Chapter 39: Clarified

"Special channel? Neighbor?"

Bai Hang blinked, digesting this information, then a look of joy blossomed on her face again, "That means... we're actually on the same train as the genuine nameless ones? I... I might get to see them?"

Heimu looked at Bai Hang's appearance, as if a fan-girl about to meet her idol, and couldn't help but recall the history between Bai Hang and a certain "old acquaintance" who is also on the train now.

(Inner thought: Not only can you see... you can even see a "wash-cut-blow" version of an old friend.)

However, she didn't expose it, merely nodding slightly.

Having received confirmation, Bai Hang was so happy she almost jumped up, her tail swaying behind her like a small fan.

She struggled to restrain herself, looking at Heimu with eyes full of expectation, and whispered: "Then... Master, can I... I stay here? In this car?"

She loved the feeling here so much, as if she could touch that legend she had once longed for but never set foot in.

Heimu set down her teacup, casually waved her hand: "Sure. Go pick an empty room to use as your resting place."

She paused, added a sentence, her tone carrying an undeniable warning: "But remember, don't touch the door connecting to the main train."

"Yes! Thank you, Master! I'll definitely be good!"

Bai Hang was overjoyed, quickly promised, then like a happy lark, she lightly ran off to pick her preferred room, seemingly humming a cheerful tune.

Having seen off the excited Bai Hang, Heimu turned her gaze back to the opposite side of the table.

A Xing had finished all the bubble noodles, not a drop of broth left, now sitting quietly there, eyes vacant, staring into the void, like a delicate sculpture that had just completed its "feeding" command.

Heimu watched this scene, took off the wide witch's hat on her head, placed it aside, revealing a full head of gray-white hair flowing like moonlight.

She gently rubbed her brow, this action on her rarely showed a hint of... popularity?

After much thought.

"Forget it,"

She whispered, as if speaking to herself: "We'll talk about it later."

Heimu's gaze became sharp and deep again.

The star core must be obtained; this concerns not only A Xing's potential, but perhaps also the improvement of her own restoration degree.

The key lies in—whose to take?

The one on Yaliluo-VI is indeed the seemingly easiest target to obtain.

She had even simulated in her mind the scene of frankly meeting that Kekeliya—conducting a true-hearted "heart-to-heart" exchange (physically), taking away the core that caused Beloberg's suffering.

But this is far from simply seizing an energy source.

Her action is no different than forcibly tearing a hole in the meticulously woven brocade of the "script."

Star core hunters, those who act according to the "fate" script, will absolutely not stand by idly.

(Inner thought: This might also be an opportunity... a good chance to make contact with the star core hunters, see their tolerance for the "variable," and... see how far the Ailiou behind them can perceive.)

Of course, there is another possibility—the protection of the Joyful Star God Aha is too strong, causing her actions to be like a ghost sneaking into the deep sea, completely evading the star core hunters' detection.

If that were the case, it would actually disappoint her somewhat.

(Inner thought: Regardless, execute the plan first. When the ship reaches the bridge, things will straighten out naturally; once we arrive at Yaliluo-VI, we'll adapt as needed.)

With the train of thought cleared, Heimu regained her composed and unhurried demeanor.

She looked at A Xing, still in standby mode, and said in a commanding tone: "You also go pick a room to use as your resting place."

A Xing silently nodded, rose somewhat stiffly like a robot receiving orders, walked mechanically toward the same direction as Bai Hang, and began executing the new command to "find a room."

Heimu put the witch's hat back on; the shadow under the brim obscured part of her expression, leaving only her beautiful jawline and a thoughtful curl of her lips.

Xi Lian sat alone on the soft blanket, the travel log she had been holding already slipped to her knees, and she had no mind to pick it up.

She hugged her knees, her blue eyes unfocused as they gazed into the void, filled with worries that could not be dispelled.

Bai Hang had been taken away by that strange doll system for a while and had not returned.

Xi Lian was afraid, afraid that Bai Hang might encounter some mishap like she herself had before, or... that the mysterious and imposing Black Curtain Lady might change her mind.

Although this place is no longer icy, the unknown still makes her feel uneasy.

She instinctively tightened the white coat Bai Hang had given her, as if this could draw a bit of warmth and courage.

Just then, familiar and light footsteps came from the stairs!

"Xi Lian! I'm back!"

Bai Hang rushed down like a white whirlwind, her face still flushed with excitement, her earlier nervousness long scattered by the new sights and sounds.

Seeing Bai Hang safe and sound, even more spirited than when she left, Xi Lian's long-held heart finally settled, her eyes instantly lit up, and she softly replied: "... Welcome back."

Bai Hang plopped down beside Xi Lian, took a big gulp of water, then began chattering about her outside experience: "Xi Lian, let me tell you, it's amazing out there! We're actually on the Astral Express! That is, the legendary nameless ones' train! ……"

She excitedly described the train's layout, the star sea outside the observation window, and the good news that the Black Curtain Lady allowed her to stay in the car.

Xi Lian listened quietly; although her understanding of the Astral Express and the nameless ones wasn't as deep as Bai Hang's, she could still sense that legendary aura and felt happy for Bai Hang.

Suddenly, Bai Hang seemed to recall something extremely important, she leaned close to Xi Lian, her expression turning a bit odd, and lowered her voice to ask: "Xi Lian, I have a question for you... that is... Professor Na Ke Xia... in private... does he... uh... throw punches?"

"Throw punches?"

Xi Lian was stunned by this abrupt question, her fresh little face full of bewilderment: "What... throw punches? Professor Na Ke Xia... he's a scholar, mainly researching... I've never heard he's skilled in martial arts..."

When she and Na Ke Xia were in Weng Fa Luo Si, although they knew each other, their interaction wasn't deep; her impression of Na Ke Xia was always serious and focused, having nothing to do with "throw punches."

Bai Hang saw that Xi Lian also didn't know, and her face showed a "as expected" complex expression.

She hesitated a moment, then decided to relate the absurd battle experience that had just occurred.

"... Then, just as A Xing rushed forward, Professor Na Ke Xia suddenly grabbed her baton! The move was too fast to see! Afterwards, he dodged all attacks, and... he even unleashed a Rising Dragon Fist! That's a 'whoosh' from low to high! He directly sent A Xing flying!"

Bai Hang gestured animatedly, trying to recreate the shocking scene: "This isn't over! Afterwards he launched a combo! While striking he also jumped that strange dance! Finally... I accidentally shot an arrow at A Xing's butt... and then we both lost..."

Xi Lian: "......"