Good news!
Tingyun isn't dead. She was picked up by someone before the merchant ship met its doom!
Bad news!
The person who picked her up was Ruan Mei!
Tingyun is now guaranteed to win the resurrection match, but as for what her new form will be like upon her return, the player community is divided!
Some players think she'll take on the form of a cat cake, while others believe she'll merge with Leviathan genes to become a new species!
In any case.
We'll have to wait for the subsequent main storyline or previews to find out.
Tingyun briefly "resurrected" in the community.
Players then turned their attention to the upcoming plot.
...
March 7th's journey to learn swordsmanship officially began!
In front of the storytelling stall.
Yanqing, March 7th, and Dan Heng had all arrived.
Along with some passersby, they were engrossed in listening to the storyteller.
By the time Stelle arrived, it had just ended.
[March, aren't you going to greet your master?]
March 7th didn't hesitate at all.
She spoke confidently, "Master Yanqing, at your service~"
"From what I've seen in Immersia and novels, when you apprentice to a master on Xianzhou, you're supposed to offer a grand gift and kneel in respect. Oh no, I didn't prepare anything."
However.
Yanqing blushed instantly.
He stammered as he explained, "This is the first time someone's called me 'Master.' Yanqing needs a moment… to get used to it…"
"But let me make this clear: learning swordsmanship is about training your body, mind, and strength. It's not a game you can master overnight."
"I promised General Huaiyan that I'd teach Miss March the Cloud Knight swordsmanship, prepare her for the Martial Ceremony, and ensure she defeats at least one opponent. I'll do my best to teach, but if you disobey my instructions…"
[March is very obedient!]
"Once I give my word, even a Starskiff can't catch up! Since I've agreed to learn properly, I'll start today!" March 7th declared confidently.
"Good, that's the spirit I'm looking for."
Yanqing smiled,
"I've found a quiet spot in the Palace of Astrum's back garden. We'll hold your first lesson there."
At the gates of The Shackling Prison.
Yanqing showed a hint of emotion.
In the storyline, he had actually become someone else's master.
And not just anyone's master—a master to a Nameless!
For a moment, he felt as if all his hardships had finally paid off!
The narrator, a military officer, also remarked with emotion, "Brother Yanqing has started to take on the role of a mentor in Honkai: Star Rail! This is Yu Ling's recognition of you!"
"That's right! This counts as Yu Ling strengthening you in the storyline!"
"Brother Yanqing's future achievements are limitless! When you achieve greatness, don't forget to give us a hand!"
Yanqing was already feeling a bit proud.
And these officers knew exactly how to flatter him!
With all the praise, anyone else would have been floating on cloud nine.
However.
Yanqing had matured quite a bit by now.
He smiled and said, "Everyone, let's focus on the task at hand."
"Following the general's orders, with Yanqing and all of us here, no invader will be able to set foot in this place!"
Yanqing waved his hand with a flourish.
He exuded the aura of a single warrior holding off an entire army!
The officers beside him clapped in unison.
"We're just NPCs in Honkai: Star Rail. Honestly, Brother Yanqing alone is enough to handle this!"
"No matter how strong the enemy is, as long as Yanqing is here, the frontlines will hold!"
"Those Borisins or whatever, they're not even worthy in front of Brother Yanqing!"
Yanqing chuckled lightly.
His youthful spirit was on full display!
Today, he had regained some of his confidence!
Just then.
A cold voice suddenly rang out.
"Oh."
"Then, am I worthy?"
Everyone was stunned.
Just a moment ago!
It was as if a dark red light had appeared before them.
Then.
A figure emerged from the light.
She held a long blade in her hand.
Her boots tapped lightly on the ground, but the sound seemed to suppress everyone's heartbeat!
When they finally got a clear look at the woman's face.
Everyone was utterly shocked!
The earlier confidence and cheerfulness were now replaced by sheer astonishment and fear!
"It's her...!?"
"How is this possible? Am I hallucinating?"
"Brother Yanqing... doesn't this person look a bit like Acheron from Honkai: Star Rail...?"
"Oh my god... could it be... the real deal...?"
Yanqing had already drawn his sword.
But his mouth was dry as well!
It was clear that this visitor meant no good.
Her aura was unmistakable.
She wasn't here for a stroll, nor was she here for sightseeing or to ask for directions...
Her purpose.
Without a doubt!
Was the gate of The Shackling Prison behind them!
"It's me."
Acheron slightly raised her head.
Her pair of purple eyes seemed to shoot out a gaze that sent shivers down everyone's spine.
"Since you've all heard of my name, then please step aside."
"I need to enter that door."
Acheron spoke calmly.
She wasn't negotiating; she was stating a fact.
The officers were completely dumbfounded!
How could Acheron be here!?
If this were in the game's storyline, they might have cheered, felt excited, or even thrilled!
Acheron had actually come to the Xianzhou Luofu!
This was like a dream come true for fans of both!
They could even ask for an autograph~
Joy and delight,
Everyone would be happy!
But this was reality...
Up close, they finally realized just how terrifying Acheron truly was!
A single glance, as if a black hole, silenced all things!
The description of Acheron's combat prowess in the game was already exaggerated.
But now, seeing her in person, they had only one thought—
It wasn't exaggerated!
Not exaggerated at all!
The most crucial point was—
At this moment, they were standing opposite Acheron!
The 6+5 Acheron from the game had jumped out!
Standing right in front of them!
With the implication that if they didn't move aside, she would draw her blade—
This was the most terrifying thing!
Yanqing mustered all his strength to take a step forward.
His expression was extremely grave.
The moment the name "Acheron" was uttered, no further words were needed to describe her overwhelming power.
In Honkai: Star Rail.
He had once faced Dan Heng in his Imbibitor Lunae form and Blade alone.
To this day.
That segment of the story still left many players in awe.
It was known as the beginning of "Yanqing's Shattered Dao Heart."
This time.
The enemy he faced was even more terrifying!
Yanqing had no idea what sin he had committed in his life!
To repeatedly encounter such overwhelmingly powerful enemies far beyond his own strength!
But even so.
He had to step forward!
"Gulp…"
A brave soldier swallowed hard.
Summoning his courage, he spoke, "M-Miss Acheron, do you know who he is?"
"He is the future Sword Champion of the Xianzhou, the disciple of General Jing Yuan, the Cloud Knight Lieutenant—Yanqing!"
"Just like you, he's a playable character in Honkai: Star Rail…"
Acheron interrupted, "Precisely because of that."
"I don't wish to harm you."
"Step aside."
Yanqing clenched his teeth tightly.
With a "swish," several flying swords fanned out behind him like a peacock spreading its tail.
Each one was exquisite,
Radiating a blue glow!
Yanqing himself soared into the air!
His gaze was resolute.
As if he was willing to stake everything!
This time.
He would overcome his inner demons!
Rediscover himself!
Even against Acheron.
He would fight with all his might!
"I'll hold her off here, you all go and inform General Jing Yuan!"
"Only the General can truly stop her!"
The soldiers, hearing this.
Acted decisively and immediately retreated.
They knew.
This battle was far beyond their level!
Acheron let out a slight sigh.
Her hand, with its sharp fingertips, rested on the hilt of her blade.
Out of respect for this young Xianzhou swordsman.
She decided to draw her blade.