Now that the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus' attack on Tingyun had suddenly been exposed—though no one knew why—it seemed Tingyun might very well be a piece in this whole sinister scheme.
Who could guess what those fanatics from the Disciples would do next?
Naturally, she had to be sent back to the Luofu for her own protection. Letting her roam around outside anymore was out of the question.
"…"
Tingyun knew where things stood, of course. Still, having to give up her work with the merchant guild didn't sit well with her.
After a quiet moment of reflection, though reluctant, she recognized what was necessary.
She was fully aware that someone like her, who couldn't fight off a fly, would only be a liability out in the open.
"I know what's good for me," Tingyun said. "Once the Luofu sends someone, I'll return with the team."
Then, her eyes glinting with a sudden idea, she added with a smile,
"I'll try to invite my savior and Miss Acheron along. If those two are willing to accompany me, I'm sure my safety would be well assured."
Yukong nodded.
Sure enough, there was no need to spell things out in this regard.
"However, that Galaxy Ranger has always preferred to travel alone and acts on a whim. She rarely keeps company for long. As the General said, don't press the matter."
"Can't hurt to try~ Besides, Miss Acheron may seem cold, but she's surprisingly easy to get along with. The rumors might not be entirely true."
Hearing this, Yukong didn't argue further. Instead, she picked up a dossier and added,
"As for that Sylvia… according to our current findings, the last time that Galaxy Ranger was spotted, she was alone. They likely haven't known each other long. If we trace Acheron's movements, we should be able to uncover her background."
"I think my savior is a good person, though," Tingyun said playfully.
Yukong sighed and set the dossier down.
"I trust your judgment of character. But this involves the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and an Emanator. We can't be too careful. The Cloud Knights and the General won't accept your personal guarantee."
"Alright, alright~ Ah, I just feel bad for my savior, is all."
Yukong had no interest in debating this. With the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus involved, it wasn't her call to make alone.
Besides, she hardly had ill intentions—why did Tingyun make it sound like she was the villain? She simply changed the subject.
"In any case, stay inside the Xianzhou outpost these next few days. No wandering off."
"This one will naturally follow Lady Yukong's arrangements. I'll stay obediently in the outpost and not go anywhere."
With that, the call ended.
After talking with Yukong, the uneasy feeling that had clung to Tingyun finally began to fade.
At least now it didn't affect her movement, and on the surface, nothing seemed amiss.
Noticing her improved condition, Miss Tingyun leaned back in her chair with a soft sigh of relief and gently stroked her tail.
Yet the worry in her eyes was plain to see.
Though yesterday's incident wasn't major, what it represented was serious trouble.
The Luofu had been docked for years, resting and recuperating. Could it be that another great conflict was brewing?
And her own role in all of this—what position had she been placed in?—was equally troubling.
Tingyun agreed with Yukong's reasoning, but that didn't ease her frustration.
Being targeted and forced into a passive, defensive stance was an awful feeling.
"Ahh~ I'll just have to ask my savior to help groom my tail again in a few days."
--+--
While Tingyun and Yukong were having their private discussion behind closed doors, Sylvia left her room, found a random spot to sit down, and got ready to pull on her virtual draw.
Her newly established relationship with Yukong had similarly rewarded her with a green-tier draw ticket.
Not a big deal, really. It wasn't like you could get married and max out affection right off the bat—that wouldn't be realistic.
Honestly, starting at 60 affinity was pretty good. For total strangers, it'd usually be around 50.
'Let's draw!'
Sylvia declared inwardly with full dramatic spirit.
First came the familiar green glow, but then it deepened, rapidly transforming into a brilliant purple radiance!
"A pull!"
Sylvia stared blankly for a second, then her eyes lit up.
She actually pulled something? Seemed her luck was pretty good today.
Under her thrilled gaze, the purple light faded away, revealing a skill with a straightforward description:
--+--
[Riding EX (Bootleg Version)]
['It's a knockoff, but it's got all the features. You can even synchronize and fuse with your mount, capable of riding anything.']
['Not even the Hunt could catch you!']
['…Just kidding about that last part. You probably shouldn't try to pilot a Xianzhou Flagship away.']
--+--
The hell is this.
Sylvia couldn't help but roll her eyes.
What would she even want to steal a Xianzhou for? Was she trying to get herself killed by the Generals and the Vidyadhara High Elders?
But no wonder this was rated purple-tier.
If she could actually use this skill to commandeer a Xianzhou, then its effects were truly absurd.
Might not be useful day-to-day, but in a critical moment, it could really come in handy.
Of course, Sylvia also thought of that starship still being refitted.
Once the modifications were done, she kinda wanted to take the helm herself and go on a joyride through the cosmos.
I mean, it's a starship—who hadn't dreamed of flying one?
Before, she didn't know how, but now with this skill, she was definitely going to have some fun with it.
Heck, after going to the Xianzhou, she'd have to get a few Starskiffs to play with, too.
Sitting in her chair, she indulged in a brief daydream, firmly deciding she was going to take a starship for a spin later.
Soon, though, Sylvia snapped back to attention.
Pulling out her phone, she'd just opened her gaming platform when a message from her gaming buddy popped up.
[GamingDomainDivaSilverWolf: You didn't log on yesterday?]
[QuadCoreGreatsword: My ship just docked yesterday, ran into some trouble and played the hero. What about you? Logging on the second I appear—you waiting just for me?]
[GamingDomainDivaSilverWolf: Just saw your online notification. You in or not? Hurry up.]
[QuadCoreGreatsword: Yeah, yeah, I'm in. Let's play something fast, I've got stuff to do later.]
[GamingDomainDivaSilverWolf: Fast-paced? Try this. Racing game. Matches are like ten minutes.]
[GamingDomainDivaSilverWolf shared a link with you.]
Racing?
Sylvia's eyebrow rose. What a coincidence.
I wonder if my skill works in games too.
Thinking this, she tapped the link and quickly loaded into the game.
She opened the beginner tutorial, and the moment she entered the virtual cockpit and felt the control stick, her newly acquired skill activated automatically.
Sylvia had to marvel.
This skill's got something to it—pretty conceptual, huh.
It even works in games.
Breezing through the tutorial with her skill, she'd just finished when Silver Wolf sent her an in-game invite.
The moment she joined the room, a message from the other side popped up:
[GamingDomainDivaSilverWolf: Let's go. It's my first time with this game too. Whoever loses more today has to call the other 'Daddy.']
[QuadCoreGreatsword: Pfft, still holding a grudge? What, are you Silver Wolf's number one fan? Still hung up on that joke? If I ever meet her for real, you'd probably jealous yourself to death.]
[GamingDomainDivaSilverWolf: Shut up. You in or not?]
[QuadCoreGreatsword: Bring it on. Whoever backs out is a coward. I'm waiting to hear you call me Daddy!]
Sylvia smirked. Think you can crush me just because I haven't played racing games?
Just you wait!
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.