"Reporting, sir, the Astral Express has been confirmed to have reappeared. According to investigations, it was the navigator Himeko who repaired the Astral Express."
The subordinate in front of him reported respectfully.
Hearing this, Aether stroked his chin and asked, "The Astral Express only set sail a short while ago, didn't it?"
"Yes, sir."
After listening to his subordinate's report, Aether pondered. At this rate, it wouldn't be long before the Astral Express arrived at Herta Space Station.
At that time, the main storyline would officially begin, and the invasion of the Xianzhou by Phantylia, in league with the remnants of abundance, would not be far off.
"Listen carefully. You will now split into two groups. One group will constantly monitor the movements of the Astral Express, ensuring that I am informed immediately when it appears in a new location."
"The other group, keep a close eye on Phantylia's actions, and also pay attention to that Foxian woman named Tingyun. Note when she embarks on her journey to begin trading."
After giving these instructions, Aether finally relaxed a bit. He could only say that the identity of an Emanator of Abundance had both advantages and disadvantages. He didn't have to worry about dying, but on the Xianzhou, he had to worry about being discovered by the General.
"Sigh, I must be the most miserable Emanator of Abundance," Aether sighed, taking the drink Afu handed him and chugging it down.
"Pfft! Ugh—what is this taste?!"
Before he could even swallow the mouthful, Aether spat it out. He looked closely and realized it was actually soda soy milk.
"You oaf! Who told you to buy soda soy milk? Don't you know how awful this stuff tastes?" Aether's face darkened. He pointed at his unreliable attendant and cursed.
Soda soy milk is actually Beijing soy milk. Once you taste it, you never want to taste it again; it's incredibly awful.
Just as Aether was punishing his attendant with hard labor, a subordinate responsible for nearby security appeared before Aether and reported, "Sir, the Cloud Knights are here. They say General Jing Yuan invites you to the Divination Commission for a talk."
"Huh?"
Aether, who had just been punishing his attendant, froze in place upon hearing this, pointing at himself with a look of disbelief.
"Me?"
Aether was a bit unsure, so he opened the courtyard gate and saw three Cloud Knights waiting at the entrance.
"Mr. Aether, the General invites you to the Divination Commission for a talk."
Seeing the main person appear, the leading Cloud Knight bowed.
"Uh, I'm just a humble merchant, not worthy of such attention, haha…" Aether laughed awkwardly, then cautiously asked, "Can I refuse?"
"No." The leading Cloud Knight seemed accustomed to such situations and replied calmly.
Seeing Aether's face fall, the Cloud Knight added, "Of course, the General said that if Mr. Aether is unwilling to go, it is not entirely incomprehensible…"
"Oh, you scared me. I knew the General couldn't be so unreasonable." Hearing that he could refuse, Aether immediately breathed a sigh of relief and laughed cheerfully.
Cloud Knight: "The General will personally pay you a visit."
Aether: "…"
As soon as the Cloud Knight spoke, Aether's smile instantly froze on his face, becoming uglier than crying.
Damn it! Could he have guessed? It's over. Fei Xiao, I'm afraid we really have to part ways now.
"No, I'm just a lowly merchant. What did I do to warrant the General making such a big fuss over me?" Aether asked with a bitter face.
"We are merely here to relay a message. Whether you go or not is up to you. If you don't go, the General will come himself," the leading Cloud Knight replied neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Hearing this, Aether's face immediately fell. He really didn't want to face Jing Yuan. He truly didn't want to deal with someone with a thousand schemes; he wouldn't even know if he was sold out one day.
"Mr. Aether, do you agree? If you've made up your mind, just say so, and we can report back," the leading Cloud Knight said.
"Sigh, fine, I agree, is that good enough?" Aether helplessly rubbed his forehead, having no choice but to agree. Compared to Jing Yuan showing up at his door, he'd rather be proactive. At least there was still room for discussion, and Jing Yuan would surely prefer to talk things out rather than resort to force… Divination Commission.
Jing Yuan leisurely sipped his tea, just like a retired old man, exuding an air of complete relaxation.
In contrast, Aether, who sat before him, was ramrod straight, not moving an inch the entire time, and hadn't even touched the hot tea in front of him.
"Aether, there's no need to be so formal between us. Have some tea."
Seeing that Aether hadn't drunk his tea for a long time, Jing Yuan spoke to reassure him.
"Thank you for your kindness, General. May I ask what important matter General Jing Yuan has summoned this humble person for?" Aether cupped his hands towards Jing Yuan, asking the question that had been bothering him for a long time.
"Hahaha, it's nothing. It's just that General Fei Xiao hasn't been in good spirits lately. I was a bit worried, but ever since you returned, General Fei Xiao's condition has completely returned to its peak." Jing Yuan swirled the teacup in his hand, looking at Aether's reflection in the tea, and slowly said.
"Moreover, General Fei Xiao has been staying at your residence, not leaving for three consecutive days…"
At this point, Jing Yuan's previously languid expression became playful, even slightly gossipy, as he looked at Aether.
"Aether, how are things progressing between you and Fei Xiao…?"
"Ah? Ah! What do you mean, 'progressing'? What are you talking about?" Aether immediately understood Jing Yuan's meaning, but he could only pretend to be confused. After all, Fei Xiao wasn't ready yet, and going public too early wouldn't be good for anyone.
"Oh, it's nothing. I've lived for hundreds of years; I've seen plenty of these things. I understand, I understand~" Jing Yuan waved his hand, an expression of complete understanding on his face.
"Uh…" Aether looked awkward. What was this feeling, like being caught in an early romance by an elder?
"Hmm, if I recall correctly, for those three days, the neighbors were constantly complaining that you, Aether, were disturbing the peace all day, making an awful lot of noise," Jing Yuan leaned forward and chuckled.
"General Jing Yuan, please stop joking about me. If it's just about such private matters, allow me to take my leave," Aether said to Jing Yuan, suppressing his urge to leave immediately.
Seeing this, Jing Yuan sighed, gently put down his teacup, and his playful, languid expression receded. He slowly said, "Sigh, I originally wanted to talk about some lighthearted topics to ease the atmosphere, but since you put it that way, I'll ask about the serious matter. You don't need me to point out your true identity, do you?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the air suddenly fell silent, and the atmosphere became exceptionally oppressive, like a volcano about to erupt, with no one knowing when it would finally explode.
"As expected of General Jing Yuan. My small tricks, in comparison, seem arrogant and self-important." Seeing his true identity exposed, Aether simply stopped pretending. He raised his hand, took off his small sunglasses, revealing his shining emerald eyes.