The Gamer who traveled to Honkai: Star Rail

As they chatted, Pei Guang noticed figures moving through the mist—followers of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus heading toward them.

Pei Guang frowned. "Looks like our presence here has attracted some unwanted attention. Damn it! I was hoping we could quietly clear out everyone before shutting down that furnace. Turns out this world's narrative doesn't pause during events."

Though he was annoyed by the lack of a pause mechanic, Pei Guang considered it might be a deliberate design choice for a more immersive experience.

Stelle, already eager for action, gripped her flaming spear. "No problem! If they've come here, they're not leaving. It's a one-way path. I bet I can wipe them all out in one charge."

Pei Guang held up a hand. "Wait! Don't light that spear just yet. Since our trash can has been upgraded, let me try something first. Hmm… like this, then this… perfect!"

Under the group's watchful eyes, Pei Guang set the trash can down horizontally, tied it tightly with rope, and picked it up with a grin. Carrying the secured trash can, he confidently approached the advancing Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.

The sect members, seeing Pei Guang's current form—unrecognizably disguised in the Abundance-inspired Deer outfit—mistook him for an ally. One of them even started to scold him, but before he could finish, Pei Guang swung the trash can with full force, slamming it into the man's head.

Pei Guang swung the trash can with all his might, sending the head of a disciple flying. Witnessing this, Pei Guang confirmed his earlier thoughts but also realized a disturbing truth—using the trash can as a weapon seemed to insult its dignity. The damage it caused was no different from his wooden sword.

Pei Guang commented, "As I thought, its attack power is equivalent to my wooden sword. But swinging this thing is too cumbersome, and you have to go all out just to match the same effect. Not a practical weapon, but… wow, it's so much fun!" The satisfying duang-duang sound, coupled with the stunned expressions of enemies, made the whole experience oddly entertaining.

The remaining disciples froze at the sight of their comrade's decapitation, giving Pei Guang ample opportunity to continue swinging the trash can at them with wild abandon.

The rest of the group instinctively stepped back, including Tingyun.

Everyone was certain—if this thing hit you, your life would probably be ruined. They couldn't figure out how the trash can was capable of such devastation, but when Pei Guang swung it, no one doubted for a second that it was a trash can. It wasn't just a weapon that looked like a trash can—it was undeniably, unmistakably a trash can.

Even if someone pointed out that the Antimatter Legion didn't use trash cans, it wouldn't matter. This thing would automatically align itself with the viewer's perception of what a "perfect trash can" should be.

Though it didn't have any odor, the mere thought of being bludgeoned by a trash can—especially one that killed people—brought about some… complicated emotions.

March 7th glanced at Dan Heng. "Why are you stepping back? You've got your Pink Bunny! You and Ah Guang are on the same level."

Dan Heng responded flatly, "That's just how it looks to you. In my eyes, my weapon is still a normal weapon."

Stelle chimed in, "But from our perspective, you and Ah Guang are two peas in a pod. Hey, how about this? You team up with Ah Guang—he uses the trash can, you use your Pink Bunny. We'll stand back and cheer you on!"

March 7th nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes! I've got my camera ready. I need to capture your most dashing moment!"

Silver Wolf poked her head out. "No worries about storage—I'll upload this masterpiece to every cloud server."

Even Welt joined in, adding, "The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus are heinous criminals. Killing them alone isn't enough to satisfy the public's anger. This is the perfect time for you and Ah Guang to entertain everyone. No one else should interfere."

Bailu cheered from her bucket, "Go for it! A simple death is too merciful for them. Let their physical demise come with social disgrace. Let everyone in Xianzhou know—this is what happens when you join the Sanctus Medicus."

Seele quipped, "As grim as this is, I do have one question: with Ah Guang taking action, will the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus even survive as an organization?"

While the others were busy recording and cracking jokes, Dan Heng took 0.1 seconds to seriously consider the situation. Gripping his Pink Bunny, he stepped forward, deciding that Welt had a point. Ever since he started using the Pink Bunny, he'd noticed a significant increase in his enemies' fear. Considering the various ways people could perish, he resolved to join Pei Guang in teaching these disciples the true meaning of terror.

As he approached, Dan Heng reflected on his past. Though he'd left the Vidyadhara behind, the shadow of his previous life lingered. He didn't remember the crimes he was accused of, but he was willing to face any punishment to atone for them.

But beyond guilt, Dan Heng had come to enjoy life aboard the Astral Express. March 7th's constant mishaps, Himeko's care, Welt's reliability, and… Pei Guang and Stelle, who made him genuinely laugh and helped him confront his nightmares.

At that moment, Dan Heng's demeanor shifted. He stepped forward with resolve, Pink Bunny in hand, its meows echoing ominously.

Outside the mist, Fu Xuan flinched at the sound of agonized screams coming from within.

"Good heavens! What's happening in there?"

She instinctively performed a divination for Pei Guang's group, only to see a vision so chilling that it made her shudder.

Fu Xuan's mind conjured an image of Pei Guang swinging a trash can and Dan Heng wielding the pink, meowing bunny, chasing Disciples of Sanctus Medicus through the streets. Both looked more like Abominations of Abundance than people—one grinning ear to ear, the other calmly smiling as they wreaked havoc.

As the divination concluded and she listened to the cries of the disciples from within the mist, she paused briefly before cursing aloud with delight: "Serves them right! Good! Yes! Yes! I only wish this glorious scene could be broadcasted for everyone to see."

Unlike Fu Xuan's satisfaction, Tingyun's expression grew increasingly grim.

Great, now there's a new "trash can killer" to go along with the pink bunny menace? Tingyun felt like she only had two paths left to take.

The first option: Run. Immediately. If she didn't, and those two lunatics managed to bonk her with their absurd weapons, her reputation would be ruined forever. Forget "Lord Ravager"—all anyone would remember about her would be being smashed by a trash can or poked by a meowing rabbit. If Xianzhou's penchant for embellishing tales held true, this humiliation would spread across the galaxy, cementing her legacy as a laughingstock.

The second option was to double down on her previous plan: forget "Lord Ravager" entirely and immediately focus on eliminating Pei Guang and Dan Heng. As long as she could take them out, victory would be assured, and she wouldn't risk a humiliating downfall. 

However, "Tingyun" decided not to wait until the end. She planned to use this current host body to find an opportunity and take out either Pei Guang or Dan Heng—whichever presented the first opening.

But Tingyun, or rather "Phantylia," had already decided she wouldn't wait for the final confrontation. Using her current host body, she resolved to find an opportunity to strike. Whichever of the two proved more vulnerable—Pei Guang or Dan Heng—would be the first to fall.

She also determined that the strike would need to be decisive. Considering Pei Guang's access to near-miraculous restorative items, she had to ensure they wouldn't even have the chance to consume a healing potion.