The Envoy of Abundance from Onphalus

“The mother’s guilt cannot be erased.” Bronya’s voice was low but unusually firm.

“I cannot be like her, using one falsehood to cover up another. As Mr. Russell and Xing said, what Belloberg needs is honesty, not yet another elaborate deception. We must face the truth, even if it is full of scars.”

“Okay, I can’t do anything with you.” Seele shrugged, but her tone was acknowledging her opinion.

……

"Ah ha, esteemed audience members, wasn't the play directed by Sambo particularly wonderful?" At this moment, Sambo was presenting the play to the audience in a very empty and deserted place in the lower city.

"Are you all satisfied with this script? Would you give the hardworking old Sambo behind the scenes a high score of 9.1? Hehe."

"What? You're saying you won't give Old Sambo a score, you're refusing to rate Old Sambo... Waaah. Old Sambo will be sad if you say that."

"However, I also know that you gentlemen really like this script. Now that the matter of Belloberg is settled, our next stop, the large-scale stage epic play Onpharos, is about to start filming. Gentlemen, would you like to invest?" Sambo rubbed his hands together like a fly, his face full of anticipation like a shrewd businessman seeing money.

"No, what do you mean 'getting something for free is also an investment'? No way! Old Sambo will starve if that's the case!"

"But I still wish all of you good health and all the best. See you at the next theater, hehe!" Sambo then threw a smoke bomb in the open space, and his figure disappeared instantly, leaving only a sense of joy.

The Golden Bough: Chapter 118 The Aftermath of Belloberg

When Bronya chose to reveal the truth, it was as if a depth charge had been dropped on the entire city of Belleburg.

The news spread like wildfire, from the Goethe Hotel in the upper district to the town of Rock in the lower district, every corner was filled with discussions of shock, anger and unease.

"Have you heard? Lady Cocolia, she..."

"The star core... so it was all because of it..."

"Have we been deceived for seven hundred years?"

People gathered in the streets and alleys, their faces filled with disbelief.

For the first few days, the city did indeed experience a brief period of turmoil and confusion. However, to many people's surprise, this violent upheaval did not last long.

This was vastly different from what everyone had imagined back in Everwinter Ridge.

This is largely thanks to the tireless efforts of Xing, March 7th and Danheng.

They spread the truth early on that the Star Core was the source of the calamity, which had bewitched the Guardians.

Many people, especially those living in lower-class areas, were already mentally prepared for this.

Therefore, when the authorities finally confirmed everything, they felt more of a heavy sense of relief than a complete collapse.

At least the Great Guardian they revered didn't do all those wrong things intentionally, and in the end, he proved with his actions what true protection is.

Although Cocolia is now a controversial figure in Belleburg, at least she still has some positive image.

Bronya knew that most of the things her mother did were of her own volition.

What we now call the truth is like an elaborately crafted lie. It's just that it's the truth in some parts.

The new High Warden, Bronya Rand, did not choose to hide behind the high walls of Cripper Keep.

The day after the announcement, she personally went to the central square to face her people, protected by the Silvermane Iron Guards.

“I know this news is painful and hard to accept.” Her voice, clear and firm, resounded throughout the square through the loudspeaker.

Although a hint of fatigue could still be heard, it was filled with an undeniable determination.

"Concealment and deception cannot bring true protection. Only by facing the wounds of the past can we move towards the future together. I assure you, I will dedicate everything I have to lead Belleburg out of this harsh winter and rebuild our home!"

She did not shy away from the issues, but instead chose honesty and responsibility. This action quickly won her the recognition and goodwill of a large number of people, especially those from the lower and middle classes.

People saw in her a courage and sincerity that was completely different from her ex.

Everyone knows Bronya is Cocolia's daughter. Even so, she still refuses to protect the Great Guardian, instead revealing the bloody truth to everyone.

In this respect, the new Grand Protector earned their admiration, worship, and respect.

A week later, Bronya issued her first major decree as High Warden: to officially reopen all passageways connecting the upper and lower zones.

The iron gate, which had been sealed off for many years, slowly rose, and for the first time, sunlight from the upper level shone unobstructed into the mine tunnels of the lower level.

When the residents of Panyan Town were once again able to freely tread the streets of the upper administrative district, a glimmer of hope truly shone into this city that had been divided for too long.

In this massive transformation, Russell became Bronya's most important mentor.

She humbly sought his guidance, and Russell, this abundant messenger of wisdom possessing boundless years, generously shared his knowledge without reservation. After all, teaching was his forte.

"Teacher, how should I deal with those old nobles who are still using my mother's situation to obstruct reforms?" Bronya asked, frowning as she looked at the sand table model in her office.

Instead of giving a direct answer, Russell gently guided the discussion: "A good leader needs to know how to leverage resources. Think about it, who most desires change? And who possesses the power to make that change happen?"

Bronya pondered for a moment, then her eyes gradually brightened. She found Natasha, the leader of the Earthfire, and the guard officer Jepard.

"Clean up the termites? Of course I support it." Seele crossed her arms and said decisively, "Bronya is a good leader, but sometimes she's too soft-hearted. It's best to leave this kind of thing to us Earthfire."

Jepard also bowed solemnly: "The Silvermane Iron Guards swear to serve the High Warden to the death, and it is our duty to maintain order in Beloborg."

Thus, a swift and decisive rectification campaign was launched. The members of Earthfire were familiar with every aspect of the lower district, while the Iron Guards firmly maintained order in the upper district.

With the two working together, the old aristocracy who attempted to stir up trouble and enrich themselves were swiftly and thoroughly uprooted, and their astonishing wealth and resources were confiscated and used for the reconstruction of the city.

This wealth also successfully resolved the conflict between the upper and lower classes for a time. The future is uncertain, but for now, the upper and lower classes have reconciled.

The process was inevitably painful, but the results were immediate. Resources were redistributed, and policies were effectively implemented.

With the strong support of Natasha and Jepard, Bronya quickly consolidated her power and devoted all her energy to the recovery plan.

Under Russell's guidance, Bronya's leadership skills developed rapidly. She learned to balance various forces, formulate long-term plans, and, most importantly, always put the well-being of the people first.

Under her leadership, Belloborg truly achieved unity of purpose. People also saw what this Great Guardian was doing.

They adored their new High Warden, and Bronya's previously precarious position as High Warden was now firmly secured.

Medical and defensive capabilities were also strengthened to an unprecedented degree. Dr. Natasha organized an efficient medical network to treat every wounded person with utmost care;

Clara, with Schwarz's help, surprisingly took charge of the maintenance and upgrades of the Automaton Corps.

Two travelers on a bountiful journey are quietly supporting the city's recovery in their own ways.

Without the guidance of the Star Core, the Rift Monsters became chaotic and disorderly, and were no longer able to organize an effective attack.

Beloberg's army began to advance outwards in a planned manner, gradually recovering the lost territory eroded by the rift, and their living space was gradually expanding.

Two weeks later, on the terrace of Cripperburg, Russell looked out at the city, which was showing signs of life, and nodded with satisfaction.

He said to Bronya beside him, "Bronya, you have done very well. In my opinion, you have long since become a qualified leader, even far exceeding my expectations."

"I have given you everything I could teach you. The rest of the journey is up to you. Once you reach this level, the rest is up to you to understand and learn."

Bronya turned around, her eyes filled with reluctance: "Teacher... are you leaving?"

“Yes.” Russell nodded with a smile, his gaze gentle. “My journey in Belleburg is coming to an end. It’s time to move on to the next place. I have high hopes for you, Bronya. I look forward to our next meeting, when you can lead Arillow-VI to truly regain its lush greenery.”

Before leaving, Russell tossed Bronya a Bountiful Token: "Since you are my student, I naturally want to give you a gift before we part ways, as a reward for your graduation."

"Teacher, what is this?"

"The mark of the compassionate healer: if your planet truly suffers some insurmountable difficulty, hold this emblem tightly and pray to me, and I will surely respond to you and help you solve it."

"However, I can only help you once. After that, I will take back the emblem, and the rest of the journey will be up to you."

"Teacher, I understand. Please take care of yourself, and if you have time, please go back to Belleburg for a visit."

"Of course, Bronya. I believe we will meet again soon, and then I will take you to see my hometown, which is a very beautiful place."

"Ah."

He didn't linger. His figure transformed into a soft, emerald-green streak of light, like a star streaking across the sky, disappearing above Belleburg and returning to the Star Train.

Standing by the train's observation window, Russell once again gazed at the planet still covered in ice and snow beneath his feet.

But this time, he saw not despair and cold, but countless seeds of hope that had been sown, quietly gathering strength beneath the ice and snow, waiting for the moment they would sprout. Belloberg's story had turned a new page.

And the story of the Star Train will turn a new page.

……

This is the last one for today. I have to catch a train tomorrow, so I can't stay up late anymore. Goodnight everyone.

Golden Branches Endure Through the Ages: Chapter 119 Next Stop, Luofu

When Russell returned to the train, he was warmly welcomed by all the passengers. If it weren't for his help in stabilizing Bronya's situation with Beloberg, the Star Train would likely have been unable to complete repairs and depart smoothly in just three days.

Russell also had to commend those who opposed the new High Protector in Belloberg, because it was precisely because they did not choose to remain silent that Russell was able to easily eliminate them all.

Pam's cheerful announcement echoed through the carriage: "Thanks to all the pioneers for their efforts! Local rift activity has significantly decreased, and star trail data has returned to normal."

"The train is about to depart from Yalilo-VI. Please prepare yourselves. We will be holding a route meeting in one hour to decide on the next destination!"

March 7th and Hoshi were bickering casually, while Danheng quietly read a book nearby, and Walter Yang and Himeko were exchanging whispers. An hour later, everyone gathered in the observation car.

Pam walked slowly to the center and said solemnly, "This meeting is now officially open. First of all, I, the train conductor, would like to thank everyone for successfully resolving the crisis at Arillo-VI, which allowed the train to continue its journey."

"Oh dear, if Russell hadn't stepped in, we probably wouldn't have been able to handle that big guy..." March 7th scratched his head, his voice still trembling with fear.

"It's alright. That guy probably doesn't pose much of a threat to you. He's just all show and no substance," Russell commented on the star core, whose ambitions were sky-high but whose fate was as fragile as paper.

Xing suddenly interjected, "What's there to be afraid of? We're doing just fine now, aren't we?"

Just as Pam was about to continue speaking, a holographic image suddenly appeared, interrupting the atmosphere. The newcomer, holding a long umbrella, was impeccably dressed in a suit and exuded composure.

"Long time no see, everyone on the Starry Sky Train." She slightly raised the edge of her umbrella, revealing a smiling face. "I'm Kaffa."

The atmosphere instantly tensed. Himeko's eyes sharpened, and she took a half-step forward, blocking the others. "Star Core Hunter..." she said in a low voice.

Kafka, seemingly oblivious to any hostility, remained relaxed: "The timing is perfect, everyone's here. I'll get straight to the point—"

Before she could finish speaking, Xing suddenly shouted, "Mom!"

Kafka paused subtly for a moment, but quickly recovered, clearing her throat lightly: "Good child, we'll talk about this later. I've come today to discuss something."

March 7th's eyes widened, and she poked Xing's arm: "Is she really your mother??"

Xing replied matter-of-factly, "Otherwise what?"

March 7th looked incredulous and cast a questioning glance at him.

Walter adjusted his glasses and said seriously, "The Star Core Hunter's sudden visit is probably not for casual conversation."

“As expected of Mr. Walter,” Kafka smiled slightly, “I would like to request that you change your destination and head to the ‘Luofu’ Immortal Ship.”

Himeko immediately retorted, "Why should we believe the Star Core Hunter's words?"

"Because this matter concerns the past of the star, and also the future of the Immortal Ship. Moreover, the Immortal Ship currently possesses a star core, and whether you believe it or not is up to you."

Kafka's gaze swept over everyone as she said, "Besides, you will soon receive General Jingyuan's invitation. What will you choose then?"

...At the same time, Luofu Immortal Ship - Taibusi.

Holding the jade tablet, Fu Xuan hurriedly entered the Divine Strategy Mansion, skipping even the need to announce his arrival.

She presented the results, which had just been calculated by the Qiong Guan Array, to Jing Yuan.

"General, I have something important to discuss with you!"

Jing Yuan calmly put down his teacup and looked up at her: "Fu Qing, what's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

"Observations indicate that 'Huai Xiu' will arrive in Luofu in three days," Fu Xuan said gravely. "You shouldn't have forgotten what that name means."

"Moreover, after detailed divination, it seems that this Envoy of Abundance has now joined the Star Train and become an anonymous passenger."

Jing Yuan took the report, his gaze sweeping over it, but his smile remained: "Ha, this is much more interesting. Decades ago, the Immortal Ship Alliance divined the omens of his contact with him, and the result was very auspicious. Has it changed now?"

"If things don't change, then we're not enemies with him, we can be friends, right?"

"The auspiciousness remains unchanged, even rising to 'Great Fortune.' But General—" Fu Xuan frowned, "cooperating with the Envoy of Abundance is unprecedented in the history of the Immortal Ship!"

“If there’s no precedent, then let’s set one.” Jing Yuan stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the swirling clouds in the distance. “Although Huai Xiu’s whereabouts have been unpredictable all these years, he has never been an enemy of the Immortal Ship.”

"Luofu needs allies, and so does he."

Fu Xuan wanted to argue, but Jing Yuan raised his hand to stop him: "I know what you're worried about. But Fu Qing, the Immortal Ship Alliance is facing an unprecedented crisis, and we need all possible resources."

Fu Xuan sighed, "Since the general has made up his mind, then I will go and arrange the reception. However, general, if this matter provokes a backlash from the six emperors..."

“Then let them come find me.” Jing Yuan’s tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority.

After Fu Xuan left, Jing Yuan looked at the chessboard he had been using as a tea table, took out a chess piece from somewhere and placed it on it, saying, "The game is now complete."

……