"Universally admired?"
Inside the Palace of Astrum, Himeko and March 7th exchanged glances, both somewhat surprised. "But from what we know, the Xianzhou has always viewed the Abundance as a mortal enemy. How could…"
The staff member waved his hand dismissively. "That's different!"
"The Marshal once said that, while the Denizens of Abundance are our sworn enemies, the selfless and altruistic qualities of the Plague of Longevity, Yaoshi, are universally recognized across the galaxy. No one can deny that."
"As a result, an organization that upholds the few admirable traits of the Plague of Longevity was officially established—the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Not only on the Luofu but across the entire Xianzhou Alliance, they can be found helping others without expecting anything in return. That's why they're highly respected wherever they go."
Himeko nodded thoughtfully. "I see… it feels quite similar to our Astral Express."
"And that's not all!" the staff member continued, growing more animated. "I heard that to make it easier to travel between Xianzhou ships and provide aid, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus even acquired a miraculous train capable of traversing space. It roams the galaxy, connecting the silver rails and opening new worlds…"
Himeko & March 7th: …
They had somehow stumbled into gossip about their own organization.
"Then why did you mistake our companion—the gray-haired girl who was just taken away—for someone from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus? We only just arrived at the Xianzhou," Himeko asked.
"About that… it's quite a coincidence," the staff member said, scratching his head. "Just before you arrived, a person who looked almost identical to your companion came to the Palace of Astrum. She carried the seal and documents exclusive to the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and made an outrageous request to the Helm Master."
"What request?"
At the mention of this, the staff member's face filled with indignation. "She thought that we public servants, with our secure jobs, weekends, holidays, and low work pressure, weren't doing enough to serve the people. She suggested we add two hours to our daily work time… Can you believe that? Is that something a human would say?"
Himeko & March 7th: …That is pretty outrageous.
"Anyway, after that girl caused a scene, Lady Huohuo kicked her out. Then you all showed up right after, and our colleague mistook your friend for her," the staff member explained. "Don't get the wrong idea—we're not unwilling to work overtime. It's just that the Helm Master already makes us work extra hours every day. Look at the dark circles under her eyes! Who could handle that?"
"Excuse me, I hope I'm not interrupting?"
As the two were getting answers, a hearty laugh came from behind them. About ten meters away, a holographic projection had appeared at some point. It depicted a young girl, roughly one and a half meters tall. Though she appeared youthful, the faint, enigmatic smile on her face gave an impression of hidden depth.
"I'm the General of the Luofu. Guests from afar, if you have any issues, please come this way. We can discuss them slowly."
…
Stelle was carried by the two Cloud Knights to the front of a grand, ancient-style tavern. On either side of the entrance stood rows of elegantly dressed Foxian women, holding various musical instruments, playing softly to welcome each guest.
"Good heavens… are these fox spirits?" Stelle's eyes widened. No wonder the ancestors had such refined taste! Foxians were naturally flexible, practically born dancers. A single dance was enough to captivate any guest.
"Hehe~ Dear Cloud Knight brothers, arriving with such grandeur—who's the important figure in this sedan?"
At that moment, a Foxian girl in an exquisite cheongsam approached them. Her voice was soft and melodious, almost making one's bones tingle. Her long hair was tied back, exuding a subtle air of seasoned professionalism.
"Miss Tingyun, we're Cloud Knights from the Sky-Faring Commission. On the orders of the Helm Master, we've brought this righteous hero from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus to rest here," one of the Cloud Knights explained.
Tingyun paused briefly but quickly regained her composure. Feigning surprise, she spoke with a hint of playful reproach. "Such an important guest! Why didn't the Helm Master inform this little lady in advance? If we neglect this righteous hero, wouldn't that tarnish the reputation of the Luofu's premier tavern?"
"Hahaha, don't take it to heart, Miss Tingyun. This was a sudden matter," the Cloud Knight replied.
After briefly explaining the situation, the Cloud Knight clasped his fist toward Stelle. "Righteous hero, our task is complete. We won't disturb you further. We wish you a pleasant stay on the Luofu."
Stelle watched the two Cloud Knights leave, then glanced at the sedan chair beneath her. Feeling a bit awkward, she gave Tingyun a sheepish smile. "Uh… I won't be a bother, then?"
With that, she hurriedly stood, eager to escape the sedan. It hadn't felt so bad with the Cloud Knights around, but now that they were gone, she was truly uncomfortable.
"Eh?"
As Stelle stepped out, she tripped over the sedan's doorframe, her body lurching forward uncontrollably—
A pair of soft yet strong hands caught her by the shoulders. Tingyun let out a light chuckle. "Dear 'righteous hero' guest, please be careful. If you were any heavier, this little lady wouldn't have been able to catch you~"
"If I'd been knocked to the ground by you in front of all these people, I'm afraid my reputation would be ruined," Tingyun said with a pitiful tone.
Stelle took a step back. Oh no, I'm about to fall for this fox spirit's charm skill!
This version of Tingyun—she's driving!
"Pfft—"
Seeing Stelle's nervous expression, Tingyun covered her lips and laughed daintily. "No need to be so tense, dear guest. This little lady is just teasing. As a righteous hero of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, even if you did knock me down, it would be my honor."
Hearing this, Stelle finally relaxed a bit. Geez, Miss Tingyun, you're making my heart race…
"Oh? Dear guest, with that look on your face, could it be you actually want to knock this little lady down?" Tingyun said with mock surprise, hugging herself as if troubled. "Well… for a guest like you, it's not entirely out of the question."
"Ahem, I'm a woman," Stelle blurted out, unable to hold it in any longer. For the first time, she stated it plainly and helplessly.
She was firm in her stance: I'm not a lesbian! Unless someone forces my head down and makes me admit it!
"Pfft—You're so adorable, dear guest. I'll stop teasing you. Follow me."
Tingyun flashed a sweet smile and turned toward the tavern. Her hands clasped behind her back, she playfully beckoned Stelle with a subtle gesture, effortlessly embodying "allure" and "cunning" in that single, casual motion.