After speaking, Black Swan's lips curled into a smile, and she confidently observed everyone's reactions.
"A world that even Akivili hasn't explored... Is that really possible?"
As Black Swan expected, March 7th showed a look of astonishment, which was exactly the expression she wanted to see.
But besides that, the rest of them didn't react much.
Especially Sunday; she always felt like he was... spacing out?
"Please continue, Miss Black Swan. What kind of world is this destination you speak of?"
Welt's tone hadn't changed, but his eyes already held a hidden look of scrutiny.
Black Swan pondered for a moment, seemingly organizing her thoughts.
Then she looked at the starry sky outside the Astral Express window and said with a touch of emotion:
"A world whose existence most people in the universe are unaware of... A world difficult to observe from the outside, which can only be reflected by the Garden of Recollection's mirror... A world entangled and bound by three paths, its fate uncertain... Omphalos, the 'Eternal Land.'"
Upon hearing this, everyone fell into a brief silence.
Ultimately, it was Star who first broke the strange atmosphere.
"Why does that name sound familiar?"
Dan Heng nodded slightly and said in a calm tone:
"Someone mentioned it in Elio's livestream."
"Oh, right, I felt it was a bit familiar too..."
March 7th also had an epiphany, then she thought of something else and continued:
"If Miss Black Swan is telling the truth, the people in that world wouldn't even know about the Aeons, would they?"
"They should know by now."
Star corrected her.
"We will give your suggestion serious consideration."
After pondering for a moment, Welt did not make a direct decision. This matter was of great importance, and he still needed to consult with others.
Black Swan nodded: "Very well, I look forward to the Astral Express's next cooperation."
With that, Black Swan left again.
Just then, March 7th seemed to remember something and suddenly looked a bit downcast:
"Oh no, I forgot to ask her, how is the Memory Bubble?"
"Things from dreams are best left in dreams."
Black Swan's voice suddenly rang out, startling March 7th, who immediately clutched Star's arm and wouldn't let go.
Star gave her a meaningful look.
But she quickly reacted.
"You... you were really eavesdropping?!"
But Black Swan didn't respond, seemingly having truly left.
Observation Car
After a ripple of teleportation, Jiang Lin's figure appeared in the Observation Car.
Himeko and Pam looked up, and upon seeing it was Jiang Lin, they didn't say much.
Jiang Lin was a bit puzzled; where were the others?
And judging by Pam's expression, why did it seem a little unhappy?
Thinking this, Jiang Lin was about to ask when he heard the Astral Express's system notification.
"You have an intergalactic communication message. Please check it promptly."
"Hmm? Hmm..."
Pam was a bit puzzled but still flapped its short legs and operated the controls to accept the message.
"What's wrong, Pam?"
Himeko looked down at Pam and asked with a hint of confusion.
"The Astral Express just received a message from Xianzhou Loufu. From the summary, it seems to conflict with the upcoming itinerary."
After quickly reading the summary, Pam turned to Himeko and explained.
Himeko nodded, just about to call the others over when she saw the Observation Car door open.
Star and March 7th slowly entered the car.
Upon seeing Jiang Lin, March 7th exclaimed with pleasant surprise:
"Jiang Lin? You're finally back."
Jiang Lin nodded slightly, acknowledging them, while Star eagerly asked:
"Where's my souvenir?"
Jiang Lin paused, then mischievously pulled out... a handful of yellow earth?
Star: ??
"You brought me *this*?"
Star's face was full of disbelief, her amber eyes wide, as if asking, 'Are you serious?'
Jiang Lin immediately adopted a serious expression.
"According to my reconnaissance, this yellow earth has very high nutritional content."
Star: ...But at this moment, after Pam saw what Jiang Lin was holding, it quickly spoke up:
"Passenger Jiang Lin, please put that away, Pam. It's very difficult to clean up, Pam."
Jiang Lin didn't say much and immediately put away the handful of earth.
Pam sighed in relief, then cleared its throat and continued.
"Ahem, everyone, let's take a look, Pam."
Saying this, Pam projected the content of the message.
General Jing Yuan's projection appeared, and his gentle voice followed:
"Long time no see, friends of the Astral Express. I hope your journey of trailblazing has been smooth.
Recently, Xianzhou Loufu is about to hold the 'Star-Sky Martial Arts' ceremony.
You once helped Xianzhou Loufu quell a disaster and are good friends of the Xianzhou Alliance.
Here, Jing Yuan, on behalf of the Divine Might Division, sincerely invites you all to attend the ceremony. Please be sure to grace us with your presence."
That was the entirety of the message.
After watching, Himeko spoke with a touch of emotion.
"It's really lively. We just got away from the Family's Symphony of Harmony, and now we already have a new invitation."
Star spoke at this moment: "I'm starting to feel a bit traumatized by these kinds of events."
March 7th also chimed in: "Me too!"
Meanwhile, Sunday next to them awkwardly turned his head away. Although he knew they didn't mean anything else, he still felt a little uncomfortable.
At this point, March 7th suddenly added seriously:
"Also, also, attending two 'grand events' in a row, doesn't it seem a bit unprofessional?
The Astral Express's main task should be to restore the star chart and navigation data, and conduct serious scientific research, right?"
Dan Heng looked at March 7th at this moment, his face expressionless, and teased in a flat tone:
"Then let March 7th stay and maintain the Astral Express."
March 7th immediately broke character, her face showing urgency, and she quickly waved her hands in refusal:
"I, I didn't say I didn't want to go. I love joining in on the fun. I'm just worried about another accident happening, that's all."
Welt spoke up to comfort her:
"Xianzhou Loufu has just overcome a crisis, and holding the Martial Arts ceremony is also a way to show its peaceful and safe state to the outside world."
Afterward, Dan Heng proactively explained the specific details of the Martial Arts ceremony, and then everyone began to ponder: to go or not to go?
At this moment, Welt looked at Himeko:
"By the way, Miss Black Swan previously suggested our next stop, a world called Omphalos."
"Omphalos?"
Welt nodded and proceeded to relay Black Swan's words to her verbatim.
Himeko pondered for a moment, then looked at the other people on the Astral Express.
"What are your thoughts?"
March 7th thought for a moment and said:
"Actually, I really want to go to this place. A place Akivili hasn't even been to must have incredibly romantic and exciting adventure stories."