Chapter 131: A General's Command

“The Stellaron Hunters… have escaped.”

Ms. Welt adjusted her glasses, her expression hardening with gravity. Her gaze shifted from the now-empty platform where their quarry had stood to the colossal, otherworldly tree that blotted out the sky.

“But this,” she murmured, her eyes fixed on the impossible sight, “is likely what they truly wanted us to see.”

Chen shook his head, forcing himself to shelve the deep-seated regret of failing to capture Kafka. He also pushed aside the lingering unease from Sister Blade’s parting glance, a look that had felt far too personal. He scanned the varied expressions of his companions.

“Ahem… everyone,” he began, trying to cut through the stunned silence. “Now is clearly not the time to be spacing out. We need to—”

Before he could finish, the tense atmosphere in the Matrix of Prescience was shattered by the sound of rapidly approaching footsteps. Fu Xuan and the projected form of Jing Yuan, who had departed earlier, hurried back into the chamber.

The pink-haired Grand Diviner of the Divination Commission furrowed his brows, his sharp eyes quickly taking in the scene. “The Matrix of Prescience has abruptly halted, and the Arbor is exhibiting strange activity,” he announced, his voice tight. “The Stellaron Hunters indeed had other schemes. General Jing Yuan’s judgment was correct. Behind this, the shadow of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus grows clearer.”

Jing Yuan stepped forward, her customary serene smile fixed in place despite the unfolding crisis.

“The revival of the Ambrosial Arbor is no small matter,” she began, her tone calm and measured. “It is an old affliction of the Xianzhou, and a sacred relic coveted by the Abominations of Abundance. The Stellaron’s power has triggered its growth, and the only ones who could exploit this to create maximum chaos on the Luofu are the long-lurking Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. They likely intend to use the Arbor’s power to carry out their subversive plot.”

She turned her gaze to Ms. Welt and the others, her attitude shifting from analytical to sincere.

“The Luofu’s forces are currently stretched to their limits. The main contingent of the Cloud Knights must guard the central hub and the defensive perimeters of various sections to prevent this chaos from spilling into civilian areas. Officials from every commission are struggling to maintain the Xianzhou’s basic operations while treating the wounded and evacuating citizens—they are truly overwhelmed.”

Her gaze met each of theirs in turn. “Members of the Astral Express, the situation is urgent. The Luofu needs your assistance. I, Jing Yuan, General of the Xianzhou Luofu, hereby formally request your aid. Help us quell the chaos triggered by the Stellaron’s influence on the Arbor and eradicate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus who are taking advantage of this turmoil.”

Ms. Welt did not hesitate. She gave a firm nod. “The Trailblaze has always been intertwined with Stellarons, and our purpose in coming here was no different. Resolving this crisis is a responsibility the Astral Express crew shares. We are willing to lend a hand.”

Jing Yuan nodded in gratitude, then turned her focus to Fu Xuan. “Minister Fu, the Alchemy Commission has fallen into chaos. Someone needs to take command on-site to stabilize the situation, curb the Arbor’s spread, and eradicate the abominations.”

She raised a hand, and a small, carefully carved jade token materialized in her palm. “Take my Military Tally. Assume full command over the Cloud Knights and all personnel from the various commissions heading in that direction.”

A Military Tally?

Fu Xuan was visibly stunned. The sudden weight of the responsibility seemed to crack his usually unflappable demeanor, a flash of disbelief crossing his refined face. He almost blurted out the words.

“…Give it to me?”

“In the past, whenever I asked for this, you always made excuses!” he continued, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. “You’d say the timing wasn’t right, or that Minister Fu was more crucial at the central hub. And now that the Arbor has literally pierced the heavens, you’re just shoving it at me?”

As soon as the words left his mouth, he seemed to realize this was hardly the time or place to air old grievances. But the surprise, mixed with a clear hint of frustration from being so thoroughly caught off guard, was written all over his face.

Hearing his complaint, Jing Yuan didn’t seem the least bit annoyed. Instead, the faintest hint of a smile touched the corners of her mouth. She looked at Fu Xuan, her tone lightening with a touch of gentle teasing.

“Times have changed. Aren’t you always confident in your flawless calculations and your ability to coordinate everything? Now, the opportunity has arrived.”

Her voice grew firm, shedding its playful edge and ringing with authority. “Go and truly act as a general, Minister Fu. All Cloud Knights on the front lines will now heed your command. I believe you can do it.”

Fu Xuan stared into Jing Yuan’s eyes, which seemed to see right through him, weighing his potential and his doubts all at once. Finally, he said no more. He took a deep breath, his composure returning, and bowed his head.

“Fu Xuan accepts the order.”

A flicker of satisfaction crossed Jing Yuan’s eyes before she quickly turned back to the Astral Express crew.

“There is a shortcut through the Department of Craftsmanship that leads most quickly to the outskirts of the Alchemy Commission. I ask the three of you to take this route, directly flank the area affected by the Arbor, and rendezvous with Minister Fu’s main force for a pincer attack.”

The deployment was set. As soon as she finished speaking, she turned toward a corridor on one side of the hall and raised her voice slightly.

“Mr. Tingyun, if you please.”

Following her call, a familiar figure emerged swiftly from the shadows of the corridor. It was none other than the Ferrymaster of the Sky-Faring Commission who had first received them—Mr. Tingyun.

“General. Minister Fu. Everyone.”

Tingyun gave a hurried but respectful bow to Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan before turning his attention to Ms. Welt and her companions.

“Just now, with the Arbor’s disturbance, the Sky-Faring Commission received alerts of chaos erupting in various passages. Under the General’s prior instructions, I was to wait here to guide the members of the Astral Express should the situation change.”

Seeing Tingyun, Chen wasn’t particularly surprised. It was just like Jing Yuan to have a contingency for her contingency.

“Thank you for guiding us again, Mr. Tingyun,” Ms. Welt said with a nod of acknowledgment.

Tingyun wasted no more time on pleasantries and immediately gestured to the side. “Please, follow me.”

Fu Xuan had now fully composed himself. He nodded to Jing Yuan, then cast a final glance at the Astral Express crew and Tingyun. “I will go mobilize the troops first. Everyone, be careful. We’ll meet at the Alchemy Commission.”

With that, he turned and strode away, his back straight and resolute.

“There is no time to waste. Let’s move.” Jing Yuan took one last look at the monstrous Arbor dominating the view outside the window and gave the order in a low voice.

The group delayed no longer. Led by the ever-efficient Mr. Tingyun, the Astral Express party quickly departed the hall of the Matrix of Prescience, their new mission clear.

[Elysian’s Note:

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Thanks a ton for making this journey possible!]