"Tingyun? What's going on?"
Caelus pondered for a few seconds before replying to the message.
A few minutes later, he handed his phone to Welt Yang to show the chat contents.
"Forget why Tingyun has my number—the key issue lies in the crux of the matter.
This feels like a test, don't you think, Mr. Yang?"
Welt Yang returned the phone to Caelus. "Since we're here, we might as well take it easy. The Xianzhou Alliance wouldn't be so rude.
Judging purely by the content, it could be a test or a reminder. Very much that fox girl's meticulous style."
[This feels off—why are they badmouthing Tingyun so much?]
[It's just misdirection. They're priming the audience to suspect Tingyun before the big happy ending. Classic trope.]
[Exactly, how could such a cute girl be a villain? All part of the script.]
[No doubt. Tingyun's so pretty—clearly a good guy. I'm the Seer; this golden water's on me.]
——
"Given Miss Tingyun's decisive efficiency, she's likely already reported. Let's meet her at the entrance of the Starcrusher Palace."
Following Welt Yang's direction, the trio headed toward the Sky-Faring Commission.
The camera then shifted to focus on Caelus's perspective,
centering on him as he observed the ordinary lives disrupted by the Stellaron crisis.
Roads were blocked, routines halted—the entire rhythm of life seemed frozen.
Without further conversation, the three soon reunited with Tingyun.
Spotting their arrival, Tingyun became warmly enthusiastic again.
"Oh? Benefactors, you're early! Apologies for the wait—Lady Yukong is ready to receive you inside."
Caelus glanced at her. "So you're not coming in?"
"This humble one has already relayed your situation to the Helm Master. I'll stay out here~"
As she spoke, she winked at Caelus.
——
The scene transitioned to a new location,
where a foxian woman directed coordination efforts.
A caption appeared beneath the frame:
"Sky-Faring Commission · Helm Master · Yukong."
The camera cut to the trio now indoors,
then zoomed in for a close-up of Yukong.
[Xianzhou expletive! Boss, I'll take this foxian!]
[Such a mature vibe—a proper lady! I'm genuinely into this.]
[Why's she wearing so little on her legs? Unacceptable—I'll warm them up for her.]
[Step aside, I can handle hardship—let me do it!]
——
Yukong nodded politely. "Guests of the Astral Express, greetings.
Tingyun has briefed me on your purpose. Ordinarily, receiving visitors falls outside my duties.
But since you're aware of the Stellaron and claim to offer aid to the Luofu, courtesy demands I grant you this audience…
to personally decline your assistance."
Caelus stayed silent, his gaze shifting to Welt Yang.
The veteran stroked his chin, deep in thought—aware that a single misstep carried high stakes.
Noting their silence, Yukong reiterated the Xianzhou Alliance's might. A mere Stellaron? The Luofu would crush it effortlessly.
Finally, Welt Yang spoke. His argument was simple: the Express crew had both the capability and experience handling Stellaron crises. They'd come only to lend support.
"The Astral Express's intervention is unnecessary. As a gesture of respect, I've met you to deliver our final decision—nonnegotiable." Yukong's stance remained firm.
Welt Yang pressed on, knowing Stellarons weren't so easily contained.
Hadn't countless planets already fallen to them?
"But—"
March 7th cut in impatiently. "Enough, Mr. Yang. If the Alliance can handle it, why bother? Let's just go."
"No. You may not leave."
"…Now you're crossing a line."
Yukong calmly explained, "The Stellaron was detected mere days ago. The Starwatcher Haven is sealed—no one's left. How did you foresee this, or link it to the Stellaron?
I reviewed the port logs. Someone hacked the system recently, opened the Jade Gate, and guided your ship—the Astral Express—into harbor.
The hacker left a deliberate tag, like a taunt: 'Silver Wolf,' a Stellaron Hunter.
Care to explain?"
Caelus sighed. "You think we're with the Stellaron Hunters?"
"I refrain from assumptions. But until these doubts are resolved, you'll remain under Sky-Faring Commission supervision."
[Dang, Welt Yang called it!]
[LMAO, Silver Wolf trolled them so hard—hacking and leaving a signature. Peak Silver Wolf behavior.]
[Ugh, wanted again? Why's the protagonist team always getting shafted?]
——
"Yukong, no need for hostility. Would you have the galaxy mock the Xianzhou Alliance's hospitality?"
A voice diffused the tension as the camera panned back to reveal Jing Yuan's hologram.
"The Astral Express aligning with Stellaron Hunters? They're sworn enemies."
[Jing Yuan!]
[Jing Yuan… Just seeing him makes me emotional!]
[As someone who watched the High-Cloud Quintet film… sobs… My heart aches for him.]
——
"Apologies for interrupting. I am Jing Yuan, Arbiter-General of the Luofu."
Yukong addressed the projection. "General, this is internal Luofu affairs—"
Jing Yuan acknowledged her stance but asserted the Express trio's innocence. After a brief exchange, he dismissed Yukong to speak privately with the group.
…
"The Astral Express—I've long admired your legacy. Meeting you today is an honor!"
Caelus nodded earnestly, blurting out, "To express it in song!"
[LMAO, forgotten memories resurfacing to attack me.]
[I'm dead—why did I also reflexively say that?!]
[Classic Cao Cao reference—how could we forget?]
——
Jing Yuan then delivered a masterclass in diplomacy.
He candidly outlined their predicament before proposing:
"Since the Stellaron Hunters lured you here, let's use this. As Arbiter-General, I'll grant you full operational authority on the Luofu to draw out the missing Kafka and capture her.
This clears your name and reveals the Hunters' motives—and their Stellaron connection.
Well, Express crew? What say you?"
Caelus exhaled. "Like we have a choice."
Jing Yuan chuckled. "You always have a choice. The indifferent would leave when refused. Yet you still wish to aid the Luofu.
If you meet us with sincerity, the Luofu shall repay in kind."
The flawless rhetoric left even Welt Yang no room to refuse.
"…Very well."