Xianzhou Luofu.
Aether hummed a tune, strolling leisurely.
Ever since his call with Fei Xiao, Aether's mood had significantly improved. After all, his partner was thinking of him, which was truly the best thing that could happen.
Without mentioning anything else, just this kind of interaction was making their relationship warm up incredibly fast. Aether was even starting to think about marriage.
"I need to get some more potent medicine when I go back. Maybe I'll try using my heart's blood; perhaps that will make it even more effective," Aether mused.
Ever since becoming an Emanator of Abundance, Aether was practically immortal. Forget having his heart dug out or his head blown off; he could even come back to life if he was reduced to ashes on the spot.
It had to be said, Abundance was truly terrifying. It was a miracle that the Luofu managed to kill the Emanator Shuhu back then.
Just as Aether was about to reach home, he suddenly turned and walked into a dead-end alley, saying coldly, "You've been following me all this way; aren't you going to come out?"
"Hehehe, as expected of the newly appointed Emanator of Abundance. Indeed, I can't hide from you."
A strange laugh echoed, indistinguishable as male or female. Immediately after, an eerie green flame rose out of thin air, floating before Aether.
"Minion of Destruction, what do you want with me?"
Aether's eyes lit up, a faint energy emanating from his cyan pupils. He even held the black abyss in his hand, ready to strike if there was any disagreement.
"Don't be so hasty, Emanator Aether. Although Destruction and Abundance are fundamentally different, it doesn't prevent us from cooperating, does it?" The strange green flame flickered, speaking.
"Everyone knows you Destruction followers are a bunch of lunatics. Since you already know my true identity, do you still dare to show your face before me?" Aether stared intently at the green flame, his mind already beginning to speculate.
"The feeling is mutual, Aether. I've come this time with full sincerity. Why don't we talk?" The green flame flickered again, speaking.
"Alright, I'd like to see what you Destruction followers want to do," Aether sneered, speaking.
After receiving Aether's consent, the green flame swayed and said, "Emanator Aether must be well aware that the Ambrosial Arbor is one of the Creations of Abundance. As a symbol of the 'Merciful One,' it was severed and sealed. As an Emanator, don't you wish to see the Ambrosial Arbor flourish again?"
"You want to make a move on the Ambrosial Arbor?" Aether raised an eyebrow slightly; he had already guessed the other party's objective.
"Precisely. When the Xianzhou falls into chaos, Emanator Aether will be able to carry out the abundance mission, saving lives and healing injuries." The green flame swayed, every word a subtle enticement.
Upon hearing this, Aether frowned slightly. He had initially thought the other party was treating him like an Emanator such as Shuhu, hoping he would cooperate with them to invade the Xianzhou.
He hadn't expected the other party to understand him so well, knowing that he was a very pure Emanator of Abundance (selfless dedication). From the start, they didn't expect him to directly participate but rather hoped he could indirectly help.
"Speak, Phantylia, what do you need me to do?" Aether pondered for a moment before asking.
Seeing her identity exposed, Phantylia wasn't annoyed. She chuckled softly and said, "It's very simple. The Cancer of All Worlds—the Stellaron—I'm sure Emanator Aether is not unfamiliar with it. You only need to bring a Stellaron and place it into the Ambrosial Arbor. With the Stellaron's power, it will be enough to revive the Ambrosial Arbor."
"Heh, your objectives are probably more than just that, aren't they?" Aether sneered. Familiar with the plot, he was all too clear about Destruction's goals.
"Heh heh, you and I are both Emanators. Our Paths are merely the paths we choose. Don't worry, there's plenty of time; you can consider it slowly. I look forward to the day we cooperate."
Phantylia seemed very confident that Aether would cooperate with her. After leaving a meaningful remark, the green will-o'-the-wisp directly vanished.
With Phantylia's departure, Aether finally put away the black abyss and reverted to his usual carefree street vendor persona.
"Troublesome," Aether scratched his head, feeling helpless. "I thought I still had some time, but I didn't expect to enter the plot so soon. I wonder if the Astral Express has reappeared."
He originally just wanted to be an ordinary young man enjoying retirement, setting up a stall and surfing the internet every day, living a leisurely life. Why did all these troublesome things have to find him?
"Since I can't live a normal, peaceful life, then I'll just have to actively eliminate those who disrupt my normal life, one by one."
At this moment, Aether's face no longer held its former laziness. Instead, it was replaced by a cold gaze and an aura as dark as the abyss.
"Jini Taimei~ Bei bei~"
The phone suddenly rang, instantly breaking Aether's serious demeanor. He pulled out his phone and saw that it was Fei Xiao calling. He quickly answered.
"Hello? Fei Xiao, why the sudden call? Do you miss me?" Aether asked with a grin.
"Aether, come to the port. I have a surprise for you." Fei Xiao seemed to be busy with something on her end, her voice quite noisy.
"That fast? Alright, I'll be right there!"
Aether didn't hesitate. After hanging up, he immediately activated the Power of Abundance, and his entire being instantly vanished from the spot.
At the port.
Jiaoqiu looked at the large cargo container of items before him and couldn't help but turn to Fei Xiao, asking, "General, I know your relationship with Mr. Aether is already like that of a married couple, but isn't this a bit too much?"
Fei Xiao, however, smiled calmly and said, "What's this? Since he and I have decided to be together, how can I not put in some effort?"
"Uh, but you've been thinking about Aether so many times, even remembering him during your rest. Can I assume that you, General, are already love-struck?" Jiaoqiu glanced at the cargo container being moved, speaking with a slight hint of teasing.
"Jiaoqiu, it seems you still don't know what should be said and what shouldn't. Moze, show him some coriander!"
Seeing his recent small actions exposed by Jiaoqiu, Fei Xiao directly called out Moze.
"Yes, General."
Although Moze was usually stern, it didn't mean he didn't have a bit of a mischievous streak. Ever since he learned that Jiaoqiu hated coriander, he loved to tease Jiaoqiu this way.
Now with Fei Xiao's command, Moze directly pulled out two large handfuls of already prepared coriander and charged towards Jiaoqiu.
"No! General! I hate coriander the most! Don't come near me!" Jiaoqiu, who was usually quick-witted and calm, uncharacteristically showed a terrified expression and was chased by Moze.
"Sorry, Jiaoqiu, this is the General's order." Moze suppressed his laughter, but his upturned lips already betrayed his current mood.
Just as the two were chasing and playing, Aether had already rushed over in a hurry.
"Fei Xiao!"
Upon seeing Fei Xiao's heroic and dashing figure, Aether made no attempt to hide his excitement. He rushed forward and embraced her tightly.