Several days later.
A brand-new starship lifted off slowly from the docks, guided ahead by a Xianzhou astral skiff.
The old, outdated ship had been completely transformed, receiving major upgrades both inside and out.
The latest model coating, the best propulsion system available for a small vessel, a master control computer with vastly improved processing power.
And an interior that had become exceptionally luxurious and comfortable.
The modifier Acheron had chosen was quite reliable—the final result was truly impressive.
If there was any flaw, it might be the ship's limited firepower—but then again, that was to be expected for a small craft.
One couldn't ask for too much.
--+--
Inside the ship.
Sylvia sat in the pilot's seat, while Acheron stayed beside her, both watching the main screen.
Their conversation days earlier had ultimately led Sylvia to decide to travel with Tingyun to the Xianzhou Luofu.
As for Acheron—she planned to stay on the Luofu only a few days before departing alone, waiting to meet again later on Penacony.
In Acheron's view, if Sylvia weren't so driven to grow stronger, the two of them journeying together wouldn't be a problem.
But from what she'd observed during their time together, Sylvia clearly cared a great deal about her own strength.
In that case, sticking with Acheron long-term wasn't the best choice.
Acheron was simply too powerful. Realistically speaking, 99.9% of the dangers one might encounter across the galaxy didn't even qualify as threats in her presence.
Staying in that kind of environment clearly wouldn't do Sylvia any good.
Not to mention, it was obvious Sylvia couldn't walk the same path as Acheron.
So a temporary separation was the right call.
"What are your thoughts about this trip to the Xianzhou?"
Acheron's voice was lazy as she leaned back in her seat. Recently, after spending so much time with Sylvia, she'd regained a little more of her human warmth.
Sylvia, thoroughly enjoying manually piloting to keep up with the Starskiff ahead, turned her head with a grin:
"Not really any particular thoughts. I don't mind getting involved with the whole Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and Luofu situation, but officially, we're just there as tourists."
"If something comes up, great. If not, we'll just treat it as a chance to broaden our horizons, right?"
Besides, in Sylvia's eyes, the leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus was basically an open-book exam.
If things got complicated, she could always cozy up to Qingque, report to Fu Xuan, and use the Divination Commission's methods to work backward from the answer.
Acheron gave a slight nod, not opposed to Sylvia's perspective.
If anything, this kind of attitude was better. After all, it was the Xianzhou who wanted their help.
If Sylvia came on too strong, she might end up feeling indebted to the Luofu—now that would be a loss.
But what Acheron wanted to discuss wasn't just the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.
"The Luofu's Divine Foresight is renowned for his strategies, but his martial prowess is nothing to scoff at. If you get the chance, you could learn a thing or two from him."
"…I know who you mean, but we're talking about a Xianzhou general here. It's not like I can just walk up and ask him to teach me."
Sylvia couldn't help making a face at Acheron.
Sure, Jing Yuan might not seem all that in the players' hands, but in reality, he was a major figure.
She understood what Acheron was suggesting, but it wasn't as if Jing Yuan was someone she could just meet and learn from on a whim.
Rather than hoping to study under Jing Yuan, she'd have better luck praying to befriend Sushang, raise affinity enough, and maybe draw out a bit of Taixu Sword Qi.
Seeing Sylvia's exaggerated expression, Acheron reached out and pinched her cheek.
She gave it a gentle squeeze until Sylvia's face relaxed, then pressed a finger to the corner of her mouth, tugging it upward into a smile.
"That look doesn't suit you. This is much better."
Sylvia didn't resist.
In fact, she was delighted that Acheron was initiating physical contact.
Maybe the care and massage from a few days before had accidentally closed some of the distance between them.
Sylvia was more than happy to see this side of Acheron.
Before their departure, Sylvia had specially prepared a batch of medicinal salves and essential oils for Acheron, so she could relax on her own when she had time.
Though Acheron's skill wouldn't match Sylvia's, the ointments would still be about sixty percent effective.
The thought almost made Sylvia laugh on her own.
As soon as Acheron's fingertips felt the shift in Sylvia's facial muscles, she withdrew her hand, then produced a small bunch of grape-like fruits.
She began eating them, one by one, without another word.
"Since you're seen as my companion, I suspect the Divine Foresight may request to meet you, or send a trusted subordinate to make contact. It's not entirely out of the question."
Acheron said it so lightly, but Sylvia didn't know how to respond.
Even if Jing Yuan did send someone to meet her, there were about eight hundred steps between that and actually learning sword techniques from him.
Shaking her head helplessly, Sylvia plucked a fruit from Acheron's hand and popped it into her own mouth.
"Let's just see how it goes. Honestly, I'd rather buy a decent greatsword on the Luofu—I really don't want to keep using this one anymore."
Hearing the complaint, a faint smile touched Acheron's lips.
She knew Sylvia was still thinking about those comments from the Whistling Flames Merchant Group members the other day.
"I thought it sounded quite nice."
"That's not the point, is it?"
Acheron shook her head slightly.
"What I mean is, your plan may be difficult to realize. That sword of yours, in my eyes, could be called a divine weapon. It's not that the Luofu has nothing comparable—but you likely won't find one for sale."
"A weapon that fits your hand and aligns with your nature… you might have better chances with the Interastral Peace Corporation."
When it came to varieties of ore and craftsmanship, there was no doubt the IPC, followers of Preservation, were the most suitable, even if their policies were rather… harsh.
"The Corporation, huh…"
Mention of the IPC naturally made Sylvia think of a certain little heiress affiliated with them.
But Asta wasn't involved in her family's business, so there was no guarantee she could help.
Just then, the two of them fell silent in unison.
A few seconds later, a beeping sound came from the main control room door behind them.
The door slid open, and Tingyun appeared at the entrance.
"Benefactor, Miss Acheron, I've finished my preparations."
As she spoke, Tingyun drew closer. Noticing the fruit in Acheron's hand, she smiled warmly.
"Miss Acheron, I hope the fruit I had delivered is to your liking?"
Acheron's fingers, holding the fruit, stilled for a moment. She tilted her head slightly toward Tingyun and gave a nod.
"It's not bad."
"I'm glad it meets your approval."
After the greeting, Tingyun took a seat near Sylvia.
"Thank you both for agreeing to my presumptuous request. Myself and the Whistling Flames merchant group will remember your kindness."
When it came to external communication, the taciturn Acheron naturally left it all to Sylvia.
So without a word from Acheron, Sylvia took the initiative to reply:
"Having the Whistling Flames's Tingyun owe us a favor? For a simple detour, of course we wouldn't refuse."
--+--
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.