Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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The newcomer was none other than Fu Xuan from the Divination Commission, the head of Luofu's diviners.

As Fu Xuan approached steadily, Yanqing couldn't help but show astonishment on his face. "Fu... Master Fu?"

The silence in the Artisanship Commission lasted mere seconds.

Fu Xuan's arrival and bet visibly unsettled the artisans who had confidently wagered on Yanqing.

"What should we do? It's Master Fu herself, even she placed a bet!"

"Has the Grand Diviner made a mistake? Why would she choose Mr. Su to win?"

"Yeah, yeah, shouldn't the victor be Yanqing? Or is there some secretive, unsavory deal between them?"

"Hey, Ah Wei, are you courting trouble? That's not something we can openly discuss."

"I'm freaking out—can we still change our bets now?"

"If Master Fu has placed his bet, it means Yanqing is doomed to lose."

"Ah, I've just lost half my monthly wages—what a fool I am!"

Master Gongshu cleared his throat, frowning. "Silence!"

The whispering artisans and apprentices fell quiet once more.

Master Gongshu nodded toward Fu Xuan. "What brings you here, Grand Diviner?"

"Just watching," Fu Xuan replied mildly.

Tingyun's sharp fox ears drooped dejectedly as she lamented, "Lady Fu Xuan, why must you join in? No, no, this humble maiden cannot accept your wager. If by chance our benefactor wins, all her dowry would be forfeit—you're trying to leave this humble maiden penniless."

Fu Xuan glanced at her. "As the bookmaker, you should have been prepared for potential losses."

Yanqing sounded slightly displeased. "Miss Tingyun, does that imply you believe I will lose?"

Tingyun lightly covered her lips with a smile. "Aiya, this humble maiden didn't mean that at all. It's just, having been involved in business for many years, I approach such matters with caution. Even if there's only a one-in-ten-thousand chance, I wouldn't dare guarantee victory. Consider this: Lady Fu Xuan staked such a large sum right from the start. Should our esteemed benefactor truly win, not only would this humble maiden face ruin, losing her entire dowry—"

"Even staking myself as payment might not suffice."

Yanqing flashed a confident smile. "Rest assured, for I will not lose."

"And you, Master Fu Taibǔ," Yanqing continued, glaring at Fu Xuan with unmistakable disrespect and no hint of courtesy. His displeasure wasn't due to her lack of support by betting against him.

Rather, Yanqing's unfavorable view stemmed from Fu Xuan's overt ambition to become a general, often urging Jing Yuan to step aside for more capable leaders. As both the apprentice and unwavering admirer of General Jing Yuan, known as The Divine Foresight, it was unsurprising that he held little regard for Fu Xuan.

Fu Xuan responded mildly, "Since someone plans to shirk their duties, this venerable one cannot let them enjoy idle pay." She explained, "Originally, my purpose in visiting the Artisanship Commission was merely to apprehend a certain individual. Little did I expect to witness a competition between you, young man, and our Divination Commission's diviners. Hmph, seems the journey wasn't wasted after all."

Yanqing's expression showed his discontent. "Who're you calling 'young man'?"

Fu Xuan continued unperturbed, "Nevertheless, you can rest assured. There is an unwritten rule within the Divination Commission called the 'Three Refusals,' which includes 'No Divinations for Unjust Purposes.' This venerable one refrains from divining matters such as lottery numbers, market fluctuations, or any gambling involving money. Betting on your victory serves only as a small encouragement; if you win, excellent—the winnings shall cover just the initial stake. If you lose, however, the debt will be deducted in installments from your salary henceforth."

Upon hearing this, the artisans of the Artisanship Commission collectively sighed with relief.

"Lady Fu Xuan," Su Jinyan ventured timidly, "I'm afraid my lifetime salary won't be enough for you to deduct."

Fu Xuan's gaze remained impassive. "No matter; any excess will come from Qingque's pay instead." She added sternly, "If you don't want to burden Qingque, perform well in the competition."

Su Jinyan's eyes brightened. "Perfect! Can I forfeit then?"

"The money is inconsequential; I primarily just relish seeing Qingque's salary docked."

Yanqing and Fu Xuan exchanged bewildered glances.

Tingyun's expression grew subtly concerned. Aiya, he thought, hoping fervently that his benefactor wouldn't inadvertently traumatize the child further.

At Luofu's practice field, Yanqing stood with imposing presence and declared coldly, "Draw your sword. Today, let us determine who is superior; I must see just how skilled you truly are."

A cryptic smile played at Su Jinyan's lips. "Little bro Yanqing, as your senior, I'll allow you to strike first."

Yanqing raised an eyebrow. Why did this guy infuriate him so easily? His eyes grew colder, his aura surging. "Sword follows my heart!"

The piercing cry of swords echoed through the sky as multiple flying blades suspended overhead, their intent razor-sharp, hurtling directly towards Su Jinyan.

Unfazed, Su Jinyan waited until the flying swords were nearly upon him before murmuring softly, "Mantra Art: Shield."

Instantaneously, dazzling holy light enveloped his body, repelling all incoming attacks.

The brilliant gleam of sword flashes clashed repeatedly against the unyielding Holy Shield, producing metallic resonances like clanging cymbals—a harmonious symphony to the ears.

Taken aback, Yanqing nearly lost control over his flying swords, causing their assault to momentarily slow down. "What was that?"

Su Jinyan smiled without answering. Mantra Art: Shield was one of his signature life-saving skills as a cleric. This ability could withstand substantial damage for fifteen seconds, its maximum capacity equivalent to five simultaneous full-power strikes from Aurumaton Gatekeepers. Repelling these flying swords posed no challenge whatsoever.

Su Jinyan chuckled softly and stepped forward. "Little brother, don't let your preconceptions mislead you into thinking I'm merely a swordsman, do they?" He introduced himself, "My name is Su Jinyan."

"Once a healer dedicated to saving lives as a priest, now a humble diviner within the Divination Commission."

Yanqing's gaze sharpened, directing his flying sword to reverse course. "It seems I underestimated you. The probing ends here."

As soon as he finished speaking, a fierce, frigid wind swept towards Su Jinyan like countless razor-sharp blades tearing through the air.

An ordinary person standing there would instantly be plunged into an icy hell, gradually frozen by Yanqing's sword aura until shattering into dust.

However, apologies were not needed; possessing [Advanced Cold Resistance] allowed him such defiance. He didn't even have to dodge, just maintain the act. With Yanqing's impulsive nature, he was bound to take the bait.

Just then, the Holy Shield enveloping Su Jinyan began showing signs of dimming and cracking.

Su Jinyan's eyelid twitched, seemingly unprepared for the intensity of Yanqing's sudden burst of sword power.

"Oh no, how could it be so strong?"

His expression drastically changed, hastily chanting incantations to reapply the protective shield, appearing flustered.

Seizing this opportunity, Yanqing's eyes gleamed, and a surge of intense sword energy erupted from his body. Like a swift bird gliding over waves, he charged forth on his sword.

"Take this! Myriad Swords, Descend from Heaven!"