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After some hesitation, Bailu decided to assist Banxia.
And so...
The group set off towards Cloudford.
Along the way, they encountered Cloud Knight checkpoints, a consequence of Banxia's recent Mara-Struck transformation. However, upon recognizing Bochang and his companions, the knights promptly waved them through.
The Stellaron Crisis aboard Xianzhou Luofu had been resolved. Although rift creatures and scattered members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus persisted elsewhere, they posed no significant threat. The Cloud Knights were systematically dealing with each pocket of resistance.
Banxia's Yaoshi robes were riddled with holes, giving her a disheveled appearance as if she had just endured a harrowing ordeal. Thankfully, none of the tears exposed intimate areas. Consequently, Banxia had no immediate plans to change clothes, instead leading everyone hastily towards Cloudford.
Bochang could sense it clearly:
Banxia genuinely harbored deep feelings for this man named Liang Mu.
As they walked along, Banxia couldn't resist asking, "Just now...what exactly happened? I clearly became Mara-Struck, but with just a tap on my shoulder from you, I recovered?"
"Now, I feel remarkably well, without any signs of falling back into Mara-Strike again. This... is simply unheard of."
For eternal life beings, Mara-Strike was not considered a disease.
Rather, it resembled the natural aging and death process for short-lived races.
Even Bailu, with her exceptional medical skills, could not achieve such a miraculous feat.
Bochang remained nonchalant. "It's merely one of my abilities."
Banxia stood speechless, astonished by this revelation.
Bailu chimed in, "Quite surprising, isn't it? When I first learned about this, I was equally amazed. But given that it's Bochang... achieving something like this seems quite normal. However, don't assume your Mara-Strike has been completely cured."
"I understand," Banxia nodded.
Mara-Strike was a peculiar affliction shared by all eternal life beings, with no known cure. All existing treatments merely delayed the onset of symptoms, varying only in the extent of postponement.
After Bochang's treatment, Banxia felt rejuvenated, as if he could now accompany Liang Mu for several more decades until old age.
As they walked and conversed, they arrived at the departure point for star ferries.
There, Bochang and his companions encountered Sushang, a new recruit among the Cloud Knights. Big Pillow Li, previously bored, instantly perked up upon seeing a familiar face.
"Bailu, Bochang, Qingque..." Sushang greeted each one individually. "What brings you here?"
Big Pillow Li responded with notable enthusiasm.
Bochang spoke first. "We're heading to Cloudford."
"Cloudford?" Sushang frowned slightly. "It hasn't been fully cleared yet; many monsters likely still roam there, making it extremely dangerous. How about this, I'll escort you over."
"Don't let my newcomer status fool you; I'm quite skilled in combat." Sushang flexed her muscles proudly.
With a volunteer from the Cloud Knights offering assistance, Bochang and the others readily accepted, especially since they needed someone to pilot the star ferry.
"We appreciate your help, Sushang," Bochang said with a slight bow.
Big Pillow Li scratched his head, smiling. "No need to thank me, it's all part of my duty."
Only after everyone had boarded the star ferry did Sushang belatedly ask, "Oh right, what brings you to Cloudford? Are your friends trapped inside?"
"Well, if you put it that way... sort of," Bochang rubbed his chin. "But primarily, we're going there to treat someone's illness."
"I see... Once we're done, let's bring them back to Central Starskiff Haven for safety. Cloudford isn't secure at all," Sushang replied.
"Sounds good to me," said Bochang.
On this trip to Cloudford, while rescuing Liang Mu was their primary objective, Bochang also intended to visit the Astral Express.
After all...
According to Herta, there was a certain doll aboard.
With these thoughts in mind, Bochang, seated on the star ferry, took out his phone and sent a message to Himeko.
Now that the Stellaron calamity had been resolved, cellular communication had significantly improved.
Within just a few minutes:
Himeko: Want to come check out the Astral Express? Sure, I've been away for several days and haven't even heard about your adventures yet. Fill me in properly when you return.
Bochang: Sounds good.
Himeko: And while we're at it, let's have morning tea. I'll show you my latest coffee concoction.
Himeko: Smoky Coffee Picture.JPG
Bochang opened the image and wore an expression akin to an elderly person bewildered by technology.
When it came to Himeko's coffee, one couldn't simply discuss its taste—it left a truly unforgettable impression. The issue wasn't whether it was good or bad; it had a peculiar charm all its own.
It looked like coffee and smelled like coffee, but consuming it felt life-threatening.
From the moment Bochang saw March 7th too afraid even to try it, he knew there was a significant problem.
However...
Taking Himeko's invitation, Bochang reluctantly took a sip. Just that single gulp possessed a beauty that seemed almost damaging to his esophagus.
Bochang: It looks quite tempting.
Himeko: Is it possible that this time, it genuinely tastes amazing?
Bochang: You said the same thing last time.
Bochang: Pom-Pom Shocked.JPG
Himeko: Last time was then, and this time is now—how can you generalize like that? Come back soon, I'll be waiting on the Astral Express.
Himeko: Pom-Pom Thumbs Up.JPG
Bochang turned to March 7th and Stelle beside him. "I have some great news," he announced. "Himeko just brewed fresh coffee, and she's waiting for us to come enjoy it."
"You sure that's 'great' news?" March 7th responded incredulously.
Stelle, looking apprehensive, asked, "Are we really going to drink it?"
Their minds drifted back to their first encounter with Himeko's coffee...
Stelle obediently took a large gulp and instantly passed out. It took several minutes before she regained consciousness.
Ever since then, Stelle harbored a lingering fear of Himeko's coffee.
"Don't worry," Bochang reassured her, "just have a small sip. We share both joys and burdens together."
"Who wants to share burdens with you..." March 7th pouted. "If you're going back for coffee, don't drag me along. I'll just stay outside and battle some monsters instead."
"That sounds good. If March is willing, let me accompany you." Sushang chimed in from ahead.
As a helpful newcomer among the cloud knights, she couldn't resist stepping up for such tasks.
March 7th gratefully accepted Sushang's offer.
Bochang turned to ask, "Stelle, what about you? Will you come with me or join March?"
The pink-haired girl promptly clung to Stelle's arm, saying, "Of course, she's coming with us."
"You decide; it's not bad to look after each other if we stick together." Bochang remained unconcerned.
Stelle didn't speak, implicitly agreeing.
Time slowly drifted by as they approached Cloudford.
It had been three days since Bochang last visited this place. Initially, upon arriving at Xianzhou Luofu, he felt a sense of bewilderment due to its utter unfamiliarity. However, things were different now—the initial worries had vanished entirely.
Bochang disembarked from the star ferry alongside everyone else.
They passed through the Cloud Knights' outpost.
Despite searching extensively, Banxia and the group found no trace of Liang Mu. Instead, they discovered several notes left behind.
Apparently, during his time hiding at Cloudford, Liang Mu had to evade both members of Sanctus Medicus and agents from the Ten-Lords Commission. Consequently, he continuously changed his hiding spots, making it impossible for Bochang and the others to locate him now.