Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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It seemed as though Yingxing was proposing some idea and trying to persuade Dan Feng.

Yingxing's tone was impassioned. "Shuhu is dead, and we've won this battle, but how many more victories can we secure? What further price must we pay like this?"

"As long as the World Tree stands, the monsters will continue their assaults."

"Yes, each of us has only one life," Yingxing continued. "To sacrifice for this cause or die for that... these are our own choices.

"Just like Su Qing and Bai Heng, they sacrificed themselves so that others could live on."

Yingxing posed a soul-searching question, "But why?! Why do only the evil creatures get to repeatedly rise again?! While for us, just one mistake means eternal descent into abyssal torment!"

Initially, Dan Feng had been countering Yingxing's arguments.

However, upon hearing those final words, he fell silent.

Dan Feng recalled Bai Heng's resolute final flight and Su Qing's figure enveloped in golden lightning. He remembered the soldiers who perished in battle and his own fallen kinsmen.

The Vidyadhara's numbers were irreplaceable; every loss diminished them forever.

"March 7th: Sigh, they both look so heartbroken..."

[Stelle: Blade-bearer is quite sentimental, and Dan Feng seems cold on the outside but warm within.]

[Stelle: But what exactly are they discussing here?]

Bai Heng, Su Qing...

Dan Feng pondered what it would have been like if he himself had charged towards Shuhu in that final moment.

No, he wouldn't even have managed to take Shuhu down with him in mutual destruction.

Everyone knew of Su Qing's steadfast nature, devoid of any signs of a Demonic Yin Body. Had he truly ascended to the position of general, he could have protected Luofu for another thousand years.

Yet, as Yingxing had asked, why did such a person meet his death on the battlefield... while the evil creatures repeatedly returned from defeat...

After a long pause, Dan Feng spoke up, "The Vidyadhara possess their own means of salvation; I can give it a try."

"Using the blood of the Holding Bright lineage, the soul of the Dragon Ancestor, and the transformation technique," Dan Feng continued thoughtfully, "perhaps we can attempt this revival. However..."

He hesitated, "Where will we find the vital energy needed for resurrection?"

[March 7th: Ah?? So Su Qing really perished after all??]

[March 7th: And they plan to resurrect both Su Qing and Bai Heng?]

[Firefly: Resurrection—little March was spot-on.]

[Stelle: She always has a knack for predicting these things.]

[Qingque: But can people truly be brought back from the dead? What method will they use??]

[Jingliu: By employing methods one should never touch...]

[Jingliu gained another perspective, witnessing the context behind Yingxing and Dan Feng's decision at that time, understanding their reasons.]

[Nevertheless, it remains absolutely unforgivable.]

[Jingliu's anger continues to steadily intensify.]

***

Darkness engulfed Su Qing's vision.

After an indeterminate period...

Slowly, he felt his ability to think returning.

Where am I? Did I die? Has the simulation ended?

Then, despite not opening his eyes, an image materialized before him...

To fulfill all sentient beings' desires.

Yaoshi is the nurturer of all living things, the deity of paradise, with a purpose to sustain life without end.

Never rejecting prayers, this Aeon cannot bear the sight of decay and suffering.

With six arms adorned by antlers atop its head, numerous eyes scattered across limbs and torso, Yaoshi exudes an eerie yet captivating beauty.

As if right before Su Qing, within his very gaze.

Its downcast features revealed an ineffable smile.

[Fu Xuan: !!!]

[Fu Xuan: Su Qing saw the Plagues Author?!?]

[All viewers across the Xianzhous instantly felt their hair stand on end, as if facing a formidable adversary.]

[Jingliu tightly gripped his sword with renewed resolve.]

[March 7th: Ah?! Is this the legendary Yaoshi? The Aeon itself?]

[Herta: (rapidly documenting it)(adding more data to the Simulated Universe)]

[Ruan Mei's expressive eyes scrutinized carefully. As one who studied life, encountering an entity like Yaoshi naturally provided her with rare insights.]

[The audience reactions varied, but all were astonished. Following Su Qing's memories truly broadened their horizons!]

[Even the previous battle involving Luofu Emanators was shocking enough, and now, behold—an Aeon directly before us!]

[Black Swan expressed feeling overwhelmed.]

[While watching Su Qing's memories, an Aeon unexpectedly appeared.]

[This wasn't just a fleeting glimpse of an Aeon when embarking on one's destiny; it seemed more akin to the Aeon sitting right in front of you, engaging in a warm face-to-face conversation.]

[If not for...the assistance that isolated its influence, even during a live stream, there would likely have been significant issues.]

Su Qing gradually regained his composure.

Su Qing suddenly realized the presence before him.

With a fleeting thought, he found himself unable to summon Non-Grasp, as if trapped within a dream.

[Stelle]: He even considered taking action!!

[Silver Wolf]: Legendary move!

[Firefly]: Absolutely incredible!

Xianzhou's viewers were filled with immense admiration. Simply witnessing Yaoshi through their screens sent shivers down their spines.

[To face an Aeon directly like Su Qing and still entertain thoughts of action—truly deserving of being a Luofu General!]

Despite encountering hostility, Yaoshi remained unperturbed, without a trace of anger. With a gentle smile and benevolent demeanor, one of His right hands gently plucked a wheat stalk, releasing sweet nectar.

Regardless of its true nature or ultimate consequences, at that moment, the nectar appeared extraordinarily beautiful, embodying the essence of life itself, brimming with vitality. Even just a single drop could transform an entire planet's deserts into flourishing oases.

Shortly after, Su Qing regained consciousness.

***

***

In Luofu, amidst the Scalegorge Waterscape, Su Qing woke up.

It felt both like an eternity had passed and yet merely an instant.

Opening his eyes, he saw Yingxing and Dan Feng, their faces pale. In the sky nearby, a writhing and struggling malefic dragon was visible.

Just as Su Qing was about to inquire, he noticed an unread message:

[You have obtained Abundance's Blessing - Emanator Level.]

Su Qing instinctively wanted to rub his eyes, doubting if he had misread.

However, his senses were now exceptionally keen, with vision remarkably clear. He could even perceive details previously unnoticed.

He hadn't misread.

Beyond the notification, there was direct evidence before him.

Su Qing felt an infinite surge of vitality within himself.

From the viewers' perspective, Su Qing's eyes now shimmered with a faint golden hue. Even where his feet touched, green shoots sprouted and flowers began to bloom—an outward manifestation of his newly acquired power, still uncontrolled due to its recent mastery.

Feeling the terrifying abundance of life force coursing through him, Su Qing realized that with just a thought, he could make withered flowers bloom anew or restore life to fallen birds.

Aha, so this is the Fertility Force.

Su Qing gained a deeper understanding of their adversary spanning millennia.

Yet, there remained one significant question:

Why would such extraordinary Fertility Force reside within me?

[Sparkle: Can't contain my excitement! 😱]

Su Qing was momentarily speechless.

The bad news:

There were evil creatures present.

Even worse news:

The evil creature was myself.

[Stelle: And the even more dreadful news - it's not just any evil creature, but a legendary one!]

[Qingque: Su Qing: Oh nooooo!]

Watching Su Qing gently clench his hand, seemingly sensing the newfound power within him, both Yingxing and Dan Feng felt intensely apprehensive.

Dan Feng's muscles tensed; although Su Qing appeared unchanged outwardly, he emanated a lethal sense of danger. It was akin to facing Shuhu in human form.

If Su Qing suddenly turned hostile, they alone would be utterly incapable of handling it. Worse still, if Su Qing lost his sanity, the consequences for Luofu could be unimaginably catastrophic.

Fortunately, Su Qing spoke up, showing signs of rationality: "So, can anyone tell me exactly what happened?"

After a moment...

Su Qing looked towards the sky, gazing at the agonizingly struggling dragon. "...You're saying that is Bai Heng?"

An eerie silence enveloped the scene.

Pausing briefly, Su Qing continued, his voice now resonating with power, like celestial music: "...So when reviving us, you used Shuhu's flesh and blood?"

The silence remained absolute, but it signified tacit acknowledgment.

Instantly, Yingxing and Dan Feng felt a chill run down their spines, breaking out in cold sweat as if they had narrowly escaped death.

Su Qing said no more, closing his eyes instead.

Considering what he thought he glimpsed earlier—Yaoshi—and Dan Feng's response, he swiftly understood the sequence of events.

Unwilling to accept his and Bai Heng's deaths, Yingxing and Dan Feng had employed the Dragon Transformation Technique to revive them. To compensate for the missing vitality, they utilized Shuhu's flesh.

Ultimately, Bai Heng transformed into the Dragon of Misfortune.

And Su Qing, having received Yaoshi's "favored attention," was bestowed blessings.

With everything clear, Su Qing opened his eyes.

It was hard to describe exactly how he felt at that moment.

[Jingliu: ...I want to kill Yingxing and Dan Feng.]

[Qingque: Straightforward much!!!]

[Jingliu's anger is maxed out now, but honestly, others can understand her fury too.]

[Stelle: Su Qing's situation right now is akin to this: after tirelessly battling evil creatures for millennia, barely defeating Shuhu, thinking finally there could be some rest...]

[Stelle: And upon opening his eyes, his two best friends have resurrected him as an Abundance Emanator?!]

[Stelle: That's explosive enough on its own.]

[Stelle: But it gets worse—they turned their team's darling into the Dragon of Misfortune?!]

[March 7th: Aaaaaaaaahhhh!!! Dan Feng! Yingxing! What have you two done?!]

[Himeko: Driven by deep affection and desperate to revive him, emotionally, one might understand. However, logically speaking, no matter how you look at it, using Shuhu's flesh to resurrect a friend...]

[Qingque: They've gone even crazier than the evil creatures themselves!!]

[Silver Wolf: You're right, it does give that impression.]

[Fu Xuan: The Dragon Transformation Technique itself isn't alarming; I heard it's part of Holding Bright's legitimate lineage. But using Shuhu's flesh...]

[Sushang: This is insane. Little Gui, I'm genuinely scared.?]

[Guinaifen: Don't be afraid, Sushang, because...I am too.?]

[Seele: Judging by Su Qing's expression, he looks like he really might spit blood.]

[Herta: Unfortunately, spitting blood won't help now. As an Abundance Emanator, his recovery ability is unparalleled, instantly healing him with no lasting effects.]

[Sparkle: Looks like Su Qing can make a comeback now.jpg]

[Seele: What kind of twisted joke is this?!]

Su Qing raised his head, gazing at the continuously struggling and roaring Dragon of Misfortune in the sky.

A hint of compassion filled his eyes as he empathized with Bai Heng's current suffering.

Su Qing shifted his gaze to Dan Feng and asked, "In this situation, does the Holding Bright lineage have any solution?"

Dan Feng opened her mouth hesitantly. "No, we never anticipated such an outcome..."

A moment passed in silence.

Su Qing spoke again, "What she needs now is release."

With conflicted expressions, they ultimately gave a resigned acknowledgment.

"Her inverted scale lies at the crown of her head..." Dan Feng revealed.

Su Qing nodded.

Without invoking Non-Grasp, lotus blossoms appeared beneath his feet, each step supported by towering trees rising from the ground, steadily lifting him higher.

Su Qing was aware that his own condition was far from optimistic. An overwhelming surge of vitality coursed through him, urging him to accept this power. He steadfastly resisted, only using it sparingly to alleviate its pressure.

Embracing the strength bestowed by Yaoshi would likely compromise his rationality significantly.

[Stelle: If Su Qing doesn't suppress it, what would his true Abundance Emanator form look like?]

[Stelle: Can I cautiously say...I'd love to see it?]

[Fu Xuan: ...Go ahead. After all, we're witnessing past events; it won't affect anything.]

[Herta: Based on the current circumstances, one thing is certain: his development as an Emanator appears vastly different from Shuhu's.]

The Tyrant Beast, half-dragon in form, soared through the sky like a streak of lightning. Its colossal body, capable of swallowing the horizon, shattered yet another floating island amidst cries akin to a thousand clashing swords.

Su Qing approached the Dragon of Misfortune.

It... Su Qing hesitated to refer to it as "it."

Whether due to their shared Abundance at that moment or recognizing him, she did not attack.

Bai Heng seemed to retain some clarity, but the intense pain within the Dragon of Misfortune's body tormented her relentlessly, bordering on madness.

Despite its struggling and thrashing, upon seeing Su Qing, the dragon's head drew near. She had inherited Bai Heng's mercury-like eyes.

"Su Qing, it hurts so much, I'm in such agony..." came her voice.

Su Qing's breath hitched, his expression filled with profound sorrow and compassion. He raised his hand and gently stroked the dragon's head, offering Bai Heng a semblance of comfort.

With one finger, Su Qing pressed lightly atop the Dragon of Misfortune's skull.

Gradually, the pain subsided, and Bai Heng calmed down. Tears flowed from those silvery eyes.

"Su Qing..."

In her final moments, Bai Heng merely whispered his name before her dragon head rested against him, seemingly slipping into an eternal slumber.

***

[March 7th: ???]

[Firefly: ???]

[Jingliu: ???]

[Qingque: This is so distressing.]

[Qingque: It feels like with this act, Su Qing might genuinely align with Yingxing and Dan Feng, harboring murderous intent...]

[March 7th: How did their once close relationship deteriorate to this state? ??]

[Fu Xuan (sighs): Because certain boundaries truly must not be crossed.]

The giant tree, supporting the dragon's body, allowed Bai Heng to sink into a peaceful slumber.

Suddenly, Su Qing began to grasp the concept of erosion more deeply.

If not for his extraordinary willpower and the aid of the Memory Palace,

he might indeed have lost control, transforming into the Abundance Emanator.

[Sushang: That blue Talent just pulled off a major feat!]

[Qingque: This isn't merely a blue Talent, it's definitely golden caliber for Xianzhou!]

[Herta: Did anyone notice the look of compassion on Su Qing's face just now? He seems already influenced by the Abundance somewhat.]

[March 7th: Ah? (thought for a moment) Oh right, true enough!?!]

[Ruan Mei: Embodying pity for all beings, his expression was filled with mercy. Unlike Shuhu, Su Qing resembles Yaoshi himself quite closely.]

[Stelle: Then... dare we imagine, could Su Qing's pursuit of the Abundance fate path truly bestow true immortality upon people??]

[Fu Xuan: Don't entertain such thoughts! Don't even consider it; clear it from your mind immediately!?]

[Herta: It's indeed hard to say.]

[Herta: Yaoshi alone led to so many dire consequences. If Su Qing follows this path, it's difficult to predict what might result in the end.]

[Jingliu: One bloom flourishes while myriad branches wither. The white bones bear no message, for the cruelest is abundance itself.]

Su Qing descended back to the ground, facing the two once more.

He sighed deeply.

His former friends had reached such a deplorable state—anger, doubt, disappointment, sorrow...

Even Su Qing found himself unable to remain composed.

The pair felt immense regret, but what good did that do now? The events had unfolded, and irreparable mistakes were already cast.

Dying honorably in battle was once their glory.

Yet they had desecrated this very honor.

Bai Heng, meant for peaceful rest, transformed into the Dragon of Misfortune.

And Su Qing himself, ensnared by the curse of Abundance, risked becoming another Shuhu at any misstep, causing immeasurable devastation.

No matter how much remorse they felt, it could never compensate for these transgressions.

"At least, you could prevent things from worsening further."

Su Qing first looked at Yingxing.

During his resurrection, Yingxing had also absorbed Shuhu's flesh and blood. This seemed to steer him towards an even more peculiar direction, one of unending immortality.

"Your undying state, I cannot undo," Su Qing said. "Only you can find your own means of escape."

Yingxing remained silent, tormented by his Demonic Yin Body. Yet, the regret and remorse gnawing at his heart were an even greater agony.

"The Ten-Lords Commission will judge your actions accordingly." Su Qing closed his eyes. "Now, kill me and end this."

As he spoke, Su Qing attempted to bring about his own demise. Non-Grasp continuously pierced through his body, but the Fertility Force relentlessly healed him. Despite his best efforts to suppress this immortal vitality, it proved futile.

Such was the bizarre longevity bestowed by Abundance's fruit. Even ending his own life was beyond his reach.

Could Dan Feng kill him?...

Su Qing opened his eyes, his voice deeply weary. "Forget it, go find the general instead. Have him use the Divine Monarch. I might not last much longer."

With his perfected physique enhanced by Potential Unleashing, combined with the boundless vitality granted by Abundance's blessing, the burden became unbearable for someone unwilling to accept such gifts.

Under no circumstances did Su Qing wish to lose his mind and transform into a true evil entity. It may already be too late to wait for the general's arrival.

Realizing their predicament, Dan Feng gritted her teeth. "Yingxing, you go find the general, while I'll try..."

She stepped forward, intending to intervene.

A fierce sword gleam barred his path.

The once gentle tone, the demeanor she had reserved for friends—all vanished without a trace, eclipsed by her overwhelming fury.

Jingliu held her longsword, her voice icy cold. "Do not touch him. You are unworthy."