Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I'm working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for most novels.

Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff

******

Late at night, within the Nether Mansion.

A petite and adorable foxfolk maiden, wearing a Judge's hat and looking disheartened, knelt before Xueyi. Her fair, delicate calves trembled slightly, her white-socked feet quivering, while tears welled up in her clear jade-like eyes.

"Wah, this is unbearable—who could have done such a thing..."

"Lady Xueyi, your current body is beyond repair."

"I...I must transfer you into a new mannequin."

"The process might leave you somewhat disoriented; please bear with it."

The foxfolk maiden before him appeared fragile, pitiful, and helpless. Named Huohuo, she was a trainee Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission.

This conversation had repeated countless times, and as usual, Xueyi responded, "Thank you. This time, please choose a sturdy one."

She noticed Huohuo's fox ears droop slightly—perhaps expressing dejection? It must have been.

Once, Lady Xueyi lacked the ability to discern emotions, but now...

To be precise, it was since yesterday—though technically today, as midnight had already passed...

In this short span of time, numerous unforeseen events unfolded, surpassing even the combined occurrences of the past year.

Xueyi felt her emotional recovery was abnormal, given that her mannequin body incorporated jade circuits designed to suppress her feelings. These circuits maintained her emotions at a highly composed state, making it easier to apprehend criminals without being hindered by extraneous sentiments.

Yet ever since encountering Su Jinyan, her jade circuits seemed to lose their effect. Could they have malfunctioned?

Yue Shi...that Destruction Emanator, something about him was decidedly not right. She needed to inform Su Jinyan urgently...

The extensive damage to Xueyi's mannequin body occurred during her return journey when she fell victim to Yue Shi's ambush.

However, one aspect puzzled Xueyi: if he possessed the power to obliterate her consciousness entirely, why did he choose only to destroy her physical form?

"I've already equipped Lady Xueyi with the best, toughest, and most responsive parts available."

"But your injury and damage rates remain the highest within the department..." Huohuo whispered softly. "The artisans from the Interrogation Division have started grumbling."

"Once you've pieced me back together, I'll..."

"You'll 'gently' rap their heads one by one, right?" A familiar voice spoke near the shattered fragments of Xueyi.

"They're still flesh and blood; they can't withstand your jests."

Long hair draped over her face, obscuring slight tremors emanating from her artificial skin. As the woman's features came into view, they formed a countenance unmistakably familiar and dear to Xueyi—her little sister, Hanya, her only remaining family in this world.

Hanya wore the distinctive uniform of an Imperial Judge Wang, with chains meant to suppress her abilities adorning her lovely, snow-white neck. Her beautiful eyes resembled shallow lakes: luminous yet devoid of vitality, accompanied only by weariness.

Her rounded hips were firm, her waist slender, her chest full, and her legs long and gracefully pale. From her facial features to her figure, every aspect testified to her exceptional allure.

However, both Hanya and Xueyi had long forsaken their human identities, willingly serving under the Ten-Lords Commission as obedient agents.

Xueyi's consciousness could only operate through her mannequin body, while Hanya retained her complete fleshly form.

To sustain herself, however, Hanya needed to regularly consume Forgotten River Wine, much like certain mechanisms require periodic oiling.

A hint of concern flickered within Hanya's weary yet beautiful eyes.

"Big Sister, possessing a mechanical body often gives one the illusion of invincibility."

"At least you had three days off recently with your 'revitalization' leave; that should compensate for this extra strain on your body."

"And remember, next time you carry out your mission, there's a little sister who worries about you."

"I will," Xueyi replied calmly.

"If not, Huohuo might have to engrain it directly into your mind..." Hanya added.

"Hmm...?" Huohuo blinked, hesitantly reaching for her Judge's Brush.

"Oh come on, I was just joking! You don't really believe me, do you, silly fox?" Hanya teased, her tail swishing mockingly.

"Wah..." Huohuo's fox ears drooped dejectedly.

"No need, Huohuo, I didn't mean it seriously. I trust Big Sister will remember," Hanya quickly reassured her.

"Alright, Lady Xueyi, let's begin," Huohuo said solemnly, preparing to transfer Xueyi's "soul" into her new mannequin body.

This was not Huohuo's first time performing such a task.

Swiftly, Xueyi felt herself being dissected, duplicated, and split into thousands of fragments, uploading into the myriad circuits of the Ten-Lords Commission—

In an instant, she skimmed through countless inscribed scrolls in the Hall of Karmic Repercussions, glimpsing the entirety of immortal souls before promptly forgetting them all.

In the next moment, she entered the bodies of the surrounding Aurumaton Spectral Envoys, experiencing their ironclad strength and the unyielding will resonating within their jade divination tablets.

As expected, that reckless Aurumaton Spectral Envoy had been tampered with. Xueyi wondered whether it was his doing or that of his fiancée Tingyun...

With a thousand eyes, she surveyed the bustling crowds at Starsea and beyond, using the vantage point of mechanical birds' wings...

On the inevitable path leading to The Shackling Prison, Cloud Knight Lieutenant Yanqing commanded a contingent of cloud-mounted elites alongside Nether Mansion soldiers, engaged in relentless combat against the Stellaron Hunter Blade.

That adversary had unmistakably succumbed to Mara-Struck madness, consumed by utter insanity.

Xueyi grew a thousand ears, perceiving changes and shrill cries across infinite frequencies...

A joyful laughter echoed within her mind, stirring annoyance.

With a thousand hands, she inscribed judgments upon underworld messengers; with a thousand feet, she chased relentlessly through unfamiliar streets...

She knew she was currently immersed in the Ten-Lords Commission's jade divination circuitry, yet she also felt omnipresent, gradually dissipating.

That man's vile voice incessantly reverberated in her thoughts:

"Even though you've lost your faith, remember, I'm still here for you..."

"Big Sister, Big Sister!"

"Lady Xueyi!"

Familiar voices transcended mere sound waves, trapping her firmly within a cherished memory.

Xueyi's consciousness wavered momentarily before slowly returning to clarity.

Seeing this, Hanya and Huohuo both sighed in relief.

Each time Xueyi switched to a new mannequin body, there was a risk that her consciousness would dissolve within the jade divination circuitry, losing herself entirely. In such moments, only her treasured memories of Hanya could serve as anchor points, awakening her awareness back to reality.

For Hanya, it was much the same way.

"The Stellaron Hunter has succumbed to Mara-Strike, endangering Cloud Knight Lieutenant Yanqing. We must provide assistance."

Without hesitation, Xueyi rose to her feet.

Huohuo watched her anxiously. "Lady Xueyi..."

Hanya understood this was a duty the Judge must fulfill; she couldn't dissuade Xueyi and could only suppress her worry deep within.

"Big Sister, please be cautious. Remember, you have a sister who cares deeply for you."

Xueyi picked up her jade divination tablet, found Su Jinyan's contact information, and sent him detailed coordinates.

"Yes, I will. There is no need to worry about me," Xueyi assured them.

Neither Hanya nor Huohuo were skilled in combat, while the other Judges were occupied with their respective duties—still inputting data from the afternoon's arrests of Alchemy Commission cultivators. Due to their reliance on paper records, progress was slow. Once all information was entered, Little Sister would use the Heavenly Script of Prophecy to pass judgment.

Based on the severity of their crimes, it would then be decided whether to send the offenders to The Shackling Prison or execute them immediately—all tasks falling under the purview of the other Judges.

As the Judge bearing the title "Arrest," Xueyi's responsibility lay in re-capturing the criminal Stellaron Hunter.

Before departing, Xueyi glanced at her jade divination tablet—the status of her message showed as read. A sense of inexplicable relief washed over her.

An hour ago.

Xianzhou, Divination Commission.

Regardless of what others might think, Su Jinyan had long since identified Yue Shi as the mastermind behind the Stellaron explosion.

Although Su Jinyan was considered an outsider, he had lived on Xianzhou for quite some time and gained access to most information available to ordinary residents.

As for the confidential details known only to insiders, Su Jinyan could glean some through the Divination Commission's library.

Lord Ravager, being both an envoy chosen by "Ashen Doom Ancestor" Nanook and the leader of numerous Antimatter Legion forces, strictly adhered to Nanook's will. They brought countless worlds to withered ruin, extinguishing innumerable civilizations and species.

If they didn't commit acts of destruction, would it even be fitting for their title as Lord Ravager?

Yue Shi, this particular Lord Ravager, operated differently from the others Su Jinyan had studied. She did not choose to openly lead the Antimatter Legion in a direct assault on Xianzhou Luofu.

Presumably, Yue Shi must have been wary of the presence of the Imperial Bow Seven Heavenly Generals, restraining her from such audacity.

According to the Annals of Luofu, approximately seven hundred years ago, Abundance Emanator Shuhu swiftly mobilized his army to besiege Luofu, aiming to seize the World Tree. He nearly razed half of the paradises and decimated the Cloud Knights, leaving scarcely one in ten survivors.

It's important to note that there were disparities even among Emanators—was Shuhu, the Abundance Emanator, formidable? Indeed, with his undying immortal body blessed by the Prosperity Yaoshi, he surpassed all expectations in strength.

Neither High Elder Dan Feng nor Jingliu, the former Swordmaster of Luofu, could best Shuhu. Even the Cloud Knight Commander Jing Yuan at that time was no match for him. The previous Roaming General Teng Xiao also struggled against Shuhu.

Yet despite being such a powerful adversary, Shuhu ultimately fell to Luofu's accumulated might, perishing alongside Bai Heng of the High-Cloud Quintet in a mutually destructive gambit. Unfortunately, the exact nature of this tactic remains unrecorded in history.

If Yue Shi, as a Destruction Emanator, truly possessed strength comparable to Shuhu, why would she fear Jing Yuan? In the face of absolute power, any schemes become futile.

Thus, Su Jinyan surmised that Yue Shi, the Destruction Emanator, likely couldn't confront Jing Yuan directly. Consequently, she resorted to covertly lurking within Luofu, employing underhanded tactics and causing mischief.

"Benefactor, aren't you going to sleep?" Tingyun asked, her beautiful eyes blinking gently from where she nestled in his arms. Her delicate fingers lightly massaged his weary brow. "Must be exhausted today, shall I give you a massage?"

This little fox had been born with keen wit and eloquence, her mind astute and clever. Having her by his side alleviated much of his fatigue.

The enchanting allure unique to fox girls subtly radiated from Tingyun's charming face.

Gazing at her submissive and alluring demeanor, Su Jinyan closed the hefty "Annals of Luofu" and gently kissed Tingyun's lips, parting immediately after.

"Let's sleep. Rest well tonight; I have matters to attend to early tomorrow."

Today had been exceptionally eventful, leaving even Su Jinyan feeling somewhat weary and overwhelmed. After all, he was still a member of the short-lived race, lacking the blessings of the Prosperity Medic. His energy levels couldn't match those of Fu Xuan and others who had received such benefits.

If given the chance, he would undoubtedly seek immortality. Otherwise, with his lifespan spanning merely a brief century, any relationship with Fu Xuan could only lead to tragedy.

Tonight, he needed a peaceful rest to rejuvenate himself.

Tomorrow, he would rise early to welcome the guests arriving on the Astral Express.

Su Jinyan, holding Tingyun in his arms, barely drifted off when gentle, pale hands lightly shook him awake.

"Sshh—"

In the pitch-black room, Fu Xuan extended her delicate fingers, placing them softly against his lips as a signal to remain silent, lest they disturb Tingyun.

Could this be the legendary nocturnal rendezvous? Su Jinyan felt a surge of excitement, never expecting that when Shizun took initiative, it would involve the most thrilling scenario imaginable.

Not only did he launch a surprise nocturnal attack on her, but he chose to do so while Fu Xuan was deeply asleep.

Fortunately, Fu Xuan remained oblivious to his thoughts; otherwise, she would undoubtedly have kicked him.

Before Fu Xuan could even signal her intentions, Su Jinyan spontaneously wrapped his arms around her and effortlessly lifted her petite frame.

Fu Xuan stared, bewildered. What does this traitorous disciple intend to do with this venerable one?

Su Jinyan's warm breath brushed against Fu Xuan's delicate earlobe as he whispered, "Shizun, I didn't expect you to enjoy role reversal?"

"Go ahead then, I won't resist."

Fu Xuan's face darkened, and she grabbed his collar, dragging him outside. "This venerable one truly wants to give you a sound beating—role reversal indeed! What exactly occupies your mind every day?"

Su Jinyan replied candidly, "Thinking about you."

"You—" A barely perceptible blush crept across Fu Xuan's cheeks, and despite herself, her tone softened. "Hmph, forget it."

"So late at night, Shizun," Su Jinyan asked, "did something important arise that required my assistance? Perhaps new revelations from divinations?"

Fu Xuan's expression turned grave. "After the Stellaron explosion, this venerable one has been constantly worried for your safety. Therefore, just now, I used the Matrix of Prescience to divine your future. The divination revealed that tonight marks the pivotal moment for your rise like a soaring dragon."

"There is a matter of utmost importance that only you can accomplish alone," Fu Xuan replied. "After this task, your life will undergo a profound transformation, and your relationships with friends and loved ones will become even closer."

"The significant obstacles before you shall be effortlessly resolved, and you might even have the opportunity to encounter an entity beyond the reach of the Matrix of Prescience's divinations."

"Take a moment to consider carefully—have you overlooked any crucial tasks tonight?"

Su Jinyan's eyes lit up, and he swiftly turned towards his room.

"Thank you, Shizun, I know what it is now."

"I had planned to make advances on Tingyun tonight, but someone interfered and stopped me."

"It seems if I proceed with Tingyun tonight, my future prospects will soar."

Taken aback, Fu Xuan tugged at Su Jinyan's sleeve indignantly. "How could such matters be considered important?! Hurry up and think properly about what this venerable one said!"

"If you miss this exceptional opportunity, you may deeply regret it later."

Buzz, buzz—

As Su Jinyan furrowed his brow, deep in thought, the jade divination tablet on him began vibrating.

So late at night, who could it be texting?

With a glance at the message content, Su Jinyan's expression instantly changed.

It was from Xueyi, informing him that the Stellaron Hunters were under attack by Mara-Struck forces.

Yanqing and a contingent of cloud-mounted elites were engaged in fierce combat with the Underworld Military Officials, facing grave peril.

At the end of the message, precise coordinates were provided.

Fu Xuan tiptoed to peek over Su Jinyan's shoulder, her small face shifting as she read the contents of the text.

Su Jinyan sighed. "Looks like another late night at work."

"In all my time at Luofu, there hasn't been this much turmoil even counting events from the past year combined," Fu Xuan said gravely. "A-Yan, listen carefully. Opportunities for life-altering moments are rare, but your safety is paramount. If you encounter a crisis beyond your control, withdraw immediately. When that happens, both this venerable one and the general will personally intervene to resolve the situation."