Inside the Divine Foresight Commission, Wende looked at Jing Yuan's projection waiting quietly above. Holding the projection record in his hand, he turned to glance behind him at March and Stelle, who were busy playing with a Diting.
"Woof! Woof!"
March's fair, slender fingers danced in front of the Diting's eyes, and the little creature, held in her arms, tried to catch her finger with its chubby paws.
"Heehee, little Diting~ You're so cute!"
"Woof woof!"
March giggled foolishly. Stelle, on the other hand, wore a very serious expression as she extended her two index fingers, gently pressing them into the soft pads of the Diting's paws.
"Woof!"
"Hehe..."
Watching the Diting's little paws move with her fingers, a look of pure enjoyment spread across Stelle's face.
Hiss... So how did they convince the guards to let them bring a Diting in here?
The corner of Wende's mouth twitched as he wondered this, completely bewildered.
"Ahem..."
He cleared his throat twice to remind the two of them not to lose their composure, then walked toward Jing Yuan's projection.
"..."
To be honest, seeing this projection, Wende wasn't entirely sure it was Jing Yuan himself. Who knew? It might just be an idle image left here while the real person was slacking off somewhere.
"Oh? Isn't this Doctor Wende of the Astral Express? Rest assured, I have already dispatched specialists to investigate Cloudford. I believe we will have news shortly."
Jing Yuan smiled faintly at the young man before him. If it weren't for the fact that this man belonged to the Astral Express, he would have been tempted to personally poach him.
This ability to sever longevity and cut away immortality... it was truly something the Xianzhou had been unable to find for ages.
"General Jing Yuan, we came this time for another matter."
Wende didn't elaborate on the situation at Cloudford, instead directly handing the projection record to Jing Yuan.
"Hmm... This is Yanqing's [Pathfinding Jade Pendant]. Thank you very much..."
Jing Yuan's projection nodded slightly at Wende in acknowledgment.
"So, who is that woman named Jingliu?"
March, having just handed the little Diting to Qingzu, walked up and asked Jing Yuan with great curiosity.
"..."
At the mention of that name, Jing Yuan's brow furrowed. He then shifted his gaze back to Wende, as if scrutinizing him.
"You've... already viewed the contents inside?"
"Yes. We needed to identify the owner of this item, so we watched the recording. While it might have been improper, it was a necessary measure," Wende explained, his eyes meeting Jing Yuan's directly. He, too, was very curious about this woman's identity.
"Sigh. My apologies, I had no intention of blaming you."
Jing Yuan let out a long sigh and crossed his arms over his chest.
"She was once the master who taught me my craft, and also my former superior... but she has been away from the Xianzhou for a very long time."
A reminiscent look flickered across Jing Yuan's face before it turned solemn again.
"If you encounter her, you must inform me immediately and stay far away from her... As much as I hate to say it... she is very dangerous."
"Oh, so that's how it is..."
March suddenly felt a little embarrassed. Had she just touched upon the General's sore spot?
"Understood. Since the information has been delivered, we will take our leave."
Looking at Jing Yuan's projection, a trace of sympathy flashed in Wende's eyes before he bid him farewell.
"Mm. The people of the Xianzhou have witnessed the contributions you have all made recently. Once this matter is resolved, on behalf of the Divine Foresight Commission, I will be sure to host you all properly."
The faint, calm smile remained on Jing Yuan's lips.
"Well then, we thank General Jing Yuan for his kindness."
Wende nodded and then left the Divine Foresight Commission with March and Stelle.
"Sigh, I can't believe that woman was the General's master. It's so hard to imagine," March said, her mind replaying the figure from the projection.
"Haha... Let's not worry about all that," Wende said with a light laugh, shaking his head. Noticing Stelle's hair was a bit messy again, he reached out to tidy it for her.
"Mmm..."
Basking in the warmth from Wende's hand, Stelle suddenly felt a wave of drowsiness for some unknown reason.
As Wende straightened Stelle's hair, a thousand thoughts raced through his mind.
I really didn't expect General Jing Yuan to also be a disciple of that bad woman... Doesn't that make us fellow disciples? Should I call him Senior Brother?
But... from the looks of it, he seems to have quite a history with that bad woman, too... Don't tell me he was also raised by her from a young age?
If that's really the case... then that woman's sins run even deeper.
He recalled how Yanqing in the projection had called that bad woman "big sister" over and over, and how she had so casually called him "little brother"...
Hmm... If I see Yanqing next time, I should probably give him some sound advice. He can't end up like the kid in my arms, getting tricked by a pretty older sister! That path leads to hell! Hell, I tell you!
"Alright, all done. Go on and play."
After smoothing out Stelle's hair, Wende gently patted her on the head.
"Mmm..."
Already made drowsy by Wende's touch, Stelle squinted her eyes and let out a weak whimper.
"Huh? Did she use up all her energy running around and then playing with the little Diting?"
March looked at Stelle curiously before presenting her own head to Wende.
"Wende! My hair is messy too, can you fix it for me~" March said, her tone almost coquettish.
"Alright, alright, coming..."
---o---
After returning to the inn in Central Starskiff Haven, Wende looked at his phone and saw that Dan Heng was once again outside the message signal area. His brow furrowed again.
It seemed to be just like last time...
"What's wrong?" March asked, leaning her head in to look when she saw Wende's worried expression.
"Dan Heng is out of contact."
Wende put away his phone and shook his head at March.
"But you don't have to worry. There are very few people on the Xianzhou who can give Dan Heng any real trouble."
Seeing the concern on March's face, Wende quickly reassured her, telling her not to worry too much.
After all... back when he was drinking and chatting with Dan Heng, Dan Heng had already mentioned this possibility.
If possible, he didn't want the others on the Express to worry about him...
Heh... so they don't have to worry, but I'm the one left worrying.
Wende stroked the head of Stelle, who was using his thigh as a pillow, and thought with a sense of helplessness.
This girl had been looking completely drained ever since they got back to the inn... and she didn't even go back to her own room...
"Hmph, you just go on and spoil her!"
Seeing Stelle sleeping so peacefully on Wende's lap, March pouted, her words laced with a hint of unease.