159. Xiling: We Provide Two or More Emanators
"Then, please allow me, on behalf of the Sky-Faring Commission, to welcome all my benefactors to the Central Starskiff Haven."
Stepping down from the Starskiff, Tingyun turned and smiled at the people behind her.
Then, she turned and pointed to a towering building in the distance.
"That is the headquarters of the Sky-Faring Commission."
"I already explained the situation on the Starskiff. If you have no further questions, I will await your arrival at the entrance of the Sky-Faring Commission."
"Thank you for your trouble, Miss Tingyun," Xiling said sincerely.
"It's no trouble at all," Tingyun's face lit up with a bright smile, "but please come as soon as possible."
With that, she turned and walked lightly towards the building.
"Tch, finally gone." Almost the instant Tingyun disappeared, Xiling's shy and sincere expression instantly transformed into undisguised disdain, so swiftly that March 7th's eyes widened in surprise.
"Xiling, do you really dislike Miss Tingyun that much?" asked Welt while he adjusted his glasses.
He also noticed a subtle indifference Tingyun had, but mere indifference wasn't enough to explain Xiling's intense aversion.
"Can I ask why?"
"Ah, well... there is a reason." Xiling closed his eyes, scratching his head in slight confusion.
"I'll explain once we meet Xianzhou Luofu General. For now, let me keep you in suspense."
"So, what's next? Are we going straight to see the commander of the Sky-Faring Commission?" Stelle raised her hand and asked.
Previously on the Starskiff, Tingyun had already informed them of their destination—to inform the Starskiff Commander, Yukong, of the reason for the Astral Express's arrival during the Xianzhou Luofu's closure.
"Yes," Xiling nodded in confirmation.
"Afterwards, you, the Nameless, will likely be bombarded with a mountain of questions."
"Indeed," Welt agreed, listing examples, "They'll likely ask why we chose this time to visit? How can we confirm that this catastrophe is related to the Stellaron? And who leaked Xianzhou Luofu's information to us…"
"If we answer carelessly, we might find ourselves unable to move an inch on the Xianzhou Luofu," Dan Heng calmly added, expressing his assessment.
"Huh?! Really?" March 7th, upon hearing this, she unconsciously clenched her fists and pressed them against her chest, appearing somewhat nervous.
"What's there to be afraid of? Just tell the truth," Stelle said nonchalantly.
Xiling reassured them, "Just answer their questions truthfully; there's no need to be too nervous."
March 7th, she remained worried:
"But... what if they think we're with the Stellaron Hunters?"
"Don't worry about it." Xiling waved his hand, turning to Welt to remind him, "Mr. Welt, we need to get going; we can't keep the Commander waiting."
"Indeed," Welt nodded, "It's getting late."
The group quickly arrived at the foot of the towering building.
At the entrance, a Foxian girl was already waiting. Seeing Xiling and the Nameless group arrive, she smiled and waved.
"My benefactors, Lord Xiling, you've arrived quite early."
"We've kept you waiting," Welt nodded in greeting.
"Not at all," Tingyun said with a smile.
"Lady Yukong is already waiting for you all in the Palace of Astrum. I have already reported your situation to Lady Yukong, so—" She gave a slight bow, "I still have some trivial matters to attend to, so I will not accompany you inside."
The group nodded in acknowledgment and stepped into the magnificent Palace of Astrum.
Inside the palace, a woman who looked exceptionally busy stopped her work, her gaze falling upon them—it was none other than Yukong, the Head of the Sky-Faring Commission.
"Astral Express Crew, greetings." Yukong's voice was steady and powerful.
"I already know your purpose from Tingyun. My duties do not include receiving passengers." She paused, her sharp gaze sweeping over the crowd.
"But now that I know your identities, it is both moral and practical for me to meet you all in person, and—"
Her tone was resolute:
"To personally decline your assistance."
"Oh dear, if you really refuse like that, you'll probably be unhappy afterwards. Speaking of which, Jing Yuan should have been watching the situation here for a while now, right?" Xiling glanced around, finally fixing his gaze on a certain instrument, from which a subtle gaze emanated.
"It should be there."
"Could you explain why?" Welt adjusted his glasses, calmly pressing for an answer.
"Just a mere Stellaron," Yukong said with a hint of arrogance.
"The Alliance is already aware of it, and Xianzhou Luofu has its own methods. As for you, Astral Express Crew who have traveled from afar, there's no reason for you to get involved—I believe you understand what I mean?"
"We naturally know," Welt said sincerely, "but the Astral Express's purpose is simple: to lend you all a helping hand."
"Xianzhou Luofu appreciates your kindness. But this is ultimately an internal matter of the Alliance, and outsiders shouldn't interfere." Yukong's attitude remained unwavering.
"To show respect for the Astral Express, I'm specifically conveying this final decision—it's non-negotiable."
March 7th struggled to suppress the words that were about to spill from her mouth. This aloof attitude left her both confused and somewhat annoyed.
While Xiling, Welt, and Dan Heng had anticipated this suspicion and understood the reasons, March 7th still felt indignant.
Xiling subtly gave Dan Heng a meaningful look. Dan Heng understood immediately and stepped forward.
"The Commander's next words are nothing more than suspicion that we are colluding with the Stellaron Hunters, and that we need to wait for Xianzhou Luofu to investigate the truth before we are allowed to leave." Dan Heng's voice was calm and even, yet penetrating.
"However, regarding the true core of Xianzhou Luofu's current catastrophe, you seem… to know nothing about it."
Upon hearing this, Yukong's brows furrowed sharply. Just as she was about to retort, a virtual projection appeared without warning in the center of the hall, accompanied by a slightly light laugh.
"Haha, Yukong, don't be so fierce."
The figure in the projection approached with a cheerful laugh, "If word gets out, wouldn't people laugh at our Xianzhou Alliance for not knowing how to treat guests?" The figure's gaze swept over everyone, and when it landed on Dan Heng, a hint of barely concealed surprise flashed across his face, but that strangeness vanished instantly, and he quickly regained his composure.
Dan Heng, however, remained expressionless.
"Finally here," Xiling thought to himself.
Yukong immediately bowed respectfully: "General Jing Yuan."
"Gentlemen, please don't mind," unlike Yukong's firmness, Jing Yuan's tone remained gentle and soothing.
"The current situation is special, and Yukong's vigilance is her duty. I hope you all understand."
He then nodded slightly and introduced himself, "I am General Jing Yuan of the Luofu Cloud Knights."
His gaze lingered on Xiling and the others with interest:
"It seems your guests know quite a bit about the inside story. Could you... Share some of it?"
Dan Heng silently retreated behind Xiling.
Xiling met Jing Yuan's gaze, stepped forward, and met his eyes.
"General, you should already have some idea, right?" Xiling's voice was clear.
"An Emanator has infiltrated your immortal ship."
Xiling enunciated each word clearly, uttering that suffocating name: "The Emanator of Destruction—Phantylia."
As soon as the words fell, the entire Palace of Astrum fell into a deathly silence. Yukong's expression froze instantly, her initial anger turning into incredulous shock. She almost accused Xiling of spreading rumors, but when she subconsciously looked at Jing Yuan, the unprecedentedly serious expression on the general's face seemed to confirm everything.
"It's...real..." Yu Kong murmured absentmindedly, the last two words almost disappearing into the air.
What is an Emanator?
To understand this concept, one must first know what an Aeon is.
An Aeon is a being who, in pursuing a certain ideal, reaches its ultimate goal and ultimately achieves transcendent sublimation. They are the controllers of this "Path"—a philosophical concept.
They are mysterious and unpredictable, their power boundless, the pinnacle of the universe, transcending mortal cognition. This is the Aeon.
And the so-called Emanators are beings who have gained the Aeon's approval and blessing. They are the agents of the Aeon's will, a powerful force second only to the Aeon themself, walking throughout the universe, standing at the pinnacle of cosmic power. The Lord Ravagers—Phantylia—is precisely such a pinnacle existence, and one with an extremely infamous reputation.
Now, this Emanator of Destruction is lurking within Xianzhou Luofu. If this news got leaked, the entire ship would be plunged into unprecedented panic and chaos.
Jing Yuan's expression was ashen. He looked at Xiling and his group and slowly spoke, "Thank you all for the information. However, could you tell me how you obtained this information?"
"Because I saw it," Xiling raised an eyebrow.
"What, do you need to verify the authenticity of this information?"
"Hehe, you jest." Jing Yuan's projection maintained a gentle demeanor, but his tone revealed an undeniable seriousness and sincerity.
"This matter is of great importance. If you could tell me the source of the information, I would be extremely grateful." Although his words were tactful, his intention to verify was clear—as the General of Xianzhou Luofu, he had to ensure the absolute reliability of the intelligence; any false information could lead to catastrophic consequences.
"Of course you can say it," Xiling glanced around, gesturing to the curious gazes directed their way, "but are you sure you want to say it here?"
"I apologize, it was my oversight." Jing Yuan's projection immediately understood, turning to Yukong.
"Yukong, I'll trouble you to guide our distinguished guests." Then, turning to Xiling and the others, he said, "Gentlemen, I await your arrival at the Seat of Divine Foresight."
With these words, Jing Yuan's projection vanished into thin air. Xiling spread his hands: "Then I'll trouble Lady Yukong to guide us."
Yukong took a deep breath, trying to calm herself from the shock of the news about the "Lord Ravagers".
"I was rude earlier. Please wait a moment while I arrange my work, then I will personally guide you to the Seat of Divine Foresight."
With that, she turned and strode towards the work area, quietly arranging the follow-up matters.
March 7th, seemingly triumphant, proudly stood with her hands on her hips and chest puffed out:
"Hey, you were so cocky just now, now you know how powerful we are!"
"That's right, that's right, now you know how powerful we are!" Stelle immediately followed suit, straightening her back as well.
However, Welt pushed up his glasses, his face turning extremely grim. He already understood what "The Lord Ravagers" meant, but he didn't intend to expose it at this moment—March 7th, and Stelle might not be able to perfectly control their emotions; temporary ignorance was actually a form of protection.
"Alright," Xiling casually glanced at the furnishings of the Sky-Faring Commission, muttering, "They at most admire us for daring to come knowing an Emanator of Destruction was here, not admitting they were wrong, and besides, they weren't wrong."
March 7th: "That's enough!"
Stelle: "That's enough!"
At this moment, Yukong had quickly made arrangements and returned to the group:
"Everyone, please follow me. The Starskiff is ready."
"Thank you for your trouble, Lady Yukong." Xiling nodded in greeting.
The group followed her, boarding a Starskiff that had been waiting for them.
Her piloting was nothing short of wild; under her control, the starship shot like an arrow, rapidly traversing the aerial routes of Xianzhou Luofu.
March 7th, and Stelle felt like they were on a roller coaster, terrified of being thrown out at any moment.
When the Starskiff finally landed smoothly, the two helped each other down, their legs trembling.
March 7th never expected that this seemingly dignified and composed commander would have such a fierce driving style.
"Sorry, the situation was urgent, the speed was indeed a bit too fast," Yukong said, her voice tinged with apology, but her expression remained efficient.
"A bit too fast?" March 7th thought to herself.
"Alright, you two kids," Xiling patted Stelle and March 7th on the shoulders, "you can stay here and wait a bit. Welt, Dan Heng, and I will go in."
March 7th immediately protested, "Eh? Why can't Stelle and I go in?"
"Exactly!" Stelle immediately echoed, looking disgruntled.
"March, you and Stelle rest outside for a bit," Welt also spoke, his tone gentle but firm, "There are some things… that are not convenient for you to know yet."
"Even Uncle Yang says so… okay." Hearing Welt say the same thing, March 7th, could only pout and obediently nod.
The Stellaron Baby still wanted to struggle, but its resistance was futile, and it was ruthlessly suppressed.
"We'll be out soon." Dan Heng, walking at the back, left these words and then, along with Xiling and Welt, followed Yukong into the solemn and imposing gates of the Seat of Divine Foresight.
Inside the Seat of Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan turned around, his gaze sweeping over the group entering the main hall, and his signature smile immediately appeared on his face. He nodded slightly:
"Welcome to the Seat of Divine Foresight, distinguished guests."
"I have long yearned for the Astral Express," Jing Yuan said sincerely, with a hint of nostalgia...
"If it weren't for the urgency of the situation today, I would certainly have shared drinks and discussed the wonders of the world with you all. But—"
His tone shifted, the smile on his face fading like the tide, replaced by solemnity.
"The current situation in Luofu forces Jing Yuan to suppress this longing in his heart."
He looked at Xiling, his posture earnest:
"Please tell me everything you know. Jing Yuan will be eternally grateful."
"Then let's get straight to the point." Xiling stepped forward.
"We saw it with our own eyes, Phantylia."
"As for how we discovered her?" Xiling met Jing Yuan's probing gaze.
"The reason is simple. There is usually only one kind of being that can sense the existence of another Emanator—another Emanator."
Jing Yuan's brows furrowed instantly. He looked Xiling up and down, remaining silent for a moment before speaking with some hesitation:
"Forgive me… my eyesight is poor."
The meaning was clear: he had not sensed the echo of an Emanator's path from Xiling.
"How about this?" Xiling stepped forward! An invisible, pure, and utterly powerful will erupted instantly, not as power, but like a tangible wave, precisely enveloping Jing Yuan! Jing Yuan remained motionless, calmly gazing at the white light surrounding him, seemingly condensed from pure conviction.
That will was vast and unwavering, possessing an undeniable purity, yet… indistinct, its destiny utterly unfathomable.
The white light dissipated, and Jing Yuan's gaze towards Xiling had completely changed.
The other was not an Emanator. He was certain of that. However, the intensity and purity of that will stir a storm within him, signifying that on a "path" he knew nothing about, perhaps even one that had never been defined, the person before him had reached an unfathomable depth.
He was not an agent of the Aeon, but perhaps… more chilling than many Emanators walking on smooth paths.
"Now," Xiling calmly withdrew his dissipated magic, "General Jing Yuan, are you willing to believe what I said?"
Jing Yuan took a deep breath, nodded slowly, and, without the slightest hesitation, said, "Of course."
Welt, Dan Heng, and Yukong, who had witnessed everything, understood perfectly. Although they didn't know exactly what had happened, Jing Yuan's drastic change in attitude was enough for them to understand that Xiling's actions were far from ordinary.
"We've been talking for quite some time, and I still don't know your name," Jing Yuan asked proactively, his gaze deep. He had heard of Welt's pioneering reputation, and even more so of Dan Heng… but this silver-haired man was a complete stranger.
"Xiling."
"Then, Lord Xiling," Jing Yuan's gaze sharpened, "Why did you provide this crucial information? And what is the purpose of informing us of Phantylia's presence here?" The other party's subsequent answers might affect his cooperation with some people.
Faced with Jing Yuan's direct questioning, Xiling simply smiled easily, turned to the side, and patted Dan Heng's shoulder, who had remained silent beside him.
"It's simple," he said matter-of-factly.
"I'm here to help my friend. That's all."
Dan Heng glanced at him silently, a hint of helplessness in his eyes. Xiling returned a radiant smile, even giving him a thumbs-up. Jing Yuan noticed every detail of their casual interaction.
"…It seems," Jing Yuan thought to himself, a complex emotion flickering in his eyes, "that he has indeed met…a very reliable friend."
"As for our purpose?" Xiling turned back to Jing Yuan, his smile fading.
"Besides helping you through this difficult time, there's something else—"
He spoke clearly and deliberately, "We want to leave that Lord Ravagers forever on this Xianzhou Luofu."
Leave an Emanator of Destruction here forever?
Xiling's words were like a thunderclap! This time, not only did Yukong's expression change instantly, but even the experienced Welt looked up in astonishment, his eyes flashing violently behind his glasses.
Jing Yuan's gaze, sharp as a hawk's, was fixed on Xiling. He saw no arrogance or mockery in his eyes, only an almost terrifying certainty.
Leaving behind an Emanator? That was no easy task! Even if two Emanators joined forces, the opponent would undoubtedly possess numerous unbelievable methods of escape or retaliation.
"This matter is of utmost importance, allowing no room for error." Jing Yuan's voice was low and serious, all his gentle demeanor vanishing.
"May I ask, what is your specific plan?"
Xiling crossed his arms, his signature smile returning to his face, as if stating a perfectly ordinary intention:
"The plan? It's simple."
"We can provide at least two Emanator-level combatants."
Everyone: "....."
Yukong was completely speechless. Welt rubbed his forehead, feeling his logic falter.
For the first time, a substantial crack appeared in Jing Yuan's composure. He even briefly forgot to control his expression, his mouth slightly agape, as if he had just heard the most absurd joke in the universe.
Within the Seat of Divine Foresight, a deathly silence fell, more eerie and suffocating than when Phantylia's identity was revealed.
However, within this suffocating silence,
Jing Yuan's brief moment of astonishment was replaced by a smile. He looked intently at Xiling:
"Please, do not hesitate to enlighten me and discuss it in detail."