In the silent pharmacy, every pair of eyes watched nervously as the blind healer tended to Twilight beside her.
Dan Shu, Chief Alchemist of the Alchemy Commission. To reach this position despite her disability, surpassing all the geniuses on the Xianzhou Luofu, her medical skills were clearly extraordinary... Honestly, Himeko hadn't expected things to proceed so smoothly. Less than a day after arriving on the Xianzhou, they had found such a high-caliber healer to diagnose Twilight.
And now, Dan Shu had spent the longest time examining Twilight, even more than Herta, which further fueled the Express crew's expectations.
Amidst these expectant gazes, Dan Shu's brow gradually tightened, finally ending with a soft sigh. "Apologies, but Miss Twilight's illness, I cannot treat."
"Cannot treat...?"
Caelus sharply noticed the subtle wording Dan Shu used. "Does that mean it's incurable? Or is it..."
"I understand everyone's feelings, but Miss Twilight's problem lies in the fact that her very existence seems designed this way from the start," Dan Shu shook her head helplessly. "It's like a tall building designed to lean from the beginning; collapse is only a matter of time. Reinforcing the building itself is useless."
"Simply put, her lifespan is just this short... like mayflies living ten springs and autumns, humans living eighty years, or Foxians living three centuries. Everyone has their own fate, it cannot be forced. It's just that Miss Twilight's life is shorter than most."
"Then does that mean there's a way to extend her life?!" Caelus asked urgently.
Hearing this, Dan Shu's expression turned stern.
Though blind, Caelus could feel her gaze fixed on him now. "Mr. Caelus, I understand your feelings, but please never repeat those words outside this door... It's human nature to seek ways to break the limits of one's original lifespan, but such behavior is considered pursuing longevity on the Xianzhou, a capital crime among the [Ten Unpardonable Abominations]... Therefore, even if I wanted to help Miss Twilight, my hands are tied. As esteemed guests, the Astral Express crew's words and actions are even more scrutinized. Please do not incriminate yourselves."
"But—"
"Caelus, say no more... Then we thank Miss Dan Shu."
Himeko stopped Caelus, who still wanted to say something. After thanking Dan Shu, she led the others out of the pharmacy.
"Himeko, why did you stop me just now? From the way Dan Shu spoke, it seemed like she wasn't entirely unwilling to help..."
"True, I had that feeling too, but she absolutely wouldn't agree to help us right now," Himeko sighed, her expression troubled. "She would likely only extend a helping hand after we've exhausted all options and understand that nowhere else on the Xianzhou would allow us to save Twilight."
But would that truly be help, or a transaction? Or perhaps... coercion might be more fitting.
After the encounter just now, Himeko had a guess—Dan Shu was likely one of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. She probably even possessed the means to turn someone into a long-life species. But the other party likely wanted to use this opportunity to make the Astral Express do something for them.
In just one day on the Xianzhou, Himeko had already noticed that although the Xianzhou seemed extremely lively and prosperous now, filled with guests from across the galaxy, various overt and covert guards were stationed everywhere, creating an atmosphere that could only be described as heavily fortified. This was definitely not normal.
Himeko didn't know what situation the Xianzhou was currently facing, but she was certain these Disciples of Sanctus Medicus intended to seize the opportunity to make a big move.
Honestly, if she had a choice, Himeko didn't want to cooperate with these somewhat fanatical followers of Abundance. After all, getting involved with them would likely tarnish the Express crew's righteous reputation in the galaxy, potentially shifting it towards 'galactic bully'.
Better wait until after speaking with General Jing Yuan before deciding anything else. But if the Xianzhou truly offered no chance, then she had no other choice.
After all, while generations of Nameless ones had draped Trailblazing in the cloak of justice, the word itself never initially represented righteousness... For the child on the Express, even if it meant setting the galaxy ablaze—ugh, was that going a bit too far? Saving Twilight was ultimately just one person's matter; it shouldn't escalate to a galactic level, right?
"Himeko, maybe we should... just let it go?"
Twilight, sitting in her wheelchair, sounded dejected. "I always felt that Tingyun was strange, and although Miss Dan Shu seemed kind, she also felt a bit scary... Can we please not go look for them?"
"It's okay, Twilight. I have things under control," Himeko patted Twilight's head comfortingly, her heart aching. "Don't say things like that."
"But Himeko, didn't you say before that death is just becoming a star? I'm not afraid of becoming a star, so... it's okay, I'm not scared."
"..." A complex emotion flickered in Himeko's eyes. She said softly, "Twilight, I won't let you die."
Sigh, fine, do whatever you want. Anyway, I've done all the persuading I can. In this situation, I can't exactly stand up and beat you all up, can I?
Seeing the unwavering determination in Welt's, Caelus's, and Himeko's eyes, Twilight could only choose to shut up, inwardly chuckling.
She had already advised the Express crew many times that maybe letting her die was for the best, but they wouldn't listen. If any trouble arose from this later, she would perform a sacred severance.
It's not that I want to live; they're the ones insisting on it. If problems arise later, players better not blame me!
...
Since major decisions had to wait until after meeting the General, the Express crew members had two days to explore the Xianzhou freely.
Caelus originally wanted to take Twilight out to see the sights of the Xianzhou. With March 7th and Dan Heng absent, the two of them could finally have some time alone. Unfortunately, plans rarely keep up with reality. On the very night they arrived on the Xianzhou, Twilight's condition worsened again, making even going out in a wheelchair seem like an extravagant hope.
Caelus wanted to stay at the inn to take care of Twilight, but unexpectedly, she expressed hope that he would go see more of the Xianzhou and then recount his experiences and stories to her... Looking into Twilight's expectant eyes, Caelus ultimately couldn't bear to refuse. After entrusting Twilight to Welt and Himeko, he set off on his Xianzhou journey alone.
Conveniently, he also wanted to see if he could get near the Ambrosial Arbor, preparing for future plans. After all, he only knew the Xianzhou had an Ambrosial Arbor, but not where it was...
If only he had asked Dan Heng for some information beforehand, he wouldn't be wandering around aimlessly like a headless fly now.
Caelus walked blankly down the street, wishing at that moment that a guide would suddenly pop out, even someone stopping him to ask, "[Brother, do you desire long life?]" would be fine...
Just as he was thinking this, a familiar figure appeared before him.
"Twilight, why are you out here?!"
Seeing the white-haired figure standing not far away, Caelus's eyes widened in shock. He quickly ran over and grabbed her hand. "Weren't you at the inn? Why did you suddenly come here? Is your body okay?"
Only when the person he grabbed turned around, revealing those grayish-white eyes, did Caelus realize that in his daze, he seemed to have mistaken the person again.