Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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In truth, selling these items wasn't inherently shameful, as Xianzhou did not completely prohibit their distribution.

As long as one obtained the necessary permits, they could sell such items freely—just not to minors—with no interference.

Though Luocha was technically an outlander, his manner of speech and conduct closely resembled those of traditional Xianzhou residents. He gave off the impression of a refined gentleman with golden hair and eloquent discourse. Upon seeing his face and engaging him in conversation, people would find him composed and trustworthy.

Carrying a massive coffin while claiming it's for business purposes, others readily believed him. On the surface, the coffin served as a mere disguise, but behind closed doors, he peddled counterfeit goods!

Despite Su Jinyan's slander, Luocha remained unperturbed, showing no sign of anger.

"Oh? I believe there may be some misunderstanding, sir. Indeed, I am a traveling merchant from afar."

"My visit to Xianzhou Luofu is indeed for trade purposes."

"However, my line of business is far removed from the vulgar nature you imply," Luocha clarified calmly.

Dan Heng interjected coldly, "Sir, falsely accusing someone without evidence is unbecoming of a gentleman."

Su Jinyan frowned. "And who might you be? The Seat of Divine Foresight is conducting an investigation; no interference from bystanders."

Dan Heng gazed at him coldly. "I am Dan Heng, traveling through here to meet up with my friends."

Unable to resist, Sushang chimed in, "Mister Mute, didn't you say you came from the Astral Express?"

"He's the one who greeted your companions earlier today," she added.

So it was this man who welcomed Mr. Walter and the others? That meant Su Jinyan truly belonged to the Seat of Divine Foresight. Indirectly, it also suggested that Luocha could indeed be involved in illicit activities.

A subtle change flickered across Dan Heng's expression. "Where are they now?"

Su Jinyan shook his head slightly. "The guests aboard the Astral Express were received by us as esteemed visitors. How could I reveal their whereabouts based on your mere word?"

"Moreover, the Jade World Gate has been closed for some time, and Cloudford evacuated all civilians last night. There should be no traveling outlanders here."

"Now, tell me—aren't you aiding Luocha in selling counterfeit dicks?!"

Dan Heng felt momentarily stifled, suddenly empathizing with Luocha's predicament.

Was Luocha not getting angry due to exceptional restraint and temperament? Or did he genuinely engage in peddling...that thing?

Guinaifen quietly distanced herself from Dan Heng, Luocha, and Su Jinyan. Somehow, she found herself feeling that the Ethereal Immortal Ferry brimmed with danger—why were there so many weirdos everywhere?

Sushang stepped forward to defend Dan Heng. "Aiya, Mister Mute isn't a bad person," she said. "He's with the Astral Express, just like he told me himself."

Su Jinyan remained unconvinced. "My apologies, Sushang, but I need proof," he said. "I cannot take the word of a stranger."

"Danheng, if you truly hail from the Astral Express—"

"Simply accompany me to the Dust-Moistening Inn and meet our esteemed guests there. That will reveal whether your claim is true or false."

Dan Heng's words were sparing as gold. "Agreed."

Su Jinyan glanced at Luocha. "Luocha, this applies to you as well. If you wish to prove your innocence, why not open the coffin on your back for everyone to see?"

"If I'm mistaken, I'll certainly apologize."

Luocha replied calmly, "Your actions seem rather disrespectful toward outlanders, sir. Since when have Xianzhou's laws stipulated that whenever the Seat of Divine Foresight suspects an outlander, they must comply without question? As someone from the Seat yourself, perhaps first obtain a search warrant before demanding I open my coffin for inspection."

Luocha conducted himself with integrity, unburdened by guilt.

Yet, unnoticed, Dan Heng's gaze toward him had subtly shifted.

If you're innocent, opening the coffin would force him to apologize—why make such a fuss? Could it be that you truly engage in that sort of trade?

Su Jinyan chuckled. "Look at this, Luocha," she taunted. "If you have nothing to hide, why refuse even to let us glimpse inside?"

No matter how Su Jinyan sneered and mocked, Luocha remained steadfast—insisting they obtain a search warrant before opening the casket.

Su Jinyan's expression darkened. "Very well, then don't blame me for taking matters into my own hands."

Luocha slowly gripped his rapier's hilt, his demeanor composed. "How tyrannical, Mr. Scholar. Is this how the Seat of Divine Foresight treats outlanders?" he asked. "I am merely a traveling merchant here for business, yet I must endure such slander. If word of today's events spreads, countless outlanders will lose faith in Luofu."

These words from Luocha would deter any member of the Seat of Divine Foresight from acting recklessly. Discriminating against and falsely accusing outlanders could, under severe circumstances, prompt an investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission.

Yet Su Jinyan was exempt from such concerns.

My apologies—but even if an Imperial Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission were here today, I would still stand by my decision.

The more Luocha protested, the stronger the suspicion that his coffin concealed something unsavory.

Su Jinyan took a step forward, ready to act, when Sushang moved to block his path.

"Without sufficient evidence, we cannot arbitrarily detain outlanders," she said gravely, slowly shaking her head.

Luocha sighed softly. "Miss Sushang, there's no need for you to hinder your friend on my account. As just a stranger, I wouldn't want to see any rifts between you."

Sushang looked at him, puzzled. "No rifts, really. I'm only worried you might spread word later and jeopardize his career."

Luocha blinked, taken aback.

Sushang's expression was earnest. "Do you think I'm foolish?"

Guinaifen nodded in agreement. "Shangshang may be clumsy, but she's not dumb."

Luocha fell silent, momentarily speechless.

Upon deeper reflection, it became clear why they hesitated. On one side stood a hero, recognized by both the Seat of Divine Foresight and the Ten-Lords Commission; on the other, a merchant with questionable identity, an outlander.

It wasn't just Sushang; anyone else would choose to trust Su Jinyan over Luocha as well. However, without evidence or a search warrant, escalating this situation could easily jeopardize Su Jinyan's career in Luofu.

The standoff continued—Luocha was unwilling to let Su Jinyan open the coffin for inspection, yet couldn't risk fleeing recklessly.

Su Jinyan shook his head slightly. "Luocha, your resistance only makes you seem more guilty."

In truth, it would have been remarkably easy for Luocha to extricate himself from this crowd unscathed. But hastily leaving would amount to a confession without needing a fight, tacitly admitting guilt for selling counterfeit goods. If the Seat of Divine Foresight then posted a notice declaring him culpable, there'd be no defense against such accusations, nor any way to clear his name even by diving into the Starcross Sea itself.

If either the Seat of Divine Foresight or the Ten-Lords Commission issued a bounty and declared him wanted, citing his origins as one of Yaoshi's evil creations, Luocha might reluctantly accept it. After all, his power did indeed stem from the Prosperity Alchemist. Yet he absolutely refused to acknowledge this baseless justification.

With this thought, Luocha's gaze turned somber, yet a faint smile curved his lips.

"If Mr. Su insists on opening the coffin for inspection, it is not entirely out of the question."

"Sushang Miss, Dan Heng Brother, would you both serve as witnesses?"

"Among everyone here, I trust you two the most."

Dan Heng nodded slightly in agreement.

Sushang readily consented, "No problem, leave it to me."

Luocha spoke firmly, "I am merely an outlander who came aboard Xianzhou for business purposes."

"The coffin does not contain any vile substances, as you've claimed, sir."

"If you're mistaken, not only must you publicly apologize to me,

but also resign from your position and tender your resignation to the general."

Su Jinyan's expression remained indifferent. "Agreed."

The sudden change in Luocha's stance undoubtedly indicated something suspicious. Perhaps he was setting a trap, baiting step by step for Jinyan to fall into it.

Once the coffin is opened, if it truly turns out empty or contains ordinary items,

Jinyan would unquestionably have to fulfill his promise.

However, Su Jinyan held no fear. Once the coffin is revealed, determining whether anything appears suspicious would not be solely up to Luocha.

A quick-witted idea struck Guinaifen, and she hastily interjected, "Wait, wait!"

"Luocha, allow me to introduce myself," she said urgently. "My name is Guinaifen, usually performing street acts at the Exalting Sanctum."

"As my side gig," Guinaifen continued hastily, "I'm actually a broadcaster."

Luocha nodded courteously. "Hello, Miss Guinaifen."

Embarrassed, Guinaifen asked, "May I livestream this event?"

"I'd like to capitalize on the traffic, if that's alright with you both?"

Luocha chuckled lightly. "Of course, there is no objection from me.

"However, Mr. Su Jinyan is an official of the Seat of Divine Foresight."

"In case anything goes wrong, it might tarnish his reputation and reflect poorly on the Seat itself, wouldn't it?"

Sushang nodded in agreement. "That's right, Little Gui. Not all trends are worth chasing."

"If your stream brings negative publicity to the Seat of Divine Foresight, your account will be gone for good."

Guinaifen hesitated. "Oh, I see. Then I—"

Su Jinyan, expression resolute, waved aside her concerns. "It's fine. Since Luocha believes himself innocent,

"in fairness and out of courtesy, I must give him a chance to prove it."

"Let's livestream the examination of the coffin. Any consequences shall rest solely on me."

Even clay Buddhas have their limits; despite Luocha's composure, being falsely accused by Su Jinyan pushed him close to his breaking point.

Indeed, within Luocha's coffin lay secrets too sensitive to reveal casually. When faced with officials from the Sky-Faring Commission insistent on opening the casket, he could employ spells to briefly bewilder their minds, making them forget their purpose.

Alternatively, Luocha could employ a technique to briefly bewilder their minds, making them forget their purpose altogether. Unnoticed by Su Jinyan and the others, Luocha gently tapped three times on the coffin.

Soon after, an almost imperceptible echo resonated from within—their means of communication.

Regardless of where you obtained your information, since you persist in pushing me, don't blame me for being ruthless.

Luocha resolved to teach Su Jinyan a painful lesson.

With both parties' consent, Guinaifen raised her selfie stick, adjusted the angle, and prepared to resume streaming.

"Little Gui, let me tweak the live stream title; it'll attract more viewers."

Title: Minors Keep Out! Join Little Gui's Live Stream as We Open the Coffin—Unveiling the Depths of a Madman's Mind Through the Lens

Description: Encountered Seat of Divine Foresight enforcers on the street arresting an outlander merchant hiding indecent items in his coffin. According to sources, this was an attempt to evade taxes.

Luocha and Dan Heng were rendered speechless. This headline made it hard to maintain composure.

Guinaifen's jaw dropped, now viewing Su Jinyan with newfound admiration. She hadn't expected him to be so well-versed in live-streaming tactics—had he worked as a streamer before? Although she had gone offline earlier, just before signing off, Su Jinyan had boosted her channel's donation earnings into the top three rankings.

The "Dawn Albatross" tag alone had drawn countless new viewers to her stream.

According to the live streaming platform's rules, the top six streams must receive featured recommendations.

However, Guinaifen chose that exact moment to go offline.

As a result, the newly directed audience found themselves staring at a black screen, sparking a flurry of speculation.

In the chat, they debated whether the broadcaster was intentionally keeping something hidden from them, planning some surprise reveal.

Sure enough, within half an hour, Little Gui Zi—Guinevere—went back online.

And with such an enticing title change, no less!

So now Little Gui Zi is playing along with these gimmicks too, huh?

[Milkies: Is Little Gui doing okay? Why are you at Cloudford?]

[Leggy Prince: Here we go, here we go—but what's this about coffins?]

[Playing Cards with Death: It's for outlander burial customs; their traditions differ from ours on Xianzhou.]

[Focused on Little Gui Zi, Thanks Meow: Little Gui, scooch over—you're blocking my view of the hottie.]

[Diting Listener + Howling Buddies: Who's the man next to Little Gui?]

[Heartless Fortune-Telling Machine: Always wandering aimlessly! Didn't you say you were attending to esteemed guests?]

[And Qingque, when you told Grand Diviner Su that we're slacking off, what about yourself?]

[Playing with Cards on the Line: Grand Diviner, work and leisure can go hand in hand.]

[Silver Wolf: Please, just stay put, okay? Every script change forces me to adapt too; I've never been this busy before.]

[Invincible Swordsman 123: These people sure don't make things easy, huh? I encountered a blind elder sister myself and am preparing to escort her as well.]

The live stream's popularity surged exponentially, flooding the screen with more and more comments than Guinaifen could keep up with.

In no time, the live stream soared to become the most popular across the entire platform, earning it a featured spot on the homepage.

"New viewers, please take a moment to read the description."

"Today at Cloudford, Little Gui'zi stumbled upon officers from the Seat of Divine Foresight on duty."

"I'm sure everyone is quite familiar with this particular officer."

"He apprehended an outlander merchant acting suspiciously and evincing nefarious intent."

"Like, subscribe, share—join Little Gui'zi's live broadcast for a thrilling unboxing."

Luocha was speechless.

Never Dumping Trash Again: Xianzhou is our home; let's cherish it together.

Having been reprimanded by the Cloud Knights for rummaging through trash, I now deeply recognize my mistake.

I hereby pledge that I will never again recklessly sift through garbage and will distribute this self-reflection letter to 100 live streams.

Dan Heng remained silent.

Never Dumping Trash Again: Teacher Dan Heng, hurry to the Realm-Keeping Commission and save me!

"Ladies and gentlemen, beside Little Gui'zi here stands Su Jinyan, an officer from the Seat of Divine Foresight."

Guinaifen's beautiful eyes were fixed intently on the live stream chat window.

If this Su Jinyan before her were indeed an imposter, someone would surely call it out in the public chat.

Unfortunately for Guinaifen, that didn't happen. Instead, the live stream's comments indirectly confirmed Su Jinyan's identity. The idealized image she had cherished of him shattered instantly.

Su Jinyan approached the camera, his expression solemn. "Hello everyone, I am Su Jinyan," he said. "I assume you're already familiar with me, so there's no need for introductions."

"Recently, our Seat of Divine Foresight received a report from a concerned citizen. There is a suspicious blonde-haired outlander merchant secretly peddling fake dicks to Xianzhou residents!"

"And that's you, Luocha!"

The public chat was immediately flooded with question marks.

[Playing with Fire: Wait, what fakes?]

[Fengyu Caihong 7854: Luocha, an outlander whose purpose for entering Xianzhou is commercial activities, has pledged not to violate the laws of the Xianzhou Alliance and to conduct business within legal bounds.]

[Lu Cat Emanator: Broadcaster, do watch your language.]

[Xiangji: Is Xianzhou's culture so liberal? This maiden is truly enlightened.]

[HoldingBright: The green-clad fellow looks rather frail. Has he been experiencing insomnia with troubled dreams and constant anxiety lately?]

[Super Moderator Friendly Reminder: Warning issued once. Please maintain civilized language within the live stream.]

Su Jinyan pointed at the camera lens. "I'm upholding justice impartially, educating everyone on legal matters."

"Don't give me that nonsense—take it down," she demanded. "Or else, when my broadcast ends, you'll have some explaining to do."

The moderator silently withdrew the warning.

Luocha smiled. "When seeking to frame someone, any pretext will suffice?"

"Baseless accusations rife with prejudice against outlanders—is this the conduct expected of officials from the Seat of Divine Foresight?" he asked. "If I were to report this incident to the Ten-Lords Commission, sir, you might find yourself in deep trouble."

[SnowyCoat: Conveniently, I'm nearby pursuing fugitives. Wait for me, I'll be there shortly.]

Luocha continued, "This humble one agrees to a pact with the gentleman here: If I am indeed selling such items, then I willingly accept punishment."

"On the contrary, this gentleman must apologize to me and voluntarily resign from his post," Su Jinyan declared gravely. "Yes, precisely as I said—I am willing to take responsibility for my words and actions."

"Come on, viewers—like, share, and subscribe! Without further ado, unveiling the secrets within the coffin!"

Guinaifen raised her selfie stick, adjusted the camera angle, and pointed it directly at Luocha's casket.

Under the watchful eyes of all present, Su Jinyan approached the ornate, pure-white coffin and slowly opened a narrow gap between its lid and frame.

The live stream audience collectively held their breath.

Gifts pouring into Little Gui'zi Guinevere's account surged continuously, stirring envy among other broadcasters.

"Hmph." Unfazed, Luocha observed coldly. The contents of the coffin were already concealed; regardless of what happened next, Su Jinyan was bound to lose.

Luocha stated mildly, "I've said it before: As a legitimate merchant, there is no way I would peddle such filthy items."

[Being a legitimate merchant ≠ not selling fake dicks.]

Finally, under everyone's watchful gaze, Su Jinyan slowly opened the coffin lid.

Inside lay countless colorful fake dicks, shockingly displayed before their eyes.

Su Jinyan gasped sharply.

Until this moment, he had indeed been slandering Luocha, attempting to tarnish his reputation. The narrator wouldn't deceive him; there must have been a severe issue with Luocha's coffin.

Thus, accusing Luocha of selling adult toys was merely a ruse, while forcing him to open the coffin was the true objective.

Yet, Su Jinyan never anticipated that Luocha actually was f*cking selling fake dicks!

Luocha's breath hitched, an unprecedented look of dismay crossing his face. He abruptly shoved aside Su Jinyan and frantically rummaged through the coffin, grabbing handfuls of multicolored faux penises.

"H-how could this be..." Luocha's composure shattered, showing signs of impending breakdown.

Dan Heng stared, bewildered.

Guinaifen raised an eyebrow, equally puzzled.

Phantylia looked on, perplexed.

Sushang expressed her confusion, "So what exactly is all this? Toys?"

"In other words, he truly broke the law, right?"

"That Luocha, you're coming with me to the Realm-Keeping Commission!"

The moment viewers saw what lay within the coffin, the live stream's chat exploded with comments.

Gifts and donations flooded the screen, with countless "666" messages floating across it.

Luocha tightened his grip on his slender sword, expression furious. "You—!" he exclaimed. "Su Jinyan, how dare you use illusions!"

Su Jinyan blinked, bewildered. Is this about losing? When did I even employ illusions?

Luocha could bear it no longer. This was blatant defamation, truly going too far.

To tarnish Luocha's reputation, Su Jinyan had not hesitated to cast an illusion affecting everyone present, including himself. But there remained one question in Luocha's mind:

How exactly did Su Jinyan manage to ensnare the live stream's audience in such a seamless illusion?

Su Jinyan spoke coldly, "The evidence is irrefutable; the truth lies right before your eyes. Luocha, do you have anything left to say?"

Slowly raising his slender sword, Luocha replied, "It seems defeating you is the only way to prove my innocence."

He wasn't innocent; he bore unforgettable sins as well. Occasionally, he would recall his homeland—the demons, the church, the madness... Those were far from pleasant memories.

Crowds climbed to higher ground, eager for a clearer view of their city's impending ruin.

If everything must come to an end, at least there needed to be witnesses—eyes to bear witness.

He could accept his fate ending tragically.

But he could not endure seeing his life turned into a clownish comedy.

"Judgment of the King of Ten—!" A commanding voice resonated from behind him.

Countless dark green chains shot forth, securely binding Luocha's body.

Luocha did not rush to resist; instead, his furious expression grew calm.

"So that's how it is. Ah, a Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission..."

"You've known our intentions all along?"

Xueyi spoke coldly, "Outlander Luocha, you stand accused of tax evasion and selling prohibited items, violating Xianzhou Alliance laws."

"For assaulting an officer of the Seat of Divine Foresight, your offenses are compounded."

"Accompany me promptly to the Ten-Lords Commission for trial."

Luocha gently shook his head, pointing his slender silver rapier at Su Jinyan.

"My apologies, but I have unfinished business."

"Before anything else, let me defeat you first as proof of my innocence."

As Luocha spoke, he stole a glance at the live stream's chat. To his surprise, every comment blamed him without exception, nearly overwhelming his composure.

NeverDumpsterDivingAgain: Awesome! This Xianzhou journey wasn't wasted. Witnessing such a thrilling circus act is totally worth it.

FengyuCaihong7854: Can't figure it out—what exactly does he hope to gain? Why resist and only add to his crimes?

ZhaoCamera: Selling contraband with such audacity, completely shameless.

SilverWolf: 666.

ColdCrow: I wouldn't want to judge the sins of such filthy individuals...

Luocha took a deep breath, forcibly steadying his agitated emotions. It was true that he bore guilt, but how could they use such crude tactics to tarnish someone's innocence?

"Abandon your resistance; this struggle...is meaningless..." Dan Heng looked at Luocha with undisguised disappointment, echoed by Sushang and others present.

Luocha saw no point in further futile explanations; their vision had been clouded by falsehoods. Now, only Su Jinyan lifting the illusion could prove his innocence.

"Eternal slumber is not the end..."

"What has been seized must be returned."

"The departed shall return!"

With ease, Luocha broke free from the chains' restraint, forcefully plunging his silver knight's sword into the ground. However, just then, he noticed something peculiar about the feel of the sword in his hand.

His weapon was a knight's rapier, exquisitely crafted with a smooth, warm grip made of obsidian.

Why did it now feel rough and grainy under his touch? As Luocha scrutinized further, he realized that his sword had transformed into a roughly three-foot-long, sandpaper-like fake phallus!

The live stream chat exploded with a flurry of question marks, overwhelming to behold.

Su Jinyan's expression was mixed with astonishment. "Luocha, before meeting you, I thought I was twisted enough."

"But there truly is no limit to perversion or heights of depravity."

It's all fake—everything is false; as far as the eye can see, nothing but illusions.

Luocha's gaze remained impassive as an intense aura burst forth from him, gripping his makeshift "knightly sword" tightly to engage fiercely with the group.

However, those battling against Luocha found themselves somewhat restrained, exercising extreme caution. No one wished to be injured by Luocha's "sword." Even a slight graze on their skin would evoke profound disgust.

Only Dan Heng, wielding the Cloud Parting Spear, hesitated not for a moment, resolutely shielding the others behind him.

"In life and death, truth lies within a single thought. Illusions mirror paradise, a long dream disturbed... Break!"

A piercing sound shattered the air at Cloudford.

Luocha tightened its grip on the makeshift "sword" and engaged Dan Heng in fierce combat, their weapons clashing incessantly.

On the sidelines, Su Jinyan and others searched for weaknesses in Luocha's technique, ready to seize any opportunity. However, mixed emotions clouded their expressions, as they all harbored an unspoken question:

Luocha, just how shameless are you to wield that fake dick without the slightest hesitation during battle?

Even Su Jinyan felt he couldn't bear such embarrassment, let alone the others.

Suddenly, a whistling wind emerged from within Luocha's coffin. Azure-colored Imaginary light spilled out, swiftly transforming into countless sky-blue phalluses attacking the group.

A chill ran through everyone, causing their carefully formed formation to instantly crumble. Panicked, they scrambled to evade this onslaught of Imaginary power.

"Quick, retreat! This criminal has no honor!" Su Jinyan darted between Sushang and the others, guiding those unable to dodge to safety.

Despite facing Phantylia before, Su Jinyan had never felt so utterly helpless.

It must be said, Luocha had mastered the art of psychological warfare.

Luocha indeed posed a formidable challenge, proving to be a tricky adversary.

"S-u-J-I-N-Y-A-N!" The calm facade on Luocha's face crumbled, his eyes now conveying an anger that Su Jinyan found difficult to decipher.

"Wait, why are you glaring at me like that?"

"You insisted on claiming to be an honest businessman, and now you're enraged after being exposed?" Su Jinyan probed.

Luocha's expression darkened as he gripped a bright golden phallic-shaped crucifix with his black leather-gloved hand. His intent to kill Su Jinyan was unmistakable; he no longer planned to hold back.

Just then, a sudden gust of cold wind swept through, carrying pristine snowflakes that landed briefly on Luocha's shoulders before swiftly melting due to his body heat.

"Luocha, do not forget your oath," a clear, cool female voice spoke out.

Luocha halted abruptly. "This is not the time for you to appear, Jingliu."