『 Suddenly, deafening sounds of ceremonial cannons echoed through the air.
[ Do you hear that? The rumble of the cannons... it brings back all the memories of past battles within me... ]
[ My return will bring back the Wolf's Creed. In my own way, I shall save our weakened pack and restore it to its former glory! ]
Hoolay proclaimed loudly.
Fanatical expressions gradually appeared on the faces of Mo Du and the other Borisin.
At the same time, the Wardance Ceremony was about to begin.
Meanwhile, aboard the Skysplitter.
[ Whoa, the ceremonial cannons on the Skysplitter are so loud! ]
[ Is this the atmosphere of the Wardance? I feel like my ears are going deaf. ]
Hearing the thunderous roar of the massive ceremonial cannons, March 7th couldn't help but cover her ringing ears.
[ If the scale weren't grand, how could we attract people to watch? ]
[ March, you haven't forgotten what you're here for, have you? ]
Seeing March 7th like this, Yunli, who was standing beside her, asked casually.
[ Who am I? Where am I? What am I doing here? ]
March 7th was a bit dazed by the booming cannons.
She had completely forgotten what she was here for.
[ Look around. Does it jog your memory? ]
Yunli pointed around to remind her.
[ Ah, memories of falling from the sky into Taikiyan Stadium have come flooding back to me. We... came to compete, didn't we? ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Ah! MY EARS!!"
Stelle: "I'm going deaf, I'm going deaf!"
Hotaru: "Eh, isn't that a bit of an exaggeration?"
Hotaru: "Though the cannons are indeed very loud…"
Paimon: "Whoa, even though we're just watching a video, it felt so real just now."
Paimon: "I was startled by that sudden, massive boom."
Paimon: "I thought something exploded…"
Yunli: "That's exactly the kind of grand scale we wanted."
Yunli: "Don't you all think these cannons are extremely imposing?"
Lumine: "Mm, indeed very imposing."
Lumine: "As expected of the Wardance Ceremony."
Furina de Fontaine: "Miss March 7th was completely dazed. Isn't it really a bit too loud?"
Yanqing: "Miss March is standing right on the Skysplitter. She's too close, so it's normal to find it loud."
Yanqing: "It's fine, she'll get used to it in no time."
March 7th: "So, what am I here for again?"
Hu Tao: "Isn't Miss March 7th here to defend the ring on behalf of Yanqing?"
March 7th: "Uh… right, right, right."
March 7th: "I really almost forgot."
Mualani: "I'm a bit worried. Hoolay is already planning to cause chaos on the Luofu. Can the Wardance Ceremony really proceed smoothly?"
Silver Wolf: "I don't think it's a big deal."
Silver Wolf: "Just relax and watch the tournament."
Silver Wolf: "Why don't we place a bet? Which round will March 7th get eliminated in?"
Stelle: "Let's be conservative. I bet March can survive two opponents!"
March 7th: "???"
March 7th: "Hey, do you guys have that little faith in me?"
Yunli: "To be honest, even as your master, I don't have much confidence in you."
Yunli: "The Wardance Ceremony might have hidden talents. Even if Yanqing were up there, he wouldn't dare claim a guaranteed victory."
Yanqing: "That's true. There is always someone better."
Yanqing: "Perhaps a very powerful opponent will emerge in this Wardance."
Yanqing: "However, with Miss March's talent and my guidance, I believe you can definitely make it to the end."
Yanqing: "Keep it up!"
March 7th: "Uh… is this a default assumption that I'm going to lose the defense?"
March 7th: "Forget it, forget it. To be honest, I don't have much confidence myself."
March 7th: "Man proposes, God disposes. I'll just do my best."
....
『 [ Great, you've finally gotten your memory back, and I can put down Old Mettle. ]
[ As the saying goes, a disciple should share the master's burden. ]
[ Remember, you are representing the Luofu as a swordmaster, standing in for your unfilial Master Yanqing to defend the ring. ]
Yunli emphasized March 7th's task.
[ Speaking of which, what if the opponent on stage is super powerful and knocks me down in two or three moves? What should I do then… ]
[ After all, I'm only a beginner at swordsmanship. ]
[ I don't even know where I got the confidence to agree to General Huaiyan back then. ]
March 7th was feeling a bit apprehensive now.
[ Aiya, no need to worry. ]
[ If you get knocked down, your master here will step up and meet your opponent. ]
[ But if that happens, all the glory of the Luofu Xianzhou will belong to the Zhuming, hahahaha… ]
Yunli laughed merrily, seemingly not worried at all.
[ Please, Master Yunli, I'm about to go on stage. Give me some confidence! ]
Yunli's giggling attitude made March 7th feel quite helpless.
[ March, think about the great winds and waves you and the Nameless of the Express have experienced on your journey! ]
[ You must have seen enemies far more terrifying than any opponent in the Wardance, right? ]
[ Doesn't thinking about it that way make you feel much more relaxed? ]
Yunli began to comfort March 7th.
[ Should we call Master Yanqing back? ]
[ The master retreats in his prime… leaving the disciple to face the music. What kind of arrangement is this? ]
March 7th was extremely anxious, feeling more and more insecure.
[ March, your master's withdrawal is a great opportunity for you to make a name for yourself. ]
Yunli was still egging March 7th on.
[ More like a great opportunity for me to lose my head! ]
March 7th said weakly.
[ Why so many complaints? You already promised Grandpa, and now you want to run? Let's go! ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Hahahahaha…"
Stelle: "This is killing me."
Stelle: "Look at March's reluctant face."
March 7th: "Forced into business. If it were you, you'd be reluctant too…"
March 7th: "Besides, giving this job to me is really out of my league!"
Paimon: "Mm… I can really understand Miss March 7th's thoughts."
Paimon: "Putting myself in her shoes, if the arena Lumine was supposed to fight in was suddenly handed over to me, I'd be panicking like crazy too!"
Lumine: "What's there to panic about? You can just lie on the ground and forfeit."
Lumine: "Since you can't win anyway, why struggle? (covers mouth laughing.jpg)"
Yunli: "Haha, this is all your unfilial Master Yanqing's fault, tossing aside his own duties and letting a newbie disciple like you take over."
Yunli: "But don't worry, with your Master Yunli here, your personal safety is absolutely guaranteed!"
Yunli: "Your Master Yunli is very reliable!"
Yanqing: "Cough… I… really had matters I couldn't walk away from."
Yanqing: "There was no other way…"
Yanqing: "Who told me to be a Cloud Knight Lieutenant?"
Yanqing: "I must prioritize my duties as a Cloud Knight!"
....
『 [ Master Yunli, I feel like I'm still not fully prepared… ]
March 7th had a face full of grievance.
[ March, preparation is never fully complete. ]
[ Alright, follow me. ]
Ignoring March 7th's resentment, Yunli began leading her toward the security checkpoint of the Skysplitter.
On the way, they encountered a pair of tourists chatting.
[ So this is the Skysplitter? It looked quite impressive from the ground where I was on duty, but... ]
[ But now that I'm on board, it just doesn't seem as... big as I imagined? ]
The male tourist sized up the Skysplitter, looking slightly disappointed.
[ Oh? And how big did you imagine this 'impressive Skysplitter' to be? This big? This big, maybe? ]
Hearing her companion's words, the female tourist beside him gestured with her hands.
[ Let me think... Hmm. I'd expect at least a four-hour journey by starskiff to the spectator seating from here. Otherwise it's simply not impressive enough! ]
The male tourist thought about it and replied.
[ Wouldn't that be too big for no good reason? ]
Having listened for a while, March 7th couldn't help but step forward to complain.
[ The bigger, the better! If you ask me, the Skysplitter is nowhere near big enough, and there are nowhere near enough cannons! ]
Hearing March 7th's words, the male tourist stated his opinion.
[ Mm… This warship used to have loads of cannons. ]
The female tourist chimed in.
[ Either way, I thought that the Skysplitter would be absolutely huge, so it's not quite how I imagined it. ]
The male tourist scratched his head.
[ I say, are you going or not? ] 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Qingque: "My goodness, does this tourist know what he's talking about?"
Qingque: "A starskiff transfer takes at least four hours; just how big would that ship have to be?"
Stelle: "Not that big, right?"
Stelle: "Maybe about the size of a city?"
Stelle: "Anyway, compared to the Xianzhou itself, it's still far off."
Paimon: "My goodness, a ship the size of a city?"
Paimon: "Is that not big?"
Paimon: "Paimon can't even imagine it."
Zhongli: "In terms of common rationality, compared to the Xianzhou, which is as colossal as a planet, it is indeed not considered big."
Lumine: "I always feel like what these two tourists are discussing is a bit weird."
Lumine: "Big is good, many is beautiful?"
Lumine: "Is this referring to the firepower of the Skysplitter?"
Furina de Fontaine: "Are they complaining about the lack of firepower on the Skysplitter?"
Furina de Fontaine: "Isn't this a bit off-topic?"
Furina de Fontaine: "Shouldn't they be discussing the contestants in the Wardance Ceremony?"
Guinaifen: "I get it, they might be military enthusiasts."
Guinaifen: "For enthusiasts like them, boarding a former warship means they definitely want to study its firepower first."
Yanqing: "The Skysplitter has been decommissioned and modified. Most of the large weapons on it have been removed."
Yanqing: "So it's normal for them to feel that there are few cannons."
Xiangling: "To be fair, I think a spaceship this size is already very spectacular and grand."
Xiangling: "If Teyvat could have a ship this big, it would be considered a wonder of the world, right?"
....
『 After bidding farewell to the two rather strange tourists, Yunli continued to lead March 7th forward.
At a staircase corner, they were called out by someone.
[ You see these glasses I have on? ]
[ These Rating Glasses are a special souvenir I picked up from The Blue. If I just look at a contestant through them, they can give a combat power rating. ]
The man pointed to the glasses he was wearing and said mysteriously.
[ Ah? Then look at me. What is my combat power? ]
Hearing this, March 7th asked with an expectant face.
[ …5. ]
The man hesitated for a moment, then spat out a number that broke March 7th's heart.
[ How is that possible? Take another good look at me! ]
[ Could it be that the maximum score is also 5? ]
March 7th refused to believe this cruel reality.
[ Poor little March, toyed with by the ratings of a machine. ]
[ Stop looking, let's go! ]
Yunli couldn't watch any longer and pulled March 7th away. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Stelle: "Ahahaha, March is a combat power of five!"
March 7th: "Who are you calling a combat power of five?!"
March 7th: "His broken machine must be completely inaccurate!"
Silver Wolf: "Rating scope?"
Silver Wolf: "Sounds like a shoddy imitation of the Rating Pistol."
Stelle: "I've played with the Rating Pistol before; that's a Curio."
Stelle: "As for this rating scope, could it be a toy made by some bored researcher from Madam Herta Space Station?"
March 7th: "Exactly, it must be a toy!"
March 7th: "How could I possibly have a combat power of five?"
March 7th: "Either that, or the maximum score of this machine is indeed 5!"
Mualani: "I can tell Miss March is really bothered by this rating, haha."
Yunli: "You actually believed that thing."
Yunli: "It's just stuff to trick kids."
Paimon: "Mm… I think it's quite interesting."
Paimon: "I really want to buy one to wear and play with."
Lumine: "And then check other people's combat ratings before giving them nicknames?"
Paimon: "Hehehe, you really know me."
Hu Tao: "Tsk tsk, Paimon really bullies the weak and fears the strong!"
Hu Tao: "That's very Paimon."
....
『 Dragged away by Yunli, March 7th arrived at the security checkpoint.
[ Miss Yunli, Miss March! This way, please! ]
[ I have received word from Madam Yukong and have come to receive you both. ]
At the security checkpoint, Xikui was already waiting.
[ Speaking of which, the announcement that Miss March will be defending the ring on behalf of Lieutenant Yanqing has already been posted. ]
[ When I passed by the contestants' hall just now, I heard them discussing animatedly. The most common question was—who is March 7th? ]
[ If they ask, how does Miss March plan to introduce herself? Are you prepared? ]
Xikui looked at March 7th and asked with a smile.
[ Hmph, losers are not worthy of knowing my name. ]
March 7th put her hands on her hips and said something that made Yunli burst into laughter.
[ Is this some kind of villain entrance line? ]
Yunli shook her head and complained.
[ Hahaha, it seems you two are quite relaxed. It's not easy to have such a state of mind when faced with danger. ]
[ The Wardance Ceremony has already registered Miss Yunli's contestant information. ]
[ Miss March 7th was a last-minute entry, and the Sky-Faring Commission has already prepared the relevant paperwork for you. ]
[ Please head up this path; the contestants' hall is just ahead. ]
Xikui pointed out the way for them.
[ Thank you, Sister Xikui. ]
March 7th thanked her with a smile. 』
『 ....』
—✦Omniscient Viewer's Chat Lodge✦—
Silver Wolf: "Oh, March 7th is doing the exact opposite of Stelle, huh?"
Silver Wolf: "Stelle acts cowardly the more critical the moment is."
Silver Wolf: "You act wilder the more critical the moment is."
Stelle: "Nice, March is so domineering!"
Stelle: "I hope you say exactly that when you get to the arena!"
Yunli: "With such a wild tone, aren't you afraid of being beaten to death?"
Yunli: "Your master suggests you keep a lower profile."
March 7th: "Ehehe, don't take it seriously."
March 7th: "Isn't this just to boost my courage!"
March 7th: "I'm about to go on stage. If I don't boost my courage, I'm afraid I won't even dare to go up."
....
『 [ Let's go, let's look around the contestants' hall. ]
Yunli took March 7th to the contestants' hall.
[ Looks like this is the contestants' hall. ]
Soon, the two arrived. Looking around, the place was crowded with people.
[ So many people. ]
Seeing so many people present, March 7th began to feel nervous again.
[ March, before the Wardance Ceremony begins, let your master teach you another lesson. ]
[ Do you know? Grandpa often tells me that objects resemble their owners. ]
[ A person's weapon reflects their habits and character. ]
[ You've seen me swing my old iron, right? ]
[ Tell me, what did you observe? ] 』
『 ....』