Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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Jing Yuan deliberately chose a secluded spot to await Su Jinyan's arrival.

"What does the general need?"

Su Jinyan greeted Jing Yuan and unconsciously tightened his grip on the silver cross around his neck.

While it was unlikely that Jing Yuan could discern his true identity as an undercover agent for Sanctus Medicus, better safe than sorry. If Jing Yuan somehow discovered his secret, Jinyan needed to be prepared to make a swift escape at any moment.

Jing Yuan turned towards him with a smile. "Minister Su, there's no need to be nervous. In fact, I should thank you."

"I've invested considerable effort in Yanqing's upbringing since he was young. I have witnessed firsthand how his swordsmanship steadily deepened, growing step by step."

"Although Yanqing has become one of the few unmatched swordsmen aboard the Rising Immortal Ferry, excessive rigidity invites breakage, and extreme sharpness leads to damage."

"A treasured sword not only requires a keen edge but also needs a sheath to restrain its blade."

"This child's rapid growth surpasses my expectations."

"If not for your intervention today, I would have had to painstakingly arrange formidable adversaries for him in the future."

"Your presence has indeed saved me much trouble."

Su Jinyan nodded gently. "In their youth, individuals often exude great enthusiasm and confidence, and Yanqing certainly possesses the talent to back up his arrogance."

"However, he lacks understanding of moderation; encountering formidable adversaries in the future will surely be to his detriment."

"That's why I devised this subtle plan—to slightly temper him, which will serve as motivation for his growth later on."

Jing Yuan wore an expression that seemed to say, 'as expected,' and then asked, "In truth, you have known the contents of that mechanical blueprint all along, haven't you?"

Su Jinyan nodded. "Indeed, there was no hiding it from your discerning eyes, General."

Jing Yuan pondered briefly before saying, "Minister Su, I am very curious about the origin of that blueprint. Might I inquire..."

Smiling, Su Jinyan responded, "What kind of story would the General like to hear? I can make one up on the spot."

Jing Yuan chuckled, puzzled. "Oh? Make one up? Is discussing the true origin inconvenient?"

Su Jinyan's expression turned serious. "General, your words imply a misunderstanding. If my source for the blueprint were improper, who should rightfully claim ownership?

"The Interastral Peace Corporation? Emperor Rupert I? Or perhaps Screwllum?

"As a mere diviner, what capabilities could I possibly possess to steal such blueprints from them?"

Jing Yuan's smile faded, and he replied gravely, "Apologies, that was not my intention."

Su Jinyan's expression remained composed. "It is quite normal for you to harbor suspicions, general, as such instincts are inherent to human nature."

"However, I assure you that this mechanical blueprint was obtained legitimately, and it exists nowhere else in the universe."

"Everyone has secrets they must keep; I hope, General, you can understand this."

"If you persist in questioning its origin, all I can say is that it served as compensation after Lady Fu Xuan inadvertently knocked me unconscious."

Jing Yuan couldn't help but laugh heartily. "Ha ha ha, Minister Su truly has a delightful sense of humor."

His laughter subsided, Jing Yuan then spoke solemnly, "In light of this, I make a request on behalf of the Xianzhou Alliance and the Seat of Divine Foresight."

"I intend to purchase this blueprint outright, either with Credits or Strales. Minister Su, please feel free to name your price."

Su Jinyan picked up his phone and showed Jing Yuan his Credit account balance.

"My apologies, General, but you might find this hard to believe," he said calmly. "I am not lacking in Credits, nor am I particularly interested in them. To me, Credits are merely numbers."

"How about we explore a different form of collaboration?"

Jing Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly. "So, what you're suggesting is..."

Since Su Jinyan hadn't explicitly refused,

it implied that internally, he was inclined to sell this blueprint to the Xianzhou Alliance for greater benefits.

It's highly likely that from the moment they met, he had already decided on this course of action.

Had this occurred before Star Calendar 3198,

regardless of Su Jinyan's willingness, Xianzhou would have compelled him to willingly hand over the blueprint and rewarded him with a ceremonial banner.

Fortunately, those bleak times devoid of hope are now past.

Under the leadership of the Imperial Bow Seven Heavenly Generals, none would make such shortsighted moves.

Su Jinyan pondered and said, "General, within the six divisions of Luofu, aren't merit points more valuable than Strales?"

"How about this? My demand isn't excessive."

"Just give me several billion merit points, General."

Jing Yuan's lips twitched. "Do you think merit points grow like cabbages?"

"I might as well just hand over my position as General to you then."

Su Jinyan, with a serious expression, suggested, "Let's approach it this way, General. What do you believe is the true value of this blueprint?"

"You can set the price, General; I trust The Divine Foresight implicitly."

"Additionally, I have a small personal request that I hope you will consider."

Jing Yuan nodded slightly; purchasing the blueprint with merit points seemed like a favorable option for both parties.

After a moment's contemplation, Jing Yuan did not immediately agree. "Let's hear your personal request first."

Su Jinyan began, "Yesterday, Tingyun and I encountered an attack by Abundant Evil Creatures."

"After investigation, it was confirmed to be the work of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."

"I'm uncertain when we might be able to eradicate this group entirely."

"Therefore, I hope General can arrange a small elite squad of cloud riders to discreetly protect Tingyun's safety."

Jing Yuan frowned slightly and said slowly, "Well, on principle, it is not permissible..."

Upon hearing these words, Su Jinyan knew his request would be granted. The manner of speech among Xianzhou inhabitants was always intriguing, and having spent considerable time there, he had learned to grasp the underlying meanings within their phrases.

"On principle, it is permissible" meant it was not allowed, while "on principle, it is not permissible" implied it could indeed be permitted.

Sure enough, Jing Yuan changed course, saying, "However, considering this is Minister Su's request, I can make an exception and arrange it."

"In truth, Miss Tingyun is also of great importance to Luofu," Jing Yuan continued. "It's precisely due to Shuttle Envoys like Miss Tingyun facilitating connections that Xianzhou's trade has flourished as it does today."

"Additionally, I will instruct each division to conduct thorough internal investigations to prevent any infiltrators from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus."

Su Jinyan smiled slightly and bowed with gratitude, "Many thanks, General."

Jing Yuan's tone carried a hint of teasing, "But Minister Su, if I recall correctly, aren't you pursuing Fu Xuan?"

"Why this sudden concern for Miss Tingyun again?"

Sighing, Su Jinyan replied, "General, there's something you may not know. I regard Tingyun as my own child, naturally leading me to be more attentive towards her."

The look in Jing Yuan's eyes grew even stranger. Regard her as your own child? Quite an intricate game you two play.

Su Jinyan cleared his throat, "By the way, General, I have another personal request."

Unfazed, Jing Yuan responded, "Quite a number of requests you're making, go ahead and share."

With a half-joking tone, Su Jinyan said, "To be honest, General, by nature, I enjoy having fun."

"At times, I might inadvertently overstep boundaries, causing inconvenience to our esteemed Grand Diviner."

"If ever I inadvertently violate the laws of the Xianzhou Alliance..."

Jing Yuan's expression turned serious, as if struck by a sudden realization. "Before the law, all are equal; there can be no exceptions for anyone. Minister Su, let us not discuss this matter again."

Su Jinyan cautiously continued, "What I mean is, suppose I take issue with someone and give them a sound beating."

"And then, accidentally beat them to death—would that have any consequences for our esteemed Grand Diviner?"

"Ah ha ha, likely not..." Jing Yuan chuckled.

"But may I ask, do you harbor deep-seated grudges against anyone?" As he spoke, Jing Yuan gazed intently into Su Jinyan's eyes and said meaningfully, "Minister Su, I hold you in high regard, so beware of straying down the wrong path. If you suffer any injustice, feel free to candidly approach Fu Xuan or myself. We will ensure fairness on your behalf."

With a solemn expression, Su Jinyan replied, "To be honest, I indeed bear a grievance—a monumental one at that."

"If that person were Lady Fu Xuan, would you still uphold justice, General?"

Jing Yuan's curiosity was instantly piqued. "Of course I would. Please, tell me more."

He had always held unwavering trust in Fu Xuan, firmly believing she would never violate the laws of the Xianzhou Alliance. However, since Su Jinyan brought it up, he genuinely wanted to hear what the matter could be.

Su Jinyan took a deep breath, his voice filled with anguish and indignation. "Lady Fu Xuan is a thief."

Jing Yuan raised an eyebrow, perplexed.

"On a certain day within Exalting Sanctum," Su Jinyan continued, "the moment we met, Lady Fu Xuan stole my heart—and has yet to return it to this day."

Jing Yuan blinked, utterly speechless.