Banxia had been hiding nearby, avoiding the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus members who had been chasing her. She was trying to reach Cloudford to reunite with her beloved, feeling that she was one step away from fully succumbing to the mara-struck state. But before that happened, she desperately wanted to see him.
She'd been observing the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus member from the shadows, waiting for a chance to slip away. However, she'd seen March 7th and Pei Guang with his strange trash can and had witnessed Pei Guang's violent takedown, intending to flee.
But just as she was about to make her escape, she spotted Bailu.
Since Bailu had gone missing, Banxia had been trying to send word to her loved one, urging them to search for her at Central Starskiff Haven. Banxia remembered that Bailu had mistakenly boarded the wrong Starskiff bound for Central Starskiff Haven. With the ports sealed off, Bailu couldn't reach Cloudford herself, so sending her loved one to find Bailu seemed like the best plan.
However, she never expected to encounter her here.
It wasn't only Banxia who was surprised; Pei Guang was just as taken aback. He'd planned to lure her out with a bit of intimidation, yet here she was, presenting herself before they'd even had a chance to try it. Still, this saved him some time—he only had about an hour left in the day's system time, and he'd be reluctant to use his transport power if they ran out of time today.
When Bailu saw Banxia, she immediately jumped out of the trash can. "Banxia, are you alright?"
Banxia approached her, "I'm fine, Lady Bailu, I…"
Before she could finish, Pei Guang, now done with the enemy medic, stood up and looked her way. Startled, Banxia instinctively took a few steps back—Pei Guang's rough demeanor was intimidating, and just watching him was enough to make her head throb.
Pei Guang directly asked, "You're Banxia, right? You're with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, aren't you?"
Bailu, standing behind Pei Guang, spoke up, "Banxia, there's no need to hide it. I know the truth now. We've captured several members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. While I'm upset you kept this from me, I'm grateful. Thanks to you, I escaped the Alchemy Commission. If I hadn't, those people would have probably tried to harvest my bone marrow by now, right?"
Hearing this, Banxia fell silent. She had helped Bailu escape for her own reasons, but there was also a pang of conscience. She had realized that eternal life wasn't such a good thing after all and didn't want Bailu to meet a tragic end.
Actually, Bailu hadn't captured anyone herself, but as part of Pei Guang's group, with him catching so many, it was basically as if she had too!
Banxia hesitated, "This…"
Bailu reassured her, "Don't worry. You can always trust Pei Guang. He's a great guy. So, your loved one is in Cloudford, right? Do you know where exactly? Let's go there now!"
Banxia shook her head, "Go now? But… how would we even get there?"
Bailu replied cheerfully, "Easy! Pei Guang can take us. But Banxia, you seem a bit off. Do you need to rest?"
Banxia shook her head, "It's alright. I already show signs of becoming mara-struck. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus consider it a step toward immortality, often accelerating the process with strange elixirs, and I was no exception. But after meeting Liangmu, I began to realize how frightening this transformation was. Even if I became immortal, if I couldn't recognize him, or if I changed into something unrecognizable to him… That's why I stopped taking the elixirs and fled. Fortunately, they were short-staffed; otherwise, I wouldn't have made it here."
March 7th, moved by her story, turned to Pei Guang, "Such devotion. Pei Guang, shouldn't we help her?"
Pei Guang replied, "Of course, but not for free. Let's not forget our goal here: we need solid information on the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Ms. Banxia, while Bailu might have promised to help you, I haven't. I'm willing to take on your task, but I have conditions. You're aware of the Disciples' workings, aren't you? If you give me all the information you know, I'll take you to Cloudford. With the ports shut down, you won't get there otherwise."
Banxia agreed, "Alright. As long as I can see Liangmu, cough, cough…"
Overcome with emotion, she tried to say more, but Bailu quickly interrupted, waving her gourd, "Wait! Stop talking and open your mouth!"
Banxia hesitated, "Huh?"
As she parted her lips slightly, Bailu tilted her gourd, and a dark liquid streamed precisely into Banxia's mouth.
The moment the coffee entered, Banxia's eyes grew vacant, her eyelids closing as she slipped into a peaceful slumber.
Approaching her, Bailu muttered, "You're on the brink of becoming mara-struck, yet you're so agitated. Thank Pei Guang—without him, I'd only be able to ease your symptoms, not treat them. But now, how will we get to Cloudford?"
March 7th smirked, "With a way you'd never expect~"
Bailu's eyes widened, "Does that mean I need to hide in the trash can again? Don't worry, I won't peek!"
March 7th playfully pinched Bailu's cheek, "You're part of the team now. As a comrade, you get to know all our tricks."
Bailu protested, "Hey, I'm not a kid! Don't call me that."
Pei Guang interjected, "Technically, March calling you 'kid' makes sense—no one even knows her real age."
March 7th shot him a look that mixed shock, anger, and a hint of embarrassment.
"What are you saying? I'm a young maiden! Not some old lady…"
Pei Guang shrugged, "Just being honest! Anyway, age isn't a big deal. If I like how you look, that's enough for me~"
Bailu muttered disapprovingly, "Is it true affection if it's just about appearances?"
Pei Guang replied, "Of course! There's nothing wrong with admiring someone's looks. I can openly say I like March's hair, eyes, nose, face, her figure, and even her legs. She's beautiful, so I gave her a kiss when we first met. But as I got to know her better—her spirited nature, kindness, caring personality, and how she looks out for those around her—I found myself liking her for so much more than just looks."
March 7th's initial irritation faded, her face flushing bright red as she listened.
"Uh, that's… quite something to say. Was that a confession?"
Pei Guang mused, "A confession? If you're saying yes, then sure, it's a confession."
March 7th blushed and murmured, "I hadn't even decided if I'd accept…"
Pei Guang grinned, "So you've thought about accepting?"
March 7th replied, "Why not? You're my type, kind-hearted and intriguing, if a bit eccentric. You saved me once, too—how can my affection not grow? Besides, we agreed that if the train stops and I haven't found my memories, we'll explore the galaxy together… It feels like I've known you forever. I can't imagine life without you anymore. Just thinking about you leaving makes it feel like something's missing… Feelings are strange, aren't they?"
Pei Guang nodded, "The same here. From the moment I met you, you've been a constant in my life. I don't know how I'd live without your vibrant energy. That shade of pink you bring into my life—it's here to stay."
March 7th beamed, "Mhm~"
Pei Guang added, "But that wasn't my official confession. When I do confess, it'll be on a beautiful day, with the perfect backdrop. I want it to be special—something unforgettable…"
March 7th's face softened as a shadow of concern crossed her features. She couldn't shake the thought: if her memories returned, would she still be herself?
Pei Guang, noticing the change in her expression, chuckled, "Ever since you started raising my favor level, I've been set on you. No matter what, I'm maxing it out!"
March 7th: "Hmm~ whatever happens will happen. Rather than a past I can't remember or an uncertain future, I want to hold on to the present—to preserve these wonderful memories right now… though…"
March 7th gave Pei Guang a playful wink and reached out to hold his hand. She let go almost instantly, but not before Pei Guang tightened his grip, keeping her hand in his.
Pei Guang: "So, how's my favor score looking now?"
March 7th thought for a moment: "Just a little more~ just a tiny bit more~ hehe~"
Pei Guang: "Then let's work on closing that gap, bit by bit. No one ever maxed out favor all at once."
March 7th: "Hmm~"
Watching them, Bailu's eyes widened in surprise. What had started as casual conversation seemed to have transformed into a mutual confession. But she was confused by their silence afterward, left blinking in bewilderment.
Bailu: "Wait, are you two… confessing to each other?"
Pei Guang reached out with his hand again and tightened his hold on March 7th's hand: "Not exactly? Honestly, I've never done a confession before, but if I had an option here, I'd probably know what to pick."
March 7th nodded firmly, holding his hand tightly as well: "Not a confession! If it were, there would have to be cute gifts, a romantic atmosphere, and… hmm, something else. I need to think about this some more."
Bailu: "Sure, sure~ You're holding hands and still saying it's not a confession. Adults! You all think too much! If you're not planning on confessing or aren't ready, then shouldn't we get back to business? You still haven't told me how we're getting to Cloudford."
Pei Guang and March 7th turned to Bailu, realizing she had a point.
Pei Guang: "You're right; we'll head to Cloudford. Getting there is simple. We have a special teleportation ability that'll take us directly there. Alright, hop on in!"
He gestured to the trash can on his back, and Bailu, without a second thought, climbed right in.
With Bailu inside, Pei Guang took hold of Banxia's sleeping form and activated the teleportation skill. In the blink of an eye, they arrived at Cloudford.