The Shackling Prison, bottom level.
In the dim environment.
Even though the brightness of the Jade Abacus had been turned down very low, it still seemed somewhat glaring.
But even so.
Mok Tok and Jiaoqiu were still intently focused on the events unfolding above.
Because.
Just moments ago.
Jiaoqiu had made his appearance!
And he had gone with Yanqing, Yunli, and March 7th to watch the Skysplitter.
Upon arriving at the scene.
Seeing the grand and majestic spacecraft.
Yanqing couldn't help but exclaim: "When the bell tolls tomorrow and the cannons fire, Yanqing will represent the Cloud Knights of Xianzhou Luofu, stepping onto the arena to accept challenges from brave warriors from all directions."
"Since childhood, Yanqing has been by the General's side, learning swordsmanship and military strategy. Every day, I swing my sword ten thousand times, thrust ten thousand times, over and over again, over and over again..."
"I understand that I seem different from ordinary children. I have never envied the toys and freedom they had, nor have I ever found the single-minded practice of swordsmanship to be dull or difficult."
"Even when stepping onto the battlefield, cutting through enemy formations, and facing off against those monstrous abominations, I felt no fear."
"Every day, I could feel myself growing stronger, stronger, and a little bit stronger... time and time again, holding victory in my hands, there is no greater joy in the world."
"But later, I received a sword strike from someone. That strike shattered my once flawless confidence. In the moment that strike came, I felt fear for the first time. Perhaps this is what Mr. Jiaoqiu meant by the fleeting moment between life and death, where all thoughts vanish."
As soon as Yanqing said this.
The barrage of comments immediately surged!
...
"A certain Ms. Jingliu who wishes to remain anonymous."
"Jingliu."
"Mainly because that sword strike didn't even use the full power of the ultimate move, which showed several slashes in the animation but only delivered one to Yanqing."
"My ancestor who only exists in dialogue."
"Yanqing, this kid, really steps up when it matters!"
"Out of five people, Yanqing fought three."
"Don't worry, in reality, Yanqing probably hasn't endured so much hardship yet, he's still that spirited young man!"
"Yeah, thank goodness for Honkai: Star Rail! Otherwise, Yanqing would have suffered terribly~"
...
Under the blue sky and the starship.
Yanqing's tone grew increasingly confident and mature.
"After that, Yanqing had to lower his head, picking up and piecing together those fragments, trying to rebuild the happy self of the past. But no matter what I did, I couldn't seem to recapture the mindset of those days."
"I often ask myself, why do I wield the sword? If I am destined to face another defeat, why should I continue to wield it? Is it to reclaim the joy of victory? To live up to the General's expectations? Or to leave behind a legacy in the Cloud Knights?"
"The General can teach me swordsmanship, but he cannot teach me the reason to wield the sword. He told me: the reason to wield the sword must be found by myself. For this, Yanqing has been deeply troubled, tossing and turning."
"But after this in-depth conversation with Mr. Jiaoqiu, Yanqing already has an answer in his heart."
"As a member of the Cloud Knights and a disciple of the general, I bear many responsibilities, and I am destined to shoulder even more."
"Yet, it is only when I wield my sword that I feel I can let go of everything. I like the version of myself that gives my all to strike down obstacles ahead, charging forward without hesitation."
"It is precisely for this version of myself that I wield my sword."
Such a declaration, akin to a testament of one's path, left many players in awe.
Before the Jade Abacus.
Witnessing these scenes.
Jiaoqiu also nodded slightly.
"Yanqing must be watching this scene right now."
"This is like a private lesson Yu Ling has arranged for him..."
"Through this self-reflection, he should gain a deeper understanding of his own path."
"In other games, a young man like him would undoubtedly be the protagonist."
In the game, he also sighed, "Yanqing, oh Yanqing, so young yet so mature."
Then, Jiaoqiu expressed his intention to take his leave for now.
Before departing.
He left a remark.
"By the way, young brother Yanqing, do places like Stargazer Navalia, which operate automatically, usually have so many people idling around?"
It seemed Jiaoqiu's reminder had an effect!
Just as Yanqing was about to leave with the two others.
Three suspicious individuals caught their attention!
A craftsman-like figure said, "...Shut up, Chi Ya. These ships aren't Beast ships after all. I need some time to figure them out."
"You willingly donned the skin of a lowly beast to join this mission, to dedicate yourself to our glorious cause. And now you're telling me you can't handle it? Do you know how many ships we need?" a Cloud Knight coldly retorted.
"I'm doing my best, I'm studying, all of this takes time."
Thud—!
Mok Tok's heart skipped a beat!
This is bad!
The plot has finally reached this part, hasn't it?
And right from the start.
The dialogue has already revealed crucial information!
—The Borisin have the ability to disguise themselves as foxians!
Jiaoqiu's eyes narrowed beside him.
A grave expression appeared on his face!
Mok Tok was already considering whether to strike first and knock Jiaoqiu out...
At that moment.
A Cloud Knight hurried over.
"Physician Jiaoqiu, General Feixiao requests your immediate presence. The general has urgent matters to discuss with you!"
Jiaoqiu frowned.
Clearly.
He was deeply concerned about the current plot.
But his role was, after all, an advisor to the general.
Military orders are as unyielding as mountains.
There was no room for delay.
"Understood, I'll be right there."
Before leaving.
Jiaoqiu gave Mok Tok a deep look.
But ultimately, he took no further action.
With only Mok Tok left alone.
He let out a long sigh.
Stood up.
A look of determination flashed in his eyes.
"There's no time left..."
"This should be the final opportunity."
Carefully, he approached the cell door where Hoolay was imprisoned.
Using the Borisin's unique method to send a message to the door!
"Lord Hoolay, we must act now."
"Next, I will try to lure the three generals away."
"Please seize the opportunity to escape through the south gate!"
Soon.
A response came from behind the cell door: "Is there no one guarding that area?"
Mok Tok replied, "That's a side gate of The Shackling Prison..."
"I secretly overheard a conversation from that Yanqing."
"He was assigned to the South Gate, where he is alone, along with some useless prison guards."
"With your strength, breaking out won't be a problem at all!"
"Next, I'll find an opportunity to meet up with you!"
"Once we escape, we'll have nothing to hold us back!"
Hoolay let out a suppressed growl.
It carried a sense of excitement and wildness.
"That's right, Mok Tok. It seems you've made some progress."
"It's time to act."
"Once we escape this prison, it will be Luofu's turn to be gripped by fear!"
The plan was set!
To avoid arousing suspicion.
Mok Tok quickly left the front of the cell.
He had just returned to the location of the Jade Abacus.
Jiaoqiu followed closely behind.
"Damn beast! Like a sticky plaster, it just won't go away!"
Mok Tok cursed inwardly.
But on his face, he maintained a respectful expression.
"Where did you just go?" Jiaoqiu asked.
"I went to the prison gate. I wanted to check on Hoolay's condition," Mok Tok replied.
He wasn't sure if Jiaoqiu was testing him.
But this answer left no room for suspicion.
"You're quite attentive."
"Of course, as a member of the Cloud Knights..."
Before Mok Tok could finish his sentence.
A sharp, piercing sound suddenly came from the Jade Abacus beside them!
"Die, Adugusu, you beast!"
Both Mok Tok and Jiaoqiu turned their eyes to the Jade Abacus screen.
"How is this possible? These foxians... why have they changed their appearance?" Yanqing exclaimed in shock.
"These guys aren't foxians at all. They've just revealed their true forms. They're genuine Borisins, the same group of pests I defeated on that company ship," Yunli stated firmly.
"What kind of trick did they use? When we were tracking them earlier, they looked no different from ordinary Xianzhou foxians..."
"This isn't just a simple disguise of wearing Xianzhou clothes and shaving their beards. These Borisins have somehow managed to make themselves look exactly like foxians."
Yanqing's tone grew increasingly grave.
And the atmosphere in front of the Jade Abacus became more tense!
It was as if a fuse had been lit.
An explosion was imminent!
"They even have official identities. Sky-Faring Commission, Artisanship Commission, and... the Cloud Knights?"
"Let me take a look at this fake Cloud Knight's waist token. Maybe we can find some clues."
"Lujun? The duty officer of the patrol guard? Wait a minute!"
The moment these words appeared.
Jiaoqiu immediately took action!
The octagonal projectile in his hand shot out.
Exploding like dynamite.
In the smoke.
Mok Tok remained unharmed.
But his body had already begun to show signs of Borisin traits.
The foxian disguise had failed.
"Hmph, you got lucky."
Mok Tok sneered.
Leaping up.
He quickly fled into the depths of the darkness.
And Jiaoqiu also acted swiftly.
But not to chase Mok Tok.
Instead, he needed to inform the generals as soon as possible!