Chapter 925

Hercules shifted the conversation: "However, I'm curious—since the Black Swan is so interested in Wengfalosi, why did she send the train crew instead of bringing Yiting's people herself? Since Yiting can observe that world, having Yiting's people take the lead should be the most reasonable, right?"

——

Several weeks later, Pinokangni's golden moment.

But if you ask me, creating chaos is also a means of maintaining stability.

If you have time to chat, you might as well get to work.

They say they're continuing the investigation, but there's no need—the danger's long past; now they're just going through the motions.

Several clan members stood chatting on the street; one Hidden Night Thrush clan member smiled and said to the person beside them, "Just like you and me, the sudden frequent cooperation between clans is just for show to outsiders, isn't it?"

You seem to know a lot of inside information, so I'm curious…… The Hound clan member's eyes darkened: "So is the news true or false? Was the recent disturbance really caused by trouble in the Oak clan?"

This is putting me on the spot—I just said that creating chaos is also a means of maintaining stability. I don't know who's fanning the flames; meanwhile, over a dozen rumors are spreading outside, each more outrageous than the last.

"Hmm, I've also heard things like the conspiracy theory that the company planned everything, and… that the chaos was ended by a car accident, all messed up. So what's the truth?" The Hound clan member eagerly pursued the question.

"The truth is probably long buried under rumors. The only thing we can be sure of is that someone took responsibility."

"You mean… the former head of the Oak clan?"

"Yes, the Harmony Festival was unexpectedly interrupted, and he alone took the blame for most of it. After that he never showed up again—no one knows where he went, or even whether he's alive or dead, which is frightening. Maybe… just like the former Heibulin clan, we've unwittingly witnessed history."

"But as for that clan head, I also know another version…"

The two were chatting when Xingqiri suddenly arrived with a Pipisi person, interrupting their conversation. The Hound clan member stepped forward and stopped him: "Sorry, sir. The Dreamweaver is currently inspecting the nearby area, and related facilities are out of service. Please take a detour for now."

The Pipisi person named Wanweike was displeased: "What's going on? Is it the Star Core's influence? Can Pinokangni still let people rest easy in their dreams?"

"Please rest assured—the Star Core has long been sealed; this is just a routine inspection, which you can also understand as heightened security."

——

Absolute Zone Zero.

"One thing I actually admire about the family is that they can seal the Star Core on their own without relying on the train crew's help. Moreover, they themselves have conducted considerable research on the Star Core… Could it be that behind the family there's a dedicated team focused on Star Core research?"

In the office of Anti-Air Section Six, Qianyu Youzhen propped his chin on his hand, gazing at the sky, and let out a lazy yawn.

Sitting at the desk, Yuecheng Liu pushed up his glasses: "I also find it strange—I thought sealing the Star Core was the exclusive specialty of the train crew, the Black Tower Lady, and people like them, but I didn't expect the family to have such advanced technology. Moreover, they can transform the Star Core into a device that sustains Pinokangni's dreams, turning this universe's calamity into a treasure… I even believe their understanding of the Star Core has completely surpassed that of the Academy of the Learned."

"If the Star Core is the cancer spread by the Destruction Envoy across the universe, could this indicate that the family actually had intentions against Destruction all along? The family can summon a Harmony avatar and possesses the technology to use the Star Core—if the train crew could win them over…… they might gain some advantage in the final divine war."

"However, Pinokangni's family is just a small part of the forces." Yuecheng Liu sighed lightly, "After all, although the train crew has saved several worlds, its influence beyond Xianzhou and the Company is still too small. If an Envoy could arise from within the train crew…… it might become a key card in future negotiations with the family."

"Envoy……" Xingjian Ya, who had been practicing calligraphy at his desk, suddenly looked up: "…Can an Envoy obtain a promotion from the Star God through cultivation?"

"Studying works, but rote cultivation probably won't." Youzhen leaned back in his chair, stretching comfortably, "If Section Chief Ya, you were born in Xianzhou, fighting daily with the Abundance Folk and possessing limitless growth potential, you'd have a chance to become——"

"General?"

"It's the general's elite guard!" Yuzhen turned over in the chair, flopped onto the backrest, and gazed far at the class monitor's pointy ears. "But compared to being a general, you're still more suited to being a pure martial artist; the scheming needed for a general's position…"

Yuzhen couldn't help sticking out her tongue. If she stayed in that position, how many official duties would she have to handle each day? I really don't know how Jingyuan manages to sleep so well every day…

——

"I see, sorry to bother you both." Xingqiri, upon hearing that, intended to turn and leave.

"Huh?" a member of the Hound lineage called out from behind him, "Sorry, sir—have we met somewhere before?"

"Really?" Xingqiri turned his gaze, eyes fixed on her, "When and where?"

A strange feeling, like rippling water, welled up from the heart of the Hound lineage member, instantly causing her spirit to waver slightly. It was neither dizziness nor fatigue… as if the surrounding air began to undergo a substantive distortion, appearing as water‑like ripples.

But this feeling appeared only for an instant, then vanished with a "pop."

That lineage member rubbed his head in confusion, pondered hard, then sheepishly lowered his head: "Maybe I remembered wrong, sorry for the rudeness—please continue enjoying your dream."

After walking to a secluded spot, Wanweik stopped, arms crossed: "You really know how to stir up trouble. Of all the roads, you had to go digging right under the Hounds' noses."

Xingqiri unhurried: "With you around, there probably won't be a problem. Even if, speaking hypothetically, the 【Harmony】 disguise is seen through, we still have a way to escape."

"Think about it a little, you're Pinokangni's most wanted fugitive. Just standing beside you is enough to bring trouble upon yourself."

"This is also why I must travel with you; right now, you are the only person I can rely on in Pinokangni."

Wanweik seemed to find this very interesting, repeatedly saying with deep meaning, "The only person I can rely on…" He pursed his lips, indicating to shift his gaze to the adjacent advertising screen, where the familiar, gentle smile of Zhigengniao was clearly displayed.

"…What about her?"

"……" Xingqiri stared silently for a while, let out a deep sigh, "…At least she hasn't been dragged into this because of me."