gleaming with interest as she glanced back and forth at the group, itching with excitement inside.
Such a scene was indeed rare.
"Lady Fu, weren't you going to receive Lady Herta and Lady Ruan Mei? Why did you bring them to the Alchemy Commission? Alchemy Commission should be more entertaining than here." Jing Yuan spoke.
"Alchemy Commission is entertaining, but it's merely a place for ordinary folks to seek fun. Lady Herta and Lady Ruan Mei are geniuses. Naturally, I must consider a more fitting reception."
"Hehe, well said."
Jing Yuan chuckled, then shifted his attention to the two visitors.
"Lady Herta, Lady Ruan Mei, welcome to the Xianzhou Luofu. I should have personally received you both, but unfortunately, I'm entangled in trivial matters and unable to leave, so I had the Master Diviner receive you instead. I hope this hasn't left a bad impression of Luofu."
"General, you jest. Luofu is beautiful, we like it very much." Ruan Mei shook her head slightly, smiling softly.
"It would be even better if you weren't so busy." Herta put her hands on her hips, then spread them: "Well, first come, first served. I'll wait."
Herta never hid that she came here with a purpose.
The two top geniuses in the universe coming together — if Jing Yuan thought they were simply here for tourism, he would truly deserve the title of 'blindfolded general'.
"Of course." Jing Yuan nodded slightly.
But that didn't mean the others present would follow his lead.
"Herta, I've heard that name," Jingliu said softly, "And Ruan Mei? That name is rarely mentioned. You seem to seldom go out?"
Though wearing a blindfold, Jingliu still locked her gaze onto Ruan Mei.
"This one, indeed, always likes to stay quietly in her own place. Even her little gadgets are left at the space station, luckily sparing me from having to feed them."
Herta unhesitatingly exposed Ruan Mei's habits — after all, this one always backstabs her!
Besides, it wasn't much of a secret.
"Hehe, how interesting. Today, Luofu has gathered so many renowned figures from across the universe." Herta's gaze swept over everyone present, a bit excited.
Such a scene was indeed rare.
"Since we're all here, if convenient, let's stick together. I've got nothing else to do today anyway."Herta said casually.
Jing Yuan fell silent for a moment. Normally, he would welcome Herta's arrival, but at this moment…
"I don't mind," Jingliu suddenly spoke, turning her head to look at the stunned Jing Yuan: "Rare opportunities always attract disturbances, just as peaceful lives are often interrupted by sudden storms."
Jingliu sensed that some uninvited guests were gathering around, gradually surrounding them.
Jing Yuan raised his brows. As Luofu's general, of course he had noticed the surrounding movements; it's just that the opponents didn't seem to sense anything unusual yet.
Suddenly, everyone paused.
After an unknown period, the wind started to stir again.
"Ah!"
"Ah!"
Several low growls disrupted the current quiet atmosphere, followed by several Abundance Aberrants leaping out from the side — more and more, roughly thirty visible at a glance.
Then came the swirling mist, faintly revealing hidden figures.
Jing Yuan slightly shifted his steps, hiding behind Dan Heng, and pushed Fu Xuan behind Herta.
The two were similar in stature, standing together only left Fu Xuan's hair exposed.
"Sinner! Hand over the Transmutation Arcanum!"
A loud shout broke the mysterious aura of the mist, as several figures gradually became clear within it.
As they approached, the unique appearance of the Vidyadhara revealed their identity.
Dan Heng looked at them calmly and spoke.
"Colluding with the Disciples of the Sanctus Medicus, are you trying to molt and be reborn?"
"Hmph! Enough nonsense! You sinner have no right to speak here. Hand over the Transmutation Arcanum quickly, and perhaps we will spare your friends..."
The leading Vidyadhara spoke arrogantly.
Dan Feng was a Vidyadhara High Elder, but Dan Heng is not.
Especially after Dan Feng used the Transmutation Arcanum to create an Abomination, almost destroying the Scalegorge Waterscape, causing the Vidyadhara of Luofu to bear responsibility — both the reincarnated and non-reincarnated Vidyadhara held resentment against Dan Feng.
As for Dan Heng, saying that his past life's sins have nothing to do with him is just lip service.
If truly unrelated, Dan Heng wouldn't have ended up imprisoned in the Scalegorge Waterscape.
"I don't want to argue with you. This place is already sealed tight. If you know what's good for you, hand over the Transmutation Arcanum quickly — maybe I'll spare your friends… Hey! You, the short one over there, what are you looking at!"
The Vidyadhara was originally going to finish his words smoothly, but Herta's gaze was so piercing that it felt like it could pierce through even the Mist Weaving Art.
"Short, a shorty?" Herta's eyes narrowed slightly.
Blowing up Luofu wasn't necessary, but she remembered that this little pink-haired shorty behind her once said that the Scalegorge Waterscape was the sacred land of the Vidyadhara. Blowing it up on her own behalf wouldn't be enough for the Xianzhou Alliance to fall out with her...
Shaking his head helplessly, Dan Heng sighed.
Although he was indifferent to such matters, had the Vidyadhara fallen so low that even this kind of person could command others?
"The Transmutation Arcanum." Dan Heng mused, "Didn't the Preceptors tell you the situation here before sending you? Or did they fail to notice as well?"
"Hmph, what situation, huh? Let me tell you, don't try to stall for time! Hurry up and hand over the Transmutation Arcanum, or I'll start with that shorty over there!"
Enough is enough, right!?
"Bang!"
"Thud!"
"Ah!"
Just as this Vidyadhara was still trying to threaten, a series of sharp screams came from behind, breaking the heavy atmosphere at the scene.
At the same time, the mist covering the area dissipated at a visible speed.
"You guys, stop bullying Dan Heng! Give Dan Heng back right now!"
"That's right, and return our commander to us too!"
Both statements made Dan Heng a little touched—though it would've been better if the wording of the second one was changed.
As the mist gradually dispersed, the atmosphere turned a bit awkward.
But that awkwardness was soon broken.
"..." Dan Heng's gaze landed on a figure that didn't fit in with March 7th and the others.
"Whoa! Why are you here?!" Following Dan Heng's gaze, March 7th was startled as she saw him standing there.
Blade was watching the chaotic battlefield with a wanton smile.
With a swish, the group distanced themselves from him, staring at him warily.
"Why is he here too!?" March 7th raised a hand, shouting in disbelief. But her attention was quickly drawn away by more unexpected appearances.
"Herta? Ruan Mei? Why are you two here? And what are you doing?"
If Blade being here was still somewhat normal, then Herta and Ruan Mei appearing here was rather odd.
March 7th, Stelle, Bailu, and Qingque stared at the scene before them in silence.
"A few more troublemakers, huh? Then I'll just include you all..." The leading Vidyadhara's words were cut off abruptly.
As the mist dispersed and his gaze was no longer limited to Dan Heng—
"Ahem, perhaps we can have a proper discussion about this matter."
With two light coughs, Jing Yuan slowly walked out from behind Dan Heng, smiling warmly at them.
Fu Xuan followed with a blank expression.
"Jing Yuan!"
"General!"
"Master Diviner!"
At the scene were not only Vidyadhara, but also Cloud Knights who had been bewitched by the Alchemy Commission's secret arts. Upon seeing Jing Yuan and recalling their actions, many of them felt their legs go weak.
Those who weren't afraid of death had long since left with Dan Shu during the Ambrosial Arbor Calamity.
Those who remained either hadn't been deeply bewitched or valued their lives. Seeing Jing Yuan now, they had already made up their minds.
Seeing the situation, Stelle's eyes lit up. She cleared her throat to draw everyone's attention, then slowly stepped forward: "Let me, the best reporter of the Astral Express, briefly summarize the current situation."
"First, on the left: Nameless members — our cold-faced little Azure Dragon Dan Heng, Luofu General Jing Yuan, Master Diviner Fu Xuan. And this one is?"
"Ahem, allow me to interrupt — this is Luofu's former Sword Champion," Jing Yuan smiled.
"Then on the right, we have Herta from the Herta Space Station, and Miss Ruan Mei."
...
"And in the middle, we're the Nameless travelers of the Astral Express... and there's also a wanted criminal."
As soon as these words were spoken, the others dropped their weapons, feeling utterly hopeless.
Among Herta and Ruan Mei's group, there were many who were well-known; after all, their names echoed throughout the universe.
But to them, none of that made any difference — even their despair hadn't deepened.
After all, one must know their place: Luofu's General with his hard-earned fame, the Cloud Knights' High Cloud Quintet, the former Sword Champion, and even a former High Elder.
...
Huanxi anxiously stared in the direction of the Alchemy Commission, her heart pounding so hard it made her feel short of breath.
"Impossible, with so many people, there's no way anything could go wrong, it won't happen."
She shook her head, trying to calm her heartbeat.
She repeatedly told herself: nothing will happen, nothing will happen. The abundance beasts might not have anything else, but their ability to entangle in battle was among the highest at their level.
So many people—taking down Dan Heng should be easy!
"Sigh, too bad Miss Bailu isn't here." Forcing herself to think of something else, Wanxi focused entirely on Bailu.
If possible, the Preceptors had actually wanted to take Bailu down as well. With both the Transmutation Arcanum and the current High Elder's power unified, the Preceptors' techniques would rise to an unprecedented level.
The Preceptors, long suppressed by generations of High Elder's, would finally reclaim the historical stage.
That was how it should've been...
"You're going to be disappointed."
A sudden voice from behind made Wanxi's hair stand on end. She quickly turned, alertly looking at the visitor.
"Jing Yuan... General? And Master Diviner? Ahem, what brings you two here? Miss Bailu isn't present; I—I'm just following orders..."
...
Forcing a smile, Huanxi compelled herself to speak as usual.
"I'm here."
The familiar voice made Huanxi freeze, mechanically lowering her head, and saw Bailu standing next to Fu Xuan, hands on her hips, glaring at her angrily.
"Miss Bailu..."
Huanxi had never felt her tone so dry, like a persimmon accidentally left on the ground under the scorching sun all summer, turning into dried persimmon after a day of exposure.
"Miss Huanxi, there are some matters that the Divination Commission needs to verify, please come with us for questioning."
Fu Xuan's expression was emotionless, her voice like a whisper of destruction in Huanxi's ears.
...
"By the order of the General, please come to the Realm-Keeping Commission, Preceptor."
A fully armed team of Cloud Knights stormed into the ward, dragged the Preceptor, who was still patched up in bed, and forcibly took him away despite his struggles.
Originally, some of the Vidyadhara wanted to stop them, but under the pressure of the blocking squad, they stepped aside.
They didn't want to test which was stronger, the fists of the Vidyadhara or the formation blades of the Cloud Knights.
...
Watching Huanxi being taken away, her face ashen, Jing Yuan shook his head slightly.
Previously, Huanxi had attempted suicide, somewhat looking down on him, a general who had fought his way out of countless battlefields.
"Hah, has today's Luofu really fallen to such a state? The Vidyadhara openly assaulting the General, hiding medical resources in secret and secretly extending lives in defiance of a century's regulations… the layers of corruption are not something the Jingliu can easily break open."
Jingliu shifted her gaze to Dan Heng.
"Returning home only to be greeted not by flowers and wine, but by swords and familiar techniques — how does it feel?"
"No feelings, I'm not the Dan Feng they speak of."
Dan Heng answered calmly.
"That's what you say, but why did they attack Dan Heng? Just because he returned to the Xianzhou? But clearly the General has already revoked Dan Heng's exile order. The alchemy commission… this suppression is indeed heavy and menacing."
"Little girl, the situation with the Vidyadhara is far more complicated. If we weren't present today, Dan Feng would have likely faced a bloody conflict. Oh, or perhaps you'd prefer I call you by your current name — Dan Heng."
Scratching her head, March 7th waved helplessly.
"Forget it, forget it, these twists and turns are too confusing for me, but no matter what trouble you run into, Dan Heng, I'll always be there to back you up!"
Stelle nodded solemnly.
"Alright everyone, the trouble has been settled, I'll handle the rest. But I have something to attend to right now, we'll discuss it later."
Jing Yuan spoke to draw everyone's attention, then looked toward Dan Heng.
"You come along too."
"Mm."
Watching them walk away, March 7th, who still couldn't figure out their exact relationships, gave up trying to understand.
"Sigh, just after the Ambrosial Arbor Calamity, now comes this matter with the Vidyadhara, and amidst it all is the Disciples of the Sanctus Medicus. Sigh, the alchemy commission's troubles seem endless."
Fu Xuan shook her head helplessly, feeling that her failure to foresee today's major events this morning was a bit careless.
"Ah, Master Diviner , don't worry! Have a cup of Happy Tea to relieve your worries."
Qingque eagerly handed over a cold drink.
Taking it, glancing at it, Fu Xuan nodded slightly: "I still prefer Star Boba."
Sticking in the straw out of habit, she took a sip, savoring the sweet balls floating inside the cup.
Just as Fu Xuan was enjoying her happy moment with the Happy Tea, she suddenly turned her head to Qingque, who was also drinking.
"Qingque, as I recall, you're not supposed to be at the Divination Commission right now!?"
"…!!!"
'… I'm done for; The end…'