Note: Sorry no internet for the past 3 days... and then I remember I have WiFi on my motherboard and can just use my mobile data lol... but I guess this is much better for you guys, since its +5.
Anyway, happy reading!
~~~~~~
Chapter 398: The massive influence of Honkai: Star Rail! March 7th's new form is about to unlock!
"Uh…"
"Why are these players more anxious than I am?"
Feixiao didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
Just a day ago, most players in the universe didn't even know what kind of person Feixiao was.
But now, through the livestream preview and the main trailblaze mission, these players all seemed to have become her close, lifelong friends!
They practically wanted to search the entire universe just to find a cure for her!
Is this the sheer influence of Honkai: Star Rail?
At this moment, her in-game self spoke.
Her expression was calm, yet carried a hint of earnestness.
She said, "Jiaoqiu, life and death are destined."
"Since the day I joined the military, I made a vow. For the rest of my life, I will be the vanguard arrow of the Xianzhou, piercing through the Abundance Abominations."
She spoke these words softly, yet they carried an extraordinary weight!
The background music swelled in an instant!
The drumbeats commenced!
The vocals soared!
The background suddenly shifted.
The Feixiao on screen stood upon a battlefield.
Broken iron swords, tattered military banners… all evidence of the cruelty of the battle.
Yet Feixiao stood tall right in the center of the battlefield.
Looking up at the sky, she pointed a hand toward a brilliant meteor streaking across the heavens!
"As long as I can fulfill this wish, I don't care how much longer I have left to live."
***
"Th-This is the Reignbow's Lightarrow, right?!"
"'Before Seeing That Light Again'!"
"As expected of those personally selected by the Reignbow Arbiter. The Seven Arbiter-Generals are all so full of character! You can't help but absolutely love them!"
"Feixiao is so powerful and free-spirited. I want to pull for her!"
"This isn't her trying to look cool or complaining. She's actually putting her words into action!"
"A true woman among women, a general among generals!"
"Too cool! I never imagined a Foxian could be this cool, this strong, and this elegant!"
***
The brief flashback faded.
Feixiao turned around.
She said to Jiaoqiu, "You just said I view Jing Yuan as an enemy… No, my only enemy has always been myself."
She managed to show off again!
Jiaoqiu froze for a moment, seemingly trying to think of something to say to play along with the General.
Then, Moze asked with a deadpan, serious face, "Eat something good… So, what are we having for dinner?"
"You… do you even know how to read the room?"
Jiaoqiu's eyes snapped open as he glared at Moze.
Feixiao didn't mind.
"You two figure it out yourselves. I have an appointment with an old comrade-in-arms I haven't seen in years."
***
"?"
"I can't hold it in."
"Is Moze just waiting to attend Feixiao's funeral feast? [ doge ]"
"Since it's come to this, let's eat first."
"Isn't this literally me?"
"Was his personality always like this?"
"Moze's character is collapsing [ laughing ]"
"Alright, from now on, you're Star Rail's food-obsessed bro."
***
On the Astral Express.
"Where is my new form? Where is my new form?!"
March 7th seemed to have gone mad, muttering to herself for quite a while.
Stelle walked over, patted her shoulder, and teased, "Are you having a withdrawal symptom?"
"No!" March 7th said with an excited face. "It's been so long in the story!"
"Where is the promised new form for March 7th?"
"I've been looking forward to this ever since the version update and the main story started!"
"But after all this time, there's been absolutely no sign of it."
"Was that 'genius rookie swordmaster' stuff from the preview just a hoax?"
"Ugh, Feathered Spirit, you're so evil!"
"…"
Stelle didn't even know how to comfort her for a moment.
She could tell that March 7th really cared about this.
"It's fine, believe in Feathered Spirit!"
"Besides, not that much time has passed in the story, right?"
"Hoolay hasn't even started his prison break yet."
March 7th's shoulders slumped instantly.
"Uh…"
"You have a point."
They continued watching the story.
After helping Yanqing complete the task assigned by Jing Yuan, the Express crew arrived at the Seat of Divine Foresight.
This time, they were personally invited by Jing Yuan. The Express crew served as third-party witnesses.
Entering the main hall, they saw Jing Yuan conversing with Huaiyan on the grand, majestic platform.
"Earlier at the Palace of Astrum, I introduced the guests of the Astral Express to Master Huaiyan. However, it was noisy and crowded then, so we could only exchange pleasantries. Now, I formally introduce the three of them to Master Huaiyan."
Saying this, Jing Yuan looked at the three Express members who had just arrived.
"These three braved great dangers to accompany me into deadly perils, expelling the main culprit Phantylia and exposing the conspiracy of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. If Master Huaiyan wishes to know any details, please feel free to ask."
Huaiyan gently stroked his goatee and spoke, "Regarding the rebirth of the Ambrosial Arbor, I have read all the reports submitted by Diviner Fu Xuan to the Alliance. She was also summoned to Yuque for questioning because of this. The Alliance has many doubts regarding this matter…"
"…But, I trust you."
Beneath the bamboo hat, a pair of old yet bright eyes looked at Jing Yuan.
Huaiyan continued:
"Since you joined the military, you have repeatedly achieved extraordinary feats. After the High-Cloud Quintet disbanded, despite the many criticisms against you within the Alliance, the Marshal still overrode all objections to entrust the Luofu to you."
"Over the years, you have exhausted your loyalty and wisdom for the Alliance. Thwarting the abominations of Thalassa, lifting the siege of the Yuque, destroying the demonic star summoned by the Denizens of Abundance… I still remember all of these in the past great wars."
"Some pests doubt your loyalty and assume you are foolish and senile. They love to see the Divine Foresight fail because it is in their nature. Lacking any achievements of their own, they only long to witness the failures of others as nourishment to keep themselves alive."
***
"As expected of General Huaiyan! Those words are so sharp!"
"Well said!"
"The Marshal overrode all objections, and Jing Yuan really did not fail the Xianzhou Alliance!"
"Like a cloud shielding the sky, protecting the Xianzhou!!"
"This line is destined to be written into the textbooks!"
"This brings tears to my eyes… The old General knows how hard it has been for Jing Yuan…"
"General Huaiyan is practically a Jing Yuan fanboy here?"
***
Both Stelle and March 7th were amazed by Huaiyan's words.
This old General didn't have many scenes, but every time he spoke seriously, his attitude always commanded deep respect!
He was a true wise man!
Beside them, Dan Heng's lips curled up slightly.
He felt happy for the recognition Jing Yuan was receiving.
Wasn't he himself once like this?
He used to only live as the shadow of Imbibitor Lunae, exiled by the Xianzhou and hunted by enemies.
But now, through the story of Honkai: Star Rail, the gaze of countless players across the universe saw clearly:
He was not Dan Feng.
He was a Nameless—Dan Heng!
The developer of Star Rail, Feathered Spirit… He had resolved so many misunderstandings and regrets for this world!
He was truly making this universe a better place.
Suddenly, a scream broke Dan Heng's train of thought!
"AHHH!!!"
"IT'S COMING!!!"
It was March 7th.
She was pointing excitedly at the screen.
It seemed the latest plot had finally shifted its focus to her.
Dan Heng also looked at the screen.
Huaiyan said, "Just now, I saw Miss March here was quite interested in the sword duel between you two. Why don't you two teach her the basics of swordplay?"
Stelle nodded. "This way, I won't have to worry about you shooting me in the butt every time."
"I've always had great aim!"
***
"March: Danger!"
"March 7th: It's over, I'm never going to spectate drama casually again!"
"New form about to be unlocked!"
"The Astral Express's Sword Champion, March 7th!"
"From zero basis to six feet under."
"Case closed, this is our genius rookie swordmaster March 7th!"
"Is March 7th finally becoming a 5-star character…?"
"Curious about what her skill effects look like!"
"I hope Feathered Spirit makes March look super cool. She's usually way too silly…"
***