Karl continued to caress Tingyun's face, his expression softening. Even without life, her ethereal beauty lingered—graceful, serene, and untouchable. His hand brushed through her hair from time to time, gentle, almost reverent.
"Mister Karl…" March's voice broke the silence, hesitant and small.
Karl's hand froze mid-motion. Without turning, he glanced over his shoulder.
"You can go ahead, everyone," he said quietly. "Let me just finish this."
"I understand, Karl. We'll be waiting for you at the plaza." Welt's calm but heavy voice answered him.
"Let's go, March." He turned and began walking, his steps deliberate and slow. March hesitated for a moment, her gaze lingering on Karl's back before she followed. Fu Xuan and Caelus trailed behind her, their silence saying what words could not.
As they made their way through the ruined path, March finally spoke up.
"Mr. Yang, is it really okay to leave him alone…?" She looked up at Welt, worry written across her face.
"...I don't know," Welt admitted after a pause. "But we should respect his decision, March. He needs time—time to face it, and to grieve in his own way." His voice carried a rare trace of uncertainty.
"...Okay, Mr. Yang." March murmured, lowering her head. The air was still thick with tension, and the smell of smoke lingered among the fallen monsters.
"March, cheer up." Caelus spoke softly, his tone steady like a quiet stream. "There's nothing we can do now. But Phantylia's still out there. We can use that grief—turn it into resolve."
When March looked up at him, she noticed his calm tone didn't match his face. His brow was drawn tight, his eyes hard and distant—burning with a quiet fury.
"...Okay," she whispered.
—-------
Karl stared at Tingyun's body-a crack appearing, like a snake shedding its skin, or perhaps it simply meant the body will disappear because it was merely a double.
"How insulation that is to my wife, don't you think, Phantylia." Karl muttered, his indifferent voice echoed the place yet none could answer his words.
With a sudden flash, a light pierces through its body, the crack that was slowly appearing- quicken,it spreads until Tingyun's fake body has already become nothing but an ash.
"Sigh, anyhow, I'll be counting on you, Longinuslanze Testament." The golden spear vibrated for a second, seemingly huffing in dissatisfaction.
"Come on now friend, surely you wouldn't hold a great accountability for not using you for the past five years." Karl smiled playfully at the spear, like a serpent savoring its prey's taste.
"Ah~ such a shame, indeed, such a shame," Despite saying it solemnly, his face still glitched into a smirk, and he continued, "If only this moment lasted forever- this would've been perfect for our story, Tingyun."
With that, he swung the golden spear, creating a soft vibration to the space and a trail of light through its path.
"Well then, let us go then, my friend." Karl said to the golden spear, it respond a soft vibration to his hand,
"Hahaha, you are truly eager to taste the blood of your enemy, my friend."
With that Karl took slow and deliberate steps, his boots made a soft sound at the floor woods.
The soft tranquility of the boundless ocean, the rhythms of the waves, and a salty scent carried by the air.
"Mr. Karl!" March called out from the distance as they turned toward a familiar figure approaching them.
"Hello," Karl greeted warmly, raising a hand in casual acknowledgment. His steps slowed until he stood before them, a faint, apologetic smile tugging at his lips.
"Sorry—did I keep you waiting?"
"No, not at all," Welt replied, adjusting his black-framed glasses with his usual composed air.
"You're just in time," Caelus added, his tone steady. "We were about to head to the Ambrosial Arbor's root. General Jing Yuan gave us the go-ahead." He turned his gaze toward the silver-haired general, who was in the middle of briefing a group of Cloud Knights.
"I see… so that's the renowned Divine General, Jing Yuan," Karl murmured, eyes narrowing slightly with intrigue. But when Jing Yuan's golden eyes flicked briefly in their direction, Karl instinctively looked away.
Sensing the exchange, Jing Yuan excused himself from the knights and began walking toward them, his long strides confident and deliberate.
"Astral Express," he greeted smoothly, his voice carrying the calm authority of command. His eyes then settled on Karl. "And I presume you are Karl Kraft?"
"Ah, yes. That's me," Karl replied, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "I'm surprised the Divine General himself knows of me."
"That would be thanks to your companions aboard the Express," Jing Yuan said with a faint smile. "And… I also heard what happened to your wife. My condolences, Karl. Loss, no matter how long past, remains a wound the heart remembers."
Karl paused for a moment, then offered a polite nod. "There's no need, but I appreciate the sentiment, General."
Jing Yuan inclined his head slightly. "In any case, I should go fetch our 'friend.' You'll understand soon enough."
"'Our friend'?" March echoed, tilting her head, confusion written all over her face.
"It's probably someone the general knows personally," Welt said, his tone measured. "Or… someone we're meant to meet."
March nodded at Welt's word before grabbing her camera and starting taking pictures.
Karl looks at his surroundings, an ocean that stretches as far as the eyes, salty air that feels like licking a handful of salty and perhaps ruined walls that are covered with ancient or unknown language.
Not like Karl can read it, anyway, as Karl sighs tiredly, a golden lance appeared in the air before grabbing it.
"Woah!" Caelus exclaimed as the golden lance magically materialized in the air.
"That's cool! It's even better than my bat and Lance… " Staring at his bat, he took a deep sniff and dramatically clutched it towards his chest.
"Karl, that lance… were you the one who threw it during the battle with Kafka?" Welt asked, his eyes fixed on the golden weapon in astonishment. His finger twitched slightly as a stray thought entered his mind.
"It is?! You mean that thing that went swoosh, swish, and soosh through the mara-struck soldiers?" March blurted out, bewildered.
"That's right, Mr. Yang." Karl smiled sheepishly at them.
"To think such a spear exists here… The universe never ceases to surprise," Welt murmured, nodding to himself as his gaze lingered on the lance. "If you don't mind, Karl, I'd like to hear its history."
Karl paused for a moment, then shook his head. "It's not that I don't want to, but… I honestly don't know. This spear appeared when I arrived in Xianzhou Luofu five years ago. All I've learned is that it can accelerate its momentum when thrown."
That's partially true, he thought. But better to hide the fact that this was the very same spear that pierced Jesus Christ… not that they'd know him anyway. Karl gave a subtle shake of his head.
"I see. What a shame," Welt replied, a faint note of disappointment in his voice before offering a gentle smile.
"Anyway, Karl," Welt continued, shifting the topic, "do you know who we'll be facing next?"
"It's Phantylia, right? One of the Lord Ravagers of Destruction." Karl answered after a moment's thought.
Welt nodded. "That's right. According to General Jing Yuan, Phantylia infiltrated one of the starskiffs, and there's a chance Miss Tingyun might still be alive."
"I… see," Karl said quietly, his tone unsteady. He sighed, forcing a faint smile. "Thank you, Mr. Yang."
"Enough with the gloomy talk," Welt said, smiling lightly. "I'm getting too old for this. After this operation, what will you do?"
"Hm…" Karl furrowed his brows, lost in thought.
Welt chuckled softly. "No need to think that deeply about it, Karl. You can tell me after. For now, just relax." He adjusted his black-frame glasses slightly.
Just as they finished speaking, footsteps echoed behind them — the crunch of sand marking each step.
Welt, March, Caelus, and Karl turned. There stood General Jing Yuan with three Cloud Knights behind him — and beside them, Dan Heng.
Two greenish dragon horns crowned his head, his flowing black hair shimmering like silk. His robe carried an ancient Taoist aesthetic, elegant and timeless.
Why does he look like one of those ancient cultivators I used to read about? Karl wondered. Seeing it on a screen was one thing — but in person, it was entirely different.
"Dan Heng… is that you?" March asked first, her voice tinged with uncertainty.
"If you're really Dan Heng, then what's the most embarrassing thing March has ever done?" Caelus teased, earning a furious glare from her.
"Hey! Was that really necessary?!" March shouted, while Caelus only scratched the back of his head.
Dan Heng's lips curved into the faintest smile — barely noticeable unless someone was paying close attention.
Of course, that small reaction didn't escape Jing Yuan's sharp gaze.
"…Yes, March. It's me," Dan Heng said at last, silencing her bickering.
"Whoa… you look completely different now! Is this your 'hidden power'?!" March exclaimed, eyes wide in awe.
"Lucky!" Caelus grinned. "So, March — when are you going to show your 'hidden power'?" He nudged her shoulder playfully.
March huffed and pointed at him. "You're not ready to witness my full might!"
"Blasphemy!" Caelus feigned shock, dramatically clutching his chest.
"Alright, you two, that's enough," Welt interrupted, sighing before turning to Dan Heng. "Welcome back, Dan Heng."
Dan Heng met his eyes and nodded. "It's good to be back, Mr. Yang."
"Well, it seems our reunion has come to an end, my friend," Jing Yuan said with a soft smile.
After all, his friend now had people he could rely on — companions who stood by him. Perhaps Jing Yuan had held onto the past too tightly. His heart tightened — not from resentment, but from the painful realization that the man before him was not the same as the one he once knew.
"I… am not him, General. Don't mistake me for who he was."
"I know, I know," Jing Yuan replied gently, smiling faintly. "I just can't help it. After all, you carry his remembrance." A quiet chuckle escaped his lips.
"Anyway," Jing Yuan said, clearing his throat, "enough reminiscing. One of the Lord Ravagers infiltrated a starskiff using an ambassador named Tingyun. The Ambrosial Arbor is rising, traitors within the Alchemy Commission are surfacing, and mara-struck Cloud Knights are multiplying."
They began walking toward the ancient ruins ahead, where a lone figure stood — a man holding a spear, pointing toward something unseen.
"All of this was orchestrated by Phantylia herself," Jing Yuan continued. "Her goal remains unknown — but her intent is clear: to sow chaos within the Xianzhou Alliance." His gaze swept across the group, searching for understanding.
"That's true," Welt replied, nodding. "The Ravagers' motives remain a mystery, but one thing is certain — Phantylia's plan is far from noble."
"Then without further ado," Jing Yuan said, turning to Dan Heng with a faint grin, "I'm sure, with this much information, you know where Phantylia is hiding."
"The Ambrosial Arbor's roots — or perhaps underwater, where the Aeon of Permanence resides," Dan Heng replied, his gaze drifting toward the endless ocean.
"Dan Heng, do you… have a brother?" March asked curiously, staring at the distant statue. Caelus nodded in agreement.
"I'd say it's his twin brother," Caelus added, grinning.
"Hahaha." Jing Yuan laughed softly, amused by their remarks. "You're not entirely wrong — but not quite right, either. That is the High Elder of the Vidyadhara race."
"Uhh… what a big shot," March and Caelus muttered in unison.
Dan Heng cleared his throat. "General, focus. We're not here for reminiscing." Yet, even as he said that, his gaze flickered between the statue and Jing Yuan.
Jing Yuan sighed, his eyes once more drawn to the boundless sea. "Dan Heng, we're ready. Do it."
Dan Heng turned his head slightly, glancing back at the group preparing behind him.
Slowly, he began to rise — his body light as a feather, ascending gracefully into the air. His eyes hardened with resolve.
Drawing upon the power of Permanence, a torrent of energy gathered around him, condensing into a blinding beam of light that pierced the heavens.
"Amazing…" Karl breathed, awe and faint envy glimmering in his eyes.
The sheer pressure of the energy — real or imagined — caused the sea to part, like Moses dividing the Red Sea. It was a sight beyond comprehension.
As the waters drew back, an ancient palace was revealed — and above it, a colossal, translucent dragon floated gracefully among the pillars.
"It never fails to astonish me, even after seeing it countless times," Jing Yuan said, glancing over his shoulder. "Wouldn't you agree, friends of the Astral Express?"
Behind him, Caelus, March, and Karl stood speechless, eyes wide with amazement.
Dan Heng descended slowly to the ground, his expression calm — though his gaze held the faintest trace of amusement as he looked at them.
Snapping out from their astonishment, Karl, March and Caelus shook their head and exclaimed together,
"What the Aeon?!"
"What the heck?!"
"What in the Jesus name?!"
"WHO IS JESUS?!" March and Caelus exclaimed while looking at Karl.
A/n: Sup, I'm back from being dead, anyway, here's the new chapter. Kinda busy reviewing the plot (Yes, I've restarted it and used my other account to play throughout the entire series until Penacony)
Anyway, enjoy!!