"This Xianzhou Luofu seems quite lively."
As the guiding starskiff docked at the port and the Express crew stepped onto the Xianzhou, Himeko couldn't help but remark on the bustling scene around them. People of various species bustled about, creating a prosperous atmosphere that rivaled even Penacony, the Planet of Festivities.
"The Xianzhou isn't a tourist destination like Penacony. Even with the Luminary Wardance Ceremony, it shouldn't be this crowded," Welt frowned, offering a reminder. "With Stellaron activity present, yet still gathering so many guests from across the galaxy... Though I don't know what they're thinking, it's best to be cautious."
"Indeed. Our Express doesn't have frequent dealings with the Xianzhou, yet this time they specifically sent invitations to all of us... While it's not good to assume ill intentions, when things are out of the ordinary, something is usually amiss—"
"Hehe, esteemed guests, please don't worry. It's because our Xianzhou Luofu just quelled a Stellaron crisis a few days ago. Although this minor ailment had little impact on the Luofu, it might cause concern elsewhere in the galaxy, leading people to mistakenly believe the Luofu has fallen into chaos. Holding the Luminary Wardance ceremony at this time serves both to celebrate the quelling of the Stellaron crisis and to demonstrate to the universe that the Luofu remains vibrant, unfazed by a mere Stellaron. That's why we specifically invited factions from across the cosmos to observe the ceremony together."
Just as Himeko agreed with Welt's point, a gentle, melodious voice suddenly interjected, answering her unspoken question. Everyone turned towards the sound and saw a graceful Foxian woman approaching them with a smile.
"This humble one is Tingyun, Envoy of the Sky-Faring Commission's merchant guild. You must be the esteemed guests from the Astral Express?"
Being caught talking behind someone's back by the person herself made even Welt and Himeko feel a little awkward. Fortunately, they were adults with thick enough skin, quickly adjusting their attitude. "Our sincere apologies. We were inadvertently caught up in the schemes of Order's remnants back in Penacony, which has made us overly cautious now. Seeing the Xianzhou's open and honest demeanor, it seems we truly misjudged a noble heart with our petty minds."
"The Astral Express roams the universe, witnessing thrilling sights and sounds, so being cautious is natural. It is this humble one who was late in welcoming you, failing to explain clearly in time. Due to the Luminary Wardance Ceremony, there are many guests coming and going, and the Sky-Faring Commission is short-staffed. I alone am responsible for receiving you all. Please forgive me."
Tingyun covered her mouth, chuckling softly, then gestured behind her. "Please follow me, esteemed guests. The Sky-Faring Commission has prepared upper rooms at the Spicespring Hotel for you. Please join me at the hotel for a cup of tea and a short rest."
"The Xianzhou is surprisingly hospitable! They even have a dedicated envoy waiting at the port to welcome us..."
Caelus scratched his head. Back on Jarilo-VI, he was treated like a galaxy-wide hooligan everyone wanted to beat up. In Penacony, he almost couldn't even get a room. Arriving on the Xianzhou and suddenly being elevated to esteemed guest status felt a bit hard to adjust to.
"After all, the Astral Express's fame is now known throughout the galaxy. You went to Jarilo-VI, and the local government collapsed. You went to Penacony, and the person in charge, Sunday, ended up imprisoned. Therefore, our General Jing Yuan personally ordered special precautions for you all, placing you under strict surveillance..."
Everyone felt a bit awkward hearing this. After all, what's more embarrassing than slander is when the bad things said about you are actually true.
Seeing this, Tingyun quickly explained with a smile, "Apologies, apologies, that was just this humble one's little joke. The General did indeed order special attention for the Astral Express crew, but not for those reasons. However, this humble one is unclear on the specific details. Perhaps you esteemed guests will find out when you meet the General in person later."
"The General wants to see us..." Caelus's gaze suddenly sharpened. First, staying in a luxurious hotel, then meeting the highest local ruler... Hadn't he seen this plot somewhere before?
Was the next step Dabai showing up, leading him on a killing spree, and easily clearing the Xianzhou instance? But he didn't want a killing spree right now; he wanted to find a way to save Twilight on the Xianzhou. Was Dabai going to lead him to snatch the Ambrosial Arbor?
...Actually, that might not be impossible.
Dabai's abilities did seem related to Abundance. Maybe she really could help him revive the Ambrosial Arbor and save Twilight...
Seeing no resistance from the Astral Express members, Tingyun's smile brightened further. "Then, esteemed guests, let us—Yaaah?!"
Before she could finish her sentence, Tingyun, who seemed perfectly composed moments ago, suddenly let out a strange, bashful cry. The reason was simple—her fluffy tail behind her had somehow been firmly grasped by someone.
"Twi-Twilight, what are you doing?!"
Twilight's sudden action threw the Express crew into a bit of a panic. After all, this was equivalent to visiting another country and suddenly grabbing the ambassador's butt out of the blue... At best, it's harassment; at worst, it's damaging international relations!
But unlike the flustered others, Twilight showed little reaction, even tilting her head with a look of confusion, then tugging twice more firmly. "Hmm? It's real..."
"Of course, it's real! Could it be a decoration?" Himeko quickly apologized to Tingyun, trying to smooth over Twilight's hooligan behavior. "Miss Tingyun, my sincerest apologies! Twilight is still young and perhaps hasn't seen a Foxian before, so she got a little curious seeing the tail..."
"N-No worries, she's just a child, understandable..."
After Caelus clumsily freed Tingyun's tail from Twilight's grasp, she quickly pulled back her already fluffed-up tail. Stroking the fur soothingly, she forced a smile. "Hehe, Miss Twilight is quite strong..."
Sigh, Firefly really should come see this, learn a thing or two... What is acting? This Lord Ravager right here is acting!
Watching Firefly with Caelus, she almost broke character just encountering a few small mobs, nearly revealing her true form. But this Lord Ravager right now, not only just had her tail fur forcefully stroked, but the tail itself was almost yanked off, yet she can still keep up the act—that's the dedication of an actor!
She had to admit, Phantylia's transformation technique was quite polished. Though perhaps due to her physical state, even Twilight now found it hard to spot flaws, only sensing a vague wrongness.
If it were anyone else, they might truly believe she was just a pitiful, weak, helpless Foxian worker being harassed by a galactic hooligan—but unfortunately, Twilight had read the script.
Looking at the aggrieved Phantylia-Tingyun clutching her tail, Twilight suddenly discovered she seemed to share some of Unit Two's wicked sense of humor.
Just how far could this Phantylia keep up the act? If videos titled "Lord Ravager Phantylia Transformed into Foxian Woman and Subjected to Molestation" were spread throughout the galaxy, could she perhaps attract Aha's attention?
Felt like there was potential. Might egg Caelus on to try it later...