The Envoy of Abundance from Onphalus

"Or are you confident that you can evade all the Cloud Cavalry scouts, or that one of you can defeat the entire Cloud Cavalry army of Luofu?" Her tone carried a hint of sarcasm.

"Luofu is a rule-abiding citizen. Even if they have suspicions, they won't rush in and arrest people immediately."

"Not everyone in the Alchemy Bureau is of one mind with us. If we act rashly and arrest the wrong innocent alchemist, it will damage the reputation of the Luofu government."

She paused, a cold smile curving her lips: "This plan itself is an impeccable, open conspiracy."

"Even if my identity is exposed, it will have a negligible impact on the final outcome. I'm not afraid of my identity being exposed, so what are you afraid of? Hmm?"

"So put your minds at ease and do what you need to do. Do we really need those idiots who wish they had the word 'traitor' written on their foreheads to drive our grand ambitions? If your answer is no, then the panic we're all gathered here for today is meaningless."

Dan Shu's words acted as a reassurance, gradually calming the anxious alchemists down.

They looked at each other, their panic replaced by an almost fanatical determination.

"I will obey your orders, sir!"

"For the sake of the compassionate Medicine King!"

The group bowed respectfully, then left the alchemy room and dispersed to continue their grand undertaking of overthrowing Luofu in an orderly manner.

The alchemy room fell silent once more. Dan Shu, however, had lost all interest in refining elixirs. Even the once pure fragrance of the medicine in the furnace seemed to have taken on a restless quality.

She spoke coldly, her voice not loud, but it echoed clearly in the empty room: "Miss Tingyun, you've had enough of the show, why don't you show yourself? At this critical juncture, aren't you afraid that General Jingyuan's eyes will see through your true nature by appearing in such a sensitive place as the Pill Cauldron Division?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the shadow in the corner seemed to come alive, and a wisp of smoke rose up, quickly condensing into Tingyun's graceful figure.

She covered her mouth and chuckled softly, her fox ears twitching slightly, but there was no hint of amusement in her eyes: "Oh dear, Lord Dan Shu is so perceptive. I'm certainly not here to watch the show, but to inquire about the progress of our plan."

"This matter must be handled flawlessly." She gracefully brushed off non-existent dust from her sleeve.

Tingyun strolled to the alchemy furnace, looked at the leaping flames, and said with a strange detachment, "As for this identity... heh, General Jingyuan probably already knows it all along."

"Why should I hide anything anymore? I'm just an empty shell that can be discarded at any time; a perfect plan is far more important."

Her gaze shifted to Dan Shu with scrutiny: "Everything is ready on my side. But when will you be able to get moving, Lord Dan Shu? As you can see, the morale of your subordinates is becoming increasingly unstable."

Dan Shu's heart sank, a trace of regret flashing across his mind. Cooperating with this Great Lord of Annihilation was tantamount to seeking help from a tiger.

But there was no turning back now; she was already deeply entrenched and had no choice. Suppressing her unease, she said stiffly, "I know what I'm doing. Just tell me, when do we start?"

“Three days from now,” Tingyun’s voice was resolute, “noon will be the auspicious time. At that time, your friends from the Buli Wolf Clan will cooperate with you to create enough chaos in the Dan Ding Division.”

Then, everything proceeds according to plan—you create enough chaos, and I…” A glint of destructive gold flashed in her eyes, “I will break the final seal on the Jianmu tree, ultimately unleashing its power to influence the entire Luofu.”

"After this is done, I will draw upon its power. After that, the deal will be over."

"Three days later?" Dan Shu stared intently at Ting Yun. "I hope you keep your word and don't try anything funny."

"When have I ever lied to anyone?" Tingyun chuckled, her figure becoming ethereal once more, like wisps of smoke scattered by the wind, her voice drifting on, "Three days from now, at noon, I look forward to the performance of the Pill Refining Division..."

Tingyun vanished without a trace. Dan Shu, however, suddenly smelled a pungent, burnt odor!

Her conversation with Huanlong had just shaken her to her core, and she forgot to stop using the jade-bone fan she was using to fan the fire.

The fan was too fast, and the fire in the furnace was too strong. A batch of precious pills that was about to be formed instantly turned into black dregs and emitted an unpleasant smell.

Dan Shu slumped down, put down his fan, and stared at the charred remains in the furnace, his face ashen.

This batch of discarded pills seemed to foreshadow some kind of misfortune.

……

Deep within the prison, coldness and deathly silence were the eternal themes. Russell slowly withdrew his hand; before him stood the last prisoner deemed beyond redemption.

After the dark green vines that had been wrapped around it suddenly tightened, it fell completely silent. Its body, like a sand sculpture weathered by the elements, scattered and was then swallowed up by the roots that quietly emerged from the ground.

The lingering sense of despair and violence in the air was quickly replaced by a strange tranquility, carrying the scent of grass and trees.

"It's over." Russell's voice was flat and emotionless, as if he had only done something insignificant.

Two abundant creations float around him—the banners of ten thousand banners and the ghost lamps.

They emitted satisfied hums, greedily absorbing the scattered life essence and fragments of souls around them. To them, these tainted souls and life forces were a delicious snack.

After dealing with the death row inmates, Russell didn't stop. He walked past the cells of those not sentenced to death and lightly tapped them with his fingertips.

An invisible force penetrated the energy barrier, and tiny, yet abundant seeds of goodness were quietly planted deep within the prisoners' souls.

"Repent and start anew, and the seeds will nourish your soul and help you be reborn."

Russell's voice resonated directly in the minds of the prisoners, carrying an undeniable authority: "If you remain obstinate and continue your evil deeds..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the chilling warning sent a shiver down the spines of all the prisoners who had been implanted with the seeds.

Today's cleanup left Russell with a weariness stemming from the depths of his destiny. He had witnessed too much twisted humanity, too much pure evil. He hadn't expected his own fate to be so polarized—one where he could pity the world, the other where he could treat it as mere sustenance.

Even he, who walked a path of abundant destiny and bore the name of decay, felt the weight of his soul.

Those scumbags don't even have the right to be reprimanded by him.

In the later stages, he simply stopped speaking and let the myriad banners and ghost lamps deal with them on their own, purifying them completely and returning them to the origin of the life cycle.

Looking at the two creations floating beside him, their light slightly enhanced by their full meal, Russell began to ponder, a rare occurrence for him. These auxiliary items were like chicken bones to him—useless. Yet, it would be a pity to discard them, for they contained a powerful force of abundance.

"Perhaps... we should find them new owners?"

The moment this thought arose, an extremely primal, pure wave of thought, filled with both reverence and fear, crashed into his senses like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

This emotion is not language, but more like an instinctive cry from the heart:

[Father...where are you? It's so dark...so cold...they're all afraid of me...hiding from me...hating me...please...come find me...]

Russell paused slightly. He was revered by countless people as "the most severe father of a bountiful life."

But this kind of family reunion call that transcends time and space and originates from the depths of the soul is unprecedented.

The pure loneliness and longing contained in that prayer, like an invisible thread, pulled at the core of his destiny.

He looked up at the cold ceiling of the prison, his gaze seemingly piercing through the thick layers of rock, and directed towards the Bureau of Works.

There, it seemed, was the birth of a life that was intimately connected to his destiny yet entirely different from his, and was calling out to him in anguish.

Huai Xiu's duty was calling. The death row inmates at the bottom of this desolate prison had been cleared out, and the remaining prisoners were bound by the rules of the Ten Kings' Court. His presence here was no longer of much use.

Russell's figure faded like flowing ink, and the next moment he appeared in the entrance hall of the Prison of Confinement.

Han Ya was directing a squad of Cloud Cavalry soldiers to carefully carry the wreckage of some Bu Li Ren war mechs that were flashing with a dangerous red light, preparing to send them into a deeper forbidden seal zone.

“Miss Raven,” Russell’s voice interrupted Raven’s work, “I need to leave the Prison and go to the Works Department.”

Han Ya turned around, a hint of surprise on her cold and beautiful face: "The Construction Department? An urgent report just came from there, there seems to be abnormal growth of Jianmu roots. My sister Xueyi has already led people to deal with it."

"Are you also here for the Jianmu matter?" She keenly noticed the lingering, not-yet-completely-subdued aura of abundance emanating from Russell.

“Yes, and not entirely.” Russell didn’t hide anything. “The death row inmates who were supposed to be executed at the bottom have been dealt with. There’s no need to keep them in prison. The Department of Construction… something related to my destiny is calling me.” His gaze was deep. “I have to go and see what has been born there.”

Upon hearing this, the raven's icy expression cracked slightly, revealing undisguised shock in its eyes.

Those death row inmates at the bottom, whose vitality was so tenacious that even the special methods of the Ten Kings Division could not completely kill them... were actually wiped out by Russell alone in a short period of time?

She took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in her heart, and regained her usual composure: "...I understand. Now that your duty is fulfilled, you may proceed."

"The situation at the Construction Bureau is unclear, and the power of the Jianmu tree is restless. Please pay close attention." In her tone, besides the official admonition, there seemed to be an indescribable sense of awe.

Russell nodded slightly, and his figure once again spread out like ink in a painting, merging into the air and disappearing.

Only the crow remained standing there, gazing in the direction he had disappeared, silent for a long time.

The undercurrents within the Immortal Ship Luofu are growing increasingly turbulent with the actions of various forces.

The interrogation by the Grand Diviner, the conspiracy of the Alchemy Bureau, the anomaly of the Works Bureau, the attack by Huanlong three days later, and Huaixiu walking among them... an even greater storm is quietly brewing under the midday sun.

...............

Golden Branches Through the Ages: Chapter 161 The Problem of the Construction Bureau

As expected, when the trio stepped into the Taipusi, they were told that the Qiongguan Formation had malfunctioned.

In the vast space, the light of the talismans dimmed, and the orbits of the stars stagnated. The other members of the Taibusi were in a hurry, clearly unable to attend to everything.

Left with no other choice, Walter, March 7th, and Xing had to accept the task of assisting Fu Xuan Tai Bu in repairing the Qiong Guan Array.

Activating the array base was no easy task. The three split up, navigating between the massive star map and sophisticated instruments, carefully calibrating the talismans according to Fu Xuan's guidance.

"Phew—done!" As the last array base hummed and lit up, hovering stably in its designated orbit, Xing wiped non-existent sweat from his forehead and let out a long sigh of relief.

The three reunited and returned to the center of the formation to report back to the pink-haired diviner.

Fu Xuan closed her eyes and sensed for a moment, the Jade Eyes surrounding her slightly shifting. When she opened those eyes that could see through fate, a hint of approval appeared on her face: "Very good. The talismans of the Qiong Guan Formation have been relit; your efficiency is commendable."

Her gaze swept over the three, and her tone turned serious: "Next, I will activate the Qiong Guan Array to interrogate Kafka. The array's power will strike directly at its core, and those within it may experience some... mental shock. Are you ready?"

“Of course,” Walter replied calmly, adjusting his glasses.

"OK!" Xing shouted energetically, breaking the solemn atmosphere.

March 7th immediately nudged her lightly with her elbow and scolded in a low voice, "Hey! Xing! Be a little more formal for this kind of occasion! Look how serious I am!"

She straightened her back and tried to appear serious, but her bright eyes still betrayed her curiosity.

Xing shrugged and grinned: "The atmosphere is too dull, let's lighten it up."

Fu Xuan watched their interaction, a barely perceptible smile curving his lips before his expression returned to its usual coldness: "Since there are no objections, then... let's begin."

The Cloud Cavalry soldiers escorted Kafka into the center of the formation. Without her usual elaborate makeup, her plain face revealed a unique naturalness and composure.

She even casually put her hands on her hips and smiled helplessly at Fu Xuan: "Grand Diviner, is such a big show really necessary? I already said I would cooperate with you."

Fu Xuan remained expressionless, his eyes gleaming: "You are a wanted criminal skilled in using the power of words to bewitch people, and I have no interest in your promises."

"You can say whatever you want, but I only believe the truth derived from the Qiong Guan Zhen divination." Her voice carried an unquestionable authority.

"Sigh, whatever." Kafka shrugged, looking resigned, but a deep calm lurked in her eyes.

“The Grand Diviner has his own methods. The truth he will uncover from you will be far more profound than the words you utter.” Fu Xuan stopped looking at her, formed a hand seal, and his body shone brightly with jade light. “Stand at the center of the formation.”

Without the slightest hesitation, Kafka walked lightly toward the core area of ​​the Qiong Guan Formation, as if walking to the center of a stage.

She stopped and tilted her head slightly, looking at the star-shaped talismans flowing in the dome, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Then please, Grand Diviner, witness my destiny."

"Hmph." Fu Xuan snorted coldly and said no more. The light of the entire Qiong Guan Formation suddenly became intense, the intricate star map spun rapidly beneath her feet, an invisible energy field began to condense, and the air seemed to become heavier.

The interrogation begins now.

……

Dan Heng's figure quietly appeared at another landing port of the Luofu Immortal Ship. As soon as he landed, he was stopped by a cheerful Yunqi Army girl with her hair in two buns - Su Chang.

"Hey! You over there! Are you a civilian who's been stranded? It's too dangerous here, don't wander off, come with me!"

Without a word, Su Chang grabbed Dan Heng's arm, her tone full of genuine concern, "I am Su Chang of the Cloud Cavalry, responsible for evacuating the masses! Don't worry, I'll protect you!"

Dan Heng wanted to explain, but looking at the girl's sincere yet slightly impulsive eyes, he swallowed his words and simply nodded slightly: "...Thank you for your trouble."

He decided to follow her and observe the situation of the Luofu Immortal Ship.

Along the way, they encountered another stranded traveler—a blond, blue-eyed, and gentle-looking foreign merchant who called himself a Rakshasa. Beside him stood a huge coffin, almost as tall as a person, which looked particularly out of place.

"I am Rakshasa, a traveling merchant. If you would not mind, would you two travel together? This place is chaotic, and it is always safer to have more people." Rakshasa smiled warmly and was very polite.

Su Chang immediately patted her chest and assured, "No problem! Many hands make light work! Leave it to me!" She readily accepted this new member.

Dan Heng's gaze lingered on Rakshasa for a moment. This man's aura was calm, yet it subtly revealed an indescribable depth, even carrying a hint of sharpness that was barely perceptible, creating a subtle contrast with his gentle appearance.

Especially the coffin that was always with him, which exuded an eerie feeling that he couldn't shake off. Dan Heng was wary, but his face remained calm as he silently followed.

Su Chang had become the "captain" of this temporary team, walking ahead with a proud and imposing air, her goal clear—to escort the "commoner" Dan Heng and the "merchant" Luo Sha to a safe area.

However, as they passed the perimeter of the manufacturing company, the sight before them made all three of them stop in their tracks.

A large number of craftsmen from the Workshop were pouring out of the huge alloy door in terror, their faces filled with panic, as if a man-eating beast was chasing them.

"What happened?" Dan Heng frowned, stepped forward, and grabbed the arm of a young apprentice who stumbled past. "What happened in the Construction Department?"

The apprentice's face turned deathly pale, and his voice trembled: "Jian... Jianmu! It suddenly sprouted out of nowhere! Such terrifying abundant power, surging out like a tide!"

“If we don’t run, we’ll all be ‘revitalized’!” His eyes were filled with pure fear.

"Are there still people trapped inside? I'm from the Cloud Cavalry, here to handle the crisis!" Su Chang immediately squeezed through and asked anxiously, instantly entering combat mode.

The apprentice grasped at a straw: "The Cloud Cavalry is here?! That's great! I... I ran so fast, I don't know how many people are still inside... but Master Gongshu! Master Gongshu must still be inside!"

“Master Gongshu? Why isn’t he coming out?” Su Chang pressed.

"When the tree first sprouted, everyone tried desperately to persuade him to leave! But that stubborn old man just wouldn't listen!" The apprentice stamped his feet in frustration.