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As evening approached, clouds drifted leisurely across the sky.
As the setting sun gradually disappeared behind buildings, leaving only a lingering red glow across the horizon, Bochang arrived at the entrance to the Palace of Astrum.
There he found Dan Heng and Welt Yang waiting for everyone. Upon seeing Bochang approach, they greeted him warmly.
"Sorry to keep you waiting. Where are March 7th and Stelle? Haven't they arrived yet?" Bochang asked.
Dan Heng shook his head. "You're actually the first one here. March 7th and the others... I suspect they were exploring farther away, so it might take them some time. Let's just be patient."
"Uncle Yang, while Bochang and I wait here, please go ahead inside and meet with Yukong Si," suggested Dan Heng.
"All right." Welt Yang agreed without hesitation. He nodded gently towards Bochang before turning and entering the Palace of Astrum, guided by a cloud knight stationed at the entrance. With this escort, there was no need to worry about finding their way or getting lost within the palace.
Moreover...
Bochang and the group had already visited the Palace of Astrum once before. Getting lost would not be easy this time around.
Finding themselves idle and somewhat bored, Bochang struck up a conversation with Dan Heng, eager to learn about their adventure at Stargazer Navalia where they saved Yukong's daughter.
It all began with Xi Kui, a foxfolk, who commissioned The Nameless to locate Qing Ni—a foxfolk who had crash-landed at Stargazer Navalia. Qing Ni was none other than Yukong's daughter.
Apparently, due to issues with the Tree of Foundation, a section of the vault above Exalting Sanctum risked imminent explosion. To prevent this catastrophe, Qing Ni piloted a star ferry into the sky for emergency repairs.
Her swift action averted the impending disaster; however, during the repair process, problems arose with the star ferry itself, forcing it to make an emergency landing at Stargazer Navalia.
Fortunately, Dan Heng and Welt Yang were nearby and promptly set out to find Qing Ni. In the end, they defeated a group of Abominations of Abundance and rescued her from peril.
"So...why did you suddenly appear at Stargazer Navalia?" Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully.
Dan Heng gazed calmly at him and replied, "Didn't you also unexpectedly show up at Cloudford?"
Bochang paused, then chuckled, conceding, "Fair point, I can't argue with that."
Earlier, no one had heeded Welt Yang's advice; they simply ran as they saw fit.
However, there was little danger now.
After all, Bochang had struck a deal with the Stellaron Hunters.
As for why Dan Heng knew they went to Cloudford—it was because...
March 7th had shared photos of their lunch on the Astral Express in the group chat.
"So, what took you to Cloudford? Did Himeko call you back?" Dan Heng crossed his arms.
"Someone from Xianzhou Luofu sought Bailu's help to rescue a person," explained Bochang. "Considering her role as a physician in the Alchemy Commission, she agreed. We had to accompany her, and while at it, we grabbed a meal on the train."
"Hmm... Himeko's cooking is truly impressive." Bochang savored the memory fondly.
Dan Heng's expression remained unchanged. "Did you manage to save the person?"
"We couldn't find them; seems like they might have already perished. Cloudford has been quite chaotic lately," Bochang said with an apologetic smile.
The Stellaron Disaster had led to rift creatures appearing on Xianzhou Luofu. Additionally, the rebirth of the Tree of Foundation brought forth numerous Abominations of Fertility in the area.
Moreover, with rogue members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus still on the hunt for Liang Mu, his misfortune continued.
It wouldn't be surprising if he accidentally met his demise.
"Oh... I see."
Dan Heng seemed rather indifferent.
Life is unpredictable; unexpected events were commonplace.
As they chatted...
"Hey! Dan Heng! Bochang! Were you waiting for us here?"
A crisp female voice approached from afar.
Bochang looked up and spotted March 7th, Stelle, Bailu, Qingque, and Serval—five figures slowly making their way towards them.
The presence of these beautiful women drew numerous gazes along the street.
"Yes," Bochang casually replied, "now that you've arrived, we can enter together."
"Mm-hmm." Dan Heng nodded and turned to head towards the Palace of Astrum without further conversation.
March 7th, accustomed to Dan Heng's demeanor, effortlessly followed behind the stoic little azure dragon, calling out, "Serval, Stelle, hurry up!"
Originally, Stelle and Serval had planned to chat briefly with Bochang, but upon seeing March 7th's haste, they quickly caught up to her.
Noticing March 7th's haste, Dan Heng quickly followed suit.
Bochang remained standing, watching as Serval and Stelle, with guitars slung over their backs, jogged ahead.
Qingque leisurely approached and asked, "They've all left; aren't you coming?"
"Wasn't I just waiting for you?" Bochang looked at the mahjong girl.
Upon hearing this, Bailu, who had been strolling alongside Qingque, lifted her head curiously.
The mahjong girl hesitated before replying, "Wait...for me? What do you mean...?"
"Nothing specific, but there is something I need your help to deliver to Master Diviner." Bochang extended his hand, retrieving the last teleportation ring from the system space. "Hold out your hand."
Without hesitation, Qingque stretched out her arm, palm open.
Bochang placed the teleportation ring in her hand.
Seeing the object, Qingque's eyes widened slightly. "A teleportation ring?"
"That's right," Bochang nodded. "This was promised to Master Diviner, so please bring it to her when the time comes. For its usage, you can ask Bailu; she knows how to operate it." As he spoke, Bochang gently ruffled the little dragon girl's hair.
Bochang gently patted the little dragon girl's head.
March 7th, who had already walked ahead some distance, turned back and shouted, "Hurry up, you guys!"
"Coming, coming," Bochang responded. He then looked at Qingque and Bailu, saying, "Let's go as well."
As they stepped through the entrance of the Palace of Astrum, a magnificent edifice unfolded before their eyes.
Bochang and his companions had visited this place once before, but compared to their previous visit, their emotions felt distinctly different this time around.
Bochang took a closer look at the grandeur of the Palace of Astrum. The lingering effects of the Stellaron Disaster were still evident, causing the clerks of the Sky-Faring Commission to rush about, continuously handling various documents.
After only a few steps inside, they spotted a foxfolk emerging hurriedly.
Dan Heng pondered for a moment and asked, "Miss Qingni, what seems to be troubling you?"
Hearing someone greet her, the foxfolk with her head bowed paused.
"It's...you, Benefactor? I'm fine...just...just feeling a bit upset," replied Qingni, her ears drooping slightly.
It was clear that Qingni indeed seemed disheartened.
"Is she Yukong's daughter? Doesn't really look like it..." Bochang discreetly observed the foxfolk before him.
Not only did their hair colors differ, but their eye hues were distinct as well.
"And she isn't nearly as beautiful as the helmsman," Bochang muttered to himself.
Qingni could only be described as having average looks, falling far short of Tingyun or Yukong's attractiveness.
"You needn't worry about me, Benefactor. Mother has prepared dinner inside; I...I'll just step out now." With these words, Qingni quickly departed.
With that, Qingni left.
Dan Heng had no intention of offering comfort either.
"How peculiar... Do foxfolk have a penchant for calling people 'benefactor'?" Bochang mused to himself.