"There's no real difference between Aeons and mortals," [she] stated.
It sounded like an incredibly arrogant claim. Yet, the sincerity on the young woman's face convinced Hua that there wasn't a shred of falsehood in her words—only pure, earnest conviction.
This belief didn't stem from an equality of power, nor from a desire to boast or distinguish herself. It was simply an articulation of a fact, of the world and the 'Aeons' as perceived through [Qingque's] eyes. Even the vast, world-altering differences in status and strength between them didn't shake this attitude towards the Aeons.
Some say admiration is the emotion furthest from understanding. To approach something, to become something, one must first contemplate and comprehend it. Perhaps the Xianzhou people's reverence for the Reignbow Arbiter, for Lan the Hunt Aeon, was precisely what created the distance between them and HIM.
Communication and exchange are the stepping stones to understanding. In the minds of most across the cosmos, Aeons were infinitely distant from humanity, rarely initiating contact with mortals—at least, most of them.
But this was actually a fundamentally flawed perception. While on a cosmic scale, the distance between most mortals and Aeons might indeed be vast, [Qingque] would confidently assert that only a thin sheet of paper separated them. They both tread upon the roads known as 'Paths'; they were fellow travelers.
Since they walked the same road, the so-called distance was merely a matter of differing degrees in how life perceived the fundamental laws of things. The disparity in how Aeons and mortals wielded the power of their Paths stemmed from this very point.
Those who walked at the forefront of the road, the 'trailblazers', were precisely the 'Aeons'. They represented the Path itself, endlessly exploring it, upholding their convictions, seeking and forging the future. In a way, THEY were originally mortals, 'teachers' to their fellow travelers on the same road.
"Marshal Hua, have you ever heard the saying: 'Originally, there was no path in this world, but when many people walk on it, a path is formed'?"
Sitting on a stone bench in the garden, [Qingque] gently handled a porcelain teapot adorned with exquisite patterns. She poured the steaming, clear water from the Lunarescent Rim, soaking the dried leaves at the bottom of the cup, letting them float unfixed upon the surface.
From this perspective, the 'Paths' themselves were the convergence of everyone's understanding of the cosmos, their cognition of principles. How could Aeons, representing entire Paths like this, possibly be distant from mortals?
Submerged by the power of their Path, becoming its very embodiment, THEY were inherently constituted by mortals. Aeons naturally desired nothing from mortals because THEIR very existence was the symbol of mortal desire.
Of course, communication wasn't strictly necessary either. After all, once one stepped onto the same Path, as a fellow traveler, they had already become a part of the Aeon. It was just that most people, blinded by awe of the Aeons' lofty status and immense power, never saw this simple truth.
Why could Jiang Qiao—[she]—so easily summon Lan, the Hunt Aeon, who roamed the cosmos without a fixed abode and was notoriously hard to track? It was precisely because of this proximity.
Just as a mortal stepping onto a Path whose brilliant will attracted an Aeon's attention, by properly utilizing this connecting 'Path', the distance between Aeon and mortal was merely a thought away, practically within arm's reach.
"Paths... they're truly wondrous things, don't you think, Marshal Hua?"
"...Indeed." Listening to the young woman, Hua understood. She didn't need direct explanations; the words themselves clarified many unusual aspects of the battle report. Her earlier confusion about the Reignbow Arbiter appearing beside [Qingque] vanished.
Because the young woman before her was the existence closest to an 'Aeon'. As an Emanator of the Hunt, the seasoned Hua was certain of this. She didn't fully grasp what Aeons truly were or what they signified—after all, she too was bound by her reverence for them, unable to judge the boundary between human and Aeon.
Even so, she could confirm that [Qingque] was undoubtedly like those universe-shaking geniuses from the Genius Society—closer to the Aeons than most people. This 'genius' needed no further qualification. After all, geniuses were, by definition, beings whom ordinary people struggled to define or categorize.
"...Let's put the Reignbow Arbiter aside and discuss the war," Hua said, shifting the topic. "I've seen the report from Jing Yuan."
"You performed exceptionally well."
"I merely eat the Lord's bread and do the Lord's bidding. It was just my duty, nothing remarkable."
Hua was somewhat satisfied with [Qingque's] answer, but also slightly dissatisfied. Satisfied by her humility—she clearly wasn't letting the praise go to her head. Any other young Xianzhou native would probably be flushed with excitement. Dissatisfied because... well, she was too mature. She didn't act like a child at all.
From Qingque's file, Hua knew she was born around the time of the third Abundance War. In terms of a Xianzhou native's lifespan, she was unequivocally a young maiden, barely more than a teenager.
"Excessive modesty isn't necessarily good," Hua advised gently. "Furthermore," her tone grew serious, tinged with weary frustration, "there are some rather troublesome points in this battle report."
"You may need to cooperate with an investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission."
Although [Qingque's] contributions were outstanding, there were complications. For instance, the matter concerning Hoolay, interfering with the Ten-Lords Commission's handling of the Vidyadhara, and the report's mention of Jing Yuan's Mara-Struck state and Feixiao's Moon Rage.
Although Jing Yuan and Feixiao had deliberately obscured these points with vague wording, how could Hua fail to see the underlying issues?
Being Mara-Struck was one of the Ten Unpardonable Sins under Xianzhou law, a core domain governed by the Ten-Lords. The Commission, already often at odds with the Cloud Knights—the military arm of the Xianzhou—would certainly not let this opportunity pass.
"Of course, no problem. Cooperating with the Ten-Lords Commission is the duty of every Xianzhou citizen," [Qingque] replied calmly, looking completely unfazed, as if certain no problems would arise.
"That's good."
"Also..." Hua continued, "General Jing Yuan has submitted his resignation and recommended you as the next General of the Luofu."
"What are your thoughts?"
"Eh? Isn't that inappropriate? Isn't the General still in quite good shape?"
"Indeed, but his heart is no longer in it," Hua sighed, then nodded. "Besides, General Jing Yuan has served the Alliance tirelessly for hundreds of years, achieving great merit through hard work. It truly is time for him to rest."
"Isn't Lady Fu Xuan suitable?"
"Master Diviner Fu Xuan... hmm. She has certainly contributed greatly to the Alliance and worked hard. Before, without other options, she might have been a choice. But now, I believe you, recommended by Jing Yuan, are more suitable."
Achoo!
In the Divination Commission, Fu Xuan, who had traveled with Hua from the Yuque Xianzhou, couldn't help but sneeze while reviewing documents from her time away.
"Lady Fu Xuan, are you alright?" Jingzhai asked with concern.
"It's nothing... perhaps just fatigue from the journey, a minor ailment. Once I finish reviewing these documents, I will visit the Alchemy Commission." Fu Xuan waved away Jingzhai's concern, then glanced at a document, her expression hardening with displeasure.
"I was only away on assignment for a few days, yet your work has become so negligent and sloppy! Utterly preposterous!"
With [Qingque], the acting Master Diviner, having been transferred, the Divination Commission's duties during Fu Xuan's absence had fallen to Jingzhai and the other diviners. Normally, their experience should have prevented major errors, as they were Fu Xuan's assistants.
Yet, reviewing the paperwork, Fu Xuan felt something was off.
Hmm... Compared to Qingque, they're still lacking.
Slightly dissatisfied, she looked at Jingzhai and the other two diviners and sighed inwardly. The Luofu's Divination Commission... this group of diviners is mostly average. Not a single standout—except for that child, Qingque.
For Fu Xuan, who had very high standards, this was naturally quite frustrating. ...And that rascal Jing Yuan just had to transfer Qingque to the Divine Foresight!
Sigh, with such incompetence under me, it seems I still have to manage the Divination Commission personally.
As for the future of the Divination Commission... once I become the General of the Luofu, I'll transfer Qingque back to be the Master Diviner.
She had already learned about [Qingque's] performance from Jingzhai. While she previously thought the girl would be outstanding if she just corrected her lazy habits, she hadn't expected this level of excellence. A born leader, practically possessing the 'Sacred Body of Natural Leadership'.
Honestly, Fu Xuan was already considering it. After her own tenure as General ended, perhaps she should choose Qingque as the next General. Ability wasn't an issue, age was fine...
Fu Xuan's thoughts drifted further and further, her smile growing exceptionally bright. She was already planning her time after becoming General.
As for whether she'd become General... wasn't it practically set in stone? On the way here, she had already sounded out Marshal Hua during their chats. That old guy Jing Yuan was preparing to step down and had already chosen a successor. Combined with Hua mentioning earlier that Jing Yuan had considered recommending her... Didn't that clearly imply she should prepare to become a Xianzhou General?
Undoubtedly, Fu Xuan had interpreted her conversation with Hua during the journey as a pre-appointment hint. This put her in an excellent mood, even lessening her previously deep resentment towards Jing Yuan.
Heh, looking at it this way, that rascal Jing Yuan wasn't just messing with me before; he actually kept his promise.
Feeling pleased, Fu Xuan reviewed the documents while sipping sweet syrup water, daydreaming about her future reign as General.
Meanwhile, back in the garden...
"Qingque, you are the best candidate for General," Hua stated seriously.
"Therefore, you should become the General!"
"I'm afraid that's not appropriate."
"Is there a problem?"
Faced with Hua's question, the young woman smiled and revealed a truth: "I am not the owner of this body. While calling me '[Qingque]' isn't wrong... the Qingque you should be dealing with is her, not 'me'."
"...?!" Hua was startled, then looked at the girl with renewed scrutiny.
As if guessing her thoughts, [Qingque] chuckled lightly. "I am certainly not a Heliobus."
"Rather, I am her friend."
"Due to certain special circumstances, I am currently covering her shift."
"This..." Hua was momentarily stunned. But she quickly grasped the implications.
"Meaning, you are not the real Qingque."
"Well... you could put it that way."
"After all, I am merely using this body."
"However, right now, the Qingque speaking with you—her every word and action, these feelings—I assure you, they genuinely belong to Qingque." The young woman gently placed a hand on her chest, speaking with sincerity. "Although my own colors might bleed through, this point is undeniable."
"..." Hua could tell it wasn't a lie. But because of this, she instantly fell into troubled contemplation. Her attitude towards this highly anticipated successor needed readjustment, re-evaluation.
Sensing this shift, [Qingque] didn't seem to mind, merely smiling.
"Explaining with words can be troublesome and not very direct..."
"Although it's not as efficient as that method, this is close enough. So... would you like to try and... feel it?" [She] extended her pale, slender hand in invitation.
"This is... the power of Harmony?... Are you one of the Family?"
[Qingque] didn't answer, only smiled.
After a moment's thought, Hua made her decision. She placed her palm against the offered one.
Words were the least efficient form of communication. For members of the Family, they could transmit their thoughts to one another, completing the act faster, more clearly, and more accurately.
Jiang Qiao was similar. His unique ability to 'exchange' was one such method. However, that method was a bit too intrusive. Compared to that, Xipe's power of Harmony was clearly more practical here.
As their warm palms met, they completed a mental exchange. This was something that would normally take an unknown amount of time to achieve through mere words.
"..."
"Hah." Exhaling slowly, Hua opened her eyes and looked at [Qingque]. A flash of understanding, surprise, astonishment—a whole spectrum of emotions—crossed her face. Among them, the 'conviction' she sensed solidified her resolve, moving her from indecision to certainty.
Perhaps even pushing her to go one step further.