Chapter 1219

Suppose, Lord Dan Heng, I could open a path for the two of you to escape from Wengfaluo, and bypass Aigle's divine punishment..." Laigushi paused, "Would you be willing to cease your support for the Fire Pursuit Journey?"

Dan Heng's gaze sank; he sized up Laigushi again, trying to draw something out of it: "I don't understand... Could the Senate have some means to counteract the divine punishment?"

Laigushi said slowly: "The intricacies of this matter are not for you to probe. You only need to know: I can accomplish this."

Dan Heng lowered his head, thinking: "Is it not the Senate's decision, but his personal will...?"

"The point is, if you and your companions are unwilling to cease your support for the Golden Progeny here, it might infringe upon some people's interests."

Dan Heng nodded: "Hmm... Please excuse me, Lord Laigushi, but what I'm about to say might be offensive. When I visited Dawncloud Cliff, I examined many Senate members' files... Among them, only yours is nearly a blank slate. I would like to accept your goodwill, but faced with such a mysterious background and motive, anyone with a bit of caution would inevitably be suspicious."

Laigushi seemed not surprised by his reaction: "As expected, Lord Dan Heng. Your caution earns my admiration..."

Before his words faded, Dan Heng heard a dense patter of footsteps behind him; he saw four black-clad individuals emerge from all sides, surrounding him.

"These people..." Dan Heng slightly turned sideways, "A trap... Could this be why you followed me here?"

"Please don't misunderstand, Lord Dan Heng. As a 'Divine Rite Spectator,' I have no stance supporting their plan. Accordingly, I also have no obligation to stop them. I am neutral." Laigushi explained, "Merely out of my personal respect for you, I wish to offer a peaceful solution to ensure your and your companions' safety."

"... One versus four."

Dan Heng lowered his hand, scanned his surroundings, and after confirming there were no other hidden ambushers, he turned to Laigushi: "Let's confirm: if things get ugly later, will you lend a hand?"

Laigushi shook his head: "No. As I said, I remain neutral. Your question suggests you intend to refuse my proposal and continue siding with the Golden Progeny, doesn't it?"

"You're not wrong on that point, Lord Laigushi. Indeed, we must find a way back to our companions on the train..." Dan Heng corrected expressionlessly, "But the word 'companions' now also includes the Golden Progeny of the Fire Pursuit Journey. Nameless cannot, and will not, ignore the fate of our companions."

"I see. This is what you call 'pioneering.'"

"Besides, when I asked whether you would intervene, I meant..." Dan Heng's gaze swept coldly over the crowd, "... those who need help are them."

——

Original God.

"So handsome——! Dan Heng, that's it! Beat them up, these Senate people!"

"Transform and let them witness the power of the Dragon Sovereign!"

"Heh... Do we need to transform to deal with these few? That's just coddling them."

"That makes sense..."

Inside the Angel's Gift Tavern, cheers rose and fell as they saw Dan Heng draw his sword at these Senate lackeys; President Celius exclaimed excitedly, "These people must be sent by Kaines, right? Since they dare to assassinate Dan Heng, it seems the Senate's bid for power failed, and they now intend to completely turn against the Golden Progeny."

"Perfect, isn't this just handing Aglaea a knife? Aglaea could already sever their throats with golden threads overnight, but she refrained due to repercussions. Now she hasn't chosen to act directly, while Kaines has taken the initiative herself, even picking Dan Heng as her target... She doesn't think Dan Heng is a soft persimmon, does she?"

The tavern instantly burst into jeering laughter.

"That's interesting," Kaeya swirled the apple wine in his cup and chuckled lightly, "If Star hadn't inherited the divine office of the Eon of Time, they'd probably have moved against Star as well. Is Kaines planning to completely turn against the entire Golden Progeny?"

"Since the overt plan failed, they're aiming to settle it in one fell swoop by declaring war on Aglaea," Rosalia said, lounging with her wine cup, "It's pointless; they can't possibly succeed—Aglaea alone could handle them."

"Indeed, the Senate can't stir up any storm; what's truly worth noting is this vastly powerful Laigushi. Its earlier tone made it abundantly clear: it wants Dan Heng and company to leave Wengfaluo... It's driving them away."

Kaeya narrowed his eyes, seeming to find it very amusing, "You say Dan Heng has now refused it—does that mean Dan Heng and crew have fallen out with a member of the Genius Society? If so, the consequences could be a bit serious."

"Laigushi claims to possess power equivalent to one-for-one exchange with an Aeon of Knowledge; if he isn't exaggerating, his threat likely rivals that of the Lord of Destruction," Rosalia frowned, "But it's strange: if he truly wields Aeon-level power, driving Star and Dan Heng out of Wengfaluo would be a breeze—so why would he come to ask Dan Heng for his opinion? Isn't that odd?"

——

"Meanwhile, in the Tree of Divine Insight..."

"Bailu and the Fire-Stealer were locked in combat; he barely managed to block that blow with all his might."

"Tch——"

"You possess such formidable power—why on earth would you..."

"..." The Fire-Stealer uttered a meaningless howl from its mouth.

"Answer me! Why are you obstructing us... why are you seizing the fire seed?!"

"Ugh——!"

"Accompanied by Bailu's painful collapse, Mimi hurriedly called out to Star: "Oh no, he can't hold on! Pull him back, partners!""

"Everything returned to calm; Bailu struggled to his feet from the ground, gulping heavy breaths."

"Are you alright?"

"I... I'm fine. That blow... I can now withstand it. If it had been a few months ago, I'd likely have been unconscious."

"Star: "What if I fall asleep and it's over?""

"Bailu managed a faint laugh: "Ha... that's why I told you to eat your fill and sleep well on the road. Thank you for being willing to help. To face Aigle and any potential threats... I must hone myself, using the most drastic measures."

"That said, it's truly impressive that you could devise such a training method. Battling past illusions in the river of ages is akin to what bards call the "Sanctuary of Time and Spirit."