Rover turned to Lucian upon hearing this: "Should we go find Jiyan?"
Lucian gave a slight nod. "Let's ask him."
Meanwhile, Jinhsi asked curiously, "Why do you want to find Calcharo?"
The corners of Lucian's lips curled up slightly. "Naturally, because I want to become the strongest Resonator."
"If the Pioneer Association acknowledges Calcharo's strength, then of course I must challenge him."
Jinhsi smiled and nodded. "Ambitious. However, though General Jiyan knows Calcharo, I don't think Calcharo is currently in Jinzhou."
Lucian frowned. "Then is he within Huanglong's borders? Any specific location?"
Jinhsi shook her head lightly. "'The Vicious' Calcharo was once a member of the exiles in the 'Lawless Zone.'"
"Later, he became the leader of the mercenary group 'Ghost Hounds'—ruthless and vengeful, never forgetting a slight."
"Jinzhou's archives record legends of Calcharo from other nations."
"At 12, he could stop a transport vehicle single-handedly. At 15, his abilities made the entire New Federation tremble. By 18, he fought alone against the entire New Federation's police force and walked away unscathed."
"Ghosts dwell in his chest, and his forehead bears a curse from the gods. Lightning follows his steps, and fire burns in his eyes—sworn to unleash his wrath upon the heavens."
"Having faced death and been reborn time and again… No matter how many times, he returns like a specter to reclaim what is his…"
Lucian: "…?"
Rover: "…?"
Rover furrowed her delicate brows in confusion. "Why does this sound so familiar to me?"
"Isn't this the same kind of nonsense Lucian used to boast about himself?"
Lucian pondered for a moment. "Could it be… he's like me? Someone who clashed with Ultraman's Father on Planet Ultra, and then…"
Before he could finish, Rover pinched his cheek in exasperation. "That's enough."
"If the New Federation's folklore really describes him like that, I'd say Calcharo definitely isn't as strong as the stories claim."
Lucian sighed, suddenly empathizing with Calcharo. "Ah, yes. Back when I was three, I could recite three hundred Tang and Song poems by heart. By four, I mastered the Four Books and Five Classics. At seven, I was already well-versed in The Art of War."
"But beneath this widely known façade, no one realized that even in my mother's womb, I had already triggered celestial phenomena—shifting stars and altering the skies. Even the ancient sages would've taken one look at me and declared: 'This child bears the mark of an emperor.'"
The two women fell silent for a moment before Rover remarked dryly, "I don't think you need to seek out Calcharo anymore."
"In the art of bragging, Calcharo has already lost."
Jinhsi covered her mouth as she chuckled before continuing, "In any case, Calcharo is extremely mysterious. Those who've seen him can be counted on one hand."
Rover tilted her head. "Then how does Jinzhou have records on him?"
Jinhsi smiled. "General Jiyan submitted the report. He once met Calcharo in person."
"According to General Jiyan, Calcharo is a complicated man. His principle is to never accept a job without profit—sounding like a man who values gains above all…"
"But he has his own lines he won't cross… For example, his mercenary group has many rules…"
"Anyway, I don't know the full details, but doesn't he sound contradictory?"
Rover nodded slightly. "A bit, yes…"
Lucian: "In that case, let's go ask Jiyan. It's been a while since we last saw him. Is he still at the frontlines?"
Jinhsi shook her head. "For the past couple of days, Taoyuan Vale has been hosting the Jinzhou Riverside Games—a military-civilian sports competition. It's held just before the Moon-Chasing Festival as a sort of prelude."
"General Jiyan should be in Taoyuan Vale right now. If you want to find him, you can head there."
Rover, standing nearby, suddenly looked puzzled. "Jinzhou Riverside Games?"
She pulled out two envelopes from her pocket. "I received these invitations to the Jinzhou Riverside Games this morning. Both have my name and Lucian's on them."
Jinhsi nodded. "Yes, that's the one. You've both worked hard these past days. While you're seeking answers, you might as well join the Jinzhou Riverside Games and relax a little."
After bidding farewell to Jinhsi, they arrived once more in Taoyuan Vale.
The place was now completely different from when they had last visited. Lanterns and colorful decorations adorned every corner of the village, all in preparation for the upcoming Moon-Chasing Festival.
The two quickly spotted Jiyan speaking with an elderly man, with Jianxin and Taoqi standing nearby.
Hearing their footsteps, Jianxin glanced over—and her expression immediately lit up with joy.
"Master!"
Everyone turned at her voice.
Jianxin rushed straight toward Lucian, but just as she was about to throw herself into his arms, Rover suddenly reached out and stopped her.
Jianxin: "…?"
"Wh-what's wrong?"
Confusion flickered in Jianxin's heart. She hadn't seen her master in so long—why was Rover stopping her?
Having been stationed at the frontlines, she'd barely had any time to even communicate with Lucian. This sudden reunion had filled her with excitement, so she couldn't understand why Rover was getting in the way.
Rover shook her head slowly and said plainly, "Lucian is my fiancé now."
Lucian: "…"
Jianxin froze as if struck by lightning, rooted to the spot.
Taoqi, who had walked over curiously, asked, "Fiancé? Are Intelligence Officer Lucian and Rover getting married?"
A hollow feeling settled in Jianxin's chest as she instinctively looked at Lucian.
Lucian coughed lightly. "Well, that's true, but—"
Jianxin pressed urgently, "But what?"
Lucian's expression turned solemn. "When I became Jianxin's master, I made a vow to teach her the meaning of 'lesser love.'"
"Rover, this is a promise between master and disciple. With a heart as vast as mine, I'm sure you wouldn't stand in the way."
Rover's face darkened. If only I'd known this would happen. But back then, her relationship with Lucian hadn't progressed to this point yet.
Otherwise, she would've snuffed out this spark immediately.
Still, it wasn't too late. After all, Jianxin was a Taoist nun. Once she understood what "lesser love" truly meant, she'd surely back off.
Rover believed Jianxin wasn't like Changli and the others—the type to cling stubbornly to a man already promised to another.
Just look at Jianxin's eyes—so pure, so kind, so innocent. She couldn't let Lucian ruin that…
Jianxin blinked in confusion before nodding slowly. "Right… Master said we'd explore the meaning of 'lesser love' together."
"But now he's become Rover's fiancé…"
"Which means…"
"Rover is the one who came later! And she stole my Master!"
Rover: "???"
Lucian: "…"