For Liangmu, what lay ahead was the harsh scrutiny of Xianzhou's justice system. At minimum, he would be exiled, permanently barred from setting foot on any Xianzhou. At worst, prison awaited him.
As for Banxia, she had voluntarily turned herself in to the Ten-Lords Commission. Though she had committed crimes, being personally escorted by Pei Guang and Bailu softened the officials' stance. They were quick to recognize how to handle her case appropriately.
Despite her involvement with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, Banxia had also aided Bailu's escape and expressed willingness to expose other culprits within the organization. Her sentence would likely amount to counseling and a stern warning. If she were fortunate, she might even avoid imprisonment. Born and raised as a Xianzhou native, not an outworlder, Banxia's entanglement with the Disciples stemmed from her connection to the Alchemy Commission, where she had been misled and manipulated.
This realization prompted the Ten-Lords Commission to investigate further. They suspected Banxia's story mirrored countless others within the Alchemy Commission—individuals who wandered aimlessly through life, unaware their actions were harmful until a moment of clarity, much like Banxia's experience with love and heartbreak.
Because of her unique circumstances, Banxia was held in a private room at the Alchemy Commission. The room lacked windows but was otherwise comfortable. She sat curled up on the bed, hugging her knees. When the door opened, revealing Pei Guang, Bailu and March 7th, her dim eyes flickered with a hint of light.
Bailu spoke first. "Banxia, we came to see you. Cough cough—don't get too excited. We've got a lot to do, so we can't stay long."
"Lady Bailu…" Banxia murmured, her voice heavy with emotion.
Bailu crossed her arms. "Don't even start. You used me, and I won't forget it. But I'll tell you this—you better promise to help me sneak out for adventures in the future."
Banxia mumbled, "But… I don't know what meaning there is to keep living…"
Pei Guang, observing her dejected state, interjected. "Meaning? There's plenty. You've felt joy, the pain of betrayal, and the determination to fight for something beautiful. You've tasted the sweetness and bitterness of life. Yes, you were deceived, but that doesn't mean beauty doesn't exist in this world."
"Loving someone and giving your all isn't wrong—it's noble. The fault lies with the scumbag who took advantage of you. And here, on Xianzhou, countless others have found love and meaning in their lives. Some stay together forever, while others, like you, face heartbreak. Then there are those who haven't experienced love and are at risk of being preyed upon."
"If you feel lost, let me give you a lifelong mission: protect Xianzhou's people. Help those deceived and exploited by false love. Fight not for yourself, but for all that's beautiful in this world. Don't let scumbags trample it underfoot."
Ten minutes later, Pei Guang, March 7th and Bailu left the room. Along the way, both women stared at Pei Guang intently.
"What's with the looks?" Pei Guang asked, directing his question at March 7th. "You're the one who told me to say something. It's just some fancy words I picked up from games, nothing special."
March 7th didn't respond. She had just witnessed Pei Guang reignite hope in someone who seemed entirely defeated. Before they left, she noticed a newfound light in Banxia's eyes.
Even she and Bailu felt inspired by Pei Guang's words. Fighting for all that is beautiful in this world—it was a phrase that transcended time and space, evoking a sense that somewhere, someone truly upheld this ideal.
The speech even stirred a restless urge within March 7th to leap into action. It was no wonder both women couldn't stop staring at Pei Guang.
As the group exited the Ten-Lords Commission, Stelle and Welt greeted them.
Welt asked, "How did it go?"
March 7th beamed. "Amazing! Uncle Yang, you wouldn't believe the adventure we've had! Let me tell you…"
Welt nodded, ready to listen, while Bailu turned to Pei Guang. "Hey, where's my trash can?"
Pei Guang looked surprised. "You're still staying in there?"
Bailu spread her hands. "What else? Wandering around freely just makes me a target. That can feels safer."
Pei Guang sighed. "Fine."
He slung the trash can onto his back, and Bailu happily climbed inside. Settling in, she pulled out a handheld console while Pei Guang tossed in snacks and drinks before hoisting the can again.
Stelle, watching this, teased, "Just like you said back in Belobog—three-person teams have four people, and four-person teams have five. So if we ever get a five-person team, will it have six?"
March 7th laughed. "Oh, come on. It's tradition!"
Seeing the group's cheerful demeanor, Welt smiled but reminded them, "Let's not forget, we still have work to do."
March 7th blinked, realizing the truth. "Oh no! We've wasted so much time. What if our contact got tired of waiting? Ah Guang, do you know where they are?"
Pei Guang pulled out his phone, checking the mysterious message and photo sent earlier. He pointed toward a fortune-telling stall next to a gaming parlor. "According to the photo, it's that way."
March 7th grinned. "Let's go! Let's see what tricks the Stellaron Hunters are up to this time!"
Meanwhile, Stelle hesitated. "Wait… I feel like we're forgetting someone."
March 7th started counting on her fingers. "Forgetting? There's me, you, Ah Guang, Uncle Yang and Bailu. That's everyone—"