Yunli's grandfather, General Huaiyan, seemed to intend to receive the treasured sword sent back from abroad without telling Yunli.
No matter if there was any hidden reason, Yunli would never miss out on a "legendary treasured sword."
To gather more information, Stelle and Paavo engaged in a very detailed exchange—one so thorough it felt like they were afraid the audience couldn't hear the setup.
[Paavo's name, how should I put it... it's kind of a mouthful.]
[Yeah, a bit hard to pronounce, but why does it feel vaguely familiar?]
[Power. Phonetically, that's what it means.]
[Holy crap, that word better not show up.]
[It's just a name, not important. How could the Big Sick Zone possibly appear just like that?]
——
Stelle mainly understood the cause and effect of the event from three dimensions.
Paavo's hometown is called Kalevala. Although it's not yet prosperous, it possesses enormous super-titanium ore deposits and will soon flourish.
As for the treasured sword being returned, it's named "Mika Chivasha." It holds an exalted status in Kalevala and once helped mythical heroes slay demons and vanquish evil.
At the same time, it is also the sword that selects the monarch. The ancient kings of Kalevala all received this sword's acknowledgment, thereby gaining the qualification to rule.
According to tradition, successive kings would thrust the sword into a stone monument, and only the hero recognized by the sword could draw it out and succeed to the throne.
As for why the sword is being returned—first, society is progressing, a parliament has been established, and the myth of "drawing the sword to become king" has long become a joke.
Second, the one who drew this sword and identified its Xianzhou origins was not a Kalevalan, but a visitor from beyond the skies.
Although to Kalevala it is an antique of considerable historical value, after all, it does not belong to this world.
Regarding whether to return the sword, the old fogeys in parliament argued fiercely, yet unusually reached a unanimous decision: let "Mika Chivasha" return to where it belongs.
There could be no better arrangement!
[Visitor from beyond the skies? And it's specially emphasized in golden font—is there some shady business here?]
[Definitely foreshadowing. Honkai: Star Rail almost never has wasted details.]
[So who exactly is it?]
[So hard to guess.]
[For some reason my mind just conjured up a red-haired knight in full silver armor. I really don't want to guess him.]
[I don't want to guess him either, but is there anyone more fitting?]
——
After listening to all this, Yunli immediately became interested. After persistent coaxing and pleading, she successfully dragged Stelle along to the Seat of Divine Foresight.
The next moment.
The camera cut, and Stelle and Yunli had already arrived inside the Seat of Divine Foresight.
Sure enough, a red-haired man stood out conspicuously.
[Sorry, I've got a disease where I want to laugh whenever I see Argenti.]
[LMAO! It's Argenti, I'm not surprised at all.]
[Laughing to death, it's Argenti again.]
[Sure enough it's Argenti. Forgive my relieved laughter—the Galaxy's number-one slacker lives up to his reputation.]
[Argenti — Honkai: Star Rail's one and only designated cameo king!]
[Guest star king, watch your wording.]
——
"Please allow me to sincerely praise you, my lady. Your beauty is like the pure and innocent iris flower." The moment Argenti saw Yunli, he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration. He slightly raised his head and actually noticed Stelle's figure. "Isn't this my dear friend? We meet again!"
Yunli tilted her head slightly. "Who's this weirdo again?"
Realizing she had spoken wrongly, she quickly corrected herself. "Ah, I mean, who is this knight..."
Argenti gave a slight bow, extremely gentlemanly. "My name is Argenti, of the Knights of Beauty. I was invited to join the Kalevala delegation and escort the treasured sword 'Mika Chivasha' back to the Xianzhou.
May I have the honor of knowing your name?"
Yunli paused for a moment before slowly speaking. "My name is Yunli."
"What a beautiful name! Have you perhaps heard of the sacred name of the flawless goddess Idrila..."
[Zero-frame opener right there!]
[Hahaha, Argenti is still so pure, never forgetting his original aspiration.]
[Silky little combo.]
[Gotta say, Argenti is still so bad with words.]
[Sure enough, when your attitude is good, people treat you with courtesy. When your attitude is too good, people become speechless.]
——
Suddenly, Huaiyan came up to Yunli and interrupted Argenti's silky little combo. "Ah, Yunli, you've come. Your sources are quite well-informed... Never mind. In an occasion like this, you must absolutely remember not to be rude."
Yunli put her hands on her hips. "Rude, rude... I just got here—what rudeness have I shown? Seriously, where in the world is there a granddaughter as polite as me?"
["Polite."]
[So she doesn't realize she's the big-sis-kid?]
[Yanqing: Yeah yeah yeah.]
[Invincible Swordsman123: Am I the only one who feels nothing toward Yunli?]
——
"Never mind, never mind. As long as you remember this is a solemn occasion, that's enough." Huaiyan turned back and spoke to Paavo with a hint of apology. "Mr. Paavo, thank you for waiting. Let us begin the 'Sword-Gifting Ceremony.'"
Paavo nodded, then cleared his throat. "Before the ceremony begins, please allow me to thank Knight Argenti. Thank you for informing us of the sword's origins, and thank you for escorting it along the way, allowing us to fulfill our mission and arrive safely."
Everyone applauded, and Argenti politely acknowledged the crowd.
"I, Paavo Karasaga, on behalf of the Kalevala delegation, hereby return the treasured sword 'Mika Chivasha' to the Xianzhou Alliance. It originally came from the Xianzhou, and it should return to its homeland."
Upon hearing this, Huaiyan immediately expressed gratitude. "We thank Kalevala for this righteous act of returning the sword, and we thank the Knights of Beauty for their chivalrous spirit. Here on the Luofu, I, Huaiyan, formally welcome the sword home.
'Mika Chivasha' is a fine name, surely related to all it has experienced. Yet I still remember the inscription engraved on this sword from the day it was forged—Guyun. It was crafted by the artisan 'Hangguang' of the Zhuming Xianzhou's Flamewheel Forge Palace."
"Wait... Hang... Hangguang?" Yunli's pupils suddenly contracted, as if some keyword had been triggered.
Huaiyan glanced at Yunli and continued. "Although the divine blade is covered in dust and riddled with cracks, its frame and bones remain as steadfast as a Xianzhou Cloud Knight—unbroken through countless battles. It only needs skilled craftsmen from the Forge Division to repair and polish it, and it can regain its former glory.
This old man has decided to entrust this Guyun to the Luofu Forge Division for restoration, to serve as the prize for the winner of this Luofu Martial Exhibition Ceremony's defending champion bout. It shall be used to slay evil creatures and protect the homeland—thus honoring the long journey of the Kalevala delegation in returning the sword."
At this moment, the camera gave Argenti a close-up. He stared intently at the sword case containing Guyun.
Hearing Huaiyan's words, Paavo was very pleased. "Thank you, General. Kalevala is deeply honored."
"Please, this knight and the delegation members, accompany us to the Forge Division. There—"
Just then.
Yunli very impolitely interrupted. "No way. This sword... it's Hangguang's..."
Huaiyan's eyes widened. "Yunli! This guest has brought your father's legacy back—hurry and give thanks!"
——