This standard is dropping a bit too fast, isn't it?
Lingsha silently sighed that the Super Lollipop's effect was too weak; otherwise, this matter could've been handled easily.
But for something this significant, relying on such little tricks was indeed wishful thinking.
If they truly didn't want to cooperate, how could a few sentences restrain them?
She had already discussed the matter with Jing Yuan yesterday—once they confirmed that the [Hand of Deconstruction] could indeed analyze the power of a Path completely and intact, she would handle matters on the spot and decide whether to invite the Astral Express into the research.
And now, although she hadn't seen the [Hand of Deconstruction], she had personally witnessed March 7th replicate two Curios with conceptual power. There would be no surprises left.
Since that was the case…
Lingsha's gaze shifted repeatedly before she finally decided to lay everything on the table.
She set aside her earlier gentleness and switched into the tone of the Alchemy Commission's Cauldron Master: "Friends of the Astral Express, and little brother Yanqing, Miss Yunli. This matter is originally top-secret for the Luofu, but everyone present will inevitably become involved sooner or later, so I will speak frankly."
"Actually, the Luofu invited Miss Herta of the Genius Society a few days ago to collaborate with her…"
She laid bare the entire research into conceptual power, leaving the others stunned.
"The Luofu wants to fully master conceptual power and even put it into practical application?"
Even March 7th—who had successfully replicated both the [Massacre Ruler] and [Avalon]—was startled by the Luofu's audacious plan.
She could replicate things, yes, but only because she benefited from both [Unlimited Blade Works] and the [Hand of Deconstruction].
And even then, she still couldn't articulate the secrets behind Concept Power.
Yet the Luofu expected to understand everything just from the Massacre Ruler?
Even though she wasn't good with science or theories or any of that, she still found it unbelievable.
"Isn't that… a bit too optimistic?"
After choosing her words carefully, that was all March 7th could say.
She truly believed the Luofu couldn't accomplish it.
"How come I don't know about this?"
Yanqing's reaction was even more shocked than March 7th's.
Since when had the Massacre Ruler become a research subject? Why hadn't Master told me?!
Yunli patted her small chest, quietly relieved.
Good thing she was from Zhuming. General Jing Yuan had no authority over her—but Lingsha's next sentence made her little face darken anyway.
Lingsha said, "So General Jing Yuan contacted all possible sources of assistance, including General Huaiyan and Marshal Hua. He hopes they will help supply research materials and personnel."
Research materials…
Other than Yanqing's Massacre Ruler, wasn't Avalon the only thing left?
Grandpa wouldn't actually agree… right?
"General Huaiyan expressed great interest, and Marshal Hua agreed to provide technical support as well."
Yunli's expression darkened further.
"But even that is far from enough. Research on Conceptual Power has never achieved even the slightest success. And although we have test samples now, the future is hardly clear."
Lingsha paused, looked at March 7th and Stelle, and continued, "Until yesterday, when we heard about the existence of the [Hand of Deconstruction]. So…"
Stelle spoke plainly: "So you want to borrow the [Hand of Deconstruction] and let your researchers use it?"
"Exactly!" Lingsha nodded firmly, then added, "We understand the importance of the golden Curio. Therefore, we are willing to share all future research results with the Astral Express. Any additional conditions—name them. Everything is negotiable!"
"Uuuh~ anything is negotiable."
Stelle had to admit: the Luofu's generosity was shocking.
But she didn't immediately agree. Instead, she said, "The [Hand of Deconstruction] is with me, but for joining a research project like this, I need to gather the whole Astral Express crew and discuss for a few days."
She wasn't worried the Luofu would scam her and take the Curio for free.
But for a collaboration of this scale, she absolutely couldn't make the decision on behalf of the Astral Express.
She had to ask Himeko and Uncle Yang first.
Seeing that Stelle didn't reject her outright, most of the weight fell from Lingsha's heart.
There was no downside to the Astral Express for this matter, and with the alliance between the two sides, if the Astral Express merely needed time to consider it, they would most likely agree.
"Good. Please consider it as soon as possible. If there are conditions, come to the Alchemy Commission to find me. But this matter is extremely classified—please do not leak even a word."
"Don't worry, we understand," Stelle nodded.
Lingsha then bowed and took her leave.
""Master/Grandpa is being way too much!""
Yanqing and Yunli crossed their arms, voicing their dissatisfaction in perfect unison.
Their personal swords were about to be confiscated for research; naturally, neither could feel happy about it, and their tempers were ready to explode.
Upon hearing the exact same complaint from the other, they glared at each other and snapped coldly: "Why are you copying me?"
"You copied me!"
"Hmph!"
"You two, Masters, please don't fight."
Seeing this, March 7th panicked instantly.
The two Masters had never gotten along well, but they had never been angry to this degree before.
Afraid they might truly quarrel and damage their relationship, she thought for a moment, then said, "Why don't you use my replicas for research instead? With the [Super Lollipop], I can make plenty more."
"This…"
Yunli was tempted by the suggestion.
Indeed, for her, [Avalon] was practically more important than her life. But for March 7th, handing over an Avalon replica was just a matter of one candy.
Agreeing wouldn't be too unkind.
"Let's wait."
But Yunli still refused. She couldn't drag her disciple into trouble because of her own issues.
Using their bond as Master and disciple to pressure the Astral Express—she couldn't stomach that!
Yanqing gritted his teeth and added, "Miss March, please don't intervene lightly just because we're close. You should discuss it properly with Miss Himeko and Mr. Welt."
"But…"
Seeing her two Masters being so obviously conflicted, March 7th softened even more.
"March, worry about yourself first. You fainted while opening the barrel, so you didn't hear everything."
Stelle shifted the topic: "The [Super Lollipop] will unlock your potential. But if you don't train properly and just rely on the candy itself, it will judge your potential as declining. Once that happens, after a certain point, it'll be no different from eating normal candy."
She smacked her lips thoughtfully and continued, "So not only can you not slack off—you actually have to train twice as hard to keep your future bright."
"Ah?! Why are you only telling me now?!"
March 7th clutched her head, completely lost.