Chapter 519: 2.3 Main·Pinokangni (190)

"You've arrived, have you rested okay?"

While the two were talking, Xing and San Yue Qi also joined, and the four continued the previous topic. During that, Xing asked about Jizi's whereabouts; Dan Heng said she is now acting as the train's representative to negotiate with the family, and will contact them once arrangements are settled.

"After the Dream of Taiyi shattered, the families of the Montor star system rushed in at the sound of it and quickly took control of the scene. Most members of the Oak family lost consciousness, but fortunately none were in mortal danger," Walter said.

"The mastermind behind all the conspiracies was identified as the former Dream Master Ge Feimu, but when we arrived… he had already fallen."

"Then… what about Xingqiri?"

"A trial awaits him, and as for more… the family prefers not to disclose," Dan Heng said.

"In the end, ordinary people just think this is an evil force's attack on the Harmony Festival, and the family failed to protect the beautiful dream, causing its reputation to plummet," San Yue Qi said with a hint of regret, "Although it's far from the truth, it's probably the least damaging outcome…"

——

Crimson Red Eye.

When he heard that none of the hundred thousand members of the Oak family were in mortal danger, Tazumi's tense shoulders finally relaxed, and he let out a long sigh.

"Boss, that's great… everyone except the Dream Master is alive. Since the Dream Master, who was thought to be the mastermind, is dead, does that mean Xingqiri doesn't need to…" he chose his words, "doesn't need the death penalty? He did steal Harmony's authority at the time, but at least the worst outcome didn't happen…"

"Tazumi, the family didn't say they'd sentence him to death, right?" Maine propped her chin with one hand and said lightly, "Besides, even if they did sentence him to death it would be entirely justified. He's a remnant of Order, essentially… uh, like the rebel army in the Empire—once exposed they must be destroyed! Moreover, he caused the highly anticipated Harmony Festival to be postponed… just that crime alone the family could never let him off."

"Hmm, but I think that's only one layer of the reason."

Najeta took a deep drag of her cigarette, her eyes calmly scanning the few people in the sky dome, "There's another layer… Xingqiri, everything he did wasn't madness or destruction; on the contrary, he was full of ideals, righteousness and wisdom, and such people are often the most terrifying."

He's a remnant of Order, and the challenge isn't against a person or a force… but against the ideology of Harmony. Leaving such a dangerous‑minded former Order leader is like burying a bomb under one's own bed that could explode at any moment.

"So he must be killed?" Tazumi asked.

"Not necessarily, but he won't be pardoned." Najeta brushed the ash from her hand, "The family has no reason, nor the need, to take such a huge risk. Eradicating the root is the best approach, but if the Zhigengniao learns his whereabouts and is willing to fight hard for the family… there might be a sliver of hope."

——

"Come to think of it, something strange happened on the way here. I was walking fine when someone slipped me a weird gift," San Yue Qi said, expression speechless, "When I opened it it was a button, with words on the back: 'Press it and the whole Pinokangni will be blown into the sky'—what? That's terrifying!"

"Did you press it?"

"Of course not! Who would press it?" San Yue Qi spread her hands, "When I turned around, the person had already vanished. I had no choice but to hand it to a nearby hunting dog. I've heard there are quite a few similar reports, even before the Harmony Festival opened. Sigh, I'm really worried about Pinokangni's future…"

Speaking of that, the group returned to the earlier encounter in the Dream of Taiyi; Dan Heng dreamed that no matter how many people the train carried, the five of them always stayed together. Mr. Walter, however, was somewhat different…

"It's a bit bewildering to say, but in the boundless dream I was able to return home and reunite with long‑separated friends. And because of some special reasons… I thought of Miss Huangquan. When I realized my memory didn't retain her ending, I sensed a bitter truth."

——

Honkai 3.

Hey!!! Joachim!!

Inside the Entropy Reversal headquarters, a red‑haired woman darted in a single step to Walter's side, her finger unabashedly jabbing his chest, her teeth chattering "creak" as she said, "You idiot! Explain properly for this genius! Why did you dream of Mei in the Dream of Taiyi?"

"What about the chicken coop? What about this genius? In the dream we both returned home, but didn't dream of the two of us, right? What nonsense are you thinking about all day! Huh?!"

Walter recoiled repeatedly from the jab, his eyes full of embarrassment and helplessness, his hands flailing to block. How could he have known his future thoughts? Besides, dreaming of Mei in the Dream of Taiyi is quite normal, right…

"Calm down, Dr. Tesla… this is just a dream illusion created by Xingqiri's ability, not my—no, not the 'future me''s subjective will…"

"Don't give me that! Day thoughts, night dreams, get it?! Could that Mei in the sky dome be more important than fighting side by side, staying up late researching together, together…" Tesla's voice suddenly softened, "…Anyway!! Could she be more important than us?!"

"Well… of course not. Whether it's you—Dr. Tesla, or Dr. Einstein, you both… will always be my most important companions and comrades, irreplaceable." Walter said sincerely, "As for why Miss Huang appears in the dream, it might also be because she's a 'Messenger'."

——

While everyone was chatting, Jizi suddenly posted a message in the group, indicating a meeting near the pool of the Hui Changshi ship later.

……

At this very moment, over at the company.

Facing the tricky counterattack from the old Emperor Ao, Topa couldn't help but furrow his brow: "…He's really hard to deal with, that old Emperor Ao. I didn't expect that at Pinokangni's most critical moment, he would make the risky move of going public."

"Exactly, he's bold. It's this daring that allowed him to become today's Emperor Ao·Aifufa." Lady Jade said calmly, "But the scales of victory haven't tipped yet. No matter how loud the broadcast, the sound itself has no weight. Topa, the call you made—any follow‑up?"

"Yes, they agreed. But the person will need some more time before arriving."

Lady Jade nodded, "That works. The serving order of Sweet Dew should come after the Poisoned Venom."

"Looks like the Apple Exchange segment will have to be omitted this time."

Lady Jade smiled lightly, "Who can blame them, a greedy merchant? One bland apple can't solve the problem—ah, that remark also backfired on me."