As she was reminiscing, the elevator doors opened on the floor, and familiar footsteps approached, making Tilan turn her head.

"Long time no see, Deloris." The woman walking towards her had long, curly black hair and wore a long dress with black rose lace. She was none other than Deloris, the eldest daughter of the 'Incense Burning Workshop,' whom Tilan hadn't seen in years.

Compared to the past, Deloris had fully matured, exuding a certain mature charm. Her more voluptuous figure was quite different from Tilan's. When they stood together, the contrast was apparent, but fortunately, their similar heights made them look more like sisters than mother and daughter.

"You're back, Tilan." As Deloris approached, she gently held Tilan's wrists and scrutinized her as if trying to find something different about the young girl.

"You haven't changed a bit." She gently embraced Tilan, and the two leaned on each other.

"Hmm."

After hugging Deloris for a while, they separated and then stood together by the window.

"The reason I invited Deloris over this time is actually to ask for your help." Tilan looked at the leaves floating outside and spoke softly.

"I want Deloris to assist in handling some matters of the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain." Coming from the upper echelons of a conglomerate within the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain, Deloris had been familiar with many dignitaries since childhood. With her around, Tilan could handle many issues more flexibly and easily without having to meet with everyone in person. Moreover, Deloris' status was significant enough to represent Tilan in receptions and negotiations, ensuring that no one felt slighted.

"Leave it to me." Deloris agreed without hesitation, almost as soon as she heard the request.

"Currently, the family's company is managed by my father, so temporarily leaving shouldn't be a problem. Besides, since Tilan is asking for my help, I certainly can't refuse." She recalled their first meeting in Edith, where they agreed on her helping Tilan achieve her dreams.

"Thank you." Tilan hadn't expected Deloris to remember that time so clearly.

The two went on to talk about many things from recent years. In the years Tilan had been away, Deloris had been managing the 'Incense Burning Workshop' in the Central Star Domain, making numerous breakthroughs and gaining substantial experience.

"Our high school classmates are mostly half-graduated and have left school by now. If you need, Tilan, I can recruit quite a few to join us. Many of them are extremely talented and powerful."

"I will." Tilan nodded. It was time to expand her team. Currently, just securing the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain required professionals across various fields, and she would need trustworthy and capable members for managing the vast Southern Star Region in the future.

Regarding loyalty, with her Songstress Talent Ability, she could easily filter out those who were loyal. This was the greatest advantage she had as a Songstress compared to other political figures - finding loyal people in a complex political environment usually involves significant trust costs, but a Songstress naturally had a huge advantage here.

First, she had a vast group of fans and followers to choose from, and she could easily identify relatively loyal members, quickly expanding her team without worrying about infiltrators or traitors. Although there had been instances of betrayal historically within teams led by Songstresses, those were rare and typically emerged later due to changes in people's hearts.

The two chatted and reminisced for a long time, the sense of familiarity returning once more, making the atmosphere increasingly relaxed.

"Speaking of which, Tilan hasn't changed at all." Deloris moved closer to Tilan, leaned next to her, comparing their shoulders. Although similar in width, Deloris was obviously more abundant, especially in the chest area, brushing against Tilan's shoulder whenever she moved slightly, feeling soft.

Tilan subtly shifted her steps to move her arm away from Deloris. Turning her head, she saw Deloris' teasing gaze, realizing this was definitely intentional.

A faint floral fragrance drifted to her nose. Although she couldn't identify the specific type, it smelled quite pleasant. It was likely a perfume Deloris had crafted herself, as she had often gifted Tilan similar perfumes in the past.

"Deloris has improved quite a bit over the years, hasn't she?" The girl's voice carried a slight hum.

"Hehe~" Laughter from the two filled the air.

After lingering by the window for a while, they entered the elevator heading to the restaurant downstairs. Since the facilities were not officially open yet, the restaurant had only them.

Deloris glanced around at the world that looked like amber crystals and commented slightly, "'Grey Dust Crystal' sure loves crystals, even the restaurant is styled this way."

"They excel at producing high-quality Extraordinary Crystals, and they like to showcase their strength a bit, so many facilities and decorations in the building incorporate crystal designs." Tilan picked up a small piece of shellfish with chopsticks. The light white flesh bubbled in the sauce within the shell, tasting fresh and sweet with the complementary sauce, making it exceptionally delicious.

"These shells are produced by the former 'Withered Tree Garden,' now known as 'Water Tree Garden.'" Tilan introduced to Deloris.

"Now, there are many lakes of various sizes, with beautiful surroundings. Trees on the water form pavilion houses, making it a popular scenic area, boasting many local specialties of fish and shellfish." Tilan recalled scenes witnessed during her northern tours not long ago.

In recent years, the ecological recovery on Jade Skirt has attracted substantial investments, and various industries were swiftly set up, creating a thriving atmosphere. Moreover, this planet, being Hexia's birthplace, attracted conglomerates eager to connect with the Songstress, discussing investment projects to reach out. Even before Tilan's disappearance, such instances were common, and in the year following her return, even more had come forth.

"That place..." Deloris recalled, picturing their first time sharing a bed at Withered Tree Garden, where Tilan's sleeping face was extraordinarily serene.

"I recall." They once again spoke about matters related to that training experience.

"How is the 'Jielou City Ruins' now?" Deloris knew Tilan's mother used to be the eldest daughter of Jielou City.

"Over there..." Tilan twirled the hair in front of her fingers.

"Now it serves as the base for the 'Qinglian Sword Sect.' Many old buildings have been restored, but they aren't used in the same way as before. Instead, they serve as training grounds for the sect, supposedly having same-level members duel with swords among the tall buildings regularly as both training and a tourist attraction. Many people enjoy watching this elegant eastern-style combat.

In a sense, the graceful sword duel is akin to a dance, possessing strong viewer appeal, and involved ancient swords and costumes are selling well. This also is a significant source of revenue for the 'Qinglian Sword Sect' nowadays.

The times have changed, and contemporary humanity no longer seeks individual extreme combat prowess. The once dazzling swordsmanship now appears more in film and exhibits; although deviating somewhat from its original intent, at least it's preserved. A broad base of sword enthusiasts ensures a foundation for selecting individuals truly inheriting the essence of swordsmanship.

Currently, the 'Qinglian Sword Sect' is divided into an Outer Sect and Inner Sect, where the Outer Sect focuses on physical training and practicing aesthetically pleasing swordsmanship while the Inner Sect retains the true legacy with various sword techniques, secret techniques, and numerous moral and cultural courses. Tilan recalled the rules set during her recent time at the sect, although she was the nominal 'Seat Master' of 'Qinglian Sword Sect,' her uncle managed most business affairs.

"It's great. You know, I would love to see Tilan perform a sword dance." Deloris believed Tilan would look stunning in ancient attire while performing a sword dance.

"That's not something I have the energy to prepare in the coming years." Tilan shook her head, her long hair swaying slightly behind her, radiating a slightly coquettish and cute charm.

"There are still so many things to manage. Not just you, Efnie and Yalian will also likely be recruited by me as helpers."

"Once the Four-leaf Crystal Star Domain is sorted out, I need to visit various star regions in the south, meeting representatives from giant businesses and real power figures to negotiate future alliance matters."

The Federation is on the brink of splitting into self-governing entities, with each force forming alliances to seek stability and security. If she didn't act now, someone else would, and addressing these matters at that time might be too late. Proactive engagement allowed for more leverage.

"Hehe, Tilan's grown so much more mature, yet still looks the same as always." Overall, a bit like a little adult, remarkably adorable, this was a thought Deloris kept to herself.