Inside the Hall of Karmic Clouds.
"Madam Yukong, our personnel sent to Starskiff Haven to welcome Madams Ruan Mei and Herta never encountered them."
"Madam Yukong? Madam Yukong?"
Her subordinates repeatedly called out to her. Yukong finally snapped out of her reverie.
"They never appeared in Starskiff Haven? Retrieve the visual records from all the robotic birds in Starskiff Haven."
"Yes, ma'am."
The footage appeared on the large screen.
Over two hours ago, Bailu had been the one to greet Ruan Mei and Herta—well ahead of the Sky-Faring Commission personnel.
"The Vidyadhara Dragon Lady herself? Madam Yukong, the Alchemy Commission—"
Yukong shook her head slightly.
"No need for suspicion. This is likely little Bailu's personal initiative. Where are they now?"
The Hall of Karmic Clouds personnel were already dumbfounded. They instinctively pointed out the window. Yukong turned to look.
The entire sky above Starskiff Haven was filled with magic mirrors. The overwhelming power of the Erudition Path radiating from them spoke for itself.
"I'll return shortly. Hold down the fort here."
---
When Yukong finally located Bailu, Ruan Mei and Herta were nowhere to be seen.
But as a foxian, she could rely on her sense of smell to discern their general whereabouts.
"Madam Herta, Madam Ruan Mei. I am Yukong, Sky-Facing Commission's Helmsmaster of the Xianzhou Luofu. I humbly request that you—"
Before Yukong could finish, Bailu's cries interrupted her.
"Sister Yukong!! Help me! The Great Sage Herta is trying to give me a 'proper childhood'!"
Yukong, who had just arrived, was taken aback.
"A proper childhood?"
With a thought, Ruan Mei nullified the Neglect Serum's effect on Yukong.
Before her stood Herta, magic key raised high. Ruan Mei stood firmly in front of Bailu, blocking Herta's path.
Yukong stood there, slightly bewildered.
According to the intelligence reports, these two were geniuses, yes—but their personalities were utterly eccentric and unpredictable.
This current situation left even the experienced Yukong at a loss.
"Madam Herta, Madam Ruan Mei... what is the meaning of this?"
Yukong's voice remained steady and gentle. Herta cast her a cold glance, then turned her attention back to Bailu.
Ruan Mei stepped forward and whispered softly in Herta's ear.
"Bailu is our guide on the Luofu—recommended by Asta, no less."
Herta gave a light snort.
"So I should give Asta face? And if I refuse?"
Ruan Mei smiled calmly.
"Herta. I don't think you want a fourth person knowing about this. And you can't exactly stop the Sky-Faring Commission's rumor mill."
"You... you!! Are you threatening me?"
"Just have a proper talk with Bailu. Alone."
Ruan Mei took the magic key. Taking advantage of Bailu's momentary distraction, Herta whisked her away.
Yukong moved to intervene, but Ruan Mei stopped her with a gesture.
"Madam Ruan Mei, what exactly is Madam Herta trying to do?! Harassing the Vidyadhara Dragon Lady is harassment of the Xianzhou Luofu itself."
"Forgive us. We have no intention of antagonizing the Xianzhou. They are simply... reaching a compromise."
---
Nearby, Herta and Bailu were deep in conversation.
Herta: "Five bottles of Immortal's Delight. Today's incident never leaves this spot."
Bailu: "Immortal's Delight stunts your growth."
Herta bristled but pressed on: "Fine. Ten Mofu rolls, then."
Bailu gazed up at the sky, tears welling in her eyes. "Sigh. I live on the streets, exposed to the elements. When the Dragonfang catches me and drags me back to the manor, I go hungry three meals a day."
"My life is so hard. So, so hard, Great Sage Herta."
Herta: "Don't be ungrateful."
Bailu: "I could always tell Stelle about what happened today. Stelle's well-traveled. She knows lots of people. Penacony. Jarilo-VI..."
Herta: "Stop! Three months. I'll cover all your meal expenses for the next three months. Upfront."
Bailu's eyes lit up. "Really?"
Herta: "A genius's word is her bond. But from now on, you must tell everyone that Ruan Mei and I are equals."
Bailu: "Both geniuses?"
Herta: "Both Demon Lords. Understood?"
Bailu: "Understood, understood. The Great Sage Herta is no more. Only the Great Demon Lord Herta remains."
Herta: "This dragon child is teachable, after all."
They exchanged a knowing smile.
Bailu: Not bad. Three months of free meals.
Herta: Not bad. It's not my money anyway. And I get free publicity from someone who'll tell everyone I don't pad.
---
Back at the space station, Asta—waiting anxiously for Herta and Ruan Mei's return—suddenly sneezed.
"Ah-choo!!"
"Who's talking trash about me?! Arlan!! Shut down all the air conditioning in the space station. Now!"
"But the researchers—"
"No buts!! Now!! This instant!!"
---
Several minutes later.
Herta and Bailu, having reached a mutually beneficial agreement, returned to Ruan Mei and Yukong.
Bailu spoke first.
"Great Demon Lord Yukong. Great Demon Lord Ruan Mei. Great Demon Lord Herta."
Herta looked rather pleased with herself. Yukong, however, turned to Ruan Mei with a puzzled expression.
"Demon Lord? What does that mean?"
"Children speak without thinking."
Yukong found the title odd. As she pondered it, Ruan Mei deftly changed the subject.
"By the way, Helmsmaster Yukong. I believe you know this foxian girl."
"Hmm?"
The moment Tingyun's photo appeared in Ruan Mei's hand, Yukong's eyes went wide. She stared at it in utter disbelief, then snatched it away for a closer look.
"Tingyun?! It really is Tingyun! She's alive? She's truly alive?!"
"Her vital signs are steadily recovering."
Hearing this, Yukong's eyes filled with tears of joy. She had feared the worst—that she would outlive the younger generation. And now, she had confirmation that Tingyun was alive.
"You saved her, didn't you, Madam Ruan Mei?"
"Yes."
"Thank you... thank you... truly, thank you so much."
Yukong stepped forward, reaching for Ruan Mei's hand—but Herta immediately inserted herself between them.
Having weathered countless storms, Yukong quickly regained her composure.
"Forgive my earlier outburst. Madam Ruan Mei, please accept this—my personal foxian jade abacus."
Herta remarked casually, "Like that Stellaron brat's Alliance jade token?"
"Well..."
Seeing Yukong's discomfort, Ruan Mei cast a cool glance at Herta. Honestly. Herta has no sense of social graces whatsoever.
"Helmsmaster Yukong, your kindness is most appreciated. I will treasure this."
"When Tingyun wakes and her condition fully stabilizes, she will return to the Luofu."
Yukong inclined her head gratefully.
"We are deeply indebted to you, Madam Ruan Mei."
"The Sky-Faring Commission has many matters to attend to. Should you encounter any difficulties here on the Luofu, please use this foxian jade abacus to contact me. No matter the hour, I will come personally."
Yukong added,
"Of course, all foxians across the six Xianzhou ships recognize this symbol. To see it is to know you are Yukong's most honored benefactor. They will do everything in their power to assist you."