This matter is of great importance. The Ambrosial Arbor is one of the symbols of the Xianzhou Luofu.
Although it is a creation of Abundance, it is by no means something ordinary people can touch.
The root cause lies in the power of Abundance contained within it.
Lord Ravager Phantylia obtained this power to shape a physical body, causing her combat strength to soar in an instant.
Such a object is not something even the Seven Arbiter-Generals can freely mobilize, let alone allow outsiders to enter at will.
"This kind of small matter naturally poses no problem." Jing Yuan crossed his arms and accepted with a smile.
"General!" Fu Xuan, who was present in the form of a virtual projection, subconsciously widened her eyes, as if she were looking at a stranger.
She exchanged looks with Yukong, both seeing confusion in the other's eyes.
In that fleeting instant, Fu Xuan had already thought of how to make Jing Yuan retire.
The scene outside the Divine Foresight Commission would make it pretty good to work as a guard.
"Hehe, Lady Mobius has surely endured a tiring journey. Why not rest in the Luofu for a night? Tomorrow, after you've recuperated, I will personally accompany you there."
"General Jing Yuan's gracious hospitality is naturally acceptable, but the sun is still up right now. I wonder if I may stroll around freely?"
Mobius let out a light laugh and gave a slight nod.
"Of course. The Luofu welcomes every visiting guest. Qingzu, I'll trouble you to act as our guest's guide."
...
After Mobius was led away by Qingzu to tour the Luofu, Fu Xuan could not help but ask,
"General, what exactly is wrong with you today? Even if she has an intimate relationship with Godzilla, the Ambrosial Arbor is still a restricted area of the Xianzhou. How could you let someone enter it so casually?!"
Fu Xuan was not worried that Mobius would do anything harmful to the Xianzhou after entering.
Her origins alone ruled out such a possibility.
As for Mobius being an impostor, that was even less possible.
Godzilla's aura on her body was so strong it was practically overflowing.
What Fu Xuan was worried about was Jing Yuan's failure to report this matter, which could give the Alliance grounds for criticism and become an avenue of attack.
She had yet to become the General, after all. What if the Alliance appointed someone else as the General.
Yukong pondered briefly, then suddenly said, "Could it be that the General saw something in that lady?"
"It's just an instinct. That lady gives me a feeling similar to Lady Ruan Mei."
Similar to Ruan Mei... Hearing these words, both Fu Xuan and Yukong showed stunned expressions.
Ruan Mei, a genius in the field of life sciences and a leading figure.
But that was not what left the deepest impression on them.
The mess Ruan Mei caused during her time on the Xianzhou was still vivid in their memories.
If not for the flaw in that research causing it to self-disintegrate once the time came, Scalegorge Waterscape would not have retained any buildings over a hundred years old.
"But doesn't that make it even more dangerous?!" Fu Xuan let out an even sharper shriek than before.
It made Yukong's ears itch, causing her to subconsciously twitch them a few times.
As for Jing Yuan... he had already stuffed cotton into his ears.
"The chaos in the Scalegorge Waterscape back then wasn't something you didn't witness. Are you really planning to renovate the Scalegorge Waterscape?!"
'Renovate... actually, it wouldn't be impossible.'
Jing Yuan thought to himself.
After soothing Fu Xuan slightly, Jing Yuan explained that he genuinely had no intention of renovating the Scalegorge Waterscape.
"The Ambrosial Arbor was severed by the Reignbow Arbiter thousands of years ago, later revived by Phantylia using the power of a Stellaron, and then severed again by Godzilla not long ago. This is enough to prove that the Ambrosial Arbor is not indestructible."
"Rather than leaving it there to be coveted by those with ulterior motives, why not try to see whether this problem can be eliminated completely? At the very least, suppressing it a bit should not be impossible."
"Even so..." Fu Xuan frowned slightly.
To say the Ambrosial Arbor is important is true, but to say it is indispensable is also debatable.
Similar Abundance Plaguemarks exist on other Xianzhou Ships as well.
It is not that the Xianzhou have no way of dealing with these things, but the cost is simply too great, so great that midway through, it could even lead to the downfall of an entire Xianzhou ship.
Because of this, they are forced to hold back, afraid to act rashly before finding a highly feasible solution.
These things are useless if left alone, yet dangerous, and if ignored, they will inevitably attract unwanted attention.
They can be considered one of the most troublesome issues facing the Xianzhou.
However, in recent years, the Luofu has not really had this problem.
The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus had been largely wiped out, and the remaining remnants were nothing more than minor pests, not worth worrying about. Compared to other Xianzhou, the Luofu had effectively cast off a massive burden.
Fu Xuan wanted to say more, but Jing Yuan quickly laughed it off.
"Didn't you say Qingque's work ability still has room for improvement, When I came over just now, I saw her playing cards at a table in Cloudford."
"By the way, Yukong, I saw people from the Alchemy Commission talking about someone speeding through the main way."
"What?!" ×2
....
"The history of the Xianzhou can be traced back eight thousand years. Back then, our ancestors ventured into the stars in pursuit of immortality, and eventually came face to face with the Plagues Author.
"However, although some people at that time foresaw the ominous future, they ultimately could not resist the greed of the majority. From then on, all Xianzhou people became long-life species, forever troubled by the blessing of Abundance."
A Xianzhou person's physical state at birth is the state they will maintain for their entire life. Birth defects, diseases, problems that short-life species can resolve through medical means are completely ineffective on them, instead being repeatedly stimulated, filled with pain.
"Sounds a bit like something gone stale."
"...Yeah, it's rather dramatic." Qingzu smiled helplessly.
The topic was somewhat heavy, but it was one that Xianzhou people could not ignore.
There was no one to blame.
The ancestors' greed for immortality ultimately led to the present outcome, and no one could definitively say whether it was good or bad.
For many who do not wish to die, immortality with a few side effects is hardly a problem at all. But for most Xianzhou people, the issue of mara-struck is a sharp blade hanging perpetually over their heads.
"At that time, there were nine Xianzhou Ships. As time passed, due to either internal strife or warfare, three have fallen. All of this is the price of immortality."
Mobius listened quietly to the account from Qingzu. When speaking of this heavy history, Qingzu's expression remained calm, as if she were merely discussing what to eat for dinner tonight.
Mobius caught the implication hidden in her words.
"Are you trying to persuade me to give up this trip?" She tilted her head slightly and smiled at the Vidyadhara.
"Qingzu welcomes every guest who comes to the Xianzhou. Although Lady Mobius' request is uncommon, the Xianzhou would not go so far as to commit such discourtesy."
Qingzu's expression hardened as she spoke in a low, steady voice.
"Qingzu only wishes for Ms. Mobius to consider what exactly that thing is."
"A miracle of Abundance that has stood for thousands of years can still brim with vitality even now, there is no way the Xianzhou can afford not to be vigilant."
"That said, this is the general's decision. I'm merely a minor member of the Divine Foresight Commission."
Their traits were far too distinctive. Mobius couldn't help but think so to herself.
"Don't worry, this... Healer Lady." Mobius said with a light laugh.
"Back then, the Ambrosial Arbor was severed by the Reignbow Arbiter, before he had even ascended to the rank of Aeon. Later, it was burned and cut apart by Godzilla. No matter how desperately Abundance yearns for flourishing life, it must still abide by certain limits."
"What's more, my own pursuit of life is just as strict, conservative, even?"
The final word ended in a faint questioning tone.
Mobius was asking Qingzu, but also herself.
Qingzu gave a slight nod and did not press further.
However, there was one point she felt compelled to correct.
"I am merely an ordinary Vidyadhara. The title 'Healer Lady' is one that only Lady Bailu, the Vidyadhara High Elder, is called by everyone."
"Huh? Are you talking about me?" Bailu blinked, tilting her head up as she looked curiously at the unfamiliar figure before her.
There was a very familiar, very comfortable scent about her.
"That's right, Lady Bailu… Lady Bailu??"
….
They arrived at the shop Bailu had recommended.
Mobius watched with interest as Bailu sat on a chair opposite her, feet not quite reaching the floor, swinging her legs as she argued earnestly with the server over something.
The Vidyadhara High Elders had always been known for their strength.
But this generation had run into a bit of a problem, possessing only formidable healing abilities.
These were things Mobius had learned from Qingzu along the way.
Which meant that the vitality she sensed from Bailu had a clear, legitimate source, no issue there.
What was far more intriguing was the faint aura of Godzilla lingering around her.
"You're going to see the Ambrosial Arbor? What's there to see about that big lump of wood?"
Hearing that Mobius wanted to visit the Arbor, Bailu shook her head repeatedly.
Without the big fellow around, the Scalegorge Waterscape was especially boring.
Why would she go stare at the Ambrosial Arbor for fun? Mobius neither confirmed nor denied it.
But she did have a way with children.
Seeing that Bailu wasn't keen to talk about the Arbor, Mobius casually tossed out another question.
"Lady Bailu, have you noticed any changes in your body recently?"
"Changes?" Bailu was caught off guard by the sudden question.
She blinked, her tail, which had been swaying lazily, tensing a little, faint muscle lines appearing beneath her skin.
"Does eating more count? But Sister Lingsha said I'm still growing, so I should eat more." She tilted her head, sucking on her straw in confusion.
"…"
"Oh, and oh! My strength's gotten increased too. I can lift super-heavy barbells even without using my tail! Yanqing said if I went to try out for the Cloud Knights, I'd definitely take first place!"
"Yanqing said that Lady Bailu could contend for the top spot based on strength alone, he didn't say Lady Bailu would win outright," Qingzu corrected.
"It's all the same!" Bailu waved her hand dismissively, then looked at Mobius with curiosity.
"What is it? Is there something wrong?"
There was nothing wrong at all. Quite the opposite.
The corner of Mobius's mouth curved upward slightly, a probing glint hidden deep in her eyes as she looked Bailu up and down with interest.
"Miss Qingzu, is it possible to let Lady Bailu accompany us to the Ambrosial Arbor's seal?"
The moment those words fell, Qingzu froze in place.
"If it's Lady Bailu, that would be no problem. However, this requires Lady Bailu's own consent. If Lady Bailu agrees, I will report back to the general…"
The Vidyadhara High Elder naturally bore responsibility for guarding the seal of the Ambrosial Arbor. Though Bailu lacked half of the High Elder's power, entering should still pose no issue.
Qingzu looked at Bailu, scrutinizing her carefully with the same keen eye she used when investigating whether Jing Yuan was slacking off.
She searched for any abnormality she might have missed.
Bailu… the Xianzhou had always kept close watch on this Healer Lady. During this period, Bailu had been wandering around the Alchemy Commission, treating patients and helping Lingsha prepare various medicines.
If there were anything amiss, Lingsha, with her meticulous nature, should have noticed it immediately.
"Well…" Propping her cheek on her hand, Bailu thought for a moment. "I don't have anything to do tomorrow anyway, so I'll go with you."
…
Later that day, after parting ways with the other two, Bailu scampered back to the Alchemy Commission.
"Sister Lingsha, I'm taking a day off tomorrow!"
"Oh? Which friend is it this time, coming to play with you?"
Hearing Bailu rush in, Lingsha, who had been tending to potted plants by the window, let out a soft laugh and asked gently.
"It's a big sister I've never seen before. Sister Qingzu was with her, and it sounded like the general met her in person."
"Hm?" At that, Lingsha turned around, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"General Jing Yuan met her personally?"
Could it be another patient seeking Bailu's treatment? Still, that wasn't something she needed to worry about.
Though Jing Yuan occasionally came up with whimsical ideas and acted on them, they were always from the perspective of benefiting the Xianzhou. She didn't worry about him leading the Xianzhou astray.
"Where are you going tomorrow?"
"To see the Ambrosial Arbor."
"Ah…???"
…
A Vidyadhara High Elder, and an outlander from beyond the world, one who was related to Godzilla.
The only point of connection between the two seemed to be Godzilla himself.
After listening to Qingzu's report, Jing Yuan fell into thought.
Bailu's changes had begun after she started spending time with Godzilla.
First, her healing abilities improved, to the point that even the Moon Rage affliction could be cured.
After that, her growth became increasingly unreasonable, followed by a surge in strength.
Vidyadhara High Elders were known for overwhelming force; judged by strength alone, they ranked among the absolute elite.
Yet this generation's High Elder, due to Dan Feng's actions, possessed only half the power.
By all logic, even if Bailu were to grow stronger, it shouldn't have been this sudden, this drastic.
Jing Yuan had noticed the issue as well, but had never found a clear direction, leaving Bailu to grow naturally.
Mm… "naturally" wasn't stopping it at all.
Surely they couldn't just knock Bailu out and make her sleep it off, could they?