The Envoy of Abundance from Onphalus

The company's transport ship, laden with unstable "gifts," silently departed from Starport, heading straight for Luofu.

In the illusory Luofu chess game, the second hidden piece silently slipped away.

.........

Azure Immortal Ship - Command Center

Countless streams of light weaved and converged across the enormous holographic star map, outlining the vast expanse of stars and the deployment of fleets. The air was filled with the faint heat and low hum generated by the analog calculations.

Strategist Jiaoqiu's slender fingers traced the edge of the star map, a wisp of data light swirling around his fingertips before being gently dispersed by his feather fan. He frowned slightly: "General Feixiao, the anomaly lies here. Xingxiao's main antimatter legion has been firmly pinned down on the front lines by us."

"But a well-organized detachment deviated from the main course midway, and its trajectory was extremely strange."

The dashing fox-person general, Fei Xiao, perked up his ears alertly, scrutinizing the glaring red deviation on the star map. "Are these virtual soldiers malfunctioning? Are they targeting... these resource-depleted asteroids nearby?"

She pointed to several dim points of light along the trajectory, then sharply drew her finger further into the distance. "But if we have to find a reasonable target... then it can only be the Luofu Immortal Ship further away!"

“That’s right.” Jiaoqiu nodded, and a dotted line was drawn on the star map, extending the trajectory of the detachment and pointing clearly to a point of light in the distance that represented the Luofu Immortal Ship.

"All indications suggest that they are executing pre-set instructions, and the target is likely locked on Luofu."

Fei Xiao twitched his pair of lively fox ears, full of confusion: "That's even stranger! Let alone a detachment, even if Xing Xiao's entire main force attacked Luo Fu, they might not fare well against Jing Yuan! That 'Blind General' is no mere figurehead."

"What's Xingxiao up to? Is he going to send a gift to Jingyuan?"

Jiaoqiu habitually rested his chin on his feather fan, pondering, "Xingxiao's actions are unpredictable and treacherous; he must have something in mind for this move. Whatever the target, the movements of this detachment pose a direct threat to Luofu."

"Hmph, if Jing Yuan can't handle this, then the title of 'Blind General' is meaningless." Fei Xiao waved his hand and decisively ordered, "However, the message must be sent out quickly."

"Jiaoqiu, immediately send the observation data and analysis conclusions to the Luofu Divine Strategy Bureau, highlighting: the flanking force is estimated to be 100,000 illusory soldiers, and confirmed to be accompanied by more than ten Doomsday Beasts! Inform Jingyuan that if support is needed, the Yaoqing Battle Blade should be drawn at any time!"

"Yes, sir," Jiaoqiu replied, her fingers moving rapidly through the air, instantly sending encrypted information across the galaxy.

Almost immediately after the message was sent, the communication screen flashed the emblem representing the Luofu Shence Mansion.

Jing Yuan's reply rang out, accompanied by a brief message: [The Shence Prefecture has received Yao Qing's letter. Luo Fu is well-prepared; a mere detachment is nothing to worry about, so there's no need to trouble yourself for now. Thank you, General and Mr. Jiaoqiu.]

The writing reveals Jing Yuan's composure.

Fei Xiao had just picked up his tactical simulation pen, preparing to simulate several interception plans on the star map, when he heard this, he put down his pen, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Jiao Qiu who was walking over: "Oh? You replied quickly. What did Jing Yuan say?"

Jiaoqiu looked at the reply message, her gentle yet aloof smile unchanged: "General Jingyuan is full of confidence and has politely declined our assistance, stating that Luofu can handle it on its own."

"Tch, this kid still loves to play riddles." Fei Xiao leaned back in his command chair, instinctively wanting to tap the armrest, but then refrained.

"It seems Luo Fu is quite lively lately, even the Antimatter Legion couldn't resist joining in. Jiao Qiu, do you think there's anything going on here?"

“The eye of the storm often affects the whole situation.” Jiaoqiu’s eyes flickered slightly, and his slender fingers unconsciously touched his chest. In the inner pocket of his wide robe, the mark bestowed by Huaixiu, which carried the aura of abundance, was quietly radiating warmth.

"It is worth noting that not long ago, the Envoy of Abundance, Huai Xiu, summoned compassionate physicians to gather in Luofu to practice medicine and help the world. Perhaps this unexpected move by the antimatter legion is related to this?"

"Ha!" Fei Xiao couldn't help but laugh. "Relying on this small force to besiege Huai Xiu? It's probably not even enough to tickle that envoy!"

“Even if Xingxiao personally leads the team, they probably won’t fare well against Huaixiu.” She had a clear understanding of the combat power levels among top-tier Commanders. This was good news for Yaoqing; with this detachment gone, the pressure of annihilating the main force of the antimatter legion was greatly reduced. But the waters of Luofu seemed to be getting deeper and deeper.

At this moment, Jiaoqiu's voice rang out again, with an undeniable firmness: "General, once this legion here is defeated, perhaps we should visit Luofu."

"Where are we going? To join the fun?" Fei Xiao replied casually.

“That envoy of abundance, Huai Xiu, might… be able to cure your long-standing symptoms.” Jiao Qiu’s eyes were burning.

Fei Xiao's previously lazy expression froze for a moment, then he waved his hand: "But... that's abundance..."

"Huai Xiu's achievements in hunting down 'evil creatures' have been comparable to those of the Immortal Ship in recent years. His name of compassion is a good deed that is sincerely revered by countless beings in the universe."

"The fact that he could openly call on his subordinates to help defend Luofu means that the Immortal Boat Alliance, or at least Luofu, has established some kind of mutual trust with him." Jiaoqiu's tone was calm and his reasoning clear.

"Regardless of the methods Jing Yuan used, this mutual trust is real. General, this may be our closest chance to hope. Even if it fails, it won't diminish us in the slightest. Let me try, to seek a possibility."

Feixiao remained silent for a moment, looking at the deep-seated stubbornness and worry in Jiaoqiu's eyes, and finally sighed. His ears drooped slightly, then quickly straightened up: "...Fine, I can't persuade you otherwise. If it can really cure this illness, it's worth the trip. But now..."

Her tone shifted abruptly, revealing her sharp edge. She lightly slammed her fist on the edge of the command platform. "First, let this antimatter legion know what Yaoqing is. Jiaoqiu, devise a plan. I want to achieve the greatest victory with the least cost."

"Understood!" Jiaoqiu accepted the order, his gaze returning to the rapidly changing star map. He gently waved his feather fan, and countless tactical simulation routes began to combine and be verified before his eyes.

.........

My first 3k5 today

Golden Branches Endure Through the Ages: Chapter 144 - Doctor Russell Welcomes the World

Luofu Immortal Boat - Shence Mansion

The study was quiet. Jing Yuan leaned back in his large chair, his eyes slightly closed. A vast stream of information surged through his mind: the progress of the Star Chariot Sea repair, the resettlement plan for the compassionate physicians, the abnormal personnel alerts at various ports... He sorted through and sifted through the complex web of intelligence one by one.

The alert sent by Yao Qing—about an antimatter legion that had strayed from its course—spread like ink dropped into a lake of the heart.

"Huanlong... quite the grand gesture." Jing Yuan's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile as he lightly tapped the armrest with his fingertips.

"Whether it's bait, a smokescreen, or even bringing in the antimatter legion to disrupt things, they've really been working hard to make their moves in this game."

Unfortunately, the person playing the game had already changed their mindset. At this moment, Jing Yuan was as calm as an abyss, even carrying a hint of detachment.

No matter how many pieces Huanlong piles up on the chessboard or how many hidden lines he weaves, he cannot change the predetermined fate of the final game.

Huanlong remained engrossed in his ingenious strategy, proceeding cautiously step by step. Jingyuan, however, had quietly risen, his hands no longer holding individual chess pieces, but the heavy chessboard itself that bore the weight of the entire game—a chessboard that would ultimately shatter Huanlong's illusions.

It's a foregone conclusion that millions of compassionate physicians will gather at Luofu. Once this force erupts, it will be enough to pulverize Huanlong and his Jianmu incarnation.

As for that antimatter detachment? It was merely a smokescreen to distract the Cloud Cavalry, with limited effectiveness.

Using elite Cloud Cavalry to fight the fearless Void Soldiers head-on is a poor strategy. The best approach is to utilize the Celestial Ship's self-defense system to keep them firmly outside key points, and then use the Celestial Ship's powerful orbital firepower to eliminate them at pinpoints.

Hold your ground, delay, and eliminate. This is the solution with the least cost.

"The open enemy is a feint... but the fangs lurking in the shadows are likely the fatal blow," Jing Yuan thought with a cold laugh. Huanlong must have many more hidden fangs.

Even though he has a panoramic view of the game, these hidden threats must be eliminated one by one to leave no hidden dangers.

As his thoughts wandered, another undercurrent was surging deep within Luofu.

Dandingsi·Darkroom

The air was filled with the bitter smell of medicine and a hint of eerie sweetness. In the dim light, several figures dressed in dark green alchemist robes worked silently around the alchemy furnace and rare medicinal herbs, like devout believers.

"...The dosage must be precise; even the slightest error will negate its potential benefits." A deep voice rang out. The speaker was none other than the Pill Refining Master of the Pill Refining Department!

Her usual refined and gentle demeanor vanished, replaced by a sharp, hawk-like gaze as she personally oversaw the production of a batch of dark, dull pills. She picked up a still-warm pill and examined it closely under the dim light: "How effective is the 'Longevity Pill'?"

A trusted alchemist immediately bowed and said in a very low voice, "Lord Si Ding, rest assured, this formulation is perfect. The medicinal power is contained and the aura is not leaked."

“Aside from the unique secret technique passed down by the Medicine King, it’s extremely difficult to detect the ‘breath of rotten wood’ within this medicine. Once this medicine is bestowed upon those veteran soldiers of the Cloud Cavalry who have made outstanding contributions…” He paused, his words filled with a sinister anticipation, “...we’ll just have to wait for the signal to arrive…”

"Very good." Dan Shu said expressionlessly as he carefully sealed the pill into a jade bottle, his movements carrying a hint of determination. "Make sure that Jing Yuan's proud and fierce soldiers deeply experience... the 'blessings' of the Compassionate Medicine King."

She handed the jade bottle to the attendant who stood silently in the shadows like a statue. "According to the old custom, send it to the treasury of each camp. Say that I have just refined this top-grade 'Longevity and Vitality Pill' out of consideration for the soldiers' hard work, and that those who have made contributions should be given priority to take it." The attendant took the jade bottle and silently disappeared into the darkness of the corner.

Jing Yuan had not anticipated this deadly move. He thought that Dan Shu, as a high-ranking believer of the Emperor's Bow and Fate, held a prestigious position and should be free from the allure of the Medicine King's secret teachings.

But fate always seems to mock and defy prediction. The defection of Dan Shu, this key figure, became the sharpest and most difficult-to-defend stab to the heart of Luofu.

Shadows loomed, and the game grew increasingly perilous. An invisible tension, mingled with the lingering herbal scent of the Dan Ding Si, permeated the air of Luofu.

...

Xingchahai·Airport

The port area was bustling with activity. Under Tingyun's methodical command, the Cloud Knights were incredibly efficient, setting up a neat and grand welcoming area in just two hours.

Colorful flags, slogans, and auspicious fairy boat decorations are already taking shape.

"Miss Tingyun, do you think the positions of those flower gates on the east side need to be slightly adjusted?" A Yunqi captain ran over to ask for instructions.

Tingyun glanced at the list and spoke clearly, "Move five meters to the left to make way; the main passage offers a better view. Thank you all for your hard work. Please double-check the supplies list to ensure that every doctor from Cihui feels at home upon arrival in Hong Kong." Her eyes were focused as she meticulously checked every detail.

Once the basic framework was in place, Tingyun immediately said, "The refined materials used for the ceremony will require special approval from the Tianbo Bureau before they can be put into storage. I must personally supervise and verify this. You will be in charge of this matter for the time being."

"Yes, sir!" The Cloud Cavalry captain clasped his hands in acceptance. Tingyun turned gracefully, her skirt fluttering slightly, and strode towards the customs declaration area. The moment she left the core area of ​​the port, an extremely faint mental ripple, imperceptible to ordinary people, quietly enveloped the mind of the dispatcher responsible for receiving the specific cargo ship.

The dispatcher's eyes momentarily went blank for a moment before returning to normal. He then had the idea of ​​prioritizing several transport ships marked as carrying special medicinal materials that were about to enter the port—this was exactly the gap that Huanlong needed.

'Seize the opportunity…' Huanlong chuckled coldly to himself. As long as those "gifts" successfully landed, with a little guidance, they could be transformed into highly significant bargaining chips on the chessboard.

By the time they realized the problem, she had already stolen the power of the Jianmu tree, and she had won this round.

...

On the other side of the harbor, a figure attracted a small amount of attention. Russell walked slowly, a departure from his usual minimalist style.

At this moment, he was wearing the "Crown of Thorns" robe, which symbolized his status as the Great Sage of Onphalus Tree Court.

With a sacred silver-white base, the robe is outlined with intricate and mysterious runes by flowing gold threads, and it exudes a gentle yet powerful life force.

His face still bore that signature, warm smile, now imbued with an air of compassionate kindness, subtly matching the reputation of a pharmacist.

This was his ritualistic approach to important occasions, perhaps also a source of solace from his homeland. Thinking of his hometown, Onphalus, a barely perceptible sigh escaped his lips.

“Elio’s script… I hope it can truly guide us home.” This robe is even more divine than the robe of the ancient Onpharos, and the illusory crown on his head overflows with an extremely pure radiance of life.

Russell had no need for clothes; the clothes he wore were an integral part of his being, like living skin, changing as he pleased.

This gave him great convenience, as he didn't have to worry about external constraints whether in battle or in daily life.

When the first small starship bearing the emblem of Compassion docked smoothly at its designated port, the bustling harbor fell silent for a moment before erupting into an even more enthusiastic cheer.

The hatch opened, and a dozen or so compassionate doctors, dressed in various styles but with gentle expressions, filed out.

They looked around with curiosity at the grand, clean, and welcoming scene, their faces beaming with excitement and pride.

"Brother Ali! Look at this scene! I told you coming to Luofu was the right choice! This is much more enthusiastic than we imagined." A young doctor named Aji, with orange fox ears bobbing on his head, excitedly patted his companion Bai Li's arm, almost shaking off his medical bag.

"Do you think... we'll have a chance to meet Mr. Huaixiu? If only we could get his autograph..."

Bai Li helplessly steadied Aji's bag strap, which was about to come undone, and said with a gentle smile, "Walk carefully, Aji. Mr. Huaixiu is kind and generous. If we really have the chance to meet, getting an autograph would be nothing more than a small favor for him."

As they were talking, Bai Li's amber eyes, which could see through everything, suddenly froze on a figure in the distance.

Her silver hair was studded with golden strands like stars, her eyes were as warm and serene as jade, and her thorn-crowned robe, so different from the attire of the immortal boat, exuded a sacred aura of life...

Despite the differences in clothing, the comforting aura and the figure etched deep in one's soul remain...

“Aji…” Bai Li’s voice trembled slightly.

"Hmm? What's wrong, Brother Ali? Are you feeling unwell somewhere?" Aji immediately stopped joking and, as a doctor, instinctively reached for the pulse pillow.

“No… it’s Mr. Huaixiu.” Bai Li took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the refined figure heading towards the port passage. “He’s over there… it seems… he’s come to greet us personally?”

"Mr. Huaixiu?!" Aji suddenly followed Bai Li's gaze and froze on the spot as if struck by lightning the moment he saw the figure. Then he burst out with a low cry of surprise.

"Ah?! It really is the doctor himself! My medicine bag! The autograph board! Where is it, where is it..." He frantically rummaged through his medical bag, eliciting good-natured chuckles from his fellow doctors around him.

All eyes were fixed intently on Russell as he walked toward them, as if believers were welcoming a saint they had longed for.

The unpretentious envoy stood and looked at them with kind eyes. After all, they were compassionate physicians from the same lineage as them. Without their help, it would not have been so easy for them to eliminate those scourges of abundance.

.........

2700 words per chapter, aiming for 6k today. Goodnight everyone. Requesting monthly votes, recommendations, favorites, subscriptions, and to follow along!

Golden Branches Through the Ages: Chapter 145 The Fools Enter the Game

Russell greeted Bai Li and his group with a warm smile, his words and actions making them feel as if they were in a gentle breeze. He spoke to these followers without any barriers, as if they were old friends who had been separated for a long time, and the conversation naturally revolved around medicine.

He exudes a calming medicinal fragrance, which seems to soothe everyone who gets close to him.

Russell's conversation with Bai Li lasted a little longer. Fragments of memories about this fox-person surfaced clearly from the depths of his memory—it was something from a long time ago.

He freed the white wolf-fox slaves enslaved by the Bu Li people, and bestowed a unique blessing upon one of them.

At this moment, the eye that Bai Li had covered by the blindfold was radiating an aura of blessing that Russell was extremely familiar with.

Aji got his wish and had Russell sign "Remember the Decay" on the medical bag he treasured.

Holding the autographed document, the young fox-man was so excited that his orange-red tail swayed wildly like a fan, almost creating a breeze.

Russell then briefly explained the dire situation facing the Luo Fu Immortal Ship and promised, "Once the first batch of compassionate physicians have all arrived, I will personally go to the resettlement site to explain the situation in detail. But for now..."

He gestured helplessly to the long queue behind him, saying, "I need to receive every visitor, and I really can't get away for the time being."

The compassionate doctors expressed their understanding and cooperated with the Yunqi Army's guidance to reach the resettlement site.

One after another, visitors of all kinds arrived. The Cloud Cavalrymen went from being surprised to gradually becoming numb, and the reception work became mechanical and exhausting.

However, the real test was yet to come. A flesh-and-blood spaceship, resembling a living, breathing warship of a monstrous abomination, roughly docked at the berth.