Chapter 121: Dividing Forces

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The sudden appearance of options left Bochang momentarily speechless; he never anticipated that accepting Jing Yuan's proposal would result in being abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.

"Why would they target me? Is it because I went after Kafka and ended up captured instead?"

"With the power from the Monkey Talisman, shouldn't it have been harder for them to abduct me?"

Bochang scrutinized the options carefully.

He immediately dismissed Option Three.

That left only Options One and Two.

"The skill 'I Refuse' seems quite useful—immobilizing someone for one second can essentially decide the outcome of a battle. However, the activation condition is somewhat unclear. It says 'when you refuse...,' but what exactly counts as refusing?"

"Does it require the other party to make a request first, which I then decline?"

"It would be more straightforward without any preconditions..."

Bochang weighed the pros and cons internally.

Finally, he decided—

"Option Two!"

Bochang rejected the proposition, stating firmly, "What the General suggests makes sense, but... I refuse!"

The system's neutral electronic voice sounded...

[Reward being issued—Congratulations! You have obtained the skill 'I Refuse!' Any creature you reject will be immobilized for one second.]

Jing Yuan's eyes widened slightly; he hadn't anticipated that his proposal would be refused.

Moreover...

In the instant Bochang rejected him, an invisible force enveloped Jing Yuan, rendering him unable to move.

"What?" The tall and handsome Cloud Knight frowned slightly and took half a step backward.

Observing this reaction, Bochang declared, "One of my favorite things to do is tell those who think they can persuade me with just a simple—no!"

"Huh? What just happened?"

Jing Yuan felt puzzled. For a moment, it seemed as though he was completely restrained, but then, in the very next second, he regained full mobility.

It almost felt like an illusion.

"No... This couldn't be an illusion; something definitely occurred just now."

Jing Yuan was certain about it.

For that brief moment, he genuinely could not control his body's movements, although he was still able to speak.

Once "what" left his lips, Jing Yuan regained his freedom—a peculiar sensation indeed.

The cloud knight's unusual behavior caught Yukong's attention.

The helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission, puzzled, asked, "General Jing Yuan, is something wrong?"

"It's nothing; I just spotted a small insect," Jing Yuan replied with his usual gentle smile, as if nothing had occurred moments ago. "Additionally...I didn't expect Little Brother Bochang to refuse so decisively, which took me slightly by surprise."

Yukong remained silent, his intuition telling him that something definite must have happened just now.

However...

Since Jing Yuan chose not to elaborate, Yukong saw no reason to press further.

Bochang had already made his stance clear.

After a moment of thought, Stelle said, "I also decline."

Serval nodded in agreement; she too was dissatisfied with the Xianzhou Alliance's stance.

Surprisingly, it was March 7th, who had complained the most throughout their journey, that did not echo their sentiments this time.

March 7th scratched his head. "Um... I don't think our refusal would be appropriate. After all, the Stellaron Hunters can still be considered our enemies."

Welt Yang concurred, saying, "Indeed, capturing Kafka seems like the quickest way to uncover the truth."

Although Jing Yuan sensed something peculiar about the recent events, he didn't suspect Bochang directly.

After all, they were separated by vast distances.

The Jing Yuan present at the Palace of Astrum was merely a pale blue holographic projection. It seemed implausible for Bochang to influence the Cloud Knight General through such a projection alone. No matter how Jing Yuan pondered it, he found the idea unrealistic.

Instead, it seemed more plausible that there might be something wrong with his own body.

"It appears you're facing some disagreement... No matter, take your time to consider before giving me a response. Rest assured, whether you accept or reject, the choice remains yours," Jing Yuan said.

His gaze then shifted to the dragon girl standing nearby. "Ah... how opportune my arrival is! Just as I've been feeling quite weak and weary, why don't you examine me, Bailu?"

"No, not today," Bailu firmly declined without hesitation. "I snuck out for fun; I'm not taking any consultations now."

"Bailu, don't be so heartless..." Jing Yuan pleaded.

Overhearing their casual conversation, Bochang realized just how exceptional Bailu's status truly was. As the commander overseeing all of Luofu Immortal Continent, General Jing Yuan appeared to be on familiar terms with her.

However...

This matter wasn't crucial at the moment.

What was important now—how to respond to Jing Yuan's proposal.

The Trailblaze squad had effectively split into two groups.

Serval and Stelle supported Bochang, while March 7th stood with Welt Yang.

"I understand if Bochang doesn't want to take action," said Welt Yang, pushing up his black-framed glasses. "In that case... let's divide our forces." He continued, "March 7th and I will pursue Kafka, while you all can rest here on the Xianzhou. After all, your previous Trailblaze journey was quite arduous."

"What do you think?"

Welt Yang showed no intention of persuading Bochang; instead, he proposed splitting up their actions. This way, neither group would interfere with the other.

March 7th hastily protested, "Hey, wait! You two aren't backing out just because of some past sentiments, right?"

"What past sentiments? We're amnesiacs," Bochang quickly raised the memory loss flag once again.

To pursue Kafka?

Sorry...

Bochang wouldn't go, even if it meant certain death.

Since the system warned about potential risks, there was no way he would take that chance. He wasn't someone to stubbornly court danger.

In fact...

Bochang wanted to persuade Welt Yang and March 7th to abandon chasing Kafka altogether, aiming to avoid any possible risks.

Unfortunately, after pondering for a moment, Bochang couldn't figure out how to convince them to give up. Given March 7th's headstrong nature, getting her to obediently refrain from causing trouble seemed virtually impossible.

Even if there were no issues, March 7th would likely create some trouble.

With the pursuit of Kafka, such a significant case right before her eyes, it was virtually impossible for March 7th not to be enticed.

Welt's gaze shifted from Bochang to Stelle and Serval, awaiting their responses.

However...

Neither of them seemed inclined to speak, merely watching Bochang silently.

"How do you feel about this?" Welt prompted.

After a brief silence, Bochang reasoned that the Stellaron Hunters were most likely targeting only him and wouldn't harm others, so he saw no point in further persuasion. He simply nodded and said, "That sounds reasonable. Let's split up then, Uncle Yang."

"Agreed." With that, Welt turned towards Jing Yuan.

Regarding the pursuit of Kafka, there were still matters he needed to confirm.

However, Welt-Yang had some matters he needed to clarify.

"Bochang, Stelle, Serval, you can't be serious," March 7th persisted, hoping to dissuade them.

Bochang's stance remained firm. "We are serious, but...don't worry, March. I'll assist with the Stellaron issue; however, when it comes to pursuing Kafka, I won't intervene. That responsibility lies solely with you."

"You're still clinging to past sentiments!" March 7th crossed his arms. "Bochang, have you started recalling your previous memories, which is why you refuse to act against Kafka?"