Kafka was genuinely captured!
This fact astounded everyone, as even Fu Xuan's predictions suggested that apprehending Kafka would require considerable effort. Yet, the reality turned out far easier than anticipated.
With Kafka now securely detained, preparations were underway to escort her to the Divination Commission for interrogation.
"To make this suspect speak, the Divination Commission will employ special methods. Due to their confidential nature, they cannot be disclosed publicly. Please accept our apologies, but this venerable one swears: the interrogation will not commence until you all arrive, regardless of how ready we may be."
"I have assigned a disciple to wait at Exalting Sanctum Square. Once internal arrangements are complete, they will guide you into the Divination Commission. Your patience is greatly appreciated."
In the unfolding plot, Fu Xuan addressed the Astral Express Crew:
At this point, Fu Xuan saw no need to conceal anything further and directly explained, "This venerable one is preparing to activate the Indigent Observation Formation 'Four-One-Zero'."
"Only through this formation can we discern past events, calculate future possibilities, and unravel the truth."
"Then, that suspect Kafka will finally speak."
"Oh," March 7th nodded, somewhat grasping the explanation.
With the immediate task seemingly concluded, Dan Heng, who had been quietly observing from the side, could no longer remain seated. He stood up and announced to the Astral Express Crew, "I must go to The Shackling Prison."
"Huh?" March 7th wondered if she misheard, setting down her snack. "Dan Heng, are you okay?"
"The upcoming scene involves Kafka's interrogation—the pivotal moment!"
"Don't we need to watch first, to ensure what exactly Kafka's scheme entails?"
Dan Heng shook his head. "Kafka...she was captured deliberately, I suspect. The true danger aboard Xianzhou likely lies elsewhere."
"Hmm... Still no response from Jing Yuan?"
Dan Heng turned to Fu Xuan.
Fu Xuan glanced at Yuzhao beside her and replied, "No need yet."
"However, if you're truly uneasy, this venerable one will perform a divination for you," she continued. With that, Fu Xuan extended her hand, calculating between her fingers.
After a few seconds, suspicion appeared on her face. It then shifted to confusion before finally turning into shock!
March 7th sighed, "Well, now even without hearing the result, I can tell something unexpected has occurred."
"This venerable one performed three divinations. Both The Shackling Prison and the Stellaron Hunters' situations were disrupted by unknown factors, making it impossible to discern outcomes through ordinary means."
"As for General Jing Yuan...it foretells grave danger!"
Old Yang looked at Dan Heng. "You were right. We cannot stay here any longer."
"Dan Heng, March, and Stelle, come with me immediately—our destination is The Shackling Prison."
"March and Stelle, keep monitoring the live stream on your phones constantly. As soon as Kafka's intentions are revealed, inform us right away."
"Understood!" Old Yang promptly decided.
He gathered the three individuals, preparing to leave the Palace of Astrum.
From behind, Yukong's voice echoed.
"Hold on, everyone."
"You're unfamiliar with the area here," Yukong continued. "I've already notified Tingyun to meet you at the star ferry. She will guide you to The Shackling Prison."
"Excellent, then we greatly appreciate your assistance, Director Yukong."
On the bustling streets of Exalting Sanctum, Phantylia disguised as Tingyun frequently glanced up at the distant tree.
"In about half an hour, we should witness its miraculous rebirth, piercing through the celestial vault, don't you think?"
Nearby, there was a storyteller accompanied by his assistant, who had keen eyesight. At once, he spotted the solitary figure of "Tingyun."
"Tingyun Miss! It's actually you!"
"How did you find time to visit Exalting Sanctum today? Shall I entertain you with a tale on the spot?"
"Sure," Phantylia replied with a smile.
Her mood was quite buoyant, anticipating the upheaval in Luofu soon to be triggered by the World Tree's growth.
The storyteller and his assistant promptly prepared to begin, even setting up paper lanterns to enhance the atmosphere.
Clearing his throat, the elderly storyteller commenced eloquently:
"To my embarrassment, legends are scarce aboard this Xianzhou.
"After all, with eternal life and longevity, what room is there for tales worth telling?"
"However, to recount the tale of the Cloud Rider General, we must begin with a distant legend..."
"This history dates back eight millennia. A ruler of an ancient empire yearned for eternal life and everlasting legacy."
"The ancestors of Xianzhou set sail across the celestial seas on a grueling journey."
"At that time, it was truly as if—'Amidst vast heavens wide, lone sails without a neighbor.'"
What an antiquated legend, Phantylia thought, feeling discontented. Using this worn-out tale to deceive people? No wonder not a single soul was interested, even in such a bustling area.
Soon, the storyteller began introducing the seven heavenly generals of Emperor's Bow:
"Behold, at the marshal's side stand six Xianzhou generals—
"Might surging through the skies, spirit soaring high... Heavenly Strike General, Feixiao!
"Luminous beyond measure, radiant with fiery blaze. Abyssal Torch General, Huaiyan!"
"..."
Phantylia was well-acquainted with these seven heavenly generals, including their commander. Such tales might indeed captivate newly arrived outlanders on Xianzhou, but for her...
Heh...
Upon hearing such exaggerated praise, Tingyun couldn't help but wish to overturn his makeshift stall.
"Surmounting Yujie's heights, repelling celestial spears. The Divine Strategy General, Jing Yuan!"
"Each of the seven generals of Emperor's Bow possesses unique skills and exceptional talents. And when it comes to our Luofu's General Jing Yuan, all would commend him for his extraordinary intellect and profound strategies!
"For indeed—through cunning stratagem, he ensnared Steppath, stealthily seizing victory under heaven's gaze."
"Victory assured from afar, his plans leave no room for error!"
"Well done!" Tingyun applauded at just the right moment, tossing a few Strales onto the stall. "Your narration is truly captivating, sir."
Without looking back, she continued on her way.
At a nearby intersection, she arrived at an open-air plaza bustling with people gathered around a large screen, engrossed in its display.
"Hmph, yet another episode of that Star Rail nonsense," someone scoffed.
"Humans can only find fleeting satisfaction in such lowbrow entertainment within their limited lifespans."
Suddenly, there was a significant commotion near the screen, eliciting gasps from the crowd.
Tingyun's fox ears twitched slightly, catching words that piqued her interest.
"Oh my goodness! Look at this—!"
"Jing Yuan Character PV - 'Chessboard of Heaven and Earth'? Is it really General Jing Yuan? Am I dreaming?!"
"No doubt about it! Check the video thumbnail—it perfectly captures our General's heroic demeanor!"
"The General! The General is so cool, waaaaah!"
"Feathered Spirit actually made General Jing Yuan a playable character!"
"Forget everything else—I need to rush home, sell my house, and prepare for the Jing Yuan gacha draw!"
"Hurry up, hurry up! I can't wait to see Jing Yuan's Ultimate move!"
Phantylia paused, extracting crucial information from their frenzied chatter.
This video seemed to showcase Jing Yuan's abilities?
"Well then, let's take a quick look."