"This humble one is Tingyun, envoy of the Xianzhou Luofu's Sky-Faring Commission. Might I ask the names of my valiant rescuers?"
"I am the Cosmic Bat-Wielding Star Sovereign, Devourer of Mountains and Seas, Master of Qi Manipulation, First Under the Heavens!"
Stelle's declaration lodged Tingyun's gratitude in her throat. "How... unique," the foxian managed.
"That's Stelle. I'm March 7th. This is Mr. Yang," March said, then jerked a thumb at Anming. "And that's Anming the Succubus Novelist. Offend him, and you'll end up as the protagonist of his next adult masterpiece."
Tingyun: "???"
Anming had been quietly observing "Tingyun's" performance with amusement. The mimicry was flawless—only someone intimately familiar with the real Tingyun might spot discrepancies.
But Anming had read the script.
Without the Ambrosial Arbor, how much power does Phantylia really have left? He almost wanted to whisper "Long live Nanook" just to see her reaction.
Then—
A flicker of violet sword intent.
So fleeting even Anming nearly missed it.
Only a true swordsman would notice.
And only one trained by me.
Qingque stood beside him, equally puzzled. That left...
Fu Xuan.
Anming melted into the shadows.
"Master-in-Law?" Qingque whispered.
Anming silenced her with a look.
March sighed as she watched him vanish. Typical.
Qingque gazed skyward, suddenly nostalgic for the peach blossoms in the Divination Commission's courtyard.
There was only one reason Anming would move this fast.
"Don't break Lady Fu Xuan's heart."
She prayed to the Mahjong Gods: Delay his funeral, please.
Divination Commission - Hidden Pavilion
The sword's trail led Anming through the labyrinthine docks to a secluded path—recently cleared.
At its end stood an unexpected guide.
"Allow me to escort you."
The figure lowered her hood, revealing Tingyun's face. "As Lady Fu predicted—you're unsurprised."
"You're... the real Tingyun."
"Genuine as they come."
She smiled. "Lady Fu trusts you. Hence, my candor."
Anming pieced it together: Fu Xuan's offhand "saved someone" meant extracting Tingyun from Phantylia's grasp.
Since when could she outmaneuver a Lord Ravager?
Something felt... off.
But questions could wait.
"Lead the way."
Tingyun navigated backstreets and alleys with practiced ease, avoiding Cloud Knights and Mara-struck alike until they reached a side gate.
"From here, proceed alone."
"Climb over?"
"You could use the front door," Tingyun teased. "But stealth serves you better."
Her vulpine eyes held unreadable amusement as Anming vaulted the wall—
"Lady Fu! Your guest has arrived!"
Tingyun's voice echoed behind him, though she didn't follow.
Mist swirled around Anming, carrying the scent of lotus and... something achingly familiar.
A voice cut through the fog:
"Since when do you fear me?"
At the pavilion's heart, Fu Xuan sat poised with Wuming Sword across her lap.
Anming answered with steel—Mingye flashed, its aura parting the mist like a tidal wave, stopping a hair's breadth from Fu Xuan's brow before dissolving into breeze.
She hadn't flinched.
Amethyst eyes, deep as the cosmos, pinned him in place.
"Xuan, I'm here."
"Trespassing. Assaulting the Master Diviner." She set down her teacup. "What gave you the audacity?"