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"Sigh, it seems I've realized that I actually like Lady Phantylia!"
Tingyun's ears twitched slightly!
Beside a Starskiff, a crowd of Xianzhou locals were gathered, watching the unfolding drama.
Among them, someone made such a statement, catching Tingyun's attention!
She pretended to lean against the railing, feigning interest in the scenery.
She continued eavesdropping on the players' conversation!
To a large extent, such small groups represented the overall sentiment of the player community nowadays.
"I'm with you, turns out I like Phantylia too!"
"Don't worry, Phantylia is still around, still plotting the downfall of Xianzhou."
"If it really comes to a final showdown, I hope you'll spare her life for my sake~"
"Who do you think you are, man?"
"What's clouding your judgment?"
"This guy's thoughts are dangerous, let's beat him up!"
Tingyun forced a bitter smile.
This wasn't a coincidence.
When browsing related comments online,
she had indeed seen some players expressing similar sentiments.
Perhaps,
compared to that overwhelming Lord Ravager of Destruction, a shrewd and calculating little foxian like herself really couldn't hold a candle.
"This is also my point of confusion."
She raised her head, looking toward the distant screen.
At this moment, the narrative perspective shifted to a close-up of her face.
It could be said,
this was her first official appearance in Honkai: Star Rail.
...
"This is also my point of confusion. How did Phantylia manage to impersonate Tingyun? After all, I didn't witness it myself."
"From what you two are saying, what did Tingyun seem like at that time?"
Tingyun looked up, facing Stelle and March 7th.
[A bit mysterious.]
[A bit dangerous.]
[A bit shrewd.]
Three options, but perhaps all three applied.
"And what kind of person did she seem like?" Tingyun asked again.
[A potential Emanator of Destruction!]
"This… is that a compliment? I'm afraid I don't deserve it."
"Then… was there anything particularly memorable?"
[Her emotional intelligence is high.]
[Her flexibility is impressive.]
[March 7th says you're really good at bossing people around.]
Seeing the second option, a few black lines instantly appeared on Tingyun's forehead.
Yu Ling, stop with the jokes already!
"One last question."
"In your eyes, does this humble lady differ at all from the person in your memories?"
[It doesn't matter.]
March 7th suddenly realized something: "Wait—isn't that phrasing a bit odd? Miss Tingyun is the real one, so why compare her to the imposter?"
Tingyun chuckled softly and shook her head: "Miss March, I'm afraid you've misunderstood. This humble lady just feels a bit regretful, yet also somewhat relieved."
"In business, one must stay well-informed. Before returning, I would naturally learn about the recent events on the Luofu."
"From your descriptions, that Lord Ravager truly possesses extraordinary skills, and her actions were indistinguishable from my own. It's less like impersonation and more like she lived a few days in my place."
"I regret missing your journey on the Xianzhou. Yet, the subsequent events, aside from the conspiracy, unfolded as if I had been there myself. Through this, Tingyun saw a possibility…"
"That Phantylia stole my life. Foxians are known for their vengeful nature and never settling for losses. This humble lady must reclaim something from her."
...
"Spirited!"
"Alright, let's take you to grind Phantylia now!"
"As expected of a Xianzhou believer in The Hunt!"
"Wuwuwu, she's so good with words..."
"Lan: I'll assist you!"
"Tingyun's words feel much gentler than the fake Tingyun from before!"
"This is the real Tingyun, that essence is immediately apparent!"
...
After a brief pause.
Tingyun softly continued, "But after much thought, the only thing that could be considered of equal value... is the bond I share with all of you."
Under the surprised gazes of Stelle and March 7th.
She went on to explain;
"Thinking of this, I've found much relief, and finally understood how to approach the two of you."
"Though we've never met before, you've helped me in my direst moments. How is this any different from back then? I should have treated you with courtesy, but out of fear of Phantylia, I became unlike myself."
"And now, Tingyun will reclaim what was lost, starting with a rightful address—"
"My esteemed benefactors, Tingyun offers you her heartfelt gratitude."
As these words were spoken.
In the live stream,
the already excited players grew even more fervent!
...
"Finally, we hear the real Tingyun call us benefactors!!!"
"Wuwu, my dear Tingyun baby, just wait a few more days, and Mama will bring you home!"
"Tingyun's emotional intelligence is really high..."
"Welcome back, Tingyun."
"It's been too long, too long. Reuniting after such a long separation is truly moving. I thought you might never come back [crying]."
"Wow! Straight to the heart, hitting the weak spot!"
"Phantylia spent so long building up goodwill, only for Tingyun to swoop in and take it all. It's hard to accept."
"Phantylia: There's a cow, there's a cow!"
"My whole body is burning, and tears are streaming down my face. Tingyun, what did you feed me?"
...
Stelle and March 7th were also smiling at this moment.
Whether they admitted it or not, they had now come to accept Tingyun in a very harmonious way.
Tingyun was also happy: "It seems like a good start. From now on, I will make more attempts like this."
"When the time comes, you all will be the courage in my heart."
March 7th grinned foolishly: "That's too exaggerated, Miss Tingyun. Please don't make any dangerous decisions. She can't handle it!"
"These are all things to discuss later. I just hope that from now on, what remains in your memories is Tingyun, and no longer Phantylia."
"I've said my piece. I hope I haven't taken up too much of your time. Let's continue on our journey."
...
"Not bad at all..."
Tingyun looked at this scene, feeling a bit incredulous herself!
She had actually managed to reclaim the life that had been taken over by Phantylia through something as simple as "fate"...
Thinking about it carefully, it was indeed something she would do.
And these heartfelt words had also gained the approval of many players.
This was undoubtedly a great start...
Suddenly.
A sound of crying could be heard.
Tingyun followed the sound.
It was a small group of people watching the scene not far away.
The player who had previously expressed a preference for Phantylia was now crying uncontrollably!
Leaning on a friend's shoulder, they exclaimed:
"It really has to be our true Miss Tingyun. Look at how high her emotional intelligence is. Phantylia, what can you even compare to that?"
"Exactly! Just a few words, and I'm already itching to pull her right now!"
"I never had any affection for Phantylia. The one I've always loved is the real Miss Tingyun!"
"No wonder I didn't like Tingyun at all in version 1.0. That wasn't the real Tingyun from the start. This one, I truly like!"
Tingyun couldn't help but laugh!
Your change of heart is way too fast, isn't it?
It's only been a few minutes...
Is the impact of this scene really that strong?
Then, the player suddenly changed the subject!
"But speaking of which, the 4-star Tingyun looks like a girl, while this 5-star Tingyun has a bit of a mature, wife-like vibe?"
"I love it even more now!"
Hearing this.
A playful glint flashed in Tingyun's eyes.
With a light tap of her finger.
A small flame ignited on the back of that player!
"Who told you to speak so rudely, and just happened to be caught by me."
"Please accept this little punishment."
Taking one last look at Honkai: Star Rail before her, she smiled gently.
"Thank you, Yu Ling."
"I'm very satisfied with this storyline. If there's a chance, please let me thank you in person..."
With that, she headed in the direction of home.
The screams behind her grew fainter in the wind.
"Ahhhh! Why is my butt on fire?!"
"This must be Tingyun's punishment for you..."
"I was wrong! I'll draw you an Eidolon and a dedicated Light Cone as soon as we get back..."