Chapter 105: Fox Spirit Tingyun
“May I have your name? No need to be so formal. I’m March 7th.” March 7th scratched her head, then introduced the other Train Crew members to Tingyun.
Meng Huaifeng carefully sized up Tingyun. The current Tingyun should already be the Great Annihilation Lord Huanlong, right?
After pioneering a new world again, Uncle Yang, Himeko, and Dan Heng had advanced further on the Pioneer Destiny, but they probably still hadn’t reached the level of an Envoy.
The three of them joining forces to contend with Huanlong should be no problem, but capturing Huanlong would basically be impossible.
If it really came to a big fight, it would only turn the Xianzhou’s Star-Skiff Sea into ruins, causing massive destruction.
Although the Xianzhou probably wouldn’t mind and would even thank the Train Crew, when there was clearly a better choice, why cause such huge losses?
It would be better to wait until meeting the Xianzhou High Officials and tell them secretly.
Then, whether to set a trap to capture Huanlong directly, or pretend not to know, monitor her secretly, and follow the trail.
Just let the Xianzhou High Officials make the decision themselves.
It would be best if the Train Crew didn’t overstep their bounds.
“Distinguished Guest, why do you keep staring at me?” Tingyun suddenly said to Meng Huaifeng.
“Hey, Huai Feng, isn’t that too rude?” March 7th elbowed Meng Huaifeng, somewhat unhappily.
“Sorry, first time seeing a Fox Spirit, a bit curious.” Meng Huaifeng put away his jumbled thoughts and smiled awkwardly.
Knowing full well that the person in front of him was the Great Destruction Lord, yet having to pretend to be completely unaware—it was really hard to pull off.
Just standing near her made his body instinctively wary.
The other Train Crew members probably couldn’t control themselves either, so it would be best to only tell Himeko, Uncle Yang, and Dan Heng.
“Even for a Fox Person, being called a Fox Spirit makes one unhappy.” Tingyun covered her mouth with her fan, her watery eyes blinking: “But since it’s the Distinguished Guest’s first time on the Xianzhou, this young lady will forgive you. Don’t call other Fox People that in the future, okay.”
“Is that so? Got it, thanks for the reminder, Miss Tingyun.” Meng Huaifeng said politely.
“Aren’t Fox Spirit and Fox Person the same species?” A Xing pinched her chin, puzzled.
“A Xing, don’t say such rude things! Though I’m pretty curious too.” March 7th pulled A Xing.
“No harm done. People outside the Xianzhou often confuse the two. In most legends on the Xianzhou and throughout the Universe, Fox Spirits are foxes that transformed, but we Fox People can’t turn into foxes.” Tingyun very kindly explained to everyone.
Beautiful, good-tempered, and pleasant to listen to—the Train Crew’s favorability toward Tingyun soared.
The Star-Skiff Sea suddenly trembled slightly. The Train Crew looked around in confusion, only to see a massive gate outside the dock slowly closing.
“What is that?” March 7th asked curiously.
Tingyun, who had been smiling charmingly, grew somewhat serious: “That’s the Jade Realm Gate. Once it closes, the entire Star-Skiff Sea will be blockaded, unable to enter or exit.”
“Is it on a fixed schedule?” March 7th asked.
“Normally, the Jade Realm Gate never closes.” Tingyun shook her head.
“Did something unexpected happen?” Himeko frowned.
Their luck seemed poor lately—accidents happened wherever they went. Aside from the Douluo Universe, it had been four stops already.
“This young lady isn’t sure either, but for the Distinguished Guests’ safety, let’s head to the Starcrane Celestial Nexus first and meet with Astral Bureau Bureau Chief Yukong.” Tingyun said with some worry.
“We can help.” A Xing waved her baseball bat.
“The Star-Skiff Sea has Cloud Cavalry stationed here. How could we trouble the Distinguished Guests to act? If Bureau Chief Yukong found out, she’d probably blame this young lady for lacking manners.” Tingyun dissuaded.
“Then let’s go. With the Xianzhou’s strength, you really don’t need our help. Please lead the way, Miss Tingyun.” Himeko had no intention of forcing help.
“Follow this young lady. To welcome the Distinguished Guests, the Astral Bureau prepared a star-skiff long ago—it’s just a few steps away.” Tingyun led the way ahead.
The star-skiff’s location wasn’t far. Soon, everyone arrived in front of it, with specialized pilots waiting.
Seemingly considering the number of people from the Stellar Train, the Xianzhou had arranged a large star-skiff. It still felt spacious inside even with everyone aboard.
“Lately, the Distinguished Guests of the Stellar Train have shaken the Universe. After more than a dozen Amber Eras, pioneering a new world again—many say the Sky-Faring Trailblazer has reappeared.” Inside the star-skiff, Tingyun said curiously.
“Just rumors.” Himeko smiled lightly and shook her head, saying no more, for Huai Feng’s safety.
Tingyun pursed her lips slightly but didn’t pry further. Her eyes turned, and she said: “This young lady has visited quite a few planets, but before setting out, she knew them like the back of her hand. Upon arrival, it was just business talks—terribly dull. I wonder if the Distinguished Guest could share some fun stories from pioneering new worlds to satisfy this young lady’s curiosity?”
Though Tingyun addressed the entire Train Crew, her watery gaze stayed fixed on Meng Huaifeng. He had no choice but to stiffly recount his experiences on the Douluo Continent.
Meng Huaifeng spoke dryly, but Tingyun listened with keen interest—or at least appeared to, whether genuine or to save his face.
“Hearing the Distinguished Guest’s exciting experiences, this young lady suddenly feels an urge to resign from the Astral Bureau and join the Distinguished Guests on the Pioneer Journey.” Tingyun showed a look of longing.
“If Miss Tingyun wishes to pioneer, the train would be very welcome.” Himeko smiled.
No way! Meng Huaifeng nearly blurted out.
“Better not. This young lady is delicate and can’t endure the hardships of wind and rain.” Fortunately, Tingyun didn’t agree.
“With the protection of pioneering, it’s not as tough as you think.” March 7th said.
“Why isn’t the Distinguished Guest speaking again? If you persuaded me, this young lady might just get carried away and really go with you.” Tingyun looked at Meng Huaifeng with sparkling eyes.
Her fluffy tail seemingly unintentionally brushed Meng Huaifeng’s leg, making him jolt.
“Pioneering is still very dangerous. Impulsive decisions are best not acted on.” Meng Huaifeng said.
“Is the Distinguished Guest worried about this young lady’s safety? Then I won’t go.” Tingyun smiled mischievously.
Meng Huaifeng nodded with a dry laugh.
“Why do I feel like Huai Feng has been a bit off since getting off the train?” March 7th frowned.
Meng Huaifeng wanted to cover her mouth. He hurriedly said: “What’s off? I’ve always been like this. Don’t make things up with your eyes open. Editing is hard for me—I often pull all-nighters for days. I’m just a bit low on energy now. What’s off?”
“Now he seems normal.” March 7th scratched her head, then suddenly thought of something: “Wait, no, I remember these past few days…”
“Sometimes you should think about yourself. After all these years, has your knowledge grown? Have you studied properly?” Meng Huaifeng interrupted immediately.
“Such strong attack!” A Xing stared in shock.
“Fine, I won’t say it, okay?” March 7th said aggrievedly.
“Distinguished Guest, calm down. To think you’re so capable yet still so diligent—truly admirable to this young lady.” Tingyun gently pressed her small hand on Meng Huaifeng’s chest, gazing at him with adoration.
Great Annihilation Lord, Huanlong—as long as she applied a little force, her hand could pierce right into his chest.
No way, impossible to stay calm.
Meng Huaifeng’s heart pounded wildly.
And something was off!
What was up with this Tingyun?
Among so many Train Crew members, why did her attitude toward him seem different?
No way Huanlong had taken a liking to him?
Was he that handsome?
“Miss Tingyun, how far is the Starcrane Celestial Nexus?” Meng Huaifeng calmly pushed away Tingyun’s small hand.
“Don’t be impatient, Distinguished Guest. We’re almost there.” Tingyun withdrew her hand and smiled.
Just as Tingyun finished speaking, the star-skiff slowly came to a stop.
Everyone disembarked, and a street perfectly blending technology and classical aesthetics appeared before them.
Tingyun led the group down the street. Except for Himeko, all looked around curiously at everything.
“Distinguished Guests, see that? The tallest building in the city is the Astral Bureau headquarters, the Star-God Palace. Let’s go in first. After meeting Bureau Chief Yukong, I’ll take you on a proper tour of the Starcrane Celestial Nexus.” Tingyun pointed at the Star-God Palace.
Tingyun accompanied the group into the Star-God Palace. Meng Huaifeng frowned slightly—why was Tingyun coming in too?
Their arrival time on the Xianzhou differed somewhat from the original, and they had applied and been permitted entry, so Tingyun was formally assigned to receive them, unlike the original plot where it was just a chance rescue.
Thus, Tingyun naturally had to stay with them the whole time, not just escort them to the Star-God Palace and leave.
However, this made it hard to talk with Yukong.
After the announcement, they finally met the Astral Bureau Bureau Chief, Yukong.
“Guests of the Stellar Train, welcome to visit the Xianzhou. But as you saw, no sooner had you arrived than an accident occurred on the Xianzhou.” Yukong sighed, a faint worry between her brows.
“You don’t suspect us, do you?” March 7th asked vigilantly.
Yukong was taken aback, then said: “How could I? A few days ago, the Alliance already detected signs, but we didn’t expect it to erupt now. The Stellar Train’s reputation is well-known. I believe this has nothing to do with the Stellar Train. However, we don’t have time to properly host you at the moment—please forgive us.”
Yukong’s tone was full of apology, far warmer than in the original.
“We understand. Our matters aren’t urgent. Is the situation serious?” Himeko said understandingly.
“It just affects a wide area; casualties are still under control.” Yukong said nonchalantly.
“If there’s trouble, our Train Crew can help.” Himeko reminded.
“Rest assured, just a mere Stellar Core—the Xianzhou has soared for eight millennia, accustomed to crises of survival. Though this disaster comes fiercely, the Xianzhou has the strength to handle it. As guests from afar, there’s no reason to involve you.” Yukong still refused Himeko’s offer.
A mere Stellar Core needing Train Crew help would make the Xianzhou seem inferior to the Stellar Train.
The Xianzhou couldn’t afford to lose that face.
Meng Huaifeng shook his head helplessly—the Xianzhou hadn’t realized the severity yet.
Huanlong hadn’t surfaced, nor had the Stellar Core Hunters intervened. To the current Xianzhou, the situation seemed even easier than Elio’s original script.
Just the Abominable Medicine getting a Stellar Core from who-knows-where—a bunch of clowns, rats in the gutters.
“In that case, we wish the Xianzhou resolves it soon.” Himeko said, without doubting if the Xianzhou could handle the Stellar Core.
“Thank you for the kind words. I have urgent matters to attend. Tingyun will continue hosting you. Once handled, I’ll apologize personally. Feel free to tour the Xianzhou—this won’t affect you, and all expenses during will be reimbursed by the Astral Bureau.” Yukong said apologetically as she saw them off.
“Then we’ll take our leave and not disturb Bureau Chief Yukong.” Himeko said.
“Tingyun, host the Stellar Train’s guests well.” Yukong said to Tingyun.
“Yes, Bureau Chief Yukong.” Tingyun replied: “Distinguished Guests, follow this young lady. Upon receiving the Stellar Train’s visit application to the Xianzhou, the Astral Bureau booked rooms at the best Dust-Washing Inn in the Star-Skiff Sea— the entire floor.”
“Not only no need for us to help, but all consumption reimbursed too—the Xianzhou is so generous.” A Xing said satisfied.
“First time we weren’t needed—kinda unaccustomed.” March 7th muttered.
“Isn’t the feeling of winning without effort great?” A Xing said.
“By the way, does forging weapons count for reimbursement?” Meng Huaifeng suddenly thought—maybe he could save the credits he’d saved.
“That’s too much! A good weapon costs over a billion credits, right?” March 7th exclaimed.
“The Astral Bureau won’t care about that pittance. Spend freely, Distinguished Guest.” Tingyun said indifferently.
“Then we won’t hold back!” A Xing’s eyes lit up.
“Be moderate. Small items can be reimbursed by the Astral Bureau, but valuable ones, buy yourselves.” Himeko stopped them.
She gave Tingyun a strange look—this didn’t sound like something from a business team Person in Charge.
Taking reimbursement at face value and splurging wildly looked bad—the Stellar Train didn’t want to lose face.
Himeko cared about appearances.
Star-God Palace.
“Yukong, were those the Stellar Train people just now?” A projection appeared beside Yukong.
“Yes, General Jing Yuan. I sent them off for now.” Yukong said.
“Did they state their purpose?” Jing Yuan asked casually.
“No, just said it’s not urgent. They offered help, but I refused.” Yukong said.
Jing Yuan nodded, unconcerned. Among those people, he didn’t seem to be there.
Just a mere ban, and they really followed it so strictly.
“General Jing Yuan, when will you send troops to suppress?” Yukong asked somewhat urgently.
“Don’t rush. The rats behind have only shown a bit. Most crucially, who brought in the Stellar Core isn’t clear yet. Wait a little longer.” Jing Yuan said.
“Hope you’re still this calm after seeing the loss report. Those losses are from your decision to lure the snake out—don’t expect the Astral Bureau to bear them alone.” Yukong said somewhat dissatisfied.
“Without some cost, some bait, how will the fish bite? I’ll go urge Fu Qing right away.” Jing Yuan laughed it off and ended the projection.
Yukong sighed helplessly and could only order strengthened blockade.
……
Tingyun took the group to the Dust-Washing Inn first to familiarize and give a simple welcome wash.
As Meng Huaifeng was about to go upstairs, Tingyun called him.
“Distinguished Guest, how about adding friends first? Easier to contact later?” Tingyun smiled charmingly at Meng Huaifeng.
“Why add him and not me?” A Xing said somewhat jealously.
“Add everyone, just one by one.” Tingyun smiled.
“Sure.” Meng Huaifeng didn’t refuse.
Afterward, Tingyun added friends with the Train Crew one by one, and only then did they go upstairs together.
“Huai Feng, I still feel you’re off today—more serious, more silent.” March 7th couldn’t help saying again.
“They say men unconsciously show their mature, reliable side in front of someone they like, reining in their goofy side.” Himeko looked at Meng Huaifeng with a smile in her eyes.
“You didn’t fall for that Fox Spirit, did you?” March 7th widened her eyes, incredulous at Meng Huaifeng.
“Overthinking. Nothing like that.” Meng Huaifeng rolled his eyes. Finally free of Tingyun’s sight, he felt relieved.
“I think Miss Tingyun’s attitude toward Huai Feng is special, different from toward us.” A Xing rubbed her chin.
“Maybe I’m just that charming?” Meng Huaifeng said somewhat smugly.
“What’s to be smug about?” March 7th stepped on Meng Huaifeng’s foot.
That was the Great Annihilation Lord—how wasn’t it worth being smug? Meng Huaifeng shook his foot.
“Ding dong!”
A notification of a new message sounded in Meng Huaifeng’s mind.
Meng Huaifeng pulled out his mobile phone and opened it—it was a message from Tingyun.
『Tingyun: Huai Feng bro, I remember you wanted a good weapon. I know a skilled craftsman—want me to introduce you?』
emmm, not following the plot, writing original stuff is tough, 4k words in six hours.
