"So this is the Luofu's Ambrosial Arbor? It's my first time seeing it." Sushang couldn't help but exclaim as she gazed at the colossal tree.
At this moment, the narrative no longer followed Caelus's perspective and instead returned to Dan Heng's group.
They were currently in the same location as Caelus's party, albeit at a slightly different time.
Though Xueyi's mechanical body had been repaired by Luocha, she still had difficulty moving freely.
In order to quickly return to the Ten-Lords Commission and report, she requisitioned the group's assistance, promising that they could go their separate ways as soon as they found the Star Skiff Haven.
Sushang's expression twisted awkwardly. "Uh, I'm really sorry… The Ten-Lords Commission has the authority to requisition Cloud Knights, so by protocol, I have to obey…"
Her tone carried a hint of apology as she added, "I've delayed you again. Once I've escorted her back, I'll treat you all to a meal."
Dan Heng shifted his gaze to Xueyi. "I am not a Cloud Knight."
Before Xueyi could respond, Sushang interjected, "Uh… then maybe you can sneak away when you get the chance? Just hide somewhere, and I'll come find you after I send her off."
"No need. I'll act on my own."
"Don't be like that! The Luofu is so dangerous right now—how could I rest easy letting you run around alone? Let's stick together!"
Luocha took a couple of steps forward and muttered softly,
"Heh, who'd have thought such a simple journey would have so many twists and turns.
Now we're working for the Ten-Lords Commission again. What are your thoughts, Brother Dan Heng?"
Dan Heng studied the kind-hearted girl in front of him, thought for a few seconds, then uttered a single word: "Help."
"Good, straight to the point. As for me… well, I suppose there's no avoiding it now.
Let's hurry and find the Star Skiff Haven to send off this Ten-Lords judge, then get back to our own journey."
With that, the group decided to locate the exit of the Artisanship Commission before searching for the haven.
After setting off, Xueyi suddenly turned to Dan Heng and said cryptically, "Thy visage is most familiar."
Dan Heng remained unfazed, neither explaining nor refuting her words.
"Worry not. I have cross-referenced the Shackling Prison's portrait registry—there is no match."
The journey was uneventful, and the group remained unusually quiet, a stark contrast to Caelus's lively party.
Before long,
on a path they had to take, sharp-eyed Sushang noticed something amiss. "Huh? Why is there still an un-evacuated civilian here?"
——
At this moment, the camera focused on a scholarly-looking, bearded craftsman, with his name displayed in subtitles—Master Gongshu.
He was the person Caelus's group was supposed to rescue along the way. Master Gongshu held the fate of countless students' graduation theses in his hands—if anything happened to him, the consequences would be dire, leaving many unable to graduate.
"I, Gongshu Liang, am no coward! The safety of the Artisanship Commission now rests on my shoulders alone!" Master Gongshu's tone even carried a hint of theatrical flair.
In front of him was a small Diting, which let out a cute bark: "Woof!"
"No! A'cai, you run for your life! The Cloud Knights aren't coming, so the only option left is for this old man to—turn the tide—!"
Sushang, who had already appeared behind him, called out anxiously, "Uncle, don't try to be a hero!"
"A'cai, y-you… how are you talking?"
"Who are you calling a dog?"
[Hahaha, this Master Gongshu is so adorable.]
[Damn, this craftsman is hilarious.]
[Lol, is Sushang naturally gifted with comedic talent too?]
[I feel like Honkai Star Rail is really starting to cut loose, just stuffing memes everywhere.]
——
"My apologies, miss. I don't recall installing a voice module in the little guy…" Master Gongshu turned his head and smiled awkwardly. "All the apprentices have fled, and I'm the only one left in the Artisanship Commission. You all should escape too!"
As a dutiful Cloud Knight, Sushang naturally refused to accept this. Since persuasion wasn't working, she had to resort to force.
Pointing at Luocha's large coffin, she declared,
"Looks like we'll have to take drastic measures. Will you move on your own, or should I have that guy in the white coat behind me stuff you into his white box?"
Master Gongshu took two steps back. "I-I… can I have a stick of incense to think it over?"
"Now! Immediately!"
[Luocha: 6, bro.]
[Luocha: My box is full.]
[Sushang's from Yaoqing—this really shows how martial Yaoqing's culture is.]
——
The journey was mostly peaceful, save for a few encounters with berserk machinations, but they posed no real threat.
Soon,
they arrived at the main gate of the Artisanship Commission.
At this point, Master Gongshu stopped in his tracks. "This is as far as I go… a few more steps and we'd be at the gate. Thank you for escorting me—let's part ways here."
After a passionate speech about how the Six Charioteers of the Xianzhou each had their duties, and how the Artisanship Commission needed someone to tend to its machinery, Master Gongshu resolved to stay behind alone for the greater good.
Hearing this, Sushang's voice grew choked up. "Uncle…"
"No need to persuade me, lass. This old man values his life—I won't take any reckless risks. Go on."
Xueyi nodded silently. "In times of crisis, everyone has their role. Let's go."
After defeating a Gatekeeper Goldman, the trio watched as Xueyi boarded the star skiff.
"The Cloud Knights are stationed near the Ambrosial Arbor in the Alchemy Commission. Head there.
I will report your deeds to the Ten-Lords. If fate allows, I shall repay this kindness."
After Xueyi departed, Sushang was the first to speak. "I plan to find a ship and rejoin my unit. What about you?"
A flicker of disappointment flashed in her eyes.
"Let's go together."
Dan Heng's reply made Sushang's face light up instantly.
"After traveling this far, you can't bear to part with us, huh? Then let's go."
The trio set off once more, disappearing from the scene.
——
The perspective shifted back to Caelus.
At March 7th's reminder, there was someone beneath the walkway.
As expected, it was none other than Master Gongshu, steadfastly guarding the Artisanship Commission.
Before they could even take a few steps closer or say a word, Master Gongshu was the first to speak.
"The Artisanship Commission is a restricted zone! Intruders, be gone—yiyaaa!
Don't come any closer! Take another step, and I won't hold back!"
Without another word, Master Gongshu controlled his machinations to attack Caelus's group.
Of course, against overwhelming force, resistance was futile.
Caelus swung his bat twice, and two machinations were sent straight to the afterlife.
Suddenly,
Master Gongshu fell to his knees, his face contorted as he let out a heart-wrenching scream.
"'Gilded Cloud Toad'! 'Lantern-Day Dragonfish'!… What's wrong with you?! Get up! I raised you like my own children… how could I outlive you all?!
If you wanted to fight, fine—but why did you have to smash my precious companions to pieces?! Compensate me!"
Caelus covered his mouth with his hand and whispered to Welt Yang, "Does this guy seem like a professional scammer to you? Is anyone recording this? If he kicks up a fuss, how am I supposed to explain?"
March 7th spread her hands. "You're the one who attacked without listening! We're here to rescue you!"
Caelus scratched his head. "You're Master Gongshu, right?"
Master Gongshu's lips curled involuntarily. "You know my name? Has the reputation of 'Gongshu Liang, the Supreme Artificer of Melding Gold and Smelting Iron' spread so far?"
March 7th burst out laughing. "This master's personality is so simple…"
Welt Yang provided the key information. "Actually, we were entrusted by General Jing Yuan and Diviner Fu Xuan to head to the Alchemy Commission, so we're passing through. We were hoping Master Gongshu could show us the way."
Master Gongshu's eyes widened. "Oh? You're sent by the general? A misunderstanding, a misunderstanding! Ah, well—those little toys, broken is broken!"
["My own children," "little toys."]
[Machinations: Excuse me???]
[Damn, talk about knowing when to fold 'em.]
[The face, the tact. Master Gongshu is hilarious!]
[Even a side character is so vividly written—once the Luofu's interactable city opens, I'm definitely visiting Gongshu Liang.]
[Ostrovsky's literary masterpiece—The Chameleon.]
——
Through their conversation with Master Gongshu, they learned that the Ambrosial Arbor's revival had caused its branches to grow wildly, paralyzing the entire Artisanship Commission.
He promised that if Caelus's group resolved the crisis, he would find a way to send them to the Alchemy Commission.
Caelus sighed. "'See the Buddha to the West, do good deeds to the end, leave no name behind, and depart with sleeves untroubled.'"
"Well, we're already here. What else can we do?"
Master Gongshu nodded in satisfaction.
"Haha, this old man understands. Since General Jing invited you here, there must be profound meaning—undoubtedly, you're here to resolve the Artisanship Commission's crisis. Right this way~!"