*Chapter 59: The Great Brawl at The Shackling Prison? It's Finally Here! Get Ready, Everyone!*
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*Inside Little Gui Zi's Live Stream:*
"Huh? The camera angle switched back already?"
"I was hoping to see more of your role in the story, Shangshang," sighed Little Gui Zi wistfully.
"That's enough!" Shangshang exclaimed, her excitement bubbling over. "I need to record this segment with my character appearance—I can't wait to rewatch it later!"
Watching Sushang's enthusiasm, Guinaifen couldn't help but feel a pang of envy. "I wish I could make even a small appearance in the storyline…" she muttered. "Even as a random NPC on the street would be fine."
"Sigh, we're not key characters or influential figures, so the chances seem slim," she added glumly.
"Don't lose hope, Little Gui Zi!" someone encouraged. "You've got plenty of side quests left in this game. With your talent for creating engaging content, Feathered Spirit is bound to assign you something!"
"Send them a private message ASAP, Little Gui Zi! You've gained so much popularity streaming 'Star Rail'—they'll definitely listen."
"The perspective shifts are fascinating; I hope there's more of that in the future!"
"Focus on capturing Kafka! I can't wait to reunite with Mom!"
Little Gui Zi nodded firmly.
Yes! Capturing Kafka is the top priority now! If only they could get their hands on that devious woman! The Grand Diviner's Office would surely extract invaluable information from her.
Back to the unfolding events…
Tingyun announced, "I've brought along an assistant who will undoubtedly aid you all, Crew. Capturing Kafka is critical—the Sky-Faring Commission cannot let her escape. So, I used some connections and borrowed this invaluable tool from the Artisanship Commission."
A small copper creature blinked curiously, observing its surroundings.
"Oh… how cute!" March 7th squealed.
"So, what exactly is this treasure? Can it leap onto Kafka and hold her down?" asked March 7th.
"Yes, but not quite," Tingyun explained. "This Ditngi was created by the Artisanship Commission, modeled after the five senses of my fox clan, but with even greater precision. Whether it's footprints or scents, once it locks onto a distinct feature, it relentlessly tracks the target until the end."
"As long as we find even the faintest trace of Kafka, no matter how well she hides, she won't escape the Diting's pursuit."
To familiarize the Astral Express Crew with the Diting, Tingyun acted as bait, instructing them to practice locating her using the device.
Seeing the Diting's adorable cluelessness, Guinaifen's heart melted. She silently vowed to acquire a few Dittis for her next outdoor live stream—they'd surely double the entertainment value!
Meanwhile, within the Palace of Astrum, Yukong observed Tingyun's competence in handling the situation—resourceful and meticulous, even ensuring crucial equipment was calibrated before departure.
Yukong was delighted, her tail perking up behind her, and her lips curled into an uncontrollable smile.
"Look at her! Truly worthy of being my most trusted subordinate. Even the Astral Express Crew follows her lead without hesitation!"
"Come to think of it, it's been a while since I last saw Tingyun."
"If the crew is heading to The Shackling Prison next, let her take charge."
In Yukong's eyes, Tingyun's performance in the storyline was impeccable. Initially uncertain about grooming her as a successor, Yukong now felt fully confident in her decision.
It wasn't just Yukong—surely the game developer, Feathered Spirit, must have been equally impressed with Tingyun!
Otherwise, why would she play such a pivotal role in the plot?
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Luofu, The Shackling Prison
BANG!
Seven or eight Cloud Knights were sent flying simultaneously; their weapons shattered into pieces.
Blade wreaked havoc amidst the chaos, cutting through enemies left and right.
However…
Just as he broke through one wave, more Cloud Knights surged forward to replace them, unrelenting and endless!
Outnumbered, Blade stood alone against an unyielding tide of attackers. Yet these Cloud Knights seemed like wildfire—impossible to extinguish completely, always regenerating like spring grass after a storm!
Despite his unstoppable strength, fury boiled within Blade as he faced overwhelming odds, leaving him momentarily powerless.
Suddenly:
A woman's voice rang out from the rear ranks of the military formation.
"Listen carefully: Everyone, drop your weapons."
The Cloud Knights hesitated, then slowly began lowering their arms.
Suddenly, a sword's cry pierced the air!
A youth riding a flying sword like a surfer darted toward the source of the sound.
CLANG!
His jade-like blade clashed with Kafka's purple katana, the sharp impact snapping some of the controlled Cloud Knights back to their senses.
After exchanging the first blow, Yanqing hovered mid-air and declared coldly, "Stellaron Hunter—Kafka, correct?"
"The General foresaw your rescue attempt and specifically ordered me to wait here. This trap was meticulously prepared just for you!"
Kafka smirked faintly. Her purple katana vanished, replaced by two gleaming submachine guns.
"Don't get too cocky, kid," Kafka replied, recalling her ultimate ability in the game. Replicating it now might leave quite an impression.
"I'll capture you first and leave your fate to the General!" Yanqing pointed his sword forward, and behind him, a fan-like array of shimmering blades materialized, resembling a peacock spreading its tail feathers.
SWISH—
SWISH—
SWISH—
Each sword attacked Kafka from different angles.
But in an instant…
As if swallowed by invisible black holes, the swords disintegrated into countless shimmering fragments and disappeared.
Yanqing's expression shifted abruptly.
Another figure emerged beside Kafka.
Silver Wolf, casually blowing bubbles, remarked indifferently, "Let's wrap this up quickly, Kafka. I still have to log back into the Simulated Universe later."
"Agreed."
Yanqing's gaze turned grave as he raised his remaining sword.
"Excellent. It seems I might apprehend three Stellaron Hunters at once!"
Silver Wolf glanced disdainfully at Yanqing. "Where did they find this brat? So ordinary yet so arrogant. Kafka, you handle him—I don't want bullying kids on my record."
"Brat?!?" Yanqing snapped angrily.
"I am the Cloud Knight Lieutenant—Yanqing!" He challenged, "Outlaw, face my strike!"
While Yanqing focused on Silver Wolf, Kafka quietly moved behind him.
"[Hear Me]: Stand down," Kafka commanded.
Yanqing froze, his fierce momentum dissipating instantly. He dropped to one knee, his sword clattering to the ground beside him.
The surrounding Cloud Knights tried to intervene but were repelled by a sudden burst of sword energy, creating an empty space around them.
Silver Wolf looked at the defeated Yanqing and sneered, "And you doubted me when I called you a kid? How easily manipulated you are."
Blade approached Kafka and Silver Wolf, ready for their swift exit.
Suddenly, a voice echoed through the area:
"Oh?"
"It seems your age isn't much greater either."
A subtle smirk formed at the corner of Kafka's lips as she remarked, "Today just keeps getting more interesting."
Silver Wolf's expression darkened.
As for Blade, his eyes glowed a blood-red hue, like a ferocious wolf catching the scent of prey. He roared toward the sky, "It's you! You've returned too!"
White snowflakes drifted gently from above while icy blades erupted from the ground below, forming sharp walls of ice that isolated the pursuing Cloud Knights behind them.
Emerging from the shadows were a white-haired woman and a golden-haired man, walking side by side. The woman wore a black veil over her eyes, while the man carried a coffin.
"I am merely a humble merchant, truly honored to have this unexpected encounter with all of you."