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By the time Little Gui clicked into the video, over 100,000 viewers had already tuned in live!
"It's barely been released!"
"I clicked on it right away as soon as I received the notification."
"Your reaction speed is insane!"
Even with the initial black screen, real-time comments flooded in relentlessly.
"Ah?"
"I've been lurking on Feathered Spirit's account all this time—finally caught it!"
"I'm March 7th, here to witness Dan Heng's past!"
"I'm the Trailblazer, here to observe Dan Heng's history!"
"A Luofu City resident come to spectate!"
"A veteran from the era of the High-Cloud Quintet, fulfilling my wish to watch!"
"I am Dan Heng, checking out my own promotional video!"
At that moment, March 7 and her companions also received the notification.
Quickly, March 7 rushed to secure a spot among the early viewers. She gleefully left her name as a comment, only to be followed by a swarm of copycat messages with various flashy and colorful chat bubbles.
Her own comment got drowned amidst them, much to her frustration, pouting indignantly.
"When will Feathered Spirit finally verify me? The real March 7th isn't even as popular online as those fake ones!"
Dan Heng interjected, "March, quiet down, the main video is starting."
March 7 composed herself and focused on the screen.
"That's...the statue of the High Elder?"
The first scene indeed showed the statue of the High Elder within Scalegorge Waterscape.
Just as everyone anticipated it would seamlessly connect to the ongoing main storyline...
Below the statue, four hands raised their cups in celebration.
"Cheers!" came distinct voices—some cool, some indifferent, others lively or confident.
Then, the full figures of these four individuals appeared on the screen.
In that moment, as all four figures appeared together on screen:
Dan Heng's mouth dropped open in astonishment.
March 7th and Stelle wore expressions of sheer surprise!
Ahead,
Jing Yuan, Jingliu, and Blade...
All three were instantly stunned, involuntarily halting their steps.
"This voice..."
Jingliu swiftly removed her black blindfold and materialized behind March 7th and Stelle. Upon seeing the content projected, her pupils slightly contracted.
"Indeed...it's from that time..." she murmured.
Simultaneously, Jing Yuan and Blade joined to watch alongside them. As they took in the scene, each briefly seemed lost in thought!
Within the projection, from left to right: there was Jing Yuan, holding his wine cup with a faint smile gracing his lips; Jingliu, expression serene as she sipped her drink; Bai Heng, face beaming with delight and a goofy grin; and Ying Xing, feigning indifference yet willingly joining in the toast.
Sunlight streamed through gaps, casting upon their faces. The image radiated warmth, capturing a tranquil moment frozen in time.
"I really love this line from Honkai: Star Rail fans..."
"Huh?"
"It's a 'Thunderous Opening' moment!"
"Is that the High-Cloud Quintet? It must be them, right?"
"The one on the far right is Blade, isn't it?! But he looks much older than now! Is his hair already turning white?"
"And this fox maiden is also part of the High-Cloud Quintet! How adorable..."
The High-Cloud Quintet stood together.
It was evident that this footage depicted events from the past, not the present.
Jing Yuan, Jingliu, and Blade momentarily appeared stunned but swiftly regained their composure—or at least, they managed to do so outwardly. Without uttering a word, they continued watching the video intently.
"Ying Xing, don't furrow your brow like that," Bai Heng gently chided in a casual tone. "And Imbibitor Lunae, why not smile?"
Initially, the trio had composed themselves. However, upon hearing Bai Heng's lively voice, they found it difficult to maintain their calm once more. Jingliu's fists clenched slightly, while Blade seemed agitated, resting his forehead against one hand. Even March 7th hesitated, fearing movement might trigger something, muttering inwardly, "Are these two on the verge of a Mara-Struck episode..."
Fortunately, Jing Yuan's voice interjected just in time:
"Bai Heng, let them be," he said. "They're still preoccupied with their previous match against Jingliu."
Jingliu spoke up, "Care for another bout? I'd gladly accept."
As petals drifted down, the scene shifted. The four figures turned towards where Imbibitor Lunae would have been standing.
But instead of the Imbibitor Lunae from those days, it was Dan Heng, recalling memories of the past as he paid tribute here. He took a sip from the cup in his hand and then poured its contents onto the stone slab beneath his feet.
Dan Heng gazed at the statue of the High Elder, revealing a contented smile.
This unexpected moment left all the players astonished!
"So Jingliu had such a tender side after all."
"Is this from their time as the High-Cloud Quintet?"
"They seem so close!"
"Bai Heng is adorable—where is she now? Will she be added to the card pool later?"
"Mystery solved! Blade is Ying Xing! But wasn't Ying Xing from a short-lived race? How did he end up like this?"
"I can already envision a heartwarming tale of brotherly bond and camaraderie!"
"Just seeing this scene compared to how things are now makes me want to cry T_T"
After commemorating his past companion from Imbibitor Lunae's perspective,
Dan Heng closed his eyes.
It seemed as if he intended to draw a pause on these memories of the past.
He turned away from the High Elder's statue.
However!
Just as his back faced the statue,
a multitude of shadows suddenly chased towards him from the sky behind.
In mere moments!
They enveloped the entire landscape!
What was once clear weather now plunged into utter darkness.
The atmosphere instantly shifted from sunlit serenity to chilling brutality!
Dan Heng's expression changed abruptly.
And beneath his feet,
a vast surge of seawater began to rise!
Dan Heng had yet to fully comprehend what was happening.
A gleaming bayonet pressed against his neck from behind!
"What the hell is happening?!"
"Dan Heng couldn't even react—just who is this formidable expert?"
"With such a terrifying presence, could it be another Destruction Monarch seeking revenge for Phantylia?"
"There's an enemy! Call Jing Yuan!"
However, when everyone saw the identity of the enemy behind them, chaos erupted instantly!
The shock was so profound that no one could even manage to send further comments!
This figure bore similarities to Dan Heng's features but had distinctive diamond-shaped eyes, sharper than the tip of a spear itself. His aura radiated icy coldness, akin to a vengeful ghost.
The dragon horns atop his head and intricate details of his attire revealed his identity: the previous Vidyadhara High Elder—
Imbibitor Lunae!
Dan Feng!
"How long do you plan to keep running?" Dan Feng questioned icily.
Dan Heng closed his eyes and softly replied, "It's time for me to leave."
"Leave?"
Dan Feng's response sounded like he'd heard a joke. He continued, "Though vast, the star sea holds no relevance for us now."
A struggle flickered across Dan Heng's face.
Yet, Dan Feng showed neither courtesy nor mercy. With the spearpoint directly under Dan Heng's chin, he forced him to face himself, expressionless as if a relentless specter.
"The legacy of the High Elder," he declared emotionlessly, "endures forevermore."
"Bloody hell!" "Like the enduring Gǔhǎi Sea, unchanging through millennia."
"Damn, can someone explain what's happening here?!"
"Has Dan Feng been resurrected? Or is this just his spirit?"
"Is he planning to seize control of Dan Heng's physical body?"
"Holy crap, Imbibitor Lunae is so ruthless! In comparison, the little azure dragon really seems quite innocent."
Even Dan Heng seemed taken aback by witnessing this scene unfold within the video. His gaze turned solemn, reflecting the image of Dan Feng. As if, the events unfolding on screen mirrored his own experiences over countless days and nights!
Beside him, Jingliu let out a subtle sigh. She knew well that the Imbibitor Lunae depicted in the video was not the true Imbibitor Lunae. The defiant Dan Feng and the resolute Imbibitor Lunae—how could they possibly impose the burden of High Elder upon their reincarnation's shoulders?
This shadow bearing Dan Feng's appearance was merely a manifestation of Dan Heng's inner demons.
However, she too wished to observe what would transpire next. How would Dan Heng, the current incarnation of the Imbibitor Lunae, confront this obsession and make his choice?
Following Dan Feng's proclamation-like words, Dan Heng appeared visibly shaken! Clenching his jaw tightly, expressions of pain and struggle flickered across his face. He then shouted vehemently, "That's your past!"
"No."
Dan Feng's voice was not loud but firmly restrained Dan Heng.
The spear tip remained pressed against his neck.
"As the reincarnation of the High Elder,
"You mirror my existence.
"The sins of your past life must be atoned for in this present one."
Dan Heng's pupils widened instantly.
He extended his fingers, summoning the Striking Clouds Spear into his hand and swiftly deflecting Dan Feng's weapon aside.
"I... am not you!"
In a swift motion, Dan Feng retreated a considerable distance and coldly declared, "If you defy clan rules, your lineage will be severed."
"Forever condemned to oblivion, with no redemption!"
Dan Feng raised his right hand, illuminating golden specks of light behind him. Each speck launched a razor-sharp lance, tearing through the air as if aiming to impale Dan Heng onto pillars!
Undeterred, Dan Heng charged forward, wielding Striking Clouds to swat away all the lances! Finally, he reached Dan Feng!
However, Dan Feng appeared composed and unflustered, effortlessly repelling Dan Heng with just two strikes. With a single palm thrust, behind him, a massive wave surged forth.
Instantly, massive waves surged upwards!
Dan Feng rode atop a spiraling whirlpool of seawater, ascending high into the sky. From this elevated position, she gazed down at Dan Heng as if embodying a lofty Judge, pronouncing his crimes.
"Convict Dan Heng, obstinate and defiant."
"He shall suffer eternal punishment!"
Even March 7th couldn't bear to watch anymore and blurted out, "That wasn't even your fault! Why should our Dan Heng be imprisoned for it?"
On the sidelines, Blade remained silent, but internally, he felt deeply conflicted. Witnessing the person he had relentlessly pursued being tormented caused him immense anguish.
Suddenly, Blade realized that perhaps this individual was not truly "him"... In that moment, the pursuit seemed to lose its significance.
Just then, a familiar voice echoed through the scene - the same words Blade uttered each time he chased Dan Heng:
"You have nowhere to run."
However, this time, the words were not spoken by Blade himself, but by the imagined enemy, Imbibitor Lunae.
Blade thought, if Dan Heng were to fall here against this fantasy version of Imbibitor Lunae, it might be better for him to end Dan Heng's life personally. This could potentially spare some suffering.
The final decision would depend on how events unfolded next.
Massive waves encircled Dan Heng.
Within the shadows of water,
vicious dragons swam relentlessly.
Behind Dan Feng,
A torrent of dragons surged forth.
Their immense power instantly struck Dan Heng, plunging him beneath the sea surface.
He continuously descended into the abyssal depths.
Dan Heng seemed to have given up.
Exhausted and weary, he futilely waved his hand forward, attempting to grasp something, only to create circles of empty bubbles dissipating around him.
The surrounding darkness grew increasingly dense.
Amidst this black veil, a figure emerged:
It was... Jing Yuan, expressionless.
Like a machine devoid of emotions, he read aloud from the decree in his hands:
"Convicted criminal Dan Feng, guilty of ten grave offenses."
"In consideration of past merits, scales shall be shed for the samsara cycle."
"Banished beyond the realm, never to return for all eternity."
As Jing Yuan finished reading, Jingliu's interrogative voice followed:
"Why did you persist so stubbornly?!"
Then came the voice of Elder Chagming:
"Hand over the 'Dragon Transformation Secret Art,' and the dragon masters may spare your life."
"Lord Dan Feng, why would you do this?!"
Lastly,
it was Blade's voice:
"All of this is because of you."
Everyone present fell silent.
Jing Yuan lifted his head and let out a sigh.
Jingliu and Blade's expressions also appeared deeply somber.
Indeed, these were words they had spoken before.
However, the person standing before them now was not Dan Feng.
Through this brief video, everything experienced by Dan Heng was presented from his perspective. It evoked a profound sense of injustice in fate.
March 7th was completely overwhelmed with tears. She wiped them away using Stelle's sleeve and choked back sobs, exclaiming, "He is Dan Heng, The Nameless on the train, not the Dan Feng you keep mentioning!"
Dan Heng's expression faltered, with a glimmer flickering in his eyes. "Thank you..."
The screen went entirely dark.
Yet, seemingly responding to March 7th's plea, more content reappeared on the display.
Once again, it showed empty bubbles. However, within these bubbles were memories belonging to Dan Heng.
In the first bubble, Himeko and Welt emerged, both smiling warmly as they looked directly at him.
Himeko spoke, "From today onwards, you're officially part of the train crew."
In the second bubble appeared March 7th and Stelle.
March grinned and said, "Dan Heng, the rest is up to you."
The third bubble showed Conductor Pom-Pom.
"Stay alert! The warp is about to begin, Pom!"
Dan Heng abruptly jolted awake!
With all his might, he swam towards the light on the sea's surface.
"That's right,"
"You represent my past."
"But you."
"Are absolutely not my future!" Dan Heng roared furiously as he broke through the water's surface.
Golden light, like the sun itself, dispersed the gloom enveloping this space!
Even Dan Feng displayed a look of astonishment!
"I will forge..."
"My own path!"
March 7th and Stelle were utterly stunned! They had never seen Dan Heng so impassioned before. Regardless of how challenging the situation, he would only express concern with a somber tone, never raising his voice above twenty decibels. Yet at that moment, he let out a thunderous shout!
This scene deeply shook both the players witnessing it live and those watching remotely!
"The Astral Express Crew will always stand together!"
"I'll forge my own path!"
"Damn, why am I tearing up all of a sudden?"
"The true essence of Trailblazing!"
"My destiny lies amidst the stars!"
"Waaaaah, Dan Heng-sensei is forever part of the Astral Express Crew!"
"Oh no, this scene is too beautiful! Aaaaah!"
"Stubborn to the end." Dan Feng once again commanded his water dragon, launching another attack at Dan Heng in mid-air.
This time, however...
Dan Heng no longer feared his own power or his past. A pair of dragon horns emerged from his forehead, and his hair instantly lengthened. Embracing the strength of the High Elder, he transformed into Imbibitor Lunae—his true form!
The menacing dragon unexpectedly morphed into Dan Heng's water dragon, circling around him protectively! With his spear pointed downward—
Dan Feng watched incredulously as this unfolded before him.
Yet when the water dragon descended, it did not disperse Dan Feng's figure. Instead, it swept past him, dissipating into mist.
Both combatants returned beneath the statue of the High Elder, now standing back-to-back.
A gentle rain began to fall from the sky.
Soon after,
the dark clouds dispersed, allowing sunlight to stream through once more.
The sharp contours on Dan Feng's face seemed to soften significantly. Taking a deep breath, he said, "Then...let's leave this place behind."
"Don't look back."
With those words, his figure dissolved into a shower of golden light, vanishing completely.
Dan Heng stood momentarily stunned, then a hint of reconciliation curved the corners of his lips.
At that moment,
March 7th's voice chimed in, "Dan Heng, what're you daydreaming about?"
"Huh?"
"It's rare to see you smile."
"Smile again, say cheese!"
Expressionless, Dan Heng obliged with a perfunctory thumbs-up gesture.
Stelle joined them, eager to witness the scene.
Welt took a glance at the photo, chuckled, and asked, "Did something remind you of the past?"
"Just some old memories."
"Oh come on, don't be so mysterious."
"Tell me quickly, come on!"
"Haha, March, let Dan Heng have some peace."
The sky was filled with countless stars.
A fleeting silhouette of a train flashed across it.
With this scene, the video clip came to an end.
As the protagonist of the footage, Dan Heng stood frozen, unable to fully comprehend what he had just witnessed.
During the Sea Opening Ceremony earlier, fragments of the High Elder's memories were awakened within him. Indeed, there were moments akin to battling his inner demons, similar to those depicted in the video. However, they felt ephemeral, almost like glimpses from a dream.
But this video presented the entire process in vivid detail, offering Dan Heng a profound realization about the path he had chosen!
His hands clenched and then relaxed. He couldn't fathom how Feathered Spirit managed to so accurately capture the internal struggle within him. Yet, without a doubt, these scenes and videos strengthened his resolve even further.
It seemed...the impact of the game and its associated videos extended far beyond what he initially anticipated.
Jing Yuan gently patted his shoulder and said sincerely, "Reconciling with oneself is always the most romantic journey."
"Thank you, Jing Yuan."
"It's nothing, just expressing my feelings after watching the video," Jing Yuan replied. "Although Imbibitor Lunae no longer exists, Dan Heng, I'm truly glad to have made a new friend like you."
Dan Heng nodded.
Their handshake moment was successfully captured by March 7th's candid photography.
At that moment, Blade appeared beside Dan Heng. With arms crossed and a nonchalant tone, he said, "Dan Heng... you're not bad."
"But there's still a long way to go before you can truly step out of his shadow."
"I'll be keeping a close eye on you."
Dan Heng gently rubbed his forehead, somewhat exasperated.
In reality, this interaction was already much improved compared to their past encounters. At least Blade no longer immediately unleashed his Mara-Struck frenzy upon meeting him.
Jingliu draped the black veil back over her face.
"Right or wrong, truth or falsehood, I no longer wish to discuss these matters," she stated. "Let us proceed to the Alchemy Commission together now."
"Oh, remember to buy some fine wine—but wait, isn't [she] too young to drink?" Jingliu added with a hint of concern.