The suggestion was concise, but none of the three Generals present were lacking in experience; they naturally understood the implication.
To be honest, Jing Yuan was genuinely tempted.
After all, while this plan sounded a bit venomous and somewhat harmful to the Vidyadhara, it wasn't entirely detrimental.
The downside was that Vidyadhara would die, and the method was rather insidious, detrimental to internal unity. If exposed, the Vidyadhara would likely be extremely dissatisfied. But the benefits? There were far too many.
By physically eliminating those restless Vidyadhara Preceptor, the internal hidden dangers could be removed. Furthermore, for the Vidyadhara people, they would at least gain the reputation of having died heroically... It could be considered a win-win solution for both the Xianzhou and the Vidyadhara race.
The only ones truly hurt would be those specific Vidyadhara Preceptor.
"While it's a viable suggestion, this old man believes it might be inappropriate..."
"Regardless, the Vidyadhara Preceptor and the Vidyadhara people are one entity within the Alliance. Such a tactic, colluding with external enemies, violates our oaths."
Huaiyan shook his head, his expression serious. "Have you considered the consequences if this matter were discovered by the Vidyadhara, by the Alliance high command, and throughout the Xianzhou?"
"If enemies can be used to eliminate the Preceptor, then naturally they could be used to eliminate others... If that happens, I fear everyone will become suspicious and fearful, undoubtedly leading to turmoil within the Alliance."
In fact, the Xianzhou had always insisted on handling internal matters without outside interference precisely to avoid such taboo situations.
"Elder Huaiyan speaks truly."
"With all due respect to both Generals, I'm afraid I cannot agree."
"Oh?"
"Certainly, if this matter were exposed, the Alliance would indeed face turmoil. But... that's predicated on it being exposed."
[Qingque]'s pretty face was intensely serious as she spoke:
"No matter what course of action is taken, there will always be risks. Nothing is foolproof. Do the General and General Huaiyan only act when success is absolutely guaranteed?"
"Of course, choosing a more open and honorable method is also a sound strategy. If there were ample time, taking a gradual approach would certainly be possible."
"However, matters vary in urgency, illnesses in severity. The Alliance's future is currently uncertain; the time left to us may not be that plentiful."
"Seeking stability above all else will only lead to missed opportunities."
"Both Generals are seasoned by worldly affairs; it's natural to have reservations. But the principle that indecision breeds chaos... I trust this junior doesn't need to elaborate further."
"Everything I've said comes from the heart. If there are errors, omissions, or any disrespect, I ask for the forgiveness of the General and General Huaiyan."
'She' performed a proper bow, her bearing impeccable.
"Bravo!"
"Well said!"
The hearty voice of the Foxian woman echoed. Feixiao's expression showed surprise; she looked at [Qingque] with extraordinary warmth.
After all, this Sky-Faring General's style was all about being swift as wind and thunder.
As the Alliance's ever-victorious general, were the choices she made when leading troops into battle always correct?
Certainly not.
Feixiao also made mistakes, also faced perilous situations.
But even so, she wouldn't let temporary gains or losses make her hesitate or second-guess herself.
Huaiyan wasn't angry; instead, he laughed heartily:
"Haha, in that case, it seems this old man has been too rigid."
He examined the calm, seemingly harmless [Qingque] with his gilded eyes that had witnessed countless ages, and nodded heavily.
"Good, good, good... Decisive action, not bound by dogma, understanding right and wrong... Jing Yuan, you've found a fine successor."
"Old folks like us, who've grown long in the tooth, inevitably become somewhat conservative in our actions."
"Looking at it now, perhaps it's time to yield the stage to the younger generation."
"Indeed..."
Jing Yuan was also incredibly satisfied. Or rather, apart from worrying about Qingque's excessive youth, everything else about her performance elicited only satisfaction.
And now, that satisfaction had only grown stronger after [Qingque] took over.
Honestly, before this, he had still leaned towards letting Fu Xuan take the position.
It wasn't that he particularly favored Fu Xuan, but mainly because he felt Qingque was genuinely too young. Although her claimed age wasn't insignificant, in reality, that was just a Xianzhou habit—saying things like, 'oh, barely two hundred years old or so,' when the actual number could fluctuate anywhere between 1 and 200.
Qingque, born around the time of the third Abundance War, was realistically only thirty or forty years old, fifty at the absolute most.
For a Xianzhou native, that age was practically still a child.
His plan had been to let Fu Xuan take over, hold the fort for a while, buy Qingque some time to gain more experience, maybe another three or four hundred years. Jing Yuan felt that Qingque would be flawless by then.
But...
[Qingque]'s current performance had already reached the level Jing Yuan had envisioned.
[She] lacked nothing now.
If one had to nitpick, perhaps the only thing missing was the title of 'General'.
Since that was the case, why would Jing Yuan, who had long been thinking of retirement, stubbornly cling to his position?
"Alright, Qingque. Elder Huaiyan, General Feixiao, and I need to thoroughly discuss and deliberate the next steps... No, Qingque, I'm afraid I must trouble you to make a trip to the Palace of Astrum."
"Has something happened with Helm Master Yukong?"
"No, no, just some esteemed guests have arrived. The two Generals and I have much to discuss, so I'd like you to entertain those guests on my behalf."
It was clear Jing Yuan didn't particularly want her involved in the Vidyadhara matter anymore...
He wants to settle this debt within the older generation...
Seeing this, [Qingque] didn't say much more, nodded, and left the Seat of the Divine Foresight under the gazes of the three Generals.
"General Jing Yuan, have you made your decision?"
"Mm."
"After all, as the General of the Luofu, I can't just leave these troublesome matters for the wisdom of posterity to solve."
...
Central Starskiff Haven, before the Sky-Faring Commission's Helm Master Palace (Si Chen Gong).
"Stelle, look quick! This place is so lively!"
A pink-haired girl with a jacket draped over her shoulders and energetic pinkish-blue eyes looked around with immense curiosity, like a wide-eyed tourist exploring a metropolis. She constantly used the camera hanging at her waist to snap pictures wildly, drawing puzzled glances from passersby.
"I'm gonna capture everything here!"
With a declaration akin to an oath, she stood with hands on her hips, looking proud and excited.
A middle-aged man wearing glasses and leaning on a cane adjusted his glasses and sighed.
"March, you're bothering people acting like that."
"Very bothersome!"
A grey-haired girl, looking somewhat 'fierce' yet also somewhat 'adorable', like a big sister type, repeated the sentiment like a recorder.
"Are you a parrot?!"
"Aww... but Uncle Yang, this is really awesome! It's my first time on the Xianzhou!"
The girl called March, undoubtedly March 7th of the Astral Express crew—diligent Little March—pouted, clutching her camera reluctantly. Then, as if remembering something, she sounded regretful, "Aigh, it's a shame Dan Heng didn't come."
"He's originally from the Xianzhou; he's likely quite familiar with this place."
"That makes sense... But wouldn't someone who's been away from their homeland for so long miss it terribly?"
"...Mm, yes, they definitely would miss it."
Welt seemed lost in thought for a moment, nodding in agreement.
"Exactly! So, I need to record all the 'scenery of home' and bring it back to the Express. That way, Dan Heng can see it too!"
"Stelle, stand still, quick! Yes... right next to this stone lion. Strike a pose! Try to make your smile more natural! Okay, say cheese!"
"Eh? How did another person get in the picture?!"
March impatiently looked at her results and froze. Besides the little grey-haired girl, another pink-haired girl had appeared in the frame.
She looked up, her gaze meeting the beautiful pink-haired girl from the photo. Like a pixie, the newcomer blinked her lovely azure eyes and waved~
"Whoa!"
"Who are you?!"
"Ahem~ Sorry, sorry! You all looked like you were having so much fun, I couldn't help but want to get a closer look..."
Undoubtedly, it was Elysia. She offered a slightly sheepish apology, then approached Stelle, smiling sweetly.
"What an adorable beauty~"
Stelle blushed faintly and instinctively took a step back. This woman seemed... problematic!
Not problematic in a bad way, but in a mischievous way!
However, she didn't seem to harbor any ill intent...
"Is this one of your sisters or something, March?"
"How could that be... Probably not, right?"
March 7th sounded a bit exasperated, but also uncertain.
"Hee hee, if you want to be good friends with me, that's perfectly fine too, of course. But this should indeed be our first meeting."
"Oh dear, I forgot to introduce myself."
"I'm Elysia. As for my current identity... I suppose I'm a tourist visiting the Xianzhou... According to the Xianzhou people's way of speaking, that's called an Outworlder, right?"
She glanced uncertainly at the black-haired man, [Jiang Qiao], beside her.
"Mm."
"What a coincidence, so are we! I'm March 7th from the Astral Express, this is Stelle, and that's Uncle Yang. We're all Nameless Trailblazers!"
"Uncle Yang, Uncle Yang, what's wrong? You look a bit strange."
"...It's nothing. Just... somewhat familiar."
Welt shook his head, then looked at Elysia, frowning slightly. He naturally had no connection to the Elysian Realm, and logically shouldn't have any ties to the Flame-Chasers of the Previous Era, aside from Kevin and Fu Hua.
But a certain cook whose role had been diminished was different.
Perhaps out of a desire to share their stories with more people, Mei's experiences in the Elysian Realm had been recorded. Welt had seen parts of it. Therefore, even though he wasn't a visitor to the Elysian Realm himself, he still knew some details.
However... this should be a coincidence, right? After all, according to her account, the Flame-Chasers of the Previous Era were long...
"Nameless Trailblazers... I've heard of you. Are you also here to participate in the Luminary Wardance?"
Qingque (in Jiang Qiao's body) spoke first, sizing up the group with some seriousness.
Perhaps due to spending a long time at the Seat of the Divine Foresight, she had inevitably picked up some habits she wasn't fond of, especially regarding special factions from across the universe. She subconsciously paid attention.
But the next moment, Qingque instantly shook her head, filled with annoyance.
Seriously, why am I, Qingque, worrying about this stuff!
This is supposed to be my rare vacation time!
Remembering her life motto—work hard when it's time to work, rest hard when it's time to rest—Miss Qingque instantly shed that inappropriate sense of responsibility. I, Qingque, am on vacation!
Besides, if anything really happened, wouldn't the tall one, that bad guy Jiang Qiao, be the one to handle it?
Of course, she was also curious why the long-dormant Astral Express would visit the Xianzhou now.
"Yeah, yeah! It's such a rare grand event, after all. It would feel like a huge regret if we didn't come. Plus, we're also here to help out some friends from a planet we assisted before."
"Is that so... Then what are you doing here at the Palace of Astrum?"
Qingque found it a bit odd.
"It's like this..."
Welt took the initiative to explain how, after leaving Jarilo-VI and arriving at the Xianzhou Luofu, they happened to encounter Tingyun, an envoy of the Whistling Flames merchant guild, being attacked by Borisin near the star region.
Moreover, as an established faction, the Astral Express naturally had to register with the hosts, even for an open event like the Luminary Wardance.
So, Tingyun had gone inside to register, while they waited here.
Before more could be said, a Foxian woman emerged from the Palace of Astrum. It was Tingyun. Although she looked strangely at Qingque—who was wearing Jiang Qiao's 'skin' and touring the Xianzhou with Elysia and the others—she didn't dwell on it too much.
"Lady Yukong requests your presence."
"Hold on."
A clear, young girl's voice rang out, making Tingyun pause.
Looking up, they saw the green-clad young woman, [Qingque], disembarking from a starskiff.
Seeing [her] appear, Elysia, who knew the truth, brightened up, while Qingque (in Jiang Qiao's body) looked utterly confused.
"...You guys are here too."
"Never mind, I'll talk to you all later."
Tingyun wore a natural expression, smiling at [Qingque]:
"Oh, it's Lady Qingque. May I ask what business Lady Qingque has?"
Hearing 'Lady Qingque' addressed to someone else felt strange to Miss Qingque, and her mood became rather peculiar.
"You..."
Under everyone's gaze, the petite girl [Qingque] approached Tingyun, scrutinizing her. This made the Foxian lady instinctively step back, looking somewhat 'apprehensive'.
"Lady Qingque, is there something on this humble one's face?"
"Ah, no, no. I was just reminded of the pet the newly appointed Ling Sha Si Ding brought from the Xianzhou Zhuming. It's just as cute as Miss Tingyun~"
"By the way, she can also do flips~"