Dan Heng pondered for a moment. "We may not be able to decide on our own. Let's set off first."
The two hadn't even reached Central Starskiff Haven when someone blocked their path. It was probably because of Dan Heng's conspicuous appearance, or perhaps something else.
"The rumors were true. You really have returned…"
"I am Lu Ying, a healer of the Alchemy Commission. As you can see, I am also a Vidyadhara. Having heard that the reincarnation of the great sinner has returned to the Luofu, I have come specially to offer a word of advice."
"Please speak," Dan Heng said, his expression unchanged.
Lu Ying: "Leave this land of trouble immediately."
Stelle smiled playfully. "The visitor comes with ill intent. But to you, we're probably the ill-intentioned ones?"
Dan Heng was not surprised. "Is this the Alchemy Commission's request, or your personal one?"
As for the entire Vidyadhara race? Dan Heng didn't even consider it. Lu Ying did not represent the whole Vidyadhara clan.
"Go back to being your Nameless one. Stop stirring up the muddy waters of the High Elder succession."
"The Luofu Vidyadhara have finally recovered from the sins committed by Dan Feng. We now have a compassionate High Elder like Bailu."
"Your return will not help anything. Instead, it will ignite the dragon masters' ambitions for power."
Dan Heng: "I have no intention of shaking Lady Bailu's position."
Lu Ying: "Even if your conscience is clear, as long as you remain on the Luofu, invisible forces will drag you in—"
"—Your departure is the best choice for everyone."
"Do not repeat the mistakes of your previous incarnation. That is all I have to say. Farewell."
To this advice, Dan Heng said nothing more for the time being and boarded the waiting starskiff with Stelle.
During the flight, conspiracy theories began swirling in Stelle's mind again. The people they kept running into spoke with such suspicious undertones; she couldn't help but overthink.
"As Leon said on the Express earlier, the waters on this colossal Luofu run very deep indeed."
"Dan Heng, do you still remember your previous life? Were the Vidyadhara dragon master elders deeply dissatisfied with Dan Feng?"
Dan Heng: "I don't remember clearly. Judging from the mirages of the past in Scalegorge Waterscape, there was at least some dissatisfaction."
Stelle interlaced her fingers and cracked her knuckles.
"Then, if the High Elder lacks the ability—or authority—to govern, does that mean the dragon masters have the final say in all Vidyadhara affairs?"
Dan Heng nodded lightly.
Stelle rolled her eyes.
"The sweet scent of power… It seems the Vidyadhara dragon masters and elders are no better than Fu Xuan."
Dan Heng didn't understand. "What do you mean?"
Stelle: "I don't know Fu Xuan's motives for wanting to become general, but she's the real deal—an action-taker through and through. Everything she does is for the Luofu."
"No matter what seat she sits in, she fulfills her duties to the utmost. That's worthy of respect."
"But the dragon master elders… Hmph. The constant stream of people urging you to leave is most likely at their instigation."
"I'm not sure about Huanxi, but that Lu Ying—even if he truly believed what he said, he was still being used as a pawn."
"As long as the Luofu has no High Elder with real authority, their days of lording over everyone can continue indefinitely."
"Don't blame me for thinking the worst of your people. Before we fought Phantylia, not a single dragon master or elder showed their face in Scalegorge Waterscape."
"That proves those guys do nothing but run. The moment the enemy arrived at the door, they were the first to flee."
"If the Vidyadhara weren't immune to mara and able to reincarnate, I'd suspect some dragon masters are traitors who betrayed the Luofu."
Dan Heng carefully considered everything Stelle said and found it reasonable.
"If what you say is true, this trip probably won't go smoothly. Caution above all."
Stelle grinned.
"Good thing I asked General Jing Yuan for a proper token of authority a while back."
"If any blind fools come looking for trouble, let me handle them first."
Dan Heng: "You've thought of everything for me. Naturally, I won't suffer unfounded grievances, nor will I let you face them alone."
…
The journey was uneventful. Soon, the two arrived at the dock.
A hint of nostalgia flashed in Stelle's eyes.
The last time she passed through here, it was on the way to subjugate Phantylia.
She never expected to return now because of internal scheming among the Vidyadhara.
Huanxi: "Lord Dan Heng, Lady Stelle—have you made your decision?"
"Will you first accompany me to meet the elders, or… go see Lady Bailu first?"
Dan Heng replied indifferently: "Lady Bailu has been waiting in Scalegorge Waterscape for a long time. Let the dragon master elders wait a little longer."
"Furthermore, sealing the Ambrosial Arbor takes priority over meeting them."
Stelle secretly gave him a big thumbs-up.
Well said.
Everything has an order of priority. First come, first served—just like how she's temporarily putting Herta on hold to help her companion with important matters.
Huanxi froze. A complicated look flashed across her gaze toward Dan Heng.
She didn't believe he had missed the implication behind her words.
"…Your stubbornness does carry a shadow of Dan Feng. Follow me."
"Sorry, but you're not going anywhere!"
An unfriendly voice rang out. Hurried footsteps sounded behind them.
When people are rendered speechless, they often laugh involuntarily. Stelle curled her lips, turned around, and looked at the newcomers.
About seven or eight people, all Vidyadhara.
One of them wore an expression of bitter hatred.
"The sinner who severed the succession does not deserve to step foot on the Vidyadhara's sacred ground."
Stelle almost couldn't hold back her laughter. "Is that so? But Dan Heng already entered Scalegorge Waterscape long ago. Where were you all back then?"
"Don't tell me you got some news, panicked, slipped out of Scalegorge Waterscape, and hid somewhere trembling in fear?"
The moment she finished speaking, she saw the group's faces instantly turn red. Stelle finally couldn't contain her laughter.
"…Sorry, sorry. I suddenly remembered something funny. I'm not laughing at you, don't misunderstand."
"You—"
Just as someone stepped forward in rage, Huanxi moved two steps ahead, trying to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
"Everyone, Lord Dan Heng's entry into Scalegorge Waterscape has already been approved by the Six Diviners and the dragon master elders."
"Moreover, Lord Dan Heng is no longer the sinner he once was."
The enraged Vidyadhara paid no heed and roared furiously.
"Silver-tongued liar! Whether he's that sinner or not—we'll know once we test him!"
"Even if he isn't, the Vidyadhara clan will not tolerate a monster like him—ARRGH!!!"
"You dare…"
"…Urgh, you bastard!"
"Brothers, kill her!"
"Big bark, little bite."
In three strikes and five blows, Stelle cleanly knocked out or injured the whole group. She rested the bat on her shoulder, a playful smirk on her lips.
"I can put all of you down without breaking a sweat. With skills like yours, who gave you the courage to 'test' Dan Heng?"
"Or did the dragon masters order you to come here and give us Nameless ones a show of force?"
The still-conscious Vidyadhara on the ground wailed in pain while barely containing their fury.
"You bastard, you actually dared to attack us?!"
Stelle looked utterly unbothered.
"So what? Not only did you violate the approval of the Six Diviners, you called my companion a monster. If I don't beat you up, who should I beat?"