His ally was being too modest; he couldn't guarantee how many people would come, and it seems that's indeed the case now.

Jingyuan's understanding of the compassionate physicians far surpasses that of ordinary people. Xianzhou had also had some contact with the compassionate physicians in his early years, so he also knew quite a bit about them.

They lay down their scalpels and become highly trained warriors. No, they are berserkers! They dare to venture into the heart of danger to save lives, and they fight without fear of death.

This group of doctors, who uphold gentleness and justice, are no ordinary people.

“General,” Yan Qing’s voice was slightly tense. He had just received the latest summary of entry applications, “The preliminary estimate from the Listening Heaven Helmsman is that there are more than 20 million respondents. Moreover, the number is still increasing rapidly.”

Jing Yuan paused in his pacing, then burst into laughter, a long-lost lightness in his voice. "Twenty million? Excellent, very excellent!" He turned abruptly, his eyes seeming to ignite with sparks.

He walked to the sand table and looked down at the light spot that represented Luofu, the secrets of the Medicine King, and the lurking threats (especially the "illusionary" one).

There was a time when he had a limited number of pieces at his disposal, and he had to proceed cautiously and meticulously, striving to achieve the greatest victory with the least sacrifice.

A forceful crackdown? The cost would be too high. He'd rather spend more time planning, just to prevent fewer families from breaking apart.

But at this moment, the game has been completely turned upside down!

The power in his hands was enough to crush his opponent. With the combined might of millions of compassionate physicians and the revered Huai Xiu... Jing Yuan had no doubt that this power could directly destroy any of the Commanders!

"Ha!" Jing Yuan suddenly let out a refreshing breath, as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders. In the past, too many concerns and too many worries forced him to be calm and to find the optimal solution.

But this time? The optimal solution is right before our eyes—to sweep away everything with absolute power!

His gaze swept across an area on the sand table representing the core stronghold of the abundant abominations. He used to worry about eradicating these abominations, only to have them scatter and wreak havoc on the Immortal Ship's inhabitants; now…

A long-lost, almost youthful, burning passion surged within him. Jing Yuan abruptly raised his hand, and to Yan Qing's astonishment, swept away all the carefully arranged chess pieces representing friend and foe on the sand table!

"General?!" Yanqing exclaimed.

Jing Yuan didn't answer, but instead took out a jade bottle from his sleeve—a pill given to him by Russell that could temporarily suppress the troubles caused by the demonic body. Without hesitation, he poured out a pill and swallowed it.

As the pill entered his throat, a gentle yet powerful force instantly flowed through his limbs and bones.

The invisible shackles within him, heavier with age and responsibility, seemed to shatter with a "crack." The languid air faded, replaced by a restrained yet sharp and compelling heroic spirit.

He stretched comfortably, his joints making a slight popping sound, his back ramrod straight.

He looked at the empty sand table again, his eyes sharp as knives.

"Patience? Planning? Playing the long game?" Jing Yuan's lips curled into an almost wild smile. "Yan Qing, times have changed!"

He pointed to the empty sand table, his voice resolute: "Before, it was fishing. Now I hold a planet-destroying cannon in my hand that can blow up this 'fishpond' along with the surrounding area for miles! What's the point of fishing? Big fish or small fish, no matter how deep they hide, I'll blow them all to the sky!"

With millions of physicians and Cloud Cavalry, what's the point of resorting to tricks and schemes? Dealing with Huanlong? Just crush them!

He recalled his childhood dream: to survey the stars and eradicate injustice. Time and responsibility have smoothed his rough edges, but they have also tempered his wisdom.

At this moment, strength, timing, and determination are all at their peak!

"Since you dare to covet the Jianmu tree and sow discord in Luofu..." A cold glint flashed in Jing Yuan's eyes, and the will to hunt burned fiercely within him, "then don't even think about leaving!"

“General, didn’t you once teach me to be reserved and not arrogant? But you…” Yan Qing had never seen the general like this before. He even suspected that the general had been drugged by Huai Xiu, causing his demonic body to erupt prematurely.

"Yanqing, times have changed, and things are not the same as before. The second lesson I want to teach you is that if you have the strength to crush your opponent, then cut them off quickly and decisively, giving them no chance to breathe. The time to reap the rewards is coming soon."

……

In a side hall of the Sichen Palace, Yu Kong saw Russell, who had been hastily brought there by the Tianbo Division's envoy, and his tense nerves finally relaxed a little.

"Welcome to Sichen Palace, Mr. Huaixiu." Yu Kong stepped forward with a polite smile, but the anxiety in his eyes had not completely disappeared.

“The name Huaixiu sounds a bit distant. Just call me Russell, Ms. Yukong.” Russell responded gently, her azure eyes questioning, “You’re so eager to see me. Is the Sky Ship Bureau in trouble? Is there anything I can do to help? Please tell me.”

Yu Kong took a deep breath and decided to get straight to the point: "Mr. Russell, it was you who called on the compassionate physicians to support Luofu. The response... far exceeded our expectations."

She paused, her tone incredulous: "Current estimates suggest that the number of compassionate physicians arriving in Luofu may exceed twenty million."

Russell paused for a moment, then gave an apologetic smile: "So many people? This... is indeed beyond my expectations. I'm sorry to have caused you trouble."

"No, you're exaggerating." Yu Kong quickly waved his hand, then said seriously, "Such a large group is no longer a simple medical aid mission. As the captain of the Sky Ship Company, I must ensure that the subsequent reception and accommodation are handled perfectly."

"Therefore, I earnestly request that you, as the leader of the compassionate physicians, join me in overseeing this matter. Your prestige is key to stabilizing the situation."

“Of course!” Russell nodded without hesitation, his expression serious. “I summoned them from all corners of the starry sky. They answered my call and came from afar to help me solve the difficulties of Luofu. I, Russell, will remember this kindness.”

"It is my duty to personally welcome them."

He then asked with concern, "But, can the Luofu Immortal Ship really accommodate so many people? If there are difficulties, I can try to have some doctors temporarily stationed on the starship or in a nearby star system."

"Rest assured!" Yu Kong's voice finally revealed a sense of relief and determination. "Luofu has its own strengths, and space is by no means a problem. We have activated the highest-level reception plan."

"Mr. Russell, I am deeply grateful for your words. Luo Fu will always be your most steadfast ally!"

Russell smiled gently, his eyes sincere: "Ms. Yu Kong, you're too kind. Helping each other is our duty, there's no need for thanks."

"Since Mr. Huaixiu is so generous, then I'll have Tingyun assist with the setup of the welcoming area. After all, how can we welcome guests from afar without a proper welcoming ceremony?" Yukong smiled with relief.

Russell glanced at Yu Kong, then thought of Ting Yun, who resembled Huan Long. At this moment, Russell really wanted to see Huan Long's expression, to know what kind of expression he would have when he learned that he had brought together the compassionate physician with twenty million followers.

Yeah, what will it be like?

.........

That's all for today's update. One chapter left to go, 28 chapters to go. Requesting monthly tickets, recommendation tickets, ruthless comments, gifts, and subscriptions!

Golden Branches Through the Ages: Chapter 140 The Hunt for Kafka

The three-person train crew took a short break under Tingyun's enthusiastic guidance. The ferryman from the Tianbo Bureau smiled gently, and his every move exuded the elegance unique to celestial ships: "Distinguished guests, you have come from afar. The Tianbo Bureau will cover your expenses in Luofu these past few days."

"The Immortal Ship never mistreats its friendly friends. I hope you all have a good time in Luofu, as an apology from the Heavenly Ship Bureau for the unpleasant encounter just now."

March 7th and Xing's eyes lit up instantly. They huddled together, whispering as they started planning which famous restaurant to go to for a feast.

Walter Young cleared his throat at just the right moment, his steady voice like a pebble thrown into a lake, instantly shattering the two's fantasy bubble about food.

“Miss Tingyun,” he pushed up his glasses, turning his gaze to the fox-person, “the most urgent task is to find Kafka. Since the Immortal Ship knows she infiltrated, it must already have some clues?”

"Otherwise, searching for a deliberately hidden core hunter on such a massive starship would be like finding a needle in a haystack. Surely the Sky Ship Division wouldn't give us such an impossible mission?"

Ting Yun's smile remained, but his eyes held a more serious expression: "Mr. Yang is absolutely right. The Star Core Hunters are elusive, but they are not without a trace."

She slightly raised her slender hand, and a holographic image of Kafka was immediately projected beside her.

The woman in the video has a languid posture, and her voice carries a unique rhythm: "The coordinates are here, and everything is up to you. Although the goals we pursue are completely different, the orbits of the stars will eventually intersect. Goodbye."

The image then disappeared.

March 7th blinked blankly: "What... what kind of clue is this? I'm even more confused! Is this some kind of useful clue that I can't understand?"

Xing also scratched his head: "Yeah, I'm completely clueless. Could it be that the Immortal Ship has the ability to capture people by voice?"

Tingyun chuckled softly, her fluffy fox ears twitching slightly: "Benefactors, don't be fooled by her words. Listen carefully; behind her voice, there's a subtle sound of some kind of device operating."

"Huh?" March 7th spread his hands dramatically. "The Immortal Ship is a giant vessel! There are machine noises everywhere, what kind of clue is this!"

“Miss March,” Tingyun explained patiently, “it may sound the same to ordinary people, but for the craftsmen of the Manufacturing Division who deal with machines all day long, the ‘breathing’ of each machine is unique.”

"The general has summoned the craftsmen for careful comparison and confirmed that the background noise originated from the ship maintenance facilities at Echo Harbor. Therefore, the only target area you need to investigate is Echo Harbor."

“Although Kafka may have moved,” Tingyun paused, then added, “wherever she has been, there will surely be traces. Having clues is always better than searching blindly. Besides, I suspect she may still be in the port area.”

"Oh? What do you mean?" Walter pressed.

"Starport is affected by the star core, monsters are spawning, and it is difficult for the Cloud Cavalry to garrison it on a large scale. In addition, its internal structure is as complex as a maze, making it an excellent hiding place."

"If we leave the Star Harbor, the Cloud Cavalry's defenses outside are tight, and the risk of exposure will increase sharply." Tingyun's analysis was clear and logical.

Xing gazed at the magnificent sight of the immortal ship outside the window, her brows furrowing slightly: "I understand the logic... but Miss Tingyun, isn't the Returning Star Harbor itself a behemoth? With just the three of us, searching inch by inch, it'll probably take forever..."

“Ah Xing is right!” March 7th immediately chimed in, looking expectantly at Tingyun. “Miss Tingyun, you must have other magical treasures, right? Take them out quickly!”

A sly glint flashed in Tingyun's eyes, as if he had been waiting for this moment.

She magically produced a small object from behind her: "Oh dear, I wanted to give my benefactors a surprise. But since you saw through it..." She carefully held up the object.

It was an exquisite mechanical creation, shaped like a lion cub, with gold and red metallic scales covering its entire body, and a pair of round electronic eyes that shone with a lively light.

"Wow—!" March 7 was instantly captivated, leaning closer and unable to resist poking the smooth metal head with her finger. "What an adorable little thing!"

“Is that so?” Tingyun smiled, with a hint of pride. “Almost everyone who sees it for the first time reacts like Miss March.”

"Its name is... Di Ting?" Hoshino curiously leaned closer to observe. "How can such a small creature hold onto Kafka so tightly?"

“It’s not a pet meant to bite people,” Tingyun said with a smile, shaking her head as she gently brushed her fingertips across Diting’s head. “This is a masterpiece of the Craftsmanship Department, a marvel. It mimics the fox people’s extraordinary five senses and is a powerful tool for tracking.”

"As long as we find even the slightest 'trace' left by the target—whether it's a wisp of breath, a trace of residual energy, or even an extremely weak biosignal—the Listening device can follow this invisible 'thread' to pinpoint the target's location. With it, finding Kafka is not difficult."

Just as Tingyun was about to give them a live demonstration, her phone suddenly vibrated. She picked it up and glanced at it, her delicate brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.

"Um... my benefactors, I'm so sorry," she said apologetically to the three of them, "Lord Yukong has summoned me urgently with a new mission assigned to me."

"The rest of the tracking is up to you. I've already explained how to use Di Ting; it's very intelligent and will guide you." She gently placed the docile Di Ting into March 7's arms.

"Huh? They're leaving already?" Xing was a little disappointed. "The Tianbo Bureau is too busy. I feel like I'd rather rummage through the trash cans." She muttered to herself.

Tingyun chuckled, her fox tail swaying gently: "It's usually fine, but these are troubled times, and it's my duty. Alas, I've suffered a lot."

She made a helpless expression, then said seriously, "However, I will wait for your good news! Lord Yu Kong has already taken care of the travel documents for Huixing Port. You only need to show your identity to the Cloud Cavalry stationed there."

"After this, I don't know how many more things I will have to do. Once everything is settled with the Immortal Ship, I will treat you all to a meal. My benefactors."

"Well then, see you later." Tingyun gave the three of them an elegant bow, turned and walked away quickly, her steps carrying a hint of haste.

On March 7th, she held the docile Diting in her arms. The little guy's electronic eyes darted around curiously, emitting soft "beep beep" sounds. She stroked its smooth metal shell affectionately: "Alright, little guy, now it's your turn!"

Xing cracked her wrists, a fighting spirit igniting in her eyes: "Let's go, let's find that mysterious woman!"

Walter Yang nodded steadily, his gaze fixed on the faintly visible, complex outline of the Starport in the distance: "Target, Starport. Depart."

He took the lead and set off, with March 7 carrying Diting and Xing close behind. The three of them, along with their new companions, embarked on a journey to hunt down the Star Core Hunter.

……

Chapter 1, Guarantee 6K today

Golden Branches Endure the World: Chapter 141 Illusory Dream Surrounded by Physicians

After seeing off the train trio, Huanlong (continuing to use the identity of Tingyun) looked down at the message sent by Yukong: "Important matter, return quickly after dealing with the train passengers."

She was a little curious. She had just finished her mission of entertaining the train crew and had no follow-up arrangements. Why did this captain of the Tianbo Company want to see her now?

Nothing has happened since then, and normally nothing should have happened. Could it be that the Medicine King's Secret Teachings group acted on their own?

She lightly tapped her fingertip to connect to Yu Kong's communication.

"Hello? Is this Lord Yu Kong?"

"It's me, Tingyun." Yu Kong's voice came, with a hint of tension that was barely perceptible. "How are those three nameless passengers on the train? Are they all settled in?"

“Of course, Lord Yu Kong. I have finished entertaining them, and they are currently on their way to Returning Star Port to capture Kafka.” Huanlong imitated Tingyun’s gentle tone. “Right now, I have nothing urgent to attend to. May I ask what orders you have for me, my lord?”

"It's really troublesome for you, Tingyun." Yu Kong sighed softly, "The Tianbo Division is short-staffed right now, everyone is extremely busy. After thinking it over, only you have a little free time, so I had no choice but to assign this task to you."

"Lord Yukong, you flatter me. It is the duty of the Tianbo Division's commissioner to share the burdens of the immortal ship. Please feel free to give your orders."

"The mission itself is not complicated. Mr. Huaixiu, entrusted by the general, summoned Physician Cihuai to come to the Immortal Ship for support. Luofu must not be rude to these distinguished guests who have come from afar."

"I understand. So what exactly needs to be done?"

"You need to go to Star Harbour immediately to set up the venue to welcome the first group of doctors arriving in Hong Kong. They are expected to arrive in Luofu in an hour."

"Yes, Lord Yukong. So, how many people should the venue be set up according to? That way, I can make the arrangements more thorough."

Huanlong (Tingyun) pressed for details, pondering in his heart: Doctor Cihuai? Jingyuan just found a pawn to fill the medical gap.

The thousands or tens of thousands are nothing more than insignificant additions to her grand scheme.

The fate of those fools in the Medicine King's Secret Teachings is insignificant; she only needs to use them to divert attention and steal the power of the Jianmu tree to rebuild her physical body.

As for what happens next? Let's see if they can survive under Jing Yuan and that stern Envoy of Abundance, "Huai Xiu." Judging from Huai Xiu's style of doing things, there won't be a single remnant of the Luo Fu Medicine King's Secret Teachings after this incident.

Since none of them are alive, naturally I don't need to keep my promise, and I'm not in breach of contract, right?

However, Yu Kong's answer made her fingertips stiffen slightly.

“Yes, we’ll proceed according to the highest protocol for receiving distinguished guests on the Luofu Immortal Ship. As for the size of the venue…” Yu Kong paused, his tone carrying obvious pressure, “the bigger the better, as big as we can set it up.”

A sense of unease flashed through Huanlong's mind. She could understand the highest level of etiquette, but was "the bigger the better"? The existing standard venue at Chaxing Port was more than enough for a welcoming ceremony for tens of thousands of people.

“Lord Yu Kong, I understand that you welcome our distinguished guests with the highest level of courtesy. But this venue… with tens of thousands of people, shouldn’t the existing space be sufficient?” she asked tentatively.

"Tens of thousands of people?" Yu Kong's voice revealed helplessness. "Ting Yun, the general and we all underestimated Mr. Huai Xiu's appeal. The first batch of Ci Huai physicians who arrived is estimated to be close to one million."

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