"...Lady Yukong ordered me to go to the Alchemy Commission?"
A hint of confusion and surprise colored the charming young woman's voice. The Foxian girl, Tingyun, regarded the green-clad girl who had found her and conveyed Helm Master Yukong's directive with a subtly calculating expression, trying to parse the intention.
Could it be... I've already been exposed?
Tingyun—no, it would be more accurate to say Phantylia, the Lord Ravager under Lord Nanook, Emanator of Destruction—felt a surge of suspicion.
But the next moment, she dismissed the thought.
After all, as an experienced Heliobus, Phantylia was highly confident in her disguise techniques.
Even against fellow Emanators, she was confident she could fool anyone except those memory weavers from the Garden of Recollection who specialized in such arts.
This confidence assured Phantylia that her infiltration was seamless, impossible to see through.
"Mm. Helm Master Yukong heard you were attacked by the Borisin and thought perhaps you should get checked out at the Alchemy Commission. After all, you know the methods those Borisin use, and especially since you're Foxian, extra caution is needed."
"Coincidentally, the new Si Ding Ling Sha has arrived. I hear this Alchemist from the Zhuming is highly skilled; I'm sure she can give you a clear assessment."
"I see."
Hearing this, Phantylia instantly understood, a wave of disdain washing over her internally. Heh, I was worrying too much. How could these Xianzhou hounds possibly see through my disguise?
Her Heliobus nature informed her of the close relationship between Yukong and this body's 'Tingyun'. Making such arrangements was merely a perfectly normal expression of concern.
"Although this humble one feels perfectly fine, since it's Helm Master Yukong's arrangement, it wouldn't be right for me to refuse."
"I hear Lady Qingque has been very busy lately. This must be troubling you."
"It's no trouble. Coincidentally, I also have important business to relay to Si Ding Ling Sha. We're heading the same way, you could say."
Hearing the words 'important business', Phantylia's interest was immediately piqued.
She knew this little brat seemed to be from the Seat of the Divine Foresight. In Tingyun's memories, that woman named Yukong occasionally mentioned her... And for her to personally deliver a message to the new Si Ding, it must surely be an important matter from the Luofu's Divine Foresight General.
As a Lord Ravager known for inciting internal conflict and causing self-destruction, this was naturally something she couldn't miss.
"Could it be... an errand from General Jing Yuan?"
"Ah... apologies, this humble one was merely curious. Since it's an errand from the Seat of the Divine Foresight, it probably cannot be spoken of publicly."
"Haha, actually, it's not that big a deal."
"Do you see that Xianzhou Yaoqing over there?"
"I can see it clearly. To be honest with Lady Qingque, this humble one works for the Sky-Faring Commission and travels between various Xianzhou. When returning with the esteemed guests from the Astral Express, seeing the Yaoqing alongside was quite a surprise."
"I wonder what could have happened to bring two Xianzhou ships together."
Aboard the starskiff, Phantylia subtly steered the conversation.
Honestly, when she infiltrated the Xianzhou using this identity, seeing the Yaoqing there had been a headache.
After all, that Sky-Faring General's reputation was truly formidable.
Although as a Lord Ravager she didn't fear the other woman, having such a figure around was troublesome nonetheless.
"The Luminary Wardance is part of it. As for the other part... well, the Borisin Warleader, Hoolay, is currently imprisoned right here in the Luofu's Dungeon of Shackling Prison."
"Hoolay?!"
Hearing this name, Phantylia's eyes widened slightly.
"Mm... Since Miss Tingyun is Foxian, Hoolay's name should ring quite loudly among the Foxian people."
"More than just ringing loudly... Among Foxians, that name is often used to frighten naughty children. If a child misbehaves, Foxian parents will say: 'Hoolay is coming!' The children instantly stop crying."
"So, that Borisin war criminal is actually imprisoned here on the Luofu. I always thought he would be on the Yaoqing."
"That's understandable. After all, Hoolay is proof of the pact under which the Foxians joined the Alliance. Although the Yaoqing has more Foxians, for various reasons, keeping him on the Luofu is more secure."
"I see... But now, during the Luminary Wardance, the Luofu is open to outsiders, and it's crowded with people... Aigh, I hope nothing happens. This humble one is truly afraid of 'Hoolay coming'."
"Miss Tingyun worries too much."
"The Luofu's Shackling Prison is heavily guarded, with multiple layers of security, and protected by the Vidyadhara clan. It forms its own domain. Even getting inside is difficult, let alone rescuing Hoolay from its depths."
"However..."
The girl's voice paused, causing Phantylia, who was listening intently, to feel a surge of urgency, though her expression remained calm: "If it's inconvenient, Lady Qingque certainly doesn't need to tell this humble one."
Honestly, at this moment, she desperately wanted to reveal her true form and use her powers to pry the information out of this brat named Qingque.
After all, Phantylia cared greatly about Hoolay.
Her purpose in coming to the Xianzhou, besides acting as reconnaissance to assess the Luofu's strengths and weaknesses and find vulnerabilities, included her own personal agenda—the miracles of Abundance.
The Ambrosial Arbor was naturally the primary target.
But the Arbor had been damaged by the Hunt's arrow and sealed by the Undying. Obtaining the Arbor's fruit would require a major conflict, which contradicted her goal of infiltration.
The second target was Hoolay!
Having been active in regions frequented by the Denizens of Abundance, she knew Hoolay's importance. More importantly, she had discovered through various means... that the one called Hoolay clearly bore a miracle of Abundance upon him.
If she could get her hands on him, then...
Not only could she obtain the miracle of Abundance, the body of Abundance she craved, but she could even use the Borisin Warleader's identity to incite the entire Denizens of Abundance...
But, thinking of the two Generals currently on the Xianzhou, Phantylia instantly deflated.
Staying hidden was one thing, but if she revealed her true form, no matter how she tried to conceal it, those two Hunt Emanators wouldn't be blind.
Fortunately, this [Qingque] seemed to have a loose tongue... Perhaps by probing further, she could gain some useful information.
"It's not that important, really. Besides, Miss Tingyun is Helm Master Yukong's confidante; I trust you wouldn't spread it around..."
"Sigh, although the Vidyadhara's protection is steadfast, and the relationship between the Vidyadhara clan and the Xianzhou is very stable, unfortunately... those Vidyadhara Preceptor are too restless."
"To actually collude with those filial descendants of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, followers of the Lord of Plagues... treating the Alliance pact as nothing, relying on the agreement between the Vidyadhara and the Alliance..."
"This... This is truly..."
"I heard the Vidyadhara Preceptor are all highly virtuous elders. How could they do such a thing!"
Tingyun looked righteous, incredulous, and indignant. But inwardly, Phantylia was blooming with joy.
Excellent! Isn't this perfect material for sowing discord?
Phantylia, the master arsonist skilled at inciting internal conflict, understood immediately. The Xianzhou Luofu was clearly riddled with internal troubles.
If Hoolay caused trouble, the Foxians might rebel; within the Xianzhou natives, there were the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus; and the Vidyadhara were practically an enemy born of their own nature—a truly vibrant scene of burgeoning chaos.
If she didn't add fuel to this fire, wouldn't she be wasting this godsent opportunity?
"I'm not too clear either, but it probably stems back to that Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion. I heard he created some Transmutation Arcanum, allowing the Vidyadhara to achieve a breakthrough from zero to one. After that, those Vidyadhara Preceptor elders became obsessed with it... I suppose that's why they're interested in the blessings of the Plagues Author and the Plagues Author (Yaoshi) himself."
"Thinking about it, that makes sense too. After all, the Vidyadhara population dwindled after successive wars. I hear even the Wave-Tamer General of the Fanghu is deeply concerned about it... Sigh."
"Oh! No... I seem to have said too much! Miss Tingyun, please keep these words to yourself, otherwise the General will definitely give me trouble!"
"Lady Qingque can rest assured."
Tingyun smiled.
I will definitely make good use of this information, and let this Xianzhou Luofu... crumble from within!
"That's good then. Actually, Miss Tingyun's worries are indeed justified... Thinking about those Vidyadhara Preceptor, the Prison of Shackling Chains should be more vigilant... After I see Si Ding Ling Sha and report back to the Seat of the Divine Foresight, I will suggest to the General that we strengthen the guard on Hoolay and the vigilance towards the Vidyadhara!"
Tingyun continued to smile.
But a sense of urgency grew within her.
After all, although as an Emanator she feared little, if the enemy was already on guard, she would indeed have to exert more effort... It seemed she needed to speed up her actions.
...The Vidyadhara Preceptor, hmm? Hehe, perfect.
Thinking of the pieces she had already set in motion among the Borisin and other Denizens of Abundance, she felt this was truly a heaven-sent opportunity.
"What are you two talking about?"
"Ah, Si Ding Ling Sha."
"By order of the General, I bring you this handwritten order. This is Miss Tingyun, an envoy from the Sky-Faring Commission and the Whistling Flames merchant guild. Due to being attacked by Borisin, Helm Master Yukong hopes you can examine her."
"Mm, I've received it. You can leave her to me now."
"Also... um..."
"Is something wrong?"
"I heard you brought a pet when you came from the Xianzhou Zhuming. Could I borrow it for a few days?"
"You mean Mengmo? Certainly."
After Ling Sha led Tingyun into the Alchemy Commission, [Qingque], left standing alone, held Mengmo in one arm and watched the latter's retreating back.
After a long moment.
He spoke: "Elder Huaiyan, any findings?"
From around the corner, the old man in the conical hat emerged, hands clasped behind his back. He smiled, yet there was a hint of killing intent: "Haha... It's impossible to say no... Although that pawn under the Ruin Author disguised herself well, this old man has had much contact with Heliobus and recognized that Heliobus energy in her at a glance... Sigh, what does General Feixiao think?"
With a sigh, he inquired of the silver-haired Foxian woman who followed closely behind. She snorted: "A pawn of the Antimatter Legion dares to infiltrate the Xianzhou so openly... Hmph, if not for the fear of widespread collateral damage, I would have captured her on the spot."
"She is a Destruction Emanator, after all. If we don't choose a suitable battlefield, even with domain isolation, she could inflict immense damage on the Xianzhou. Moreover, she's of the Heliobus race..."
"This old man must go prepare some 'gifts' for our guest. Excuse me, General Feixiao."
"So secretive, always so indirect..."
Feixiao pouted slightly.
She looked at [Qingque]: "Qingque, when do we spring the trap?"
"No rush, no rush. Let the play continue a little longer. After all, I wasted quite a bit of breath on that 'Miss Tingyun'."
Sitting perched high up, the green-clad girl [Qingque] teased Mengmo in her arms, speaking methodically and unhurriedly.
"Aigh... You and that Jing Yuan fellow are cut from the exact same cloth..."
"Compared to brute force, the Luofu's position requires more strategy, doesn't it?"
"As for brute force, when it's really time to fight, don't we have our valiant and invincible 'Three No's' General?"
Although not fond of flattery, people generally like hearing nice things.
Hearing this, although Feixiao looked slightly displeased, the corners of her mouth involuntarily quirked upwards a little.
"Cut it out... We still have a score to settle between us."
While everything was being prepared in an orderly fashion.
Tingyun finally managed to get away from Ling Sha.
Honestly, dealing with that new Si Ding of the Alchemy Commission had been somewhat troublesome.
Not because she feared being exposed—she was confident that no matter how skilled the other's medical arts were, they couldn't possibly discover she was an imposter.
Because this wasn't a medical issue.
But that woman was just so talkative, constantly clinging to her... completely wasting her time.
Thinking that the brat named Qingque might inform the Luofu General to tighten security around the Prison of Shackling Chains after returning, her sense of urgency deepened.
Fortunately...
Her interaction with Ling Sha hadn't been entirely fruitless.
After learning from [Qingque] that this woman was Vidyadhara and likely sent by the Alliance to suppress the Vidyadhara, she had subtly probed her for information—the purpose, naturally, needing no explanation.
It was to gain insight into the Vidyadhara's internal situation.
Regarding those Preceptor, which ones could she potentially use?
Although she had to be careful not to arouse suspicion, limiting her gains, Phantylia still managed to identify a usable candidate.
Namely, the man before her now—with branch-like 'dragon horns' sprouting from his head, looking incredibly young and heroic—Preceptor Taoran.
She performed a graceful curtsy, her smile radiant: "Mang Gu, Emissary of the Master of Immortality, pays a special visit to the Undying Dragonkin."