Chapter 107: Tingyun’s Temptation
Soon, Fu Xuan opened her eyes.
“How is it?” Yukong asked eagerly.
“According to the Observation Array’s deduction, there are a few phrases in Tingyun’s words and actions today that the previous Tingyun would never have said. Additionally, although she shows no major differences from the previous Tingyun in front of outsiders, the Jade Sign usage records differ greatly from before,” Fu Xuan said.
“So…” A trace of sorrow appeared in Yukong’s eyes.
“It can be confirmed that this Tingyun is impersonated by someone else, but whether it is the Great Annihilation Lord Huanlong cannot be determined,” Fu Xuan said.
“The merchant group’s report mentioned that a star-skiff was damaged. Could it be from that time?” Yukong decided that after resolving the current issues on the Xianzhou, she would immediately send people to investigate the star-skiff crash site: if alive, bring back the person; if dead, bring back the corpse!
“For the time being, let’s treat her as the Great Annihilation Lord Huanlong. Then, the events happening on the Xianzhou now perfectly match her usual style. Fortunately, the friends from the Stellar Train discovered it, or we would have been caught off guard,” Jing Yuan said.
“How about setting a trap to capture her?” Yukong proposed aggressively.
“An Envoy is not so easy to capture. Fortunately, with the friends from the Stellar Train helping to stall, we have plenty of time to set up. Fu Qing, the plan for setting the trap and luring Huanlong into it is entrusted to you. Make sure to prepare thoroughly. The situation has reversed: the enemy is in the open, we are in the shadows, and the hunter has suddenly become the hunted. I wonder what expression the enemy will have then,” Jing Yun said to Fu Xuan with narrowed eyes.
Although it cannot be completely confirmed that she is the Envoy of Destruction, thinking of the worst-case scenario is always the right choice; at most, it would just waste some manpower and resources.
Compared to the safety of the Xianzhou, it is negligible.
“To set up a trap to capture the Envoy, it will take at least one or two days,” Fu Xuan said.
“No rush. Use this time to handle another matter: the Stellar Core,” Jing Yuan said.
“When activating the Observation Array earlier, I also used the information provided by the Nameless as a lead to deduce the clues about the Stellar Core. The probability that the Stellar Core is in the Jianmu within the Lin Yuan Realm is ninety-five percent,” Fu Xuan said gravely. This probability was already close to confirmed.
“To silently place the Stellar Core into the Jianmu sealed in the Lin Yuan Realm, it seems part of the Sustainers of the Hunt’s Dragon Masters are involved,” Jing Yuan sighed. The Sustainers’ autonomy and inability to reproduce were both troubles.
“Rumors say that the Jianmu seal can only be undone by the Luofu Dragon Lord, right?” Fu Xuan asked puzzled.
“Indeed, but those Dragon Masters each have their own methods. Together, it is not impossible for them to open a crack and send the Stellar Core in,” Jing Yuan said.
“Jingliu… Can she open the Jianmu seal?” Fu Xuan suddenly realized a problem.
Jing Yuan gently shook his head. He had been secretly monitoring Jingliu and knew she could not do it.
“Then how do we get in? With the strength of that seal, even you would need to use full power to break it, right? Such a big commotion would alert Huanlong with the Envoy’s fluctuations. Ambush would be impossible. How about dealing with Huanlong first?” Fu Xuan frowned and suggested.
The Jianmu seal in the Lin Yuan Realm had been continuously reinforced by generations of Dragon Lords, and at their peak, Dragon Lords could contend with an Envoy for a short time. The seal’s sturdiness was imaginable.
“The Stellar Core has already appeared for several days. Delaying a few more days risks changes, and it would be hard to explain to the Alliance then,” Jing Yuan said helplessly.
Are you deliberately allowing the Jianmu to sprout? Do you secretly lean toward Abundance?
Such accusations would be inevitable at that time, and even he could not withstand them.
“We can vouch for you,” Fu Xuan said.
“Thank you for your concern, Fu Qing, but rest assured, I have a way,” Jing Yuan said with a light smile.
“What way?” Fu Xuan asked.
“It’s truly fortunate that the Stellar Train arrived at this time,” Jing Yuan sighed, feeling relieved in his heart.
“You want to ask the Stellar Train for help? Can they undo the Jianmu seal?” Fu Xuan frowned.
“It seems I spoke too soon,” Yukong recalled her previous refusal of the Stellar Train’s help and felt somewhat embarrassed.
……
Dust-Washing Inn.
Meng Huaifeng was using Aether Editing to analyze his remaining Soul Skills.
“Ding dong.”
Another information prompt sounded in his mind.
Meng Huaifeng looked at the message; it was Tingyun again.
“Little brother, this young lady knows a restaurant with great food that countless people rave about. How about I take you to try it?”
The form of address had upgraded again!
A beauty being so proactive, most people really couldn’t refuse.
Unfortunately, I already know you’re not human!
“That’s too bad. My companions and I have already had dinner. What’s the name of the restaurant you mentioned? Tomorrow, I’ll go try it with everyone,” Meng Huaifeng replied.
“Ah? So early? #disappointed#” Tingyun sent an emoji. Meng Huaifeng seemed to see the little fox with drooping ears looking disappointed.
He shook his head vigorously. Illusion, all illusion.
“Then how about accompanying this young lady for a stroll? Walking after dinner is good for the body. The Star-Skiff Sea at night has its own charm,” Tingyun said again.
Meng Huaifeng had a headache. What to do? This guy had really set her sights on him.
“Haven’t you eaten yet?” Meng Huaifeng decided to play the straight man once.
“To maintain my figure, this young lady can skip a meal. I’m still looking forward to strolling with little brother more. #shy#” Tingyun replied.
Who could resist this?
But resist he must.
“Miss Tingyun’s figure is perfect and doesn’t need dieting at all. As you said before, for the sake of your health, Miss Tingyun should go eat first,” Meng Huaifeng said.
“Really? Do you like it?” Tingyun asked.
“I like it.” This was genuine.
“Hee hee, then this young lady will go eat first and find you later,” Tingyun said.
Meng Huaifeng rubbed his forehead and got up to find Himeko.
Sure enough, not long after, Tingyun messaged him again.
“Picture, picture, picture…”
Meng Huaifeng took one look and his eyes widened. The phone he wanted to show Himeko subtly tilted away.
“What did she send you?” Himeko asked with a half-smile.
“Nothing.” Meng Huaifeng gave a dry laugh, lowered his head to look at the phone, and didn’t dare meet Himeko’s eyes.
“This is this slave’s private photo oh, does little brother like it?” Tingyun asked.
“I like it, it’s beautiful, love to see it.” Meng Huaifeng answered honestly.
“Little brother is the first to see it oh. You, do you believe in love at first sight?” Tingyun asked.
“I only believe in lust at first sight.” Meng Huaifeng said.
“This young lady likes brother’s honest appearance.” Tingyun said.
“I’ve always wanted to say, I should be younger than you.” Meng Huaifeng said.
On the other side, Tingyun’s expression froze, and she gripped her mobile phone tightly.
“In terms of fox person lifespan, this young lady is only equivalent to a normal human in their teens.” Tingyun said.
“Picture, picture, picture.” Tingyun sent a few more photos.
Himeko narrowed her eyes. Huai Feng’s heart was beating so fast; what exactly were they chatting about?
Although the other side wasn’t the real Tingyun, thinking it was the Great Annihilation Lord made it even more exciting. What to do?
“Want to see more? This young lady took a lot more oh.” Tingyun tempted.
“You’re so slutty.” Meng Huaifeng couldn’t help saying.
Truly a fox spirit, perfectly matching the impersonated identity without any inconsistency.
“I’m only sending to you alone. Come out and accompany me to the night market, okay? It’s so boring alone at home.” Tingyun said.
Meng Huaifeng fell into thought. He’d already refused two or three times; refusing again might make her suspicious or angry.
After all, she was being so proactive.
If he really provoked her into desperation, exposing her identity and attacking him regardless would be bad.
“Sister Himeko, how about I agree to her request? Even if I refuse this time, what if she keeps finding excuses later? Constant refusal will definitely make her suspicious. Better to agree this time to stabilize her. After all, before achieving her goal, she probably won’t act against me. The plan to destroy the Xianzhou should be more important than me, right?” Meng Huaifeng said to Himeko.
“Maybe you’re more important in her eyes? Did you bring the thing I gave you? Don’t put it in the train ticket,” Himeko reminded.
“I have it.” Meng Huaifeng said.
“Then go. I’ll be ready at all times,” Himeko said.
Meng Huaifeng steeled his resolve and replied: “Okay, where are you?”
“Little brother isn’t familiar with the Star-Skiff Sea, so let this young lady come find you. See you soon oh. Picture, picture.” Tingyun sent a few more photos.
Meng Huaifeng left the room and immediately ran into March 7th.
“Huai Feng, I couldn’t find you in the room. Turns out you’re at Sister Himeko’s. Let’s go play pillow fight,” March 7th said, pulling Meng Huaifeng.
“Sorry, March, I have something to do. Next time,” Meng Huaifeng said apologetically, looking at March 7th.
“What are you going to do?” March 7th asked.
“Meet Tingyun.” Meng Huaifeng said.
“Ah? Huai Feng, you aren’t really charmed by that fox spirit, are you? No, I’m going too!” March 7th said with wide eyes.
“March, you’d better not go.” Himeko pulled March 7th back.
“Sister Himeko!” March 7th stomped her foot, looking reluctantly at Meng Huaifeng’s departing back.
“Don’t worry, it’s not what you think.” Himeko patted March 7th’s head.
“Fine.” March 7th pouted helplessly.
Himeko frowned slightly. If it was just probing, it could be done slowly. Why so urgent? Something felt off.
……
Starcrane Celestial Nexus port.
Jing Yuan personally brought some people to the Stellar Train.
“Returning to your homeland, not even willing to step off for a look?” Jing Yuan said to the Stellar Train with mixed feelings.
The Stellar Train’s door opened, and Dan Heng stepped out, looking at Jing Yuan with calm and serene eyes.
“I have been banned from setting foot on Luofu even half a step.” Dan Heng said.
Jing Yuan narrowed his eyes, then slowly opened them: “Are you blaming me?”
“The General was just acting according to the law; no blame.” Dan Heng shook his head.
After Dan Heng emerged from the loop of whether he was Dan Feng, he saw through many things.
Exile was countless times better than being in the Prison of Torment.
And as someone bearing half of the Luofu Dragon Lord Legacy, being exiled was absolutely not easy.
Jing Yuan had already done his utmost to negotiate for him.
He was Dan Feng’s reincarnation, bearing his causes and reaping his fruits. He no longer evaded, but he firmly believed he was not him.
Jing Yuan looked at the calm Dan Heng and smiled faintly: “Looks like you’ve figured it out.”
The previous Dan Heng wouldn’t have been like this; his first words upon seeing him would probably have been “I’m not him.”
“May I ask what business the General has here?” Dan Heng asked.
“You should know about the Stellar Core matter, right?” Jing Yuan said.
“I know. Huai Feng already told me,” Dan Heng nodded.
“I need your help to open the seal of the Lin Yuan Realm,” Jing Yuan said straightforwardly.
“I have found a way to restore the Dragon Lord Legacy to completeness. This visit to Luofu is for that purpose. You can bring the current Dragon Lord; I will help her perfect the Dragon Lord Legacy, and she can open the Lin Yuan Realm seal,” Dan Heng said.
“How long will it take?” Jing Yuan was somewhat surprised; he hadn’t expected the Stellar Train’s visit to the Xianzhou to be for this.
It must have been his own initiative. Jing Yuan looked at Dan Heng with some relief.
“A few days for initial results, and less than a month for full recovery,” Dan Heng said.
“Time is a bit tight.” Jing Yuan shook his head: “I still need you to help personally.”
“Okay.” Dan Heng didn’t hesitate. With a problem in the Jianmu, it should be handled by the Dragon Lord. Though not the Luofu Dragon Lord, he bore the Dragon Lord Legacy.
“But the ban…” Dan Heng frowned slightly.
Jing Yuan smiled helplessly. This was holding something over him; there was still some resentment after all.
But it wasn’t bad; this Dan Heng seemed much more alive.
“By the name of the Luofu General, I revoke your exile order. Satisfied? But for unlocking the Jianmu seal and assisting in sealing the Stellar Core, it won’t count as merit anymore,” Jing Yuan said.
“That’s enough.” Dan Heng smiled lightly; another worry resolved.
“Let’s go. Since then, it’s been centuries since I last saw the scenery of the Lin Yuan Realm,” Jing Yuan couldn’t help sighing again.
Dan Heng ignored the old man’s melancholy and stepped off the train.
“Welcome back, Dragon Lord!”
The people Jing Yuan brought half-knelt on the ground, looking at him with fervent eyes.
Dan Heng’s face immediately darkened. Welt pushed up his glasses and silently took a photo.
This familiar scene actually happened.
“They were your followers from centuries ago. Time passes, most have entered reincarnation, leaving only them,” Jing Yuan said.
“We are not the same person after all, and I’m just getting off to help; I won’t be Luofu’s Dragon Lord. After the Stellar Core is resolved, I’ll return to the train,” Dan Heng clarified.
“I know, I know. Just fulfill the old folks’ long-cherished wish,” Jing Yuan said quickly.
……
Starcrane Celestial Nexus.
“Little brother Huai Feng, here! Here!”
Meng Huaifeng exited the inn and soon saw Tingyun enthusiastically waving at him.
“Miss Tingyun is truly full of energy. I remember you just returned from a business trip; aren’t you tired?” Meng Huaifeng asked somewhat helplessly.
“A little, but thinking of you, little brother, makes me not tired at all,” Tingyun said with flowing eyes.
She is the Great Annihilation Lord, she is Huanlong.
Meng Huaifeng kept reminding himself inwardly.
Tingyun tried to take Meng Huaifeng’s hand, but he subtly dodged.
The two walked on the brightly lit main street.
“This is Night Proclamation Street, the liveliest street in the entire Starcrane Celestial Nexus. See that teahouse? Ever-Night Waiter; the storyteller inside is very famous, and many out-of-towners come to hear him. Unfortunately, there’s no storytelling at this hour.”
“This is Redemption Pearl Pavilion, the largest jewelry store. The jewelry inside is all original designs, leading Luofu’s fashion trends. There’s a small night market ahead with many Xianzhou specialty snacks. Let’s go try some.”
Meng Huaifeng responded like a blockhead, one question one answer. Tingyun kept talking, fully playing her versatile persona, trying not to let the conversation drop and the scene turn awkward.
But it had to be said, listening to Tingyun’s introductions, she really seemed like a local.
As they strolled, the surrounding people grew fewer.
Meng Huaifeng sensed something wrong and quickly said: “Miss Tingyun, it’s late; we should head back.”
“Does little brother Huai Feng dislike being with Tingyun that much?” Tingyun looked tearful.
“How could that be? Of course I like you a lot,” Meng Huaifeng said.
“Then accompany this young lady a bit more. There’s a park ahead with beautiful scenery; it’s a spot for many little couples to date. What do you think people go there to do?” Tingyun asked.
“Fine, let’s walk a bit more.” Meng Huaifeng wanted to see what medicine this fake Tingyun was selling in her gourd.
It grew more remote; there were no other people around.
Tingyun suddenly stopped, pressed close to Meng Huaifeng, and slowly reached out to place her hand on his chest as she had on the star-skiff.
Meng Huaifeng, who had been vigilant, couldn’t accept letting Tingyun place her deadly hand on his vital chest and stepped back.
“Hee hee hee~” Tingyun covered her mouth and laughed lightly.
“Little brother Huai Feng seems very guarded against this young lady?” Tingyun said with a smile in her eyes.
Unlike the previous smiles, this one was like looking at a plaything.
“No choice; in my hometown, there’s a common scam called ‘fairy jump.’ A woman asks a man out, acts very proactive, then several big men jump out to threaten the man and extort money. The man can only pay to resolve it,” Meng Huaifeng said with a bitter smile, trying to brush it off.
