Hearing the commotion, Yevenko and the others immediately rushed toward the source.
Several Mara-stricken Cloud Knights had surrounded three individuals. Yevenko glanced quickly at Tom, who shook his head vigorously in response.
Yevenko understood instantly.
Tom could only save those recently afflicted by Mara. If the affliction persisted for too long, the victim's soul wouldn't just be corrupted—it would vanish entirely.
Even Tom couldn't save someone whose soul had disappeared.
Yevenko explained briefly, to which Welt nodded thoughtfully. "I've heard about Mara before—an incurable disease on the Xianzhou. Tom already performed a miracle. As for these knights, we'll handle them ourselves."
With that, Welt stepped forward, followed closely by Stelle and March 7th.
Jade Chan's eyes lit up excitedly. She tried rushing ahead, but was swiftly held back by her hoodie, causing her legs to swing futilely mid-air.
Pouting, she turned to Yevenko, cheeks puffed indignantly. "Uncle Li, I'm not a child anymore! I can help!"
Yevenko nodded quickly. "Yes, yes, of course you can. But it's not your turn yet. Just stay by my side for now."
Hearing Yevenko's dismissive tone, Jade Chan crossed her arms, determined to prove herself sooner or later.
Adults never take me seriously. Hmph, I'll show them!
The battle was short; within moments, the Mara-stricken Cloud Knights were defeated, revealing clearly the figures they'd surrounded.
At their head was a young woman with short, chestnut hair tied in a neat ponytail, fox ears perked atop her delicate head, her vivid green eyes glinting gracefully with gratitude.
She wore the traditional crimson-and-black robes of the Luofu, a fluffy tail swaying gently behind her. She took a step forward, bowing slightly.
"I am Tingyun, an Amicassador of the Sky-Faring Commission's Whistling Flames merchant guild. Thank you, esteemed benefactors, for your timely aid."
She paused, observing them closely. "But seeing as the Stargazer Navalia is under lockdown, might I inquire as to your business here on the Luofu?"
Welt explained their purpose. Initially, Tingyun seemed confused, until she noticed the tickets pinned to their clothes. Her expression brightened in recognition.
"Ah, the Astral Express passengers, I presume?"
Welt nodded calmly.
"Given Luofu's current situation, I'm afraid this is no place for guests. For your own safety, please head to the central hub. Should you have further matters, I can escort you to meet Yukong-sama of the Sky-Faring Commission."
Just then, Tingyun spotted Tom perched atop Yevenko's shoulder, lips curving slightly.
"This esteemed benefactor has rather unique tastes, bringing a cat aboard the Luofu. Do take care—it's not safe here these days."
She paused meaningfully, her gaze darkening slightly.
"But I hear there's a mouse running rampant, causing quite the headache for the Cloud Knights. Perhaps your cat could assist us with this… professional task?"
Tingyun smiled sweetly, but her green eyes flashed briefly with hidden irritation. That troublesome mouse had exposed several of her carefully-laid plans, forcing her to move things ahead prematurely.
Yevenko stiffened immediately, an intense dread creeping over him.
A mouse…causing trouble on the Luofu?
No… no, it couldn't be. Absolutely impossible!
In the vastness of the cosmos, how could that particular mouse possibly land here? This had to be some strange cosmic coincidence—a random creature just happened to resemble a mouse…
Though he was nearly certain, he stubbornly refused to acknowledge even the slightest possibility. The mere thought filled him with unimaginable horror.
With deep breaths, Yevenko forced himself to remain calm. He tightened his grip nervously around Tom's paws, suppressing the urge to sprint back onto the Astral Express.
They quietly followed Tingyun, steadily advancing toward the Sky-Faring Commission. After some distance, defeating more Mara-stricken knights along the way, they were almost there.
Suddenly, Tingyun stopped, frowning slightly.
"Hmm? Apologies, esteemed benefactors, but it seems Yukong-sama's instructions have changed. She now requests you proceed directly to the Divine Foresight. General Jing Yuan has matters to discuss with you personally."
Welt nodded. "Perhaps meeting the General directly will clarify our objectives here."
Tingyun smiled warmly, gesturing farewell. Ahead, a blonde youth approached, cupping his fists politely.
"Esteemed visitors from the Astral Express, I am Yanqing, General Jing Yuan's retainer. Please follow me."
Spotting Yanqing, Jade Chan's eyes immediately lit up. Finally, someone her own age!
She quickly ran over, determined not to miss this opportunity to socialize. Yevenko decided to let her be; he'd restrained her enough, and she probably needed this outlet anyway.
Yanqing glanced curiously at Jade Chan as she eagerly introduced herself.
"Hi! You said you're the General's retainer? How old are you? You're so young!"
Yanqing found her enthusiasm refreshing compared to the abrasive Yunli he'd previously encountered. Smiling gently, he replied patiently.
"I'm still in my younger years. It's the General's kindness to have chosen me. May I ask your name?"
She grinned confidently. "Just call me Jade Chan! I'm founder of the Dragon Group and the number-one general of the Night Squad. If you ever run into trouble, I'll solve it!"
Yanqing chuckled lightly. "Then, I thank you in advance, Jade Chan-san."
She nodded sagely, arms crossed. "You seem talented—I officially invite you as the Night Squad's second-in-command!"
Yanqing raised an eyebrow. "How many members does the Night Squad have?"
Jade Chan flashed a bright grin, pointed at herself, then Yanqing, holding up two fingers triumphantly.
Yanqing: "..."
He sighed inwardly, deciding to humor her. He'd been taught to make more friends and fewer enemies, after all.
Meanwhile, Yevenko remained distracted by thoughts of Jerry. Realizing he couldn't watch Jade Chan closely, he quietly whispered to Raiden Ei, "Ei, keep an eye on Jade Chan. Intervene only if she's truly in danger."
Ei nodded silently in understanding.
Behind them, Tingyun's gaze lingered ominously until they were out of sight.
Splat!
Beside her, a Cloud Knight's severed head fell to the ground, another knight crushing it mercilessly underfoot, snarling fiercely.
"Tingyun! When will you release the Abominations? What are you waiting for?!"
She sighed softly, eyes narrowing with disdain.
"Didn't I tell you fools not to approach me openly on the Luofu? How discourteous~."
Ignoring him, she stepped past. The knight's form swelled grotesquely in rage—but azure flames erupted, reducing him to ash instantly.
She murmured coldly, "Boorish fools of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. If only my plans weren't so disrupted—I wouldn't have to use you so soon."
With an irritated sigh, she vanished silently down the corridor.
...
At Divine Foresight, Yanqing guided them inside. Jing Yuan sat alone, studying documents, his eyes encircled by dark shadows. The once-proud General looked oddly comical, but even more striking was the brown mouse leisurely perched on Jing Yuan's ponytail, nibbling cake.
Jerry glanced over casually, then froze.
Tom simultaneously froze, pupils suddenly reflecting Jerry's silhouette. Yevenko's earlier doubts evaporated in panic.
No! It's Jerry!
A silent scream filled Yevenko's heart:
I'm screwed!!
Desperately, he clung to Tom's paws, hoping somehow to prevent disaster. But Tom suddenly leapt skyward, effortlessly dragging Yevenko along briefly, then slipping free.
Yevenko crashed face-first to the ground, groaning.
Jerry's eyes popped comically. Sprinting rapidly in place, he accidentally shaved a patch of Jing Yuan's hair, before dashing toward his mouse hole. Tom swiftly intercepted him, wielding a baseball bat and grinning wickedly.
"Heh-heh-heh-heh~"
Chaos erupted. Bats clashed wildly, morphing into wooden swords, then toothpicks. Jerry stabbed Tom from behind; Tom rocketed into the air, screaming hilariously, then plunged back down, narrowly avoiding impalement.
In desperation, Tom hurled a toothpick, pinning Jerry firmly to the ground. Grinning victoriously, Tom advanced, only to realize Jerry's heart was literally leaping from his chest in cartoonish fear.
Watching this chaos, Jing Yuan touched his throbbing scalp, lamenting silently.
"Could that cat…actually control this mouse?"
Yet while Jing Yuan saw hope, Yevenko lay lifelessly, murmuring despairingly:
"I'm doomed…doomed…doomed…"
March 7th stared at him oddly. "Yevenko, what's wrong? Aren't Tom and Jerry evenly matched?"
Yevenko closed his eyes mournfully. "You don't understand. Tom might suppress Jerry for a moment—but he'll never win. Never. And if this continues…the Luofu itself might collapse."
March 7th's eyes widened. "That serious? Wait…so you're lying here to avoid collateral damage?"
Yevenko shook his head slowly, whispering sadly, "No…this is just a comfortable position to die in."
March 7th: "..."
A sudden explosion rocked Divine Foresight, blowing open a wall as smoke filled the air.
Yevenko sighed once more, eyes still closed.
Farewell, Divine Foresight.