"Ambrosial Arbor… Could it be the work of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?" Xueyi asked grimly.
Seele's reaction was sharp and to the point. "Is this caused by a Stellaron?"
Xueyi nodded gravely. "There's no doubt about it."
Seele pulled out her scythe and looked toward the flourishing Ambrosial Arbor. "A Stellaron? Then it's time to settle accounts!"
In that instant, a surge of powerful Imaginary energy erupted from her. She had once gained the favor of the Hunt's Aeon through her own resolve, and now she was determined to channel that resolve to hunt down the Stellaron.
The shift in Seele's presence left those around her momentarily stunned. Xueyi gave her a questioning look, while Dan Heng offered an explanation. "She once caught a glimpse of Reignbow Arbiter."
Xueyi: "What?"
Sushang: "What?"
The two stared at Seele as if she were some kind of anomaly. On Xianzhou, the Generals served as Emanators of the Hunt, but for anyone outside that rank to gain the recognition of the Reignbow Arbiter was extraordinarily rare.
From the Aeon's emergence to now, only a handful had earned its acknowledgment through sheer willpower. Some of these individuals would go on to become the Xianzhou's Generals; others left their mark hunting the Abundance's abominations.
Throughout the universe, there were those who followed the Hunt's path and gained its power, but those personally acknowledged by the Reignbow Arbiter were exceedingly rare.
And now, such a person had appeared on the Xianzhou as an outsider?
Xueyi, confident in her judgment, concluded that someone granted the Hunt's favor would never harm Xianzhou.
She turned to Seele and asked, "What do you intend to do?"
Seele: "Me? I'll cut down every member of the Abundance's clandestine sect I find, destroy whoever uses the Stellaron to create disasters, and then take out the Stellaron itself."
Xueyi was silent for a moment, weighing her options. Her initial plan was to report back to the Ten-Lords Commission, but this situation was exceptional. If Seele carried even a fraction of the Reignbow Arbiter's will, then assisting her could almost be considered fulfilling the Aeon's directive.
After some thought, Xueyi made her decision. "Very well, I will guide you to the Alchemy Commission."
Seele: "Huh? Really?"
Xueyi nodded. "Of course. You are unique. Within certain limits, I am willing to help you complete your task."
Seele: "Thanks! But Dan Heng, are you staying here to wait for Pei Guang and the others? He said in the group chat that they're headed this way soon."
Dan Heng shook his head. "No, I'll go with you to the Alchemy Commission."
Hearing that the Abundance's followers were there, Dan Heng was determined to wipe them out in one decisive move.
Seele: "Great! Let's get moving. We'll finish the job before Pei Guang and the others even get here. I can't wait to see his face when he shows up to an empty map with no enemies left!"
From inside her trusty trash can, Silver Wolf chimed in with a grin. "He's a player. He might actually be happy, but if we loot every treasure here too, he'll definitely whine and sulk like a baby."
The thought of Pei Guang throwing a tantrum over missed loot had Silver Wolf bubbling with excitement. The best part of playing any game wasn't the mechanics but having a companion to share the experience with—and to prank mercilessly.
With that in mind, she decided to preemptively raid the Ambrosial Arbor, leaving nothing behind for Pei Guang. The sentient Aurumatons? She planned to hijack every single one, leaving him absolutely nothing.
Silver Wolf's excitement was palpable. Who cared about retaliation? The sight of Pei Guang's frustration would make every effort worth it, a moment of glory destined for the annals of gaming history.
Seele and Dan Heng instinctively stepped back, unsettled by Silver Wolf's ominous aura.
Dan Heng: "Um… I didn't agree to this."
Seele: "Neither did I! Don't drag me into it—this is all on you."
Silver Wolf grinned wickedly. "Fine by me! I'll enjoy my victory all on my own."
Sushang, watching the exchange, interjected. "Wait, you're heading to the Alchemy Commission to eliminate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus sect? That's the Cloud Knights' responsibility."
Seele: "Just say if you're coming or not!"
Sushang declared boldly, "Of course, I'm in! I'll charge ahead!"
She had a feeling that tagging along with Seele this time might lead to a historic accomplishment. A foreigner acknowledged by the Hunt's Aeon, Lan! People like that were so rare throughout history they could be counted on one hand.
Seeing someone alive and well, with the chance to fight alongside them, was an opportunity she couldn't afford to miss.
Luocha, on the other hand, chimed in softly, "If you don't mind, I'd also like to join you all. I can offer a little support along the way—if my presence won't be a burden."
Seele waved it off dismissively. "A burden? No way. Like Pei Guang always says, 'Power is good as long as it's used properly.' So let's use it! Besides, if he finds out I didn't secure your help as a healer, he'd probably kick me for wasting an opportunity."
Seele's constant mention of Pei Guang caught the attention of Xueyi, Sushang and even Luocha. Curiosity bubbled up—just who was this Pei Guang?
Meanwhile, neither Dan Heng nor Silver Wolf seemed to catch onto their intrigue. If they had, they might've intervened to save everyone from the inevitable chaos Pei Guang's involvement would bring.
Xueyi interrupted the musings, stating gravely, "The Artisanship Commission has been overrun by mara-struck abominations. If we want to pass through, it's going to require a tough battle."
At the mention of a battle, a cunning glint flashed in Seele's eyes.
Silver Wolf, still perched in her trash can, noticed the look and asked curiously, "What is it? Did you remember another of Pei Guang's nuggets of wisdom?"
Seele nodded smugly. "Of course. He always says: unless it's an elite monster or a boss, you can skip the fight if you can outwit it. No need to waste energy on every random mob."
She gestured dramatically toward the Artisanship Commission. "We're on a tight schedule, and if we keep fighting our way through, we'll just waste time—and possibly lives. Plus, if he catches up before we clear this area, there'll be no chance to annoy him properly!"
Silver Wolf perked up at the thought. "Oh? Got a plan, then?"
Seele, full of confidence, answered, "Of course! I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid. Let me contact Pei Guang and see what he suggests."
Dan Heng, who had been quietly observing, felt a growing sense of unease. Whenever Pei Guang's name came up, trouble inevitably followed.