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At the boundary of The Shackling Prison stood a fork in the road.
One path led towards Xianzhou Luofu's city center, while the other headed to the docks outside Luofu.
Currently,
Kafka, Silver Wolf, and Blade were positioned at this crossroads.
Initially, Blade maintained his composure. However, as the approaching figures drew nearer, he gradually became increasingly agitated and frenzied.
"...Those emotions are surfacing again, Kafka, I can feel them. It's happening once more! This feeling...this..."
"Then unleash it—the Demonic Yin Body..." Kafka whispered softly.
Ahead, four figures were closing in on their location.
Silver Wolf rubbed her chin, marveling, "What a coincidence!"
"It feels like we've stumbled into another of Elio's scripts."
"Oh well..."
"You guys engage them; I'll check out the new character release."
"Eh, would you look at that! Isn't this our very own General Jing Yuan?"
Originally, Silver Wolf appeared lethargic. But upon seeing the newly added card pool, her eyes widened instantly, sparkling with excitement!
For her, the content of Honkai: Star Rail seemed far more intriguing than reality itself!
In Blade's view, everything around him merely served as background scenery. His focus was solely on Dan Heng!
"It's time to pay the price! The moment has come!"
"Look at yourself now!"
"Have you finally found the courage to confront your past?!"
"Holding Light Dragon Venerable."
"Drinking Moon Monarch!"
Blade, typically reserved and sparing with words, could not contain himself upon witnessing Dan Heng in this form. In these brief moments, he spoke more than he had in the entire previous year, each word resonating with forceful intensity!
In these brief minutes, he had spoken more than he had in the past year! His voice resonated with strength and conviction, reflecting his remarkably robust mental state.
Within The Shackling Prison, sensing the commotion from this direction, Jing Yuan, Yanqing, Luocha, and Jingliu hurried over as well. Their expressions were solemn, as if even the surrounding air had turned into ink, constantly churning, entangling, and clashing against itself.
Yanqing wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "[Yinyue-jun]..."
***
"I've heard of this notorious name."
"A traitor, committing heinous acts..."
"...abandoning Xianzhou and causing chaos."
"The sinner exiled for eternity."
"What has happened to Xianzhou today? How did so many dangerous criminals suddenly infiltrate?!?"
Now, Stelle understood why General Jing Yuan had initially chosen to let the Stellaron Hunters go.
It was impossible to apprehend them all—simply beyond reach!
Seeing Blade's excited expression, Dan Heng frowned and reiterated, "I've already told you and that woman numerous times... I am [Dan Heng]."
"My past holds no connection with your history."
"Dan Heng... Do you think by changing your appearance and identity, you can erase your past sins? You...you haven't even faced death..." Blade paused before declaring, "To make you experience this torment, [Dan Heng], I will ensure you know the agony of [death]!"
With these words, Blade instantly launched his attack.
Meanwhile, Dan Heng intercepted his Astral Express teammates, choosing to face the threat alone.
From afar, Stelle spotted Kafka, who responded with a gentle smile.
March 7th glanced at their own group and then at the opposing Stellaron Hunters. With some unease, she asked, "We don't have to fight them, right? I'm still sore from battling the Antimatter Legion just now."
"Relax," Stelle reassured her. "It's currently a phase of individual duels; we haven't reached the team battles yet."
Suddenly, Old Yang took a step forward, his expression turning grave as he noticed someone emerging from The Shackling Prison behind him—the man calling himself Luocha.
Luocha also lifted his head, sensing Old Yang's piercing gaze. Initially surprised, he remarked, "I believe we've never met before, Mr. Welt?"
"Why such intense hostility towards me?"
"You bear a striking resemblance to someone I once knew," Old Yang replied.
"Oh~" A realization dawned on Luocha's face.
"I suspect General Jing Yuan was referring to you as his friend, Mr. Welt."
"Cough... Jing Yuan?"
"General?" Luocha observed Jing Yuan's slightly uneasy expression and clarified, "General Jing Yuan, I assure you, I am not lying." As he spoke, Luocha prepared to show Jing Yuan the ornament in his hand.
He also intended to add, "General, it's true that my power originates from [Abundance]. However, like you, I am Yaoshi's enemy."
However, from Old Yang's perspective...
Luocha's movement resembled drawing a gun pointed at Jing Yuan.
Instantly, a chilling sensation surged down Old Yang's spine!
Garden of Eden, Zero-rated Power, activate!
Weren't we agreed on a one-on-one fight?! How come even steady Uncle Yang would suddenly join without warning?!
In mid-air,
besides the intertwining water dragon and blood-red glow,
now appeared additional emerald radiance and dark crimson lightning.
At that moment,
Jing Yuan stepped forward and commanded, "Yanqing, follow me."
"Yes, General."
The two swiftly positioned themselves directly in front of Kafka.
"Kafka, I had intended to let you all leave, but you've hesitated and lingered instead."
"And so?" Kafka looked at Jing Yuan with a sly expression.
"So now, you cannot depart anymore."
"With the assistance of the Astral Express Crew, bringing the Stellaron onto the Xianzhou is a grave offense for which you must answer!"
Upon hearing Jing Yuan's declaration, Yanqing's gaze immediately hardened, internally cheering, "Yes!"
Having previously suffered defeat at Kafka's hands, he was determined to regain his standing. With the General joining the fray, this presented the best opportunity yet to apprehend such a notorious criminal!
Kafka calmly responded, "What if I say... it wasn't me who brought the Stellaron aboard?"
"Then what purpose do you and your grandly conspicuous Stellaron Hunters serve by appearing here?" Yanqing interrogated.
"Sigh..."
Kafka let out a resigned breath. "It seems no matter what we say, you won't believe us."
"In that case, let's take action."
"The situation is chaotic enough already."
"Let us stoke the flames further."
"Silver Wolf..."
However, Silver Wolf nearby seemed oblivious to their conversation, fully engrossed in his Pull animation. He muttered angrily while drawing cards, "Why 'Predator's Gaze' again? Who keeps releasing 'Resolution'?!"
Kafka remained silent for a moment before speaking up.
"Silver Wolf, lend me a hand."
"I'm busy drawing cards, don't disturb."
"I don't need you to fight; just help me switch the game stream's display."
"Oh, sure." With casual taps on his wrist device, Silver Wolf complied.
Before Yu Jingyuan and Yanqing's eyes, Little Gui Zi's live stream appeared on their screens.
"Please take a look, gentlemen."
"In this game's storyline, I've already been captured by you, and Grand Diviner Fu Xuan is about to use the Indigent Observation Formation to discern my true intentions."
"Even if you don't trust me, the content of 'Starry Sky Railroad' speaks for itself."
"Now, we can finally clarify whether our actions have any connection to Xianzhou's calamity, right?"
Within Little Gui Zi's livestream, Guinaifen had no idea how many people were currently following her story progression.
And unbeknownst to her, the game's unfolding events were determining the very fate of what lies ahead!
Guinaifen let out a long sigh. "Phew, finally completed the restart of the three major array foundations for the Indigent Observation Formation."
"By the way, isn't this the Divination Commission? Why do they even make us handle tasks like these?!"
In response, a viewer named "[Playing with Fate]" immediately commented, "Tell me about it!"
"In the game's storyline, even the Grand Diviner was so lazy, delegating all work to subordinates. It must be even worse in reality!"
"I suggest a thorough investigation of the Grand Diviner! We need to alleviate the burden on the Divination Commission staff!"
"Reduce working hours! Increase paid vacation time!"
As these comments surfaced, numerous viewers chimed in with agreement.
However, only [Heartless Divination Machine], still atop the gift leaderboard, expressed dissent:
"I think the Grand Diviner is quite commendable! Although strict with subordinates, it's clearly aimed at fostering their growth, hoping they become pillars of support..."
Following [Heartless Divination Machine]'s lead, some supporters of the Grand Diviner also emerged.
"You're right, Fu Xuan is adorable! Whatever cute girls say must be correct!"
"Fu Xuan-sama truly embodies humility and politeness, showing respect to others and handling tasks with great composure, never looking down upon anyone."
Task accomplished.
Objective: Return to the formation center.
Fu Xuan: "Well done, everyone. I can now sense that the talismans of the Indigent Observation Formation have been reactivated."
"Next, I will interrogate Kafka. Those positioned at the formation's heart might experience... certain impacts."
Upon Fu Xuan's command,
Kafka was escorted to the scene by the Cloud Knights.
"Was such a grand display necessary? I did mention I would cooperate," Kafka spoke.
Instantly, the chat quietened significantly as soon as Kafka appeared.
However...
Just as the viewers were eager to closely admire Kafka's striking appearance,
they suddenly noticed something odd!
The Kafka appearing in this scene seemed slightly different from usual!
"What's happening?! Why does Mama Kafka suddenly have visible pupils?"
"Not only can we see her pupils now, but the sunglasses on her forehead and the coat draped over her shoulders are gone too! Is this... a fake Kafka perhaps?"
"No way, do you think the culprit would have time to dress up with colored contacts?"
"Wahh, Mom, you've suffered so much!"
"Her original eyes look so gentle..."
"Holy shit! Kafka without makeup looks incredibly pure!"
This dramatic scene was captured by countless viewers pausing and taking screenshots.
Outside The Shackling Prison, however, unfolded a peculiar mix of chaos and harmony, tranquility yet eeriness!
Dan Heng battled Blade, while Old Yang fought Luocha.
A kaleidoscope of dazzling effects filled the air, with occasional glimpses of water dragons, coffins, black holes, and other extraordinary phenomena—a spectacle akin to celestial beings clashing!
Below them,
Silver Wolf sat alongside March 7th, Stelle, and Yanqing. Kafka, Jingliu, and Jing Yuan stood behind, resembling concerned guardians.
Together, they watched the live stream of Honkai: Star Rail in a seemingly harmonious and amicable atmosphere!
Each one had a promising future ahead...
Seeing Kafka's natural appearance without makeup, March 7th couldn't resist comparing it mentally. She asked curiously, "What brand of colored contacts do you use? They seem so seamless! Even during battles, they don't hinder your vision?"
Kafka smiled, "Sure, we can exchange contact information later, and I'll send you the link."
"Great!"
Returning to the plot—
Fu Xuan addressed the restrained Kafka, "As a wanted criminal skilled in manipulating hearts through Word Spirit techniques, this venerable one has no interest in your words.
"You may say whatever you wish, but I will only trust the divinations of the Matrix of Prescience.
"The Divination Commission has its own methods to extract the truth from you, far more than mere speech can reveal."
Kafka nodded slightly. "Then let Belgrandia bear witness to my fate."
As she was escorted to the center of the Matrix of Prescience, Fu Xuan began the calculations.
An invisible force lifted Kafka into the air.
Despite being under interrogation, a fearless smile lingered at the corner of her lips.
In contrast, Fu Xuan, conducting the interrogation, displayed signs of terror—almost as if their roles had been reversed!
"Buzz!"
The divination with the Matrix of Prescience concluded.
Fu Xuan involuntarily stumbled back several steps, seemingly having glimpsed an unimaginable truth.
"You... all for this?"
"For something like this?"
"How about it? Do you like this truth?" Kafka asked with a smile.
"Incredible..." Fu Xuan murmured, "...but the Matrix of Prescience never errs."
After expressing his astonishment, Fu Xuan turned to gaze at the Astral Express Crew. "Kafka has no connection to the Stellaron; rather, it's you... It was actually you..."
"Hah! Absurd! How could such a thing be possible..."
At that moment, the plot had reached its most critical juncture.
However, Fu Xuan chose to become cryptic, akin to The Riddlers. "Ask her yourselves—take as much time as you want. This venerable one must immediately report to the General and cannot spare any further attention!"
Witnessing this, even Jing Yuan couldn't help but let out a frustrated "tsk" and remarked, "Fu Qing still won't clarify, even at this crucial point."
"Well then, does the General now believe our innocence regarding the Stellaron?" Kafka questioned.
"While you may not be directly connected to the Stellaron, your true intentions remain undisclosed."
"It seems they'll need more time over there. Since it's such a rare opportunity, let's continue watching."
"Sure."
And so, like a close-knit family of six, they gathered together to observe the unfolding scene.
Now, it was the protagonist's turn to initiate dialogue.
Kafka, unadorned, appeared on the screen from a first-person perspective, her movements restricted. Yet, her confident and composed demeanor remained unchanged.
"Hi, Stelle."
"You... haven't changed much."
"I'm truly embarrassed that you have to see me in such a disheveled state."
[Don't pretend we're familiar.]
[Are you alright? Any injuries?]
[Your appearance looks fine... not disheveled at all.]
Among these three options, Little Gui pondered briefly before placing his finger on the first choice. However, he then exclaimed loudly, "Seriously, who would choose the first option?! Ahhh!"
"Heavens! She's absolutely stunning!"
"So gentle—how could anyone resist falling for her?!"
On the screen, Kafka smiled warmly.
[Are you alright? Any injuries?]
"Are you concerned about me? I'm perfectly fine; Xianzhou has always treated its captives with courtesy."
"On the train, I didn't speak to you because I knew from the start that here, we would have this private conversation. So I thought, why not save everything for this moment? It seems you have many questions you wish to ask."
What did Fu Xuan see?
"...Elio said he foresaw three questions, but essentially they all pertain to the same issue. If I heard any one of them, I was to reveal our purpose in full detail to you," she continued.
"Since you've asked one of those three questions, it indicates that everything has proceeded smoothly. Are you ready to hear my answer?"
"The chaos surrounding Xianzhou's Stellaron does not directly involve us. However, if viewed from Elio's perspective, it cannot be claimed that the Stellaron Hunters are entirely innocent. We had foreseen all this long ago but remained indifferent, only intervening when the opportune moment arrived."
"Grand Diviner Fu's surprise stemmed from uncovering three truths: First, the Stellaron Hunters are not enemies of Xianzhou, as you already know—though you remain unconvinced."
"Secondly, someone else brought the Stellaron onto the Xianzhou and activated it. This involves both internal strife and external threats. Traitors within Luofu and enemies from outside sought to overthrow the Xianzhou. Belgrandia's haste to find the General was likely to convey this very information."
"But, Belgrandia only knew as much as Elio had shared with me. He foresaw that the Divination Commission would employ the Matrix of Prescience against me. To prevent any unforeseen complications, I disclosed only what the Xianzhou Alliance should know at this time."
The conversation concluded.
Yanqing was utterly astounded!
The Stellaron Hunters had no connection to the Stellaron disaster on the Xianzhou?!
Had it not been for the game content of Honkai: Star Rail unfolding before his eyes, he never would have believed that the Stellaron Hunters' arrival truly harbored no sinister plot!
Are you here just for sightseeing?
At that moment, an explanation for the Stellaron Hunters' actions finally emerged:
"As for the third fact, I fear the Xianzhou Alliance couldn't even dream of... Ha ha. The third fact is: If the Stellaron Hunters aren't behind all these events, then why did Bladie and I appear here?"
"—for your sake."
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