"Easy there, you two!"
Welt Yang stepped in front of Phainon.
He wasn't afraid of Phainon getting hurt; he was afraid that if Phainon truly went mad, he would cut down the Cloud Knights as if they were roadside monsters.
"Two Armorofficers, we are newcomers who have just arrived in your esteemed land, as you can probably tell from our attire," Welt pushed up his glasses, his tone calm.
"As for my companion behind me... he just has, uh, a unique sense of humor, and no ill intent."
Upon hearing this, the two Cloud Knights exchanged glances, and the cold glint from their spear tips receded somewhat.
After all, the black-robed man before them had cut down a Mara-Struck with a single sword, a display of strength that could not be faked.
If it really came to blows, the outcome would likely not be much better.
"Your Excellency possesses great martial prowess and has saved us from a pressing crisis; please forgive our earlier offense," one of the Cloud Knights sheathed his spear and cupped his fist, then turned to the foxian woman slumped on the ground.
"Miss Tingyun, this place is dangerous; please return to the Sky-Faring Commission with us as soon as possible."
"I know, I know, what's the rush?" Tingyun brushed the dust from her clothes, stood up, and playfully chided the Cloud Knights, though her face had already returned to their usual affable smile.
"My benefactors haven't even been thanked yet. To leave like this, wouldn't that be rude?"
March 7th whispered from behind: "Phainon did everything, are we also considered benefactors?"
"Of course!" Tingyun's gaze swept over everyone, her smile radiant. "Since you are the benefactors' companions, you are naturally also this humble maiden's benefactors! May I ask for your esteemed names, benefactors?"
"My name is March 7th, and this is Uncle Yang!" March 7th immediately introduced, then pointed to Stelle, who stood with her hands on her hips.
Stelle stood with her hands on her hips and loudly declared: "I am — the Galactic Bat-Girl!"
"Bat-Girl? What a magnificent name," Tingyun covered her mouth and chuckled softly, playing along good-naturedly.
"Uh..." March 7th pressed a hand to her forehead, "Her name is Stelle, just ignore her, she's always like this."
Tingyun nodded with a smile, and finally, her eyes turned to the focal point of the entire scene.
"May I ask for this benefactor's esteemed name?"
Phainon gave a cold laugh, "I am, the Lord Ravager."
The air suddenly became eerily silent.
Tingyun's face was filled with terror, yet there was also an undeniable hint of admiration in her eyes.
The spear tips of the two Cloud Knights "clanged" as they once again pointed at him!
An envoy of the Aeon of Ruin?
This title, on the Xianzhou, was an absolute taboo, second only to the Aeon of Abundance!
"Phainon!" Welt Yang's voice carried a warning, "Watch your words; this is the Xianzhou!"
"Exactly, exactly," March 7th tugged at Phainon's sleeve, "Are you having another episode? What if they arrest us as wanted criminals?"
Phainon's voice was flat and unwavering, "I am speaking the truth."
Stelle walked up to him, looked up at the golden mask, and said seriously: "Let's play this role-playing game next time; now is the low-profile round."
Phainon was silent for a moment, then nodded.
"My name is Phainon."
"Ah, I see!" Tingyun immediately smoothed things over, charmingly telling the Cloud Knights beside her, "The benefactor was just joking with this humble maiden; there's no need for you two to be so tense."
She turned to the group and suggested: "Since you are esteemed guests and also this humble maiden's benefactors, allow me to guide you to the Sky-Faring Commission, where you can then be handed over to Lady Yukong for a decision."
"It seems, for now, this is the only option," Welt Yang nodded slightly.
"However," Phainon suddenly interjected, his voice cold and clear,
"The path ahead is fraught with danger. We are in the outermost reaches of the Star-Skiff Sea, and the Stellaron crisis erupted from within. If there are so many enemies here, the road ahead will only be more perilous. Therefore, for safety's sake..."
March 7th's eyes widened: "Holy moly! Phainon, you're actually thinking about safety issues now?!"
Phainon ignored her jab and walked directly towards Tingyun, "Miss Tingyun, one can tell at a glance that she is defenseless."
He said matter-of-factly, "Therefore, I shall personally protect her safety."
"After all, she is the important person guiding us. I presume no one will have an issue with that?"
Welt Yang's brow furrowed tightly, an indescribable weariness in his heart.
He had completely given up.
He utterly refused to try and understand what was going on in Phainon's mind.
"This..." The two Cloud Knights looked at Tingyun.
Tingyun shook her head, her smile still graceful: "The benefactor is very powerful; with him guarding me, this humble maiden naturally feels at ease. You two, just lead the way ahead."
And then.
The group set off officially, in a peculiar formation.
Phainon was true to his word, his figure pressing close to Tingyun's side.
The scorching embers within him began to silently release the power suppressed by [Reason].
Invisible waves of heat emanated from him, the surrounding air began to distort, and visible heat haze rose.
Phainon was already a furnace.
He controlled the distance perfectly, just enough to envelop Tingyun without affecting his companions from the Express.
Tingyun pulled out a folding fan from her waist and fanned her face, complaining: "Oh, I wonder if the climate system of this cave-heaven is broken; why is it so... stiflingly hot?"
Phainon did not respond, only silently increased the scorching heat again.
After only a dozen steps, fine beads of sweat began to seep from Tingyun's exquisite makeup, and the hair at her temples was damp with sweat, sticking to her cheeks, making her appear somewhat disheveled.
The folding fan in her hand fanned faster and faster, but what it brought was not cool air, but hot currents.
Seeing this, Phainon feigned concern, turning his head so his mask faced her: "Miss Tingyun, are you very hot?"
"Phew~, the benefactor is joking, this humble maiden..." Tingyun's smile was already a bit forced, "feels fine."
"That's good then..." With that, Phainon moved half an inch closer to her.
"Oh, benefactor," Tingyun endured the scorching heat, fanning herself continuously, trying to change the subject, "Why do you... insist on personally protecting this humble maiden?"
Phainon gave a cold laugh,
"Heh heh heh..."
"Of course... it's to ensure that the next time I draw my sword."
"I will absolutely not miss again."
"Oh, benefactor... you truly are a joker," Tingyun chuckled dryly, subconsciously shifting her feet.
The next moment, Phainon followed like a shadow, the human furnace clinging tightly to her, not giving an inch.
March 7th, walking at the very front, sniffed hard, and asked with a puzzled expression:
"Stelle, Uncle Yang, do you smell that?"
Stelle also sniffed, tilting her head: "I smell it."
"A scent like something is almost cooked? Like... roasted fox?"