Tingyun and Bailu bid their farewells one after the other, and Sylvia had originally planned to lead the Express crew for a round of cards.
Just enough for a full table.
Welt had initially intended to decline Sylvia's invitation.
Mainly because three young girls heading out together—with Welt tagging along—felt like a parent chaperoning kids.
Considering Sylvia was a reliable sort, though, Welt suggested he'd stroll around on his own, letting March 7th and Stelle go have fun with Sylvia.
But after hearing Sylvia describe Celestial Jade in detail, Welt found himself intrigued by the game.
Back in his own world, he'd heard of it but never played.
Never expected to run into it here, and with some time to spare now, Welt's interest was piqued.
Plus, Sylvia mentioned a four-player table was ideal, so Welt couldn't very well refuse.
Leading three newbies, she took them to the parlor.
Sylvia had thought with everything happening on the Luofu today, the place might be empty.
But when they arrived—wow—it was packed, every seat filled.
Sylvia was left speechless.
These people really weren't scared at all—such a major incident, and they were still thinking about cards.
Normally, when she was alone, finding familiar players to fill a table was fine.
But today, with three newcomers in tow, squeezing in wouldn't work.
Otherwise, were they joining or taking over a table? You don't bring a whole crew like that, right?
No choice. After ordering a pot of tea, Sylvia pulled out her own card table.
"Heh… no helping it. Had no idea it'd be this crowded. Let's just use my table."
As she unfolded the table, Sylvia explained the situation to March 7th and Stelle.
"Whoa—Sylvia, you really love cards that much, huh? Carrying a whole table around with you? Planning to start a game anytime, anywhere?"
March 7th looked on with a bemused expression as Sylvia effortlessly set up her table right in front of the shop.
Wouldn't the shop owner mind?
But glancing over, the owner cheerfully wheeled over their tea and greeted Sylvia familiarly, as if this kind of operation was nothing new.
As for Stelle, she was already flipping through the beginner's guide to Celestial Jade the shop had handed her.
Ushering the three to sit at the table, Sylvia enthusiastically launched into the basics of Celestial Jade.
The reason it spread so quickly across the Luofu wasn't just its fun—it was also easy to pick up.
The basic rules weren't complicated, didn't require too much brainpower to play.
Just as Sylvia got the Express crew into a few rounds, everyone getting more into it by the minute, her phone suddenly buzzed.
Sylvia set down her tiles and pulled out her phone for a look.
The name on the screen made her frown.
Dan Shu…
What could she want, messaging now of all times?
Tapping open the screen, it was a greeting from Dan Shu:
[Dan Shu: For a short-life species, it must feel like quite a while, yes?]
[Dan Shu: Are you free now? Come to the usual spot for a chat.]
After sending the messages, Dan Shu logged off, not even giving Sylvia a chance to reply.
"Hmm…"
The usual spot—probably that little pavilion she often stayed in.
But why look for her now?
According to what was said before, Phantylia didn't involve her in important matters anymore.
The placement of the Stellaron had nothing to do with Dan Shu.
In other words, Dan Shu had already been sidelined from the core of Phantylia's plans.
So what was Dan Shu after now?
Sylvia couldn't figure it out.
Mainly because she didn't know what Dan Shu's goal was in the first place.
Letting out a soft sigh, Sylvia put her phone away.
She turned her attention back to the card table.
March 7th, noticing the change in Sylvia's expression, asked:
"…Did something happen?"
"If there is any trouble, feel free to speak up. We'll help if we can."
Welt also adjusted his glasses, looking toward Sylvia.
Sylvia smiled and shook her head.
"Nothing major. A friend from the Luofu wants to see me now. I'll probably have to make a trip."
As she spoke, Sylvia stood up. Seeing the three Express members also set down their tiles and start to rise, she quickly added:
"You can keep playing. Celestial Jade works with three people too. I'll just leave the table here for you."
--+--
Leaving the card table with Stelle and the others—after all, they still had to wait for others in the Exalting Sanctum—taking the table away would just leave them with nothing to do.
Leaving the parlor, Sylvia headed straight for Synwood Pavilion.
And there, as expected, she found the lone figure waiting.
Dan Shu.
Scenic spots like this might usually draw a crowd, but at a time like this, they seemed less popular. The surrounding area was empty.
Only Dan Shu stood there alone, her back to Sylvia, gazing toward the direction of the Ambrosial Arbor.
Only when Sylvia drew near did she slowly turn around.
"Little friend, you've arrived. Sooner than this one anticipated."
Sylvia smiled, stepping forward, studying Dan Shu curiously. She looked no different from their last meeting.
And this time, Sylvia felt the Luofu was quieter than expected.
Speaking of which, what was the state of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus with Dan Shu in this condition?
Had they stayed inactive? Or already been suppressed?
"Is something the matter?"
Dan Shu didn't turn her head but asked why Sylvia had fallen silent.
"Just wondering why the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus seem to have taken no action this time."
"Heh… little friend, do not jest. The Disciples have long been under Jing Yuan's covert surveillance. By now, they've likely been apprehended by the Cloud Knights."
Dan Shu's tone was detached, as if the Disciples had nothing to do with her.
"Little friend, would you accompany this one for a walk?"
With that, Dan Shu turned and gestured toward the nearby main road.
"Of course."
Sylvia kept pace with Dan Shu, leaving Synwood Pavilion at a steady, unhurried stride.
On the road, Dan Shu shifted the topic:
"Truthfully, this one hadn't planned to meet you today. But a few system hours ago, a girl found me."
A girl?
Sylvia instinctively frowned. Could it be Phantylia?
"That girl said this one's life should not have been this way. She asked… did this one not wish to experience a transcendent form, forged from the Ambrosial Arbor?"
"…"
Sylvia's expression turned grave. Aside from Phantylia, who else could know about this?
Using the Arbor's fruit to reconstruct her own body—that was Phantylia's goal.
But why use it to tempt Dan Shu? What good would causing trouble through Dan Shu do?
"This one no longer harbors any desire for longevity, but… a bit of revenge still holds some appeal."
A rare hint of interest surfaced in Dan Shu's voice.
"That girl gave this one a button. She said once this one made up my mind, I could press it."
As she spoke, Dan Shu turned her hand over, producing a palm-sized, intricately crafted button.
"That—"
Sylvia's eyes widened in shock—wasn't that Sparkle's bomb detonator?!
How in the world did that thing end up on the Luofu??
--+--
T/N: 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.