Chapter 129: Chapter 128: The Fox Casting Illusions
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After spending half an hour...
Bailu finally finished her work.
This swift completion was only possible thanks to the assistance of individuals from the Alchemy Commission who rushed over to aid with treating the injured.
Upon discovering Bailu at the scene, they initially intended to take her away. However, it wasn't until Bochang mentioned General Jing Yuan that they relented and stood down.
With this minor incident resolved,
the trio stood at a fork in the road. Bailu murmured, "Which path should we take next?"
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option 1: Take the narrow path: "The narrow path will be quicker." - Completion Reward: Being abducted by Stellaron Hunters.]
[Option 2: Take the main road: "Luofu has been unsettled lately; let's stick to the main road." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items may...]
Seeing Option One and recalling the sudden malicious gaze, Bochang began to suspect that a Stellaron Hunter might have been lurking nearby just moments ago.
"If it really was a Stellaron Hunter, who could it be? Blade? Or perhaps Kafka?"
"I doubt Kafka would harbor ill intent towards me..."
"Not necessarily. Considering my involvement with Stelle, it's quite normal for her to feel dissatisfied."
Two options presented themselves.
Option One of taking the shortcut would indeed be quicker.
Quicker to get abducted by the Stellaron Hunters, that is.
Thus, Bochang completely disregarded this choice. Instead, he pondered...
"Even with Bailu clearly beside me, is there still a risk of abduction? Is it because the complex environment along the shortcut makes it easier for the Stellaron Hunters? Or could there be some other reason...?"
While time remained, Bochang's mind raced at top speed.
Only when the "Dating Options" countdown began...
did Bochang make his choice.
"Option two."
Bochang stated, "Recently, Luofu's paths have been unsettled; let's take the main road instead."
"Although it might be slower, but... since Bochang suggests it, we'll go with the main road," Bailu nodded in agreement.
[Reward being distributed—Congratulations! You have received the item 'Raiden Rod', capable of effectively attracting lightning power. Note: Please do not attempt to wear it on your head.]
The system's notification sounded.
Bochang remained completely unfazed.
The trio continued enjoying food and drink at the Central Starskiff Haven as time passed into the afternoon.
The golden sun started its descent towards the west, casting warm rays throughout the streets and alleys.
The natural landscapes of Xianzhou Luofu were all artificially crafted, controlled by the Realm-Keeping Commission, and could be adjusted based on circumstances.
After all, this was a colossal ship navigating through the universe.
Without these artificial landscapes, phenomena like the sun would be impossible.
As time passed,
the Stellaron calamity on Xianzhou Luofu grew increasingly severe.
The presence of Cloud Knights under martial law disrupted many merchants' normal operations.
Bochang attempted to contact Himeko via the Astral Express, but...
Communication was unsuccessful, possibly due to the Stellaron's influence.
However, Bochang managed to reach out to Dan Heng and learned that he was en route to the Central Starskiff Haven, accompanied by friends encountered along the way: Cloud Knight Sushang and merchant Luocha.
Regarding Sushang, Bochang had a clear memory:
It was Li Sushang from "Honkai Impact 3rd," also known as Big Pillow Li.
As for Luocha...
Bochang momentarily couldn't recall who that was.
This wasn't surprising, given how he had been transported directly to this world shortly after the game's launch.
"However... since traveling with Dan Heng, they must be a relatively important character," Bochang muttered to himself.
The weary trio sat outside a teahouse, enjoying the refreshing breeze blowing from the cloud sea.
Bailu, looking thoroughly contented, leaned over the table and dozed off.
It was undeniable; today, Bailu had truly indulged herself to the fullest extent.
Normally, she wouldn't have such extended freedom. After escaping for just a few hours, members of the Alchemy Commission would invariably catch her.
During those brief hours, much time was spent evading the Cloud Knights rather than exploring leisurely.
But not today - she strolled proudly through the streets, savoring various delicacies at her own pace. Even if the Alchemy Commission approached, General Jing Yuan's orders could ward them off.
Having eaten her fill...
Sleepiness overwhelmed Bailu, compelling her to take a well-deserved afternoon nap.
Serval and Bochang sat together, their black guitar and Vow Spear leaning against the wooden table nearby.
Quietly, they observed the rolling sea of white clouds and the bustling sight of star ferries continuously traversing back and forth.
Despite the martial law imposed on Xianzhou, the star ferries used as transportation did not cease operations; however, there were significantly fewer than usual.
Currently, those utilizing the star ferries were primarily members of Xianzhou's Six Divisions, as ordinary civilians were temporarily prohibited from using them.
After a moment of thought, Serval remarked, "The scenery here at Xianzhou Luofu is much more beautiful than Belobog's."
In contrast to Belobog, which was covered in ice and snow, Xianzhou boasted diverse verdant landscapes, filled with the harmonious sounds of birdsong and fragrant blossoms everywhere.
"It's alright," Bochang responded. "I find Belobog's snowy vistas quite unique and charming, though... after Stellaron is dealt with, such sights may become rare." His fingers lightly tapped the armrest. "However, once Belobog's ice melts, it will reveal even more breathtaking scenes."
"Hmm... Now that you mention it, I do miss Belobog a bit." A slight smile appeared on Serval's lips.
Bochang chuckled, "Don't worry, when we have time, I'll take you back there."
He glanced at his teleportation ring, which currently had only one energy slot filled. At least until tomorrow, when the second slot replenishes, he wouldn't be able to use its long-distance teleportation feature.
Otherwise...
If Bochang went to Belobog now, he might not be able to return without having another teleportation ring from the system space bound to someone else. That way, even without virtual coordinates, Bochang could ensure a safe return trip. Unfortunately, he needed to accumulate three rings before being able to retrieve them, and currently, he only had two...
As they continued their conversation,
a leaf detached from a nearby branch, gently swayed by the breeze, and landed softly atop Serval's head, yet she seemed completely unaware of it.
As they admired the scenery of Xianzhou, Serval occasionally stole glances at Bochang, seemingly searching for conversation topics.
Contrary to her rock-and-roll appearance, this blonde elder sister wasn't particularly talkative. Especially after learning Bochang and Stelle's true identities, Serval became somewhat reserved.
It was unlike their interactions at the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop, which felt more natural.
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option 1: Reach out yourself, remove the leaf from Serval's head, and say, "There's a leaf on your head." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]
[Option 2: Alert Serval, letting her remove the leaf herself, by saying, "Serval, have you ever heard of creatures called 'Leopard Cats'? They place leaves on their heads to cast illusions, transforming themselves into humans." - Completion Reward: Acquire Skill, Leopard Cat Illusion, allowing the use of leaves to create illusions.]