"Don't you know that Elder Qing founded the Luofu Imperial Jade Group single-handedly, making the Imperial Jade a game that swept across the galaxy? She's the supreme authority here, managing countless affairs every day—how could someone like you just waltz in and demand to see her?"
"See this line? The queue of people waiting to meet Elder Qing stretches all the way to the end of the Aurum Alley. Go grab a number and wait your turn."
The security guard spoke with disdain.
This plot twist left everyone on the scene utterly speechless!
Previously, the entire Divination Commission had fallen victim to the online mockery. Thankfully, Qingque had stepped up, barely preserving the Commission's last shred of dignity.
Fu Xuan had hoped to use this mission to restore some of the Divination Commission's prestige.
But who could've expected—
Qingque's illusion was even more outrageous!
Now, in the storyline, another Fu Xuan appeared, meekly stating: "I'm just an ordinary, lowly clerk working under the Luofu Imperial Jade Group... Using my insignificant foresight to predict stock indices for Lady Qingque..."
[What has Elder Qing done to you...]
Another Fu Xuan clutched her forehead, speaking in a tone mixed with pain and delight: "L-Lady Qing... just pays too well!"
!!!
Before this, when people were spouting nonsense and belittling the Divination Commission, Fu Xuan could still tolerate it.
But now—
Fu Xuan felt her blood pressure skyrocketing!
In Qingque's illusion, she had become Elder Qing, while Fu Xuan herself was reduced to nothing more than a lowly servant?!
Even Fu Xuan couldn't stop herself from clenching her fists and gritting her teeth.
Meanwhile, Qingque, sitting beside her—
Looked as if she had been struck by lightning!
She sat frozen in her seat, completely petrified.
Of all the things to happen, why did it have to be this?
Damn you, Yu...
Why did you have to include this part?!
This was practically slapping the Master Diviner's face in public!
Fi—
Okay, this plot is actually kinda hype...
If I were watching this alone in private, I wouldn't be able to stop grinning.
But the problem is—
This is happening at my own commendation ceremony!
It's like giving a speech and having your pants suddenly drop mid-sentence!
Qingque had no idea how to save face now.
The diviners observing from the back were equally stunned.
Today wasn't just about commending Qingque and learning from her spirit—it was also meant to discuss the future of the Divination Commission.
But with this plot twist—
Was this some kind of a hint?
That the Divination Commission is done for?
And everyone should just follow Qingque from now on?
This absurd thought flashed through many diviners' minds before they quickly dismissed it.
No, no... better stick with the Master Diviner...
Right now, seeing the Master Diviner humiliated like this in the storyline—
It's hilarious...
But no one dares to laugh!
The Master Diviner was sitting right in front, her face so dark it looked like storm clouds were about to burst.
And the worst part?
This storyline—
Was being broadcast live on the Divination Commission's official channel.
Millions of netizens were watching.
The already-embarrassed Divination Commission had just taken another brutal hit!
The barrage of comments on the left side of the screen—
Which had been sparse before—
Suddenly exploded!
...
"What the hell is happening?!"
"Just tuned in—why is Fu Xuan calling Qingque 'Lady Qingque'? Am I still dreaming?!"
"Qingque bribed Fu Xuan! She paid her too much!"
"Imperial Jade becoming a galaxy-wide hit? I wouldn't even dare dream that big!"
"What kind of insane plot is this?!"
"This has to be fan-made, right? There's no way something this ridiculous is in Honkai: Star Rail's actual story!"
"Sorry to break it to you, but this is a side quest in Star Rail—it's Qingque's origin story!"
"Who's Qingque? You mean Elder Qing!"
"Congratulations to Elder Qing for taking over the Divination Commission!"
...
Reading the comments, Qingque nearly passed out on the spot.
This was like dancing on a grave—or worse, tap-dancing on a tiger's head!
Once this episode ended...
She was so dead.
Meanwhile—
The scene shifted to the Stargazer Navalia.
Except now, it was the [Imperial Jade Group Headquarters].
Designers of the Imperial Jade tiles were gathered together, voices rising and falling in heated discussion.
"The Imperial Jade needs a revolution!"
"The gameplay is too one-dimensional..."
"The new mechanics got scrapped..."
"I told you—check the feedback!"
"I did! It's impossible to fix!"
A scene of bustling prosperity!
And standing beside the holographic sand table—
Was Qingque, now transformed into Elder Qing!
The operations manager was giving a report:
"Our department plans to introduce more monetization avenues for the Imperial Jade. We intend to create customizable paid content for card backs, tables, and even player avatars..."
"Elder Qing, look! We've addressed players' dislike of the turn-based system by designing a real-time tile-throwing battle mode—we call it [Jade Domination]!"
"Elder Qing, here's [Cards & Dungeons], where players take on different roles with unique abilities!"
Qingque nodded approvingly. "Excellent! These ideas are perfect. It won't be long before even the demons are addicted to the Imperial Jade!"
"Ah, it seems my guest is growing impatient. Keep working on the designs—I have some personal matters to attend to."
...
"Holy crap, genius!"
"Why is the Divination Commission still streaming this? Can't someone shut it down?!"
"I want to join the Luofu Imperial Jade Group!"
"Is Yu Ling satirizing mainstream games in the galaxy right now?"
"Wait… does this mean Yu Ling is actually the future Elder Qing?"
"Most logical plot twist ever."
...
In the illusion, Qingque had fully embraced her role.
She turned to Stelle and declared:
"If I hadn't met you all those years ago, I never would've mustered the courage to quit my job and start a business. How does that saying go? 'The gears of fate began to turn...'"
"To repay you, I've decided to give you a chance to change your life. Come with me!"
"As for the rest of you—Little Xuan, find something to keep them busy."
Little Xuan?!
Fu Xuan's hand twitched slightly as she watched the livestream.
Audacious. Treasonous. Disrespectful. Insolent—
Every possible word for disgraceful cycled through her mind.
It had been a long, long time since she had been this furious!
Fu Xuan was now beyond anger—this side quest had shattered her very dao heart!
Right now, she was restraining herself with extreme effort.
Taking deep breaths.
Suppressing the urge to slap Qingque into orbit.
Qingque, sitting so close to her, could feel the waves of murderous intent radiating off Fu Xuan.
She didn't dare even breathe too loudly.
Ready to drop to her knees and beg for mercy the moment Fu Xuan moved.
Yet—
Fu Xuan held back.
She wanted to see—
What other absurdities Qingque's illusion had in store!
To be continued…