Chapter 1324: and ===GLOSSARY===

Zero Zone.

"So this is what Bai'e looked like in the past, how should I put it? A bit… middle‑school delusion?"

Hearing Ling say that, Xixi Fu slipped silently to Ling's side: "Hehe, Rope Craftsman, you aren't thinking of Bai'e and recalling your own middle‑school delusional period, are you?"

"Not at all!"

Ling crossed both arms in front of the chest, forming a big "X".

"Alright, Xixi Fu, didn't you just say you wanted to ponder the 'first cause of life'?" Zhe sighed helplessly and skillfully changed the subject.

When she heard the words "first cause of life," Xixi Fu, who had been watching the spectacle, fell silent in an instant, and even the tuft of hair on her head seemed to receive some mysterious signal and shot straight up.

"First cause…"

A flash of brilliance lit Xixi Fu's eyes, and she sprang to her feet: "Rope Craftsman, I just went through an extremely meticulous logical deduction and finally arrived at the absolutely correct, irrefutable answer!"

Ling and Zhe exchanged a glance, each seeing a hint of curiosity in the other's eyes: "What is it?"

Xixi Fu turned around, hands on her hips, raising her voice as if proclaiming a truth:

"The first cause of life must be the egg!!"

"Eggs again…? Huh? Why did I say 'again'?"

"Exactly, the egg! You know, life often has that debate, right? Which came first, the chicken or the egg? The first cause of life, of course, has to be the egg first!"

Xixi Fu swallowed subconsciously: "The most, most, most important thing! Eggs can become fried eggs, scrambled eggs, onsen eggs, egg pancakes… they encompass everything! They are the source of all deliciousness! Rope Craftsman, can you imagine a world without eggs?!"

Ling awkwardly touched her face: "Um… seems we really can't. But weren't we discussing the 'first cause of life'? How did we suddenly shift to food?"

——

"Can't tell, he used to be so middle‑school delusional."

Laigushi: "Your sense of humor remains as ever. My story is not a joke, but the prologue to his stepping into a new world… this is a man's earliest memory. Not that you sit idly in your seat, I hope you regard it as an 'immersive drama'…"

"Play the role of the most important companion throughout Bai'e's life, a 'nameless hero' who always guided him forward yet never left a name in the history of Weng Falos, and watch this journey from the best spot."

"So you're also a director?"

"Hehe, you must have many questions in your mind. Why not follow his steps first? In this village shrouded by the veil of eternal night, many secrets await discovery… As the play gradually unfolds, I'm sure your confusion will be easily resolved."

Star followed Bai'e through the village; along the way many people greeted him, showing that Bai'e was well liked in the village.

The two arrived at the pond's edge and saw, on a swing in the distance, a pink‑haired girl sitting.

The girl closed her eyes, softly humming a folk song, swaying gently with the swing, like a pink spirit hidden beneath the trees.

"Ha, just as I thought, here."

Star quietly sized up the girl before him, a hint of curiosity rising in his heart.

(She is…)

The girl opened her eyes; a brief flash of surprise rose in them, then she turned her head and smiled, as if seeing him for the first time.

"Oh? Coming over so hurriedly, the little swing got scared, wobbling…" Xilian looked at Star seriously, "…Hmm?"

Star always felt the girl was somewhat familiar, yet couldn't recall: "Is it you…?"

"It feels like I've met you before."

"What's up… what are you looking at?" Bai'e asked curiously.

Xilian placed her hands behind her back, leaned slightly and swayed: "Hmm~ nothing, just… suddenly felt an inexplicable spiritual resonance?"

——

Honkai 3.

Ailixiya, this isn't an isomer; it's literally you, isn't it?

Seeing Xilian place her hands behind her back and lean slightly, Eden for a moment doubted her own eyes; if it were only the voice, appearance, tone, style being similar it would be understandable… but now even the movement is so alike!

Eden was far too familiar with that gesture; she had seen it countless times. Whenever Ailixiya had some mischievous scheme, some coquettish line, or Eden wanted to pry gossip from her, she would approach with that identical posture.

Although Bai'e and Kevin had similar experiences, at the end they were completely opposite people—one cold, one fiery. But between Xilian and Ailixiya, if the former could just grow up a little more…

Myself! No doubt, it's myself!

"Eden, although little Xilian and she are both pink, cute beautiful girls, there are still quite a few differences." Ailixiya deliberately sighed, "Sigh, I really envy Xilian, so small, like a child. I also want to be a child who never grows up, without worries."

Meibiwusi lowered her head to look at herself upon hearing that, seemed vaguely familiar with such a dialogue, and hummed softly.

"So, Ailixiya, although Xilian is tiny, her age seems about the same as Bai'e's, right?" Eden smiled, "And from the tone, she even seems a bit older than Bai'e?"

"Oh, really?" Ailixiya widened her eyes, her gaze smiling as she looked again at the youths in the sky, "I never noticed that, I didn't expect little Xilian to be so mature? Indeed, 'cuteness' can mask age, huh♪"

——

Speaking, Xilian looked again at Bai'e: "Oh dear, why do you still have fallen leaves on your head? Did you fall asleep on a tree again, or in a wheat field? Clean up before you go out."

"I've grown up, yet you're still treating me like a child…"

"Is that so? Though you're taller than me, in terms of maturity I far surpass you. Fantasizing about heroic tales and seeing yourself as a character isn't something adults do."

Xilian gave Star a slight smile: "You think so? Since you're still goofing around with him… what's today's character design?"

"Hello, I'm a Star Core Hunter," Star whispered into his ear.

Bai'e seemed a bit embarrassed by the title, holding his forehead and saying, "Ahem, alright. She's today… 'Star Core Hunter.'"

"Heart and hunter?" Xilian bent down with interest, "Whose heart are you preparing to capture, hmm?"