Chapter 940: Departure on the Eighth Day (16)

Yuzhen wiggled his fingers: "No no no, I'm talking about the store manager~"

"Store manager?"

"Section chief, you might as well think carefully: as the legendary rope craftsman Fa'ertong of New Ailidu, the store manager not only maintains cooperative contact with the mayor, but also enjoys such a good relationship with you, Section chief, and the newly risen Virtual Hunter Miss Ye Shunguang. Moreover, the two store managers are close with Yugo and Weiwei'an of the anti‑tongue bird, and even the big star Yao Jiayin and the 'Delusional Angel' group that recently performed on Tuojin Day have excellent relations."

Yuzhen spread his palm and counted on his fingers: "If you count carefully, the store manager's network covers both the black and white sides of New Ailidu, even touching the military, politics, and entertainment industries. Without mastering a bit of the art of 'talking,' how could the two store managers handle so many forces with composure?"

"So I believe… the two store managers are definitely the best talkers in New Ailidu!"

Those words were logical and well‑argued, and for a moment opened Xingjian Ya's mind.

"I see, Yuzhen, you're right. I'll go visit the rope craftsman tomorrow to practice the art of 'talking.'"

——

Afterwards the three went to Doctor Edward's place and selected a few dream bubbles as souvenirs; as they were parting, Ting Yun also gave San Yueqi a dream bubble she had carefully chosen.

"'I have to send Miss Ting Yun back… I'm a bit reluctant.'"

Alas, all feasts must end; despite the reluctance, the two still escorted her onto the Hui Changshi and met Jizi.

"'You're back?'"

"'Hmm, ran into something and was delayed a bit. The details… better wait for Uncle Yang to return and explain. Has the Celestial Vessel envoy arrived?'"

"'Hmm, we've already chatted for a while; it just so happens to be an acquaintance you know.'"

After speaking, Jizi's gaze turned toward the figure walking toward the group from afar.

The figure was slender and upright, fox ears lightly pricked from the hair, a familiar cheongsam outlining a crisp silhouette—this attire was instantly recognizable to everyone present; it was Yu Kong, one of Luofu's Six Guardians.

She walked at a relaxed, unhurried pace, but when her eyes fell on Ting Yun, they suddenly froze.

After a long moment, she slowly shifted her gaze away.

"'Everyone, hope you're all well.'"

Ting Yun's emerald eyes, usually light and faint like a forest shrouded in a thin mist, only ever showed a tranquil green; but at this moment, it was as if a sunrise burst forth, dispersing the dense fog completely.

A warmth spread from the fox‑girl's eyes upward.

"'Lord Yu Kong?' Ting Yun still found it hard to believe that Yu Kong would come to Pinokangni himself to greet her."

"'Actually I've been rehearsing this scene over and over, worrying I might slip in front of everyone, even planning every single line I'll say.'"

Yu Kong lowered her gaze; her usually calm eyes were now half‑obscured by lashes, the light within them indistinct. She was silent for a moment, as if sorting something, or suppressing something.

"'But it seems unnecessary,' Yu Kong lifted her eyes. 'I'm here to take you back, Ting Yun.'"

——

Honkai 3.

"Miss Ting Yun can finally return to a normal life, how wonderful."

I originally thought Yu Kong and Ting Yun's reunion would involve an embrace and a good cry, but in fact this wordless, mutual understanding is also moving. Thinking of this, Li Su Shang let out a long sigh, her face bearing a motherly, satisfied smile.

Inside the Heaven's Mandate Headquarters, Otto quietly gazed at the scene of the two fox‑people reuniting against the sky, his eyes long and far‑reaching.

Silence.

A silence longer than usual.

Li Su Shang was curious why he remained silent; just as she was about to ask, Rita cut her off with a gesture. Her gaze turned complexly toward the man standing by the floor‑to‑ceiling window; she'd known him so long that she could read, from the slightest shifts in his expression, things others could not.

…perhaps he was imagining the scene of reuniting with Caren after her resurrection.

But that subtle change flashed across Otto's face and vanished. He quickly composed his expression, turned his head slightly, and looked at Rita: "Chronologically, my counterpart should have known before arriving at the Celestial Vessel that Ting Yun's caravan was attacked, and he pre‑informed Ruan Mei, asking her to rescue Ting Yun. Combined with the breeding remnants in his coffin… what he traded with Ruan Mei is self‑evident."

"Ruan Mei's resurrected King Worm likely also comes from a portion of the breeding remnants in his coffin… He gave the Star God's divine body to Ruan Mei," Rita said.

"Hmm, perhaps he also wants to know how far humanity's research into the Star God's divine body has progressed," Otto said, squinting with interest. "…Interesting, what does that 'I' actually intend? Is it to gather the remaining Star God remnants in the universe and, with human effort, resurrect a dead Star God?"

——

Jizi led the other two away, giving the two of them enough space to reminisce.

"'I didn't expect it to be Lord Yu Kong; it's both surprising and delightful…'"

"'I requested it myself, after all… the one who came back is you.'"

"'Yes, and it's me…'"

Yu Kong looked at her with concern: "Your body… the days ahead will be hard, won't they?"

"'I've already walked through the Gate of Ghosts; what more can be criticized?' Ting Yun smiled faintly, reassuring, 'It's not all bad; now that I'm arm‑wrestling with Lord Yu Kong, perhaps I'll win.'"

"'You're still as calm as before,' Yu Kong laughed. 'I have many things to say, but let's leave them for the road. The journey back to Luofu is long; we have plenty of time. Even if we can't eradicate it, the method to alleviate the ailment… the Celestial Vessel will certainly have a solution.'"

"'I never doubted that, but… since there's no one else, I'll ask another question,' Ting Yun suppressed her smile, '…Do I really have to return to Luofu?'"

Yu Kong was very surprised: "What? You don't intend to go back?"

"'The Illusory Fog acts ruthlessly, yet I, who should have been eliminated, survived. Lord Ruan Mei and the Celestial Vessel have nothing to do with it, so why intervene to rescue a little girl? I suppose Ting Yun, unknowingly, became a pawn in someone else's game.'"

Yu Kong didn't deny: "Some within the Alliance think the same; the suspect is now at Jade Gate."

"'In this way, Ting Yun really shouldn't return to Luofu; it would only add chaos to the situation. Perhaps we should go with the flow and make full use of the resources?'"

"'Making full use of the resources… what does that mean?'"

"'Now the ember‑extinguishing seal within me maintains a subtle balance, and… they were forged by Illusory Fog herself. If possible, I hope Lord Yu Kong will present this matter to the general, allowing me to see the marshal—this body might help the Alliance get closer to the Celestial Vessel's enemy.'"