"Ah Guang? Did you discover anything new about this Heliobus?" Qingque's voice interrupted Pei Guang's research.
Pei Guang came back to his senses and looked at Qingque. "How should I put it… I found out I can use this thing to make some useful stuff: not just as an energy source, but something even more useful."
Hearing that, Fu Xuan was surprised. "What? You mean… hmm! If it's you, then maybe it's possible. But what exactly can it do?"
Pei Guang explained the kinds of things he could make with it, especially the part where Heliobus could convert emotions into power without causing any harm to the source. That left Fu Xuan looking as if she had seen a ghost.
In this universe, there certainly were methods to convert emotion into energy, but if what Pei Guang said was true...
Fu Xuan grabbed Pei Guang's hand, excited. "Please, Pei Guang! Please modify the Heliobus into what you described!"
Pei Guang replied, "I'd love to! But there's only one of these things right now."
Fu Xuan said, "The Creation Furnace was damaged, and many Heliobi scattered all across the Luofu. These Heliobi were originally meant to be sealed away: if you can put them to use… It's just that we don't have any proper compensation for asking you to do something like this…"
Pei Guang had done too much for the Luofu already. She didn't even know how to repay the debt she owed him!
Pei Guang said, "Not sure what to offer? Then just owe me for now. I know you're not the type to default on a debt. Besides, I'm actually looking forward to those transformation devices."
A single Heliobus-based double or guardian spirit didn't interest Pei Guang much, unless it had healing abilities, he really wasn't into it.
But the five-in-one or ten-in-one ones? Those were a different story. Gathering five to become a Kamen Rider or magical girl, gathering ten to transform into an Ultraman who could grow and shrink at will… that Pei Guang was very interested in.
Fu Xuan said, "No, that won't do. Friends give and take: what kind of deal is it to just owe someone? I…"
Pei Guang said, "Simple! Aren't you a master of divination? Help me locate those things, and we'll call that the payment."
Fu Xuan said, "That… would work?"
Pei Guang said, "Why not? If you expect me to search all over the place on my own without enough clues, how long would that take?"
Fu Xuan thought for a moment, then nodded. "I actually do know where some Heliobi are. After they escaped from the Creation Furnace, most of them ended up gathering in one place. That place is called Fyxestroll Garden. But…"
Fu Xuan looked troubled: Fyxestroll Garden was currently under lockdown by the Ten-Lords Commission.
The Six Charioteers and the Ten-Lords Commission were completely separate departments, and the Six Charioteers had no authority to interfere in the affairs of the Ten-Lords.
But then she slapped her forehead. "Ugh, my thinking's too rigid. Ah Guang! I know where the Heliobi are, but that area isn't under my jurisdiction. You'll have to go and talk to the people there yourself. But I believe you'll definitely convince them. No. Once they learn what you're capable of, they'll definitely give you their full cooperation."
Fu Xuan was certain that as long as Pei Guang went and explained his abilities, he'd be allowed to act.
She was also confident that both she and Jing Yuan had access to methods of gathering intel: there was no way the Ten-Lords wouldn't know as well. If they did, they'd surely provide some degree of support for Pei Guang's actions.
Pei Guang said, "No problem. Just give me the location and I'll go in person. Oh right—Fu Xuan, Qingque, once I get around to it, I'll make you both transformation devices or rods too. What kind do you want?"
Qingque said, "Me? Can I have one that helps me play Celestial Jade tiles better?"
Fu Xuan: "Qingque!!!"
Pei Guang waved his hand. "It's fine, it's fine~ I've noted your request~ Don't forget the reward~"
Qingque gave Pei Guang a thumbs-up. "No problem, I'll get you a limited-edition set of Celestial Jade Tiles!"
Pei Guang gave Qingque a thumbs-up in return.
Seeing how well the two of them got along, Fu Xuan sighed. "Really can't beat you two… As for me, anything's fine. I'll like whatever gift you give me. As for a reward~ hmph! You'll gain the Master Diviner's favor. A whole lot of favor."
Fu Xuan couldn't think of any material reward. Players are easy to please: she'd just give affection points.
But honestly, Fu Xuan was just saying that, because, in truth, she valued relationships deeply. Ever since her master died, she hadn't dared to form close bonds with others, knowing the future as she did.
Hearing that kind of reward, Pei Guang was quite pleased. "Then be ready to shower me with tons of affection points. No more chit-chat, I'm off!"
Pei Guang headed off toward Fyxestroll Garden—but after only a few steps, he turned back.
"Where is Fyxestroll Garden again? Which way do I go?" Pei Guang looked at Fu Xuan and Qingque awkwardly. He'd left in such a rush he forgot to ask for directions.
Fu Xuan said, "The location is…"
Fu Xuan gave him the coordinates, and after glancing at them, Pei Guang strolled off toward Fyxestroll Garden.
Following Fu Xuan's directions, Pei Guang cheerfully piloted his starskiff toward the garden. Once he arrived at the starskiff dock, he disembarked and put the skiff away.
Taking in the scenery of the dimension, Pei Guang started appreciating the vibe.
"Not bad! Dim and eerie all around, got that haunted beauty to it. This is totally a classic horror movie setup. Now if someone popped up and said, 'Let's split up,' it'd be perfect. Wait a sec… Aren't I already acting alone?"
Pei Guang thought about it for a moment. Wasn't he basically playing the role of the doomed character in a horror movie? Coming into danger even knowing it was there?
After grumbling to himself, Pei Guang happily resumed his exploration.
"Heliobus~ where are you~"
"Heliobus~ Pei Guang is here~"
"Heliobus darling~ come on out~"
There wasn't anyone else around, so Pei Guang didn't bother acting normal. He figured: he was here to catch Heliobus anyway, and if his voice actually lured any out, that'd just save him the trouble.
But just as Pei Guang was searching around, his phone suddenly rang. When he checked it, it was a message from Stelle.
Stelle: "Ah Guang! We already beat Jojo, and we're heading back now. Huh? Ah Guang? You're on a new map? Something fun and you didn't invite me? Don't move—I'm coming~"
Before Pei Guang could even reply, Stelle teleported right next to him.