"But you're still too young to be considered a proper Cloud Knight."
Yanqing turned to look at Jing Yuan. "I want to be like the General—to become a legend remembered by the Xianzhou!"
Jing Yuan smiled faintly. "And what's so good about that? The path here wasn't easy."
"But didn't the General walk that path step by step to reach where you are now?"
In the scene, a gentle breeze brushed past as Jing Yuan maintained his smile, though he did not immediately respond.
"Since you're so fired up… How about a spar?"
Yanqing gripped his sword with both hands, his excitement unmistakable.
"I won't go easy on you."
Then, the screen cut to black, and the train logo appeared, signaling the end of the film.
——
"Huh??? That's it?"
The entire theater erupted in groans of dissatisfaction—many felt the ending was abrupt and unresolved.
Workday and Wise remained seated in silence.
The fate of one member of the High-Cloud Quintet had yet to be revealed—Yingxing.
Sure enough,
After the credits rolled, a "post-credits scene" played.
The camera slowly opened like a pair of eyes—this time, from a first-person perspective.
"Did you remember?"
The voice belonged to Jingliu.
The audience gasped.
"Didn't Jingliu die?"
"Wait, is Jing Yuan still alive?"
"Jing Yuan… I can't believe he—"
"Not necessarily. What if this happened before Jing Yuan killed his master?"
"..."
——
"Ugh… Ah…" The owner of the perspective tried to speak, but his body was in ruins—yet it was visibly healing at an alarming rate.
"Did you remember?"
Jingliu raised a shattered sword and stabbed it into his chest.
At this moment, the perspective finally shifted, revealing that Jingliu was facing none other than Yingxing.
However, Yingxing's hair had turned black, and his appearance had regressed from middle-aged to a much younger state.
"Since the Ten-Lords Commission exhausted every method and still couldn't kill you… Rather than letting you become an experiment in the Shackling Prison, I decided to grant you a swift end."
Jingliu exhaled a frost-laden breath as the blade pierced Yingxing's body once more.
"Remember the feeling of death—then bring it to them."
Yingxing collapsed, his vision flooded with crimson, the taste of blood thick in his mouth, his limbs limp—
He should have died.
Yet,
After a transition, Yingxing reappeared, now unshaven, grabbing a live snake without hesitation and devouring it whole—like a bloodthirsty savage.
Suddenly, the entire theater erupted in screams.
"AHHH!!!" Belle violently shook Wise's arm. "KAFKA! IT'S KAFKA!!!"
"Alright, alright! I get it!"
——
The camera rapidly zoomed out, revealing that the area around Yingxing was littered with wreckage and bones.
From the bushes emerged two figures—one clad in heavy armor, silent,
the other with purple hair, wearing a gentle yet bewitching smile.
Yingxing didn't even glance at them, but in the next moment, he snatched up his shattered sword, "Zhilu," and charged at them.
The scene shifted—Yingxing was now firmly restrained by Sam.
Kafka showed no displeasure. "Listen to me. I can kill you again—otherwise, I can't take you back."
Her voice was soft, so soothing that even the monster within Yingxing quieted to listen.
"But I'd rather not."
The woman leaned down and whispered into his ear—an offer he couldn't refuse.
"What do you want? What do I get?" Yingxing asked numbly.
"Is there anything more thrilling than watching an immortal man learn how to die? That's what Elio said~"
Yingxing's pupils contracted violently.
Kafka had clearly anticipated this reaction. She whistled, and Sam released his hold.
The scene transitioned again—
Now, only Kafka and Blade were aboard the ship.
Suddenly, Silver Wolf's voice came through the comms. "Seriously? I'm still at the IPC headquarters, and you had to open the portal now?"
Kafka sighed. "No choice. If you don't find a way to unlock the Starwatcher Avenue's port gate soon, we're going to crash."
"Fine! Hanging up!"
"Still as impatient as ever." Kafka turned to Blade.
"Listen to me, Blade. Relax.
Listen to me. Don't think about anything."
She worried that returning to this place might trigger painful memories and worsen his condition.
From the moment he joined the Stellaron Hunters, Yingxing had realized his hands were no longer nimble—they could no longer forge weapons.
But that no longer mattered.
From now on, that body shall be the only "Blade."
Yingxing was dead. The one living now was Blade.
Blade nodded. Kafka stepped closer.
As he looked at her smile, he thought it seemed sorrowful. Silently, he mused:
"Perhaps someone left her before she could finish speaking."
Just then, another announcement played over the ship's speakers.
"Welcome, interstellar travelers, to the Xianzhou Alliance—the Luofu. Please abide by the Alliance's peace regulations..."
The film had finally ended.
——
"So, all five members of the High-Cloud Quintet are still alive? I can't believe how much effort Jing Yuan put into protecting them." Workday frowned, perhaps empathizing too deeply—or perhaps Jing Yuan's silent sacrifices reminded him of his own struggles.
"Yeah, who would've thought? Jing Yuan truly lives up to his title as General!" Wise chimed in.
"No wonder they say a prime minister's belly can sail a ship—Jing Yuan's must be big enough to fit the entire Xianzhou Alliance! I'm kinda looking forward to Season 3 now."
"True. Kafka and Blade have already arrived on the Xianzhou. Remember Herta Space Station? Do you think the Stellaron Hunters' appearance is a coincidence?"
"Nice! I'm also curious what story miHoYo will bring in Season 3—though I think they should focus on wrapping up the High-Cloud Quintet's arc first."
"By the way, Workday, want to exchange contact info?" Wise pulled out his phone.
"Me? No need. I doubt our paths will cross again."
With that, Workday left with Robin, heading for the exit.
Watching their retreating figures, Wise fell into thought.
What a shame. It's rare to meet someone so like-minded.
But Workday is a big-shot celebrity's brother—it's understandable he'd keep his distance.
"Tsk—"
Wise suddenly felt his phone grow scalding hot.
Fairy's voice came through his earpiece: "Master, I am currently under attack and have been forced to boost performance for countermeasures. Your phone is at risk of overheating, but I've successfully repelled the threat. I suggest you say 'Well done.'"
"Well done, Fairy!" Belle cheered playfully.
Wise quickly cut her off. "Wait, wait—who's attacking you?"
"Aah~" Guinaifen stretched drowsily.
"It's Silver Wolf, Herta, and Screwllum. Silver Wolf just sent a message saying this was just an appetizer—the real fun starts now."
She turned her phone toward Wise and Belle.
"My boss said, 'Since you're here, just analyzing one film is boring. How about some tea?' He's arranged for someone to meet you at every exit."
Just then, Fairy's voice returned to Wise's earpiece.
"Master, under these circumstances, I recommend kneeling, placing your hands behind your head, and awaiting judgment."
"You damn AI…" Wise chuckled helplessly.
"If it's miHoYo's boss inviting us, then we'll go!"