"Miss Lumina, thank you for saving Yanqing earlier."
Abandoning the topic of Long-Life, General Jing Yuan turned to Lumina with a sincere smile and expressed his gratitude.
"There's no need for thanks. It was a trivial matter," Lumina replied, shaking her head with a dismissive wave and a faint smile, unintentionally exuding an air of effortless grace.
"Hahaha," Jing Yuan chuckled at her humility, then turned his gaze to Yanqing beside him. "Miss Lumina, there's no need to be so modest. What you call a 'trivial matter' saved Yanqing's life."
"Umm..." Feeling his general's gaze, Yanqing scratched his head awkwardly, a blush creeping onto his cheeks.
Though Jing Yuan's expression remained neutral, Yanqing could sense a faint amusement radiating from his superior.
What did that amusement mean? Yanqing had no idea. All he knew was that his general seemed slightly more pleased with him now.
But why? Yanqing hadn't done anything particularly well...
"General, that doesn't contradict the idea of it being a trivial matter," Lumina said with a smile.
"Haha, Miss Lumina is right," Jing Yuan chuckled, nodding in agreement without argument.
Given Lumina's strength, it truly was a trivial matter for her.
Jing Yuan was astute enough not to question Lumina's presence here. The immediate priority was Phantylia. Although her purpose on the Xianzhou Luofu remained unclear, at least he knew she had nothing to do with the Stellaron.
Phantylia took precedence. Lumina's true intentions would have to wait until after this crisis was resolved.
Jing Yuan pushed aside his thoughts and turned to Dan Heng. Seeing his familiar face, a flicker of nostalgia crossed his eyes. He spoke softly, "Old friend, it's been too long."
"I'm not him," Dan Heng replied, shaking his head dismissively at Jing Yuan's wistful tone.
"Hmm... My apologies," Jing Yuan murmured, his voice subdued, offering Dan Heng a bitter smile.
Dan Heng stared at Jing Yuan's bitter smile, feeling a slight pang in his heart. But he maintained his composure, saying nothing as he turned to leave and find his companions.
"You can't leave."
Dan Heng had barely taken a few steps when Jing Yuan called out to him.
"Your friend is waiting for you at the Scalegorge Waterscape. Shall we go together to see them?"
Dan Heng stopped and turned to Jing Yuan, his intent clear despite his silence.
Jing Yuan chuckled but made no immediate move. Instead, he glanced at Lumina, seemingly gauging her opinion or probing her motives.
Though Jing Yuan concealed his thoughts well, Lumina's sharp eyes saw through his facade. She smiled faintly and countered, "Why does the General look at me? Does he wish for me to join the Xianzhou Luofu in opposing the Lord Ravager?"
"The Lord Ravager is a vicious tyrant, universally reviled across the cosmos. To join the Luofu in opposing her would be considered an honor for me."
Lumina's tone and demeanor were neither humble nor arrogant, her beautiful face showing no trace of weakness.
It seemed that a simple nod from Jing Yuan would secure Lumina's allegiance to the Luofu's cause against Phantylia, the Lord Ravager.
"Hahaha, Miss Lumina, you jest," Jing Yuan said awkwardly, waving his hand and avoiding a direct answer.
If Lumina were an Emanator of another Aeon, Jing Yuan might have agreed to fight alongside her. After all, with two Emanators present, Phantylia's plans, whatever they might be, would ultimately fail.
But... Lumina was an Emanator of Abundance, and this battle would take place within the Ambrosial Arbor.
Bringing an Emanator of Abundance into the Ambrosial Arbor was like inviting a wolf into the henhouse.
Well... the only difference was that this wolf had a far better reputation, prestige, and trustworthiness than any other.
Yet, no matter how impeccable her reputation might be, she was still a wolf!
Although Jing Yuan trusted Lumina and had been favorably impressed by her these past few days, the allure of the Abundance Divine Miracle was immeasurable for any Follower of Abundance. There was no guarantee she wouldn't act rashly upon seeing the Ambrosial Arbor.
Therefore, for safety's sake, Lumina absolutely could not be allowed to enter the Ambrosial Arbor!
With this decision firmly made, Jing Yuan adopted an expression of concern for Lumina and slowly said:
"Miss Lumina, a fierce battle lies ahead."
"Swords and blades show no mercy. If a battle breaks out, Miss Lumina might get hurt," Jing Yuan said, shaking his head with concern. Every word dripped with care for Lumina's safety.
"Miss Lumina, your esteemed presence on the Xianzhou is a true honor for us," he continued. "Therefore, on behalf of the Xianzhou Alliance and all the people of the Luofu, I extend to you our sincerest greetings."
Jing Yuan's voice grew increasingly impassioned as he delivered a perfect formal salute, his motives unclear beneath the courteous display.
After completing the salute, Jing Yuan placed a hand over his chest, a sincere smile spreading across his face. "With the unanimous approval of the Luofu's Six Commissions," he declared, "I, as the representative of Xianzhou Luofu, wish to present Miss Lumina with a gift."
"Adjacent to the Seat of Divine Foresight in the Exalting Sanctum lies a luxurious, unoccupied mansion called the Exalting. It is typically reserved for the Luofu's most honored guests."
"And now, I hereby grant you permanent use rights and residence rights to this magnificent estate! This mansion is yours, Miss Lumina!"
Lumina's eyebrow arched slightly at these words, instantly grasping Jing Yuan's hidden motive.
Next to the Seat of Divine Foresight?That's just a convenient way to keep an eye on me.
Lumina didn't dwell on the matter. If they want to keep an eye on me, let them, she thought. They wouldn't notice if I were truly planning something anyway.
With this thought, a faint smile bloomed on Lumina's face. She murmured softly, "I never imagined the Xianzhou Luofu would value me so highly. I'm truly honored."
"Since that's the case, I won't stand on ceremony," she continued. "My gratitude to General Jing Yuan and the Xianzhou Luofu for this magnificent residence."
"Hahaha, Yanqing!" Jing Yuan's smile widened considerably as Lumina accepted the gift.
"General, at your service!" Yanqing hurried forward at Jing Yuan's call, bowing his head and awaiting orders.
"Escort Miss Lumina to the Exalting Sanctum to inspect her new residence."
"Understood, General." Without hesitation, Yanqing approached Lumina and said quietly, "Lady Lumina, please follow me."
"Hmm," Lumina murmured, nodding with a smile. Without another word, she followed Yanqing out of the Scalegorge Waterscape, toward the Exalting Sanctum.
Little Jing Yuan, you cunning strategist, Lumina thought, glancing back at Jing Yuan, who was watching them depart. Offering me a residence both facilitates surveillance and keeps me away from the Ambrosial Arbor, preventing me from laying hands on it... I have to admire his ingenuity.
Yet Jing Yuan seemed to have overlooked something. On the entire Luofu, who besides him could truly restrain me?
Of course, he might know this already, but simply has no other choice.
He's gambling that I won't harm the people of the Luofu, or the Ambrosial Arbor itself...
But I'm afraid you've lost this bet, General Jing Yuan...