Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Su Qing pondered briefly.

Both options A and D involved patrols; one as part of a team with set hours, the other independently while keeping watch for fiends.

There wasn't much difference between them—the only distinction being whether he worked alongside teammates or alone. In that case, there seemed no need to specifically request time off.

Slacking off was clearly not an option.

Taking leave specifically to watch the sword competition could also be ruled out. While he might join the excitement during his free time, when on duty, safeguarding the Xianzhou took precedence.

[Qingque: Too dedicated! I'm sweating just thinking about it.]

[Seele: LOL, Qingque feels the pressure.]

[Fu Xuan (arms crossed): Knowing what stress is means there's still hope for you.]

And so, Su Qing led his aerial cavalry squad on patrol throughout the day.

It remained peaceful aboard the Xianzhou, with no incidents occurring.

However, as he finished organizing and prepared to clock out, chaos erupted outside.

He saw someone standing defiantly, blocking the entrance to the camp.

Their posture seemed confrontational, but upon inquiry, Su Qing learned that this individual had come seeking assistance in forging a sword.

[Stelle: Isn't that Sharpblade Bro?]

[March 7th: Sharpblade Bro... Oh right, Blade!]

At that time, known as Yingxing, Blade was a craftsman from the Artisanship Commission.

Standing before the camp with hands clasped behind him, his tone was audaciously arrogant. "Seems like the Luofu aerial cavalry isn't much; not a single one skilled enough in swordsmanship to aid me in forging."

These words stirred even more commotion among the soldiers. Several hot-tempered ones immediately moved to roll up their sleeves, intent on teaching him a lesson.

Su Qing raised his hand to stop them, ordering everyone back to their positions.

Seeing this, Yingxing turned and began to depart.

Having failed to find anyone suitable, Yingxing naturally prepared to leave.

"Hold it."

Hearing someone call out from behind, Yingxing ignored them at first. But as he took another step forward, a longsword suddenly appeared before his eyes.

With forceful momentum, the blade plunged halfway into the ground with a swish. It blocked his path just inches ahead of his feet, its hilt resonating audibly.

Yingxing stopped and turned around, outwardly composed but internally thinking:

Whoa... What a cool way to intercept someone!

[Sushang: Ha ha ha, revealing these inner thoughts really changes things!]

[Silver Wolf: Dying laughing—so even Blade had his youthful show-off phase?]

[Jingliu (recalling): At that time, the most common assessment of Yingxing was that he was fiercely unyielding. However, his forging prowess justified such arrogance.]

At the Luofu Manufacturing Division's forge, a longsword named "Shattered" had taken its basic shape on the anvil.

For the next phase of hammering, Su Qing's assistance was required to infuse it with sword intent, enhancing its quality.

Mad as Yingxing might be, he knew that when asking for help, some gesture of appreciation was necessary.

"I won't have you work without compensation," Yingxing said. "If you ever need any weapon in the future, I can forge one for you."

Su Qing shook his head. "No need. Since my shift is over, I'd just be idle otherwise. Besides, this sword will ultimately be used to slay demonic creatures." He paused before adding, "But next time, don't block the cloud rider entrance; it doesn't look good. If someone actually engages you in combat, the general would likely reprimand me too."

Yingxing fell silent, looking slightly awkward at these words.

[Sparkle: Hahahaha!!!]

[Black Swan: (laughs) Genuine honesty always hits home.]

[Black Swan: Su Qing's response, both insightful and truthful, leaves Yingxing momentarily speechless.]

Caught off guard, Yingxing briefly hesitated before silently igniting the furnace. Then he spoke up, "You eternal life beings are always so carefree and composed. With ample time to achieve greatness, there's no rush."

However, Su Qing countered, "One's accomplishments are not inherently tied to their lifespan. Some immortal Xianzhou dwellers lead unremarkable lives, achieving little. Conversely, short-lived beings have accomplished great feats within mere decades."

Few Xianzhou residents spoke like this. Su Qing's words resonated deeply with Yingxing.

Yingxing's homeland had been ravaged by the prosperous Buli people, and he narrowly escaped to Xianzhou. There, he apprenticed under General Huaiyan of Zhu Ming Xianzhou, displaying exceptional talent. At a young age, he earned the qualification of Artisan and later achieved the title "Hundred Refinements."

However, as he was not an eternal life being, his lack of time meant the Xianzhou Alliance refused to let him lead the Artisanship Commission.

If there were a measure for affinity, after these remarks, Yingxing's regard for Su Qing would likely have shifted from "acquaintance" to "slight approval."

Yingxing pondered briefly before asking, "Do you know Bai Heng?"

Years ago, Bai Heng had spoken similar words to him, but hearing them now from Su Qing felt more profound.

[Guinaifen: Well, he is a short-lived being! Naturally, his understanding runs deeper.]

Su Qing shook his head. "No, I don't."

"Then surely you must know Jingliu," Yingxing continued. "The new swordmaster will be chosen today, and most likely, it'll be her wielding this blade."

Once again, Su Qing shook his head. "I've heard of her, but I do not personally know her."

This genuinely puzzled Yingxing. With such formidable sword intent and years of experience as a cloud rider, Su Qing shared many traits with Jingliu. Given their similarities, even if they weren't close, one might expect them to at least be acquainted.

Yet it seemed they had never met before—a truly peculiar circumstance.

During the forging process, Su Qing temporarily set aside theoretical deductions and, bolstered by his Growing Genius aptitude, collaborated seamlessly with Yingxing.

Impressed by Su Qing's exceptional talent, Yingxing couldn't resist suggesting that he consider joining the Artisanship Commission for further development.

Su Qing smiled but politely declined. Recognizing everyone has their own aspirations, Yingxing didn't press the matter further.

***

Several months later, on the day Jingliu was officially appointed as swordmaster.

Yingxing attended the ceremony dressed in black attire, holding his sword behind him. With a swift motion, he thrust the blade deep into the ground, leaving only its hilt visible.

"Only Luofu Swordmasters can fully embody the true essence of my crafted swords."

The crowd erupted in murmurs, engrossed in animated discussions.

Despite appearing nonchalant, Yingxing felt a hint of regret as he gracefully departed. If only he could wield a sword like Su Qing—simply gesturing while the blade flew independently—it would have made quite an impact...

***

Recently, there hadn't been many military engagements. Apart from routine patrols, Su Qing received a peculiar request.

Rumors circulated about a star ferry cultivator notorious for frequent flight mishaps; no one dared to accompany her on missions. After much deliberation, someone approached Su Qing, asking if he could assist by providing protection.

Although somewhat risky, recent signs indicated a potential alliance between the Huiyin clan and the Winged Ones, necessitating urgent reconnaissance efforts.

Naturally, Su Qing didn't mind.

Dangerous? He had already experienced the Shuhu incident—what could be more perilous than that?

[Herta: Then only Yaoshi's presence itself would compare.]

[Sparkle: Joy, Lan: Seriously?! Hurry and share their coordinates.]

[Fu Xuan: ...You Masked Fools, show some respect to Imperial Bow Siming.]

[Sparkle: Hee hee, alright, alright~]

Su Qing expected the accident-prone star ferry cultivator to be some formidable, perhaps even monstrous figure. To his surprise, upon meeting her, it turned out to be a charming young fox maiden.

In appearance alone, she even seemed somewhat delicate and cute.

[Bailu: Hmm... Now it's my turn to ask questions.]

[Bailu: Who is this person from the fox race? Why do they look so familiar?]

[Qingque: Ah? These characters are all from long ago; you shouldn't recognize them, right?]

[Bailu: That's precisely why I'm curious!]

[Jingliu (with a slightly nostalgic tone): Bai Heng, a star ferry aerialist, hailing from the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

[Bailu (thinking hard): Both surnamed Bai? Could we be from the same lineage?]

[Qingque: ? Even less likely, Bailu-sama! You're a dragon! Different races altogether!]

[Stelle: Sigh, if only you were a dragon, things might have been easier.]

[March 7th: ??? Stelle keeps saying such peculiar things!]

Upon meeting, Bai Heng greeted Su Qing enthusiastically, "Ah, aren't you the renowned Cloud Knight Lieutenant, Sir Su Qing!"

"Do you know me?" asked Su Qing.

"Of course," replied Bai Heng, his outgoing nature evident as he showed no hint of shyness. "People often ask me about that esteemed Sir Su Qing—whether they're from Yaoqing or not? They must be, right? Otherwise, how could they be such a formidable warrior?"

Su Qing smiled warmly. "Very well, then. Whenever there's combat on your side, remember to call upon me."

Bai Heng immediately clapped his hands and laughed vivaciously. "Ha ha, just as I thought! As soon as you spoke, it was clear—you can't wait to join our battles!"

After some casual conversation, they embarked on their mission, boarding the star ferry together.

Bai Heng took the front seat, while Su Qing sat behind him.

With earnest concern, Bai Heng instructed, "We're about to depart. Please sit tight and make sure to buckle your safety belt."

Following his advice, Su Qing fastened his seatbelt, feeling even more convinced that rumors couldn't always be trusted. Look at this aerialist Bai Heng—charming, lively, and so mindful of safety. How could he possibly be considered dangerous?

The moment Bai Heng's hand touched the steering wheel, his expression shifted. "If you feel nauseous during the journey, try to hold it back."

"...What?" Su Qing responded, puzzled.

In the next instant, he was abruptly pressed against his seat, experiencing a sharp sensation of being thrust backward.

The star ferry launched almost like a rocket!

This seemingly ordinary aircraft accelerated from zero to hundreds of kilometers per hour in less than three seconds—a staggering feat!

Below, the assisting aerialists watched as the star ferry vanished with a whoosh and promptly saluted.

As expected of someone from the cloud riders' ranks.

To dare embark on a mission alongside Bai Heng takes remarkable courage, truly commendable...

[Sparkle: Joyful.]

[Tingyun: By the way, I heard @Lady Yukong also enjoyed racing when she was young?]

[Yukong: Don't believe every rumor.]

[Fu Xuan (chuckles): Ah! I've heard that too—about Lady Yukong once running six red lights consecutively, even being called a rebellious teenager because of it.]

[Yukong: ...Grand Diviner, must you provide such detailed information?]

[Stelle: Joyful, seems like this need for speed is a tradition among the fox race.]

The howling wind echoed outside the flying vessel.

Bai Heng's exceptional driving skills ensured the reconnaissance mission proceeded smoothly.

From mid-air, it was clear that the layout between the Huiyin clan and the Winged Ones had indeed changed, aligning with previous intelligence suggesting a possible alliance.

This was a significant discovery.

To get a clearer view, Bai Heng slightly lowered their altitude.

Immediately, they caught the enemy's attention, triggering a barrage of fire. Despite his best efforts to evade, critical parts of the star ferry were hit.

"Uh-oh!" exclaimed Bai Heng. "The flying vessel is out of control again...again...AGAIN!!"

[Bronya: Yet again!]

[Jingliu: ...Whenever Bai Heng embarks on missions with her star ferry, it either accidentally ends up in the jaws of colossal beasts or crashes deep behind enemy lines.]

[Bronya: Ah?! Surviving all those incidents is truly miraculous!]

[Jingliu: Yes, I often advise her not to be so reckless, but she somehow manages to escape danger every time.]

Despite exclaiming in dismay, Bai Heng remained composed as she skillfully maneuvered the star ferry for an emergency landing. "Once we touch down, you run first. My luck has always been excellent; I'll be fine."

Su Qing reached out and gently held Bai Heng's shoulder. "That won't do. I accepted the mission to ensure your safe return."

Bai Heng was about to respond when, in the next moment, the scenery before them abruptly changed—they had instantly teleported away from the aircraft.

[Stelle: It happened! Teleportation!]

[Silver Wolf: That's called Ether Editing.]

Bai Heng glanced around at the surrounding clouds and the vast expanse of open sky beneath their feet. "Huh?"

Realization dawned on her. "WHAT?!??" Now truly panicked, she exclaimed, "Oh no, Su Qing! We're going to plummet to our deaths!"

Just before they began falling, a broad heavy sword materialized beneath them, securely catching their descent.

Bai Heng's eyes sparkled with curiosity over this new experience. "What exactly is this??"

Su Qing replied, "I'll explain once we get back; hold on tight."

He had never attempted such high-speed flight by controlling his sword before, but given the urgent situation with enemies closing in quickly, there was no time to waste.

After a moment's thought, Su Qing added a cautionary note, "By the way, if you feel nauseous, please don't vomit on me."

Bai Heng looked puzzled.

She gripped him tightly, asking, "Wait, do you not have any seatbelts... AAAAAHHHH!!!!!!"

Whoosh!

The heavy sword likewise launched with a thrust, parting the clouds.

That day, above the Huiyin clan's encampment, echoed the shrill scream of a foxfolk maiden.

Her voice lingered mournfully, striking everyone with awe.

Yet when the abundant folk looked up, they could no longer discern any trace of the two figures who had just soared past.

Upon reaching safety, the heavy sword gently descended.

Bai Heng released Su Qing, but as her feet touched the ground, she felt disoriented and dizzy. Clutching onto a nearby tree, still shaken, she patted her chest and sighed, "Whew... That-that was more thrilling than any star ferry!"

She took a moment to catch her breath.

Bai Heng smoothed out her disheveled hair and the tangled mess of her tail.

"You're right," Bai Heng agreed, "but aside from that, the primary issue with this flight method is wind protection—it's a massive problem!"

Su Qing also tamed her windswept hair, nodding in full agreement.

[Firefly: Ha ha! Su Qing's hairstyle looks so cool now!]

After submitting their mission report, the duo once again achieved significant success.

As they parted ways,

Bai Heng waved enthusiastically, her tail swishing excitedly behind her: "Next time we get a chance, let's go for another ride together, okay?!"

Su Qing waved farewell, deeply impressed by this aerialist—whose charming appearance belied her boldness and decisive nature.

Days later, Bai Heng recounted this amusing incident to Jingliu.

Apart from expressing concern and urging her not to act so recklessly again, Jingliu asked, "This Su Qing you mentioned—who is he?"

Bai Heng's eyes widened instantly. "Huh? That's Su Qing—you don't know him?"

Jingliu shook her head.

Even more astonished, Bai Heng exclaimed, "But you've become Luofu's Sword Leader! How could you truly not recognize him?"

"I only focus on sword techniques and slaying demonic creatures," replied Jingliu. "Perhaps I've heard his name before, but indeed, I do not know him."

A few days passed.

Bai Heng shared the entertaining tale of their mission with Jing Yuan and Dan Feng, along with the surprising fact that Jingliu and Su Qing were unfamiliar with each other.

Jing Yuan and Dan Feng were equally surprised.

[Qingque: Is this General Jing Yuan? He looks much younger than now.]

[March 7th: Ah? And the other one, is it Dan Heng? Why is he here too?]

[Himeko: This should be Dan Feng; if my calculations are correct, he is Dan Heng's previous incarnation.]

[March 7th: Oh wow! So many characters appearing all at once!]

[Jingliu: Many? Back then, these few were the only ones I knew well.]

[Sparkle: Aiya, Jingliu speaks so formally—it doesn't sound very lively.]

[Stelle: No, Sparkle, you should think the opposite way!]

[Stelle: Precisely because Jingliu appears so composed, it'll be even more entertaining when she gets flustered or heated!]

[Sparkle: Ha ha, that's true! Stelle, your knack for elation is truly remarkable.]

[Jingliu: Although I'm not sure what you're anticipating, such things are unlikely to happen.]

[Stelle: See?! The boomerang is already set in motion!]

[Jingliu: ...Do as you please.]

[Kafka: (with a slightly sympathetic gaze)]

[Himeko: (with a slightly sympathetic gaze)]

[They too had once believed they had no dark pasts worth revealing.]

[However, as time went on, certain shameful memories would unexpectedly resurface, catching them off guard.]

As fellow members of the Valiant Guard, Jing Yuan and Dan Feng naturally knew Su Qing well from their shared history.

Dan Feng had previously fought alongside Su Qing, coordinating together against enemies.

To both Jing Yuan and Dan Feng, it was quite surprising that Su Qing and Jingliu did not recognize each other.

"How peculiar," Jing Yuan mused. His master and Su Qing had served with the Cloud Knights for several centuries each, hadn't they? Even though the roles of sword leader and general followed different paths—

Su Qing, being proficient in both literature and martial arts, clearly followed the latter path. However, it seemed peculiar that they wouldn't have crossed paths even after such a long time...

After pondering, Jing Yuan identified several possible reasons: "They are intensely focused on combating demonic entities, dedicating themselves entirely to battle and disregarding worldly affairs. Additionally, with their frequent expeditions lasting often hundreds of years, they might have just missed each other."

Jing Yuan paused before continuing, "Perhaps the most crucial reason is that both are formidable, unstoppable swords.

"On any given front of the battlefield, one of them typically suffices. This paradoxically reduces their chances of meeting."

Dan Feng expressed agreement, "That makes sense."

Bai Heng also nodded repeatedly, saying, "Ah, Jing Yuan's always so insightful! But what a fascinating coincidence!"

"Having heard about this now, I can't simply stand by," Bai Heng declared cheerfully. "Let's find some time later, maybe invite Yingxing too, for all of us to gather together—just the right opportunity to introduce them as well."

Neither Jing Yuan nor Dan Feng had any objections.

Inevitably, Jingliu asked, "Is it truly that unusual that I don't know this person you're talking about?"

The trio vigorously nodded, remarkably synchronized.

Leaving aside how similar Su Qing and Jingliu were, merely considering the possibility that if Su Qing eventually became a general without ever having met the current sword leader—even once—would be quite comical when word spread across the other celestial ships.

After all, if Su Qing were to become a general someday without ever having met the current sword leader—not even once—it would be utterly hilarious when news spread to other Xianzhous.

Jingliu remained composed. "Is that so? Nevertheless, I still feel there's no need for a special meeting," she said. "To me, most people in this world aren't significantly different..."

In a small quadrangle courtyard:

As soon as Su Qing stepped over the threshold, Jingliu sensed his presence and promptly looked up. Her immediate reaction was quite unusual, catching the attention of those nearby, who instantly adopted expressions akin to curious onlookers, marveling at the situation.

[Sparkle: Laughing, "'Most people in this world aren't significantly different'."]

[Sparkle: HaHaHa, here comes the first boomerang effect, just as predicted!]