Following the staff member's shout, a large group of Cloud Knights surged forward, surrounding the trio in an instant. The cold glint of their formation blades sent a chill down the spine.
Stelle: Why does this scene… feel a bit familiar?
"Outrageous! You Disciples of Sanctus Medicus people, don't go too far!"
A sharp cry rang out as a Foxian girl, dressed in green tones, leaped onto a row of desks and landed in front of the three. A flash of anger crossed her pretty face. "You Disciples of Sanctus Medicus folks keep coming back to stir up trouble time and again. I have to admit, your courage is impressive!"
"But remember this: the General may tolerate you, but the Sky-Faring Commission won't indulge you!"
Stelle looked at the Foxian girl, who barely reached her chest, and fell into deep thought.
Green, Foxian, female, with a hint of an authoritative tone… Hiss—all these traits match, don't they? So why does it feel like she's someone else entirely?
White socks, big eyes, adorned with talismans and a small flag, and that eerie green flame tail—these are all characteristics of a Ten-Lords Commission Judge, aren't they? So why is it that, despite being this person, it also feels like it's not this person?
Huohuo, why are you here?
No, no, that's not the point. Stelle was gradually getting used to these oddities by now. The real issue was: why were so many people pointing at her and shouting "Disciples of Sanctus Medicus"?
This couldn't be brushed off lightly. If the misunderstanding grew too deep, she might end up being hauled off to the Shackling Prison!
"Leave now, and no one gets hurt," Huohuo said, slowly clenching her small fist. "Otherwise, I'll have to blast you all out myself."
The corner of Stelle's mouth twitched. She couldn't hold it in, and her lips suddenly curled into an uncontrollable grin— (˵ ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°˵)
Huohuo: (╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻
"Guards! Take this Disciples of Sanctus Medicus person away! Send her to Tingyun and make sure this group is watched closely—never let them come back!" Huohuo barked angrily.
"Yes, ma'am!"
No sooner had she spoken than two Cloud Knights brought over a sedan chair, unceremoniously pulling the bewildered Stelle onto it before parading her out with great fanfare.
Seeing this, March 7th felt a pang of worry. The situation didn't seem malicious, but she was at a loss for what to do and looked to Himeko for guidance.
Himeko, equally unfamiliar with the situation, paused for a moment before stepping toward Huohuo. "Excuse me, ma'am. May I ask if you're in charge here?"
"Hm?"
Huohuo turned her head, puzzled. "You two… aren't employees here? You don't even recognize the Helm Master?"
She had noticed these two earlier. They clearly lacked any sense of tact—standing right next to that Disciples of Sanctus Medicus person and not hurrying to escort her away. What if that person opened her mouth and made some outrageous demands later?
"We're from the Astral Express. We came here due to an urgent matter and are companions of the girl from earlier. For some reason, it seems you've mistaken her for someone from the 'Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.' So…"
Himeko patiently recounted the full story of how they ended up here. After listening, Huohuo stroked her chin thoughtfully for a moment before saying, "I see. So it's possible that the person who caused trouble earlier—a member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus—looks so similar to your companion that some fool mistook her for them."
"As for the Stellaron you mentioned, please wait a moment. The General's projection will be here for a meeting soon. You can discuss it with him."
Himeko let out a small sigh of relief. "In that case, could we trouble Helm Master Huohuo to bring our companion back? It's her first time on the Xianzhou, and she's unfamiliar with the place."
Huohuo glanced at her watch and shook her head. "Sorry, it's too late."
"Too late? What do you mean?" March 7th immediately pressed.
A bad feeling was creeping into her heart. From what she knew, the Xianzhou people and those who followed the Abundance were sworn enemies. The name "Disciples of Sanctus Medicus" didn't sound like it belonged to good people. Could Stelle have been mistaken for a member of this group and… dealt with?
"I mean, she's already gone. You won't be able to see her now," Huohuo said with a shrug. "When it comes to Disciples of Sanctus Medicus people, the Sky-Faring Commission doesn't mess around."
March 7th's heart skipped a beat—
"The star skiff that took her has already left. By now, she's probably living it up in Changle Tian," Huohuo continued. "…Hmph, though I despise the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, we still give them the treatment they're entitled to. Don't worry—she won't be mistreated there. In fact, she'll probably live quite comfortably."
March 7th froze, exchanging a glance with Himeko before asking, "What exactly is the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
Huohuo clicked her tongue. "Seriously? You offworlders come to the Luofu without doing any research? Ask someone else to explain it to you. This Helm Master has important matters to attend to before the General arrives, so I won't be keeping you company!"
Huffing indignantly, Huohuo stormed off, leaving the two bewildered. Why did it feel like this Helm Master got so angry every time the "Disciples of Sanctus Medicus" was mentioned?
And what exactly had happened earlier?
With these questions in mind, Himeko stopped a passing staff member. "Sorry to bother you. We're offworlders who just arrived at the Luofu. Could you tell us what the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus is?"
…
Stargazer Navalia Central Hub, the ultra-bustling district.
"Freshly grilled Jade Fruit skewers! Three credits each, ten credits for three!"
"Taro Boba! Customize your flavor—make your boba more than just taro!"
"Men need to eat big chunks of meat but can't afford it? No problem! Our company's tech has you covered. Ninety-nine percent authentic-tasting synthetic plant-based meat, handmade, packed with rich food additives to keep your body healthier!"
"Hey, buddy, ninety-nine percent authentic taste is one thing, but why's the price ninety-nine percent authentic too?"
"Costs, you know. Gotta understand."
"…"
Stelle, carried on the sedan chair by two burly Cloud Knights, looked around curiously. She could tell the knights meant her no harm, so she simply gave up resisting and enjoyed the scenery.
Her grand and conspicuous procession naturally drew plenty of attention. A passerby enthusiastically patted one of the Cloud Knights carrying the sedan on the shoulder and laughed. "Brother, who's the person you're carrying? Such a grand display!"
The Cloud Knight grinned proudly. "This is someone from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."
Whoa!
At those words, the surrounding crowd erupted in murmurs. The lively, bustling street fell into a small pocket of silence because of that single sentence.
Oh no!
Stelle's heart tightened. She'd almost forgotten—she was still being mistaken for someone from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Being recognized in the middle of this crowded street—wouldn't that mean she'd be mobbed?
Though she still didn't understand why they were carrying a Disciples of Sanctus Medicus member in a sedan chair.
"Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?"
The passerby who asked looked at Stelle, momentarily dazed, before a look of respect and admiration appeared in his eyes. "So it's someone from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus! No wonder the grand treatment. Truly impressive!"
Stelle: ???