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In the original plot of "Stellaron Hunters," Stelle was meant to defeat Phantylia, forcing her departure from Xianzhou Luofu.
However, now Bochang had captured Lord Ravager instead.
Moreover, Stelle not only awakened the Destiny of Preservation but also developed a strong desire for revenge, triggering her Hunting Fate Path—an unexpected double achievement.
Silver Wolf couldn't predict if this would have adverse effects on future storylines. Regardless, concerning weapons related to The Hunt, the preparations by the Stellaron Hunters were rendered obsolete as the gray-haired girl prematurely awakened her fate path.
Silver Wolf felt somewhat exasperated over these developments.
As Bochang finished reading the messages, each one sent by the hacker girl automatically disappeared without leaving any trace on his phone—a remarkably convenient feature.
After pondering briefly, Bochang replied, "I didn't kill Phantylia."
Silver Wolf paused, speechless.
With that response, even the conversation window vanished entirely.
It seemed Silver Wolf no longer wished to engage with Bochang at that moment.
Still holding hands, Bochang and Stelle walked towards the port. Suddenly, the gray-haired girl asked, "Speaking of... what exactly happened just now?"
"What do you mean?" Bochang responded with a question.
"You said you just took a nap, but it felt like you truly died for a moment—no heartbeat, no breathing," Stelle remarked. "What happened there? Bochang, I'm quite curious."
"Ah, I'm not entirely sure myself," Bochang replied vaguely.
He couldn't exactly reveal that he had intentionally feigned death, so he chose to brush it off.
Stelle sensed Bochang's reluctance to discuss the matter and didn't press further.
Soon, they arrived at the Seat of Divine Foresight aboard the star ferry.
Jing Yuan, who had been informed beforehand, prepared tea and refreshments, welcoming them in a quaint little courtyard. It was adorned with various unnamed flowers and plants, creating a serene atmosphere at first glance.
Bochang and Stelle sat at a small table, enjoying pastries and afternoon tea.
Just moments earlier, Bochang had taken the barely alive Phantylia within him out for a brief spin, providing her with a thorough explanation to ensure the cloud-mounted general understood the situation fully.
Jing Yuan lifted his teacup, taking a sip before saying, "I hadn't anticipated that Phantylia would still be on Xianzhou Luofu, let alone...that my brother Bochang would manage to capture her. Quite unexpected..."
"Just pure luck, really," Bochang responded with a smile, glancing at the gray-haired girl across from him. "Without Stelle's help, I wouldn't have been able to catch Phantylia as she tried to escape."
Jing Yuan shook his head.
"Brother Bochang, there's no need for modesty. Now then... what do you plan to do with Phantylia?"
"That is precisely my current dilemma." Bochang looked at Jing Yuan, whose expression remained gentle—the Blindfold General always bore a faint smile on his face, even with eyes closed. "General Jing Yuan, being well-traveled and knowledgeable, surely knows how to handle Phantylia."
"Hmm... If Xianzhou Luofu captures Phantylia, the options are either to kill it or incorporate it into a technological construct as a source of power. I'm uncertain which method you intend to use," Jing Yuan offered two choices.
Either kill Phantylia...
Or integrate it into a technological construct as a power source.
"Are those the only two options?" Bochang asked.
Stelle silently sipped her tea, showing no intention of joining the conversation.
"Yes, typically, these are the only two methods." Jing Yuan set down his teacup, squinting slightly. "However..." he paused, "If you're daring enough, there's another approach, but... it does carry some risk."
Bochang refrained from interrupting.
Jing Yuan continued, "By retaining Phantylia within your body as a power source, you could effectively add another Emanator as backup energy, significantly enhancing your capabilities."
Phantylia was a Destruction Emanator.
Coincidentally, Bochang had also unlocked the Destruction Fate Path.
By keeping her within his body, he could fully harness and utilize Phantylia's fate power.
In the past, individuals from Xianzhou formed agreements with energy entities known as Sui Yang, mutually aiding each other. This practice provided ample experience, ensuring it wasn't merely conjecture.
"I didn't realize such methods existed," Bochang remarked, intrigued.
"Xianzhou has previously undertaken similar endeavors," explained Jing Yuan, "so they have well-established protocols for this approach. If you decide to proceed, Brother Bochang, visit Minister Fu at the Divination Commission. She can assist in placing restrictions on Phantylia."
"However... considering Phantylia is inherently tied to Destruction, I cannot guarantee against unforeseen complications." He paused briefly before concluding, "Overall, Brother Bochang, my recommendation remains to eliminate Phantylia to avoid future risks."
General Jing Yuan spoke these words decisively.
Bochang fell silent for a moment.
"General Jing Yuan, I've carefully considered your suggestions. Killing Phantylia would be too wasteful, so I've decided...to retain her within me and extract her power for my own use."
"Since you've made your decision, Brother Bochang, I'll promptly notify Minister Fu to prepare accordingly." Jing Yuan nodded with a smile.
Stelle placed down her teacup, concern evident in her voice, "Bochang, isn't that somewhat risky?"
Jing Yuan responded, "Indeed, whether integrating Phantylia into a technological construct or retaining her within oneself, there will always be risks if she isn't eliminated outright."
After all...
Phantylia was indeed exceptionally powerful; her strength had left a deep impression on him.
It seemed that Bochang and Stelle had just happened upon her weakened state this time, allowing them to successfully capture her. Engaging Lord Ravager at full power versus during her vulnerability made a significant difference.
Of course...
Jing Yuan did not underestimate Bochang and Stelle's capabilities. The fact that they managed to apprehend Phantylia demonstrated their competence.
Bochang agreed, "General Jing Yuan is right. Moreover, keeping Phantylia confined within me might be even safer, as she cannot escape from my body."
Honestly,
Jing Yuan didn't believe it was safer to keep Phantylia inside himself. He felt transferring her to a technological construct would be more secure. Ideally, eliminating her outright would be best. Unfortunately, it was Bochang who captured Phantylia, not Xianzhou Luofu.
Jing Yuan lacked any grounds for intervention.
Furthermore, Bochang had assisted Xianzhou Luofu in capturing Phantylia hidden within the Artisanship Commission, which constituted a significant contribution. Any interference from Jing Yuan could be perceived as ingratitude or repaying kindness with ungratefulness.
Having made his decision,
Bochang and Stelle had no intention to linger at the Seat of Divine Foresight for long. After enjoying some pastries and tea, they bid their farewells and departed.
They embarked on the star ferry, hastening towards the Divination Commission to find Fu Xuan.
Jing Yuan did not accompany them as he saw them off; instead, he remained seated, leisurely sipping his tea while gazing at the blue sky dotted with clouds.
A moment later...
Jing Yuan sighed, "Truly, heroes emerge from youth. Just who is Bochang's true background? Come to think of it... this seems to be the second time Phantylia has suffered defeat at his hands."
Phantylia had faced two consecutive setbacks:
First, her disguised identity was exposed. Second, she was directly captured, now relegated to serving as an energy source within Bochang's body indefinitely.
The thought alone elicited a profound sense of melancholy.
"It appears...the Xianzhou Alliance must foster a good relationship with the Astral Express," Jing Yuan mused, chin resting in his hand. "Should we send someone aboard? But whom should we choose?"
Reflecting the serene beauty of the courtyard in his eyes, Jing Yuan weighed his options internally.
Meanwhile...
Bochang received another message from Silver Wolf.