Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Xia Chen practiced for a long time but still couldn't master the Frozen Sky Prison technique. Using the power of Stigmata, he could replicate similar effects, but without it, his swordsmanship merely amplified Honkai Energy slightly beyond ordinary techniques.

Compared to his initial Sakura Petal Fall, this sword technique was roughly on par, essentially relying on brute force akin to throwing a powerful flying brick. Xia Chen predominantly used his strength rather than finesse.

From an energy utilization perspective, it seemed somewhat wasteful.

After practicing for some more time, Xia Chen reluctantly sheathed his blade. He wasn't one to easily tire; otherwise, he wouldn't have endured so long with the Immortal Blades during his first transmigration without being eliminated.

However, while he knew how to train the technique, he consistently lacked that crucial feeling. The more he practiced, the further he felt from achieving it, like chasing an elusive goal.

Xia Chen sat cross-legged, pondering where the issue lay.

Two hours later, Sakura returned to this space and saw Xia Chen seated on the ground.

"Visitor, are you tired?" She spoke apologetically, "Unfortunately, there's nothing here. Let me go fetch some food from the main hall for you."

The Heroic Spirits did not require sustenance; the sole purpose of food here was to provide them with evidence that they were still 'alive.' Similar to how someone might crave snacks even when not hungry during solitude, it affirms their sense of existence.

"Not really," Xia Chen replied as he stood up, then couldn't help but ask, "Has everything been smooth on your end?"

"I received a cold reception." Sakura didn't hide her disappointment, saying, "Mobius seems quite busy right now. I waited for a while before returning. But it's alright; in the Garden of Eden, time is the least valuable commodity."

She looked at Xia Chen and asked, "Would you like me to serve as your sparring partner?"

"Although tempting..." Xia Chen hesitated before shaking his head. "No, thank you. My fighting style heavily relies on directly unleashing Honkai Energy, which has become somewhat of a dependency."

"In truth, Frozen Sky Prison is just a move shaped by my assassination habits. There's no rule stating martial arts must be learned through rigid techniques; anything that aligns with one's natural movements works well." Sakura observed Xia Chen closely. "You don't seem to have much combat experience, do you?"

"Hmm, until half a year ago, I was just a student."

With this single remark, Sakura pinpointed Xia Chen's greatest weakness.

Inexperience.

No, to be more precise, it was his lack of understanding and knowledge about combat strategies. Despite numerous battles within the simulator, victories based solely on martial skill were virtually nonexistent; most triumphs came from leveraging his Authorities, or arguably, thanks to his wives' abilities.

This resulted in Xia Chen being able to harness power effectively but not to its fullest potential, lacking complete comprehension of his own capabilities. Even after three months of intensive training with the Immortal Blades, how much could he truly expect to improve in such a short span?

If Xia Chen's enemies were merely ordinary Honkai Beasts, or even Archon-level ones, this deficiency might not be considered a major flaw, only a lack of experience.

However, as he aimed for greater heights, this became the weakest link—the final shortcoming—hindering his progress.

Combat cognition is different from combat ability. The latter can be honed through continuous battle, developing muscle memory, while the former requires systematic and professional learning.

"I see. Visitor, your talent genuinely astonishes me," Sakura praised sincerely.

Xia Chen smiled wryly, "I think I now understand where my issue lies. Overall, this isn't something that can be resolved overnight, right?"

"If you don't mind, I can have Rin impart all my martial experience to you." Sakura paused before adding, "However, this might affect your existing combat habits."

Rin had the ability to replicate and transfer memories, but it could potentially lead to confusion or, more severely, impair self-perception.

Xia Chen was well aware of this risk.

Any alteration of memories carries the possibility of changing one's identity.

He declined once again, saying, "Thank you for the offer, but that won't be necessary."

"I understand," Sakura responded after a moment. "Visitor, if you're not in a hurry to leave, please stay here for some time. At least, it is safe within these grounds."

"Alright."

Xia Chen realized that Heroic Spirits did not form a cohesive group, but he didn't need to involve himself in their disputes. For now, he could fully trust Sakura.

Feeling slightly awkward, he asked, "Just where should I sleep?"

"My apologies, there are no beds here. You can rest directly on the cherry tree trunk; its branches are quite spacious. I'll have Klein bring a bed over soon."

"What about you?"

"I do not require rest." Sakura shook her head. "Rest assured, I won't disturb you while you sleep."

Xia Chen couldn't help but gaze at the cherry blossom tree.

The Elysian Realm lacked distinct seasons and the natural cycle of day and night. However, the cherry blossoms here flourished abundantly, resembling those found in the mortal world.

While he couldn't perceive the passing of time, he could feel a wave of weariness setting in. After reaching a certain level of Honkai Energy compatibility, his daily need for rest had significantly decreased. This fatigue was primarily due to excessive mental exertion.

He approached the cherry tree, climbed onto its trunk, and closed his eyes to rest.

The sensation of the tree against his body wasn't entirely comfortable, but with his resilient skin, he managed to adjust.

Xia Chen activated the system:

[Honkai World Simulator activated.]

[Current Scenario: Intrinsic World - Present Civilization Era, Yae Village Honkai Incident.]

[Equipped Weapon: Keys of Oblivion.]

[Equipped Stigmata: Ana Schariac; Sirin's Ascension.]

[System generating records...]

[Day 1: ...]

Upon waking up, Xia Chen found himself in Yae Village, seemingly participating in some sort of ritual.

Villagers had gathered, binding a girl to a pillar as an offering to the fox god.

Recently, monstrous beasts emerged from the mountains, killing several villagers. Consequently, they decided to seek protection by offering sacrifices to the fox god, hoping for divine safeguarding.

For many consecutive years, they had followed this practice.

Offering girls to the fox god in exchange for safety throughout the seasons seemed reasonable from a pragmatic, cost-benefit perspective.

Of course, assuming that the deity they worshipped was indeed genuine.

As Xia Chen observed the girl prepared as a sacrifice, he noticed her adorned with makeup, her hair neatly styled, and dressed in new clothing. Her eyes were tightly closed, filled with fear about the impending fate she faced.

His gaze hardened slightly, suddenly regretting how quickly he handed the Red Sakura to Sakura, leaving himself without a suitable weapon at hand.

Looking around, he didn't spot Yae Sakura or Kallen anywhere.

It became clear that this was Yae Village after Yae Rin's death.

Xia Chen instinctively moved forward, preparing to seize a strategic position before taking action.

Regardless of tradition, ignorance remains ignorance.