When Jing Yuan finished speaking, the four others seated around the table remained deep in silent deliberation.
There was no simple answer—the weapon's very nature was too vile for easy compromise.
If what lay before them were a complete set of data on the Imaginary Implosion Pulse, they would have followed Jing Yuan's suggestion without hesitation.
But this was poison—something that desecrated life itself, a subject that stirred revulsion in every sentient being. Not only the outsiders, even they themselves felt an instinctive disgust.
And besides—the one who sets evil in motion, shall not be spared its consequences.
If they failed to contain this poison properly, it might one day turn on the Xianzhou itself.
Yet they could not ignore the possibility that something similar might emerge elsewhere. To lack foresight of that level would be unworthy of the Xianzhou's legacy.
A true dilemma—bitter and inescapable.
Jiaoqiu and Moze sat quietly aside, waiting for Feixiao and Fu Xuan to speak. Though they had their own opinions, the final decision rested with those two.
Ironically, the one who had brewed the poison bore the lightest heart among them all.
After a while, Fu Xuan lifted her delicate head, her voice soft yet unwavering.
"I agree with General Jing Yuan's proposal."
Even with the Third Eye of Nous, scanning countless precedents across the universe, she could find no better solution. Thus, Jing Yuan's plan was the most reasonable course.
Her gaze shifted to Feixiao. In the end, this poison had been created by her subordinate. Even if the vote was two to one, Feixiao's words carried the greatest weight.
Jing Yuan had called it a unilateral decision, but in truth, he was merely shouldering the responsibility so the others could decide without fear.
Given the tragic history of her people, Feixiao's reverence for life and freedom ran deeper than anyone's. Beyond that, she had to consider the feelings of her kin.
If she opposed the idea, no one—not even Jing Yuan—could override her authority as a general.
Feixiao saw their expectant gazes fixed on her, and laughed lightly.
"What's this? Afraid I'll get stuck on a moral tangent?" she said, half teasing. "Since you both agree, what reason have I to object? Besides… this truly is the best option for now."
Her tone was easy, but her heart had wrestled with the decision.
To become a general of the Xianzhou required more than sheer might—governance and judgment were equally tested. That was why the position of Sword Champion even existed.
No one knew her people better than she did. Once enslaved by the Borisin, the Foxians had a deep, almost genetic aversion to anything that defiled life—a disgust burned into their very instincts.
Yet after much thought, reason triumphed over instinct.
Just as Jing Yuan had said—without this poison, they would lack the confidence to say no in the future with conviction. Their hesitation would only embolden their enemies.
As an ancient Xianzhou sage once said: To be without a sword, and to have a sword but not draw it—are two very different things.
And so, she agreed to Jing Yuan's plan.
But she added, firmly, "This matter must remain in strictest confidence. It is to be known only within the Six Charioteers."
"As it should be," Jing Yuan nodded in approval.
The Xianzhou had always prized harmony. If this poison was never to be used, announcing its existence would only tarnish their reputation among the stars.
After the three of them confirmed a few final details, the tension finally eased.
"Well," Jiaoqiu said, smiling as he exhaled, "that's the serious business concluded. Any later and the dishes will go cold."
Having observed the discussion for so long, he now seemed to relax entirely.
From the moment he'd discovered this formula, his heart had been pounding nonstop. After much agonizing, he'd devised a clever plan—let the higher-ups take responsibility for the dilemma instead.
Sure enough, it worked like a charm.
He lifted the covers off each dish on the table, introducing the menu with enthusiasm.
Everyone except Moze found their expressions… shifting.
Jing Yuan looked at Jiaoqiu's beaming face, then at the hands that had, moments ago, been holding a vial of deadly toxin…
He couldn't quite bring himself to dig in.
Didn't you only acquire that Memory Bubble this morning?
So, these dishes… were they prepared in the same batch as the poison?
Seeing the discomfort written plainly on their faces, Jiaoqiu chuckled.
"Rest assured, everyone—I did wash my hands."
That didn't help at all! Water doesn't dissolve poison!
He seemed even more amused. "Even if you don't trust me, you can trust this purple relic, can't you? This wondrous blossom neutralizes all toxins. As long as it's in bloom, no poison dares misbehave within its range."
He gestured toward the [Aromatic Silk Beauty]. "Otherwise, with my meager strength, how could I dare handle such a venom?"
So, the flower itself is a relic…?
And it could suppress toxins within a certain radius?
At last, everyone relaxed—not just about the food, but the poison as well.
Such a venom must be incredibly volatile and difficult to produce. Without protection, even a master alchemist could have perished during its creation. This flower greatly improved both safety and containment.
With all their concerns finally at ease, they began to enjoy the meal.
"Now this dish," Jiaoqiu said with obvious pride, pointing to one platter, "must be savored carefully. Its main ingredient is also a relic—the Ragout Rabbit. Not only is the meat exquisite, but it comes with a lovely story. Two master swordsmen once met over this very dish and ended up becoming lifelong partners. They say—"
Fu Xuan lifted a piece of the tender rabbit meat. The moment it touched her tongue, it melted away, leaving a rich fragrance that lingered in her mouth. She thought that every piece of meat she'd eaten before this was wasted effort.
And upon hearing Jiaoqiu's little tale, an idea struck her.
Perhaps I should pack a serving to take home…?
…
Meanwhile, Herta walked along the streets of the Exalting Sanctum. After countless trials, she had finally found the small shop by the trash bins.
She'd heard that the Xianzhou people were warm and welcoming—but her actual experience couldn't have been further from that.
Some passersby would glance at her and whisper strange words like puppet, Ten Lords Commission, or judge, then quickly step aside to avoid her.
The broad avenue cleared halfway just for her, pedestrians scattering as if an invisible field surrounded her.
It was certainly an impressive sight—but what was the point? All it did was make asking for directions ten times harder.
And to top it off, Luofu's eccentrics could give even the Genius Society a run for their money.
Just earlier, she'd seen a pink-haired girl in rugged exoskeletal armor sprinting down the road with two dumbbells in hand, shouting:
"If I'd known, I would've only taken one master! Strength training and cardio at the same time—who wants that kind of life?!"