Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

On the expansive plaza outside the Palace of Astral Divination—Kunlun Terrace.

The Trailblazers gathered here.

Unlike his habit of setting up soundproof barriers back at the Adventurers' Tavern, Venti refrained from doing so this time. The Xianzhou was a prominent presence among the factions in the universe, far superior to the backwater places like Snail-III Star or Jarilo-VI. The people here were well-informed.

Making overt "precautions" in such a central administrative hub could only draw suspicion.

So, after lowering his voice slightly, Welt continued.

"It's not exactly a lead—just a suspicion."

"Hmm... now that you mention it, she was quite excessive. Always acting on her own and bossing others around," March 7th chimed in, her distrust evident. Then again, anyone who "rescues" someone only to nearly have them escorted away by soldiers wouldn't be easy to trust.

"Indeed. Encountering unidentified suspicious individuals warrants caution, and hurrying us along could be explained as avoiding responsibility. But her actions were contradictory."

Welt adjusted his glasses, slipping into a classic detective analysis mode.

"Do you remember? Initially, her attitude toward us was primarily one of wariness. She just wanted to hand us off to the Cloud Knights. But as soon as she learned our identities, her perspective shifted to seeing us as troublesome wild cards."

"Uh… is that a problem?"

Stelle scratched her head, feeling like March 7th's confusion was rubbing off on her. The latter wore a similar blank expression, clearly not finding anything strange.

"Have you forgotten? She mentioned knowing about the attack on the Herta Space Station. But that incident was months ago, long overshadowed by other news."

"Even the headline that covered it barely focused on us. It was mostly an interview with Ms. Herta, with only a few passing mentions of our involvement."

Welt paused, giving the two time to process this, before continuing.

"So, even if she picked up on obscure reports or had a friend at the space station who knew our true capabilities, her attitude toward us still feels too deliberate."

"Deliberate?" March 7th repeated, her eyes lighting up. "Ah, she did suggest we visit some merchant guild to share tales of true heroism!"

"Exactly. If her line of work demands a certain degree of flattery and manipulation, her sudden shift in attitude becomes even more suspicious."

Welt glanced at Stelle, as if silently asking, Do you see where I'm going with this?

"Because… even if she found us suspicious, there was no reason to simultaneously feign friendliness while hinting that we should leave the Xianzhou?"

Stelle's logic kicked in briefly, understanding what Uncle Yang was driving at.

"Exactly. If she were acting entirely in the public's interest, she would've reassured us, brought us here, and taken her time. But her actions after learning our identities seemed straightforward on the surface, while subtly implying that we shouldn't linger."

As he finished, Welt cast a glance at the towering, majestic Palace of Astral Divination.

"I don't know her reasons, nor do I want to jump to malicious conclusions about her intentions. But remember why we came here—"

"The Stellaron Hunters…"

Stelle's expression grew serious, but March 7th playfully bonked her on the head.

"The point is the Stellaron! As for those wanted criminals, I highly doubt they can escape the Xianzhou's grasp."

"So, the next step is to brace ourselves and stay on guard during the upcoming audience?"

Venti, who had been whistling nonchalantly, finally spoke up.

Otherwise, four people huddling together like this would undoubtedly attract attention.

"…Another round of figuring out the mastermind behind the scenes?"

Stelle thought back to the divine being they'd encountered on Snail-III Star.

"No, the Xianzhou Alliance wouldn't be so rude. While the cause of this Stellaron incident remains unclear, it's likely that Lord Yukong will bombard us with questions during our meeting."

Welt, as if setting the mood, adopted a stern demeanor and rattled off common inquiries.

"Why did you choose this timing to come to the Xianzhou? How did you learn this disaster is Stellaron-related? Who informed you about the Xianzhou?"

"Whoa, Uncle Yang is intimidating! Wait, wait... if she questions us like that, I'll probably mess it up with my clumsiness!"

"What's with the sudden mountain bandit vibe?" Stelle retorted.

"Considering the reasons I've already provided her, it's likely I'll be the main focus of her questions," Venti said, stroking his chin with an amused smile.

"Correct. If our responses are careless or displeasing to her, we might face increased suspicion and hostility, making things even harder."

"Ugh, I'm starting to miss the train already. We just got back, and now we're on another mission—this time in such a strict place. I honestly don't know how Dan Heng enjoys this place so much," March 7th grumbled miserably.

"Leave it to me and Uncle Yang when the time comes. Trust me; I'll give them a reason they can't refute."

Venti patted the lyre at his waist, exuding confidence.

At that moment, Tingyun returned, her sweet smile unchanged. The group, meanwhile, adjusted their expressions to appear mildly "impatient" from waiting.

March 7th, in particular, seized the opportunity to play up her irritation. Hands on her hips, she huffed, "You said it'd just be a moment. We've been standing out here for ages without even a cup of tea! Is this how the Xianzhou treats its guests?"

Wait a second, weren't you the ones who insisted on chatting before going in?

Although Tingyun had no idea where this sudden "temper" came from, it conveniently aligned with March 7th's earlier streak of playfulness.

Handling fiery-tempered customers was nothing new to her. With practiced ease, she unfolded the fan at her waist and began waving it gently.

"Please, my benefactors, let's keep the peace and talk things through calmly~"

Noticing the displeasure on the Trailblazers' faces, Tingyun quickly offered an explanation.

"When I went inside earlier, I fully intended to report your arrival. However, I am but a humble messenger, and other delegates were also presenting urgent matters. It caused an unavoidable delay. I beg your forgiveness."

The breeze from Tingyun's fan cooled March 7th, melting her irritation into sheer contentment.

"Well, I'll forgive you this time," she declared with exaggerated grace.

"My benefactor is most generous."

Tingyun found March 7th's quick temper and equally quick recovery amusing. In her line of work, she had encountered all kinds—some pleasant, others utterly exasperating.

The latter kind could make her want to cover both fox ears and hide behind her fan to avoid a verbal lashing.

"Miss Tingyun, has our audience been arranged?"

Welt interjected, wary that March 7th might let slip something in her newfound relaxation.

"Rest assured, I've already informed the Master Diviner of your circumstances. She is currently awaiting you in the palace."

"Thank you. Might I ask if you would accompany us a little further?"

Though phrased as a question, the way the group subtly encircled her made it clear they wouldn't take no for an answer.

Tingyun wasn't sure why they needed guidance for just a few dozen steps, but she had her own curiosities to satisfy, so it worked in her favor.

With a practiced smile, she replied, "Of course. After all you've done for me, how could I refuse such a small request?"

As she led them toward the Palace of Astral Divination, Tingyun first explained some important etiquette before casually broaching another topic.

"By the way, my benefactors, may I ask you something?"

Her chosen target was Stelle, whose straightforward demeanor made her seem like the least guarded of the group.

"What is it?"

"Forgive me if this oversteps, but I am curious… Did the train come to the Xianzhou specifically for the Stellaron?"

"Your question seems loaded. But no, we're here to help a friend with a heart ailment. We only learned about the Stellaron incident recently."

Stelle's response prompted Tingyun to glance subtly at the bard trailing behind them, who seemed more like he was sightseeing than preparing for an interrogation.

Could it really be a coincidence? Tingyun doubted it but maintained a polite tone of admiration.

"To risk so much for a companion's well-being speaks volumes about your bond. Such camaraderie is rarer than gold or stone."

She sighed wistfully, adding with a hint of meaning, "Unlike us humble merchants, who live in constant fear that the whims of the high-ranking Xianzhou elites might one day cost us our livelihoods."

"Oh? Is Xianzhou governance that strict?"

"Certainly. Any guild order that violates Xianzhou laws—especially regarding biology or pharmaceuticals—faces hefty fines and legal consequences," Tingyun replied smoothly.

"That said, I deeply admire your sincerity, but I urge caution. Please, do not anger Lord Yukong."

By the time their conversation concluded, they arrived at the palace. Tingyun bowed gracefully to the group.

"Just ahead is the Sky-Faring Commission's headquarters. Lord Yukong is inside, presiding over affairs. I dare not intrude further and must leave you to proceed alone."

As Tingyun departed, the Trailblazers exchanged cautious glances, their wariness of the merchant deepening.

Venti, however, took the lead into the grand hall, where the sound of orderly commands could already be heard.

"Report, Lord Yukong! The number of damaged Starships from the Astral Sea incident has mostly been accounted for, but a few remain untraceable. Please advise."

"Submit the loss data to General Jing Yuan, and summon the Divination Commission. This is no minor disruption; they cannot absolve themselves of responsibility…"

"Understood, my lord."

As a uniformed messenger exited with a report, the woman addressed as Lord Yukong cast an appraising gaze toward the newcomers. Her tone was detached.

"Welcome, guests of the Astral Express."

"That's a cold way to greet someone…" March 7th muttered, earning a light cough from Welt as a warning.

Yukong paid no mind to the murmuring, or perhaps simply chose to ignore it. After a brief glance at the group, her focus returned to the holographic data streaming before her. Her disinterest was palpable.

"I have been informed of your arrival and the heart condition affecting one of your members. You have my condolences—"

"Thank you, Lord Yukong. May we proceed with seeking treatment on the Xianzhou?"

At that, Yukong raised her head, her hawk-like gaze fixing on the bard. She spoke in a cold, steady voice.

"I'm afraid not."

"Oh? And why is that? Could it be the Alliance cannot handle the Stellaron crisis?"

Welt's pointed remark drew glares from the Sky-Faring Commission members.

Yukong's expression remained impassive as she responded in an even colder tone, "The Stellaron is hardly an enigma to the Alliance. We've long been aware of its nature and have our means of dealing with it. The Xianzhou has weathered eight millennia of calamities. Though this disaster is severe, we are more than capable of managing it."

"Then why obstruct our efforts to save a friend's life?"

"As distant travelers, you are our guests, and I have no reason to make things difficult for you… but there is one matter that must be addressed."

She projected the intelligence data she had reviewed earlier.

"The Stellaron was discovered on the Luofu just days ago. The Astral Sea was immediately sealed off, with no one allowed to leave. According to your account, you submitted a docking request and received approval before entering. For clarity, I reviewed the Astral Sea's entry and exit records."

"Your claim holds true; however, your method of entry involved hacking into the system to open the Yujing Gate. The hacker's techniques were exceptional, leaving behind a deliberate mark—almost as if taunting us."

Welt's expression remained unchanged, his demeanor calm as he listened.

This unshaken composure seemed to frustrate Yukong, who found no trace of fear or anger in his reaction. She pressed on.

"Analysis of the symbol left behind points to the notorious 'Silver Wolf,' a member of the Stellaron Hunters. What do you have to say about this?"

Her words carried an implicit accusation of collusion between the Astral Express and the Stellaron Hunters. Why else would Silver Wolf pave the way for them? It couldn't possibly have been a mere whim.

Digging deeper, one could even question the origins of the Stellaron itself.

While the Xianzhou Alliance didn't fear the Stellaron's threat, having discovered it early enough to handle, this didn't mean the damage it could cause was negligible.

Especially considering the Luofu had recently experienced a mysterious disruption—an attack that momentarily shut down the Divination Commission's Great Matrix of Omens. Such events naturally bred caution.

The overt hostility in Yukong's tone left March 7th and Stelle feeling uncomfortable. Even Welt's brow furrowed slightly.

Just as Venti stepped forward, seemingly intent on addressing Yukong's accusations in his own way, a lazy, playful male voice cut through the tension.

"Yukong, don't be so harsh. If word got out, wouldn't the galaxy laugh at the Xianzhou Alliance for its lack of hospitality?"

"Kaeya?"

Venti turned, surprised.

But the figure on the platform was greeted with a different name:

"General Jing Yuan."

The man who arrived had a head of unruly white hair tied at the back with a red cord in a wolf-tail style. His handsome face bore a small tear-shaped mole beneath his left eye, and his amber eyes gleamed with sharp intelligence.

Dressed in a white coat with a black inner lining, he wore a black-and-red cape draped over both shoulders. His waist was cinched with an ornate gold sash, and his deep crimson trousers were tucked neatly into steel-blue general's boots.

He smiled warmly, his gaze lingering on the Trailblazers, as though greeting old friends from afar.

---

T/N: LMAO KAEYA??

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