Chapter 352

Li Sushang's eyes widened in surprise, but the girl's gaze involuntarily drifted to Shen Gonglin. This guy was currently shirtless, and for Li Sushang, Shen Gonglin was somewhat obsessed with looks, this was a real test. Who could resist such a sight? Li Sushang suddenly felt an urge to defy her sect's rules. Such a thought was truly rebellious. Why did she have such a thought?

Perhaps it's because the Taixu Sword School's roots are not upright. After all, the founding ancestor was a despicable immortal who would even lay a hand on his own disciple. So, it's quite normal for the Wushang Zizai Sect, which is derived from the Taixu Sword School Supreme Freedom Gate, to be a little crooked.

"Clothes... Oh! When did I become like this? Why didn't you tell me sooner!"

Li Sushang's reminder made Shen Gonglin realize her current state. When did someone take off her shirt? No wonder she felt so cold.

"Because, because you didn't ask either, Junior Uncle..."

Li Sushang scratched her cheek guiltily. Could she admit that she didn't say anything because she wanted to watch a little longer? Absolutely not. After all, none of the chivalrous and righteous stories she had read had ever shown her in such a situation.

——

Meanwhile, on the warship heading towards Schicksal Headquarters, Durandal and Rita were on board. There had been too many missions lately. Otto was no longer hiding from people at headquarters. It seemed that his position as acting bishop wouldn't last much longer. And his so-called final plan... was it because he was no longer trusted? She only knew about the plan, but she didn't know its final details.

Thinking about all these things, Durandal rubbed her temples. No one could understand what Otto was trying to do. This order to send her and Rita to the old headquarters of Schicksal was also a strange command. However, all signs indicated that Otto was indeed planning something. Damn it, he was completely unpredictable.

"Durandal, are you alright?"

Seeing Durandal's somewhat unpleasant expression, the maid beside her asked with concern, "It seems that neither of them is trusted by Otto anymore. You can tell from the fact that he started using that last S-rank Valkyrie. But that's understandable, since they're practically on Shen Gonglin's side now. If things were like before, Otto's plans probably wouldn't be able to be implemented."

"It's nothing... Rita, do you know what the bishop is really thinking?"

Durandal shook her head, looking at Rita for help. Rita was the only person she could completely trust in Schicksal; after all, they were allies and close friends in every way. What was Otto thinking? There were things he might not tell her, but Rita probably did.

"I don't know the specifics either. The bishop just told me to wait and see, and he knows our position, so now... his attention and trust are all on that Miss Li Sushang. Lady Durandal, Rita and you are both untrusted. However, Amber said that the bishop seems to be preparing to step down from his bishop duties."

Rita smiled as she looked at Durandal and said those words. Although she knew more about this matter than Durandal, it was impossible for her to figure out Otto's thoughts. The only information she had gathered from indirect inquiries and subjective judgment was that Otto seemed to be doing just that.

"A retiring bishop? Rita... who do you think will succeed her as bishop?"

Without doubting Rita's judgment, Durandal pondered this question: Why did he resign from his position as bishop? No matter what he did, he had a self-satisfying aesthetic. If there was one person who was the most unfathomable, it was probably him.

"Well, Durandal, you are quite a possibility, but given your relationship with Lady Rin, I think he probably won't hand over the position of bishop to you. After all, you might turn around and sell your Schicksal to Lady Rin. In conclusion, Lady Theresa seems to be a bit more likely."

Rita gave a fairly objective evaluation, leaving Durandal speechless. After all, what Rita said was true; if she were the bishop, she might really do the same. But Theresa's words... didn't seem to be much different from her own.

Chapter Twenty-One: World Travel

Durandal inwardly scoffed. It was as if Theresa was some respectable person. She was the one who led the Far East Branch in rebellion against Schicksal, and her relationship with Shen Gonglin wasn't exactly pure either. Although there was no evidence, Durandal's intuition told her that.

Sigh, what a messy private life. I really don't know how Fu Hua manages it. She's such an incompetent guardian. If it were me... I'd probably steal from her too. But thinking about it, it doesn't seem to be Fu Hua's fault. According to Shen Gonglin, it's the world's fault.

"Durandal, what are you thinking about?"

Since Durandal met Shen Gonglin, her personality seems to have changed in some way. At least Rita had never seen Durandal with such a toothache expression before, so Rita was really curious about what she was thinking.

"Nothing, just thinking about some complicated family issues... Hmm? Rita, your communicator seems to have been ringing since earlier, who could it be?"

Shaking her head, not wanting to tell the maid what she had just thought, Durandal pointed to the communicator on Rita's waist. The two of them had been so busy talking that they hadn't noticed it. However, it should be a private communication device. If it were something important, it shouldn't have been sent only to Rita.

"Oh, my apologies, it seems to be a communication from Alvit... Hmm? Shen Gonglin, is he at Schicksal Headquarters right now?"

Upon seeing Alvit's message, Rita and Durandal tilted their heads simultaneously, their faces full of question marks. How did this girl end up at Schicksal Headquarters?

"There's no time to waste, full speed ahead."

Durandal made a quick decision. Since Shen Gonglin was at headquarters, she had to rush back. The bishop and the last S-rank Valkyrie were there too. Who knew what might happen if she didn't get back soon? Didn't Shen Gonglin know the principle of a wise man not to stand under a dangerous wall? What was he trying to do by barging into the Schicksal Headquarters alone? Even if he wanted to do that, he should have waited until his own people took over Schicksal.

—

"Oh, so that means Anti-Entropy is an organization that broke away from the North American Branch Schicksal and created it. Now there are three organizations openly fighting against the Honkai: Schicksal, Anti-Entropy, and World Serpent. Now I completely understand. Junior Uncle, you taught me quite well. I've learned so many words all at once."

In Li Sushang's dormitory, the girl held a copy of "A Brief History of Schicksal" and read the text aloud word by word. In just a short while, she learned many characters. She was very grateful for Shen Gonglin's teaching. Reading and recognizing characters was indeed a very important thing. Her junior uncle was much more capable than those in the manor who had taught her to read.

"You're smart... So, you're planning to help Otto complete his final plan? Don't you even understand what that plan is? What does he want you to do?"

At first, she was a little wary of this girl, but after spending some time with her, Shen Gonglin let her guard down. This girl named Li Sushang had a personality like those ancient knights-errant, and she was the epitome of chivalry and vengeance. While teaching her to read, Shen Gonglin also learned a lot from her.

For example, this girl is from more than 500 years ago. Her mother and master were both Class President of that seven good-for-nothing bastards of the squad leader. She knew Otto more than 500 years ago, and now she has been awakened to assist Otto in a big plan.

"I don't know yet, but I guess it's about me helping him stop my master from meeting the person he needs to see. Consider it repaying a debt of gratitude. And even though we're even, I still want to fight my Ancestor Chiyuan. After all, my mother died at her hands."

Li Sushang Shen Gonglin's questions without reservation. When talking about her mother, the girl's expression remained unchanged, not out of sadness, but because after learning so much, she didn't know how to face the matter. She couldn't tell who was right and who was wrong. Her Ancestor Chiyuan, had raised and nurtured so many uncles and senior masters, including her mother, yet they had joined forces... Sigh, the things of the previous generation are truly incomprehensible.

"Oh, I see."

Shen Gonglin glanced at Li Sushang with a flicker in his eyes. He was now considering whether to give Li Sushang a harsh blow to kill her plan before it even started. After all, Fu Hua's relationship with him was obvious, and this girl was clearly going to cause trouble for the Class President. As the Class President's most beloved disciple, shouldn't he do something within his power for the Class President?

"Junior Uncle, don't look at me like that... I'm a little scared when you look at me like that. Don't worry, I won't do anything to Grandmaster. I'm just repaying a debt of gratitude. After all, the Ottoman... that is, Otto, did me a favor. We must repay a debt of gratitude. That's the principle of us Jianghu people. So I will help him with something. Compared to this fighting and killing, I actually want to travel the Jianghu more. This world five hundred years later is really too wonderful. Junior Uncle, do you want to come with me and travel the whole world?"

Shen Gonglin's thoughtful gaze sent a chill down Li Sushang's spine. She felt as if her junior uncle was plotting against her, so Li Sushang quickly reached out to assure him. In truth, she didn't want to fight or kill; she was only trying to repay a debt of gratitude. If she didn't do this, Li Sushang would feel uneasy. More than such matters, she wanted to explore the world.

Moreover, the best scenario would be for her to explore with her junior uncle. There are still many things she doesn't understand, and it would be especially convenient to be with her junior uncle, since in Li Sushang's eyes, her junior uncle knows a lot.

I really don't know why the Ottoman told me to try not to have any contact with Shen Gonglin... Shen Gonglin is my junior uncle, Li Sushang thinks he's a very nice person.

"World travel... that's a good idea. Come to think of it, I've been in this world for so long, and there are still so many places I haven't been to."

Li Sushang's suggestion surprised Shen Gonglin. However, traveling the world did seem like a good option. She had been busy with Honkai and Herrscher matters, so why not enjoy herself? But all of this could only be realized after she had finished what she needed to do.

Shen Gonglin still has a lot to do.

Chapter Twenty-Two: Director Changguang

"Really? Junior Uncle, to be honest, I might hesitate if I went alone. After all, this place is a little different from the era I'm familiar with, and there are many things I don't know. But if the two of us go together, then it'll be no problem. Junior Uncle, it's a promise, okay? We're going to travel the world together."

Straightforward and outspoken, Li Sushang was overjoyed to receive Shen Gonglin's promise. She reached out and grabbed Shen Gonglin's hand. Because of her good looks and the fact that they were from the same school, she had a high level of affection for Shen Gonglin. Making friends in this generation was much easier than in her own time. In the world she had awakened in, Changguang Amber, Durandal, Rita, and now Shen Gonglin.

This world isn't so bad, is it?

"Let's talk about traveling the world later. I have a lot to do right now. Otto must have some kind of conspiracy to wake you up. Whatever he wants to do, it's my job to thwart his plan. Sushang, don't you know anything more specific?"

Shen Gonglin grasped Li Sushang's hand, wanting to get more from her, but Li Sushang looked very troubled. Having learned of Otto's wish by chance, she subconsciously didn't want him to be disappointed. Her junior uncle made no attempt to hide his strained relationship with Otto, which put Li Sushang in a difficult position. If she revealed more, would it change Otto's plans?

But my junior uncle asked me that, and he even promised to travel the world with me... But I really don't know what Otto is planning to do.

"Um... Junior Uncle, I really don't know the specifics. Why don't we go find Changguang? She should know more."

She was in a dilemma. On the one hand, she didn't know whether she should tell Shen Gonglin, and on the other hand, she really didn't know the specifics. After all, she had only been awake for a short time, and just understanding this generation was exhausting enough. She didn't have the mind to know anything else. So she decided to go find Changguang. Besides, he called her Sushang directly, which made her feel very comfortable.

Furthermore, if she was the one who leaked the information to Shen Gonglin, then it has nothing to do with me.

"Changguang?"

Shen Gonglin was slightly taken aback. He had heard of this name but had never actually met her. He could tell that Li Sushang really didn't know much, and the same was true for Durandal and Rita. In that case, it wouldn't be a bad idea to learn about her from other sources.

"Ah, it's Lord Li... Lord Li, how hello... Oh! Lord Jingu, you're here too, how rude of me!"

Watching the Valkyrie nervously greet her and then flee at top speed, Shen Gonglin couldn't help but wonder if she had become ugly. Otherwise, why would those Valkyrie be so afraid of her? Walking with Li Sushang on the way to the Schicksal Research Institute, this wasn't the first time they had encountered this situation. Was she really that scary?

"It shouldn't be because of what you imagine, Junior Uncle. The aesthetics of this world shouldn't have become that outrageous. Don't worry, Junior Uncle, your appearance was absolutely top-notch in my time, so there shouldn't be any problem here. I think the reason they are so surprised is probably because I, an S-rank Valkyrie, would be walking with you, a traitor of Schicksal."

Despite her seemingly carefree exterior, Li Sushang is actually quite observant. She noticed Shen Gonglin's question and offered an explanation. She was also familiar with the Far East Branch's defection. For a traitor to openly appear in the enemy's headquarters like this... it seems her junior uncle is indeed a remarkable person. However...

It's one thing if it's just him, but why didn't the other Valkyrie make a move against him? Li Sushang was even preparing to show off her genius in front of her junior uncle, but this is the reaction she got. It's really disappointing.

After all, everyone in Schicksal knows about the relationship between Shen Gonglin, Durandal, and Rita. When Durandal was temporarily in Schicksal, she froze the wanted posters for the Far East Branch. Moreover, due to various "accidental getting lost" reasons, she "accidentally" dropped a lot of supplies into the territory of the Anti-Entropy Salt Lake Base. This almost turned Schicksal into the shape of Shen Gonglin. Only now that the bishop has reappeared has this situation been slightly restrained.

Given their relationship, how could they possibly lay a hand on Shen Gonglin? Wouldn't that just be asking for trouble? Durandal is the idol of most Valkyrie; who would act like a clueless idiot?

The fact that she didn't fawn over Rin-sama by bowing and saying, "Please come in, Rin-sama," already shows that the Valkyrie has a lot of integrity.

Unable to understand such a complicated matter, Li Sushang and Shen Gonglin arrived at the area of Schicksal Heldam Research Institute. This was thanks to the girl leading the way; otherwise, given Shen Gonglin's terrible sense of direction, he probably would have torn the entire Schicksal apart to get here. When they arrived at a large door, Li Sushang ran over and knocked on it forcefully.

"Changguang, is Changguang here? Is Changguang here? If you don't agree, I'm going straight in."

Rather than calling out, it was more like an announcement. Without waiting for a response from inside, Li Sushang forcefully pushed open the door of the research institute. After all, she knew that sometimes no matter how hard she tried to knock, it was useless, since the institute directors simply couldn't hear her.

This can be considered something Li Sushang learned during her time awake.

"Hehe, you flatter me, Junior Uncle. Changguang is probably engrossed in his research. At times like this, she won't come no matter how much you call her."

Li Sushang Shen Gonglin at Shen Gonglin and led her into the research institute, but then a helpless voice rang out.

"I'm sorry, I heard you knocking. Couldn't you wait a little while? I've had to replace so many locks this month."

A woman with long, cherry-red hair walked over with a sigh. Wearing a monocle, she looked very cultured. Under her light purple skirt was a white lab coat, a symbol of a researcher. Was she the legendary Director Changguang of the Changguang Institute?

Changguang was about to open the door, was slightly taken aback when she saw the two people at the door. She had expected Li Sushang, after all, this girl had come to see her more than once during this period. However, the other person surprised her even more. Shen Gonglin... How come he wasn't being escorted? He just appeared openly at the Schicksal Headquarters?

Chapter Twenty-Three: Changguang's Gift

"Although we've never met, I already know you quite well, Shen Gonglin. It's a pleasure to meet you."

He stopped worrying about why Shen Gonglin was strolling around like she was in a garden, because that wasn't something he, as a researcher, should be concerned with. Let the combat personnel and decision-makers worry about that. Changguang quickly figured out the attitude he should have. Facing Shen Gonglin, this woman with an intellectual air reached out her hand to him.

It was indeed a pleasure to see him. There were many things that Changguang wanted to research about Shen Gonglin. The God-Slaying Armor of the Schicksal Moon Knight series was developed from Shen Gonglin's Angel Suit, and Changguang had contributed a lot to it. It was a pity that the prototype was taken away by Shen Gonglin, otherwise he could have obtained more.

"Yes, I've heard of you too, Director Changguang... May I see your glasses? I'm really interested in these monocles."

When facing strangers, Shen Gonglin is usually quite polite, but before he could finish speaking, he revealed his true colors. He stared at Changguang without blinking, wondering how she managed to put on that monocle. Shen Gonglin wanted to try it on too; it looked so elegant.

"Generally speaking, these kinds of eyes are held in place by the brow bone and cheekbone, but I felt that wearing them like that would hurt my face, so I modified them a little. Would you like to try them if you're interested?"

Changguang was surprised that Shen Gonglin would ask such a question. The female researcher, who found it somewhat amusing, took off her glasses. Shen Gonglin was interested in this kind of thing. As expected, he was just like the legend said, completely impulsive.

"Huh? Can I really try it...? Let me give it a shot, Sushang, do you think I look handsome?"

Unexpectedly, Changguang would let him try on her glasses so easily. After holding them in his hand and pondering for a moment, Shen Gonglin put them on his right eye. At the same time, he turned around and asked Li Sushang for her opinion. Shen Gonglin was already very handsome, but now that he was wearing these glasses... Li Sushang suddenly had a rebellious thought. What was going on? He was her junior uncle!

Ancestor Chiyuan said that this was nothing. It was a traditional skill of the Taixu Sword School to kill each other, let alone this kind of killing.

"Ah... um, um... indeed, he's kind of handsome..."

The usually dashing swordswoman suddenly became a little shy. She turned her head away, not daring to look directly at Shen Gonglin. The monocle was quite elegant, and on Shen Gonglin, it gave Li Sushang the feeling of a noble young master. Little Martial Uncle is really handsome.

Yes, just as the known information says, Shen Gonglin is indeed very skilled at relationships with the opposite sex. As expected of him.

Changguang was quite surprised to see Li Sushang acting so coy. After spending time together, she knew what a spirited and capable girl Li Sushang was, so seeing her acting like a little girl was indeed unexpected. She could only blame it all on Changguang Shen Gonglin. This guy really had the ability to make people like him easily, and this ability... seemed to be limited to women?

Thinking about Otto, and then about Kevin, Changguang felt that he had discovered the truth. Not only Li Sushang, but even he himself had a considerable liking for Shen Gonglin. In Changguang's view, glasses were a rather private thing.

"Hehe, isn't it beautiful? Well then, thank you, Director Changguang. I'll bring you some local specialties from Anti-Entropy next time."

Li Sushang's reaction pleased Shen Gonglin, and he then put away the monocle that Changguang had "gifted" him. Seeing this, Changguang could only remain speechless. Who said he was going to give it to him? He was just asking him to wear it for a short while. This Shen Gonglin is really too familiar with people. This is an antique... Oh well, considering that it does look quite good on him, it doesn't matter if he gives it to him.

"No need for local specialties. If there's a chance, I can study your strategic 'Universal Angel Armor' more."

Changguang waved her hand and made the request. For a researcher like her, no local specialty could compare to having the opportunity to study that angel suit. She felt it was a pity for a long time when the Universal Angel suit was taken away by Shen Gonglin. Now that she finally had the opportunity to see Shen Gonglin, she naturally hoped that her wish could come true.

"No problem, leave it to me."

Shen Gonglin patted her chest and agreed, but the amazing thing about the Universal Angel Set was that it was Icarus. If she only studied the armor, Shen Gonglin felt that it wouldn't be of much use. She had already given her glasses, so it wouldn't be a problem for her to return the favor.

"Thank you very much... But what brings you here to see me? Shouldn't we be preparing for the bishop's final plan at this time?"

Changguang was very happy to receive Shen Gonglin's promise, but now it was time to get down to business. She didn't think the two of them had come to talk to her out of boredom. The whole of Schicksal was in a precarious situation, and there was no time for people to wander around aimlessly.

"It's the Ottoman's ultimate plan. My junior uncle wants to know his purpose. I can't explain it clearly. Changguang, can you tell my junior uncle?"

Speaking bluntly without any preamble, Li Sushang directly questioned Changguang about this matter. Changguang was speechless at her personality. This should be one of the most confidential matters of Schicksal right now. Even if the bishop hadn't explicitly stated it was a secret, everyone knew it shouldn't be discussed casually. And Li Sushang had so brazenly brought Shen Gonglin before him to ask... And what was this title, "Junior Martial Uncle"? Where did that come from? Did she realize how awkward this was for her?

"... I'm not very clear about Bishop Otto's plans either. What you S-rank Valkyrie have been doing recently is to lay the groundwork for this. As for the Bishop's plans... you know, with his personality, no one can guess what he's planning to do."

Changguang considered herself a rational person, so she didn't tell Shen Gonglin and Li Sushang everything. A large part of the reason was that she herself didn't fully know Otto's plan. He was like a riddle-maker, and she didn't know where he learned this personality trait. It was as if he couldn't speak without telling riddles, which was really a headache.

Chapter Twenty-Four: A traitor to his master and ancestors

"Ah, in short, I still don't know what Otto is trying to do. Honestly, everyone's like a riddle teller. Can't they just be clear and let me see him off on his final journey? But that guy is Theresa's grandfather. If I really do something, Theresa might feel uncomfortable... So, how about we give him a good beating and then secretly bury him? Sushang, what do you think of my idea?"

After all, Li Sushang wasn't familiar with anyone on the Hyperion, so letting her make the move was probably the safest option.

Outside the Heldam Research Institute, Shen Gonglin was leaning on the railing, muttering to Changguang. He'd gained nothing from Shen Gonglin except a monocle, so he was now hanging on the railing like a salted fish. Li Sushang was holding onto his collar to keep him from falling. Hearing her junior uncle's question, Sushang's expression was quite subtle.

"Junior Uncle, such methods are not the way of chivalry. Moreover, the Ottoman has saved my life more than once, so please spare his life, just for my Sushang."

I guess I'm on Otto's side now, so isn't it a bit much for my junior uncle to say such things to me so openly? Li Sushang felt she had a new understanding of this junior uncle; he was really quite lawless.

"I'd completely forgotten about that... Sushang, don't let that man fool you. The more handsome a man is, the more likely he is to lie. He must have his own motives for saving you. Don't let him sell you out and then help him count the money."

She called him "Shishu" (a term of respect for a senior disciple), so Shen Gonglin felt he should act like an elder. Li Sushang seemed like the type who wasn't very bright; how could she possibly outwit Otto in a battle of wits? However, Shen Gonglin, while saying this, completely failed to notice the subtle expression on Li Sushang's face...

Does Junior Uncle have the right to say such things? The more handsome a man is, the more likely he is to lie. Is he talking about himself? Of course Li Sushang knows that Otto has his own purposes, but that doesn't affect her gratitude.

"In short, I am repaying the Ottoman for saving me. If I do something for him, we will be even. If you have any objections, feel free to defeat me. But, Junior Uncle, I am very strong, so please be prepared."

Li Sushang shook her head. A debt of gratitude must be repaid; this was the proper conduct for a woman of the martial world like her. Li Sushang didn't care what Otto wanted to do; she only cared about what she would do. When Shen Gonglin heard her say this, she didn't react in any particular way. Although the two of them seemed to be getting along well now, Shen Gonglin understood that this was a girl who stuck to her principles. She figured a fight between them was indeed inevitable.