The Gamer who traveled to Honkai: Star Rail

The moment those words left Sushang's mouth, there was a brief silence.

Then, a massive uproar.

A shocked bystander: "They're the Trailblazers? I heard that they played a huge role in helping Luofu survive the crisis!"

A more informed bystander: "Yeah, my cousin's in the Cloud Knights. He came home yesterday and told us he almost got consumed by Abundance. If it weren't for the High Elder and the Trailblazers from the Astral Express, he wouldn't be standing here today. Now, he's completely healthy!"

A Cloud Knight on break: "Now that I look closely… it really is them! Benefactors! I can't believe you actually came to Aurum Alley."

A Vidyadhara onlooker: "Huh? Why is the High Elder here?"

An excited bystander: "I knew it! Who else could be so dignified and heroic? It's our Trailblazers! Rejoice, everyone! Celebrate their arrival!"

A moment ago, the crowd had been looking at Pei Guang's group as if they were lunatics.

But as soon as Sushang mentioned their identities, and a few people in the crowd confirmed it, the mood instantly shifted.

Even if some didn't recognize the Trailblazers, everyone knew Bailu. A team consisting of the Astral Express Trailblazers and the High Elder? No doubt about it.

Not many people knew about Pei Guang's role in defeating the Lord Ravager, but everyone on the Xianzhou knew about how the Mara-struck state could be reversed.

It wasn't a perfect cure—Pei Guang's coffee combined with Bailu's medicine didn't have a 100% success rate—but at worst, it at least allowed the affected to retain their human forms after death.

Practically everyone in Xianzhou had a friend or relative in the Cloud Knights, so the existence of a way to counter the symptoms was massive. The goodwill toward the Trailblazers had skyrocketed ever since.

Of course, not everyone shouting their praises was sincere—some people clearly had their own agendas. But whether their words were genuine or not, flattery didn't cost anything, so why not indulge?

Seeing how the crowd had gotten so fired up, Pei Guang casually raised a hand and spoke in a relaxed tone.

"Ahem! Everyone, let's keep things low-key. We're just here because we happened to notice something unusual going on. So, what exactly is the problem? Is the corporation trying to exploit you? Are they trying to forcibly take your land? Don't be afraid—now that the players have arrived, there's hope! Whatever's going on, leave it to me to handle."

The corporation's representative, who had been observing how the situation had flipped, let out a mocking laugh.

"You? Handle this? What a joke. What can you do about the Aurum Alley Merchant Guild's incompetence and mismanagement? Can you make them pay their overdue dock fees?"

Pei Guang's eyes gleamed with that unmistakable clarity unique to players—sharp, filled with wisdom, yet carrying a tinge of amusement. "Oh? So, if I actually manage to make Aurum Alley thrive and pay off the outstanding rent, then what?"

The corporation representative feigned surprise, putting on an exaggerated expression of disbelief. "I wouldn't even dare to imagine it! But if you're so confident, how about a little bet?"

Hearing this, March 7th immediately grabbed Pei Guang's arm, her voice laced with concern. "Ah Guang! No gambling! No gambling!"

But Pei Guang merely chuckled, shaking his head before turning to the representative. "Go on, I'm listening."

The corporation representative spread his hands, smirking. "Alright then, let's make a wager. If the Merchant Guild can successfully run Aurum Alley and repay the rent, I will bow my head in front of all the locals and publicly apologize! And I'll even shout out loud, 'I am a blind fool! Arrogant and ignorant, only capable of barking like a rabid dog!' How about that?"

Pei Guang raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Just by managing Aurum Alley and making enough to pay off the debt? No problem. But what exactly do I have to do if I lose?"

The corporation representative sneered. "Don't try to worm your way out of this! If you lose, you'll apologize to me in front of everyone, get down on all fours and bark like a dog!"

Pei Guang pretended to ponder for a moment, then nodded. "Sure, I'm in!"

March 7th's face turned pale with panic. She leaned closer and whispered urgently, "Ah Guang! You have the worst luck in bets! You're going to lose!"

But he simply squeezed her hand reassuringly and turned back to the representative. "No problem! But you'd better start practicing how to bark properly!"

The corporation representative scoffed. "Hah! You? You may be famous in Luofu, but fame won't help you in business! A little notoriety might get you short-term attention, but it won't bring long-term success. We'll see how you embarrass yourself. Let's go!"

With that, he turned and left with his group, strutting away as if he had already won.

As they disappeared into the distance, March 7th finally exhaled and muttered, "Ah Guang, why did you agree to this? Aren't you basically doomed to lose?"

Pei Guang blinked. "Huh? When did I ever say I was gambling?"

Stelle furrowed her brows. "Just now… you literally accepted his bet…"

Pei Guang shook his head, amused. "That's not a gamble. Gambling is when you leave everything to chance. But I already know I can do it, so this isn't a gamble at all."

Bailu hesitated. "But… the Merchant Guild isn't even yours?"

Pei Guang grinned. "Not a problem! As of this moment, Aurum Alley's Merchant Guild is mine! I've got nothing else to do, so why not play a little business simulation to kill time?"

The truth was, Pei Guang had been considering stepping in from the moment he saw Sushang standing up for the locals. 

It wasn't just about the situation—Sushang was righteous, direct, and happened to be good-looking; meanwhile, that corporation representative's attitude was nothing short of obnoxious.

And Pei Guang? He didn't take insults lying down.

The moment he marked that guy in his mental notes, the man's fate was sealed. As long as he didn't leave Xianzhou, Pei Guang would make sure he experienced firsthand what it meant to be targeted by a player.

Doubting whether a player could pull this off? Normally, in a game, you'd have to grind all the way to the climax before slapping the doubters in the face with results. But in an open-world setting like this? There were far more direct ways to settle the score.

What's the best way to handle a business war?

Simple. You take care of the person directly. Nothing is more effective than that!

Of course, Pei Guang was in a good mood today. So, for now, he'd follow the game's rules and see if he could play the business management game properly.

If it worked, great.

If not?

Well… that's what cheats are for.