"Sigh... You're my nemesis..."
After a heated debate, Scott, who had been defeated by Stelle before, was mercilessly crushed once again.
Clutching his head in resignation and exhaustion, Scott reluctantly conceded. "A security check isn't impossible, but... it'll take some time."
"I'm just a small fry here. I need to consult with IPC before I can authorize anything."
"Oh? So you're planning to stall us, Mr. Scott?" Hearing this, the Luofu faction and the others naturally refused. "You expect the Sky-Faring Commission to let you leave without inspection once the ship is repaired?"
"We..."
"As long as you don't violate Xianzhou law, IPC personnel are free to come and go as they please."
Upon hearing Yanqing's words, Scott was about to protest further, but before he could utter a word, a voice as ethereal as a celestial maiden's echoed through the air.
"♪"
The moment she heard the voice, Lumina's reaction was more intense and faster than anyone else's. Her eyes lit up instantly, and even the air she breathed seemed to become several degrees sweeter.
Though it had already been quite sweet, it was undoubtedly even sweeter than before—that much was certain.
Everyone turned to see a black-haired woman, a quintessential Xianzhou beauty, approaching them.
Her dark tresses, refined features, and unmistakable aura of nobility made it clear she was no ordinary person.
Sensing the group's curiosity, the woman smiled faintly and introduced herself, "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Lingsha, Cauldron Master of the Luofu Alchemy Commission."
"Lingsha..." Yanqing and Dan Heng's expressions grew noticeably more serious upon hearing the name.
Dan Heng maintained his composure, revealing no trace of his thoughts. Yanqing, however, due to his youth and lack of experience, couldn't conceal the complex emotions—gravity, confusion, and earnestness—that flickered across his face, despite his best efforts.
Lingsha observed these reactions without a hint of concern. After a sweeping glance at the group, her gaze settled on the plain, ordinary woman Lumina had transformed into.
"This person... smells so divine, a fragrance unlike anything I've ever encountered..."
"I wish... if only I could get closer..."
"Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"
The intoxicating aroma radiating from Lumina had completely captivated Lingsha, causing her to forget about the others present. Her innermost thoughts betrayed themselves on her face, instantly turning March 7th, Stelle, and Little Swarm hostile.
Looking is fine—we all know Sister Lumina is beautiful—but what's with that expression?
In their eyes, Lingsha's earlier expression clearly screamed she wanted to devour their beloved Sister Lumina whole...
This woman hasn't even bothered with pretense, and it's our first meeting!
"Hahaha, my apologies. I was just thinking about something." Noticing the trio's wary stares, Lingsha snapped out of her reverie. Recalling her earlier behavior, she felt a twinge of embarrassment and forced a sheepish smile, redirecting her gaze to Scott with practiced ease.
Though... she really does smell heavenly... I want... I want...
Despite Lingsha's masterful topic diversion, the persistent fragrance lingering in the air made it increasingly difficult to maintain her composure.
Ahem...
After mentally clearing her throat and regaining her composure, Lingsha took a few steps back, creating a slightly greater distance between them. "The Artisanship Commission sent me an official notice," she said, "reporting that a shipment of unknown object samples is being detained here. They requested personnel from the Alchemy Commission to inspect it."
"Since I had nothing better to do, I decided to come personally."
Now at a safe distance from Lumina, Lingsha's composure had largely returned. Her voice, now filled with a playful smile, continued, "You're free to leave, of course, but the cargo must remain."
"According to Xianzhou regulations, if we cannot determine whether it poses a risk, we must naturally wait until it loses its distinctive characteristics."
"Based on existing precedents... let me think... waiting approximately forty-eight stellar years should suffice," Lingsha said with disarming nonchalance, as if almost fifty years were merely a casual interval.
"Forty-eight years!" Scott's headache intensified upon hearing this. Seeing the resolute expressions of the surrounding Xianzhou people, he reluctantly waved his hand. "Brothers, stand aside. Let them inspect it."
"But..."
"But my ass! Just search already!" Scott waved his hand dismissively, already resigned to his fate.
Clang!
"This is the cargo?"
The hatch swung open, revealing a massive machine. Lingsha stepped forward, reached out, and touched it, beginning her inspection.
Buzz... sizzle...
Before she could complete her examination, a crackling sound filled the air. The colossal machine in the cargo hold suddenly activated, its red lights flashing ominously. Its towering frame radiated an oppressive presence, weighing heavily on the group.
"Watch out!"
Lingsha had approached too closely. The moment the machine activated, it launched an immediate attack on her.
But Lingsha was no pushover. Reacting with lightning speed, a red glow flared as a weapon resembling a lantern pole materialized in her hand.
Bang!
Before she could strike, a green light flashed before her eyes. A deafening explosion echoed as the once-imposing machine and the entire cargo hold were instantly reduced to scrap metal.
As the green light faded, a cascade of white hair followed, carrying an overwhelmingly intense fragrance that left Lingsha stunned in place.
So fragrant... so fragrant...
"Miss Lingsha, are you alright?" Lumina asked, her face etched with concern and worry as she gently steadied Lingsha's body.
"I... I'm fine..."
The proximity of their bodies felt too intimate... the scent too overwhelming.
Lingsha was losing control of herself...