Chapter 515: 2.3 Main·Pinokangni (186)

「「Fortunately no one believed his words. But just in case, the Hunter lineage still reclaimed these buttons. 」」

「Upon hearing this, Tuopa grew even more curious, carefully examining the mountain‑high pile of buttons on the ground: "What exactly happens when you press them—has nobody really tried?"」

「「Hmph… you might not know Pinokangni well enough? All visitors here share one trait: they cherish their lives dearly. In short, the family will handle these things promptly—please keep your distance. 」」

「Upon hearing that, Tuopa also left and, through a nearby family attendant, learned that the owner of the Radiant Long Stone was the head of the Medicago Grass Family, Mr. Aodi·Aifafa. This luxurious airship had been cruising above the Dream Sea for a full Amber Age, but due to the earlier 【Turbulence】 it had to suspend service. 」」

「「Turbulence? Such an official phrasing, really downplaying it. 」 Tuopa snapped back to attention: "Ah, sorry, please continue. 」」

「The attendant cleared his throat: "…Cough. Because of the earlier turbulence, the Radiant Long Stone had to suspend service for a while, but now the destabilizing factors disturbing the dream have been eliminated. However… uh… 'special reasons' forced the original plan to hold the Grand Harmony Ceremony at the Pinokangni Grand Theatre to be postponed temporarily. Thus Mr. Aodi proposed: why not move the ceremony's venue to the Radiant Long Stone, which also presents a perfect opportunity to announce its resumption of cruises. 」」

——

Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Shu Camp, the central army's grand tent ablaze with lights—all Shu commanders gazed together at the wondrous, bizarre spectacle on the heavenly canopy: that Pinokangni's dreamy clamor, utterly unlike the mortal world, especially after the "Dream of Taiyi," Zhang Fei, Zhao Yun and the other commanders fell into a deep sleep in their respective camps for several days, dreaming of the Wei army's crushing defeat, the removal of Cao's forces, the revival of the Han—only to wake to a millet‑meal dream. Thereafter, Zhuge Liang came to value the heavenly canopy's sight all the more.

Zhang Fei's eyes widened, his voice like a thunderclap: "Mr. Aodi? This airship is quite imposing—could it be the new emperor of Pinokangni?"

「Third Brother, I doubt it. 」 Guan Yu stroked his long beard, narrowed his phoenix eyes, and declared proudly: "He is merely a member of the Medicago Grass lineage—probably just a local strongman of Pinokangni. The Son of Heaven of Pinokangni… even if he seizes temporary power, without the ambition to swallow heaven and earth, the talent to govern the world, he is unfit for the throne."

After a moment's thought, Liu Bei said: "If he can enjoy honor amidst Pinokangni's chaos, Mr. Aodi must have something extraordinary—either a talent for management or the ability to gather people. Second Brother, Third Brother… do not underestimate him."

「Your lord's words are quite right. 」 Zhuge Liang, fanning lightly beside Liu Bei, his eyes deep, said: "In my view, Mr. Aodi is likely an opportunistic merchant seizing the moment. Now Pinokangni's authority lies vacant, the Dream Lord has declined, and Xingqiri has gone into hiding. They may seek to use the postponement of the 'Grand Harmony Ceremony' to ally with the company for profit, leveraging power to overwhelm others—what they truly seek is not Pinokangni's throne, but huge gains."

Having said that, Zhuge Liang gave a faint smile with his fan: "Formerly, when the Dream Lord still held Pinokangni's realm and its altars, Mr. Aodi never showed his face. Now that Xingqiri has vanished, he cannot wait—clearly he is a crafty schemer of chaotic times, not a capable minister of orderly rule."

Upon hearing Zhuge Liang's words, everyone suddenly understood, their doubts dispelled. Someone sighed: "The strategist's words are as clear as seeing fire. Thus, although Pinokangni is strange, it is not free of profit‑seeking wrangling."

Zhang Fei burst into loud laughter, refusing to stop: "Hahaha, if the strategist is right, then in my view Mr. Aodi is a merchant; meeting with the company will surely involve haggling, and if we can really raise a ruckus, there'll be a good show to watch!"

——

In the midst of speaking, Tuopa received another call from the Human Resources Incentive Department; the person on the other end seemed intent on holding her to a Beiluoboge case, deliberately making things difficult, which made her very angry.

「I really don't understand… you keep fixating on this little case, pushing it higher and higher—what's your motive? 」

Before the words had finished, a gentle female voice came from behind Tuopa: "Boring talk… just hang up, right? In my view, you handled that project well."

Upon hearing the voice, Tuopa turned and saw not far away a woman of graceful bearing and splendid attire, who slowly closed a contract she had just signed, then walked toward her.

Originally still curious about Zhang Wang's Zhangzhang, it sensed some invisible aura, let out a short grunt, and quickly darted behind Tuopa, poking out only half its head and tiny nose, trembling nervously.

「A tiny ice crystal for a favor from the Star Vault Train— for the department, it's a sure win. 」

Yet, in stark contrast to Zhangzhang's fear, the moment Tuopa saw the newcomer's posture, she unconsciously broke into a genuine, relaxed smile; the woman naturally brushed her hand across Tuopa's face, gently lifting a strand of hair at her cheek—an intimacy so familiar it felt as if it had happened countless times before.

「Long time no see, Xiao Ye Linna. I've been looking forward to working with you—I didn't expect this day to come so quickly. Are you troubled by anything? 」

「…You can tell me anything, just like before. 」

The woman slowly lifted her head; in her hand gleamed a flawless jade stone, which seemed to resonate with her master's mood, casting a mysterious greenish light in the air.

——

Journey to the West.

Only see that Jade Lady's brows like moths, her powdered face blooming with spring. Alluring beauty that could topple nations, a graceful figure that stirs the heart. What of Chu maidens' beauty, Xi Shi's grace? Zhu Bajie took one look and went limp half‑body, drooling, rubbing his hands and exclaiming: "Goodness! Which fairy descended from the moon palace to become even more gorgeous than Chang'e herself?"

The Monk's fiery eyes flashed; he leapt up, brandished his golden hooped staff, and pointed at Zhu Bajie's nose, shouting: "Blockhead! Don't let appearances fool you! As Old Sun sees it, this woman's aura… uh, though not demonic, is a sharp, money‑smelling cleverness! Clearly she's a formidable figure, like a gold‑and‑silver‑clad snake demon."

「Brother, don't lie—there are no spirits in Pinokangni. 」

Zhu Bajie gazed at the Radiant Long Stone's splendor and beauty on the heavenly canopy, his heart itching unbearably; sitting on a stone, he felt like a needle prick to his rear, twisting left and right, unable to hold back. Especially the two female bodhisattvas on the canopy, skin whiter than snow, made his lust run wild, his courage bold, and he couldn't tear his gaze away.

As for the others, Tripitaka lowered his head with palms together, Sun Wukong feigned ignorance, Sha Wujing turned away—yet no one stared long at the two heavenly bodhisattvas.

"Alas, if only I could go up there once, enjoy a day, that would be better than countless in this mortal world." After looking at it for a long time, Bajie was both greedy and annoyed, muttering softly.