Chapter 533: 2.3 Main – Pinokangni (204)

"\"The answer isn't important; what's important is what we can get from others' answers... right? \""

"Jizi nodded: \"Hmm, that's Pioneering. \""

"After finishing the memorial for Mihaier, Xing returned to Huangquan, intending to say goodbye. Come to think of it, from the start she never had time to introduce herself."

"Huangquan is a self‑destructor cursed by the Void, whose hometown was annihilated long ago, the whole world perished under the reflection of Void IX. To fight that self‑destruction, she seeks a way to sever the Void while traveling, and she has found the answer—she is convinced her destination lies deep within the Black Net that separates reality from the Void."

"\"Will we meet again? \""

"Huangquan shook her head: \"The Star Sea is vast; as for the purpose of the journey, we're unlikely to cross paths again. Yet the road of Pioneering is inherently unknown, and my blade is sharp enough to cut destiny… As long as we keep the original intention of setting out, I believe one day we can reunite. \""

"\"Have we met before? \""

"\"Ah… now that you mention it, I must apologize for my rudeness. When we first met, I said you reminded me of an old friend. Because of the self‑destruction curse, my memories peeled away, and now I can be sure… this truly is our first meeting. \""

"\"What if… that's not an illusion? \""

"Huangquan looked at Xing with some puzzlement: \"What does that mean? You can't possibly be linked to my past… I mean, there's nothing to trace back to, only a void. \""

"\"I may have seen… someone similar to you. \""

"——"

"Honkai 3."

"\"All the people here are similar. \""

"Qiana looked around the lounge, seeing Bulonia, Xi'er, Ya Yi, Jizi… none differed from the ones in the sky curtain. Not only their names, but also their looks and histories were almost identical."

"However, thinking of never seeing Huangquan again, Qiana felt a lingering reluctance, a regret that \"the Train Squad's story only began but must end hastily. \""

"Seeing Qiana's drooping eyebrows, Jizi gave a slight smile and comforted: \"Actually, Miss Huangquan may still cross paths with the Train Squad later; if Xing and the others later become linked with the Void, there's a good chance they'll see her again. \""

"\"Linking with the Void…\""

"It doesn't sound like a good thing; once tangled with the Void, misfortune follows."

"In fact, Qiana hopes the Train Squad keeps close contact with Huangquan; should the Squad later clash with any emissary, it'd be best to bring her over to help."

"But that's a story for later…"

"Right now, she really can't bear to lose Miss Huangquan, can't bear the long‑haired, sexy, cool, mature, shape‑shifting Ya Yi!!"

"——"

"\"I see… you've had similar experiences too? Then you should know that I'm not the same person as the her in your memory, \" Huangquan said lightly."

"\"But some things never change. \""

"Hearing that, Huangquan let out a \"puchi\" laugh; her usually calm, delicate face melted like early spring snow, revealing a faint yet genuine smile."

"\"…Long ago, I too had an irreplaceable companion, just like you. We set out on a journey, and at every right moment did our best to make the right choices. Unfortunately we didn't achieve the right outcome, but this scene always makes me feel they never left. \""

"\"In this universe there are countless worlds that are similar yet different, and countless people who are similar yet different. I have also walked alone, meeting old friends on strange planets, seeing their silhouettes overlap with my past. \""

"\"Forge ahead without hesitation, nameless travelers in Pioneering in Progress. Even if the ending is predetermined, that's fine; there are too many things people cannot change. Yet before that, on the road toward the end, there's still much we can do. \""

"\"And the ending… will thus take on a completely different meaning. That is the meaning of the journey. The beautiful things were like that before, and now as well, and I likewise believe…\""

"Huangquan still smiled faintly, her long hair unchanged; after shedding all experiences and hardships, she reverted to Ya Yi, the girl in a white kimono, standing in the sunset with a gentle smile."

"\"It will continue to bloom at the edge of the Void until we reunite in the sunlight. \""

"——"

"Blade Fang."

"\"Unfortunately, we'll never see her draw her sword again. \""

"Miyamoto Musashi regrettably brushed the two swords at his waist, one long and one short, a hint of remorse flashing in his jewel‑like eyes."

"Although I don't recall ever seeing her duel with swordsmanship… most of her victories came from a single strike of destiny. Yet the sword‑master Jingliu has been detained, so I doubt I'll ever witness her divine technique again in this life."

"\"No problem, Miyamoto Musashi. When the Train Squad returns to the Celestial Vessel someday, you can check out Yan Qing's swordsmanship, \" Tokugawa said with a smile."

"\"Yan Qing… that youngster has extraordinary talent and exquisite swordsmanship, but unfortunately he uses a flying sword, which is beyond my level. \""

"To Miyamoto Musashi, a flying sword is far removed from swordsmanship; it's more a celestial art of mind‑controlled objects, a level of deity combat, so there's little he can learn from it."

"Jingyuan isn't the type who likes to get physical either…"

"Thinking of that, Musashi's regret grew heavier, and he looked up with a long sigh: \"I'd love to see how other generals on the Celestial Vessel fight, whether any are like Fanma Yongjiluo who love battle. \""

"——"

"Inside the Star Rail, Xing arrived to find everyone gathered around Pam, the observation car echoing Pam's sobs: \"Wuwu… Pawoo…\""

"Seeing Sanyueqi cry made my heart melt, so I quickly comforted Pam not to cry."

"After telling Pam about this adventure, it suddenly started crying; Sanyueqi had never seen Pam so upset before…"

"\"Wuwu… Conductor… the Conductor never cries! Not… not sad! Pam is just… just…\" Pam suddenly emphasized seriously: \"Just angry, Pam! Yes, angry! \""

"\"Pam's pre‑planned departure time isn't being obeyed by any passenger! If this continues, the train's fuel will run out, Pam! Right, Pam is just angry… not because of Misha, Tieernan, Lazalina…\""

「「——pat-pat-pat-pat-pat-wa!! 」」