"The alchemy furnaces... have been completely shut down."
The "Leader" of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus raised her head, then turned to face the culprits who had shut down the furnaces.
"Oh? It's you," Danshu said with surprise after sensing Stelle's familiar aura.
"But... why have you not become one of us? Did you not consume the 'Gift'?" Danshu's voice was ice-cold. Although her eyes could not see the person before her, she still gave off the feeling that she was staring straight at Stelle.
Step...
Wende slowly walked in front of Stelle, shielding her behind him.
"We are so grateful for this 'Leader's' 'generosity.' Your pill truly left us... speechless," Wende said, his face devoid of expression as he enunciated every word.
"Oh? Judging by the emotion in your voice... she must have taken the pill... but why didn't she transform into one of us?"
Though she was puzzled, Danshu's desire to press the matter faded as she sensed the "newcomers" who were about to arrive.
"Chief Alchemist, you've met the Master Diviner before. You seem... unsurprised."
Facing the approaching figures, Danshu spoke slowly.
"Danshu. It's been a long time."
Fu Xuan led a contingent of Cloud Knights onto the platform, her arms crossed as she looked impassively at the person Danshu had become.
Seeing the two about to engage in a discussion, Wende took a small step back with Stelle, positioning them beside Welt.
Tingyun was hiding behind them, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes as she watched Danshu begin a war of words with Fu Xuan.
"There's no point in talking if we don't see eye to eye, Master Diviner. Allow me to show you just how wrong your decision was!"
"Look out! All Cloud Knights! Hold your breath immediately!"
Seeing the motion of Danshu's hands, Wende immediately shouted to the Cloud Knights gathered on the platform.
"!!"
The once-spacious platform instantly became congested as countless Abominations of Abundance and tamed Alchemy Beasts swarmed onto it. Alchemist-like disciples continuously threw medicinal powder into the air. Some Cloud Knights inadvertently inhaled the powder and had an immediate reaction.
Swish!
Wende's lightning needles instantly saved a Cloud Knight who was on the verge of succumbing to Mara. Seeing this, the other knights quickly dragged their unconscious comrade off the platform.
In an instant, the platform had turned into a chaotic free-for-all. The battle between Fu Xuan and Danshu was like a clash of spells, while the Express crew fought alongside the Cloud Knights to fend off the attacking abominations.
And the busiest of them all was Wende. He not only had to monitor the condition of the Cloud Knights but also keep an eye on the battle ahead. If Fu Xuan started to lose, he was ready to provide support—and he would absolutely not activate his five-star template and slap that woman across the face!
As the magical duel between the two intensified, Danshu gradually began to lose ground. In truth, this outcome was already set in stone.
Under the ferocious assault of the Cloud Knights, the rebels of the Sanctus Medicus were quickly routed. The disciples tossing the powder were picked off by the Cloud Knights' ranged attacks.
Without the restriction of the fog, a properly organized Cloud Knight force could suppress such an undisciplined rebellion with absolute ease.
Soon, only a few members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus remained on the platform, while a steady stream of Cloud Knights arrived as reinforcements. This meant that the main force blocking the knights' path had likely been dealt with.
"Hmph..."
Danshu grunted, taking a direct hit from one of Fu Xuan's spells. Her body was thrown backward, but her two aides caught her, saving her from a more disgraceful fall.
"Surrender now and be judged by the Ten-Lords Commission. Perhaps then you can retain some dignity," Fu Xuan said sharply to Danshu.
"Why... why is it like this..."
Supported by her aides, Danshu muttered to herself in confusion. This was completely different from what she had envisioned...
"She" had clearly said that the Ambrosial Arbor's descent would bring an undying immortal body...
"Phantylia! The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus have succeeded! The Lord Ravager should fulfill her promise! Quick! Now is the time!!" Danshu suddenly raised her head and shouted at Tingyun, who was standing behind the group.
"Hehe..."
"Tingyun" smiled faintly, but her smile was filled with a chilling coldness and... killing intent.
"Sigh... you're such a disappointment. I was hoping to leave with this body intact~" "Tingyun" said softly. Then, under the horrified gazes of the crowd, she slowly began to walk toward Danshu.
"Miss Tingyun..." March 7th stared in disbelief as Tingyun walked towards the enemy. But... but they had just been chatting about cute dresses...
"March."
Welt frowned and shook his head at her.
"Ah what a shame. We had such a pleasant time together, didn't we? Right benefactor~"
"Tingyun" casually transformed the crowd of Abominations of Abundance behind her, along with Danshu, into even more powerful Voidrangers. Then... her gaze fell upon Wende.
"Hmm... let me think. Just having them hold you back isn't quite enough. Why don't you come help me too? Benefactor~"
"Tingyun" gently extended a hand to Wende, as if in invitation.
"!!!"
"What... what's happening!"
"Wende! What are you doing! Don't let that woman bewitch you!"
Seeing "Wende" stiffly walk toward "Tingyun," March 7th shouted in a panic. Stelle raised her lance, wanting to go and stop "Wende," but she was held back by Welt and Fu Xuan, who both wore extremely serious expressions.
The light faded from "Wende's" eyes, and he stood mechanically behind "Tingyun" like a puppet on strings.
"Hehe... my efforts these past few days were not in vain... Oh my, this trip to the Xianzhou has been so interesting. Compared to that Ambrosial Arbor thing... I've found something even more 'indestructible' than the gift of 'Abundance'~"
"Tingyun" chuckled, then moved closer to "Wende." In full view of everyone, her fair hand began to brazenly wander over his body.
"You bastard! Let go of Wende!!" March 7th bit her lip, clenched her fists, and roared at "Tingyun," her voice filled with rage.
"Oh? Why is little sister March so agitated? We promised we'd go buy dresses together tomorrow" "Tingyun" scoffed dismissively, withdrawing the hand she had slipped inside Wende's collar and turning to look at the frantic March and the furious Stelle.
"Calm down! Don't let her provoke you! Stelle!" Welt shouted a warning at the near-erupting Stelle. He could feel that the Stellaron inside her was beginning to destabilize.
"..."
For some reason, whether it was because Welt's intervention was effective or for some other reason, March 7th and Stelle immediately fell silent, though they continued to glare at "Tingyun" with hateful eyes.
Winking furiously.
Standing behind "Tingyun," Wende was squeezing his eyes so hard they were about to cramp. Why were these two kids so dense! Just play along with him already!