As they approached the inn, March 7th yawned. "Ah, just seeing the inn makes me feel so sleepy. We've only been out for a few hours, but it feels like we've been busy for days."
Pei Guang joked, "Maybe time passes differently when you're in constant action."
March 7th laughed, "Or maybe it's meeting all these big shots? Especially Yukong. When she raised her eyebrow, I really thought a whole squad would pop out to arrest us. I was ready to give them an unforgettable welcome as soon as you gave the signal, Pei Guang. But wow, this inn is fancy—I bet staying here costs a fortune."
Tingyun, still smiling, reassured them, "Rest easy. Madam Yukong personally ordered me to arrange the upper rooms and cover all your daily expenses here. She hopes you'll have a comfortable stay and enjoy your meals. If there's anything you fancy or wish to eat, just tell the owner—it's all on the Sky-Faring Commission."
Pei Guang's expression turned serious. "Oh? Really?"
Tingyun nodded, "Of course, but no wastefulness, please."
March 7th's eyes lit up. "Well, if our hosts are this generous, it would be rude not to take full advantage, right, Pei Guang? Uncle Yang?"
Pei Guang grinned, "Naturally. We need to fuel up to deal with Kafka."
Tingyun said, "Please rest and gather your energy. When you're ready, we'll set out to capture her. Contact me directly if you need assistance. I'll be nearby."
Pei Guang waved her off, "Go ahead, we'll feast and prepare ourselves."
With Tingyun gone, Pei Guang shifted the trash can forward. "Alright, little one. You'll have to stay here for now. The upcoming battle is too dangerous."
Bailu protested, "What? No playing for me? You can't leave me behind! You're up against Stellaron Hunters—how will you manage without me? I'm stronger than you think. Here's a secret: I'm Vidyadhara."
Welt's eyes widened. "You're a Vidyadhara?"
Bailu beamed. "Absolutely. Don't be fooled by my looks: I'm older than I seem. I can control lightning and water, and I'm a skilled healer. Don't worry about my safety. Here, I'll show you."
A stream of water flowed out of the trash can, brushing past Pei Guang, who immediately felt its warmth and vitality. A notification from his system confirmed it: 'Health restored significantly.'
Pei Guang was still figuring out his system, but one thing was clear—anything that triggered a major healing alert had to be powerful.
Welt also felt rejuvenated. "Such potent power… Pei Guang, it seems she's more likely to protect you than the other way around."
Pei Guang murmured, "Looks like I hit the jackpot."
Bailu's head peeked out, looking around to make sure no one was watching. "Of course! I'm much older than I look. But I like you, Pei Guang. I've enjoyed the food and fun so far, so let me come with you to catch the Stellaron Hunter. I can handle minor injuries easily, just don't get hurt too much—I can't fix everything."
March 7th gasped, "So we really did find a hidden treasure?"
Pei Guang mused, "A hidden NPC, perhaps? Wait, you said you can control water, right?"
Bailu nodded, "Yep, any kind of water!"
Pei Guang held up a bottle of coffee. "And this?"
Bailu stared at it, puzzled. "Coffee? Why would you want me to control that?"
Pei Guang urged, "Just try it."
With a determined look, Bailu focused her power on the bottle. After a moment, her eyes widened. "This… isn't normal water! But, I can still control it. Moving it around is easy; I could keep this up for days!"
Bailu made a gesture, and the dark brown liquid of the coffee floated from the bottle. Watching the coffee take flight, Pei Guang, March 7th, and Stelle exchanged mischievous smiles.
Pei Guang couldn't contain his excitement as he continued, "Can you spread it into droplets and make them fly in different directions?"
Bailu frowned slightly, "This isn't exactly water, but it's easy enough to control. Watch!"
The liquid dispersed into tiny droplets that danced midair without touching the ground. At that moment, Pei Guang's joy became irrepressible, and March 7th and Stelle also beamed brightly.
"Eheh~" Stelle chimed.
"Eheh~" echoed Pei Guang.
"Eheh~" added March 7th.
Welt coughed awkwardly, trying to regain composure. He was a little taken aback by the younger group's antics.
Seeing their sudden burst of laughter, Bailu gulped nervously. "What are you all up to? It's kind of scary…"
Pei Guang patted her head reassuringly, "Don't worry. From now on, you're the queen of our crew, the unrivaled ruler. Not even the Aeon of Destruction, Nanook, could take you from us!"
Stelle lifted the trash can containing Bailu, "Exactly! To us, you're divine—able to heal and command coffee!"
Pei Guang also lifted the can, "If anyone asks me what perfection is, I'll respond it's you, Bailu!"
Blushing, Bailu withdrew into the can, finding the darkness there much safer than dealing with her suddenly eccentric friends. Outside was freedom, but seeing how the three were acting, it also brought a hint of fear.
March 7th declared, "I think we need to celebrate! Let's sing and dance for our new queen!"
Stelle pulled a speaker from her storage, and familiar beats filled the air. Pei Guang placed the can at the center as they began to move with the rhythm.
The scene stunned Welt, leaving him questioning how the conversation had shifted from convincing Bailu to stay to performing a dance. But even more astonished was Bailu, who peeked through the can's slit, feeling like she was witnessing a bizarre ritual.
"This is so strange… Is it some kind of ritual?" Bailu wondered. Then, watching more closely, she realized, "Wait, it's a dance. It looks simple enough…"
Unable to resist, she muttered, "Ehe~ Let's try it out!"
Overcome by curiosity, she climbed out and joined the trio, moving awkwardly but joyfully.
Watching Bailu join in the dance, Welt was locked in an internal struggle. His instincts told him that if he didn't participate in something so amusing now, he might never get another chance. Yet, his conscious mind kept reminding him: he was supposed to be the reliable elder, the responsible one. Joining in would go against that image. No, he shouldn't!
But when they looped the dance for the fifth time, Welt finally set his belonging aside and joined in.
The dance wasn't complicated, and its solo performance felt silly. But when everyone participated, it became a contagious trend.
Casually, a passerby watched and recorded the group's antics, editing out the Trailblazers and leaving only Bailu before posting it online under the title:
"Admiring the Dance of the Dragon-Healer Lady of the Luofu"
Comments poured in:
First comment: "It's really the Dragon-Healer Lady! Why is she dancing like that? Oh, I get it, it must be beneficial for health!"
Second comment: "I tried it myself, and the benefits are massive!"
The video quickly garnered millions of views, stirring curiosity and excitement across the alliance.
Meanwhile, Jing Yuan, busy with official matters, received an urgent message. He checked his phone and, upon seeing the video, his expression froze.
Seeing the video of Bailu dancing energetically to the beat, with the familiar trash can in front of her, Jing Yuan first took a deep breath and then burst into laughter.
"Pfft! Hahaha! So that's what was inside the can—it's her. Well, now I can relax."
Despite the current pressing circumstances, Jing Yuan used his official account to give the video a like and commented with three words: "This is great."
Meanwhile, on the other five ships of the Xianzhou Alliance, reactions ranged from stunned silence to bemusement. What could they say? It was quintessential Jing Yuan—to be unflappable even when facing internal strife and the looming threat of the mara-struck. And yet, here he was, watching a video of Bailu joining a dance.
Not just on the Xianzhou ships, but at the Aurum Alley, Kafka watched the footage, pausing as she recognized the familiar faces in it. For a moment, she wondered, "Should I really send him my location?"
Elsewhere, Himeko aboard the Astral Express saw the trending video and laughed out loud. "Welt, you've got to see this! Pei Guang's at it again. This is priceless."
In contrast, Tingyun, who had just returned from gathering intel at the Artisanship Commission and was waiting outside the Petrichor Inn, missed witnessing the live scene in person. Unfortunately, her duties kept her too busy to catch up on the viral video circulating online.