69novels Chapter 71 Dan Heng's Departure
Chapter 71 Dan Heng's Departure
Chapter 71 Dan Heng's Departure
Chen Feng leaned against a stone pillar carved with dragons inside the hall, arms crossed, as if watching a play that had nothing to do with him.
At this moment, he slowly straightened up, the sunlight sweeping across Tingyun's face, which was full of innocent and professional smiles, and a faint, meaningful curve appeared at the corner of his mouth.
He didn't press Tingyun for answers, but instead walked over to Walter and Himeko. His voice wasn't loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears: "It seems the waters of this celestial vessel are even muddier than we imagined. Some want to stir the waters even more, while others want to cast us, this 'external force,' out."
His gaze seemed to casually sweep over Tingyun again before landing in the direction Danheng had left.
"As for our old friend"—his troubles have never been as simple as just the monsters outside. Let him run into the wall first; when it's our turn to act, he won't be able to escape.
He patted Xing's head, ruffling her slightly frizzy gray hair, which had been disturbed by Dan Heng's departure, making it even more disheveled: "Let's go, let's find a place to rest first. Your father is hungry, let's see if this Immortal Boat Inn provides food, or if it's enough to fill you up."
His lighthearted remark at least eased the somber atmosphere somewhat.
Although Xing was still worried about Danheng, Chen Feng's interruption and the mention of "eating" distracted her somewhat. She muttered under her breath, "Dad, all you ever think about is food—"
However, she still obediently followed in Chen Feng's footsteps.
Led by Tingyun, the group silently left the oppressive atmosphere of the observatory and headed towards the inn arranged by the Shence Prefecture.
Tingyun remained all smiles, introducing the scenery along the way and the features of the fairy boat, as if the conflict from just now had never happened.
The post station arranged by the Shence Prefecture was located in a relatively quiet area. Although it was not as magnificent as the core palace, it was still elegant and unique.
Tingyun led everyone to a secluded courtyard, where pavilions and waterside terraces were filled with spiritual energy, a stark contrast to the tense and solemn atmosphere outside.
"My esteemed benefactors, this is the residence arranged for you by the general. If you require anything, please feel free to contact the attendants outside."
.
Tingyun wore an impeccable, gentle smile, as if the rejection from the observatory had never happened. "I still need to deal with the matter of the lost merchant group, so I will take my leave now and come to visit again later."
She bowed gracefully once more, her fox tail swaying gently, then turned and left, her steps still light and quick, soon disappearing at the end of the corridor.
The courtyard fell silent for a moment.
"Phew—finally I can catch my breath!" March 7th immediately found a stone bench to sit on, rubbing his face. "That General Jingyuan, his words are so roundabout, it's exhausting to listen to. And that Lord Yukong, his eyes are so fierce!"
Walter glanced around, confirming there were no obvious surveillance arrays, before saying in a deep voice, "General Jingyuan's refusal was expected, but it further confirms the complexity and sensitivity of the situation in Luofu. His mention of 'old matters' and 'adding fuel to the fire' clearly refers to Danheng."
"Teacher Danheng, he—" Xing looked in the direction Danheng had left. The courtyard wall blocked the view, and only the sky, unique to the Immortal Boat and with its metallic sheen, could be seen. "Can he manage on his own? That Sky-Riding guy looks like he wants to eat him alive."
Chen Feng, on the other hand, seemed much more relaxed. He strolled over to a spiritual plant in the courtyard that was emitting a faint light, and brushed his fingertips across the leaves, making the light on the leaves seem even brighter.
"What's the rush? Danheng may seem like a quiet guy, but he's very shrewd. He can't escape what he has to face, and he can't be blamed for what he shouldn't be."
He changed the subject, looking at Xing with a familiar teasing smile, "But you, didn't you sense something was off at the observatory earlier?"
Xing paused for a moment, then subconsciously touched his chest: "Dad, now that you mention it—it seems—there is some truth to that. When I got close to that large light screen, it felt—a bit stuffy, like something was moving?"
She herself felt that she couldn't describe it clearly.
A knowing glint flashed in Chen Feng's eyes: "The star core. Although I sealed it, the environment of this immortal ship, and the trace of power emanating from Jing Yuan's projection just now—made it a little 'restless.' A normal reaction, don't be alarmed."
He casually patted Xing's shoulder, and a gentle yet resilient protective force quietly flowed in, instantly calming the inexplicable restlessness in Xing's chest.
"Oh—" Xing breathed a sigh of relief, but then frowned again. "Dad, that Tingyun—I always feel like there's something strange about her."
"Oh? Tell me, what's strange about it?" Chen Feng raised an eyebrow with interest.
"I can't quite put my finger on it—" Xing struggled to find the words, "She's too—too perfect? The way she was besieged by the monsters, the gratitude after being rescued, the familiarity when guiding the way, the apology after being rejected by the general—she did everything perfectly, like—like she was acting?"
"Moreover, the route she led us along included some shortcuts that she deliberately avoided. Although she said it was to avoid areas where there might be evil spirits—"
Walter adjusted his glasses: "Xing's intuition might be right."
"Tingyun's words and actions were indeed too impeccable, leaving no room for error. In the chaotic environment of the Star Chariot Sea Central Hub, it was remarkable that a 'minor figure from a merchant guild' could so calmly guide us."
The very fact that she "even knew about the possible assembly point of the Cloud Cavalry, Starport" is itself questionable. Her observations of Dan Heng are also overly meticulous.
"It seems this nimble-footed Miss Tingyun's identity is probably not so simple." Chen Feng chuckled, but his eyes sharpened. "No matter how well the fox's tail is hidden, it will eventually be revealed."
Walter pondered for a moment: "General Jingyuan's attitude is ambiguous; he refuses to provide assistance, yet he has placed us here 'protectively'."
"Tingyun is the only local who has made contact with us." She must have a purpose in bringing us here. Rather than waiting passively, we should—wait and see. Since she said she'd come later, we'll wait for her. Let's see what this "fox" is up to.
Meanwhile, deep within the Shence Palace, in a quiet room filled with star charts and jade omens.
Jing Yuan's seemingly languid projection had dissipated, and his true form was sitting behind a large table, his fingertips lightly tapping the surface.
A secret report lay open on the table, detailing the actions of the Star Train crew after their arrival, including Tingyun's "chance encounter" and introduction.
His golden eyes were no longer filled with laughter, only deep contemplation remained.
"General."
A deep voice echoed in the corner of the quiet room, and Yu Kong's figure appeared as if blending into the shadows. Her face was still covered with frost. "The people from the Starry Sky Train have been settled in Tingtao Garden."
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"That Dan Heng went alone towards the Lin Yuan Realm, and the Chi Ming Dragon Guards have already noticed."
Jing Yuan gave a soft "hmm," his gaze falling on the brief description of "Chen Feng" in the secret report.