"That is indeed General Jing Yuan," Baiwen answered without hesitation.
But she still had doubts. "However, Lady Ningguang, Yukong is also one of the higher ups of the Luofu, holding immense authority. Her decision was made after deliberation by the Xianzhou Luofu. Wouldn't the General's attitude completely contradict that?"
"No." Ningguang shook her head, pausing in thought before continuing slowly. "Rejecting the Express must also be Jing Yuan's own intention—he won't overturn it. But his current demeanor is indeed subtle… Perhaps he has something else he wishes to discuss with the Express crew."
["How could the Astral Express possibly ally with the Stellaron Hunters? They are mortal enemies." The moment Jing Yuan appeared, he began showering the Astral Express with praise. "My apologies for interrupting your meeting. I am Jing Yuan, the General of the Luofu."]
["General, this is an internal matter of the Luofu." Despite Jing Yuan's shift in tone, Yukong remained firm in her stance.]
["Indeed, indeed, an internal matter. I fully support Sky-Faring Commission's decision." Jing Yuan smiled amiably, like a harmless big cat.]
["My apologies, everyone. It is true that there is a Stellaron on the Luofu, but I must decline your kind offer. This is a Xianzhou matter—it must be resolved by our own hands."]
["However, since you've come all this way, how could we let you leave empty-handed? While we cannot accept the Express's aid regarding the Stellaron, there is another matter for which your assistance is indispensable. Please!"]
[With that, he extended his hand to the Express crew, inviting them aside for a brief discussion.]
"This General seems even better at bossing people around than Miss Tingyun," Frieren mused, feeling the adult world was far too complicated.
"Huh? Frieren… are you worried that March 7th and the others might be walking into a trap set by General Jing Yuan?"
Frieren waved her hand lightly, chuckling. "Relax, that Mr. Welt is no ordinary man. Even if General Jing Yuan has his schemes, they likely won't work on him."
Ever since arriving on the Xianzhou, Welt had given Frieren a strangely familiar feeling.
He was undoubtedly the leader of their trio—reliable in everything he did, with foresight and experience that left others in awe, not to mention his astonishing combat prowess… It all unconsciously reminded her of Himmel.
With Himmel around, we never once strayed from the right path.
"...I'm a little envious."
Watching March 7th and Stelle following behind Welt on the screen, Frieren murmured softly.
["The Astral Express—I have long heard of your name, and my heart has yearned to meet you. To see you today is truly an honor!" Leading them aside, Jing Yuan spoke with genuine reverence.]
["We've long admired the General's reputation. What matter do you need our help with?" Welt cut straight to the point.]
["Ah, one that only you all can undertake. A few days ago, we apprehended a Stellaron Hunter who trespassed into a restricted area of the Xianzhou—a man called 'Blade.'"]
["During his interrogation, the Divination Commission—the Xianzhou's intelligence and predictive analytics division—intercepted a communication from his hidden accomplice, Kafka, who remains at large on the Xianzhou. As for the recipient of that message…"]
[Here, Jing Yuan deliberately paused, letting the sudden silence thicken the atmosphere. Everyone present knew—Kafka had just recently contacted the Express.]
["I am somewhat aware of your history with the Stellaron Hunters. The Divination Commission believes you are their accomplices! But I said—impossible! The Astral Express is renowned across the cosmos for its righteous deeds and heroic spirit. How could they consort with such villains?"]
["Thus, this message must be a poisonous scheme by the Stellaron Hunters to divert suspicion onto you."]
["So the General wants us to capture Kafka?" Welt asked.]
["The Stellaron disaster is something the Xianzhou can resolve. But quelling it will take time and require the full mobilization of the Cloud Knights. Yet with Kafka lurking aboard, she remains a threat we cannot ignore."]
["Since the Stellaron Hunters deliberately lured you to the Luofu, why not play along? As General, I grant you full authority to act freely on the Xianzhou—draw out the elusive Kafka and apprehend her in one stroke."]
["This way, you clear the suspicion the Stellaron Hunters cast upon you, and we uncover their true purpose for infiltrating the Xianzhou—and its connection to the Stellaron's eruption. What do you say?"]
"Sweet words mixed with threats… Tsk, this General is truly a talent. Even I can't help but admire him," Hu Tao remarked.
"Consultant, I'm starting to think he might even out-talk you."
Inside Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao had just caught Zhongli returning from his stroll and dragged him over to watch the Celestial Screen with her.
Zhongli chuckled. "You flatter me, Director. General Jing Yuan is not only astute and brilliant but also one in ten thousand—a true dragon among men, worthy of leading the Xianzhou. How could I compare?"
"Fine, I take it back… Your skill at laying on the compliments is just as good as his." Hu Tao sat perched on a high-backed wicker chair, her pale legs swinging lightly beneath the table. "But the way Jing Yuan hides daggers in his words… Hah, I can't think of a way to refuse him."
"There is no refusing. To prove the Astral Express has no ties to the Stellaron Hunters, they must capture Kafka."
What a masterfully laid trap… Zhongli marveled—not just at the General's flawless rhetoric but also at the meticulous planning of the Stellaron Hunters.
"From the moment they set foot on the Xianzhou, the Express crew walked right into the Stellaron Hunters' scheme. Even this capture mission is likely part of their plan."
"Right? Great minds think alike, Consultant."
A glimmer of anticipation flickered in Hu Tao's plum-blossom eyes. "It's a shame we're only seeing fragments—we can't grasp the full picture of their scheme… I'd love to know what they're really after. Especially that Kafka woman. Feels like she's playing everyone like fools."
[Though they appeared to have a choice, there was really no choice at all.]
[Yet General Jing Yuan solemnly gave his word: "If you treat the Luofu with sincerity, the Luofu shall repay you in kind."]
[With things put so plainly, Welt had no reason to refuse. Jing Yuan then granted them full access, lifting all restrictions on their movements.]
["Stelle, what do you think of this General Jing Yuan?" March 7th whispered privately.]
["Pretty handsome," Stelle answered without hesitation.]
["I wasn't asking about his looks! Though… yeah, he is handsome…" March 7th facepalmed. Why is her thought process always so unpredictable?]