Chapter 120: But...I Refuse!

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The sudden question caught Bochang off guard, leaving him momentarily bewildered.

Shouldn't they be discussing matters related to Stellaron, the Stellaron Hunters, or whether Astral Express harbored malicious intent? Why did the conversation abruptly shift to his willingness to stay in Xianzhou?

It seemed quite peculiar...

"For now, no," Bochang shook his head.

Yukong murmured, "I see... In that case, Bailu, please escort Bochang back to the Alchemy Commission."

"What do you mean? Why should we take Bochang away?" Serval frowned, puzzled.

March 7th and Stelle nodded in agreement.

Welt Yang sensed something was amiss.

Yukong crossed his arms. "Well... I cannot disclose details, but rest assured, Xianzhou would never harm him."

This vague response naturally failed to convince March 7th and the others.

Taking a step forward, Stelle declared, "You cannot take Bochang away."

Tension suddenly escalated within the Palace of Astrum as numerous Cloud Knights materialized around them.

"Before worrying about him, you should consider your own situation. Appearing at such a critical time in Xianzhou...and being members of the Stellaron Hunters—Silver Wolf hacking the system to open the Jade World Gate for you. Do you truly expect us to believe that you're with Astral Express?" Yukong's tone turned confrontational, losing its previous warmth.

There was no doubt regarding their affiliation with Astral Express.

After all...

The Astral Express remained docked at Cloudford.

"I think... Lord Yukong might be under some misunderstanding," Bochang shook his head. "If we were aligned with the Stellaron Hunters, how could we possibly be standing here conversing with you?"

"That's right, we came here with goodwill, only to be met with such deceit from your alliance." March 7th bristled indignantly.

The thought that this situation arose because they had saved Tingyun further fueled their anger.

Yukong shook his head, causing the pair of fox ears atop it to gently sway. "Words alone hold no proof," he said. "In any case... until you are cleared of suspicion, you cannot leave the Sky-Faring Commission. As for Bochang...you must not depart the Alchemy Commission."

Standing beside Yukong, Bailu couldn't help but cover her face with both hands, mimicking an ostrich burying its head in the sand—a gesture perhaps acknowledging her inability to assist much.

Fortunately, Bochang didn't harbor high expectations from this young dragon girl either.

[Dating Options activated.]

[Option 1: Shout loudly, "Yes, we are indeed with the Stellaron Hunters." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]

Option Two: Use Steal on Yukong! — Completion Reward: Yukong's Big Biodou.

Option Three: Sardonically say, "As the Helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission, I expected profound insights from Lord Yukong, not such crude language." — Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans.

All three options seemed quite absurd.

The first option, admitting to being allied with the Stellaron Hunters, actually offered a reward? That was very peculiar.

Regarding the second option, Bochang had little to comment. It reminded him of when he encountered Tingyun and this choice popped up before; regardless, he wouldn't select it. Still young, he preferred not to experience the psychological trauma that Yukong's Big Biodou might inflict.

The third option required sardonically provoking Yukong.

And the reward appeared exceptionally generous.

Option One or Option Two?

Bochang didn't make an immediate decision.

It had been some time since the introduction of these "Dating Options."

Based on his observations so far, rewards with greater value typically demanded higher personal stakes—often involving embarrassing actions or words, potentially even inherent risks.

Based on Bochang's experience, options with exceptionally rich rewards typically demanded a higher personal cost.

It might involve saying something deeply embarrassing or performing humiliating actions.

Or perhaps...the choice itself carries inherent danger.

Similar to when he faced Aha and was given the option to directly confront him.

Attacking Aha could have been seen as amusing by the entity, but it would undoubtedly lead to Bochang being tormented, showcasing Aeon's power.

However...

As long as the reward is favorable, it suggests that the required price would be acceptable to Bochang.

"Yin-Yang Yukong...could it be dangerous?" Bochang muttered to himself, "But the first option isn't appealing either; I can already imagine the looks on March 7th and Stelle's faces when I say those words." He pondered, "Maybe this is why...choosing the first option comes with a reward."

After hesitating for several seconds, Bochang ultimately succumbed to the allure of the twelve talismans' power.

"Option three."

Having made his decision,

the stalled world resumed its course.

With a sardonic tone, Bochang remarked, "I had expected, as the helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission, Lord Yukong would have more refined insights. Yet, I'm surprised to hear such crude language from you."

"How is my language crude?"

Yukong's gaze sharpened instantly, feeling like knives cutting through the air.

Fortunately, Bochang's thick skin rendered it ineffective.

[Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have obtained the power of the Monkey Talisman.]

The Monkey Talisman could transform any object into any desired animal.

For non-living entities,

it would create corresponding statues instead.

« Now that I possess the power of the Monkey Talisman, couldn't I change into anything at will? In that case... even if Xianzhou's people are formidable, they likely wouldn't be able to capture me, right. »

Unfazed, Bochang looked directly at Yukong and retorted, "Accusing innocent individuals without basis—how can anyone be cruder than that?"

"Exactly," agreed March 7th, placing her hands on her hips with an approving expression.

Welt Yang silently sighed upon hearing this exchange.

Bailu grew anxious and repeatedly signaled to Bochang with her eyes, her hands gesturing restlessly alongside Tail.

"You truly have no filter," Yukong's eyes narrowed slightly before he turned to Bailu. "It seems...I can't let you go with him, or else...Bochang might corrupt you."

"Ah, but..." Bailu was momentarily at a loss for what to do.

Fortunately, the Cloud General Jing Yuan, who governed Luofu, arrived just in time to intervene. He materialized within the Palace of Astrum via holographic projection.

"Yukong, there's no need to be so aggressive. If word gets out, won't it bring ridicule from across the galaxy, suggesting that the Xianzhou Alliance lacks hospitality?"

From then on...

Jing Yuan took complete control of the conversation.

Although this cloud knight's attitude was not much different from Yukong's, both opposed any involvement of Astral Express personnel with matters concerning Stellaron.

However...

Jing Yuan believed they were good people and had no intention of imprisoning them. Additionally, he had another request to make.

That request involved capturing one of the Stellaron Hunters, Kafka.

"Firstly, it would help clear your names from the false accusations made by the Stellaron Hunters. Secondly, we could learn their purpose for infiltrating Xianzhou and its connection to the recent Stellaron outbreak." Jing Yuan smiled warmly. "Members of the Train Brigade, what do you think?"

In response to this proposal, Welt Yang chose to seek the opinions of his Trailblaze squad members.

"What are your thoughts?"

March 7th, Stelle, and Serval all wore thoughtful expressions.

Bochang was about to reply when...

[Dating Options activated.]

[Option 1: Reply to Welt Yang: "I'll just observe from here." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]

[Option 2: Reject the proposal: "Jing Yuan's point is valid, but... I refuse!" - Completion Reward: Acquire skill, "I Refuse!" Upon using this skill, the person you reject will be immobilized for one second.]

[Option 3: Accept the proposal: "We might as well go along with it." - Completion Reward: Be abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.]