Meanwhile, on the other side.
Shortly after Stelle, March 7th, and Welt set foot on the Luofu, they happened to rescue a ferryman from the Skysplitter.
Tingyun.
After some conversation explaining their purpose, Tingyun led them to Central Starskiff Haven and reported to her superior.
She asked the Express trio to wait briefly, suggesting they explore the area.
Given Tingyun's impeccable pleasantries, Stelle and the others had little to critique, so they wandered around Central Starskiff Haven.
While Welt was distracted by a model stall, the two girls casually found an open-air tea pavilion and sat to rest.
"The phone signal is clearly strong, so why can't I send messages to the Express group? So weird…"
March 7th scratched her head, puzzled.
Stelle glanced at her phone.
"It's not like we just left, and something happened to the Express right after… ugh!"
Before March 7th could finish, Stelle quickly covered her mouth.
"Hey, hey, don't jinx us! Good thing you didn't finish, or…"
Otherwise, nothing might have turned into something.
March 7th had a knack for jinxing things, as Stelle had learned.
"You're calling me a jinx again, aren't you?"
Hands on her hips, March 7th raised her brows.
"Absolutely, positively, not!" Stelle emphasized each word.
"Then…"
"I just think of you as a pink jinx… ow!"
"Pink jinx, pink jinx, pink jinx! I'll make you hurt!"
"Let go, let go! I won't do it again, March!"
"Hmph…"
----
"Master's still teasing March 7th~~"
"You guys don't realize, the beta didn't have this much daily interaction, let alone corresponding model animations."
"MiHoYo used to get flak for characters only having shrugging or hands-on-hips poses, but now Star Rail's standing out."
"The story feels so much better, right?"
["Pretty darn good."]
["March 7th's got such girlfriend vibes, suki!"]
["Ship it, ship it hard!"]
["Usually, with a character like March 7th, some rival's bound to swoop in later."]
["Rival? No way!"]
["What if there is one? Then it's March standing on the roadside, teary-eyed: 'I was here first…'"]
["??"]
["Smack those lore nerds!"]
"Alright, that's enough!"
Stopping the live chat's frenzy, Ah Xian chose to chime in.
"I miss my Leon brain-husband so much…"
"Without him, how's this flood-breaking dam of mine supposed to cope…"
["You're all talk, but when it's real, you balk. Don't cry if Leon shows up injured to save the day."]
"Fine, I surrender… As long as the script doesn't kill him, I'm okay with the Xianzhou plot banning him."
"I'm just mouthing off, ahem… back to the story…"
Ah Xian wisely backed off, her gaze returning to the main monitor.
March 7th playfully bared her teeth at Stelle.
Stelle grinned, rubbing her pinched waist, then noticed her phone vibrate.
"Hm?"
Could they finally reach the Express?
She leaned in, only for hope to turn to disappointment.
[Tingyun: Benefactors, I'd like to ask something.]
It was that slick big-tailed fox.
[FaceTheBigMove: What's up?]
[Tingyun: It's a bit disrespectful, but this little lady is quite curious…]
[Tingyun: The Express arriving at the Xianzhou—surely it's not just to help the Luofu with the Stellaron trouble?]
Stelle was a bit speechless.
This big-tailed fox was fishing for something.
[FaceTheBigMove: The Express's intentions are straightforward. Can't people act just to do good?]
[Tingyun: After all, those who risk everything for others without expecting reward are rarer than air in a vacuum on this perilous galactic journey.]
[Tingyun: When the Xianzhou's big shots hear your intentions, they can't help but think…]
[FaceTheBigMove: Spit it out, no riddles.]
[Tingyun: They'll think you have ulterior motives, like seeking immortality or craving the Stellaron's power…]
[FaceTheBigMove: Come on, we're not clueless about the Xianzhou's taboos.]
[Tingyun: …This little lady overstepped. I personally absolutely believe in your sincerity~~]
[Tingyun: But the higher-ups think more than a small fry like me, so please, watch your words and actions.]
[FaceTheBigMove: Are you implying my pink-haired pal's a loose-lipped goof?]
[Tingyun: /Fox sweat… This little lady would never be so rude…]
Stelle pursed her lips.
She didn't buy this big-tailed fox's sincerity one bit—felt as slippery as an eel.
Sure, little March could be a bit loose-lipped, but not a total goof… right?
Thinking it over, Stelle stole a glance at the beautiful girl snapping a selfie with her camera.
Yeah… a clear, pure kind of beauty.
[Tingyun: Ah, Lady Yukong has some time free and invites the three benefactors to meet at the Palace of Astrum.]
[Tingyun: This little lady will wait for you all at the Palace of Astrum's entrance~~]
[FaceTheBigMove: On the deer, won't flake!]
"Alright, March, time to test our social finesse!"
"You? Social finesse? Better keep quiet and learn from a seasoned adult like Uncle Yang."
The two found Welt and headed straight for the Palace of Astrum, spotting Tingyun waiting at the steps.
"Oh? The benefactors arrived quickly. Lady Yukong awaits you inside the Palace of Astrum. Please, go ahead."
March 7th: "You're not coming in?"
Tingyun: "This little lady has reported your situation and won't join you~"
So you're dodging any potential blame…
Stelle grumbled inwardly.
Welt: "Thank you for your efforts, Miss Tingyun. We'll head in."
The trio ascended the steps, unchallenged by guards who had clearly been informed.
Inside the Palace of Astrum, another guide led them to Yukong.
"Report the loss data to General Jing Yuan, and summon the Divination Commission. They can't stay out of this mess," Yukong was handling urgent matters when she noticed their approach, sighing and turning.
Her furrowed brow smoothed, adopting a formal, standard courtesy.
"Guests of the Astral Express, greetings. Tingyun has fully informed me of your intentions."
"My duties don't typically include meeting travelers."
"But since you're aware of the Stellaron and claim to want to help the Luofu, both reason and sentiment compel me to give you a face-to-face opportunity—"
"That is, to politely decline your kind offer."
March 7th was stunned.
Stelle and Welt, better at managing their expressions, showed little reaction.
Seeing the trio remain composed without pressing for answers, Yukong continued.
"The Xianzhou Alliance has soared for eight thousand years, accustomed to crises. A mere Stellaron is something we can handle."
"The current disaster may be fierce, but the Luofu has the strength to manage it without outsiders' aid."
"You are guests from afar, and there's no reason for you to be dragged into this. Do you understand?"
Stelle considered mimicking Yukong's tone but thought better of it, sticking to local vernacular.
"If we insist, are you going to say next:"