: Huh? The new episode is already out?
: The cover has a beautiful big sister I don't recognize! Whoa! Is she the new general?
--------------------------------------------
: There are new Xianzhou characters!
: A new episode about going back to the Xianzhou! I'm a bit excited!
: The generals have gathered, something big must be about to happen!
: Could it be they're going to send troops against Destruction? I remember Phantylia, whom they repelled back then, and the comment that the Aeon of Hunt only does the talking with Lux Arrows.
...
Fans collectively grew excited. It had been some time since the Luofu storyline ended.
They originally thought it would be a long time before they could see the developments on the Xianzhou side.
Unexpectedly, MiHoYo served it up again so soon.
Impatient fans eagerly clicked on today's main episode.
After the logo ended.
The scene cut to inside the Express.
Himeko and Welt were looking at a letter Jing Yuan had just sent.
"In some time, the Luofu will hold a celebration ceremony called [Luminary Wardance]."
"You have all helped the Luofu overcome disasters and are good friends of the Interastral Peace Corporation."
"Here, Jing Yuan, on behalf of the Xianzhou Luofu, sincerely invites you to come for sightseeing; please do honor us with your presence."
The virtual Jing Yuan disappeared after delivering the message.
Himeko and Welt looked at each other.
The general personally invited them, and he was so polite.
It was really hard to refuse.
"It sure is lively, just got free from the Family's 'Charmony Festival,' and so soon there's a new plot."
Himeko looked at the three youngsters: "Well? Interested?"
March 7th pouted nervously and said with concern: "I'm already desensitized to the words 'grand event.'"
"Hope there's no Monday or Friday popping up…"
Himeko helplessly said: "It won't be that ridiculous."
March 7th still felt uneasy and said: "But if we keep going to events, won't it seem like we're neglecting our proper duties? The Expres's real mission should be Trailblazing the star map and collecting navigation data, and doing some serious scientific exploration work."
Dan Heng suddenly spoke up from the side: "Why don't you stay? We'll go?"
March 7th glared at Dan Heng, put her hands on her hips, and said: "I, I never said I wasn't going!"
Himeko and Welt both laughed.
They understood that March's reluctance was just her personality.
The intention was enough, fuel issues were something for the adults to worry about.
Then, during the Nameless' conversation.
The "official" purpose of the Xianzhou's invitation was also revealed.
The Luminary Wardance Ceremony, unlike the Charmony Festival which hid many secrets, was simply a festival set up to commemorate the Cloud Knights's fight against the Denizens of Abundance.
Aside from the Star Skiff cruise performances before and after the ceremony, the main attraction was the duels in the competition arena.
...
: Well, after overcoming a great disaster, holding a festival to show a new atmosphere is also good.
: Guess they want to take the opportunity to revitalize the Luofu?
: Looks like General Jing Yuan's idea, maybe this time the Nameless are really just going for tourism.
: Showing more of Luofu's culture is nice too!
: The sword-fighting contest is the reason for inviting other Xianzhou, because the sword arena needs competitors?
: But I'm still worried about the fuel issue, didn't they say there's not much left? With a few round trips like this, if we go to Amphoreus, can we even make it back…
: Don't worry, leave everything to Himeko and Pom-Pom.
...
Regarding the purpose of the Luminary Wardance Ceremony, the audience's guesses were pretty close.
And they were also looking forward to seeing the new white-haired big sister.
Then on screen.
Welt and Himeko also discussed this issue.
Welt's opinion was simple.
They had already agreed to go to Amphoreus for Black Swan to replenish fuel.
But the fuel was already running low, short trips along the existing Silver Tracks, like from Penacony to Xianzhou, were fine.
But going to Amphoreus, an unfamiliar world, meant the Express could very well break down after just one trip.
Without fuel reserves, they wouldn't be able to respond effectively to crises.
Himeko's view was different.
"Time isn't exactly tight."
"This Trailblazing journey to Amphoreus is special."
"Before heading to the next destination, the Express should also make proper preparations and supplies."
Himeko looked at Welt and said seriously: "Since Madam Herta has acted as a go-between, I originally planned to, before going to Amphoreus, bring back the Leviathan fossils' from the depths of Calenga Abyss for Ms. Ruan Mei, as a favor exchange."
Hearing this, March 7th, who had just been worried about the ceremony, now looked disappointed:
"So… that means we can't go to the Luofu now."
Her pitiful expression made Himeko laugh.
"Little March, maintaining relationships is a small price every adult must pay in life."
Himeko gently explained: "Since the Luofu Xianzhou has extended an invitation, as friends, of course we should accept."
"But I have my relationships and favors to maintain."
"You have yours, and that's not in conflict."
Luofu was a place where March 7th and Dan Heng had their bonds and friendships.
Those bonds would ferment over the years and become their own connections.
Meanwhile, to give the Express more support in the future, Himeko had to help Ruan Mei.
A request from a member of the Genius Society was worth the personal attention of a Trailblazer.
You help me, I help you. Face, favors, and appearances, these are the three important things in any person's life, consolidated through exchanges like this.
So Himeko made her decision.
Let Pom-Pom send everyone to the Xianzhou first; after March and the others got off, she and Welt would head to Jinggalon.
...
: Trailblazing isn't about fighting and killing, it's about the great matters of the world…
: Himeko truly lives up to being a navigator, she always thinks deeply; no wonder she always knows so much in times of crisis.
: This is the power of connections.
: This arrangement is like the elder siblings going to work and the younger ones playing around!
: Hahaha, don't put it like that, our three little ones are also building their own connections.
: Think about it, after going back and forth like this and forming deep friendships, years later, if Stelle calls upon the Luofu's Sword Champion, won't that be impressive?
: But these Leviathans… are they those cosmic monsters from before the Aeons appeared?
: If Ruan Mei can't handle it herself, then they must be formidable, but Himeko can manage… is it thanks to the Path of Trailblaze?
...
After deciding on the groups, Pom-Pom, the conductor, also agreed.
Soon.
Once everyone was ready, the Express leapt through space.
When the familiar jump sequence ended, the Express once again stopped before the familiar gate.
This time it was just a casual trip, so there was no oppressive atmosphere.
The three quickly passed inspection and entered the Xianzhou as guests.