(T/N: Here are the promised chapters.)
Far away on the Xianzhou Luofu, Tingyun and Herta Ninety-Nine had already learned of the outcome between Ruan Mei and Herta.
Herta Ninety-Nine directly hailed a starskiff. Before departing, she left Tingyun only a silhouette and a message in an omen.
"Tingyun. Next time we meet, I'll make sure Madam Herta emerges victorious."
The starskiff flashed toward the Jade Gate.
"Tingyun?"
A familiar voice suddenly sounded behind her.
Tingyun turned. It was Yukong, having just finished her busy duties at the Hall of Karmic Clouds. She was alone.
"Helmsmaster Yukong? Where's General Feixiao?"
Yukong shrugged, a calm smile on her face.
"A few days ago, right here at Starskiff Haven, I saw her off personally."
"She is the Yaoqing General, after all. Heavy responsibilities—campaigns against the Abundance remnants. I couldn't keep her."
Tingyun froze. She knew better than anyone: Yukong was already in the twilight of her foxian years.
Sigh. Don't wait until she's gone to regret it, General Feixiao.
"Helmsmaster Yukong... you and General Feixiao...?"
Yukong's eyes curved like crescent moons. She smiled faintly.
"We chat occasionally in our spare time."
"In three months, during the Yaoqing's Lantern Festival, she has seven days of leave. She's invited me to join her."
"And you, Tingyun? Why the sudden return to the Luofu? I thought you were staying with Madam Ruan Mei to repay her kindness."
Tingyun's foxian ears drooped. A helpless melancholy clouded her eyes.
How do I explain this to Yukong?
Do I say that Herta, afraid I might counsel Ruan Mei, casually teleported me back here with a wave of her hand?
Sigh. These two geniuses... truly absurd.
Seeing Tingyun's expression, Yukong pressed gently.
"Did something happen between Madam Ruan Mei and Madam Herta again?"
Tingyun quickly looked up, forcing a smile and a feigned cough.
"This... ahem. Helmsmaster Yukong, please don't overthink it."
"I'm simply here on Madam Ruan Mei's behalf. Collecting detailed data on Phantylia's residual presence on the Xianzhou."
Seeing Yukong about to question further, Tingyun quickly changed the subject.
"Oh, Helmsmaster Yukong. I'd like to visit my old home. Just once. Then I'll leave the Xianzhou and return to Benefactor Ruan Mei."
Yukong nodded slightly.
"During the months you were missing, I had Jingni maintain the place. It should be exactly as you left it."
"Let me take you there."
"Yes!!"
---
On the platform of Herta Space Station, Herta emerged from a [Mirror], having fled.
Asta approached cautiously.
"Madam Herta? You look a bit... off. Did something happen with Madam Ruan Mei?"
Herta composed herself, resuming her usual demeanor.
"Nothing."
Asta smiled helplessly.
"Madam Herta, weren't you planning another audience with Nous soon?"
Herta paused. I can see Machine Head anytime. Ruan Mei is the priority now.
"Postponed."
Asta blinked. Postponing an audience with an Aeon? Only Madam Herta would dare. She scratched her head.
"For how long?"
"I don't know."
"Because of Madam Ruan Mei?"
Herta shot her a cold glance and nodded without hesitation.
"Yes. Because of Madam Ruan Mei."
Then, with characteristic pride, she added,
"Don't misunderstand. It's just that she's currently researching the Abundance Path. I'm mildly interested. I plan to assist her research."
Asta gazed at her silently.
Madam Ruan Mei researching Abundance, and you're going to help?!
Neither of you are Xianzhou natives. You're both already immortal.
Excuses. All excuses. You'll never give me her contact information!!
Herta turned to leave. Then she stopped and walked back, fixing Asta with her amethyst gaze.
Asta froze, instinctively stepping back.
"Ma... Madam Herta? Do you have instructions? A mission? I'll prepare immediately."
Herta blocked her retreat.
"Here. Madam Herta always keeps her promises."
She turned and walked toward a [Mirror], vanishing into her throne in Herta City.
Asta snapped back to reality. In her hand: Madam Ruan Mei's contact information.
She quickly tried to add her as a friend. She stood there, waiting. No response.
Peppy kindly reminded her.
"Woof." (Asta, I have several cat-cake friends.)
(When Ruan Mei left them before, they tried everything to contact her. Never got a response.)
Asta sighed.
"Sigh. Why?"
"Woof—" (I think it's her personality. Cold, distant. She doesn't want to be disturbed.)
(Plus, the signal from her lab at the edge of the universe is unstable. Getting a reply is nearly impossible.)
Asta nodded, crestfallen.
Has she already forgotten the sleeve pendant she promised me?
She murmured to herself, lost and despondent.
"If only I were Madam Herta."