Chapter 24

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Xuan Ge

In the main hall of the Divine Strategy Mansion, the jade edict files that had previously piled up like mountains had been put away. Behind that broad zitan wood desk, two generals sat side by side — Jing Yuan and Xuan Ge.

Before the desk, five figures stood respectfully, yet the atmosphere was utterly unlike a routine report or receipt of orders; it was permeated with a subtle tension tinged with scrutiny and expectation.

Xuan Ge's gaze, carrying unconcealed interest, swept over the five people below in turn.

A faint, unfathomable smile played at the corner of Jing Yuan's mouth, as if this were merely an ordinary audience, but those half-narrowed golden eyes were like the most precise sensors, capturing every minute fluctuation.

At the far left stood Yu Kong.

This outstanding aviator of the Sky-Faring Commission stood ramrod straight; she strove to maintain her composure, only her fingers clasped before her unconsciously rubbed lightly against her knuckles.

Right beside her was Cai Yi.

Almost subconsciously, she leaned half a step toward her husband Guang Yuan's side, their shoulders nearly touching.

The fox tail behind her, its fur glossy, swayed lightly left and right with minute, uncontrolled amplitude, betraying her inner disquiet.

At the far right were Yu Fei and Dan Shu.

Yu Fei was so tense she nearly held her breath; she kept her head lowered, eyes fixed on the polished floor, one hand tightly clutching the sleeve of her friend Dan Shu beside her.

Sensing her unease, Dan Shu turned her head slightly, soothing her with a breath so light only the two of them could hear it; at the same time, she too lowered her head slightly and cast down her eyes.

It was not cowardice — rather, as a Heaven-Deficient person, her eyes could not see; the habit formed over long years was to avoid "direct gaze" before strangers or superiors, lest she commit a breach of etiquette or draw unnecessary attention.

The Xianzhou immortals, bodies of longevity — their appearance, intellect, and even the many traits of their bodies — are engraved into the eternal flesh and genes from the moment of birth, never again subject to change.

Short-lived species might perhaps compensate for defects through clever techniques or surgery, but for the long-lived species, any external force attempting to correct a "Heaven Deficiency" will ultimately be rejected and repaired by this body that eternally returns to its origin.

Heaven Deficiency is an ascetic practice that accompanies eternity, impossible to mend.

This difference made her all the more sensitive here and now.

The tension permeating the air was not without cause.

The "fearsome reputation" of General Xuan Ge, the Divine Might General, circulates within the Alliance in versions far beyond mere invincibility on the battlefield.

Those who had once blocked him from becoming a general were, by the grudge-holding Xuan Ge, investigated for over a dozen years until he finally uncovered the problems.

Xuan Ge bypassed the Ten Kings Commissions, led troops straight to their doors to "send warmth," and directly had them all beheaded on the spot.

Although afterward Marshal Hua and the various Heavenly Generals issued a joint statement clarifying that those he executed were all confirmed by solid evidence, idle office-holders who endangered the Xianzhou.

But the shock brought by the phrases "bypassing the Ten Kings Commissions" and "direct beheading on the spot" was enough to make many civil or technical personnel who had never experienced the blood and fire of the battlefield feel dread in their hearts when facing this general.

Xuan Ge seemed entirely unaware of this tension, or rather, he was used to it.

His gaze fell first on Yu Kong, and that signature smile — affable yet with a touch of teasing — surfaced on his face as he spoke:

"Yu Kong, is it? To escort a critically ill patient to the emergency room, you ran six red lights in a row."

Xuan Ge nodded, his tone casual like idle chat: "Not bad, truly not bad. Skill, courage, and this heart of yours — all rare."

At those words, Yu Kong's fox ears twitched subconsciously, and she raised her head to look at Xuan Ge.

This is praise? But this opening line..... I keep feeling there's something following behind it.

She parted her lips, momentarily unsure how to respond.

Jing Yuan's gentle voice sounded at just the right moment, like a spring breeze turning into rain, instantly dispelling the hint of uncertainty Xuan Ge's words had brought.

"Yu Kong, no need to overthink. The Divine Might General is merely learning the situation; you just listen."

"Yes..... General." Yu Kong exhaled in relief, lowered her head again, hands properly folded before her, resuming the standard listening posture.

With Jing Yuan Jiang Jun present, she seemed to feel at ease a good deal more.

"Tch." Xuan Ge clicked his tongue almost inaudibly, turned his face, and shot Jing Yuan a sidelong glance.

Jing Yuan returned him a flawless, spring-breeze smile, as if just now he had only done the most natural thing in the world.

"Everyone, no need to be nervous." Jing Yuan no longer acknowledged Xuan Ge's look, turning to the people below, his voice gentle and clear, carrying the power to settle hearts.

"Today's audience is not for any urgent business. The Divine Might General has come from afar and takes great interest in the outstanding talents emerging on the Luofu in recent years.

This time it is merely to meet, to chat, to see what manner of pillars our Luofu possesses."

"Yes, General." Cai Yi, Guang Yuan, and the others hurriedly answered in unison, their tense shoulders seeming to relax a fraction.

Jing Yuan Jiang Jun's words always put people at ease.

Xuan Ge's eyebrows rose a few degrees higher.

He used his eyes to frantically transmit an invisible message to Jing Yuan, the gist being:

'Jing Yuan! You're cheating! You're practically slapping a "Luofu Exclusive" label on them!'

Jing Yuan seemed to understand; meeting Xuan Ge's "accusatory" gaze, his smile deepened, he spread his hands imperceptibly, his eyes plainly writing:

'Who told you to pull a scheme on Yu Kong right off the bat? Don't blame me for "sabotaging" you.'

Xuan Ge withdrew his gaze, as if abandoning some roundabout tactic.

He cleared his throat, straightened his body, and the smile on his face became more direct, even carrying a bit of devil-may-care satisfaction:

"Cough, alright. I see everyone's pretty confused too; this guy Jing Yuan loves beating around the bush when he talks."

No longer looking at Jing Yuan's instantly narrowed eyes, his gaze swept over the five below, speaking frankly and without reserve.

"Me? I won't beat around the bush with you all. That's right, one of my main purposes for coming to the Luofu this time, besides seeing an old friend, is to poach people.

To see if there are any outstanding talents willing to go to my Divine Might Xianzhou and do some great undertaking together."

"Poach people?!"

Those two words, like pebbles tossed into a calm lake, stirred distinct ripples in the hearts of the five below.

Even Jing Yuan revealed a "you really dare say it directly" expression, but he immediately grew alert, his body leaning slightly forward, entering a state ready to intervene at any moment, to shield his own "saplings" from wind and rain.

"General! I....." Yu Kong almost subconsciously spoke up, she glanced at Cai Yi beside her, tone firm.

"Cai Yi and I are comrades who fought back-to-back on the battlefield, a bond of life and death, we..... we didn't plan to separate."

This is the most direct and also most powerful reason.

"Ah~! No matter! Completely no matter!"

Xuan Ge immediately picked up the conversation, speech fast but clear, carrying a kind of sales enthusiasm that brooked no interruption.

"Go together! Shen Wu Xian Zhou welcomes you most warmly! Room and board covered, treatment preferential, daily working hours strictly controlled within six double-hours, every ten-day period guaranteed two days of rest!

Also all kinds of spring outings, autumn outings, Xing Kong exploration team building activities!

Absolutely letting everyone balance work and life, fully display talents, enjoy life!"

He spoke at flying speed, gaze then turning toward Dan Shu and Yu Fei's direction, tone becoming even more serious and full of temptation:

"Miss Dan Shu, Miss Yu Fei. I know, Xian Zhou Tian Que, is an ancient difficult problem.

But in my Shen Wu Xian Zhou, this is absolutely not an untouchable forbidden zone!

I have already reached preliminary intention with Interstellar Peace Corporation Strategic Investment Department, can also contact Bo Shi Xue Hui's top life scholars.

We are willing to invest resources, gather wisdom, specially establish a project, explore possible methods to improve perception and enrich experience for Tian Que people.

Dare not say reverse Tian Que, but seek to open new paths, let life have more convenience and color."

"Also....." he still had more to say, obviously there were more "benefits" and blueprints to depict.

"Cough cough!" Jing Yuan coughed heavily twice, voice not loud, but just right to interrupt Xuan Ge's pitch.

He couldn't let this guy keep talking, even he himself listening felt a bit moved, keep talking and someone might really nod on the spot!

Jing Yuan's face once again wore that gentle yet slightly apologetic smile, looking at the five people below with varied expressions, tone soothing yet carrying power to settle hearts:

"Presumably, Shen Wei General's thirst for talent and sincerity, everyone has already understood. Shen Wu Xian Zhou newly established, hundred industries waiting to rise, truly a place of great potential."

He turned the conversation slightly, voice adding a trace of hard-to-detect, genuine emotion.

"This matter concerns everyone's future, naturally should be carefully considered. I Jing Yuan, and Luo Fu Xian Zhou, absolutely will not for any selfish motive obstruct everyone pursuing more suitable own world and development.

Everyone..... think slowly, no need to rush for a moment, also no need to..... mind my thoughts."

That last sentence, voice soft, even carrying a trace of faint, as if about to lose precious thing melancholy.

Matching his always seemingly somewhat weary yet gentle expression, killing power astonishing.

Yu Kong looking at Jing Yuan Jiang Jun that clearly reluctant yet trying to show support and magnanimity appearance, then thinking of usual guidance and trust, heart immediately had decision.

She stepped forward half a step, deeply bowed: "Many thanks Shen Wei General's thick favor~ but I received Shen Ce General's recognition and promotion grace, deeply feel Luo Fu is my foothold serve place, currently..... temporarily no other thoughts."

Words tactful, but refusal meaning clear.

Xuan Ge's face that brilliant smile, imperceptibly "collapsed" a small corner, but immediately propped it up again, waved hand:

"No matter, no matter. Everyone has their own aspirations."

Cai Yi seeing this, also drummed up courage, raised hand, said softly:

"Ge-General..... I, I also..... want to stay at Luo Fu, stay at Tian Bo Si....."

Finished speaking, then hurriedly put hand down, hid back beside Guang Yuan.

Xuan Ge's smile again "collapsed" a small corner, amplitude a bit larger than just now, but he still maintained demeanor:

"No matter, no matter, understand, understand."

Guang Yuan as flying fighter and Cai Yi's husband, words not many, just cupped fists, steadily performed salute:

"This subordinate Guang Yuan, also willing to continue serve Luo Fu. Ashamed to face General's kind intention."

Xuan Ge's smile this time obviously "collapsed" a bit, corner of mouth arc somewhat forced, but he still squeezed out a word:

"No..... matter."

Heart that pain ah..... as if already seeing "buy one get two free" big gift package growing wings flying away from before eyes.

He finally cast hopeful gaze toward Dan Shu and Yu Fei who had not yet clearly expressed stance.

Yu Fei feeling that gaze, even more nervous, she help-seeking shook Dan Shu's arm, low voice said:

"Dan Shu..... this, this too sudden, I don't know....."

Dan Shu lightly patted Yu Fei's hand back, signaled her to be at ease.

Then, she toward Xuan Ge and Jing Yuan voice came direction, slightly bowed, voice clear cold yet respectful:

"Shen Wei General, Shen Ce General. This matter concerns major, may I..... allow us two privately briefly discuss, then reply?"

Done! Still have hope!

Xuan Ge eyes instantly relit brilliance, few steps walked to Dan Shu front.

Realizing other party cannot see objects, he stopped steps, voice placed especially gentle, carrying clear joy:

"Of course! No problem!"

He considered a moment, empty raised hand, made a help-up motion, and did not truly touch other party, to show respect.

"Miss Dan Shu, Miss Yu Fei, you all just slowly discuss.

I day after tomorrow only then set off leave Luo Fu, time ample. Regardless final decision how, I all respect your choices."

Dan Shu seemed able to feel other party tone's sincerity and that share respect, heart slightly moved, again bowed:

"Many thanks General understanding."

Watching Yu Kong, Cai Yi, Guang Yuan as if relieved heavy burden yet slightly apologetic salute withdraw, Dan Shu and Yu Fei also arm-in-arm leave, Xuan Ge stood in original place, touched chin.

Not come now, not represent later not come.

People ah, always need a bit of opportunity.

Thinking if Dan Shu and Yu Fei can come, Ling Sha that side Dan Ding Si pressure can greatly relieve, maybe also can help him share more trivial matters.

Jing Yuan long already sat back own General's Seat, again spread open Official Documents.

Raised head glanced see Xuan Ge standing in hall middle, staring at empty empty doorway foolishly smiling, one face plan succeeded appearance, couldn't help but slightly shook head.