Chapter 185: Crazy Little Thing Called Love
"T-Taisui-sama, something bad has happened! Qingque's gone mad!"
Just as Fu Xuan was beginning to doubt if she had seen correctly, Diviner Ruoyue rushed over, looking panicked.
"Why the panic? How many times has this seat told you to remain calm in the face of – forget it, what happened?"
"You'll understand when you see it."
Feeling somewhat strange but also very concerned – after all, she intended for Qingque to be her successor as the Grand Astrologer of the Divination Commission after she became a Cloud Knight General – Fu Xuan, accompanied by Ruoyue, quickly walked towards the Archives, which was 'Qingque's' main workplace.
The closer they got, the more Fu Xuan frowned. All the Diviners of the Divination Commission were gathered there. She could see a group of Diviners clinging to the doorway of the Archives, peering inside.
With her strict nature, she couldn't tolerate such a sight and couldn't help but scold sternly:
"Why aren't you all at your respective posts, each fulfilling your duties? What are you doing gathering here?!"
Her voice was soft, but the sternness in it sent chills down the spines of the Diviners, and they scattered like startled birds.
Fu Xuan didn't intend to question them further and walked straight into the Archives – one of the main workplaces for the lower-level Diviners of the Divination Commission. Usually, there would be one Diviner on duty each day, and today it happened to be Qingque.
Soon, she found her target – 'Qingque.'
But when she saw her, Fu Xuan, who was usually as steady as Mount Tai and never smiled, widened her eyes and slightly opened her mouth, as if she had seen something unbelievable.
Qingque was actually working properly?! No, it wasn't that Qingque never worked properly before, but when Que worked, she was basically slacking off while working, starting to slack off silently without making a sound.
As for focusing intently and working seriously... Qingque had never encountered a 'workload' that pushed her to the 'deadline.'
In Fu Xuan's view, the chestnut-haired girl with low pigtails was sitting at her desk, holding data in one hand. Her usually nonchalant face was now full of seriousness and focus. Looking at that focus, Fu Xuan thought that was probably how she herself looked when working.
"Grand Astrologer, Qingque has already finished processing this month's star chart calculations!" Hearing Ruoyue's words, Fu Xuan's scalp tingled – the Xianzhou's navigation required considering many factors, such as asteroids, the danger of the surrounding area, and possible risks. It could be said that this task was the most important and also the most workload-intensive in the Divination Commission.
The term "one month" referred to the result obtained by hundreds of Diviners working for a month with the assistance of the Abacus of Divination.
Even if Fu Xuan herself were to do it, with her third eye fully open and the assistance of the Abacus of Divination, it would still take at least a week.
But now, someone had done it in just one day – no, from the time she started work until now, it probably hadn't even been half a day?
What was even more shocking was that the creator of this work progress was named 'Qingque'?!
Was there anyone in the Divination Commission who didn't know that this person was a super slacker, wishing to slack off every minute and every second while working? Many Diviners privately said that if Qingque ever started working seriously, then the world would probably really come to an end.
But now – this super slacker had not only started working but even... she had done the work of hundreds of Diviners for a month by herself?!!
Damn it, wasn't this purely a Divination Commission paranormal event?!
Currently, some Diviners had already uploaded this matter to the Xianzhou Aurum Alley Bulletin.
Title: Shocking! The Destruction of the World is Actually Because of a Small Diviner of the Divination Commission!
Currently, the number of clicks had exceeded 100,000.
With a tingling scalp, looking at the mountain of documents and the dazzling array of names stored in the Jade Messaging Device, Fu Xuan walked to the desk – if it were before, Qingque would have been scared out of her wits, probably stuttering while speaking. But now, even as she walked so close, the other party was still focused on working, as if she hadn't seen her.
Although she didn't feel ignored – Fu Xuan wasn't that kind of old-fashioned conservative – looking at such a 'Qingque,' she couldn't help but ask:
"...Qingque, what are you doing?"
As soon as she said it, it was a stupid question that made Fu Xuan want to slap herself.
Hearing the voice, 'Qingque' finally looked up, looking surprised, and then raised the documents in her hand:
"Huh? Grand Astrologer, you're here. Isn't it obvious? I'm working."
"No... that's not what I meant..."
Being the head of one of the six departments of the Xianzhou, Fu Xuan's ability to handle matters was certainly not bad, but facing this subordinate she used to be able to easily handle, she didn't know what to say.
Could she say – Qingque, you're usually so lazy, why are you working so seriously now? What are you up to?!
Although she was straightforward and always spoke her mind, there was no way Fu Xuan could say such a thing to a subordinate who was working seriously, right?
Wouldn't that purely dampen their enthusiasm?
But out of curiosity, Fu Xuan still braced herself and asked in a subtle tone:
"This seat is just conducting a routine inspection. Seeing that you are more diligent today than in the past, I couldn't help but feel surprised."
"Oh, you mean this."
"Well, it's not like it's a secret. Yesterday, when I went to the Perpetual Dream to slack off, I happened to see an advertisement: [If you don't do it, someone else will]. When I saw that, I suddenly had an epiphany. Thinking about it now, I feel that what you told me before, Grand Astrologer, was actually quite reasonable. Life is just about being busy, isn't it?"
"Thinking about my past days of drifting aimlessly, I always felt that continuing like that wasn't the way to go. Now I've turned over a new leaf and am ready to work hard!"
The girl spoke with conviction – Jiang Qiao was telling the truth with a straight face.
Work makes me happy (emphasized)!
Although she felt a slight itch in her body, an urge to pinch herself and rub herself against the ground, it didn't matter. Jiang Qiao had extensive experience using other people's bodies.
When encountering such problems, you just need to change the body to the way you want it (confirmed).
Innate slacking body (×) Innate working body (√)!
'Sparrow' here didn't say anything against her will. These are all my heartfelt words!
Unsurprisingly, Fu Xuan was stunned by these heartfelt words.
She approached 'Qingque' and proactively touched the former's forehead, making sure the child wasn't delirious from a fever.
Pinching her chin, she activated her third eye – hmm... there was nothing strange on her body, she wasn't an imposter.
Ruoyue, standing to the side, watched the two girls who were extremely close to each other, her cheeks gradually turning red.
Although she knew that the Grand Astrologer and Qingque shouldn't have any special relationship, she couldn't help but feel that this pair was quite shippable.
Later, a rumor spread in the Divination Commission and even on the Xianzhou Aurum Alley Bulletin.
According to unidentified sources – the Grand Astrologer was suspected of having an intimate relationship with a certain subordinate.
Oblivious to this, Fu Xuan let go of 'Qingque's' face, looking suspicious – could it be that this fellow had really turned over a new leaf?
Although she had always wanted to transform Qingque and train her to be her 'successor,' now that it had suddenly happened, Fu Xuan felt that something was wrong.
She picked up the pile of documents beside her and reviewed them one by one. With her experience, she couldn't find any problems. The accuracy was no less than her own, and the writing style was indeed Qingque's.
One, two, three...
Fu Xuan was certain that there were no problems with the documents processed by 'Qingque' and the data stored in the Jade Messaging Device. As long as the Diviner reviewed them, they could be used directly.
"How did you manage to do it so quickly and accurately?"
Setting aside the issue of 'Qingque's' changed attitude for the moment, Fu Xuan couldn't help but ask about the documents processed by Jiang Qiao and the accurate data obtained from the calculations and deductions – even with the assistance of the Abacus of Divination, this speed was too much.
Even she, with the assistance of her third eye, would find it difficult to achieve the same results.
It wasn't that she couldn't do it, but after doing it, she would have to lie down for a while.
"Hmm... I guess I just did it when I felt like it?"
In response, the girl chewed on the end of her brush, acting quite natural.
"..."
Jiang Qiao's performance was quite realistic – even Fu Xuan couldn't find any flaws. She could only attribute it to talent.
Although she was also a genius, there were still differences between geniuses.
For example, the difference between the geniuses in the Genius Society and the geniuses in the mundane world was like heaven and earth – perhaps Qingque was such a genius.
She felt a little unwilling – Fu Xuan was a very proud person, and losing to a subordinate in terms of talent was not a pleasant thing.
But she also felt joy – after all, Qingque was the future Grand Astrologer of the Divination Commission she had her eye on. This proved her judgment, and it also meant that she had found a leader for the Divination Commission who was even more outstanding than herself.
However—
Moments later, 'Qingque' stood in front of the Divination Commission, looking at the 'leave slip' specially approved by Fu Xuan in her hand, looking puzzled.
According to the memories in this body, Qingque had to rack her brains to get a leave slip, even pretending to be sick and getting a death certificate from a doctor – and all these efforts would eventually be seen through by the Grand Astrologer.
But when it came to her, she hadn't even applied for leave?! How did she get a leave slip for no reason? And it was even mandatory!
Fu Xuan was also having a headache about this.
Normally, with her personality, it would be a good thing for a 'salty fish' she had been watching to suddenly perk up!
But the problem was that this suddenly perked-up salty fish seemed a bit too fierce.
Damn it, one person did the work of hundreds of Diviners for a month. This terrifying work efficiency, not to mention that it was not conducive to the work status of other Diviners – if you're so capable and all the work gets finished, what will happen to them? Will they become salty fish?
Or – if you're rolling so hard, what are we supposed to do?
Regarding the latter, the Diviners under Fu Xuan were already quite vocal in their complaints.
Are we supposed to review a month's worth of work? Although reviewing is easier, the so-called review in the Divination Commission isn't just about making notes, but also includes discussions, additional suggestions, debates, and many other aspects.
The workload wasn't lighter than the Diviners.
Because Fu Xuan was very meticulous, and the Xianzhou was about to enter a new star system, as the Diviners complained earlier, this was the busiest time for the Divination Commission.
We already have a lot of work to deal with, and you suddenly dump a month's worth of work on us, are you trying to kill us?!
You should know that Diviner Huixing, who was mainly responsible for maintaining the Grand Abacus of Divination, had even been pulled in to work overtime.
Left with no choice, to prevent 'Qingque' from continuing to increase the workload, the Diviners, who usually had some disagreements, even put aside their differences and staged a 'death plea.'
Fu Xuan was very helpless – but she also knew that not everyone could be as monstrous as 'Qingque.'
In addition, she was already suspicious of the current 'Super Qingque,' so she simply went all out – haven't you always wanted to get leave? Fine, this time this seat will grant your wish. You can go and have a good rest!
In response, Jiang Qiao, who had changed his 'innate slacking body' to 'innate working body,' only felt a sense of discomfort.
Sigh, these days, why is it so difficult to work hard?
'Qingque,' who was on official leave, sighed as she walked down the streets of the Perpetual Dream.
She was going to see a doctor – this was also Fu Xuan's request.
Afterward, when she returned to the Divination Commission, 'Qingque' had to submit a diagnosis report.
As for the attending physician, it seemed that Fu Xuan had contacted them personally.
She really cares, I'm so touched.
"Make way! Make way!"
A hurried voice with a hint of childishness sounded in her ears. The girl looked up and saw a small purple-haired girl rushing towards her, seemingly being chased by someone – and Jiang Qiao was no stranger to her.
It's you, unidentified flying object!
Cough cough...
Bailu – the appointed 'Dragon Heir of the Loufu.'
Of course, this title would only be bestowed upon her after she grew up. For now, she was just a figurehead.
And for this body, Bailu was no stranger.
After all, she was the very famous and highly skilled 'Healer Lady of Xianzhou,' a well-known little genius doctor. From her memories, Jiang Qiao could see that this little one often sneaked out and was then "chased" by the guards and maids arranged by the Vidyadhara.
She often strolled around the Perpetual Dream and would go see this little doctor whenever she had minor ailments.
Thinking about her role in the story and the Vidyadhara, 'Qingque' rested her chin and made a decision.
"Bang—!"
A huge cloud of smoke enveloped the entire street of the Perpetual Dream.
Moments later, the smoke gradually dissipated.
The girl leaned against the wall and coughed.
"Where did she go?"
"Excuse me, did you see the Dragon Heir?"
The guards who had chased after her rushed out of the smoke, looking blankly at the street, and then asked 'Qingque' who was standing nearby.
In response—
Jiang Qiao smiled slightly and pointed in a direction.
"Okay, you can come out now."
After watching them leave, 'Qingque' called out, and Bailu peeked out from behind a corner.
"Phew, I finally got away."
"Thanks, it's all thanks to you."
"Mm-hmm~"
The girl smiled – her emerald eyes fell on Bailu.
Helping her out was partly a casual act, partly because she disliked the Vidyadhara, but more likely it was out of curiosity about this little one.
After all, her true form was one of the 'High-Cloud Quintet' sung about in the Xianzhou Loufu, 'Baiheng.' Although she was a byproduct of combining 'Shuhuo flesh' with 'Baiheng's' DNA, Bailu undoubtedly held many interesting things within her.
For example, the half of the Dragon Lord's power that belonged to the former High Elder of the Vidyadhara, Dan Feng – the power of the Aeon of Permanence, Long.
Because she was a product of Shuhuo flesh, Bailu undoubtedly possessed the power of 'Abundance,' and she herself followed the Path of Abundance.
Coincidentally, Baiheng, her previous life, was a 'Nameless.'
That meant she also had the power of 'Trailblaze.'
After drawing upon the power of 'Nihility,' Jiang Qiao, as a 'senior' authority wielder, couldn't help but be curious about Bailu, this 'collection of different Path powers.'
"Tap tap~"
As Jiang Qiao pondered, footsteps sounded in her ear – looking up, a woman with brown hair and dull eyes, wearing the traditional ancient clothes of the Xianzhou people, walked over slowly.
"Sister Dan Shu!"
Seeing the person, Bailu was very happy – as a healer of the Alchemy Commission, she naturally recognized her. And Jiang Qiao was also very familiar with her.
Dan Shu, the Alchemist Master of the Alchemy Commission.
This was her public identity.
But secretly.
She was the leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and one of the participants in the Ambrosial Arbor revival.
Seeing her appear, a cold glint flashed in 'Qingque's' eyes, but she inconspicuously restrained it and switched to the nonchalant demeanor of this body.
Among the six departments of the Xianzhou, only the position of the Alchemy Commission's High Alchemist was vacant due to events in previous years. Excluding the few Alchemist Masters, Dan Shu was undoubtedly one of the main high-ranking figures.
The girl glanced at the Jade Messaging Device – the healer Fu Xuan had arranged for her was this person.
With her high position and authority, only Fu Xuan, the head of the Divination Commission, had the prestige to ask her to 'treat' her.
But Jiang Qiao, knowing her background, wouldn't dare let her treat her. After all, what if she accidentally ate some strange medicine... With the Xianzhou people's characteristics in this body, wouldn't she turn into a spicy snack?
If that happened, she wouldn't be able to explain it to the body's owner.
In addition—
She could feel the emotion of indignation flowing within her body.
During the Ambrosial Arbor revival, the Cloud Knights suffered heavy losses, and the vast majority of them had nothing to do with the Lord of Destruction – it was all because of the Sanctus Medicus.
Although [Qingque] seemed lazy and unambitious, she had a deep affection for the Xianzhou beneath her feet.
Memories and body intertwined, giving birth to this 'emotion.'
She lightly touched her chest, feeling the heartbeat beneath the cyan clothes.
The girl smiled and looked up at Dan Shu.
Dan Shu seemed to sense something.
But she didn't pay attention –
After all, based on what she knew, Qingque wasn't someone worth caring about. She was unambitious and spent her days doing nothing. In fact, if Grand Astrologer Fu hadn't personally requested it, she wouldn't have even come into contact with her.
She had no interest in 'Qingque.'
Compared to the former, the 'Healer Lady' who appeared here was more interesting to Dan Shu.
After all, the secret medicine of the Sanctus Medicus had to be refined using precious Vidyadhara marrow, and Bailu in front of her was not only a Vidyadhara but also the only 'Dragon Heir of the Vidyadhara' on the Xianzhou. Her Vidyadhara marrow contained the power of the Dragon Ancestor, which was countless times stronger than that of ordinary Vidyadhara.
But unfortunately, Dan Shu rarely had the chance to come into contact with this Dragon Heir in normal times.
Even though she was the Alchemist Master and Bailu was just a healer, the Vidyadhara's emphasis on and strict protection of the Dragon Heir made their interactions rare.
Now that she could meet her privately, wouldn't it be a waste of her position as the leader of the Sanctus Medicus if she didn't take this opportunity to do something?
But this Qingque was really in the way.
She had to find a way to get rid of her!
...
For Kevin, today was truly an unforgettable day – he had only intended to find out MEI's whereabouts, but he had inexplicably followed that 'cat' into a strange secret base. What happened afterward was like a movie.
Of course, it was quite interesting.
As a hot-blooded young man, Kevin actually looked forward to this kind of plot.
If things could get even better and he could win the heart of a beauty, that would be even better.
The only unlucky thing was that when he was leaving the underground base, he was hit by a piece of debris falling from the base, which had been smashed to pieces by that hot-tempered masked woman – and then Kevin was knocked unconscious and ended up in the hospital.
When he slowly opened his eyes, he was in a clean hospital bed in an unfamiliar environment.
Kevin was a little anxious – he had finally met that pink-haired girl, but he hadn't learned MEI's whereabouts from her yet.
His head hurt, but he eagerly wanted to get out of bed and find her.
But in the next moment, the door of the ward opened, and a graceful figure entered.
At this moment, the eyes of the two girls met.
The air seemed to freeze, with only the curtains fluttering in the breeze.