Chapter 145: Chapter 144: Cybernetic Flying Sword
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Without seeing any representatives from the Divination Commission, Bochang and his group had no choice but to explore, searching for their contact.
Bailu noticed the numerous injured Cloud Knights around her. Unable to stand idly by, the Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl began treating and healing them immediately. Her actions garnered widespread appreciation from the Cloud Knights.
During this time, March 7th suddenly realized something was amiss and asked, "Speaking of...where are Pascal and Sophia? Bochang, what did you do with them?"
"Pascal and Sophia... I sent them to gather intelligence," replied Bochang. "We've discovered that on this Xianzhou, there's an insider organization called the 'Disciples of Sanctus Medicus' causing havoc. Do you remember the peculiar Mara-stricken soldiers we encountered in Cloudford? They are likely members of this group."
Bochang had no intention of withholding information; sharing these details was entirely unproblematic.
March 7th nodded with sudden realization. "I see... So when we were in Belobog, did you use a similar method to locate Stellaron?"
"You could say that."
Bochang hesitated, caught off guard by the unexpected reference to their time in Belobog. It seemed March 7th still harbored curiosity about how Bochang had mysteriously known Stellaron's location...
During the search at the Exalting Sanctum's public square, Bochang had gathered substantial intelligence. For instance...
The Realm-Keeping Commission had mobilized all its members, leaving none behind, to diligently rescue and assist the wounded from every Heavenly Cave transported across Xianzhou.
However, few healers from the Alchemy Commission emerged.
Rumor had it that even the Alchemy Commission's heavenly abode was sealed off, with no communication to the outside world - as if completely cut off.
This led Bochang to suspect that something significant might have occurred there. Consequently, he instructed Sophia to focus her investigation on the sealed-off heavenly abode of the Alchemy Commission.
A heavenly abode is essentially an artificially created spatial bubble, designed to accommodate various establishments for the residents of Xianzhou. Throughout Xianzhou Luofu, numerous such abodes can be found, expanding the available living space.
Apart from the highly suspicious Alchemy Commission...
The Artisanship and Divination Commissions also faced issues, indicating that the Stellaron disaster was escalating rapidly.
While Bochang, March 7th, and others were wandering nearby,
in the Exalting Sanctum's public square, several Cloud Knights suddenly wailed in agony as they began to levitate eerily. Yellow light swirled around them, and clusters of yellow ginkgo leaves emerged from their bodies.
These Cloud Knights rapidly underwent grotesque transformations, turning into Mara-Struck Soldiers.
Bailu, who had been tending to the afflicted, watched in astonishment but remained unafraid. Within her petite dragon form lay the magic power of the Dragon Talisman, allowing her to instantly transform into a mighty dragon at any moment.
"Well...it seems I have no choice now but to change."
A white glow once again enveloped Bailu's body.
Noticing the situation, Bochang and his companions rushed over.
"Bailu, don't engage this time, let us handle it."
With every perceived danger, the young dragon girl was eager to transform, but Bochang didn't want her causing commotion within the Exalting Sanctum.
Hearing this, Bailu paused just as she was about to change and said, "Alright... then I'll leave this to you all. I'll attend to the other injured instead."
The Exalting Sanctum had numerous wounded citizens,
yet there were very few medical personnel available.
This led to an overwhelming workload; despite Bailu's continuous efforts without rest, she couldn't fill the gap for healthcare providers alone.
After all, these were merely a handful of Mara-Struck Soldiers.
They posed no significant threat to Bochang and his group.
In swift succession, they effortlessly defeated the soldiers, ensuring they would not rise again.
The surrounding civilians watched in awe.
Whispers circulated among them.
Bochang looked puzzled at Miss Fox.
"Tingyun, why didn't you assist earlier?"
"Benefactor... I am merely a low-ranking civil servant with no expertise in martial arts. In such situations, I can hardly be of any help; all I can do is tremble on the sidelines and cheer others on," Tingyun replied earnestly, her jade-like green eyes gazing intently at Bochang, her fox ears and tail subtly twitching.
The black-haired youth's face was filled with question marks.
No expertise in martial arts?
Then what about those nuclear-blast-like attacks from Tingyun?
«Hiding her true abilities? Or perhaps...there's some hidden reason behind it?»
Bochang scrutinized Miss Fox, sensing that she seemed different from his previous impression of Tingyun.
As if picking up on his confusion, Tingyun continued explaining.
"This matter...the other benefactors are already aware of it."
"Hmm...indeed, we had previously agreed that during combat, Tingyun would not need to engage."
Before Bochang could delve further, Welt Yang interjected.
Noticing this, Bochang decided not to press the matter.
"Alright, let's explore elsewhere then."
Just as they were about to move on in search of their receptionist, a hurried Realm-Keeping Commission official approached and said, "Please wait, everyone."
Bochang and his companions paused, ready to continue their quest for assistance.
Behind them appeared a black-haired individual with dark eyes from Xianzhou Luofu.
"My apologies for the interruption. I am an official from the Realm-Keeping Commission, Da Hao... Thanks to your timely intervention, you saved both the citizens of Exalting Sanctum and the esteemed Draconic Lady."
The "Draconic Lady" mentioned by Da Hao naturally referred to Bailu.
Bochang was well aware of her prestigious status - designated as the next High Elder of Xianzhou Luofu's Vidyadhara. When he first learned this news, it had slightly surprised him, although he did recognize her exceptional standing.
Bochang was slightly surprised; although he knew her status was exceptional, he hadn't anticipated she would be a High Elder.
"It's no issue at all, just a minor matter. Besides... Bailu is our friend, and helping her is only natural," Bochang replied casually.
Continuing, Da Hao said, "I heard from my contacts at the Sky-Faring Commission that General Yang invited several guests specifically to address the troubles on Luofu Island. It seems you must be those individuals."
"Oh?" Bochang looked at him, "Is there something specific?"
"If it's not too much trouble, I hope you could spare some time to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery for a discussion. There are pressing issues facing the Exalting Sanctum that I'd like to address with you."
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option One: Agree enthusiastically: "Of course, members of the Astral Express always enjoy lending a hand." - Completion Reward: Random Skill.]
[Option Two: Decline Overtime: "Sorry, we're heading to the Alchemy Commission next and don't have time for matters concerning the Exalting Sanctum at the moment. Let's discuss it when we're available later..." — Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...]
Option One versus Option Two.
Choices between skills or items.
Bochang pondered briefly and decided it would be best not to add more complications right now. Prioritizing an early visit to the Divination Commission was more important.
「Option Two.」
In response to Daohao's request, Bochang firmly declined without hesitation, saying, "Apologies, but we're headed to the Alchemy Commission next and currently don't have time for issues related to the Exalting Sanctum. Let's revisit this once we're available later..."
[Reward being issued - Congratulations! You have received the equipment: Cybernetic Flying Sword. This gear can auto-repair and has the ability for manned flight. Note: The item is stored in the system space and requires fingerprint and iris double-binding authentication before use.]