In the wilderness outside Belobog on Jarilo-IV...
Clang! Clang! Clang! Clang...!
A series of metallic clashes echoed across the desolate land as snowflakes drifted from the sky. The figures of Dan Heng and Blade intertwined, sometimes locked in relentless exchange, sometimes separating, and at times breaking apart after a brief clash.
"This familiar power... hahahaha! It's been a long time!" The Shard Sword gleamed with a bloodthirsty light, as if resonating with its master's soaring battle intent. The divine weapon emitted exhilarated hums, and even its fragmented blade appeared unusually solid at this moment.
"I have no intention of provoking—"
"Shut the hell up!" Before Dan Heng could finish, Blade's furious roar cut him off. The former could only sigh helplessly and continue defending passively.
Ever since unleashing the Dragon Lord's power that day, memories of his past life as Dan Feng had been continuously awakening. Unlike in the original timeline, Dan Heng had now regained most of his memories.
The man before him was named Yingxing—his former close friend and one of the High-Cloud Quintet. Back then, it was the two of them who had jointly orchestrated the "Sedition of Imbibitor Lunae," which threw the Alliance into chaos.
Now, of the High-Cloud Quintet, only Jing Yuan remained as he once was. The others had long since changed beyond recognition, and some were even separated by life and death.
Dan Heng was reluctant to strike at Blade, even though the latter had become what he was now.
Buzz... buzz... buzz...
Just as the two were locked in stalemate, the earpiece on Dan Heng's ear suddenly vibrated. Frowning slightly, Dan Heng adjusted his stance and thrust his spear straight at Blade's chest.
Knowing Blade possessed an undying body, he had no fear of killing him.
The Gleaming Spear, wreathed in thunderous momentum, shot forth like lightning.
Clang!! At the last possible moment, Blade crossed the Shard Sword in front of his chest. Dan Heng's lethal strike landed on the blade, the tremendous impact sending Blade stumbling back several steps before he barely managed to disperse the force.
Seizing the opportunity, Dan Heng accepted the incoming communication request on his earpiece.
"Dan Heng, it's Himeko..." Himeko's voice came through the earpiece.
"Make it quick. A Stellaron Hunter has headed to Jarilo-IV—it seems he's after you. Be careful. Welt has already gone to assist you. At the same time, the Hunter's companions have also gotten involved. Let me brief you on the plan..."
As Dan Heng listened to Himeko's explanation, he continued exchanging blows with Blade. By now, the Shard Sword in Blade's hand had been swung so fast that only afterimages remained. To an ordinary person's eyes, it would be impossible to track, but for Dan Heng, this was hardly an issue.
Clang! Another strike sent Blade reeling back again. Seizing the moment, Dan Heng ended the call. However, a question occurred to him.
According to Himeko, Welt had left the Astral Express long ago, heading for Jarilo-IV. But where was he now?
Upper District of Belobog...
"So this is Belobog after several centuries? The endless ice and snow must be the Stellaron's doing. Still, the scenery has its own charm. Hmm... might as well take a proper look around."
Welt scrolled through the messages on his phone, one of which stood out prominently:
"Old Yang, leave the Stellaron Hunter matter to Dan Heng. He has some history with that Blade fellow. I'll keep an eye on things from the shadows. You just relax in Belobog—consider it a vacation."
— Yun Fan
Ding! Interastral Peace Corporation Bank Notification: Your credit account has received 10,000,000 Credits.
Looking at the transfer record on his phone, Welt's expression turned slightly helpless. Honestly, back in the Honkai Impact 3rd world, as the leader of Anti-Entropy, he might as well have been the richest man in the world. But after coming to the Honkai: Star Rail universe... sigh, it was a long story.
This was arguably the first time Welt had ever possessed such a large sum of Credits.
"Well, if Yun Fan says so, I might as well take it easy in Belobog." Muttering to himself, Welt turned his gaze toward a nearby vendor. Glancing at his account balance, he walked over to the stall.
Some time later...
Seeing the vendor's bewildered expression, Welt felt somewhat awkward. Apparently, Credits weren't accepted here... As for Winter Sovereign Notes... he didn't have a single one.
——————————
"Ha, we're here. Hey, little Lynx, snap out of it."
In front of a relatively luxurious building, Yun Fan came to a halt. Noticing Lynx's absentmindedness, he reached out and patted her head.
"Huh? Oh..." Lynx jolted awake from the pat and instinctively looked up. But when she saw the sign above the building—Gothe Hotel—her small heart skipped half a beat.
"Y-You brought me to a hotel?! You—me—!...!"
Whap! Another pat, this time "heavier," landed on Lynx's head. Yun Fan then spoke in the tone of a lecturing elder:
"What kind of nonsense is running through that little head of yours? Do you really see me that way?"
Hearing this, Lynx felt a twinge of guilt. Though his personality was a bit mischievous, and he occasionally enjoyed teasing her...
At his core, he was a good person. She had no relation to him, yet he was willing to shelter her in the chaotic Underworld.
Was I too harsh in doubting him...?
Seeing Lynx bow her head in silent remorse, Yun Fan was puzzled. Had he accidentally smacked her silly? Or did this kid really distrust him that much?
Pondering this, Yun Fan gently stroked Lynx's head over her hat and reassured her: "Don't worry, I won't do anything to you. A petite figure like yours isn't even my type."
Lynx: "???"
Yun Fan's words left Lynx momentarily stunned. Then, her face visibly reddened—not from shyness, but from sheer indignation. She was furious at his remark.
"My—my figure is just fine! Don't talk nonsense if you haven't even seen it!" Lynx shouted in flustered anger.
Yun Fan: "???"
Now it was Yun Fan's turn to be dumbfounded. What kind of outrageous statement was this?