Another two days passed.
Preparations for the Charmony Festival were nearly complete. Penacony once again sank into the festive roar and expectant buzz that seemed to seep into every corner of the dream.
Inside the temporary residence Wei Qing had built, however, the atmosphere was… delicate.
Ever since "that war" between Jingliu and Firefly two days ago, Wei Qing hadn't slept for two straight nights.
It wasn't because he didn't need rest—his body could manage without sleep if he wanted, sure, but he genuinely enjoyed sleeping.
The problem was Jingliu and Firefly.
Their battle had migrated from words to action—and yes, that included nights as well.
A crisp knock landed on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
Baiheng, closest to the entrance, went to answer it.
Standing outside wasn't anyone from the Express crew, but Robin—dressed in an elegant, formal gown. From her expression alone, the famous songstress looked weighed down by something heavy.
Even so, her voice was still as pleasant as her music.
"I'm sorry—am I interrupting?"
"Not at all. Please, come in." Baiheng stepped aside, letting her enter while studying that troubled look. "Miss Robin… did something go wrong with the festival preparations?"
Robin walked into the living room, her gaze flicking quickly over everyone present. She managed a strained smile.
"No. The preparations are going smoothly. The festival will begin on schedule."
She paused, then looked directly at Wei Qing with an unusual seriousness.
"I'm here today… for Penacony's future."
"Penacony's future?" Wei Qing didn't answer immediately. "What do you mean by that?"
"Don't tell me your dear brother still hasn't learned his lesson—planning to resurrect Order again?"
"No—nothing like that." Robin shook her head quickly. "My brother… has already let go of his obsession with Order."
She drew a breath, steadying herself.
"This is about the IPC… and the Family's main branch in the Montour System."
It was unexpected—but as Robin explained, the shape of it became clear.
After the decisive battle days ago, Penacony's Family had pinned all blame on the now-dead Dreammaster.
It wasn't entirely scapegoating—after all, the Dreammaster truly had been the principal culprit behind the upheaval.
But the parts connected to Sunday… no matter how the Family tried to bury them, the IPC's eyes were too sharp.
So the IPC moved.
They used Aventurine—one of the "Ten Stonehearts" from the Strategic Investment Department—as a pretext, citing the "unjust treatment" he had suffered in Penacony and demanding accountability.
And this decision wasn't made by a single department.
It had backing from the top.
The IPC, plainly, had started to entertain the idea of swallowing Penacony whole.
They also had the moral high ground.
Even if Penacony blamed everything on the Dreammaster, he was still Family—meaning the entire local branch had to bear responsibility.
And unfortunately for Penacony… they truly couldn't win against the IPC in their current state.
The Family as a whole might not fear the IPC, but Penacony's branch was only a subordinate offshoot of the Montour System's main branch.
"So you want me to step in," Wei Qing said evenly after hearing her out, "and negotiate with the IPC on Penacony's behalf?"
"Yes." Robin nodded, earnest. "The IPC is pressing hard. Their compensation terms are extreme—almost designed to put Penacony's future entirely under their control."
She swallowed, helplessness flashing across her eyes.
"And because of my brother… because of the Order incident, the Montour main branch refuses to offer help."
"They even seem pleased—happy to use this opportunity to pull us back under their thumb. If we can't solve this crisis ourselves, Penacony's autonomy will…"
She didn't finish, but the meaning landed anyway.
Penacony had lost the Dreammaster—their former strongest pillar. Now they faced pressure from both the IPC and their own main branch. They were at their weakest point in living memory.
"So basically," Baiheng summarized bluntly, "you've just had an accident at home, and the vultures decided to rush in and loot the place."
Robin's expression tightened. "…Yes."
Her eyes returned to Wei Qing.
"Mr. Yi Qing, you're Penacony's most honored guest right now—and the only person the IPC might actually hesitate to confront."
"If you would appear in person, you could help Penacony reach a relatively fair outcome."
Wei Qing stood.
"Miss Robin, I understand Penacony's situation." His voice remained calm. "But tell me—why should I help you?"
He wasn't a saint. He didn't take every problem in the universe onto his shoulders.
It was a blunt question, and even Robin—who had prepared herself—still faltered.
She lowered her head, fingers twisting the hem of her dress. In that moment she looked pitiful enough that, if it were someone else, half the room might have immediately softened.
"I know you have no obligation to solve Penacony's mess," Robin said, forcing herself steady. "And whatever reward the Family can offer likely means nothing to you."
"But I'm still asking—not for the Family's benefit, but for the countless people living inside this dream."
"If we accept the IPC's terms, Penacony will become a commodity. Dreams will be priced, auctioned, and rationed like goods."
"That betrays Mikhail's ideals and the purpose Penacony was built for."
"We're not trying to use your power to fight the IPC head-on—that would be foolish."
She bowed, lowering herself completely.
"We only want you… as a witness and mediator strong enough to force a fair starting point."
"Let Penacony retain, at minimum, the right to choose its own road."
"This is our request—my request." Her voice trembled, but didn't break. "Whatever conditions you set, as long as they're within Penacony's capacity, we'll do our best to fulfill them."
"Please… if you agree, the Family—and I—are willing to do anything."
"Anything" was the laziest currency in the universe—what the powerless always offered when they had nothing else.
Wei Qing still hadn't answered, but Jingliu and Firefly both felt something shift.
Jingliu couldn't explain it—some faint instinctive discomfort, the kind that didn't need reasons.
Firefly, however, had lived in the modern universe for centuries.
This scene felt exactly like the setups in certain comics.
Unable to repay you… so I'll repay you with myself.
The room fell quiet again.
"Mr. Yi Qing?" Robin asked softly when he still didn't respond.
Wei Qing finally spoke. "Before I answer, let me ask you something."
"If I refuse, are you going to seek the Astral Express' help next?"
Robin stiffened. Shame and panic flashed across her face—she'd been read clean through.
"…Yes," she admitted anyway. "If we can't secure your support, we'll attempt to seek the Express' mediation. Their relationship with the IPC is less hostile. It might create a turning point."
Wei Qing wasn't surprised.
Even if the Express had fallen quiet, "Trailblaze" still carried weight.
And three Nameless had left deep ties in Penacony's history. With the Express crew's nature, they likely wouldn't refuse.
If they found themselves unable to solve it alone, they might even come asking him anyway.
That thought alone gave Wei Qing a headache.
"I'll help," he said at last. "I'm still a part of the Astral Express—once—and three Nameless chose to remain here."
"For their sake, I'll make an exception."
Robin's eyes lit up instantly. "Really?! Thank you, Mr. Yi Qing!"
"Don't thank me yet." Wei Qing lifted a hand to stop her. "I have one condition."
He looked at her evenly.
"This negotiation is being handled by you and Sunday as Penacony's representatives, correct?"
"I'll speak to the IPC. But I don't like Sunday."
"So during the talks, I want you at my side the whole time—and you will follow my arrangements completely."
It sounded simple, but Robin still blinked.
She'd expected demands for treasure or privileges. Instead, he only wanted her personal accompaniment and full cooperation.
But she recovered quickly and nodded without hesitation.
"Of course. That's my responsibility. I will cooperate fully."
The Radiant Opal, Mid-Deck Lounge
A meeting that would decide Penacony's future was underway.
Sunday sat at the head of the table in formal Family attire, every insignia perfectly aligned.
Opposite him sat the IPC's representative—Jade, one of the Ten Stonehearts.
"Mr. Sunday," Jade said smoothly, "I believe I've made the IPC's stance more than clear."
"Penacony's administrative failure not only damaged the IPC's assets and harmed our valuable employee Aventurine—it also posed a potential threat to galactic security."
She leaned forward slightly, eyes gliding over Sunday's pale face.
"The IPC's acquisition and oversight proposal is the best way to ensure such incidents never happen again, and to help Penacony return to stability."
"This is not plunder. It is necessary integration and protection."
Sunday answered in a low voice. "Ms. Jade, the Family acknowledges we bear responsibility for inadequate oversight regarding the Dreammaster."
"We are willing to—"
"But the IPC's proposal effectively strips Penacony of self-governance," he continued, voice tightening. "That violates Harmony's principles and is not what Penacony's residents wish."
"Ideals and wishes," Jade smiled gently, "are sometimes fragile under the weight of reality's rules—aren't they?"
"And as I understand it, the Montour main branch seems unwilling to provide you meaningful support."
"With your strongest combat pillar gone and your backing withdrawn… how will you ensure you cannot be exploited by another ambitious figure?"
"The IPC offers order and security."
Right then, the lounge door opened.
Robin entered—Wei Qing just behind her.
"Sorry we're late," Robin said. Her voice remained beautiful, but her tension was obvious.
Sunday's gaze flickered—complicated emotion passing through it—then steadied, and he offered a restrained nod.
Jade, on the other hand, studied Wei Qing for several breaths. She recognized him immediately: the recently infamous Galaxy Ranger "Yi Qing," rumored to be a Hunt Emanator; a Nameless with Trailblaze power; and a key figure tangled in Penacony's recent crisis.
"This gentleman is…?" Jade asked, smiling as if she didn't already know.
"This is Mr. Yi Qing," Robin said, emphasizing her phrasing with care. "Penacony's most honored guest—and our special advisor for this negotiation."
Wei Qing pulled out a chair and sat with Robin.
He didn't look at Jade first. He spoke to Sunday instead.
"Your sister was worried you're not recovered enough to handle this. She asked me to come take a look."
He looked him up and down once, expression flat.
"And yes—this is not looking great."
Sunday's mouth twitched. He said nothing.
Jade's smile sharpened slightly. "Mr. Yi Qing. Your name is famous. I didn't expect the Family to invite you as an advisor."
"Does that mean Penacony believes it can force a result?"
"Advisor is a generous title," Wei Qing replied. "I'm here because someone asked, and I agreed."
"I don't understand business negotiations. But I do wonder…" His gaze settled on Jade.
"Isn't taking advantage of weakness—kicking someone while they're down—somewhat contrary to the IPC's so-called 'Preservation' spirit?"
Jade didn't flinch. "You overstate it, Mr. Yi Qing."
"The IPC follows contracts and market rules. Penacony's current situation is the result of internal governance flaws and risk factors."
"Our proposal is based on risk evaluation and the best long-term interests of all parties—especially Penacony's residents."
"That is Preservation in practice."
Wei Qing arched a brow. "A nice, polished justification."
"By that logic, any faction that suffers internal turmoil can be 'risk-evaluated' and swallowed by the IPC under the banner of 'protecting welfare.'"
"If that's the rule of the universe, sooner or later everything will carry your company's name."
"Please mind your words," Jade said, her smile thinning. "The IPC's growth is built on mutual benefit."
"Mutual benefit?" Wei Qing's tone stayed mild, but his words didn't.
"You take ninety percent of someone's home, throw them ten percent as 'charity,' and call it 'mutual'?"
"And as for your employee Aventurine—whether he truly suffered injustice, or whether his case is a convenient pretext in a strategic move…"
"You know the truth."
"Would you like me to recount how he tried to muddy the dream and nearly escalated the chaos?"
For the first time, Jade actually paused.
But she pivoted cleanly.
"Unproven accusations will not change the facts."
"Penacony must be held accountable. The IPC's terms remain the optimal solution."
Then she shifted again.
"However—since Penacony has invited you, Mr. Yi Qing, the IPC is willing to demonstrate sincerity."
"Perhaps there were misunderstandings regarding Aventurine. And regarding governance, the IPC is not incapable of concession."
"Consider it—for the sake of the IPC's friendship with you."
Wei Qing's answer was immediate.
"Concession?" He leaned back. "Ms. Jade, I think you misunderstand something."
"I'm not here to beg the IPC for scraps."
"I'm here to inform you: Stop."
Jade's professional smile vanished entirely.
"Mr. Yi Qing… are you threatening the Interastral Peace Corporation?"
"Threatening?" Wei Qing shrugged lightly. "Call it what you like."
"I'm stating a simple fact: Penacony is under my watch now."
"You can cling to your so-called optimal proposal all you want."
"But I can guarantee this—anyone the IPC sends here will leave without taking a single coin."
Pressure filled the room.
Jade's eyes went cold.
She carried the weight of a Stoneheart—someone who lived atop oceans of resources and power.
Originally, she could have made concessions—privately, on her authority—simply to avoid conflict with a being this dangerous.
But Wei Qing's words weren't just forcing Penacony's hand.
They were challenging the IPC itself.
"Mr. Yi Qing," Jade said, voice measured, "the IPC has deep cooperation with the entire Xianzhou Alliance."
"The Xianzhou has only just emerged from war."
"If you antagonize the IPC for a Penacony that just suffered turmoil, damaging IPC-Xianzhou relations—do you truly believe that is worth it?"
It was a reminder and a threat wrapped together.
Wei Qing smiled faintly.
"First, I've never acted based on the Xianzhou's face."
"And second…" His gaze sharpened.
"Are you sure you want to use the Xianzhou to pressure me?"
Jade's stomach dropped—an instinctive alarm.
Wei Qing raised his right hand.
In his palm, a thin strand of pale golden light gathered—quiet, beautiful, and terrifying.
"I'm wondering," he said casually, "if the IPC would reconsider its strategy for Penacony… after losing a Stoneheart."
The air congealed.
Sunday and Robin stared, stunned.
Jade's face went white.
An invisible force clamped around her throat. She couldn't breathe—couldn't move—couldn't even draw on power to resist.
In that instant, she understood with perfect clarity:
This man could erase her in a heartbeat.
And worse—
He would actually do it.
A moment later, Wei Qing released her.
Jade staggered, catching herself on the table edge, coughing violently—color drained from her face, her eyes full of shock and fear.
"Mr. Yi Qing!" Sunday blurted out before he could stop himself.
He had wanted pressure, yes—but not this.
Wei Qing acted like he'd flicked away dust.
Then he looked at Jade.
"Relax, Ms. Jade. Just a joke."
"I don't like going in circles. Don't take it personally."
Jade swallowed hard, fingers pressed to her throat, trying to steady her heart.
It wasn't a joke.
She had felt death's cold edge touch her skin.
And she knew another truth just as clearly:
This man didn't just have the power to kill her.
He had the audacity to do it.
"…It seems," Jade said carefully, forcing herself upright, "that you are determined to protect Penacony."
"In that case, the IPC can temporarily set aside the acquisition plan and discuss a… transitional cooperation framework."
Her strategy had shifted.
In front of absolute force, the IPC's rules and tactics turned to paper.
Survive. Report. Escalate this to someone above her pay grade.
The IPC had Emanators too.
This was no longer something Jade could resolve.
She would need Diamond himself to intervene.
Wei Qing, of course, saw right through that intent.
He opened his mouth—ready to "educate" her a little more—
When something unexpected happened.
BOOM.
A thunderous strike rang out.
It wasn't loud in the way of sound.
It was loud in the way of existence.
As if the foundation of the universe had been struck, and every corner of reality heard it clearly.
The tension in the lounge shattered under that impact.
Jade's fear didn't even have time to fade—because it was drowned by a deeper, rawer shock.
As a member of the IPC, she knew that sound intimately.
It was the hammering of Qlipoth, Aeon of Preservation—striking the world-wall.
The most direct manifestation of the Path of Preservation.
Each time that hammer fell, it marked the opening of a new Amber Era.
By standard reckoning, the universe should now be in the 2159th Amber Era.
But why now?
Records showed that Amber Era intervals varied, but even the shortest gap was still seventy-six years.
And it had been less than a year since the last strike.
Then—
BOOM.
Again.
And again.
Three consecutive hammer strikes.
The whole universe fell silent.
Before Jade could even process the impossibility—
An ancient will descended upon Penacony.
That will belonged to Qlipoth.
And Qlipoth's attention did not fall on Sunday, Robin, or Jade.
It locked onto Wei Qing with absolute precision.
Sunday and Robin felt an indescribable vastness pressing down on their souls, crushing thought itself.
Jade trembled violently.
Why would Qlipoth's will descend here?
Why would it target this man?
Only Wei Qing remained standing as if nothing had happened.
He felt no oppression.
Instead, something dormant inside him stirred—not awakened, but recognized.
No.
This wasn't recognition.
This was a blessing.
Qlipoth's voice echoed across the universe.
[Successor of Trailblaze.]
[Come to me.]
Join here to read ahead.
Uma Musume, But I Only Have Five Years Left to Live (Chapter 178)
Zenless Zone Zero: I'm a Doctor, Not a Bangboo (Chapter 180)
Ben Tennyson Wants to Join the Justice League ( 126 )
TYPE-MOON: Redemption Beginning with the Holy Grail War (Chapter110)
Yu-Gi-Oh! — Transmigrated into the White Dragon Girl (Chapter260)
"Is this chat group even serious?" (Chapter135)
I, Lord Ravager, Utterly Loyal! (This matter is completely finished.)
Can Playing Games Save the World? 65
Crossover Anime Multiverse: The Demon Hunter of an Unnatural World 77
From Junkman to Wasteland 66
Weekly Refresh of Overpowered 31
I'm Grinding Proficiency Like 46
From Kiana, Lord Ravager, Onwa 240
Honkai: Is This Still the Prev 42
Elf: My Starter Pokémon Is Inc 65
Warhammer: My Primarch Is Remi 210
From Demon Slayer to Grand Ass Volume2/20
The Way the Umamusume Look at 68
Uma Musume, but My Cheat Power 280
Naruto: Weaving the Future, Be 65
Zenless Zone Zero, but Kamen R 76
Multiverse Crossover: The Perf 66
My Cyberpsycho Girlfriend 65
Uma Musume: The Dark Trainer 260
Uma Musume: A Calamity Born fr 154
I, a Reincarnation-Loop Player Volume4/40
The Violent Girl Group Is Beat 130
Uma Musume: The Horse Girl Who 67
Uma Musume: From Beginner 155
Becoming a Horse Girl, I Will 85
Uma Musume: I Want All 120
I Can Copy Unique Skills 120
Summoning an Evil God, but the 75
Supernatural Multiverse 135
My Harem Is Indescribable 105
Jujutsu Kaisen: Heroic Spirit 110
"I'm just a Valkyrie passing through." 67
Uma Musume: Today Is Another Romantic Battlefield 110
Still playing traditional Honk 91
The Most Filial Son Under Heav 95
What Should I Do After Switchi - Volume2/3
Reincarnated as a Demon, Skill 80
Hell-Difficulty Dungeon? 55
Transmigrated as Sukuna 90
Checking In in Demon Slayer 95
The Reincarnating Trainer of Tracen Academy 105
I Refuse to Become a Heroic 95
My Best Friend Into a Slime? 80
A Saiyan Stands Above Marvel 100
What Do You Mean by Using a Lab Mod to Be the Hero? 95
Tanya Starts from Re:Zero 85
Why did they assign me to Uma 80
MYGO Beauties 75
DanMachi: Emiya the Giant Hero 80
The Gacha Merchant Who Started 90
Honkai's Otherworld? Wait—Who Are You People?! 105
Emiya Shirou, Determined to Slay Every Curse and Evil Spirit 65
The Uma Musume Who Became 70
I'm Definitely Not the King of 85
After Maxing Out Every Class 85
Naruto: I'm Konoha's Local Men 44
Honkai: World Modulation Mode 70
I, the Elden Sword Saint 60
Dio Brando Is Challenging FGO 60
No One Knows Pokémon Better 55
I, Sakazuki, Won't Go Down Tha 55
From Trilobites to Titans 55
Chainsaw Man: Contracted with 66
DanMachi: My Party Members Are 70
An Anime Heroine Darkened 60
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Duel Links 50
Honkai: The Fire Devil 30
Honkai Transformation Cards 35
Age of Heroes, I'm Just a Back 45
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