Inside the private room.
The two continued to watch the unfolding events.
After Tingyun uttered those shocking words.
Yukong stood frozen in place.
She took a deep breath and replied:
"Every moment..."
"But how can specks of dust like us escape becoming pawns in this game of sacrifice?"
She gazed up at the Sky, her eyes filled with an indescribable sense of helplessness.
Then,
He turned his gaze to Tingyun once more.
Sincerely, he said, "If I had a choice, I truly wouldn't want you to be a mere pawn. I only wish you could remain that carefree little fox, untouched by this war..."
At this moment.
The Yukong in the story and the Yukong in reality formed a stark contrast!
The former was pessimistic and passive, while the latter was steady and brimming with hope!
This difference,
naturally, was because of Honkai: Star Rail!
The existence of such a miraculous thing in reality had given Yukong hope!
In this grand era.
It was even possible that, due to a future plotline, players from across the universe might unite in a spectacular event...
Paths, Aeons... it seemed even they could be shaken!
Anything was possible!
Meanwhile, Tingyun in the story was cunning and confident!
With a smile, she said, "Don't be so pessimistic, Lady Yukong."
"Thanks to the favor of the great lord, this time, Tingyun gets to be a player in the game."
"You should know, walking alone with a staff, or a humble earthworm taming a dragon... it's always the nameless pawns who leave the generals at a loss."
"So now, Tingyun will be a sly speck of dust, making those behind the scenes..."
"Sneeze a few good times."
...
"How cool is this image of a rebel!"
"This even ties back to the sneezing caused by eating candy earlier."
"The strategist enters the game, moving the pieces to outwit fate."
"Let the Destruction Legion answer!"
"Completely aligned with Yukong's thoughts... Ah, though it's growth, it's really heartbreaking to see her like this..."
"Big things are happening! Big things!"
...
[For a while after, there was silence. Departures are often inseparable from farewells, but they were fortunate enough not to hesitate between the two.]
Seeing the subtitles on the screen.
Tingyun let out a satisfied sigh.
"Phew..."
"It seems Tingyun's story has come to a temporary pause here."
"It was quite a performance, wasn't it, Lady Yukong?"
"Yes, of course,"
Yukong nodded,
"From now on, you're also a character in Honkai: Star Rail, known to players across the universe..."
"What the future holds, I can't predict."
"After all, this is an unprecedented era..."
Tingyun added with a smile, "But I believe this world will only get better."
"That must also be the intention of the developer, Yu Ling."
Yukong suddenly laughed, "Earlier, I told Qingni to just pull for the new characters in each version, not to chase after Eidolons or exclusive Light Cones, but now..."
"It seems I'll have to pull for a full set of Eidolons and a signature weapon for Fugue."
Hearing this.
Tingyun immediately took out her Jade Abacus and opened the character panel.
"When Tingyun saw Lady Yukong appear, she also didn't hesitate to open the recharge interface, determined to get Lady Yukong's six Eidolons~"
"And she was quite upset for a long time because Lady Yukong wasn't a five-star character!"
What should have been a somewhat sorrowful farewell was lightened considerably because of Honkai: Star Rail.
And, as expected.
They would likely see Tingyun appear in the story again in the future.
This left Yukong feeling both worried and excited.
Of course,
that might be a long time from now.
Before then.
There was plenty of time to prepare and explore.
They left The Sleepless Earl.
Tingyun was in no hurry to leave Luofu.
Instead, she headed straight to Aurum Alley.
For many wanderers, what they often miss is the unique taste of their hometown's alleys.
Tingyun was no exception.
The distinctive flavors of the snacks in Aurum Alley were something you couldn't find anywhere else in the universe!
She bought a large box of snacks.
Then, she made her way to a quiet alley.
Sitting down on a stone bench.
Enjoying the gentle breeze, listening to the crisp rustling of leaves by the roadside.
The atmosphere was perfect.
It was time to savor the delicious food.
Just as she picked up the almond tea to take a sip.
Suddenly!
Her pupils slightly contracted!
Her fox ears trembled slightly.
An intense pain struck without warning!
"Thud!"
The almond tea in her hand fell, spilling all over the ground.
But Tingyun had no time to deal with the mess on the floor.
The tails behind her emerged one after another, wrapping around her.
Yet, this did nothing to alleviate the pain.
Her face turned pale, and beads of cold sweat formed on her forehead.
"The side effects... of the Destruction... mark..."
This pain would accompany her for the rest of her life.
Like a persistent shadow!
After all!
Bearing the mark of Destruction came at a cost.
It could strike at any moment of weakness...
She hadn't experienced it for several days on her journey home, but it had chosen this moment to return.
Fortunately,
This wasn't the first time Tingyun had endured it.
Gritting her teeth.
She just had to endure it for a while, and it would pass.
Yukong had mentioned in the story that this body would face hardships, and this was one of them.
Thankfully, she had chosen a deserted alley beforehand.
Otherwise, if others saw her in such a state, it would be too embarrassing...
Tingyun tried her best to distract herself.
Suddenly!
A small, sneaky figure appeared in her line of sight.
Holding a skewer of bird meat, the figure peeked out from behind a railing.
After confirming that the street was empty, the figure boldly stepped out!
Licking the skewer, a satisfied smile appeared on their face.
"Lady... Bailu...?"
"Ugh..."
The moan immediately caught Bailu's attention!
Bailu had become quite famous recently.
Many players traveled from afar to Xianzhou Luofu just to catch a glimpse of Bailu's cuteness!
While this might be a good thing for others, for Bailu, it severely hindered her plans to go out and play!
Every time she went out and was spotted, a large crowd would gather, leaving her trapped like an exhibit, being photographed and observed!
Over time, she had developed excellent anti-tracking skills!
Bailu cautiously approached.
When she noticed Tingyun curled up on the stone bench, she was shocked!
Her instincts as a Healer kicked in, and she quickly stepped forward!
"Miss, are you... are you okay?"
"Ah! Your face has turned so pale!"
"Don't worry, I'm the best doctor in Luofu! I'll definitely save you!"
Tingyun opened her mouth: "Thank..."
"Don't speak now, just cooperate with me!"
Bailu said in an authoritative tone.
However,
Just as she was about to diagnose, Bailu's little face froze in shock!
"Huh?"
"You... why do you have so many tails?"
"Oh my! You must be Miss Tingyun, right?"