Chapter 942: The Eighth Day

"But now, Ting Yun also understands that the merchant's rules can contend with mortals, yet are hard to battle against gods."

Yu Kong looked at her seriously: "This was never a responsibility you should bear. You are merely an innocent survivor of this war."

"But Master Yu Kong… weren't you also a 'survivor' of the war?"

Ting Yun's words made Yu Kong's breath catch; the long‑dead memories seemed to revive. She inhaled deeply, as if pulling something from a very deep place, piece by piece… carefully pulling it back.

"In a hazy dream, someone seemed to tell me: the name of a survivor is often 'misfortune', but… Master Yu Kong, the brilliant gods were born to use humans as pieces, playing among the stars, leaving a field of wronged souls, lonely tombs, piles of bones… Have you ever considered making them pay?"

Yu Kong's tone was heavy: "…every moment. Yet how can specks of dust like us escape becoming the price in this game?"

"If there were a choice, I truly wouldn't want you to be any piece. I only wish you remain that lively little fox, without being drawn into this war…"

"Don't be so pessimistic, Master Yu Kong." Ting Yun smiled reassuringly, "Thanks to the Great Lord's 'generous favor', this time Ting Yun has become a player in the game. You should know, Solo Staff, Worm‑Dragon Descent… are always nameless pawns that leave commanders helpless. So now, Ting Yun will be a speck of dust, letting those behind‑the‑scenes big hands…"

"Just give a good few sneezes."

——

The Battle of Twin Cities.

Inside Piiertewofu Council Hall, Heimo Dingge sat on his custom high‑back chair, his gaze sternly scanning every councilor present.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I think we must face a problem head‑on." Heimo Dingge pointed at the two fox‑woman ladies conversing in the sky dome, "I believe we should increase funding for Piiertewofu University's weapon research, fostering more high‑tech weapons to meet future threats. Especially… the War of the Gods."

"We have seen the Antimatter Legion—an army that can span the Star Sea and invade countless worlds. If the future War of the Gods truly arrives, these legions will certainly extend their tendrils to every world in the universe. The Rune Continent is certainly one of them. We must—"

"My apologies, Professor."

Another voice interrupted him—a lavishly dressed female councilor, Mrs. Jilamanen, a faint smile at the corner of her mouth: "Excuse my intrusion, have you ever witnessed the War of the Gods?"

Heimo Dingge was momentarily stunned: "No. But we have seen the Antimatter Legion, haven't we? Beiloboge is the best example."

"But that is far from us—let alone you have never seen the Antimatter Legion with your own eyes." Her tone carried a barely perceptible sarcasm, "On what basis do you think that during the War of the Gods the Antimatter Legion would invade the Rune Continent?"

A few light laughs rang in the council hall.

Heimo Dingge widened his eyes, his facial expression turning somewhat complex.

"By logic," he said, "the War of the Gods is a punitive campaign against Nanu Ke, so—"

"By speculation," another bald, stout councilor interjected, "Professor Heimo Dingge, we all respect your wisdom and foresight, especially your centuries‑long contributions to Piiertewofu. But this time… don't you think it's a bit of needless worry?"

"This is not needless worry, it is—"

"Professor," Mrs. Jilamanen spoke again, her tone now a bit more courteous, "Compared to unseen future threats, I think Piiertewofu should focus on the present, such as… Zaun. Moreover, if, as you say, those Antimatter Legions truly will invade the Rune Continent, where do you think they would strike first?"

Heimo Dingge opened his mouth, but for a moment could not continue.

Mrs. Jilamanen continued on her own: "Nuoxikasisi, Demacia… those nations with formidable military strength are the primary targets of those cosmic invaders; as for Piiertewofu? Hehe…" she chuckled lightly, "We are a pearl of progress, a hub of commerce and technology, but not a military power, so the threat to us is minimal. Those Antimatter Legions would never bypass Nuoxikasisi to attack us first."

At her words, several other councilors nodded in agreement.

"That makes sense."

"Indeed, pouring massive funds into weapon development now—what if they end up useless?"

"Piiertewofu has always built its city on commerce and technology; the military has never been our strength. Rather than distant threats, we should first deal with the local petty warlords in the lower districts."

Listening to the back‑and‑forth of the councilors, Heimo Dingge's expression grew increasingly disappointed.

"This time we won't vote," the bald, stout councilor said, looking around, "I'm sure you understand, Professor Heimo Dingge."

——

"At the same time, Dream‑Building Frontier."

"Is there also the influence of order here?"

Xingqiri shook his head: "No, this stop is only for a farewell. I changed a decision midway; there are too many variables on this journey…" He gazed far at the railing, looking toward the distant Zhigengniao: "…adding another case wouldn't hurt."

"How do you know she's here?" Walte asked.

"I don't know, I just have a few guesses in my heart, testing my luck. Seems I also have moments of good fortune."

Walte: "Leaving such matters to luck isn't like your actions."

"I'm also trying to change."

Walte looked at Wanweike beside him: "I think others should avoid this setting, let's go."

Xingqiri was somewhat surprised: "Aren't you worried I might use this chance to escape?"

"I believe you are capable and willing to use everything, but that certainly does not include Miss Zhigengniao."

"…Thank you."

It was only a trip for Xingqiri who didn't intend to reveal his true identity; he needed Wanweike present, and regardless, she should not have any contact with a fugitive.

A farewell need not be known to both parties, and Xingqiri also doesn't want his sister to bear any risk because of his selfishness.

Walte extended his hand: "…Be my guest."

"Shall we go forward then?"

Xingqiri took a deep breath, steadied his mind, and resolutely said forward: "Let's go. If I cannot take this step… the departure cannot even be spoken of."