Chapter 118: March Takes A Master, Five Elites Gather
Jingliu is General Jing Yuan’s swordsmanship teacher, so who would look up to anyone else with Jingliu teaching sword techniques?
Under March 7th’s hopeful gaze, Jingliu nodded.
“Hooray!” March 7th cheered and ran off.
Following Meng Huaifeng and Herta’s suggestions and references, March 7th bought a red training outfit with Xianzhou characteristics.
Knowing Jingliu was skilled in one-handed swordsmanship, she also bought a practice long sword to use for now.
Everyone returned to the inn one by one, but Dan Heng had not returned.
『 Meng Huaifeng: Dan Heng, are you coming back? 』
『 Dan Heng: I won’t be returning for the next few days. 』
『 Meng Huaifeng: You’ve really worked hard. Are you feeling awkward? 』
『 Dan Heng: It’s alright. I’ll just treat it as taking care of an old, lonely person, fulfilling their wish, and drawing a line under my past life. 』
……
The next day.
Early in the morning, March 7th changed into her new clothes, tied her hair into two buns, and energetically arrived at the place where she had met Jingliu yesterday.
Jingliu was already waiting there, the breeze ruffling her clothes, standing alone like a fairy.
Bailu, Bai Heng, Blade, and Dan Heng were gathered in a circle in a corner not far away, doing something unknown.
“Am I late? I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.” March 7th quickly apologized.
“Not late,” Jingliu said indifferently, having only stayed up all night.
“Master, please have some tea!” March 7th knelt before Jingliu and offered her a cup of milk tea with both hands.
Jingliu looked at the milk tea and was slightly taken aback. Were the young people nowadays so unconventional?
Jing Yuan was already quite lively in his youth, but he didn’t offer milk tea when apprenticing.
March 7th tilted her head, “Is something wrong? I saw online that when apprenticing on Xianzhou, you have to offer tea to your master.”
Bai Heng ran over, laughing, “Nothing’s wrong, Jingliu, why are you pausing? Milk tea is also tea, hurry up and accept it.”
Jingliu hesitantly took the milk tea, holding it in her hands, unsure whether to drink it. Finally, she pursed her lips and took two sips through the straw.
“Little March, does only Jingliu have one? What about us?” Bai Heng asked.
“Everyone has one, everyone has one.” Seeing that Jingliu had drunk her tea of apprenticeship, March 7th stood up and took out four more cups of milk tea for Bai Heng.
“Here, one for each of you.” Bai Heng hugged the four cups of milk tea and distributed them to Blade, Dan Heng, and Bailu.
The milk tea was not finished. Jingliu held the milk tea in her left hand, condensed ice into a sword in her right, and asked, “How much do you know about swordsmanship? Have you practiced before?”
“Well, I only know thrusting, chopping, and slashing swords,” March 7th said, scratching her head awkwardly. Then she said proudly, “However, I practiced by myself for a while before, and I even created a move called Star Shattering Universe: Great Glazed Sword.”
Dan Heng, who was watching Jingliu teach a disciple, found it unbearable to watch. Was that practicing swordsmanship? That was just flailing wildly.
“Oh? Show me.” Jingliu said.
“I have the idea, but I haven’t really mastered it yet,” March 7th said a little sheepishly.
“It’s fine.”
“Then, please bear with my clumsiness!” March 7th’s expression turned serious, and she took a few steps back to create space.
“Hup, hup, Star Shattering Universe: Great Glazed Sword!”
March 7th made a few wobbly preparatory movements. Imaginary energy surged, and a massive block of ice enveloped her one-handed sword, resembling a greatsword, which she heavily slammed onto the ground.
“Master, how was it?” March 7th asked expectantly and nervously.
Jingliu’s eyebrows twitched slightly. Everyone else covered their eyes. Isn’t this just smashing with an ice sculpture?
“Your stance is shaky, and your center of gravity is unstable. First, spend half an hour in a horse stance, and then I’ll teach you the basic sword forms.” Jingliu decided not to evaluate and directly began teaching.
“Okay.” March 7th responded with some disappointment.
March 7th began practicing sword forms. Meng Huaifeng and Herta found it a bit boring, so they left for other places.
Following Bailu’s suggestion, Herta called Zhu Zhuqing, Hong Kou, and Po Xiao to Golden Lane for some food and fun.
Meng Huaifeng successfully deciphered the second Mobile Phone Martial Spirit’s Soul Skill, Dream Entering Divine Mechanism. After making some modifications to create a pirated version, he finally bypassed Aha’s Blissful Blessing, so his automatically edited videos wouldn’t be posted online.
However, Aha’s actions also gave Meng Huaifeng inspiration. He could completely use Dream Entering Divine Mechanism to obtain various materials, edit them himself with permission, and decide whether to post them online.
Given the scale of the Honkai: Star Rail World and his own basic attention as a Nameless, wouldn’t becoming a content creator easily get him billions of followers?
Even trillions upon trillions might not be impossible. At that point, credits would flow in like water, and he would achieve financial freedom?
It was a shame he couldn’t operate the account Aha created; it wasn’t his at all. Otherwise, promoting it throughout the universe every day would be incredibly satisfying.
First, he needed to collect materials. Meng Huaifeng set up a small stall across from Bu Ye Hou in the Starcrane Celestial Nexus.
“Are you still captivated by the stories Mr. Xiyan told?”
“Do you wish you could personally participate in the grand historical events?”
“Virtual Illusion Storytelling Wonders, not for 9998, not even for 998, just for 98! The price of a few cups of milk tea, and you can experience a true journey of travel!”
“Alter history, rewrite regrets. How far can you go?”
“Choose any story. There’s nothing the illusion can’t do that you can’t imagine. Note: Even if the story you want isn’t available, provide the background and main plot, and we can do custom orders. Fast, high-quality, price negotiable!”
Mr. Xiyan across the way took off his sunglasses, his small eyes looking at Meng Huaifeng.
“Young man, you’re using me for advertising. Pay the copyright fee.”
“No problem, all the money earned will go to you and Boss Bu Ye Hou.” Meng Huaifeng waved his hand grandly.
“Wow, so generous? Then you’re working for free?” Mr. Xiyan asked in surprise.
“What do you mean? If there are interesting materials in the illusion, I’ll post them online, and all the online revenue will be mine.” Meng Huaifeng said.
“Not bad. Young man, you’re principled. Real-world profits go to us, online profits go to you. I agree.” Mr. Xiyan put on his sunglasses again.
Meng Ming, the boss, whose small face had been a bit unhappy, brought Meng Huaifeng a pot of tea.
A tea patron who had just finished listening to Mr. Xiyan’s storytelling approached Meng Huaifeng.
“Boss, do you have the story about the Cloudy Five Warriors that Mr. Xiyan just told? Let me be the Dragon Lord and save the world!” the patron asked.
“Yes, 98 Credits, pay the boss directly.” Meng Huaifeng said, lying on the reclining chair, holding his tea and swirling it.
Boss Meng Ming happily collected the money. Meng Huaifeng told the patron to find a seat, then waved his hand, and a stream of light shot into the patron, instantly entering the illusionary world of the Cloudy Five Warriors.
Not long after, the patron suddenly awoke, crying loudly, “Bai Heng, my Bai Heng, sob sob sob.”
Meng Huaifeng briefly checked the patron’s illusionary experience. Good heavens, facing the terrifying and fearsome Shu Hu, the dignified Dragon Lord was instantly sent flying and severely wounded. Bai Heng, a flying marksman, had to step up and engage Shu Hu in close combat to save the Dragon Lord.
The final outcome was far more tragic than in reality.
Weak!
“Clink.”
Another 98 Credits were placed before the boss. The patron, with red eyes, approached Meng Huaifeng.
“This time, make me play as General Teng Xiao!”
“Do you have to lower our side’s combat power? Why not play as a Strategist,” Meng Huaifeng couldn’t help but say. With such trash combat skills, could he even unleash a third of General Teng Xiao’s combat power?
“What do you know? A Strategist can only devise strategies, not make decisions. What if the General doesn’t understand my brilliant wisdom? I should be the one in command, see how I use my intellect, deploy troops, command armies, and save the Xianzhou from fire and water!” the patron said confidently.
Meng Huaifeng shook his head. His combat skills were inferior, but battlefield command would be enough?
Still, he satisfied the customer’s request and let him fall into the illusion again.
“No!”
As expected, ten minutes later, the patron awoke and let out a mournful wail.
Weak!
While virtual games existed in the Universe, they all had fixed worldviews. How could they compare to the rich experience of Meng Huaifeng’s virtual illusions?
Soon, even the ground was filled with people, and the entire street was almost blocked.
The Cloud Cavalry had to be dispatched to maintain order.
If it weren’t for Meng Huaifeng being a distinguished guest and benefactor of Xianzhou, he would have been driven around like some street performer.
……
Having promised to find someone to teach March 7th swordsmanship, Jing Yuan inquired about March 7th’s location and, taking advantage of his free time, came with Yan Qing.
“The Stellar Train’s Nameless are full of talent and knowledge. Yan Qing, don’t truly put on a teacher’s airs. Besides swordsmanship, there are many aspects you can learn from them,” Jing Yuan admonished kindly.
“Yan Qing understands.” Yan Qing nodded.
From a distance, they saw March 7th practicing sword forms. Seeing the white-haired figure beside March 7th, Jing Yuan stopped.
“Yan Qing, it seems you don’t need to teach her. She has found a better teacher.” Jing Yuan said with a complex expression.
“A better teacher?” Yan Qing raised an eyebrow. On Xianzhou, besides the General, was there anyone whose swordsmanship was better than his?
Jingliu also sensed Jing Yuan’s gaze and turned her head to meet his eyes.
“Jing Yuan, since you’re here, come over. It saves us from having to notify you.” Jingliu said coldly.
“Who’s here? Jing Yuan?” Bai Heng’s ears twitched. She ran to Jingliu’s side and followed her gaze, seeing a shocked Jing Yuan.
“Jing Yuan, long time no see! Are you done with your work? Come quickly.” Bai Heng waved enthusiastically.
After his shock, Jing Yuan’s expression returned to its usual calm as he walked towards Bai Heng and the others, his steps unconsciously quickening.
Carefully observing Bai Heng before him, Jing Yuan smiled from the bottom of his heart, “I don’t know what’s going on, but Bai Heng, welcome back.”
“You’ve certainly become much more composed. And you’re not even calling me ‘Jie’ anymore. Have you become a General and look down on your sister?” Bai Heng joked, without playing favorites, giving Jing Yuan a hug of reunion.
“How could that be? It’s just that, at my current age, I’m actually much older than you, Sister Bai Heng.” Jing Yuan’s nose stung, but he didn’t show it, being much stronger than Blade.
“Hmph, so what if you’re older in reality? Once a sister, always a sister.” Bai Heng pouted slightly.
Jing Yuan looked around: Jingliu, Dan Heng, Blade…
Everyone’s here. I never thought there would be a day when we’d all be reunited.
Jing Yuan tilted his head slightly. The wind and sand seemed a bit strong today.
“The General said you’re a better teacher. Dare you spar with me? Whoever wins will be March 7th’s teacher,” Yan Qing said spiritedly to Jingliu.
Hmm? What is my foolish disciple doing? Jing Yuan snapped back to attention, looking at Yan Qing in surprise.
“This is your disciple? He’s quite brave,” Bai Heng winked at Jing Yuan.
“Yan Qing, you…” Jing Yuan hesitated to speak.
“What is it, General?” Yan Qing asked.
“Nothing.” Jing Yuan shook his head. It might be good to temper his arrogance. Would his own teacher truly try to kill him?
“This is my disciple, Yan Qing. He’s only in his childhood years, and there are no swordsmen on Luofu who can match him,” Jing Yuan introduced Yan Qing to Jingliu, emphasizing his young age and status as a child, hoping she would go easy.
Yan Qing proudly puffed out his chest.
“His talent is indeed impressive, but he’s too sharp and easily broken. It seems the swordsmen of Luofu have indeed declined, to let a child reach the peak,” Jingliu said indifferently, seemingly having not understood Jing Yuan’s subtle meaning.
Yan Qing felt underestimated and showed an unconvinced expression, “Don’t look down on me. Dare you fight me? Let me see if you have the right to judge Luofu swordsmen.”
“Gladly.” Jingliu, in a good mood after Bai Heng’s return, didn’t mind disciplining her grand-disciple.
“Follow me.” Yan Qing summoned his flying swords and flew towards an empty space not far away.
Jingliu quickly followed.
“This looks like how Jingliu used to play when she was young,” Bai Heng said, looking at the flying swords behind Yan Qing.
“I did indeed train Yan Qing following my teacher’s growth path,” Jing Yuan admitted.
“Hmph, this brat doesn’t know the immensity of heaven and earth,” Blade sneered.
“Don’t say that. It’s normal for young people to have drive. Weren’t you like this when you were young?” Bai Heng said.
Blade was speechless.
March 7th, who was in a horse stance, fell into thought. They’re fighting to become my teacher? Am I really this popular?
Could it be that I’m a peerless genius in swordsmanship?
The outcome was no surprise. Yan Qing was utterly defeated by Jingliu in all aspects. After the fight, he began to doubt his entire life.
Swords could be used like this?
Bailu healed Yan Qing’s injuries. Yan Qing, reminiscing about the details of the fight, felt his swordsmanship had greatly improved.
Seeing everyone chatting happily and familiar with the General, Yan Qing gradually fell into thought. Where had he seen this person before?
“General, I remember now! He’s a wanted criminal on Xianzhou, Blade the Stellar Core Hunter! Quickly, get out of the way, let me apprehend him!” Yan Qing suddenly recalled, jumping next to Jing Yuan and drawing his sword, watching Blade warily.
Blade looked at Yan Qing with a cold smile. It seemed this brat also wanted to get beaten by him.
“Yan Qing, there are no wanted criminals here now.” Jing Yuan pulled Yan Qing back.
“But General…” Yan Qing was confused and wanted to argue.
“There aren’t!” Jing Yuan’s expression became solemn as he warned Yan Qing.
“Yes, General.” Yan Qing replied unwillingly.
“Go and inform Fu Qing that I, your General, was severely injured during my battle with Huanlong and can no longer suppress it. I need ten days of recuperation. Fu Qing will temporarily assume the position of General and be fully responsible for Luofu’s affairs,” Jing Yuan said.
“General, are you really…” Yan Qing said nervously.
“Go. Report back to Fu Qing, and then your Grandmaster will also teach you,” Jing Yuan’s expression softened.
“Grandmaster?” Yan Qing looked at Jingliu in surprise, understanding why she was so powerful. “Yes.”
Yan Qing summoned his flying sword and flew away at extreme speed, eager to return and receive his Grandmaster’s sword instruction.
“You’re trying to slack off, aren’t you? I didn’t expect you to be so lazy even after becoming a General. Will Fu Qing be willing to handle so much work?” Bai Heng saw through Jing Yuan’s excuse at a glance.
“What laziness? It’s a joyous reunion with old friends. What’s wrong with resting for a few days? It’s true she might get angry if I solely assign all duties to Fu Qing, but didn’t I make her the acting General? She’ll be very happy,” Jing Yuan’s lips curved slightly.
