Chapter 707: Evening Martial Contest, Testing the Edge (7)

Dan Heng crossed his arms: "Good question, he's right here; why not ask him yourself?"

San Yue shook his head repeatedly: "No, I still want to live a bit longer."

While they chatted for a moment, Yan Qing had finished reading the case file sent by Qing Zuo; after reading it twice, the youth let out a deep sigh.

"The general really gave me a tough problem, having to convince the company."

"Is this the general's test of you?" Xing asked.

"It's not really a test. Besides tactics and martial arts, cloud knight officers occasionally have to resolve some diplomatic disputes. But… communicating with words is ultimately not as simple as using weapons on the battlefield. Especially when dealing with the company's people, their speech is always full of formalities, which is the most headache-inducing."

Having said that, Yan Qing carefully put away the case file: "No need to worry about these; shall I take you all to the inn?"

After the few people left the Si Chen Palace, Jing Yuan turned his gaze back to Yan Lao.

"Luofu's martial arts ceremony being honored by your presence is naturally Luofu's fortune. But merely a martial arts ceremony managing to summon both Zhu Ming and Yao Qing, two heavenly generals, at the same time—surely it's not just for observation? Elder Yan, on this visit, does the marshal have any orders?"

The elder Yan, who had been meditating with closed eyes, slowly opened them: "Jing Yuan, you're overthinking. I said before, this visit is just to let that child see the world; I have no intention of commenting on Luofu's situation." He paused, "... but what plans that Yao Qing general has is likewise not something I can comment on."

"Do you remember? When you first took office, I told you that the battlefield of the Divine Bow Heavenly General is not just outside the Celestial Vessel. Going into battle to negotiate, handling internal affairs… the importance carried by the title 'general' far exceeds its literal meaning."

——

Harry Potter.

"Internal negotiation? Could there be bad people inside the Celestial Vessel?" Ron asked while chewing a pumpkin pie, his words muffled.

"Not bad people……even good people need negotiation." Hermione raised a finger, speaking in her usual patient tone used to explain homework to the two: "A general's duties are far more complex. From General Huai Yan's words, it seems the upper echelons of the Celestial Vessel also have various contradictions, and the general must flexibly navigate them, balancing all sides' interests."

"Contradictions?" Ron's brows furrowed tighter: "Aren't the people of the Celestial Vessel supposed to unite against the… Abundant People? Internal strife—isn't that just courting death?"

"Exactly, it's because we must oppose the Abundant People that contradictions arise." Harry nodded: "Every general is tied to the life and death of countless Celestial Vessel civilians; any decision they make is crucial. Take Professor Dumbledore as an example—besides having to face Voldemort, in major school affairs he also has to handle differing opinions from the Ministry of Magic and other heads of houses."

Ron nodded, half-understanding, then took another big bite of the pumpkin pie: "Being a general is really troublesome; can one even sleep a whole day? And yet that Miss Fu Xuan actually wants to be a general..."

"Hasn't she served as acting general once? She seems to enjoy it." Hermione suddenly recalled: the pink-haired Grand Diviner, at such a crucial occasion, is actually absent.

——

"So many years have passed, you've always done well. But to the people of the Celestial Vessel, living too long is a curse. It means every mistake made in life lurks in the shadows, and one day it will catch up and devour you."

"General Huai Yan lifted his gaze to Jing Yuan: 'Everything that has happened on Luofu is known to the marshal. And Yao Qing's Sky-Strike General… she has come for you.'"

Having said that, Huai Yan suddenly laughed; the old man's hearty laugh somewhat eased the nearly frozen atmosphere inside the Si Chen Palace.

"But it's strange—why hasn't she arrived yet? Everyone says Yao Qing's Sky-Strike General is always swift as thunder, seizing the initiative; being this late today is not her style."

"General Huai Yan's remark is mistaken——"

"Suddenly a warm male voice came from the doorway; a pink-haired, narrow-eyed fox person and a hooded man slowly walked into the Si Chen Palace."

"Our superior arrived early this morning. But you two must have heard—her temperament is always unrestrained."

"The other hooded man added: 'As soon as she got off the Star Raft she vanished, saying she had business to attend to; no one could stop her.'"

"You must be the envoys of Yao Qing from the Celestial Vessel."

"The pink-haired fox nodded: 'Aides under the Sky-Strike General's command, Jiao Qiu and Mo Ze, pay respects to the two heavenly generals.'"

"'Interesting—when guests visit, they don't go straight to see the host but instead send a message. What kind of play is this? Tell me, what does she have that's more important than coming here?'"

"'Our superior heard that on Luofu, in the Scale Abyss, a wondrous sight has appeared, truly spectacular; presumably she went to view the scenery.'"

"Huai Yan stroked his beard, laughing even louder: 'What a 【wondrous sight】. Let me translate it for you, Jing Yuan—this kid is just throwing shade at you.'"

——

Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid.

"'Yin-yang weirdness? What yin-yang weirdness?' Thor looked puzzled at Kobayashi."

"'Well… think about it, after Luofu's disaster, what's the biggest change?'"

"'Probably the Divine Tree?'"

"'It is the Divine Tree.' Kobayashi nodded: 'The Divine Tree is a calamity left by the Abundant Star God, yet this pink-haired fox calls the post-disaster Divine Tree a "wondrous sight"—in reality, he's secretly mocking Jing Yuan's negligence, turning that calamity into a 'wondrous sight.'"

"'These people really don't like speaking plainly.' Thor couldn't help sticking out his tongue: 'Do smart people always talk so evasively?'"

"'However, the Sky-Strike General herself probably doesn't think that way… judging from General Huai Yan's words, this general seems formidable, hot-headed.'"

"'That general is heading toward Jing Yuan… could she be coming to fight him?' Kanna asked, puffing her cheeks."

"'Would the two generals fight? Though I'd love to see it, it's unlikely.' Kobayashi adjusted his glasses: 'Although Jing Yuan is strong, considering his age… he's probably considered old among Celestial Vessel folks. Besides, he just fought Huan Long a few months ago and can't withstand this level of turmoil.'"

——

"General Huaiyan's words are too heavy; I am merely conveying the facts. My general considered it improper to keep you both waiting, so he sent us two ahead." Jiaoqiu slowly opened his eyes, revealing those beautiful amber pupils: "... After she finishes enjoying the scenery, she will come in person to consult with you both."