I opened a shop on the Astral Train-Chapter 92

Otto walked out of Kevin's room and returned to his own.

When Otto entered, he found the True Doctor, Ratio, waiting for him.

Just as Ratio was about to speak, Otto raised a hand to stop him.

"Wait a moment, Professor."

Ratio swallowed his words and watched as Otto strode across the room, knelt down in the corner, and opened an ordinary treasure chest.

Ratio frowned.

"You interrupted me just to open this useless treasure chest?"

Otto pulled out a handful of Stellar Jades and held them up.

"The chest itself may be worthless, but these little gems are invaluable."

Ratio narrowed his eyes. He had, by chance, come across something similar before. He had noticed that the Strategic Investment Department was secretly collecting Stellar Jades without informing the entire Company.

"Tell me what you know. Why is your Strategic Investment Department hoarding Stellar Jades?"

Otto casually slipped the Jades into his pocket and feigned innocence.

"Oh? Are we? I hadn't noticed."

Ratio scowled.

"Hasn't anyone ever taught you that trust is the foundation of cooperation?"

Otto remained unfazed. Even though Ratio was a trustworthy person, this was Penacony, and Otto couldn't be certain the Family wasn't listening in.

"Professor, I am telling you the truth."

As he spoke, Otto's eyes flickered toward the fruit platter on the nearby table.

Ratio followed his gaze and immediately noticed the hidden camera nestled within the fruit bowl.

Now understanding Otto's intent, Ratio sighed.

"Fine. I'll go ask Jade. I assume you'd trust what she says?"

Otto's subtle smile didn't waver.

"Of course."

Ratio closed his eyes briefly, then turned toward the door.

"I'll go. You do your thing, and I'll do mine. Goodbye—no, goodbye forever."

With that, Ratio left.

Otto exhaled, walked to the fruit platter, plucked an apple, and took a bite.

After finishing it, he stretched.

"Alright, time to find more Stellar Jades."

For Otto and the others in Strategic Investment, nothing mattered more than Stellar Jades—not even Penacony itself. Among the ten elite members of their circle, an unspoken rule had formed: Stellar Jades above all.

At the train platform, Zhongli led the people of Liyue off the train. The station buzzed with activity as passengers came and went.

Hu Tao cupped her hands over her eyes and stood on tiptoe, looking around excitedly.

"Wow, this place is huge! So many rooms!"

Even Ningguang, the wealthiest person in Liyue, was momentarily awed.

"To build a hotel of this scale, the required funds and resources must be unimaginable."

Huo Huo, having spent her life aboard the Xianzhou Luofu, found the unique architecture of Penacony fascinating.

Zhongli scanned the group, satisfied to see Liyue's strongest gathered before him.

"Remember, leave no treasure chest unchecked."

Xiao nodded.

"As you command, Emperor."

Nearby, Liuyun rested on a railing, curiously watching the vehicles on the avenue.

Zhongli turned to Ganyu and Shenhe.

"Ganyu, Shenhe, keep an eye on your master."

Ganyu immediately understood the meaning—her master had a habit of dismantling things. Shenhe, seeing Ganyu agree, nodded as well.

Zhongli then gave the order.

"Search this area and find every last treasure chest."

At his words, Hu Tao grabbed Huo Huo's hand.

"Let's go!"

The two dashed off and soon spotted an ordinary treasure chest in an open space.

Hu Tao narrowed her eyes. A faint red glow surrounded it.

"Huo Huo, get ready for battle."

Huo Huo took out her small flag, steeling herself.

"Okay, Sister Hu Tao! Huo Huo will try her best!"

Floating beside her, her spectral guardian nodded approvingly.

"The little one is growing up. I don't need to worry anymore."

Hu Tao lunged forward, Homa staff in hand. As she neared the chest, two monsters resembling televisions materialized.

She smirked and swung her staff, releasing a fiery arc that engulfed both enemies.

By the time Huo Huo arrived, the fight was already over.

Scenes like this played out across the platform.

Zhongli led Liyue, Venti led Mondstadt, and even Silver Wolf, Kafka, and Blade joined the search for treasure chests.

Meanwhile, Yuri, having finished his training, took the six little ones out for a stroll. With his strength now at the level of a mid-tier Emissary, he could handle himself just fine.

News of the widespread treasure hunt quickly reached Sunday's ears.

In a dimly lit office, Sunday rested his chin on his hand, thoughtfully inspecting the handbag before him.

Inside, confiscated items from Otto had been discovered—among them, two very interesting finds: Topaz and Aventurine.

Sunday glanced at his attendant.

"Let them search for treasure chests. As long as they don't interfere with our plans, it's fine."

The attendant bowed and left.

Moments later, he returned.

"Sir, we've detected a signal from the Xianzhou Luofu in a nearby starfield. It seems they're here for the Harmonious Music Ceremony."

Sunday frowned. This was unexpected. He hadn't anticipated that the Luofu, fresh from battle, would still send representatives to Penacony.

On the Luofu Immortal Boat.

Generals Jing Yuan, Feixiao, and Huaiyan were organizing a meeting with Fu Xuan, Jiaoqiu, and others.

Jing Yuan spoke.

"Our objective this time is treasure chests, so I ask everyone to give their best effort.

Our Xianzhou has fallen behind the four major factions—the Train Crew, the Company, Liyue, and Mondstadt.

They've already begun collecting Stellar Jades in Penacony.

In the coming days, we must race against time to uncover treasure chests and bring back massive amounts of star coins to our Immortal Boat!

Everyone! Follow me to Penacony! For the Immortal Boat! Let's go!"

At the words "For the Immortal Boat," excitement surged through the crowd as if their blood had been ignited.

Only Qingque looked utterly miserable, feeling unwell all over.

Just yesterday, she had been enjoying life aboard the train, but after dinner, Lord Taibu had snatched her up.

Qingque felt like crying—gone were the days of peacefully playing Diyuan Qiongyu.

"General! You're a big liar! You said I'd only be responsible for copying product information! Liar! You're a liar!"

Jing Yuan noticed Qingque's sour expression and approached her.

"Qingque, I did say you only needed to copy product information, and calling you here does mean I broke my promise first.

So, if you bring back 500 Stellar Jades this time, I'll give you a full week off. How about that?"

Qingque hesitated. 500 Stellar Jades meant opening 100 ordinary treasure chests—that was no easy task.

Seeing her reluctance, Jing Yuan sweetened the deal.

"Paid vacation."

At the words "paid vacation," Qingque's eyes sparkled.

"Deal!"

She eagerly followed the large group preparing to land in Penacony.

Huaiyan, witnessing the exchange, walked over to Jing Yuan.

"General Jing Yuan, you certainly know how to motivate your troops."

Jing Yuan smiled slightly.

"No, no, Master Yan, you're too kind. I'm nowhere near as capable as you."

Huaiyan stroked his beard with a chuckle.

"Alright, enough talk. Let's land."

Everyone from the Luofu Immortal Boat boarded the Star Raft and set off for Penacony.

Before long, the Star Raft arrived, where General Sunday and a large group of Family members were already waiting.

From the windowsill, Fu Xuan observed Sunday below.

"General, that man is one of the Family's leaders. Sunday will be overseeing the Harmonious Music Ceremony."

Jing Yuan nodded.

"Let's go down and meet Mr. Sunday."

Jing Yuan led his group down from the Star Raft, and as soon as he stepped off, he bowed slightly to Sunday, who stood nearby.

"Mr. Sunday, I have long heard of your esteemed reputation. My name is Jing Yuan, and I currently serve as the general of the Luofu Immortal Boat."

Sunday smiled in response.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, General Jing Yuan. Luofu has endured great turmoil, yet you still make time to attend our Family's music ceremony. It is truly an honor for us in Penacony."

Jing Yuan returned the smile.

"The Family and Xianzhou have always maintained a friendly relationship. Since your Family has extended such a warm invitation, Xianzhou could hardly refuse."

Feixiao, standing nearby, was stunned. A friendly relationship with the Family? That was a stretch. At best, their connection was one of mutual business interests.

If not for the Stellar Jades rumored to be in Penacony, Feixiao would still be drinking with Venti.

Sunday took note of Feixiao's reaction and inquired, "By the way, who are these two?" He glanced at Huaiyan and Feixiao, noting that they stood parallel to Jing Yuan—clearly, they were no ordinary figures.

Jing Yuan introduced them.

"This is General Tianji Feixiao, and this is General Zhuyuan Huaiyan."

Sunday's expression shifted briefly before returning to normal.

"Welcome, Generals. I didn't expect Xianzhou to value this event so highly that they would send three generals at once.

I've arranged your accommodations. Should you need anything, please inform the Family—we'll assist you however we can. Enjoy your time in Penacony."

With that, Sunday took his leave.

Huaiyan watched him go.

"That man is incredibly cunning. He was testing our strength just now."

Jing Yuan nodded thoughtfully.

"The Family invited multiple factions to the Harmonious Music Ceremony, yet as the host, he seems wary of our presence."

Feixiao scoffed.

"Isn't it normal for him to be wary? We're not on the same side."

Huaiyan chuckled.

"Wariness is expected, but his reaction was excessive. Something's off. The waters in Penacony run deep."

Feixiao crossed his arms.

"No matter how deep they are, worst case, we fight. Now, let's go find some Stellar Jades."

With that, he swaggered toward the hotel lobby with Jiaoqiu and Moze in tow.

Jing Yuan smiled.

"Elder Yan, let's do the same. We came to Penacony for one reason—Stellar Jades. As long as we accomplish our goal, nothing else matters."

Huaiyan nodded.

"If danger arises, we fight. My Immortal Boat fears no enemy."

With that, Jing Yuan, Huaiyan, Fu Xuan, and Yun Li followed after Feixiao.