Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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[This expedition leaves with an uncertain return date. Without your presence, Sushang may easily slacken in her cultivation. After much contemplation, you penned numerous letters, entrusting them to your friends for support. If you were to return swiftly, these letters would become obsolete.]

[Three years later, Yaoqing Immortal Boat, winter has arrived.]

[The initial Yaoqing Immortal Boat campaign against Jinxiadu's evil creatures faced adversity. A subsequent urgent expedition led to a resounding victory and triumphant return. Your godparents emerged unscathed, achieving remarkable feats of valor before their glorious homecoming.]

Yaoqing's winters came year after year. In the past, every time it snowed, Su Jinyan would bring Sushang here to admire plum blossoms amidst the falling flakes.

He enjoyed sharing stories and jokes with her, intentionally cheering her up as they gazed together at the boundless snowy landscape.

Five years have passed, and Sushang's longing grew ever stronger, no longer able to suppress her emotions.

For Sushang, these five years felt unbearably long.

She had not once stopped searching for Su Jinyan's trail, but her efforts always yielded only letters urging her to practice martial arts:

"Sushang, how is your Flying Swallow Art progressing? With this freezing weather, it's perfect for refining Treading Snow Without A Trace."

"I've prepared your favorite taro cakes; take your time enjoying them after training."

"I'm boating with old friends by the river; no need to look for me."

As Sushang opened each letter from Su Jinyan, tears uncontrollably dripped onto the pages.

"You wanted me to master lightness techniques; my Flying Swallow Art has already achieved Treading Snow Without A Trace proficiency."

"You asked me to learn Grand Void Sword Qi; I have honed my sword heart, mastered its forms, and even broken through the barriers of sword intent."

"You encouraged me to read and gain knowledge; now, I've extensively studied numerous books."

"Jinyan-gege, I miss you so much..."

Sushang parted her lips, eyes blurred with tears, and gently bit into a taro cake.

It tasted salty, unpleasantly so.

"Sushang, as you can see, he doesn't wish to meet you," said Sampo, shaking his head helplessly. "You've won the lightness technique competition and obtained the letter. Shouldn't you release me now, Old Sambor?"

With reddened eyes, Sushang glared at Sampo and accused him, "You're lying."

"If he didn't want to see me, why would he leave so many letters?"

"He said he'd go boating by the river with old friends—clearly, that's his way of telling me to find him!"

Having spoken her piece, Sushang lightly tapped her toes, her figure fading swiftly. In the blink of an eye, she disappeared from Sampo's sight.

Sampo squinted, muttering, "I've done my best for what you asked, old man Sambor."

"As you saw, it was her insistence to seek you out; it has nothing to do with me."

On Yaoqing River, aboard a merchant ship:

Sushang held her sword, her gaze icy as she demanded, "Miss Tingyun, is Su Jinyan here with you?"

Tingyun gently waved her folding fan, smiling faintly, "What an impudent little girl."

"How can you be so certain that Jinyan is with this humble one?"

"Over these years, how many times have you come searching for him? Why won't you give up?"

Sushang lightly bit her lip, responding, "He mentioned going boating with old friends, and after much thought, I concluded only you would share such interests."

"Where is he? Bring him out quickly—I must see him today."

Tingyun sighed, "Little girl, you should go back now. He had already left before you arrived."

"If he doesn't wish to see you, given his abilities, I fear you might never find him in this lifetime."

Sushang shook her head firmly, "No, I can no longer endure these days of uncertainty."

"I've fulfilled every request Jinyan Big Brother made of me, so why hasn't he shown himself yet?"

"I must find him, even if it means traversing countless mountains and rivers, I won't hesitate."

Tingyun's delicate face showed surprise, "Well then, I underestimated you."

"Since you're determined, first defeat the guards accompanying me," she challenged.

"These guards are elite from Rufloat Sky Shipping Yards' Ming Huo Trading Company. If they all attack at once, I doubt you could handle them."

Gripping the Xuanyuan Sword tightly, Sushang stepped forward without a trace of fear. "Another test like this..."

"I am no longer that naive girl who solely relied on Jinyan-gege!" Sushang declared, her fingers forming a tight grip. A startling burst of sword intent emanated from her delicate frame, sending thousands of sword shadows streaking towards the guards like flashes of swift light.

The elite protectors of Rufloat Sky Shipping Yards, despite their prowess, proved no match for Sushang's Sword Control Art.

Within mere breaths, every guard had fallen to the ground.

Tingyun's beautiful eyes held a hint of solemnity. "I underestimated you."

"In just a few short years, your transformation is remarkable. What exactly have you experienced?"

Eagerly, Sushang asked, "I've won, so where is Jinyan-gege?"

Tingyun softly questioned, "Sushang, do you truly wish to see him?

"Even if he no longer loves you and has become someone unfamiliar to you,

"You might regret it then—"

Sushang cut her off without hesitation. "Impossible! Jinyan-gege adores me more than anyone else," she declared. "He said once that when I grew up, he would marry me."

"Now tell me quickly—where is he?"

Tingyun beckoned Sushang forward. "Please follow me."

Sushang trailed behind Tingyun onto the star ferry. After several twists and turns, they arrived at the Medicine Pavilion of Yaoqing's Alchemy Commission.

Sushang's unease deepened with each step.

Why had Jinyan-gege left without saying goodbye? Why did he only send letters these past five years, never meeting her face-to-face?

And why was he here in Luofu instead of Yaoqing? What exactly happened to him?

Within the Medicine Pavilion, as footsteps approached, a golden-haired youth emerged, sword drawn, blocking Sushang and Tingyun's path.

This young man was Yanqing, Xianzhou Luofu's most formidable swordsman and General Jing Yuan's personal guard.

Yanqing regarded them coldly. "Halt, both of you," he commanded. "The Alchemy Commission's premises are restricted; unauthorized individuals are not permitted."

Yanqing was deeply disappointed with Tingyun. It had been only five years since Su Jinyan's departure, and Sushang was far from reaching the level he anticipated for her. Why had Tingyun brought her here so soon?

Sushang drew Xuanyuan Sword, pointing it at Yanqing. "Yanqing," she demanded, "tell me, is Jinyan-gege here?"

Yanqing shook his head slightly. "Step back—it's not yet time."

Sushang's eyes flashed fiercely as she held up two fingers together. "From waters vast, a sword to rend the skies!"

As she uttered these words, a colossal blade materialized amidst the clouds, hurtling toward Yanqing with unstoppable force.

Yanqing stared, incredulous.

Boom!

The ground trembled violently, as if splitting apart.

Hidden within the Medicine Pavilion, Yanqing broke out in cold sweat. Without the protective barrier, the Alchemy Commission's pavilion would have crumbled to ruins.

Tingyun's pupils contracted; when she brought Sushang here, she intended for Yanqing to dissuade her by demonstrating their disparity in strength. She hadn't expected Sushang to progress this far in such a short span of years.

Su Jinyan knew well that despite exceptional talent, humans were prone to complacency—a tendency particularly evident in the long lives of immortal beings.

If Sushang were devastated by his passing and never recovered, he would undoubtedly betray the trust of his godparents.

Thus, he had consistently avoided meeting her. In Su Jinyan's estimation, it would take at least another decade for Sushang to complete all the tasks he set out for her.

Who could have imagined that her determination and perseverance far exceeded everyone's expectations?

"Who is causing such commotion outside the Medicine Pavilion? Don't you know patients need rest? Hmph!" The petite medicine-carrying Dragon Girl, Bailu, emerged from within.

Sushang's lovely eyes turned solemn. "Another one, eh? Well, this young lady isn't afraid of any of you."

Just as Sushang was about to act, a familiar cough echoed from inside the Medicine Pavilion. "Cough, cough, Sushang, don't be reckless."

The figure who haunted Sushang's dreams stepped out from the Medicine Pavilion.

"Jinyan... Big Brother..." Sushang gazed intently at Su Jinyan before throwing herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face.

Despite stumbling under Sushang's sudden embrace, Su Jinyan frowned slightly but gently stroked her hair without saying a word.

His figure remained tall and upright, his features as handsome as before. Yet why were there streaks of white at his temples, and why did his eyes radiate a pall of death?

Bailu scolded, "Step away from him, you ruffian! What do you intend to do to my patient?"

"His body can no longer withstand any further harm. Do you realize the damage caused by that impact just now?"

Sushang hastily moved away from Su Jinyan, her voice trembling with tears, "Jinyan-gege, how did you end up like this?"

Su Jinyan gently caressed Sushang's delicate cheek, his expression tender. "Sushang, you've grown up."

"I thought it would take at least another five years for you to complete the trial I set for you." As he finished speaking, another bout of violent coughing seized him.

Bailu angrily placed her hands on her hips, urging, "Enough! Behave like a proper patient; quickly return to bed and rest!"

"Lady Dragon Girl," Su Jinyan pleaded, "please let me speak with Sushang a little longer. I—cough, cough, cough—"

Bailu firmly rejected him, "No, you must immediately go back for treatment. Your recklessness cannot continue unchecked."

Sushang watched helplessly as Bailu escorted Su Jinyan back to the Medicine Pavilion.

Tingyun and Yanqing followed closely behind them.

She hastily joined, observing Su Jinyan recline on his sickbed once more, being fed medicine by Bailu.

Bailu glanced at Sushang. "So you're this 'Sushang' he's always mentioning to me?"

Sushang bit her lip, nodding quickly. "I... I am..."

"What happened to Jinyan-gege?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

Bailu seemed somewhat resentful as she replied, "During the battle against those evil creatures of Jinxiadu, he fell victim to the curse cast by Buli Ren's leader. There is no cure now."

"He can only prolong his life temporarily with the medicinal decoctions I prescribe."

"Why did you insist on coming here at such a time?"

"He had already made it clear; he didn't want you to see him like this."

Sushang tightly grasped Su Jinyan's hand and asked, bewildered, "If I had arrived just a few years later, what would have happened?

"Would I never have seen him again?"

In a soft voice, Tingyun responded, "He had indeed prepared for that eventuality."

"If you wished to find him, we were both your greatest obstacles and the driving force for your growth."

"Only by fully comprehending and mastering the techniques he taught you could you ever stand before him."

"But by then, he would have already..."

Su Jinyan silenced Tingyun with a stern gaze and calmly stated, "With the Dragon Lady's medicinal decoction sustaining my life, I assure you, nothing will happen to me.

"Have you forgotten how I looked upon returning from the battlefield?"

[Yanqing and Tingyun fell silent.]

[They had long known from Bailu that your days were numbered.]

[Without the unique healing properties and longevity-extending effects of Bailu's saliva, you never would have endured this far.]

[After learning the truth, Sushang remained steadfastly at your side, never leaving for a moment.]

[As always, you tried every means to cheer up Sushang, and she wholeheartedly played along. Yet beneath her forced smiles lay an uncontainable sorrow.]

[Late into the night, your condition significantly improved, no longer as weary as during the day.]

[Sushang asked for a kiss, her rosy lips reminiscent of the blush on her cheeks when she was shy, stirring your heart.]

[This was your first kiss with her; even if death followed immediately after, you'd never forget the sweetness on her lips.]

[Sushang feeds you her favorite taro cake and asks if it's sweet.]

[With a stiff expression, you tell Sushang not to treat you like a fool; of course taro cakes are sweet.]

[Yet inexplicably, amidst the slightly moist cake, you detect a hint of saltiness, reminiscent of Sushang's tears.]

[After a moment of silence, you eagerly take Sushang's hand. You assure her that your health has significantly improved.]

[It's been a long time since you last ventured with Sushang to seek plum blossoms amid snowfall. Seizing this opportunity as your condition stabilizes, you wish for Sushang to accompany you back to Yaoqing, just to glimpse the scenery of your homeland once more.]

[Initially reluctant, Sushang cannot resist your pleading gaze and secretly agrees to take you away.]

[While Bailu and others sleep deeply, Sushang discreetly leads you out, traveling on a star ferry back to Yaoqing.]

[The snowy landscape of Yaoqing remains as breathtakingly beautiful as ever, with endless white expanses resembling delicate feathers gently drifting from the sky.]

[As if the entire world is blanketed by snow, everything becomes serene and peaceful.]

[Immersed in the stunning beauty of the snow-covered plains, you feel inspired to compose a poem capturing this scene.]

[However, despite racking your brain, you couldn't conjure up a single poetic line. It was Sushang who drew from her vast knowledge, expressing emotions through vivid imagery, and effortlessly composed a poem on the spot.]

[In that moment, you realized with relief that your once-dependent younger sister had truly grown up.]

[Sushang tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her beautiful eyes revealing an unguarded longing for you.]

[Gently kissing her lips, you felt the press of Sushang's ample curves against your chest, gradually intoxicated by the unique sweet fragrance of youth.]

Sushang's eyes glistened with moisture. "Jinyan-gege, let's get married."

Su Jinyan cupped Sushang's face tenderly, whispering reassurances, "We can. Once I'm cured of the curse by the Dragon Lady, we'll marry then."

Sushang shook her head stubbornly. "No, I want to marry you tonight."

[She knew you were deceiving her, yet she chose not to expose your lie.]

[Perhaps even she hoped that everything happening to you might be a delightful misunderstanding.]

[Unfortunately, misunderstandings rarely run so deep.]

[When Sushang's obstinate nature surfaced, even you couldn't sway her.]

[Left with no choice, you agreed to Sushang's request, promising to wed at Sword Memory Villa.]

[At Sushang's fervent insistence, Li Shen and Qin Suyi hastily prepared your bridal chamber overnight.]

"First, bow to heaven and earth."

"Second, bow to parents and elders."

"Lastly, husband and wife bow to each other—"

Su Jinyan's body uncontrollably collapsed into Sushang's arms, eliciting startled cries from Qin Suyi and Li Shen.

[Upon waking up, you find yourself back in the Alchemy Commission's Medicine Pavilion.]

[Bailu's small face is somber as she informs you that your condition has rapidly deteriorated, with little hope for improvement.]

[Unless—]

[Unless what?]

[Sushang clings to this lifeline, tears of hope streaming down her tender cheeks.]

[Bailu gently shakes her head, cutting herself off before revealing more.]

[But Sushang quickly grasps the crucial step needed.]

[Indeed, only by seeking eternal life blessings for Su Jinyan can there be a sliver of hope.]

[However, he belongs to the short-lived race, and bestowing eternal life upon such beings is one of Xianzhou's gravest sins.]

[This would severely violate the laws of the Ten-Lords Commission, categorized among the ten unpardonable offenses.]

[Even if it were Sushang, once discovered, she would face severe consequences.]

[Yet, for your sake, she willingly risks everything.]

[Having made her decision, Sushang tightly holds your hand, staying by your side, planning to act on this very night.]

[But you have already seen through Sushang's intentions, leading you to decide—]

Option 1: Allow Sushang to steal Holding Bright's "Elixir of Eternal Life." This will suppress your curse, enabling both of you to live together forever henceforth.]

[Option Two: Gently persuade Sushang to abandon this idea.]

[Option Three: You would rather die than see Sushang burdened with an irredeemable stigma for the rest of her life.]

Unconsciously, Su Jinyan's hands began to tremble slightly. He wasn't sure what choice he would make if it came down to that moment.

His intuition told him that Option One led to the best outcome, and deep down, he felt inclined towards it. However, as soon as he pictured Sushang's sweet and charming smile, he hesitated.

After enduring a painful struggle and internal debate, his trembling finger finally touched Option Three.

[On the night Sushang prepared to act, you peacefully pass away.]

[Upon realizing this, Sushang remains composed, retrieves a ring, and places it on your left hand's fourth finger.]

[She gently kisses your lips, a brief touch before embracing you in sleep.]

[You have already abandoned me once.]

[This time, I cannot let you leave me again.]

[Jinyan-gege, in our next life, Sushang still wishes to be your wife.]

[Elation Chapter: Act One, Completed.]

[Evaluation: A+]

[Fool, not all seemingly correct choices lead to beautiful endings.]

[Both you and Sushang possess rare qualities—sincere affection and unwavering loyalty, truly devoted individuals.]

[Reward 1: 2000 Cosmic Fragments.]

[Reward 2: Sushang has mastered all twenty-one forms of Tai Xu Sword Energy and attained its ultimate technique—the [Tai Xu Sword God].]

[Reward 3: Token to summon the Mysterious Merchant 1.]

[Current Cosmic Fragments: 6250.]

[Token to summon the Mysterious Merchant: Rub it gently to call upon the Mysterious Merchant. They can sell anything.]

After the simulation ended, Su Jinyan did not immediately exit the Simulated Universe; he remained stunned for quite some time.

Eventually, he quietly rubbed the token to summon the Mysterious Merchant.

In that instant, a figure draped in a sheet appeared before him.

"Hm? Fellow Daoist, where did you obtain my contact information?" The mysterious individual's expression was indiscernible, their tone distinctly perplexed.

"You can call me 'Anything and Everything for Sale'."

"I don't sense any spirit stones on you, but I do detect the scent of special currency."

"Would you like to take a look? I have only top-quality goods here."

"Not boasting, but for any treasure in the universe, as long as you can afford it, I can procure it for you."

Su Jinyan asked, "What about hiring someone for assassination? Can you handle that too?"

"Anything and Everything for Sale" replied mildly, "Yes, I don't commit murder myself, but there are those who would accept such jobs."

"As long as you can pay the price, just tell me, whom do you wish to kill?"

Su Jinyan spoke gravely, "Aeon of Joy, Aha - help me eliminate It."

There was a slight pause in "Anything and Everything for Sale"'s voice. "You f*cking want to take out one of my major clients? Not a chance."

Undeterred, Su Jinyan shifted his target. "How much would it cost to eliminate Buli Ren's Leader?"

"Anything Can Be Sold" shook his head. "First, show me how many special currencies you have," he said. "I doubt you can afford the price."

Su Jinyan displayed the Cosmic Fragments he possessed to Anything Can Be Sold.

"Ah, not bad?" replied Anything Can Be Sold, slightly surprised. "Seems I underestimated you. However, with just this amount of currency, it falls short for killing the Buli Ren Leader as you requested."

"Why don't you take a look at what you can afford from my offerings?"

Su Jinyan nodded slightly as Anything Can Be Sold opened a dazzling list of treasures before him, overwhelming with its variety.

Among them, one peculiar cosmic Curio immediately caught his attention—an exceptionally unique eyeball.

It was quietly placed amidst the item list by Anything Can Be Sold, standing out like a crane among chickens, captivating Su Jinyan's gaze and holding it firmly, unable to look away.

[Holy Sage's Eye (Replica) x 1]

[Pregnancy Gaze: Those struck by the Pregnancy Gaze will forcibly experience the pain from conception to childbirth; only the strong may escape unscathed.]

[Note: To ensure a good customer experience, first-time users receive one guaranteed effect. No refunds or exchanges after purchase.]

Description: A: What is filial piety? What is love? Experience the greatness of maternal affection! B: B-Balos!

Purchase Price: 5,500 Cosmic Fragments.

Su Jinyan spoke with conviction, "I'll take this one."

Damn it, Aha—you're screwed now. Next time I see you, I'm definitely making you pregnant.

Indeed, that bastard Aha better prepare for his demise.

Acquired: Holy Sage's Eye (Replica) x1

Current Cosmic Fragments: 750

AnythingCanSell rubbed its hands eagerly. "Thank you for your patronage. Do you need anything else?"

Su Jinyan quickly scanned and noticed there were still many intriguing items remaining.

For example: [100% Chance to Catch Blades Barehanded], [Thousand Years of Pain], [Disposable Flying Sword], [Illusions Mastery from Beginner to Grave], and more.

However, without exception, these items were quite expensive, beyond what he could afford with his remaining Cosmic Fragments.

"Sir, do you have any freebies?"

AnythingCanSell pondered briefly. "Seeing how generously you've spent, I'll give you a small gift as well."

Congratulations! You have learned Skill [Rock-Paper-Scissors Master].

Rock-Paper-Scissors Master: When playing rock-paper-scissors, regardless of your opponent's choice, you can predict their move in advance and always win.

At dawn, Su Jinyan woke up from his dream and stretched lazily.

As he extended his limbs, the blanket covering him slipped off. He wondered who had placed it over him.

Su Jinyan pushed open the library door, stepping out just in time to see Sushang standing before the Divination Commission, her face streaked with tears.

The moment she saw him, Sushang's eyes welled up again, and she abruptly threw herself into his arms, crying, "Jinyan-gege!"