69novels Chapter 70 Jingyuan's Warning
Chapter 70 Jingyuan's Warning
Chapter 70 Jingyuan's Warning
March 7th grew anxious and couldn't help but speak up: "But General, those monsters are really powerful! Wouldn't it be better to have more strength? We really want to help!"
Hoshi clenched her fist: "That's right, we've fought the Doomsday Beasts and the Antimatter Legion, we're experienced!"
Jing Yuan's smile deepened, yet carried a comforting distance: "Miss March 7th and Miss Xing, I have deeply appreciated your enthusiasm and courage. It is truly fortunate for Luofu to receive such care from you two."
"However, the Immortal Ship's order and response mechanisms have their own considerations. If the situation truly reaches a critical point of survival and the Cloud Cavalry's military strength is insufficient, Jing Yuan will certainly shamelessly request assistance."
"But at this moment, I urge you all to have faith in the power of Luofu, and please be sure to pay attention to your own safety while on the Immortal Ship."
He paused, and Zi Guang seemed to casually glance at the silent Dan Heng again, his tone becoming more profound, as if implying something: "Moreover, some old matters" involve deep-seated causes and effects. External intervention sometimes not only fails to quell the situation but may instead—add fuel to the fire, making the situation even more complicated and intractable. This is not what Jing Yuan wants to see."
Dan Heng's body stiffened almost imperceptibly, his lowered eyelashes concealing his surging emotions.
The "past events" and "cause and effect" mentioned by Jing Yuan were like an invisible needle, precisely piercing the deepest hidden pain in his heart: the chaos of drinking the moon, the past of the Vidyadhara Dragon Lord, and the guilt of being exiled by the entire Luofu.
He understood that a large part of the reason Jingyuan refused the train crew's assistance was because of his presence.
He is like a walking taboo symbol, and his return can be seen as an "intervention," a challenge to the existing order in Luofu.
Jingyuan's words were both a rejection and a veiled warning.
"Therefore," Jing Yuan concluded, his voice regaining its previous gentleness but carrying an unyielding resolve, "I appreciate the kindness of everyone on the Starry Sky Train."
"Gentlemen, you have come from afar and must be weary from your journey. Why not rest for a while at the post station arranged by the Shence Prefecture? Once the situation in Luofu has stabilized, Jingyuan will host a banquet to thank you for your help to Tingyun and your concern for Luofu."
"As for the 'domestic affairs' of this immortal vessel—please leave them to us to handle ourselves."
He nodded slightly, his projection graceful and composed, yet it erected an invisible wall, firmly blocking the Star Train's attempt to extend a helping hand from Luofu's crisis.
The observatory fell silent for a moment, with only Jing Yuan's smiling image on the light screen and Yu Kong's sharp gaze below.
The train crew clearly felt the weight of this rejection—it was not only a confidence in their strength, but also a declaration of their stance, as well as the invisible barrier brought about by the heavy past that was hidden beneath the surface and closely related to Danheng.
A heavy silence fell over the hall.
Yu Kong's gaze, sharp as a tempered blade, swept over the train crew again without any attempt to conceal his gaze after Jing Yuan disappeared, finally settling on Dan Heng.
There was no gratitude in those eyes, only scrutiny, vigilance, and a deep, seemingly ingrained rejection.
She didn't speak, but the silent pressure was more suffocating than any rebuke.
She nodded slightly to Tingyun, then turned around, her deep purple high ponytail drawing a cold, hard arc in the air. She resolutely left the observatory, clearly to deal with the mountain of military affairs, leaving these "unwelcome outsiders" to Tingyun.
After Jing Yuan and Yu Kong left, Ting Yun's professional smile faded slightly, replaced by a perfectly appropriate hint of apology and helplessness.
"My benefactors, the General—alas, being in such a high position, he must have many considerations. I hope you will not take it to heart." She bowed slightly, her voice still pleasant, but lacking its previous brightness. "This humble woman will now take you to the inn to rest. Please follow me."
However, when her gaze swept over Dan Heng, a barely perceptible hint of inquiry seemed to flash beneath her apologetic expression.
Dan Heng remained silent throughout.
From the moment he stepped into the Shence Mansion, he seemed to isolate himself within an invisible barrier.
Jing Yuan's projected gaze, Yu Kong's undisguised hostility, and the words "old stories," "cause and effect," and "adding fuel to the fire"—each word was like a heavy chain, dragging him deeper into the quagmire called "Drinking the Moon."
He could feel the worried gazes of his companions, especially Xing and March 7th; their self-illumination carried warmth, trying to penetrate the icy chill surrounding him.
Just as Tingyun turned to lead the way, and Walter was about to speak to signal everyone to settle down first, Dan Heng moved.
He didn't look at anyone, and he didn't even make a sound.
He merely turned slightly to avoid the direction Tingyun was leading, and strode towards the exit on the other side of the observatory. That direction did not lead to the post station, but rather deeper into the Shence Mansion, or perhaps to some unknown path leading away from here.
His back remained straight, yet it exuded an almost resolute loneliness, as if he were carrying the weight of the entire world, walking alone towards the predetermined judgment ground.
"Danheng!" Xing called out almost immediately, instinctively wanting to chase after him. She couldn't understand this silent farewell.
"Star." Walter's low call carried an undeniable power, and he gently placed a hand on Star's shoulder, stopping her movement.
His gaze behind his glasses was deep and complex as he watched Dan Heng's figure disappear into the shadows of the porch, and he gently shook his head.
Let him—have some peace and quiet.
"But Uncle Yang!" March 7th was also anxious, her pinkish-blue eyes filled with worry, "Where is he going all by himself?"
"The people here don't seem to like him. Is he in danger?"
Walter sighed softly and said gently, "Danheng has his own path to walk and things he must face alone."
"This is his hometown, although—the situation is complicated. If we rush in, it might confuse him more, or it might make things worse."
He looked in the direction Danheng had left, his eyes filled with worry, but even more so with understanding.
Walter withdrew his gaze from the doorway where Danheng had disappeared and turned to Tingyun. His tone returned to its usual calmness, but carried a hint of sharpness that could not be ignored.
"Miss Tingyun, may I ask what General Jingyuan meant by the old story he mentioned earlier and the phrase 'adding fuel to the fire'?"
This seems to be related to our companion, Danheng.
Tingyun's smile froze slightly, then she revealed just the right amount of confusion and bewilderment: "This—my benefactor, please forgive me. I am just a member of a merchant guild, traveling back and forth only to make a living. I really know nothing about the past between you, General, and this benefactor Danheng."
"The Immortal Ship has a long history, perhaps—some old grudges?" She lightly changed the subject, and said, "Gentlemen, why don't you come with me to the post station first? After all, this is a military stronghold, and it might be inappropriate for us to stay here for too long."