"Yunli's PV is so full of Elation!"
"I'm saving this to watch over and over!"
"Oh, right!"
Guinaifen leaned closer to the live stream camera.
She said earnestly, "I just spoke with Sushang."
"No Sushangs were harmed in the making of this video, so please enjoy it without worry!"
"Alright, let's get back to the main storyline now!"
...
The feud between Yanqing and Yunli probably won't be resolved anytime soon.
But there's something even more pressing at the moment.
Stelle, March 7th, Dan Heng, and Yanqing were chatting outside the Palace of Astrum.
Yanqing was the first to voice his confusion: "Speaking of which, I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like the General seemed a bit... um, reserved today? Is it because of Mr. Huaiyan's visit?"
"Perhaps Yanqing is overthinking it."
Dan Heng, however, was quite perceptive: "You're not overthinking it. It wasn't until we entered the Palace of Astrum that I realized the Messenger from the Xianzhou Zhuming you mentioned was actually General Zhuming himself. So, the Messenger from the Xianzhou Yaoqing must be none other than the Tianji General, right?"
"The martial ceremony is just a small festival. Having two generals from other Xianzhou ships come here at the same time must mean there's another reason."
At this point.
Dan Heng's gaze sharpened slightly.
As if he had suddenly thought of something.
He blurted out, "They must be here to hold Luofu accountable for the calamity of the Ambrosial Arbor."
...
"Huh?"
"Such sharp political instincts?"
"Only Teacher Dan Heng could be so clear-headed!"
"Little Qinglong sounds really worried."
"Before we got off the train, Dan Heng said he wanted to see an old friend. He finally acknowledges Jing Yuan! (crying)"
"He really is suited to be the High Elder."
"I had no idea there was this layer to it."
"So it's like the higher-ups sent an investigation team... Clearly, they're here to handle a case!"
"Jing Yuan's in trouble again, poor guy!"
...
As soon as Dan Heng spoke.
March 7th still asked naively, "Accountability? That can't be right. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and the Antimatter Legion invaded Luofu and caused destruction. Isn't Luofu the victim? How can the victim be held accountable?"
"Dan Shu's rebellion, Phantylia's plan... To the other generals of the Alliance, these are just one-sided claims. Only one piece of irrefutable evidence remains, and it's a lingering problem."
"The Ambrosial Arbor," Yanqing suddenly realized.
Dan Heng continued, "The resurgence of the long-suppressed traces of the Plague of Longevity on the Xianzhou Luofu is an undeniable fact. But was it the Antimatter Legion's conspiracy, or did Luofu itself harbor traitors, with even Jing Yuan involved?"
"Once the fire of suspicion is lit, it's hard to extinguish."
March 7th finally understood.
Thinking about the potential involvement in the conflicts between the Xianzhou factions.
She couldn't help but sigh, "I was so naive, really. I thought this would be a carefree, happy journey. But now it seems that no matter where the Astral Express goes, we can't escape trouble."
Yanqing, on the other hand, was deeply concerned, "Listening to Mr. Dan Heng, I finally sense the undercurrents at play here."
"General Jing Yuan is under immense pressure right now. But I was completely unaware of his distress... How immature of me!"
"Don't think like that! Matters of the adults should be handled by the adults. Besides, what can you do for your General right now?" March 7th comforted.
However.
Her words only made Yanqing feel more guilty!
[March, you should talk less.]
Fortunately, Yanqing had matured quite a bit.
He quickly rallied, "Miss March is right. My abilities are limited, and I can't share the General's burdens right now."
"...But I can do my best to handle every task the General assigns me. Let's go. After arranging accommodations for the three of you, I still need to deal with the company's protest at the Artisanship Commission."
Seeing this.
Little Gui couldn't help but exclaim, "General Jing Yuan is really having a tough time!"
"With external threats and internal troubles, even his colleagues are coming to investigate and pressure him..."
"If it were anyone else, forget about keeping Luofu so prosperous and thriving."
"Not being driven to a premature breakdown would be a miracle!"
As soon as she said this.
The players in the live stream all chimed in agreement!
It has sparked quite a few heartfelt resonances!
...
"Indeed, Jing Yuan has it really tough. Whenever there's a Xianzhou update, something always goes wrong, and he inevitably has to step in to clean up the mess!"
"He never wins in the game, but he never loses in the story."
"This time, with Hoolay's prison break, Jing Yuan will probably be held accountable again, and might even face impeachment (crying)."
"Jing Yuan truly knows how to handle pressure. Despite all the chaos, he's managed to stay in his position for so long..."
"Let's tally up the current internal troubles of Luofu: the Ambrosial Arbor has come back to life, remnants of the Abundance, the Vidyadhara Preceptors, and other old stubborn factions. External threats: the Antimatter Legion, the Abundance followers. With this messed-up situation, Jing Yuan might as well restart (doge)."
"Jing Yuan is a legend when it comes to handling pressure. First, he dealt with the aftermath of the Sedition of Imbibitor Lunae, then the Stellaron Crisis, followed by the revival of the Ambrosial Arbor, and the invasion of the Antimatter Legion. Just when he thought he could catch a break, the Heliobus rebellion erupted. Before he could fully suppress it, he was summoned for questioning by headquarters, and now Hoolay's prison break... Truly, the king of enduring pressure!"
"The strategist of the High-Cloud Quintet, two fell to Mara, two reincarnated, all moving forward on their new Paths. Only Jing Yuan remains in place, steadfastly guarding his responsibilities as always."
"No matter how much we tease Jing Yuan, everyone can see how much he has sacrificed for Xianzhou."
...
Inside The Shackling Prison.
Jing Yuan glanced at the comments in the live stream.
His lips trembled slightly.
His gaze flickered for a moment.
Fortunately.
They were in The Shackling Prison.
The environment was dim.
Neither Feixiao nor Yanqing noticed Jing Yuan's unusual reaction...
So many years had passed.
Jing Yuan himself had almost grown accustomed to it.
But in Honkai: Star Rail.
It often brings back your most heart-wrenching experiences!
Now, seeing the players' comments.
For a moment.
His emotions surged, and memories sharpened!
Even Jing Yuan.
Was visibly moved!
Feixiao patted Jing Yuan on the shoulder, speaking like someone who had been through it all.
She said, "Hey, we're all generals, it's not easy for any of us!"
"Besides, now that we have Honkai: Star Rail, many things don't need to be explained so clearly or go through so many procedures."
"This storyline is being too formal, talking about accountability or not. In reality, who in the entire universe doesn't know that Jing Yuan has given his all, even unto death?"
"Your character, I, Huaiyan, and even the Marshal have all seen it!"
"Don't worry, good days are surely ahead for you!"
Feixiao's carefree demeanor.
Seemed to say just one thing—
We're all brothers!
This left Jing Yuan both amused and exasperated.
Huaiyan, standing nearby, chimed in, "General Feixiao's words are really down-to-earth."
"However, I share the same sentiment."
"Don't worry, Jing Yuan, we're all on your side."
Jing Yuan took a deep breath.
The slightly melancholic atmosphere he had been building was now completely dispelled.
"Jing Yuan thanks both of you."
"Once this matter is over, I must share a drink with you both to celebrate today's joy."
"What more needs to be said? Let's drink until we drop."
Feixiao smiled confidently.
As if to say she was unbeatable when it came to drinking.
The atmosphere became harmonious for a moment.
However.
A cold glint flashed in Mok Tok's eyes.
He muttered to himself, "Laugh all you want."
"There will be a time for tears later!"
Just moments ago!
He had thought of a desperate plan!
The Shackling Prison was now under the control of the Cloud Knights, with three generals stationed on-site...
Escaping under such circumstances was nearly impossible!
The only way was to stir up the situation here.
To throw The Shackling Prison into chaos!
Only then would there be an opportunity!
And to achieve this under the generals' watchful eyes.
He could only rely on the power of the internet!
Just now.
He had already drafted a message.
He would pretend to be a mole within Honkai: Star Rail!
Claiming that Yu Ling was in The Shackling Prison.
To lure various external forces to The Shackling Prison!
Forcing Jing Yuan and the others to divide their attention!
Thus creating an opportunity for Lord Hoolay to escape!
Just as Mok Tok was about to send the message.
A voice suddenly came from outside.
"General, Jiaoqiu has arrived."
"Where is the injured Cloud Knight comrade? Let me take a look."