"Little Lixue, here, take your lunch for today—it includes your favorite cherry tomatoes!"
"Yes, thank you, Little Fuxi-shishu."
"Lixue, your Ruoshui Sword Plus+10 version is complete. I've improved the memory metal and anti-Entropy blade modules; you won't need to worry about maintenance anymore, and it'll require less effort to wield."
"Yes, thank you, Ancestor Fuxi."
"Lixue, look, here's the latest edition of my figurine—oops!"
"Uh, regardless, thanks, Ancestor Nuwa," Cheng Lixue said awkwardly.
She scratched her face as she watched Fu Hua expressionlessly tuck the figurine behind her back. Feeling somewhat embarrassed yet also reluctant, Lixue refrained from saying more, not wanting to embarrass her master.
Fu Hua narrowed her eyes slightly, glancing at Nuwa who was scratching the back of her head with no hint of remorse. With a resigned sigh, she couldn't help but feel that these headaches must have been commonplace in the past, even if she couldn't recall specifics.
"Cough!" Cheng Lixue cleared her throat, quickly regaining her serious demeanor. Bowing respectfully with hands cupped, she announced, "Master, Lixue will now begin her duties."
"Good. Safe travels, and return swiftly."
"Yes, Master!"
"Oh right, this shawl was sewn by Ji Lin and me last night. Autumn has arrived, and the temperature fluctuates greatly these days. Be careful not to catch a chill."
Ji Lin's ethereal spirit emerged from behind Fu Hua's Xuanyuan Sword, gently placing a red shawl into Cheng Lixue's hands.
With both hands, Cheng Lixue accepted it, her gray eyes flickering momentarily before she broke into a warm smile.
"Yes, thank you, Master! Thank you, Ancestor Ji Lin!"
Following this exchange, several more rounds of advice-giving and gift-giving ensued from the elders before they finally watched Cheng Lixue's figure disappear down the mountain path.
Then, Book of Fuxi settled atop Fu Hua's head, stroking his chin, he remarked, "Little Lixue is still quite reserved, I've told her there's no need to address me as 'Ancestor' all the time."
"It'll improve gradually; don't worry."
"Master Nuwa, considering her stubborn nature, are you sure there's nothing to be concerned about?"
Nuwa turned, noticing the puzzled expression on Fu Hua's face. After a moment, she shook her head, saying, "Indeed, I may have been too presumptuous."
Feeling unexpectedly criticized, Fu Hua responded stiffly, "I believe adhering to etiquette and respect isn't inherently bad."
This comment earned her subtle disapproving glances from everyone—See? Little Lixue's reserve must stem from your influence as her master!
Subsequently, Book of Fuxi pulled the others aside to discuss ways to quickly build rapport with Cheng Lixue, leaving Fu Hua out of the conversation.
In present-day Taixuan Mountain, Cheng Lixue was unequivocally the most cherished and cared-for junior among them all. Matters concerning her were the top priority for the internal council's discussions.
Senti wasn't considered a junior; compared to Cheng Lixue, she could almost be seen as an elder herself. Moreover, she fully agreed with Lixue's status as the group's beloved darling.
Oh, you're asking about Li Sushang... Although by lineage, she is indeed the youngest, one is a disloyal grand-disciple who only recognized their master's ancestor halfway through and once opposed Fu Hua, while the other is a devoted disciple unwaveringly pursuing Fu Hua until death. Is there really any comparison between them?
Not to mention Li Sushang's mother's past transgressions. Regardless of the reasons behind it, even if Fu Hua herself might have completely forgiven, the hardships endured by Fu Hua five hundred years ago remain deeply etched in the hearts of those on Taixuan Mountain who care for her.
In short, the distinction between insiders and outsiders is crystal clear to every member of Taixuan Mountain's influence.
It's not that there's anything inherently wrong with Li Sushang herself, but the so-called "Taixuan Mountain faction" has always revolved around Fu Hua. Expecting impartiality or leniency from this group would be quite naive!
"An essential issue we must address: establishing protocols to cope with a scenario where global technological weapons become ineffective."
"That seems unlikely, Zeke. While you did temporarily halt our reliance on such weaponry before, it's highly improbable for others to achieve the same feat. Even the Herrscher of Corruption, who manipulated mechanical infections, was swiftly countered... I'm not saying your concerns are unwarranted, but implementing such mechanisms requires top-tier talent and thorough validation. Is it truly necessary to expend valuable resources on this?"
"Welt, when discussing specialized topics, I'd appreciate if you refrain from commenting; it only exposes your limited knowledge."
"...Alright, I'll keep quiet. Please continue."
Welt shook his head with a wry smile and muted his microphone.
On a sunlit balcony, Zeke sat before three girls, meticulously braiding their hair one by one. Without looking up, he addressed several floating projection windows ahead:
"What is the Final Herrscher? Theoretically, unimaginable Honkai Energy strength coupled with mastery over all thirteen abilities. With the Erosion Authority at Its command, there are infinite possibilities. If I can indirectly render technology obsolete through the Hive System, why couldn't It do the same? All preparations hold value, even if ultimately unused. Facing civilization's greatest enemy, the difference between having one more sword or one less is significant."
The participants on the screens nodded in agreement.
Zeke continued, "Otto, you lead this effort. Bring along Dr. Einstein and Dr. Tesla. Let's skip Mobius; she specializes narrowly, and many of our resources remain unknown to her. There's no need to waste her research time."
"Understood. Ahh, what have I gotten myself into? Trying to get you to relax only landed me with more work... If I had known earlier, I wouldn't have bothered reminding you. I just barely recovered!"
"Less complaining, more doing," Zeke responded firmly.
With a pleasant yet grumbling tone from Hera, the communication was cut off, and the others quickly logged out as well.
At that moment, Zeke finished braiding Kiana's twin ponytails. He casually handed her a mirror and asked, "Take a look, how do they look?"
"Not bad at all! As expected from Zeke, your skills are still top-notch like before! Hehe!"
"Why don't you learn to braid them yourself instead? You always rely on me—do you plan to make me do this for your entire life?"
"Would it bother you, Zeke?" Kiana turned, blinking her bright, watery eyes innocently.
Instantly speechless, Zeke realized—well, braiding her hair for a lifetime didn't truly bother him.
Kiana chuckled knowingly, clearly understanding his unspoken response.
Gently tapping Kiana's head, Zeke sighed softly, "Forever young, my little mischief-maker."
"Because I'm Kiana Kaslana!"
"I wasn't complimenting you!" Zeke rolled his eyes, utterly helpless against this white-haired ball of pride.
As Kia, Bronya, and Sin happily chatted about their hairstyles and Zeke's craftsmanship, he received a personal message.
Zeke opened it, raising an eyebrow slightly.
[Cheng Lixue: Sir Zeke, please forgive my audacity to disturb you. Master mentioned that you've forged your own path in martial arts, achieving mastery on par with her own. She advised me to learn from other schools' perspectives and experiences to overcome my current stagnation. Might I humbly request some guidance if you have time?]
Unconsciously stroking his chin, Zeke formulated an equation in his mind:
'Cheng Lixue = Fu Hua's highly valued disciple = a child needing care.'
He decided to respond but received another message before he could:
[Cheng Lixue: Understanding Sir Zeke's involvement in matters vital to the world's survival, whatever your decision, Lixue will not object. Apologies for disturbing you over such trivial concerns; please find it in your heart to forgive.]
[Zeke: In three hours, after completing your support mission, meet me at Training Ground 76.]
[Cheng Lixue: Yes, Lixue is deeply grateful!]
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
On this battlefield ravaged by mechs and artillery fire, shattered remnants of Honkai Beasts flew everywhere.
This was at the outskirts of a city, also the battleground Cheng Lixue had been dispatched to support.
Her mission involved eliminating the agile and resilient specialized variants among the Honkai Beasts. Having nearly completed this task, she now only needed to wait for the mechanized forces to annihilate the remaining swarm.
After receiving Zeke's response, Cheng Lixue pursed her lips slightly and closed her personal terminal interface.
"He actually... agreed? Must be due to Master's influence, right?"
"Sigh, what am I thinking? Aside from having quite a few admirers, Sir Zeke is genuinely devoted and committed in matters of affection—even Xiao-Fuxi shishu and others acknowledge that."
"But Master, she..."
Clutching the Water Sword Plus+10, draped with the red cloak made by Fu Hua and Ji Lin, Cheng Lixue stood atop a crumbling building overlooking the battlefield. Bathed in the wind carrying the chaos of battle, she felt both anxious and uncertain.
She mustered the courage to invite Zeke out, but now, what could she possibly say to him next?
As merely a martial practitioner—a decent Valkyrie at best—what right did she have to meddle with Zeke's emotions? Moreover, as Fu Hua's disciple, was it even appropriate for her to interfere with her master's feelings and choices?
Cheng Lixue gently touched the shawl draped over her shoulders, feeling as if she could sense the warmth from Fu Hua's fingers when she wove it. This touch strengthened her resolve. Setting aside these concerns, Cheng Lixue accepted any potential rebuke or scolding from Fu Hua later. Her sole determination remained steadfast: no matter what, she must ensure her master finds happiness!