In Little Gui's live stream...
After rescuing Tingyun, they followed his lead and traveled via star ferry to the Central Starskiff Haven within the Star Ferry Sea. On their way to the Palace of Astrum:
Little Gui eagerly interacted with everything he encountered, more excited than ever before. This newfound enthusiasm surpassed even his initial zest when exploring new maps. After all, being immersed in the very location himself made each experience incredibly engaging.
"Look at this bridge—it's identical to the one I saw heading to the Star Ferry Sea!"
"And check out this star ferry, just like the one parked downstairs!"
"See those Cloud Knights? They're exactly the same as all the others... Ahem, that's because most Cloud Knights are NPCs using the same model."
"Great job, Feathered Spirit master! It's not just similar; it's absolutely identical!"
"Friendly reminder: These are game visuals, not a live broadcast."
"I saw the Astral Express Crew at Jade World Gate today! Feathered Spirit never disappoints!"
"I arrived too late; the area was already under Cloud Knight lockdown..."
"Hurry up, Little Gui Zi! I need to rush ahead and set an ambush for the next location—time for a solo offline takedown of the Astral Express Crew!"
After exploring the Star Ferry Sea, Guinaifen reluctantly made her way to the Palace of Astrum.
The Sky-Faring Commissioner, Yukong, spoke with icy arrogance, "Your intentions have already been reported to me by Tingyun. Ordinarily, my duties do not include receiving visitors."
"However, since you are aware of the Stellaron and have expressed your willingness to aid Luofu, both reason and sentiment compel me to grant you this face-to-face meeting... To personally decline your assistance."
This response left everyone stunned—not just the Astral Express Crew, but even Little Gui himself was taken aback.
Yukong continued coolly, "A mere Stellaron is no concern; the Alliance has long known about it and possesses ways to handle such matters. Xianzhou has soared for eight millennia, enduring countless crises that threatened its existence. Although the current calamity appears formidable, Xianzhou still has ample strength to manage it on its own. We require no external help to quell this disaster.
"As honored guests from afar, there's no reason for any of you to become involved—do you understand?"
"Lord Yukong, how awe-inspiring!"
"I love this attitude—am I secretly a masochist?"
"Hear that tone! To Jarilo-VI, it's a disaster capable of destroying our civilization, but to them, it's just 'a mere Stellaron.' Is Xianzhou truly so formidable?"
"Just off the top of my head, there were the Chaos of Suigang, the Treachery of the Golden Ones, and the Remnants of Abundance. Compared to those crises, a Stellaron? Child's play."
"Xianzhou has fought its way through eight millennia. A single Stellaron isn't much to fear."
"No wonder all you Luofu folks remain so composed..."
Guinaifen nodded emphatically.
As an outlander herself, she felt unparalleled safety and belonging on Xianzhou—something no other place could match.
Just then, knocking sounded at the door, accompanied by a piercing voice:
"Little Gui, open up quick!"
"Hahaha, you'll never guess what mission I've been assigned!
"On orders from the Cloudsworn Knights, I'm here to ensure your safety!"
Guinaifen's face lit up with surprise.
"Shangshang, this game is absolutely incredible—I must tell you, it captures your likeness perfectly!"
"Hold on, everyone. Let me just open the door! I'll be right back!"
Meanwhile, at Luofu's Cloudford:
Tingyun had just finished hosting a group of business partners collaborating with Xianzhou Luofu. Even for her, it was visibly exhausting.
With a long sigh, she finally returned to her residence and closed the door behind her.
Standing alone in the spacious room, her gentle demeanor, once tinged with an air of vulnerability, abruptly transformed.
"Finally, no need to feign that soft, delicate act anymore!" Her eyes glowed with a haunting blue light, reminiscent of ghostly flames.
Whispering to her reflection in the mirror, she muttered, "This foxfolk role is truly not meant for me..."
"Can you believe those greasy middle-aged men trying to flirt? Absolutely despicable!"
"These lowly, vulgar humans indeed deserve death!"
Suddenly,
***
The blue ghostly flame in her right eye transformed into gold.
When she looked again, her reflection had changed into that of a mature and aloof woman.
The woman spoke, "Phantylia, we're facing grave danger."
"The Cloud Knights have sealed off major locations and are systematically searching for the Stellarons' whereabouts."
Tingyun... now should be referred to as Phantylia.
Her gaze darkened, and she said coldly, "How could Xianzhou act so swiftly this time? Were you exposed?"
The woman slightly shook her head.
A new scene appeared within the mirror's surface.
It was a live stream of the game "Honkai: Star Rail."
"Due to the release of this game, our plans were prematurely revealed."
"A game? An illusionary play?"
Phantylia had been preoccupied with portraying the role of Tingyun recently. Although she heard about the sudden popularity of this game, she paid it no heed. How could she concern herself with such trivial human diversions? Her mind was consumed by visions of shattering Xianzhou from within, envisioning the glorious chaos and carnage.
"Ah, even you, the champion of Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, have succumbed to such mundane human interests?" Phantylia scoffed. "How truly disappointing."
Dan Shu's expression turned slightly grim as she continued explaining, "Phantylia, I'm not lying. This game is from the perspective of the Trailblazer..."
"Enough!" Phantylia interrupted. "How could a mere illusion predict my actions? It's just a coincidence. Watching Xianzhou fall into chaos over a disaster yet to occur can indeed be entertaining."
"Sigh..." Dan Shu let out a breath.
She realized there was no point further explaining herself to this Lord Ravager.
"In that case, I must accelerate my plans," said Dan Shu. "The Stellaron must be inserted into the cave where the World Tree resides, catalyzing its revival and reawakening the miracles of Abundance."
"However, with the expedited timeline, the impact of the star core explosion will be minimal. You won't witness the devastating scenes of rift corrosion or widespread pollution."
With those words, Dan Shu abruptly ended the conversation.
As Phantylia gazed at her reflection in the mirror, her eyes flickered uncertainly.
"I too eagerly anticipate the resurgence of the World Tree."
"Perhaps this imperishable body is what I've been seeking all along..."