Pei Guang cracked open the lid of the trash can just slightly, just enough to pass through snacks and drinks to Bailu inside.
"You're really too kind," Bailu said, munching contentedly.
Pei Guang chuckled, "Just remember that when we're injured and coming to you for healing. Maybe give us a discount, huh?"
"Of course! For you guys, checkups will be free." Bailu responded with a grin, "But for now, shh—I'm trying to enjoy this."
Bailu was reveling in the thrill of being hidden. As a member of the Alchemy Commission, she knew all too well the seriousness of the Palace of Astrum and was more than familiar with Yukong, whom she'd seen countless times. But today, hiding in a trash can while playing games and snacking was her ultimate act of rebellion. It felt like a rare taste of freedom, a secret little rebellion against the rules that normally defined her life.
The sound of the exchanges outside filled the can as she snacked, and she couldn't help but feel a new sense of excitement at the Trailblazers' plan. She wanted to help and be part of this group, even if her duties kept her bound to Xianzhou.
But then, she remembered Stelle's words: "Rules are meant to be broken". As long as she wasn't caught, no one would ever know she had followed the Trailblazers on their adventure. Besides, they were up against Stellaron Hunters—of course, they'd need some healing! That wasn't "playing": it was helping.
Meanwhile, Pei Guang's attention had shifted back to Jing Yuan's request, recorded in his mission log. It was the usual stuff—capture Kafka, ensure her interrogation—nothing out of the ordinary. As he listened, half-focused, Jing Yuan turned to him and asked, "And what are your thoughts, Pei Guang?"
"My thoughts?" Pei Guang blinked, reviewing the notes on his HUD. "Oh, right—capturing Kafka. Sure, no problem. Ah! I lost my bet with Himeko; you really are the sensible type of leader."
Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? You initially thought I'd ignore the larger picture?"
"Yep! I half-expected you'd be the 'to-the-death' type or a leader who would just muddle through from the rear. But you turned out to be a strategist, which makes this whole operation way simpler."
Jing Yuan laughed heartily. "Good, good! I take it, then, you'll accept my request?"
Pei Guang shrugged, "I'll do any mission you hand me. But if I don't like the reward, don't blame me for pranking you while you sleep." He raised his wooden sword in a playful threat.
Stelle joined in, brandishing her flame-tipped spear, "Forget that thing! My lance packs more punch—and it's got flames!"
Jing Yuan, noticing the subtle glow of Preservation's power on her weapon, remarked, "Excellent. If you're sincere in your aid, then we in the Luofu will answer in kind. I'll see that Yukong provides you with all relevant intelligence and top personnel to support the hunt for the Stellaron Hunters. While you're here, consider the Divination Commission and Cloud Knights at your disposal."
Pei Guang tilted his head, confirming, "Any information related to the Stellaron Hunters, you'll share it with us?"
Jing Yuan nodded. "Exactly."
"Hmm," Pei Guang mused. "Smart move. You're more of a strategist than I thought."
The two shared a knowing glance. But even as they talked, Jing Yuan's gaze drifted toward the trash can Pei Guang was carrying.
It was such a tiny crack, really, one that anyone else would have missed. But Jing Yuan noticed the narrow slit open for just a second before it clicked shut again. The sight drew him in, and he found himself captivated, but he couldn't see a thing inside. Even the most advanced Xianzhou equipment couldn't penetrate its surface.
Inside, Bailu watched Jing Yuan, sure she'd made eye contact with him. Surely he'd figured out she was in here… Yet he simply looked away, oblivious. She could hardly contain her excitement.
After taking on the assignment, Pei Guang regrouped with his team, where March 7th couldn't hold back her excitement, "Pei Guang, the general is backing us up! Think about it—it's so exciting!"
Welt, more serious, murmured, "There are still things he's avoiding, and his hesitation only confirms some of our theories. It looks like your predictions were right."
This verified a few of Welt's previous suspicions, which helped him firm up his plans. His preparations for what lay ahead would have to be even more thorough.
As the group discussed their next move, Yukong approached. "Per the general's orders, I'm authorizing permits for access to key areas of the Starskiff Haven. As for additional support… manpower is stretched thin with repairs across the ports. For now, Miss Tingyun will help coordinate your itinerary. Also, the general requested that I relay this message: feel free to handle any stray containers or unclaimed items on the streets however you see fit, but leave others' property untouched."
Pei Guang laughed, "Don't worry. We may smash and loot, but we only take what's rightfully ours."
Yukong sighed, unsure why the general trusted this chaotic group so completely. She'd already reported their vase-smashing habits to Jing Yuan, only to find that he was more than willing to support their "extracurricular activities."
Apparently, Jing Yuan had even set aside ten million credits of his own money to cover any of their "public damages." Yukong could only wonder at such trust, knowing the general's reputation for handling crises with wits alone.
Across the room, Pei Guang's mind was already churning, thinking through the capture of Kafka. Normally, the main quest would lead to a string of combat encounters, all culminating in her capture. But now…
Pei Guang's gaze drifted to Stelle, who noticed and asked, "What's up, Pei Guang?"
He casually replied, "Stelle, if I'm not mistaken, you've got some history with this Kafka person, don't you?"
Stelle nodded eagerly. "Yeah, I've met her. There's something… familiar about her, like an old friend."
Pei Guang's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Then this might just work, Stelle! I have a bold theory, and if it's correct, we'll be able to capture Kafka without lifting a finger."
Stelle leaned in, intrigued. "Alright, Pei Guang, I'll follow your lead. Just tell me what to do, and we'll have Kafka in custody in no time!"
Pei Guang smirked. "Remember the theories I floated about your past?"
Stelle nodded eagerly. "Of course! Wait—are you planning to use me to lure out the Stellaron Hunters?"
Pei Guang shook his head. "No need for anything that complex. I've got a hunch, and we just need to test it out."
He then contacted Silver Wolf, who passed along Kafka's direct line. After Stelle had unwittingly passed along a few of her gifts to Silver Wolf, Pei Guang had noticed something fishy and started piecing together a few theories about Stelle's past and connections. Combined with Silver Wolf's behavior and his own years of experience, Pei Guang had a sneaking suspicion that Kafka might actually be… on their side. If he was right, they could skip straight through the main storyline.
Pei Guang smirked, thinking, "Even if Kafka is on a different side, she's still running around everywhere chasing the main plot. Doesn't that just make her look foolish?"
Meanwhile, within a secluded cavern, Kafka received Pei Guang's call. Her expression shifted as she examined the screen, her normally calm face now reflecting a trace of unease.