Jingliu hopped down from the chair, her little boots making a thunk against the floor.
"Alone and unburdened—what is there to prepare?"
After replying, Jingliu noticed her so-called guardian beginning to stretch her muscles.
Was this a trash-can opening… or a fight?
"You're not planning to run all the way there, are you?"
"Of course! This is the perfect time for morning training!" Feixiao flashed a bright smile, revealing white teeth. "Let's go!"
She grabbed little Jingliu directly, placed her atop her shoulders, and the ground beneath them rippled in a wave of wind.
The two vanished from sight instantly.
Even though she was forcibly whisked away, the morning breeze brushing her face was far warmer than her own icy edge.
What Jingliu minded more was that she was being treated like a child.
But Feixiao was extremely enthusiastic about caring for her like this.
Already used to it, Jingliu crossed her little feet over Feixiao's chest and sat obediently as the two of them darted through the bustling streets.
…
The three members of the Strategic Investment Department stepped out from the Starskiff they used as an office, and the small trash-can shop was already within reach.
Jade saw that the storefront was completely empty and smiled. "It's much quieter than last time. I even had to spend a few Credits to clear away some idlers. Looks like we won't need to waste that effort today."
"The Rite of Martial Exhibition is about to begin—of course people's attention is scattered." Topaz turned to their third companion. "Well? Feeling anything special?"
"Curio Trash Cans…" Aventurine removed his sunglasses. Remembering his last experience, not a trace of pain appeared on his face—he even laughed boldly. "This time, I won't be that unlucky. Let's go."
Since no one else was competing, the three weren't tense, strolling casually toward the shop.
The IPC hadn't used a single quota this week. The three of them alone were enough to sweep up all of today's trash cans.
As long as there was a top-tier Curio in the batch, it wouldn't escape their grasp. What was there to be nervous about?
But in the blink of an eye, an unexpected change struck.
One—no, two overlapping silhouettes shot around the corner, racing like wind and moonlight, instantly overtaking the trio.
The wind they stirred made the trio's clothes flap violently.
Everything happened too fast. They were completely unprepared—and never expected someone would cut in line like this. In a flash, someone else seized the advantage.
Right before their eyes, a tiny girl riding on a foxian woman reached out and pushed open the shop door.
And then the two walked in openly and confidently.
Aventurine felt an ominous shiver. His earlier confidence faltered immediately, and he suggested, "Maybe we should come back tomorrow? Luck always depends on momentum and energy."
"They snatched the initiative. We're already a step behind in momentum."
But Jade disagreed. "We're already here…"
…
At the Curio Trash Cans Shop.
Sylvester poured hot water into a teapot, settling in for a peaceful day fueled by freshly brewed hot tea.
Before long, Qingque yawned loudly as she pushed open the door, greeting him in a lazy-dog voice, "Uuuaahh… mornin'."
"Morning." Sylvester handed her a cup of tea, his gaze scanning her repeatedly.
Finally, after confirming something, he asked in surprise, "It's the main body?"
He was certain his eyes weren't wrong. Curios inside the trash cans were naturally suppressed by him.
But this result was even stranger than misidentifying her. She had clone techniques—yet Qingque still came for the morning shift?
If it were anyone else, Sylvester might only be mildly curious. But for Qingque, this was earth-shattering.
What could possibly stop her from slacking off?
Had she finally awakened?
Better not mention it—because the moment he did, Qingque's little face wrinkled into a miserable pout, looking like she was about to cry.
Half-lying on the counter, Qingque took a sip of the tea he gave her and complained, "Why didn't you tell me earlier that the fatigue of the clones gets transferred back to me?!"
"I was lying in bed relaxing while the clones were working—half an hour hadn't even passed before I felt drained to the point I could barely move! Then I slept from noon all the way until now!"
"If I keep using it like that, I'll literally work myself to death!"
"That's why I said you have to use it carefully." Sylvester spread his hands, refusing to shoulder the blame. "Why else would it be called a forbidden technique? It's convenient when used properly, but the skill requirement is no joke."
He chuckled. "Why don't you ask General Feixiao for a copy of [How to Train Watermelon-Sized Muscles]? Once you go from battle sparrow to muscle sparrow, you'll certainly be able to handle the technique."
Qingque's face crumpled even more. "So, you're saying that in order to slack off, I have to work hard first? No way! That's an insult to the Path of Slacking!"
Sylvester took a sip of tea. Instead of refuting her, he nodded. "Actually, I'm quite looking forward to seeing you create such a Path."
As soon as the words left his mouth, Sylvester sensed a storm rushing towards his shop.
What the—?
With his current reputation and strength, someone was actually coming to cause trouble?
If something that powerful crashed into the door, he'd have to hire a repairman again. Extremely troublesome.
With a simple motion, the majestic force of The Hunt gathered in his palm—yet unexpectedly, the incoming storm halted steadily several dozen centimeters from the door.
"Ha! Who called for me just now?"
After a peal of hearty laughter, a heroic foxian woman pushed open the door.
If she weren't carrying a little girl carved like a jade doll on her shoulders, her overall aura would have been even more perfect.
In her current state, compared to the legendary Sky-Split General, she looked far more like a lively, doting mother of a toddler.
Sylvester smiled. "Miss Qingque here wants your help to build muscles capable of enduring any workload."
"I do not!"
Just moments ago, Qingque was listless, but upon hearing such slander, she immediately bristled, hurrying to explain herself.
She bowed to Feixiao. "Qingque of the Divination Commission greets the Vanquishing General."
Feixiao could tell Qingque had no such intention at all, so she waved a hand. "No need for formalities. I'm here to open a trash can, not to feel like I'm clocking in for work. This time—"
"The Vanquishing General! Long time no see."
Cutting in just as Feixiao had cut in their queue, Jade strode through the door, slicing off Feixiao's sentence mid-speech. "As far as I know, you've already opened a trash can before, haven't you?"
Normally, Jade would never open with such tension. But the Xianzhou's overwhelming haul had left them under extreme pressure—and being cut in line by Feixiao only worsened it—so of course she was more irritable.
But that was all. They weren't foolish enough to start an actual conflict.
Feixiao knew them well. Yaoqing had cooperated with them many times to deal with the Borisin, which had sparked plenty of criticism within the Alliance.
But how could she possibly feel loyalty toward the IPC? It was simply an exchange of goods.
Now the other side was clearly here with sharp intent, and she couldn't lose in momentum.
Crossing her arms, Feixiao smiled slightly. "That's true. But I'm not the one opening a trash can this time. It's… my niece here, turning six this year."
"You ain't fooling no one." Jade scoffed.
She swept a glance from little Jingliu to Feixiao, anger rising steadily.
Your niece?
She wasn't even foxian! How did she become your niece? That lie isn't even trying!
Using such a tiny girl's quota loophole—don't you have any shame?!