—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
March 7th: "Little brother Yanqing?"
March 7th: "Oh, so Miss Yunli is actually a bit older than Yanqing!"
March 7th: "Haha, suddenly this is kind of hilarious."
Yunli: "My dear little brother, how dare you call your big sister a thief?"
Yunli: "It seems I'll have to use Old Iron to give you a good thrashing on the sparring ring!"
Yanqing: "Who's your brother? Don't go making up relations!"
Yanqing: "This is the Palace of Astrum. Violence is forbidden here."
Yanqing: "When the opportunity arises, I will definitely show you the true power of my swordplay!"
....
『 [ Hey, whose side are you on, Grandpa? ]
Yunli turned her head to look at Huaiyan, her expression filled with discontent.
[ I... um... I don't take sides! ]
Huaiyan said in a stammering tone.
[ It's a small misunderstanding, and an apology would be too much.]
[ I've heard about the Zhuming's incredible swordplay and craftsmanship, most notably the legendary Flamewheel Octet. Seeing Miss Yunli, who is among those ranks today... Well, I must say, she definitely has that fiery edge. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Furina de Fontaine: "The Flame-Wheel Octet?"
Furina de Fontaine: "That title sounds so incredibly cool!"
Hu Tao: "Since it's an 'Octet', there must be eight of them, right?"
Hu Tao: "I wonder where Miss Yunli ranks among them?"
Stelle: "This reminds me of the Ten Stonehearts."
Stelle: "Come to think of it, shouldn't our Astral Express Crew also come up with some flashy title?"
Stelle: "March, this sacred task is officially yours!"
March 7th: "Why do I have to be the one to think of it?"
March 7th: "Can't you think of one yourself?"
Stelle: "I'm lazy, my brain's empty."
Stelle: "Even if I did, it wouldn't sound cool."
Venti: "Since they are at the peak of swordplay and craftsmanship…"
Venti: "Does that mean Miss Yunli also knows how to forge swords?"
Yunli: "Of course. That's exactly what our Zhuming Xianzhou does."
Yunli: "As my grandpa's successor, there's no way I'd slack off on that skill."
Stelle: "Oh, Yanqing, you absolute fool!"
Stelle: "How is she a rival?"
Stelle: "She's clearly a walking, talking treasury of legendary swords!"
Stelle: "If you get on her good side, you'll never have to worry about lacking top-tier swords ever again!"
Yanqing: "Uh… Teacher… this…"
Yanqing: "We should keep business and personal matters separate, right?"
Yunli: "Want me to forge a sword for him?"
Yunli: "Heh, it's not entirely out of the question."
Yunli: "But as I said—beat me first, then we'll talk."
....
『 [ …What glorious title. ]
[ There are always busybodies who love fabricating empty titles, creating factions within the Cloud Knights. ]
[ Yunli is just a child, shy and easily embarrassed. Please forgive her for her impolite behavior. ]
Huaiyan shook his head, offering some polite remarks.
[ Everyone, Elder Huaiyan and I still have some matters to discuss. ]
[ For now, let Yanqing escort our guests and Miss Yunli to the inn to settle in. ]
[ I will find another opportunity to have a proper chat with you all. ]
[ And to properly express our gratitude to the Astral Express for saving the Luofu in its hour of dire peril. ]
Jing Yuan said, looking at Stelle and the other two.
[ That's so kind of you. I mean, you've already thanked us so many times. ]
March 7th said with a smile. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "No need for thanks, General! Just casually throw in another Jade Abacus of Allying Oath!"
Stelle: "That thing is super handy, it's just that one summon is way too little!"
Jing Yuan: "Hahaha, now that is the spirit!"
Jing Yuan: "But remember, rarity gives a thing its value."
Jing Yuan: "Less is more! Too many would instead diminish its worth."
March 7th: "Hey, General, you're using your flawed logic to trick us again, aren't you?"
March 7th: "Though that item really is incredibly precious."
March 7th: "If we want to get another one, I guess we'd have to save another Xianzhou flagship first, huh?"
Stelle: "How could there be so many opportunities to save the Xianzhou?"
Stelle: "And if it's something the Xianzhou Alliance can't handle on its own, it's bound to involve an Emanator."
Stelle: "If we meddle in that, we're literally putting our lives on the line!"
Hanabi: "Little Gray Hair, what are you afraid of? You're so tanky anyway!"
Silver Wolf: "True. With her constitution, she can really take a beating."
Stelle: "Hey, watch your words!"
Stelle: "You're making me sound like a punching bag…"
Paimon: "I'm a bit curious. If we used this Jade Abacus of Allying Oath in a world like ours, which isn't connected to the Silver Rail…"
Paimon: "Could the Xianzhou Alliance still receive the signal and come over?"
Fu Xuan: "Generally speaking, yes."
Fu Xuan: "The Jade Abacus of Allying Oath is an extremely precious strategic-grade treasure."
Fu Xuan: "Once activated, it instantly anchors the spatial coordinates of the signal and transmits them to its counterpart."
Fu Xuan: "And through that counterpart, the Xianzhou Alliance can locate the sender with absolute precision."
Mualani: "The question is, how would the Xianzhou Alliance get there without the Silver Rail?"
Welt Yang: "No need to worry about that."
Welt Yang: "Even without the connection of the Silver Rail, they can reach undiscovered worlds through the power of an Emanator."
Lumine: "Oh, so Emanators actually have that kind of capability…"
Lumine: "Which means, without the Silver Rail, it's very difficult for ordinary people to leave, right?"
Dr. Veritas Ratio: "You could understand it that way."
Dr. Veritas Ratio: "That is precisely why the Astral Express is renowned throughout the cosmos."
Dr. Veritas Ratio: "Linking diverse worlds together, making mutual communication between cosmic civilizations possible."
Dr. Veritas Ratio: "This is the indelible contribution made by the faction of Trailblaze."
Asta: "Speaking of the Jade Abacus… don't you guys think that the relic—or rather, the bullet—that Mr. Boothill fired back in Penacony was even more ridiculous?"
Asta: "Those Galaxy Rangers must have been scattered across every corner of the universe. Yet, when that bullet shot into the sky, the light it emitted actually summoned them instantly!"
Asta: "Honestly, that completely defied distance and time, didn't it?"
Stelle: "Well, why else would they be called the shooting stars of the Hunt?"
Stelle: "I reckon that relic, which only a hero could possess, is highly likely a treasure bestowed by the Aeon of the Hunt in some form."
Stelle: "And Lan's Lux Arrow has never cared about things like spatial distance."
Stelle: "So it's only logical that a treasure bestowed by THEM would possess such mighty power!"
....
『 [ Please forgive me for coming at an inconvenient time. ]
After Jing Yuan spoke, Huaiyan added apologetically.
[ You needn't apologize, General Huaiyan. ]
Dan Heng shook his head.
[ Alright, Yunli. Take this opportunity to clear things up with Yanqing. ]
Huaiyan nudged Yunli beside him.
[ Yes, yes, yes. Better to make friends than enemies. ]
[ However, I don't plan on going to the inn just yet… I want to see Sister Lingsha. ]
[ She just arrived on the Luofu and needs someone to help her settle in. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Lingsha: "It's truly heartwarming that little Yunli is still thinking of her big sister."
Stelle: "By the way, what does Miss Lingsha do?"
Stelle: "Why did she go to the Luofu too?"
March 7th: "I know!"
March 7th: "Coming to the Luofu Xianzhou at this time, she must be a contestant for the Luminary Wardance!"
March 7th: "Wow, the Wardance is really gathering talents from all over!"
Lingsha: "Haha, Miss March's guess isn't quite right."
Lingsha: "I didn't go to the Luofu to compete."
Lingsha: "But to heal..."
Furina de Fontaine: "Oh, right! I remember now!"
Furina de Fontaine: "Miss Yunli mentioned before that Miss Lingsha seems to be a healer!"
Furina de Fontaine: "And that Mr. Jiaoqiu also seems to be a doctor, and is even skilled in food therapy?"
Jiaoqiu: "My, my, someone actually remembers me?"
Jiaoqiu: "I am truly honored!"
Stelle: "A healer?"
Stelle: "Then she must be an employee of the Alchemy Commission!"
Stelle: "Could she be an assistant to Bailu?"
Lingsha: "Hahaha, you could say that."
Lingsha: "Assisting the Dragon Lady is my honor as well."
....
『 [ Yanqing, once you've settled our guests, run another errand to the Artisanship Commission for me. ]
[ I heard that an IPC vessel was detained after being attacked. ]
[ Qingzu sent word that the IPC representatives are protesting, demanding the return of the cargo on board. ]
[ Go appease them on my behalf. Do not be too harsh; simply convey that the Luofu Xianzhou has no intention of violating their rights. ]
Jing Yuan remembered something at this moment and hastily instructed Yanqing.
[ Yanqing obeys. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "The very chore Yanqing tried so hard to avoid ended up falling right back into his lap anyway."
Yanqing: "Sigh… judging by the earlier argument between the IPC and the Cloud Knights, this is going to be incredibly troublesome!"
Yunli: "What are you chickening out for?"
Yunli: "Just draw your sword, threaten them a bit, and they'll shut their mouths right up."
Yunli: "Most IPC people are like that—bullies who fear the strong."
Yanqing: "With all due respect, the General already said not to be too harsh!"
Yanqing: "Your advice sounds more like a terrible idea!"
Yunli: "A terrible idea?"
Yunli: "Fine, fine, fine!"
Yunli: "Then I'll just wait and see how you, the great prodigy, handle mediation!"
....
『 After chatting, the group bid farewell to Jing Yuan and Huaiyan and began walking toward the exit of the Palace of Astrum. Halfway there, Stelle saw Yunli standing to the side and walked over without a second thought.
[ This trip wasn't in vain. ]
[ Compared to the Zhuming, the Luofu is indeed much livelier. ]
[ A pity that when it comes to swordplay, the Luofu's swordsmen don't seem up to par… ]
As Stelle drew closer, she heard Yunli murmuring to herself.
[ Hello, Miss Yunli. ]
Seeing Yunli's back turned to her, Stelle called out a greeting.
[ Hello. Are you a contestant here to challenge the Wardance? ]
Yunli turned around and, seeing it was Stelle, asked curiously.
[ Outsiders can participate in the Wardance too? ]
Hearing Yunli's words, Stelle immediately asked back.
[ Of course. To showcase martial virtue, the arenas set up by the Cloud Knights have never barred outsiders from challenging them. ]
[ If you can defeat the defender chosen by the Xianzhou, you'll not only win prize money and rewards, but also make a name for yourself. ]
[ What do you think? Are you tempted? ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Paimon: "Winning prize money, rewards, and making a name for yourself!"
Paimon: "Lumine, did you hear that?"
Paimon: "I bet if the two of us were on the Luofu Xianzhou, we wouldn't hesitate for a second to sign up for the Wardance!"
Lumine: "Uh, Paimon, I don't think you would sign up."
Lumine: "In the end, the only one signing up would be me…"
Paimon: "Ehe, of course I'd be down there cheering you on!"
Hu Tao: "I didn't expect that outsiders could participate in the Wardance too."
Hu Tao: "I thought it was only for those within the Xianzhou Alliance!"
Hu Tao: "In that case, wouldn't this Wardance potentially draw in experts from all walks of life?"
Li Sushang: "Naturally."
Li Sushang: "As long as you have the strength, you can take the stage!"
Silver Wolf: "Such a great chance to flex, Stelle. Aren't you going up to put on a show?"
Stelle: "I'll pass. An expert of my caliber is already widely recognized."
Stelle: "Who doesn't know the legendary name of the Galactic Batter?"
Stelle: "Participating in this kind of event would actually lower my status."
Stelle: "Besides, knocking opponents out in two or three swings of my bat is just too boring."
Stelle: "And most importantly!"
Stelle: "Who is the final defender?"
Stelle: "It's Yanqing!"
Stelle: "And who am I?"
Stelle: "I'm Yanqing's Teacher!"
Stelle: "Tell me, if a Teacher goes down to beat up their own student, isn't that just bullying?"
Hotaru: "Mhm, very logical and convincing!"
Silver Wolf: "Cough… you sure know how to talk yourself up."
Yanqing: "Teacher has been through many trials, after all. Her strength and vision are indeed worthy of my admiration."
Yanqing: "So I believe Teacher's words are perfectly reasonable."
March 7th: "Tsk, you're almost too honest, kid."
March 7th: "You're hyping Stelle up so much her tail is about to wag to the heavens!"
Stelle: "Nonsense!"
Stelle: "I don't have a tail!"
....
『 [ I don't think I'm tempted. ]
[ By the way, what is the 'Flame-Wheel Octet' the General mentioned earlier? ]
Stelle asked another curious question.
[ That's just what outsiders call my senior brothers and sisters in the Zhuming Cloud Knights and the Artisanship Commission. ]
[ We all studied craftsmanship and swordplay under my grandpa. ]
[ So I suppose that's why outsiders call us that. ]
[ But don't you dare mention this in front of Grandpa. ]
[ Grandpa says that empty fame only harms people, bringing nothing but challenges and disputes. ]
[ Zhuming swordsmen only take pride in the victory of the entire army, not in personal glory. ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Jing Yuan: "As expected of Elder Huaiyan, having long seen through these worldly, empty titles."
Huaiyan: "Haha, if you ask me, you're not half bad yourself!"
Stelle: "Both generals are truly noble and pure."
Stelle: "I'm different. If I go a day without flexing, my whole body itches!"
Feixiao: "What's wrong with flexing?"
Feixiao: "Young people ought to be spirited!"
Feixiao: "What's the point of living if you don't show off a little?"
Stelle: "Ah, General Feixiao truly understands me best!"
Stelle: "If we hung out, we'd definitely be best friends!"
....
『 [ Your grandpa is right. ]
[ By the way, aren't you coming with us? ]
Stelle asked.
[ I have my own things to take care of. ]
[ Besides, little brother Yanqing doesn't seem very welcoming. ]
Yunli pouted.
[ He really shouldn't have called you a thief. ]
[ But you did take his sword… ]
Stelle added.
[ You're right. I took it fair and square through my own ability. Calling it 'stealing' is one thing, but how could he lump me together with petty thieves? ]
[ Besides, this sword actually fears its owner right now. ]
[ I'd like to ask him: he claims to cherish swords as much as his own life, yet he can't even recognize the state of the sword in his own hand. ]
[ I had no intention of keeping his sword and wanted to return it to him this time, but now I've changed my mind. ]
[ I feel sorry for this flying sword, so I plan to give it some proper maintenance. ]
[ Until he learns to say 'please', 'hello', 'thank you', and 'sorry', I won't even consider returning it to him. ]
[ For now, forget about it! ]
With that, Yunli shook her head and walked away. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
March 7th: "Heehee, looks like it's going to be hard for Yanqing to get his sword back."
Stelle: "I offer my deepest sympathies to Yanqing!"
Stelle: "Hope he can pull through."
Yanqing: "How detestable! Holding a sword hostage to threaten its owner?"
Yanqing: "What kind of heroic act is that?"
Yanqing: "How despicable!"
....