Pei Guang and Welt were both grinning, especially Welt, whose long-dreamed-of giant robots finally found a worthy use—and an extraordinary one at that.
Bailu, however, grew increasingly uneasy. The battle scenes involving Pei Guang and Welt seemed… unusual.
For instance, a mechanical palm appeared out of nowhere, slapping mara-struck soldiers into pulp. Or, a massive hand pinned a mara-struck to the ground, only to be dismembered like a chicken.
At one point, Pei Guang and Welt dismantled one Construct Engine, using its limbs, torso, and head as improvised weapons. Arms and legs became bludgeons, while the dismembered head served as a projectile. Even Pei Guang himself wasn't spared—thrown alongside the robot's head. Meanwhile, Bailu was safely entrusted to March 7th.
As always, the group adhered to their "new map, maximum exploration" policy.
With Construct Engine assistance, the sheer number of mara-struck no longer posed a threat. After all, Pei Guang had his "stand-in"—a stand-in that punched, slapped, and wielded robotic limbs to crush enemies effectively.
Was it brutal? Absolutely. Even Stelle couldn't suppress a shudder. Yet, under this relentless onslaught, the group pressed forward.
Just as they neared the Matrix of Prescience, Pei Guang halted them.
"Hold up, everyone."
Welt raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
Pei Guang stroked his chin in thought. "It's pointless for all of us to go. Based on my experience, once we meet Fu Xuan, she's bound to give us some convoluted tasks—clearing enemies, repairing random things, or finding fuses. Worse, it'll probably block existing paths, forcing us to detour and pave new routes just to finish the job."
Welt nodded thoughtfully. "What's your plan, then?"
"My suggestion," Pei Guang began, "is to split up. The map we found shows that the enemies in the Divination Commission are weak—Construct Engines can swat them like flies. One team should clear out the Sanctus Medicus disciples, open paths, and deal with mobs. Meanwhile, the other team heads straight to Fu Xuan to accept the main quest. We'll collect items and unlock shortcuts along the way, then regroup to complete everything. Sounds good?"
Welt offered a slight smile. "In that case, let me handle the enemies. Their exact strength is unknown, but I can ensure a safer approach. You, on the other hand, have the experience to navigate and maximize the main quest's progress. Besides, with you all together, you can look out for one another."
March 7th opened her mouth to protest, but Pei Guang cut her off. "No problem! Uncle Yang, you're up! I've sent the map with enemy locations—be careful and stay vigilant."
Welt's reliable demeanor shone through as he reassured, "I'll give it my all!"
For Pei Guang, Welt's trustworthiness was beyond question. He didn't need instructions or clarifications to understand his role. While he could have left the battles to the younger crew to hone their skills, even he had moments of indulgence. Operating giant machines like the Construct Engines was an experience he couldn't pass up.
Pei Guang called out before Welt left. "Uncle Yang, quick question. How do you feel about being launched from a few dozen meters up?"
"Completely fine," Welt replied without hesitation.
Pei Guang summoned a Construct Engine and extended its hand toward Welt, who adjusted his glasses with a knowing smile.
They exchanged grins—no words necessary.
Pei Guang pointed toward the map's farthest point. "That uncharted territory? You'll have to rely on yourself for that."
Welt nodded confidently. "No problem. Believe me, enemies of this caliber will be a breeze."
After a firm handshake, Welt stepped onto the Construct Engine's palm. With a calculated motion, the machine hoisted its hand and hurled him into the distance.
Welt couldn't suppress his glee. Despite his composed and serious reputation aboard the Astral Express, he had always harbored a desire to cut loose. Thanks to Pei Guang's exuberance and understanding of his passions, Welt finally had his chance.
Watching Welt disappear into the horizon, Stelle quipped, "Is it just me, or did Uncle Yang look really happy?"
March 7th nodded. "Yeah, usually he feels… super reliable. But now? He seems downright thrilled."
Pei Guang chuckled. "There's no contradiction. Uncle Welt is a dependable mentor, but he's also human, with his own interests. He probably collects these massive machines as a hobby. Now that he can finally put them to use—and they work great—of course he's excited."
March 7th laughed. "Fair point…"
"Alright, let's move out!" Pei Guang urged. "With him clearing the path, we can focus on the main quest. This'll make our progress so much smoother."
Inwardly, Pei Guang was elated. Sure, he could have split up with Stelle to divide responsibilities, but part of him craved the luxury of slacking off—letting a capable ally handle the heavy lifting while he breezed through objectives. With Welt on cleanup duty, Pei Guang could enjoy the main quest without a hitch. If Welt's pace was quick enough, they might even finish before the tasks were fully assigned.
The prospect filled him with satisfaction.
As the group followed Pei Guang's lead, Qingque lagged slightly behind, lost in thought. "Why do I feel… kind of useless now? Maybe I should go play a round or two? No, no, with the Divination Commission in this state, the Diviner Master would kick me out. Better stick with the group."
Qingque wanted nothing more than to slack off, but the thought of being dismissed from her position kept her in check. Guiding guests was, after all, part of her job. Even if she felt increasingly redundant, she resolved to see it through.
Meanwhile, at the Matrix of Prescience, Fu Xuan stood inside a peculiar contraption—a trash can—watching the direction where Pei Guang and his team had gone. She admitted to herself that she had placed some hope in these Trailblazers. However, their actions thus far baffled her. Summoning giant machines at the Divination Commission? Were they planning to dismantle the place?
As she pondered this, Jing Yuan's projection appeared beside her.
"Fu Xuan-pfft... what's with that pose?" Jing Yuan chuckled.
Fu Xuan, standing in the trash can with its lid perched on her head, one arm crossed in thought while the other propped up her chin, looked entirely unconcerned by his amusement.
"It's a gift from the Trailblazers," Fu Xuan replied calmly. "At first glance, it's just an ordinary trash can. But once inside, it completely blocks external senses—even clairvoyance cannot penetrate it."
Jing Yuan's smile faded as he nodded in understanding. "Indeed. When I first encountered that trash can, I also thought it was an unremarkable object. But after examining it closely, I realized it's an exceptional tool for hiding and defense."
Fu Xuan agreed. "It's truly remarkable. Standing inside, I feel my thoughts grow exceptionally clear. But, General, about those Trailblazers…"
Before she could finish, a loud mechanical sound interrupted her. Looking up, she saw Welt being flung through the sky, hurtling toward the far end of the Divination Commission.
Though capable of flight, the sheer force of being launched reminded Welt of his younger days. Despite his years, his youthful spirit had not dimmed. In fact, the idea of letting Pei Guang, Stelle and March 7th handle combat felt unchallenging and unproductive. For him, personally engaging in these battles promised far more enjoyment.
As Fu Xuan and Jing Yuan watched, Welt landed in the enemy-occupied area of the Commission with unparalleled flair. He quickly surveyed the scene, his expression resolute.
"This is a stand attack!" Welt declared dramatically.
Two massive Herta Puppets wielding dismembered Construct limbs appeared by his side. The Sanctus Medicus disciples stared in shock, trying to comprehend the bizarre sight before them. A man fell from the sky, shouting about "stand attacks," accompanied by towering robots armed with detached arms and legs. What on earth was happening?
They didn't have long to wonder. A simple, direct physical strike from the Construct Engines crushed the nearest enemy into pulp like an insect.