Chong clearly noticed Yu Yu's sneaky glance, lowering her voice with a teasing lilt. "Really itching to lift it, huh?"
Yu Yu nearly nodded before catching herself.
She put on a solemn face. "No way! Why would I lift Senior's robe?"
If anyone's lifting, let [ones who eat don't wash the dishes] do it!
Chong chuckled. "Is that so? Then why'd I hear someone tried to trick [ones who eat don't wash the dishes] into lifting my robe?"
Yu Yu's pupils quaked. She whipped her head around, searching for senior Meng.
Meng turned away. "Don't look at me. I didn't say anything."
Chong's grin turned sinister, sparks crackling at her fingertips. "Guess how I found out?"
Yu Yu instinctively stepped back, ready to bolt. "…Senior, did you… eavesdrop?"
Chong scoffed, "Eavesdrop? We listened loud and proud!"
Yu Yu froze. "We? You guys?"
Chong's eyes glinted. "I bet Feng Ye has plenty to say to you."
Yu Yu: "???"
Feng Ye's voice cut in, dripping with sarcasm. "Heh… should I send Chang to fetch you?"
This time, Yu Yu heard her loud and clear.
PupilQuake.jpg
"Senior, don't nab me, please! I just wanted to stroll the mainland. I'll be back next year!"
Yu Yu tried to hoist the golem and flee Ellen Peninsula overnight.
She failed.
Spectacularly. Two steps in, Senior Chong nabbed her by the scruff like a kitten.
Yu Yu forced a grin. "Senior Chong, such nimble moves. I'm in awe, truly!"
Meng stifled a laugh. "Senior Chong's a master of transformation magic."
Yu Yu played up her innocence, channeling pitiful, helpless baby spellcaster vibes. Sadly, her antics along the way had been anything but subtle, and Feng Ye had plenty to say about it.
Chong smiled sweetly. "Want to lift my robe? Why wait for [ones who eat don't wash the dishes]?"
Yu Yu's eyes flickered, feigning reluctance. "Senior, Senior, it was all in jest! Why would I want [ones who eat don't wash the dishes] to lift your robe?"
Beware seniors' honeyed traps, lest they bait me into breaking the law!
Chong: "It's not like you can't take a peek."
Yu Yu kept up the fake refusal.
Chong's smile sharpened. "But I hear you picked up a golem…"
Yu Yu instantly turned adorable. "It doesn't even know Vine Growth. Senior Chong likes it too?"
"Oh, yes," Chong was unusually agreeable today. "Since it can't cast Vine Growth, why not leave it with me?"
Yu Yu's gaze darted to Chong's lively robe, temptation dangerously stirring.
No, no, I'm Yu, not a cat. Curiosity can't kill me.
She shut her eyes in mock agony. "But… I haven't asked the Grand Archon… What if she…" holds a grudge?
How would she appease the Grand Archon then?
This trip, she might've, maybe, slightly… pinned a tiny bit of blame on her.
Eavesdropping is too much!!
Gui Fan finally broke. "What if what?"
Yu Yu wailed inwardly, eyes shut tight. "I'm loyal to the Grand Archon to the death!"
Please forget what I said!
It's all Yu Yu's love for you!
Feng Ye spoke up, voice icy. "Oh? Wasn't I the stingy one?"
Yu Yu: "No way, all jokes, just jokes!"
Feng Ye: "Didn't I say I'd shred you if you came back without completing the mission?"
Yu Yu clutched her chest dramatically. "That was a tactic! Grand Archon, let me explain!"
"And didn't I plan to confiscate your golem?"
Yu Yu hugged her bag, heart aching. "Grand Archon!!!"
Feng Ye snorted. "A mithril golem—what's it to you? Even we can't bear to use it. Back home, it's getting dismantled."
"What?! Why?"
Feng Ye explained sharply, "Mithril golems are peak creations. 19.7 tons of mithril, countless rare materials—even Legends can't afford them. Better to break it down for other uses."
She snapped, "As for Vine Growth, have Meng whip you up a small enchanted tool. She can customize it! Why cling to a mithril golem?!"
Yu Yu's eyes lit up. "For real?"
She shot Meng a pointed look, hinting wildly.
Meng sighed, resigned to her fate. "Fine, I get it."
Yu Yu: "Grand Archon's covering materials, right?"
Feng Ye gritted her teeth. "I'll cover it."
Yu Yu: "My points are still negative, Grand Archon~~~"
Her voice stretched, intent clear.
Feng Ye ground her teeth. "Ten thousand points."
"I love you, Grand Archon!!!"
Feng Ye scoffed, "This scapegoat gig's handy. Why call me Grand Archon? Grand Scapegoat fits better, no?"
Yu Yu feigned heartbreak. "How can you say that, Grand Archon? My loyalty's true!"
Gui Fan, stirring the pot, chimed in, "Exactly! Grand Scapegoat? Don't slander the Grand Archon!"
Yu Yu noticed a stranger in the group. "Senior, you are?"
The black-robed woman flipped back her hood, flashing a bright smile with a hint of fangs. "Seeing's better than hearing. Gui Fan."
Yu Yu's eyes widened. "Whoa, another Grand Archon!!!"
She'd met her second—no, third—Grand Archon!
Feng Ye huffed, "Who isn't a Grand Archon? Enough. Hand the golem to Chong and get back here."
The others grinned, moods buoyant. Strictly speaking, Yu Yu's mission was a smashing success. She'd unraveled Yan Mound's secrets, brought back a mithril golem, a Grimoire, and discovered a lucid, non-fading senior.
The latter was the real shocker. A clear-minded senior who wouldn't vanish soon carried immense implications. But that was beyond Yu Yu's scope. The kid should head home and hit the books. Rumor had it Xue had lined up a grueling course load, personally overseeing her studies. Sneaking out for adventures again? Good luck.
As for the Legend, well… if they could avoid it, they'd rather not hear about him.
The Night Sovereign had mellowed in recent years, cultivating serenity, but back then…
Better not think about it.
Her near-mind-reading original spell caught emotions like a net. Terrifying.
Yu Yu pulled out the golem, then the core, curious. "How do I install this?"
Chong set her down, casually tossing the core.
It flared deep blue, vanishing the next second.
The golem shuddered, stomping to life, its deep red eyes glowing. "Mithril Golem 999, activation successful."
"Requesting magic circle link…"
"Link established."
"Database updated."
"Scanning…"
"Archon Chong, Grand Archon Gui Fan, Steward Meng, mid-tier… skipped," the golem's emotionless voice declared, bypassing Yu Yu. "Awaiting Grand Archon authorization."
Gui Fan snapped her fingers. "Let's go."
Yu Yu gaped, awestruck. "It can do that?"
So I couldn't use it back home anyway?
Damn, the golem skipped me!!
If she tried hijacking a magic circle golem, any Archon or Grand Archon could stroll up, and they'd all defect?
Chong told Yu Yu, "Want to lift my robe? Not impossible. Next time you snag a golem or something, save one for me. I'll lift it myself for you."
Why does that sound so weird coming from you?!
Yu Yu, flustered, mumbled, "…Sure, I guess."
Suddenly, she remembered something, grabbing Chong's robe.
Chong, about to leave, turned, surprised. "You're not lifting it now, are you?"
Yu Yu: "…Of course not!"
"Senior, won't outsiders enter the mainland from Deadwood Town?"
Chong hummed, "Where else?"
Yu Yu, slyly, said, "But isn't Deadwood Town a bit… small?"
Chong: "Small? How's it small?"
Feng Ye chimed in seriously, "It is a bit small."
Chong considered. "Then we'll expand it later."
Yu Yu, scheming, asked, "Senior, interested in shop permits?"
Chong: "Hm?"
Xue: "Hm?"
Qiong: "Hm?"
Yu Yu nearly cracked.
How many people are watching?!
She frantically recalled what she'd said, despairing as she realized she'd said plenty. I'm doomed.
Trying to rally, she pitched, "With so many outsiders, they'll bring back tons of stuff from the mainland. I'm thinking a small shop selling Healing scrolls to cover expenses…"
Chong thought it trivial. With a wave, she said, "Fine, I'll reserve you one. Claim it when the expansion's done."
Yu Yu beamed, "Thank you, Senior Chong!!!"
Chong: "Next golem, save it for me."
Yu Yu nodded eagerly, "Deal!"
Feng Ye: "…"
Am I really that stingy?
In Silver Moon, she'd at least make Yu Yu jump through hoops for a shop.
How'd Chong just wave and agree?
Feng Ye began doubting herself.
Bidding Chong farewell, Yu Yu gleefully prepared to return to Silver Moon.
She tapped her wristband. "Grand Archon, is Senior out? Is she home? Is the Duchess home?"
Feng Ye snapped back, irked. "Felix is at headquarters. She's not that fast."
"When's Fufu ever not home? Why're you asking?"
A silver-haired woman burst in like a whirlwind. "Teacher, you called?"
Feng Ye grumbled, "Not you. Yu Yu's asking if you're home."
The Duchess strode in, righteous. "Felix asked where Yu Yu went, and I didn't know."
"Where'd she go?"
Feng Ye, fed up with her feigned ignorance, swatted her out.
The Duchess yowled, "Teacher!!!"
Her fur bristled.
She wasn't a kid anymore! Why'd Teacher still swat her at the drop of a hat?
People will see!!
Yu Yu, deadpan, said, "Nothing, just missing her."
Missing my wolf pup.
Sigh, when can I bury my face in her fluffy fur and take a big sniff?
Wolf pup, wolf pup, hehe… slurp…
The Duchess: "?"
Who're you missing? Are we that close?
Recalling her affinity bar, the Duchess fumed.
Lately, every jerk she passed was itching to poke her affinity bar. If not for her agility…
Still mad, she pulled out her account, privately messaging Felix to lock her affinity bar tight and give the instigator no quarter.
Felix: "?"
Deep in the library, she was clueless about Fufu's meltdown.
She replied casually, "What's up? She back?"
The Duchess: "Of course she's back. Teacher's been glued to that screen in her study for days, not letting me peek."
Her wolf pup sulked.
Felix mused, "Mainland stuff involves corruption. Not showing you is right."
The Duchess didn't argue. Felix didn't dwell, guessing Yu Yu would swing by tonight to share her adventure.
She'd made gains too. For instance, she'd found a book on the Verdant Calamity battle, detailing the spell the Legends used to locate its core. But it was a 5th-ring spell. Even she couldn't master it quickly, let alone Yu Yu. Unless the magic circle's bigwigs helped Yu Yu in her world, but…
Felix sighed at the slim odds.
The magic circle was cold and aloof—spellcasters' default vibe. Yu Yu's chances of enlisting them were near zero.
Better to study it herself.
After pondering, Felix dove back into her book.
Wolf pup studying.jpg
Meng boarded the carriage, discussing plow designs with Yu Yu.
Yes, Yu Yu named her future artifact "Gardener," demanding it cast Vine Growth with both hands—the ultimate new-age gardener.
Fuyu, Shu Tu, and Zi Shu sat huddled, not daring to chime in.
Meng, rubbing her temples, said, "A plowing tool needs to play music why?"
Yu Yu said seriously "It soothes plants, keeps them from mutating."
"Plus, the Grand Archon's footing the bill!"
She had to milk it!
Meng's expression twitched before she warned, "Wristband."
Feng Ye: "Heh."
Yu Yu froze, realizing they hadn't left.
You love streaming that much?!
Xue snapped, "Dream on! Resources are for proper use, not music. Don't even think about it!"
"Resources come from logistics. Feng Ye's got no coin," Grand Archon Guang Chen said bluntly. "Meng, don't listen to her nonsense."
Meng shrugged at Yu Yu, flashing a helpless look. "Understood."
Yu Yu pouted, aggrieved.
You did that on purpose! Why no heads-up?!
Yu Yu: "Grand Archon, I'm almost back. Can we ditch the camera?"
Feng Ye: "No. How else do I know what tricks you're plotting?"
After Yu Yu's "fervent" pleas, they finally agreed to end the stream.
Meng nodded at her, leaning against the carriage wall with a sigh. "Can't come with you next time. Being watched by those bosses the whole way? Exhausting."
Yu Yu empathized, "Right? And you didn't even warn me!"
Meng shot her a look. "Guess why I didn't dare?"
Yu Yu thought about it and felt that this was the truth. "Did I say anything too weird?"
Meng's expression grew subtle. "Probably not."
She'd said plenty, but the bosses didn't mind—they seemed to admire it.
The Grand Archon's patience with Yu Yu was bafflingly excessive to Meng.
Meng wouldn't dare say half the stuff Yu Yu did, yet Yu Yu, blissfully fearless, slung blame with flair.
And the Grand Archon… wasn't even mad?
Incomprehensible.
Recalling Senior Jin Che's reaction, Meng suspected Yu Yu had some secret charm.
Most novice spellcasters, like Felix, were humble, reserved, and polite. How was Yu Yu the opposite of all three?
"Senior, if I bring back two mithril golems next time, can I keep one?"
Meng said in a leisurely tone, "Mithril is a precious thing. It is the material of many magical devices. High-level scrolls and high-level equipment all use it to some extent. It is very versatile."
"There is not much Mithril left on this continent. We seemed to have mastered several planes that produced Mithril back then, but they are definitely gone now. Only the remaining Mithril can be used."
"With the current gap in the magic circle," she glanced at Yu Yu, "if you find a few more, they will all be was dismantled. "
"And mithril's just one of the golem's least valuable materials."
Yu Yu propped her chin. "So golems are super valuable, huh?"
Meng nodded briskly. "Exactly."
"Hmph, this golem was found by the seniors. Next time—next next time—I bring one back, the Grand Archon won't trick me out of it!"
Meng suppressed her laughter and said seriously "Strictly speaking, golems were crafted by magic circle seniors. Everyone involved was a senior. You're looting their legacy…"
"The magic circle can demand you turn it in."
Yu Yu's eyes bulged. "Senior, I'm demotivated! No drive left!!!"
Meng finally laughed. "But for the next one, the Grand Archon might plan better."
Yu Yu's eyes gleamed. "How do I bring one back, then? What if it doesn't recognize me and just sits there?"
Meng: "You'd need Grand Archon authorization…"
She paused, her tone wry. "You think you'll keep stumbling across them?"
Yu Yu puffed out her chest. "Why not? Once I'm back, I'll grab a mainland map, mark every juicy spot, and hit them one by one!"
Meng's expression grew exquisitely subtle. "…Sure, why not."
She still thought this trip was too smooth, inflating Yu Yu's ego.
The mainland crawled with monsters and anomalies. Where'd she get this confidence?
Not every outing would land her with departed spellcaster seniors.
Yu Yu, meanwhile, schemed about the Academy library.
If she recalled, it charged points by time.
If she just flipped through everything… Heh, Senior Xue won't see that bug coming.
Back in Silver Moon, Yu Yu didn't even get to divvy her loot before Meng Teleported her to the castle.
Spotting the Grand Archon, Yu Yu flashed a saccharine smile. "Long time no see, Grand Archon! You're even more stunning and dashing. I admire you!"
The black-robed woman, as always, lounged half-seated on the desk, gazing out the window in an unceremonious pose, ignoring Yu Yu's flattery.
Yu Yu whipped out the staff. "Grand Archon, look! I brought it back!"
The silver-haired woman nearby shot her a faint, mocking glance.
Yu Yu seized the chance to glare back. What's so funny, pup?
The Grand Archon turned, crooking a finger. "Come here."
Yu Yu faltered. "Grand Archon, what's wrong? Say something!"
Did she get ambushed again?
The Grand Archon: "Hm?"
Yu Yu, super nervous, inched closer, practically crawling.
Feng Ye: "Hurry up."
Yu Yu lunged, nearly smacking Feng Ye's face with the staff.
The Duchess nearly burst out laughing, hastily covering her mouth.
Yu Yu, guilty, stepped back. "Grand Archon."
Holy crap, why's she still silent? What's her deal?
Just say it! Why mess with my head?!
Yu Yu was tempted to toss the staff and run.
Today's Yu you ignore, tomorrow's Yu you can't afford.
Sigh, but I don't dare.
Feng Ye extended her hand.
Yu Yu shoved the staff into it.
Feng Ye set it aside and extended her hand again.
Yu Yu paused, puzzled.
What now?
Can't you talk?
When I'm Grand Archon, I'll write essays about you daily, Feng Ye. Just wait.
Slap. Yu Yu handed over the Grimoire.
The Duchess, intrigued, sidled over to watch.
Teacher's temper was… flexible, but when her face darkened, the pressure was intense.
The Duchess always tucked her tail when stared down.
She figured Yu Yu was in for it.
Feng Ye glanced at the Grimoire, then set it on the desk.
Yu Yu's brows shot up. "That's it!!!"
Feng Ye lowered her hand, circling behind the desk.
Yu Yu stood firm, then spotted a badge on the desk.
Uh… maybe there's more?
Yu Yu, ever quick, pulled out the badge and offered it. "Actually, there's this too."
She oozed righteousness. "I meant to give it to you, Grand Archon, but I forgot for a sec."
Feng Ye's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Oh? Not what you told Meng to keep quiet about? Qiong can't read minds, after all."
When it comes to sarcasm, the Grand Archon is indeed the best.
Yu Yu: "I wasn't gonna use it in Silver Moon!"
Feng Ye's gaze was icy. "Didn't notice Jin Che's special activation method?"
"You think magic circle seniors are fools, fooled by an unclaimed badge?"
Yu Yu: "How'd I know? It might've worked!"
The Duchess watched, stunned, as Yu Yu fearlessly bickered, leaning on Feng Ye's desk.
How's she so bold?!
Even I wouldn't dare!!
Feng Ye mocked, "You think Qiong and the others are idiots? Eager to visit the Enforcers' cells? Think the magic circle has no rules? Some things you can't touch. They can't even bend the rules if they wanted. I thought you were clever, but maybe not…"
Yu Yu blinked, shocked. "There's really such a rule?"
Feng Ye: "Why wouldn't there be?"
Yu Yu deflected, "If you hadn't spied, no one would've known! Senior Meng wouldn't snitch!" So it's your fault!
Feng Ye said coolly, "I thought a normal person would think, 'I know it's illegal, so I won't do it again,' not, 'I know it's illegal, but if no one sees, it's fine.' What do you think?"
Yu Yu: "No way, absolutely not!"
Feng Ye raised her eyes.
Yu Yu locked gazes for a moment, then pivoted. "Grand Archon, hungry? Wanna eat?"
Feng Ye: "Heh."
Yu Yu: "I'm just here to turn in the mission and the badge."
She simpered, "My loyalty to you is unwavering! You say east, I won't go west. Say kill a dog, I won't chase a chicken!"
Just wait. If I'm Grand Archon before you're a Legend, all Silver Moon will sing your legend, Feng Ye! Hmph!
Feng Ye's smile was enigmatic. "Really? That loyal?"
Yu Yu fake-cried, "My loyalty shines like the sun and moon! How can you doubt me, Grand Archon?!"
The Duchess gaped.
How's she so shameless?
Cry a tear, at least! Dry howling won't fool Teacher!
Feng Ye: "I'm just worried lending someone a badge will leave me buried in blame…"
She crossed her arms. "So, am I Grand Archon or Grand Scapegoat?"
"Grand Archon, obviously!"
Yu Yu's pause was blatant.
The Duchess: "…"
She finally got it. Teacher was soft on Yu Yu, and Yu Yu wasn't scared, so… her worrying was for nothing?!?
Damn, damn, damn.
Feng Ye sighed, "Can't you save me some trouble?"
Yu Yu sighed back, "Grand Archon, isn't the payoff worth it?"
Less trouble, less profit, right?
They locked eyes.
Feng Ye rubbed her temples, head aching. "Don't give me the staff. Deliver it yourself."
The Night Sovereign's interest was too overt. Yu Yu knowing too much might be fine, but Feng Ye wasn't so sure about herself.
Not taking that blame.
"And fast," Feng Ye said, reading Yu Yu's expression. "Ideally, now."
Yu Yu wilted. "Tired. Wanna nap."
Feng Ye: "…"
The Duchess: "…"
Yu Yu yawned. "It's fine. The Legend's reasonable. He won't rush."
"Look at me, so beat," Yu Yu said, tears in her yawn. "If the Legend asks why I'm sleepy, do I say the Grand Archon forced me to skip sleep?"
Feng Ye: "…"
You little—!
Yu Yu's eyes drifted to the desk. "Grand Archon."
Feng Ye's face darkened. "What?"
Yu Yu: "This."
Feng Ye: "No."
"This!" You hinted at it!
Feng Ye: "…You know what you're doing?"
Yu Yu glared. "What kind of boss promises and doesn't deliver?"
Feng Ye: "…"
Yu Yu: "I wanna learn to pilot a mithril golem! Next one I snag, I'm planting it in a field!!"
Feng Ye palmed her forehead.
She asked herself again.
Am I too soft on her?
Yu Yu: "So sleepy. Logging off for a nap."
She flopped beside the Grand Archon, ready to log out on the spot.
Then she scrambled up, heading for the Duchess.
The Duchess: "Why're you coming over?"
Yu Yu gave her a silly pup look. "Your sofa, duh."
Not to snuggle you.
Sigh, when's Senior leaving?
Glowing pup, dreaming of my pup.
Gotta brag to her about my mainland heroics tomorrow.
It's settled.
Feng Ye: "Fine, take it."
A silver badge arced gracelessly through the air.
Yu Yu reached, but missed.
As it nearly hit the floor, the Duchess nimbly caught it, handing it over with a complex, envious look.
Her deep blue eyes brimmed with longing.
Yu Yu took the badge.
No way. The stingy Grand Archon never let the pup play with it?
The Duchess's heart burned with envy.
Is this how spellcasters roll?
She's only been at it how long…
Wah, does she even know what the Grand Archon's badge means?!
Wah, Teacher never lets me touch it.
Once, I accidentally knocked it off the desk and got scolded.
Sad, jealous, mad.
Yu Yu felt a sneeze coming, rubbing her nose. "Logging off…"
Feng Ye: "Learned the activation method?"
Yu Yu logged out, dodging the sneeze in front of the pup.
Feng Ye: "???"
"You're making me wait?!?"
The Duchess envied, Feng Ye fumed.