In the end, Celenova still gave in.
And she uttered that familiar name.
Phantylia.
Even though in the game's story, Phantylia came off as a bit stubborn and almost clownish, in reality, 'Jingliu' wouldn't dare to actually treat her like some pushover.
Well, at least she could breathe a sigh of relief.
It wasn't some Lord Ravager she'd never even heard of.
But, the fact that she'd gone to Celenova today...
Phantylia would definitely find out.
And she'd also know that she was currently wearing Jingliu's face, and even using the power of Propagation.
If she wasn't mistaken, when Phantylia targeted the Luofu, she'd definitely use this info to stir up trouble.
So 'Jingliu' sent messages to both Jing Yuan and the real Jingliu at the same time.
Including the details about this identity's power, and the intel on the Lord Ravager named Phantylia.
[Jing Yuan: ?]
[Jing Yuan: What do you mean... Madam Bai Ming, you're currently wearing the teacher's face, have the ability to command The Swarm, and even have the Lightning Lord combined with the power of Propagation?]
[Jing Yuan: Um, the Reignbow Arbiter didn't shoot you, did they?]
[Nameless: How did you know Lan came to take a look at me? But they just took one look and left.]
[Jing Yuan: ?!]
Jing Yuan, who had just been mustering the Cloud Knights and getting them ready to set out, felt his composure cracking.
First of all, rule out the possibility that Madam Bai Ming was joking with him.
She wasn't the type to joke around, especially not about something this serious.
But right now, Jing Yuan almost wished she was.
Wearing Jingliu's face was manageable, it wasn't the first time.
As long as she didn't go flaunting it in front of the other Generals or High Elders, Jing Yuan could probably smooth it over.
But the problem was the Lightning Lord.
A black one, with insect wings growing out of it, commanding swarms of insects.
Goodness... if those old fossils in the Alliance saw that, Jing Yuan didn't know how many layers of investigation he'd have to endure.
Madam Bai Ming was perfect in every way, except why did she always love using such dangerous powers?
The Nihility power back then, and recently Destruction, and now even a Propagation Lightning Lord.
Every single time, it challenged the nerves of the Xianzhou.
[Jing Yuan: I understand. Regarding this Propagation Lightning Lord you mentioned, if you have more detailed information, it would help me communicate with the Marshal.]
[Nameless: Oh~ little Jing Yuan, you want to sell me out already?]
[Jing Yuan: Madam Bai Ming... can you stop teasing me at a time like this?]
[Nameless: Fine, boring. But as for detailed info, you'll just have to see for yourself on the battlefield.]
[Jing Yuan: ...]
[Nameless: Jingliu replied to me. I'll leave the Xianzhou side to you.]
Seeing this, Jing Yuan sighed helplessly.
He felt like Madam Bai Ming was just being a spectator who didn't think the stakes were high enough.
He was already an old man; could she go a little easier on his heart?
--+--
Meanwhile, on another front.
Jingliu, who had recently left New Babylon with Kafka and was currently resting on a starship, also saw the string of messages 'Jingliu' had sent her.
But compared to Jing Yuan's headache, Jingliu was clearly more prepared.
"No wonder Elio said I should cause a big stir recently, so this is why."
"Oh? So this is the Bai Ming you mentioned?"
Kafka appeared beside Jingliu at some point, curiously glancing at her phone screen.
Having just joined the Stellaron Hunters, she was very curious about this Bai Ming, who Elio seemed to somewhat dislike.
An existence unbound by fate, making Elio tear up the script time and again, yet someone Jingliu deeply admired.
What kind of person would that be?
"Mn."
Jingliu glanced at Kafka, nodding in acknowledgment.
She didn't have a bad impression of Kafka, but it wasn't particularly good either.
This woman knew no fear, so she always acted without restraint.
Her style was a far cry from Jingliu's own disciplined and efficient nature.
"Need my help? As part of a newcomer integrating into the team."
Kafka was equally curious about Jingliu.
She wondered why someone so disciplined would join an organization as unorthodox as the Stellaron Hunters.
"...Alright."
After a moment's thought, Jingliu nodded.
She could sense that Kafka bore her no ill will.
She didn't know how long they'd be working together.
She couldn't hope for them to become good partners, but at least getting to know each other better would be good.
After agreeing with Kafka, Jingliu finally started replying to Bai Ming's message:
[Jingliu: I understand. Elio gave me a mission earlier, telling me to go cause a scene. I guess this must be the reason.]
[Nameless: Oh! Having a Prophet sure is handy, saves so much explaining.]
[Jingliu: How are things on the Xianzhou?]
[Nameless: The Rangers and the Land of Light will provide support. I don't think there'll be major issues. Oh right, I ran into Baiheng recently. She misses you a lot.]
[Jingliu: ...I see. I'm glad she's okay.]
[Nameless: Get in touch with her when you have time. You're both Xianzhou fugitives, why overthink it?]
Jingliu looked at Bai Ming's blunt words and smiled, pressing her lips together.
This way of putting it did lighten the burden on her heart a little, but meeting now wasn't suitable.
She'd get in touch after some time had passed.
[Jingliu: By the way, Elio told you to restrain yourself when commanding The Swarm. I think there might still be some secret to the Path of Propagation.]
[Nameless: Oh, you mean the possibility of the Swarm King waiting to resurrect? Don't worry, I'll be careful.]
[Nameless: Messing up on the Path Propagation could turn me into a bug. I wouldn't like that.]
[Jingliu: Mn.]
Regarding Bai Ming's habit of casually revealing big secrets, Jingliu said she was used to it.
Anyway, she was such an impressive person; it was only natural she knew some secrets.
As for the certain possibilities of her future self that Bai Ming mentioned, Jingliu didn't take it too seriously.
Having been with Elio for so long, she was no stranger to different worldlines.
Back then, to convince her, Elio had shown her all sorts of messy worldlines.
She'd seen all kinds of absurd scenarios.
So she wasn't particularly concerned.
Besides, Jingliu had no interest in the power of Propagation.
The sword in her hand was still more reliable.
Putting away her phone, Jingliu looked at the smiling Kafka beside her.
"Let's go. We still have some time, but it's better to get there early and scout the situation."
"So eager? Alright. We've rested for a few days; it's a good time to get moving."
Kafka smiled, picked up her coat, and followed Jingliu's lead.
--+--
'Jingliu' turned off her phone.
She'd already tipped off Jing Yuan in advance.
After all, he was several hundred years old.
If she kept quiet, she might actually scare him into Marastruck.
As for the rest of the Xianzhou Alliance...
Baiheng and the real Jingliu, who she got along with, had already been banished from the Xianzhou anyway. Why care so much about the others?
Putting away her phone, 'Jingliu' grinned and followed Celenova's clone into the Legion's flagship.
Since she was here anyway, might as well hitch a ride.
--+--
T/N: If you want advance chapters, you can find it at [email protected]/AspenTL