Her alluring eyes widened slightly, and her long, curled eyelashes trembled. "And this young gentleman is?"
She naturally bent down to look Luo Ning in the eye, her fluffy tail drooping to the ground, the tip of which gently brushed against Luo Ning's ankle, causing a slight tickle.
“He is our family, Luo Ning.”
Himeko stepped forward and subtly pulled Luo Ning a little further behind her. Her tone remained gentle, yet carried a clear sense of boundaries. "Family..." Tingyun repeated the word softly, but her expression towards Luo Ning became even more intriguing.
"Little brother, you don't look too well. Are you tired from the journey?" She leaned close, and a sweet fragrance entered Luo Ning's body.
This fragrance is different from the aggressive sweetness of Kaffa and the mature coffee scent of Himeko; it's more like a... freshly ripened peach, exuding an alluring aroma.
Luo Ning felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze and subconsciously shrank back towards Ji Zi's legs.
He is in very poor condition now; his body is completely drained, and his reproductive power has also subsided.
But Tingyun seemed to be able to see through his weak appearance and reach something deeper. Her genitals twitched slightly, and her lonely ears also trembled.
"Strange... She looks very weak, but it's as if there's a whole spring inside her."
Her voice was very low, almost to herself, but everyone in the room could hear her clearly.
March 7th immediately became alert, rushed over in a few steps, and spread her arms to block Luo Ning, like a protective mother hen. "Hey! Stay away from my brother! Don't you dare lay a hand on him!"
Tingyun was completely unconcerned about March 7th's hostility. She simply smiled, stood up, and took out a piece of candy wrapped in oil paper from her sleeve.
"Don't be nervous, I mean no harm. I just noticed that your little brother seems a bit weak. This is Luofu's specialty, Ninglu Immortal Cream, which can quickly replenish your energy."
She peeled back the oil paper, revealing a crystal-clear amber-colored candy, its rich sweet and medicinal aroma instantly filling the air. She didn't hand it directly to Luo Ning, but instead looked at Ji Zi, her posture impeccable.
Himeko thought for a moment, then took it and held it to Luo Ning's lips. "Try it."
Luo Ning obediently opened his mouth and put the candy in.
A warm, sweet sensation instantly melted on the tip of her tongue, slid down her throat into her stomach, and then quickly spread throughout her body. The emptiness that had been drained was actually filled a little.
A little color returned to his pale face.
"Thank you..." Luo Ning said softly. "You're welcome."
Tingyun smiled, her eyes crinkling. Just as Luo Ning put the candy in her mouth, she stretched out her finger and, with an extremely natural motion, gently wiped the corner of Luo Ning's mouth, as if something had gotten on it.
Her fingertips were warm and soft, calloused, and the moment they touched Luo Ning's skin, Ting Yun's body stiffened almost imperceptibly.
A life force, purer and more potent than the Dew Elixir, surged into her body through her fingertips. The sensation was like parched land suddenly receiving a torrential downpour.
Her blood boiled instantly, and her bushy tail snapped straight up with a "whoosh," every hair seeming to be electrified. A strange tingling sensation shot from her tailbone straight to the top of her head, making her legs go weak and almost causing her to lose her balance.
An unnatural blush rose on her cheeks. "You..."
Tingyun abruptly withdrew her hand, hiding it in her wide sleeve. Her expression as she looked at Luo Ning had completely changed. It was no longer simple curiosity and inquiry, but rather... a shock and longing at the discovery of an unparalleled treasure.
That was an instinctive yearning for the highest level of life energy, originating from the depths of one's bloodline. "You have all come from afar; you must be tired."
Tingyun quickly regained her composure, though her voice was slightly hoarse and her forehead trembled. "I have arranged accommodations for everyone. Please follow me."
She turned and led the way, but her steps were more unsteady than before. She dared not look back at the little boy.
That one touch, just a light touch, made her feel like she was about to be burst by that overwhelming life force. If... if only she could...
The moment this thought crossed her mind, her mouth went dry, and an indescribable emptiness welled up deep within her body.
She walked ahead, seemingly calm, but her large white tail, unable to conceal her inner turmoil, swayed restlessly from side to side. Himeko saw all this and tightened her grip on Luo Ning's hand even more.
The group followed Tingyun through the bustling starport and arrived at an elegant courtyard.
"This is a place for you to rest temporarily. If you need anything, you can contact me through this link at any time."
Tingyun handed Ji Zi a jade slip, carefully avoiding any eye contact with Luo Ning throughout. After arranging everything, she hurriedly took her leave as if she were fleeing.
"I have official business to attend to, so I must take my leave now. The general will come to visit me personally later." With that, she practically fled.
Watching Tingyun hurriedly leave, March 7th put her hands on her hips and snorted in dissatisfaction. "That vixen, she's obviously up to no good!"
Ji Zi didn't speak, but led Luo Ning into the room assigned to him and carefully checked it over. "Luo Ning, remember my words."
Himeko closed the door, bent down, and placed her hands on Luo Ning's shoulders solemnly.
“In Luofu, besides me, Sanyue, and Danheng, don’t easily trust anyone, especially that Tingyun from earlier.” “Mm.” Luo Ning nodded.
Himeko was relieved and helped him take off his coat, then let him lie down on the bed to rest. "Get a good night's sleep and don't think about anything."
She tucked Luo Ning in, sat on the edge of the bed, and quietly watched him. Luo Ning was indeed exhausted and soon fell into a deep sleep.
After an unknown amount of time, the door was gently pushed open a crack. A white figure slipped in silently.
Tingyun stood by the bed, looking at Luo Ning's sleeping face. In her charming eyes, there was an uncontrollable passion. She slowly leaned down, brought her nose close to Luo Ning's neck, and took a deep breath.
The life-giving fragrance that sent shivers down her spine grew even stronger. "Truly a top-grade furnace cauldron."
Tingyun stuck out her tongue, the crimson tip of which she gently licked her lips.
Chapter 209 The Strange Divination of the Lower Being
Tingyun's red tongue, before even touching her lips, was left hanging in mid-air. The door to the room had been opened sometime earlier.
Himeko stood at the door without making a sound.
She didn't even change out of the well-fitting casual clothes she wore the night before. Her long, bright red hair was loose, and her face was expressionless as she quietly observed everything in the room.
The air seemed to freeze at this moment.
Tingyun's body was very tense, and his big, bushy tail was stiff as a stick behind him.
She slowly, inch by inch, straightened up, the undisguised heat and desire on her face quickly replaced by her usual, impeccable, gentle smile.
"Miss Himeko, so early?" She straightened her sleeves, as if she had just been tucking Luo Ning in. "I noticed that the young master seemed to be sleeping restlessly, so I thought I'd come in and check on him."
Himeko ignored her explanation.
She walked slowly into the room, her high heels clicking softly and rhythmically on the wooden floor, each click striking Tingyun's heart.
Himeko walked to the bedside, bent down, and gently brushed Luo Ning's sweat-dampened forehead with her fingertips. Her movements were extremely gentle, a stark contrast to her coldness towards Tingyun.
"Thank you for your concern, Ferryman of the Heavenly Ships Bureau." Ji Zi straightened up, her gaze finally landing on Ting Yun. "However, it's better if I take care of my family myself."
She pronounced the word "family" with exceptional clarity.
Tingyun's smile was somewhat forced, and the pair of fox ears in her hair unconsciously pushed back.
“It was Tingyun who was being presumptuous.” She bowed slightly, her posture extremely humble. “The General will arrive shortly. I will go and prepare morning tea for everyone.” With that, she turned and quickly left the room, her back view carrying a hint of humiliation.
Himeko watched her leave, then closed the door. She turned back to look at Luo Ning, who was still fast asleep on the bed, a trace of unease still lingering on his pale face.
She sat back down on the edge of the bed and reached out to take Luo Ning's hand.
An hour later, everyone was ready and prepared to head to the Imperial Apothecary.
Tingyun was already waiting outside the courtyard. She had changed into a more capable outfit, and her smile had returned to its usual flawless state, as if the morning's incident had never happened.
But her attentiveness was even greater than yesterday.
"Young Master Luoning, the climate in Luofu is different from that on the train. Do you find it dry? I have some throat-soothing nectar here."
"Young sir, there are many steps ahead. Would you like me to help you?" "Young sir..."
"Hey! Aren't you annoying me?!" March 7th finally couldn't hold back anymore. Like an angry little leopard, she rushed between Luo Ning and Ting Yun, separating the two. "Luo Ning's little brother is being taken care of by us. He doesn't need your fake kindness, you vixen!"
Tingyun wasn't angry, but simply covered his mouth and chuckled, "This young lady is quite lively. I was just worried about the young master's health, nothing more." Ji Zi held Luo Ning's hand the whole time, protecting him by her side. She didn't say a harsh word to Tingyun, but whenever Tingyun tried to get closer, she would subtly adjust her position, using her body as a barrier to keep out his excessive concern.
Caught in the middle, Luo Ning felt a headache coming on. He could feel Ting Yun's almost tangible, burning gaze, and he could also feel Ji Zi holding his hand, tightening her grip even more.
After passing through layers of pavilions, towers, and sky corridors, the group finally arrived at their destination—Sichen Palace.
This is the intelligent hub of the celestial vessel. A huge star map dome slowly rotates overhead, and countless jade omens and talismans dance in the air, forming a mysterious and magnificent scene.
Deep within the Sichen Palace, in front of a huge circular divination platform, stood a petite woman.
She had long, flowing pink hair styled in an elegant updo, and a peculiar, closed eye on her forehead. She wore a magnificent purple robe.
Although not tall, he exuded an aura of unapproachability. "The Master of the Grand Divination Bureau, Fu Xuan, has been waiting here for a long time."
Her voice was cold and emotionless, as if it were part of the intricate magic array itself.
"Lord Fu Xuan." Ting Yun bowed respectfully. "The passengers of the Star Writing Train have arrived."
Fu Xuan's gaze swept over Ji Zi, Dan Heng, and San Yue Qi, finally landing on Luo Ning, who was being protected by Ji Zi.
Her brows furrowed slightly.
“I already know your purpose.” Fu Xuan cut straight to the point without any pleasantries. “The Star Core is treacherous and its trajectory is difficult to discern. The only way to find it is with the help of the power of the ‘Exhaustive Observation Formation’.”
She turned and walked towards the platform, forming a mudra with her hands.
"This formation can deduce the principles of all things and discern the traces of the star gods. However, its power is beyond the capacity of ordinary people to withstand. When it is being deduced, you only need to observe quietly and do not move. Otherwise, if your divine sense is damaged, don't blame me for not warning you."
Her tone carried an unquestionable authority.
As she finished speaking, the star map atop the entire Sichen Palace began to spin rapidly, its light converging on the divination platform in the center. A complex magic array composed of countless golden patterns unfolded beneath Fu Xuan's feet.
"Activate the Qiong Guan Formation!"
A soft beam of light rose from the magic circle and swept over everyone in turn.
The light fell upon Dan Heng, and a blurry illusion of clouds and dragons roaring appeared within the magic circle, vanishing in an instant. The light fell upon San Yueqi, and a crystal-clear six-phase ice appeared within the magic circle, exuding a chilling aura. The light fell upon Ji Zi, and within the magic circle was a burning starry sky and a golden rose. Everything was stable and orderly.
Fu Xuan remained calm, as if everything was under control. Finally, the beam of light moved onto Luo Ning.
The instant the light touched Luo Ning's body, a sudden change occurred: "—!"
The entire Qiong Guan Formation emitted a deafening buzzing sound. The previously smoothly operating golden patterns instantly became chaotic, and the light intensified, illuminating the entire Si Chen Palace as bright as day! The star map on the curved ceiling was completely disordered, and countless stars deviated from their orbits, colliding and shattering haphazardly!
"What's going on?!" March 7th exclaimed in surprise.
"The magic array is out of control!" Dan Heng's expression changed, and he immediately assumed a defensive posture. Fu Xuan, who was at the center of the magic array, bore the most direct impact.
The moment the light of the Qiong Guan Zhen enveloped Luo Ning, her tightly closed Dharma Eye suddenly opened! She did not perceive any divination regarding the star core, nor did she deduce any future.
Instead, an endless, surging torrent of information rushed into her sea of consciousness through the connection between the Qiong Guan Array and her!
That was neither a picture nor a sound, but something more primordial. It was the first moment the universe was conceived in the singularity.
It was the thrill of the first spark of life igniting in the chaos.
It is the most primal, domineering, and incomprehensible creative force that brings all things from nothing to something, from death to prosperity!
This feeling surpassed all the knowledge Fu Xuan had acquired in her entire life, shattering her pride and composure. Her senses were amplified infinitely, and her consciousness was forcibly connected to that powerful life force.
"Nya"
A suppressed, trembling moan escaped from Fu Xuan's throat.
Her petite body trembled violently, and her usually cool and dignified face flushed crimson, even her ears turning an alluring pink. Her legs went weak, and she could no longer maintain her standing posture. She stumbled back two steps with the fortune teller and finally fell off the high divination platform.
With a "thud," she fell to the ground on the cold floor.
A trickle of golden blood seeped from the Dharma Eye on her forehead due to the overload, sliding down her smooth forehead. But she seemed completely unaware.
She was completely lost in thought, her pupils dilated, and those eyes, which always seemed to see through everything, were now filled with only bewilderment and shock. Everyone was stunned; no one had expected such a turn of events.
Himeko immediately pulled Luo Ning behind her, watching the out-of-control magic circle warily.
Fu Xuan, who had fallen to the ground, moved his lips and murmured unconsciously. His voice was broken and weak, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.
Fate. The source.
Unseen and unpredictable
She abruptly raised her hand to cover her burning cheeks, her body curling up, still trembling uncontrollably.
Chapter 210 The Grand Diviner Wants to Try Too
A deathly silence reigned within the Tongchen Palace, save for the final, defiant roar of the out-of-control Qiongguan Array before it gradually faded into stillness atop the curved ceiling. The once magnificent star map had crumbled into chaos, shattered starlight drifting down as if mourning this sudden...
The unexpected turn of events brought a silent mourning.
Everyone froze.
March 7th's mouth was open, and it took a long time to close it.
Dan Heng frowned, his spear already drawn, positioned protectively in front of the group.
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