Xiaoguizi's Livestream
After the New Version Update
Naturally, she was the first to dive into the new exploration quest after the update. In previous main storylines, Xiaoguizi had always been excited, nervous, and thrilled—her eyes sparkling as if she'd stumbled upon rare treasure. But this time, for most of the livestream, her face was downcast, her gaze dim, punctuated by frequent sighs. The mood in the chat was equally somber.
She couldn't help but lament: "I never expected... this."
"Not long ago, we were still hearing those calls of 'Benefactor, Benefactor...' How could it be that in the blink of an eye, we'll never hear Miss Tingyun's voice again?!"
"No matter how much I tried to predict it, I never imagined... this version's main quest... would be an entire funeral arc!"
Jing Yuan was injured in the previous battle and needed time to recover. Fu Xuan is temporarily acting as the General. Meanwhile, Tingyun has been confirmed as deceased.
Tasked by Fu Xuan, we went to the Divination Commission Office to sort through Tingyun's belongings—some of which were gifts she never got to deliver. Completing the quest felt like fulfilling the wishes of the departed. Even Guinaifen, usually so lively, was weighed down by sorrow.
There was one last item left: a finely crafted bow, its strings humming with clarity. Without a doubt, this was a gift Tingyun had intended for Yukong.
We arrived at the Astral Harbor, where Yukong was overseeing the construction of a "ceremonial" starskiff. After delivering the gift, Yukong's expression grew somber.
"This bow... was a gift Tingyun picked for me?" she murmured. "She understood my pain, yet I can no longer do anything for her..."
"Thirty years ago, I fought in a brutal war. My dearest friend and I set out together... but only I returned."
"After that war, as if afraid to reopen old wounds, the Luofu retreated along its trade routes to recuperate and rebuild..."
"Though I rose to the position of Sky-Faring Commission's director, my roots are in the military. I've never been adept at the intricacies of commerce. But Tingyun... she was a born merchant. Officially, she was my subordinate, yet she loved discussing trade with me, offering advice..."
"She never fought beside me on the battlefield, but in another sense, she was my 'comrade.' Without her and the merchant guilds, the Luofu could never have recovered so swiftly in these thirty years."
...
Yukong's heartfelt grief struck a chord with the viewers: "Waaah, is Tingyun really gone?!"
"Lady Yukong, please stop—they haven't even found her body! There's still hope..."
"What hope? The Ten-Lords Commission already closed her records!"
"Then who's the Tingyun in my team?!"
"That's an illusion created by the Phantylia! You've been scammed!"
"I thought the new story quest would bring a twist, but it's just a funeral! I can't accept this!"
"But has anyone noticed? The lore experts haven't provided definitive proof of Tingyun's death. Everyone just assumes she's gone. That means... there's still a chance!"
"I like your copium."
Guinaifen noticed the chat's speculation, and a faint glimmer of hope flickered in her heart. Maybe... just maybe... Tingyun might return in future storylines?
...
But hope aside, the current quest required completing the "Memorial Rite."
"I once thought times had changed, that the Luofu had changed. Tingyun represented the future of the Sky-Faring Commission—someone who could bring prosperity to the Luofu. Unlike me, who only knows how to navigate blood and fire..."
"I was wrong. Until we eradicate the last remnants of the Antimatter Legion, peace will remain fragile."
"The starskiffs for the ceremony are ready. Everyone, let us place Tingyun's mementos aboard."
This rite wasn't just for Tingyun. It was also for the civilians lost to the Ambrosial Arbor's calamity and the Cloud Knights who fell in battle.
After placing the memorial items, Yukong addressed the vessel holding Tingyun's offerings: "Tingyun, the Sky-Faring Commission won't forget you. I'll uncover the truth. If you were truly lost... I'll avenge you."
"The time has come. Let the 'Memorial Rite' begin. Everyone, we'll meet at the Starwatcher's Pavilion."
Approaching the starskiff: [The vessel carries the items you selected. Soon, it will embark toward an unknown star, eventually vanishing in its radiance.]
[For all beings—long-lived or short-lived—this is the final journey.]
Guinaifen sighed again. The fragile hope she'd clung to earlier sank. The atmosphere was too heavy. Even if Tingyun were alive, it seemed impossible for her to return now...
At the Starwatcher's Pavilion, the "Memorial Rite" commenced. The crowd watched as the vessels, laden with memories, soared into the distance—not just Tingyun's, but also those of others lost in the disaster, trailing behind... returning to the stars.
...
[Chat]
"Tears... these are all heroes who sacrificed for the Luofu..."
"Salute to all who defended the Xianzhou!"
"Immortal heroes, your valor will never fade!"
"I respect the sentiment, but... did anyone actually die? The Luofu perfectly resolved the Stellaron crisis, the Denizens of Abundance's rebellion, and the Emanator of Destruction—all thanks to (Honkai: Star Rail)'s forewarning!"
"Didn't you see the victory reports? Thanks to the lore masters, we triumphed!"
"Damn, I almost forgot this was in-game! Praise the lore gods! Praise (Honkai: Star Rail)!"
"Another day of pride as a Trailblazer! (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ:･ﾟ✧"
...
Guinaifen pinched her nose.
"Right... why am I even sad?"
"The Luofu won a great victory!"
"There's still hope for Miss Tingyun..."
"Life is still beautiful."
After the rite, Jing Yuan appeared. His attendant, Yanqing, reminded him: "General, the ceremony is over. You should rest."
"Wait a moment. I have a few words for the Express crew."
Jing Yuan turned to the Trailblazers: "Apologies. Yanqing's been insisting I recuperate... I couldn't meet you all sooner."
"Before you leave the Luofu, I'd like to offer two gifts to the Astral Express."
At the Seat of Divine Foresight, Welt, Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng gathered. Jing Yuan addressed them:
"I've called you here to reiterate the Luofu's gratitude for the Nameless' deeds."
"Fu Xuan may have already spoken of this, but the Luofu can never fully repay your actions. Thus, on behalf of the Cloud Knights, I present you with a jade token symbolizing our 'alliance.'"
"Millennia ago, when the Alliance was founded, the Xianzhou ships swore an oath, inscribed on jade as proof. Even if heaven and earth crumble, this bond endures."
"This token carries the Luofu Cloud Knights' pledge to the Astral Express. It's also a beacon—clutch it, and it will send a signal to its paired token in my possession."
"No matter how vast the galaxy or arduous the journey, the Cloud Knights will come to your aid."
...
Two tiger-shaped jade talismans rested on the table. The livestream erupted:
"Holy—an alliance token?!"
"Gaining the Luofu's support means gaining the entire Xianzhou Alliance! Jing Yuan's generosity is unreal!"
"Is this the legendary 'one signal summons an army'?"
"We've got our own cavalry now!"
"This was Kafka's plan all along—Jing Yuan owes the Express, so he's repaying the debt!"
"Jing Yuan: I'm giving you myself as the cavalry!"
...
As the chat marveled at Jing Yuan's magnanimity, he turned to Dan Heng.
"Dan Heng."
"By the Ten-Lords Commission's decree, your exile is pardoned. From this moment, you may come and go freely on the Luofu."
"But remember: Dan Feng's sins run deep. Some grudges, like the tides of the Scalegorge Waterscape, won't fade with a mere order."
"I can guarantee your freedom, but not your safety. I hope you understand."
Dan Heng nodded slightly. "I do."
---
Later, at the Alchemy Commission...
Jing Yuan, Dan Heng, Jingliu, and Blade sat together on an open seaside terrace, sipping tea and watching the livestream.
Yes—these four, instead of fighting, were peacefully enjoying a gaming stream! Thankfully, the nearby medic wasn't a (Honkai: Star Rail) player, or a leaked screenshot of this scene would've caused an uproar on the forums.
The medic refilled their tea with trembling hands, desperate to fetch Bailu and escape the oppressive aura of these four.
On the table, Jing Yuan's jade token displayed Xiaoguizi's stream. Seeing his in-game pardon, Dan Heng exhaled softly. Jing Yuan smiled.
"We really owe thanks to (Honkai: Star Rail). Otherwise, we'd never be sitting together like this."
Jingliu, unusually calm, added: "And you'd be gravely injured, bedridden in Exalting Sanctum."
Jing Yuan chuckled. "Your concern touches me."
Then, to Dan Heng: "Rest assured, once matters here are settled, I'll petition the Ten-Lords Commission to revoke your exile, just as in the story."
Dan Heng: "Thank you."
After a sip of tea, Dan Heng hesitated. "But one thing puzzles me."
"You came here seeking the 'Dragon Lady'... She's the current High Elder, but just a child. Why is she so important?"
Blade, silent until now, spoke:
"Dan Heng."
"Though you're not him... in the Scalegorge, you reclaimed some of Dan Feng's memories, didn't you?"
"Do you truly not remember?"
"How this generation's Dragon Lady—that girl, Bailu—came to be?"
To be continued…
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