Chapter 361

Unlike Elysia and Chakravartin, this one seemed to fit Mei's definition of a "normal person" more, so Mei greeted her normally. According to that shameless Elysia, she was Flame-Chasers, who, like her, possessed the word "beauty".

That woman is really shameless.

"Hello, Mei, I am the fourth of the Flame-Chasers, the Golden Eden."

The stunningly beautiful girl nodded to Mei, who was slightly curious about her self-designation: was the Mei made of gold?

"Curious? This is the Elysia gave me. I guess she was referring to the wealth I possess. Although I have lived in a magnificent palace with the Thousand Window Palace, and tasted the finest wines and delicacies in the world... I would not describe myself that way. I am merely a singer on a stage, a star shining for the audience. Whether it is endless wealth or this Golden Sigil, they are all external gifts generously bestowed upon me by others."

Listening to the conversation between the girl and Mei under the tree, Shen Gonglin suddenly felt a strange pang of sadness. The Thousand Window Palace, she had never even lived there herself. The unparalleled fine wines and delicacies... The best Shen Gonglin had ever eaten was a steak made by Welt, but it seemed incomparable to this person's life. She was definitely in Versailles. Shen Gonglin had seen it herself; Mei's lips twitched just now. She must have been captivated by Versailles too.

Especially Versailles, which she herself didn't even realize was even more hurtful.

Chapter 56 Let's see who's more impressive

Is this woman in Versailles...? It doesn't seem so. She seems to be just talking about very ordinary things, as ordinary as drinking a few glasses of water today. She truly lives up to her reputation as someone who bears the Golden Sigil. Putting aside all the strange thoughts in her mind, Mei looked at the elegant and noble woman in front of her and spoke.

"What you were just reciting was..."

Fearing that the woman would start talking about Versailles again, Mei changed the subject. Just now, this Flame-Chasers bearing the Golden Sigil seemed to be reciting some poetry. It has to be said that it was quite in line with her temperament. If it were Elysia reciting poetry here, Mei would only feel strange.

"The Kingdom After Sunset, the final chapter, an opera from our time."

The girl leaned back, and only then did Mei notice a piano behind her. Izuru's fingers gently caressed the keys, playing a melodious tune. Occasionally reminiscing about the past was quite a nice feeling.

"Was that a piece you played before?"

Remembering Elysia's description of Eden, an idol superstar of the entire world... Mei couldn't help but imagine the girl in front of her performing in the center of the world's most magnificent and famous theater. She had to admit, this girl really did give off that feeling.

"Yes, the stage was so dazzling back then, the cheers from the audience were so loud, it was truly an era worth remembering... But after a Honkai... that era died, just as the lyrics say, 'The starry sky is dim, the wine cups are dry.'"

Eden spoke these words leisurely, saying that civilization, in the face of Honkai, is like a building block that collapses at the slightest touch. Have they all experienced such a thing?

"I'm so sorry..."

When Mei started talking about other people's sad stories, she subconsciously apologized. Meanwhile, Shen Gonglin in the tree wanted to eavesdrop. Neither of the two lyre players were the type to speak loudly. What were they saying? I really wanted to hear.

"You don't need to apologize for the past, Mei. Just go and seek the answers you seek; everything here is already like smoke in the wind."

He smiled gently at Mei. Since she had come here, it meant she was qualified. Eden was willing to believe in the person Elysia believed in, so he should give her his mark to light the way for future generations and offer his blessings. This was exactly what they, as pioneers, should do.

"If I have the chance, I'd still like to hear some songs from your era. I've heard piano music before, but compared to your songs, it feels... Hmm? What's that sound... Eh? Shen Gonglin?"

Flame-Chasers in front of her. The previous Chakravartin was like a grumpy old man, but this girl seemed very gentle. Mei said sincerely. Just then, she heard a rustling of leaves. The perceptive Herrscher girl looked up and saw an unexpected figure among the golden leaves.

Shen Gonglin, what's he doing here?

"Mei, good evening... Oh my god! Mei, catch me!"

Seeing that Mei had noticed her, Shen Gonglin raised her hand to greet her. However, she forgot that she was still in the tree and fell down as soon as she raised her hand. Eden looked at the boy falling freely from the sky and tilted her head slightly. She looked at Mei and asked her a question.

"Is this... your friend?"

"... No, I should say he's my boyfriend. Sorry for being rude."

Since becoming the Herrscher of Thunder, Mei has lost the ability to coax people, but she has become much more frank about certain things. She sighed and rushed out, using her high heels to propel herself up the tree trunk and onto the golden maple tree. She grabbed Shen Gonglin descended together. Having such a reckless boyfriend can be quite a headache sometimes.

"Mei, let me tell you, it scared me to death! There were ghosts in that town! I was so scared that I ran... I made a tactical retreat. Then I saw a green snake. Luckily I ran... I retreated quickly, otherwise I think the snake would have bitten my head off. It was terrifying!"

Holding Mei, Shen Gonglin stammered incoherently, leaving the girl completely bewildered. Meanwhile, Izun simply smiled at them, finding it rather strange. Was this the person who had come to the Elysian Realm with Raiden Mei? A peculiar being who could leave and arrive on his own?

Simple spatial travel can't achieve this, because the entire Elysian Realm is not such a superficial and simple existence.

"Yes, yes, you were terrified, weren't you? Snakes are indeed quite scary... I'm sorry to have made you laugh."

Although she didn't quite understand, Shen Gonglin was indeed terrified. Mei gently patted his back to comfort Shen Gonglin. It wasn't that she didn't know how to comfort people; she just reserved all her tenderness for something else. While comforting Shen Gonglin, Mei smiled apologetically at Eden, but Eden felt that the girl's smile had a hint of smugness.

I don't understand.

Haha, why didn't she think of herself when she was at Versailles? So Mei was just showing off on purpose. Even though you've eaten the best, drunk the best, and lived the best, I have a boyfriend.

"It's alright, thank you for saying that earlier. Perhaps you'll hear it someday... But for now, please continue your journey. May the melody you play be as enchanting and beautiful as this fine wine."

The girl, whose mind was usually very peaceful, suddenly felt a tightness in her chest for some reason. Watching Mei hugging Shen Gonglin and showing her off... was she just overthinking things? Eden took a sip from the golden goblet. Why did the usually sweet wine taste a little sour now?

Could it be expired?

"Wait a minute, I heard your song too. Looks like it's time for me to show off. You're Flame-Chasers too, right? I'll play a tune for you, it'll be a good deal for me."

Looking at the piano behind Eden, Shen Gonglin suddenly felt a surge of excitement. Seeing this instrument reminded her of something; she probably knew how to play it, and her hands started itching to play.

Without thinking, Shen Gonglin released Mei's waist and walked towards the piano. Eden instinctively made way for Shen Gonglin. What? He can play too? I really didn't know.

Chapter Fifty- Senbonzakura

It's because there are no scallions. Otherwise, I would have just given her a catchy song... No scallions, no scallions, this song is fine too.

Pushing aside Izuru, Shen Gonglin sat down at the piano. Not only Izuru, but even Mei became expectant. Could this guy play the piano? She had heard him say so before. However, Mei didn't take it to heart. In her opinion, Shen Gonglin smashing the piano seemed more in line with his image.

That's probably how it's played...

An image of a girl with twin ponytails inexplicably surfaced in my mind. Although I couldn't see her face clearly, she must be someone very close to me. Kurumi said that there were still many things she hadn't remembered, so this must be her fragmented memories. This song... Hmm, I think I remember now.

It will be called Senbonzakura.

A smooth melody flowed from Shen Gonglin's fingers. He really could play! Mei's eyes widened. The figure sitting at the piano was almost unbelievable. As a young lady from a wealthy family, Mei had also studied piano, but her skill was far inferior to Shen Gonglin's. And this piece... although it lacked the grandeur of Eden's earlier piece, the flavor it contained, and the cheerful tone...

Shen Gonglin, what a treasure of a boy!

This is my boyfriend, something I can proudly show off to everyone.

As the cheerful notes faded, the image of the light blue twin-tailed girl in Shen Gonglin's mind became clearer and clearer. Hatsune Miku... that seemed to be the name. The chaos in his head seemed to lessen considerably. However, the fairy girl residing in his shadow was biting her handkerchief with a gloomy expression.

"Um... Kurumi- neechan, what's wrong?"

In the space of consciousness, Hi Fu looked timidly at Tokisaki Kurumi, who resembled a resentful woman, with a sense of dread. The resentment emanating from her was so intense it was almost seeping out. What was wrong with her?

"It's nothing... I just remembered some unpleasant things."

Composing herself, Tokisaki Kurumi stood up again. Was this the effect of using Yukari Yakumo's boundary power? It seemed she had only remembered a few fragments. That was alright, she could accept it. She still had time to prepare... She still had too few allies, and their combat strength wasn't high enough. She really needed to develop more teammates.

So... what about these so-called Thirteen Flame-Chasers? Excluding the men, the remaining women are all top-notch, but this is completely using one tiger to devour another, it's incredibly annoying!

"Impressive! I never expected you to play such a piece. I'll remember it. But for now, please continue your journey. May the melodies you play always soar high."

Miss Eden didn't hold back her applause at all. She clapped her hands to pay high tribute to Shen Gonglin, and the girl held up the golden wine glass to Shen Gonglin and Mei.

The golden goblet tilted slowly, and the red wine flowed out and dissipated into the air. Shen Gonglin and Mei both smelled the mellow aroma of the wine, and Eden gently offered them his blessing.

"Go and illuminate all that you can illuminate, go and obtain all that you can obtain, gather in one body all the riches and radiance that the world desires, this is the Golden Sigil."

The girl downed the wine in her glass in one gulp. She watched as Shen Gonglin and Mei turned and continued their search in the Elysian Realm with their own mark. Eden hummed the tune Shen Gonglin had just played and returned to the main hall of the Elysian Realm. Sitting in the lounge, she held the wine glass and took a sip. Well, the girl was actually a bit of a drunkard.

"So, Shen Gonglin, you're now considered the Bishop of Schicksal? So much has happened in just a short time... It's really hard to accept."

With Shen Gonglin leading the way, they continued exploring the depths of the Elysian Realm. Each new mark of Flame-Chasers they obtained allowed them to travel further. Along the way, Shen Gonglin and Mei exchanged information. Mei was astonished; Otto was indeed a madman. Regardless of what he wanted to do, Schicksal was the world's largest organization targeting the Honkai. Entrusting such a massive organization to Shen Gonglin... It wasn't that Mei had any issues with Shen Gonglin.

Rather, she felt that Shen Gonglin was indeed unsuitable to be a bishop, and perhaps it was because Otto could also see this that he appointed Principal Theresa as Shen Gonglin's deputy.

This new bishop will probably be sidelined and used as a figurehead in the future.

"So what? After all, my abilities are there. If not me, who else would be the bishop? Durandal, of course... But Mei, are you saying you've already met several Flame-Chasers? Elysia, Kevin, the Class President, and that Eden from earlier. What exactly is this Elysian Realm?"

Shen Gonglin continued her boastful talk, while Mei could only smile. Shen Gonglin's abilities? If we're just talking about social skills, Mei is indeed speechless. But to talk about managing a large organization, that's a bit of a problem. However, given Shen Gonglin's personal charm, many people would probably be willing to help her.

Mei shook her head, thinking that she would probably be among them. She put the matter of him becoming the Bishop of Schicksal out of her mind and decided to focus her energy on the Elysian Realm.

"Elysia said this place is a library prepared by the Flame-Chasers for those who come after them... That girl's analogy has always been problematic. I have indeed met several Flame-Chasers. How should I put it, each of them has a very strong presence. Putting aside other factors, they truly deserve the name of Flame-Chasers. Oh, right, you forgot one of them. I also met the Chakravartin Flame-Chasers, whose mark is 'Decimation.' He was one of the men who attacked you back then, besides Kevin. Compared to the other Flame-Chasers, he seemed to be more difficult to communicate with."

Mei rubbed her head as she explained what had happened to Shen Gonglin. Luckily, Elysia was there to calm her down, otherwise it would have been really hard to accept. Although Alicia was a narcissistic idiot who couldn't use appropriate metaphors, she was surprisingly comfortable to talk to.

Oh, it's probably because her meeting with Chakravartin wasn't very friendly. After all, he had attacked Shen Gonglin Rin before, so Mei was carrying some personal feelings. Because of this, Elysia even prepared a book for Mei, which detailed how to get along with Chakravartin.

Chapter Fifty-Eight

The Flame-Chasers... the Thirteen Flame-Chasers of the Flame Chaser. The Class President mentioned them before, but the Class President's memory is usually fragmented and she's a bit dim-witted, so she's never really looked into it. But when she thought of the undisguised pride in Elysia when she mentioned the Thirteen Flame-Chasers, Flame-Chasers Shen Gonglin became a little interested. The Thirteen Heroes, the thirteen most shining heroes of that era. Perhaps in this Elysian Realm, she could learn a little about the Thirteen Flame-Chasers.

Staying by Mei's side, Shen Gonglin continued deeper into the Elysian Realm. The girl bore the marks of several Flame-Chasers, countless paths intertwined, giving birth to the miracle of a hundred flowers blooming. What exactly did the pioneers of the previous generation of humanity do? Shen Gonglin began to want to know.

Traveling alongside Mei, although Shen Gonglin's power had not fully recovered, Mei, as the Herrscher of Thunder in her prime, was able to unleash astonishing combat power. As they ventured deeper into the Elysian Realm, Shen Gonglin and Mei encountered another Flame-Chasers. The enemies blocking their path... or rather, the trials, were swept away by the lightning, and a clear view suddenly appeared before Mei and Shen Gonglin.

Looking at the now tranquil space before them, time flowed silently by, and another leaf fluttered down from the ancient Bodhi tree. A figure reclining on the treetop stood out conspicuously. This must be the most insightful of the Thirteen Flame-Chasers that Elysia had mentioned.

Inscribed as the warrior of Tianhui, Su.

"Why won't you open your eyes and speak properly? Is it because you look down on us?"

Mei was still preparing, but Shen Gonglin was already standing in front of that Flame-Chasers. Although he had a very peaceful demeanor, his attitude was quite arrogant. He definitely knew that Mei and he had arrived, but he still kept his eyes closed. This made Shen Gonglin, who was usually the main character, suddenly feel ignored.

"Visitors... Shen Gonglin, Raiden Mei, I've opened my eyes as wide as I can. I foresaw your arrival. My apologies."

Mei could feel the atmosphere suddenly become very awkward. She was used to this kind of thing. Mei and Fu Hua were very skilled at doing this. The Herrscher hurriedly rushed to Shen Gonglin's side, pressed his head down, and apologized to the person in front of them. He was just squinting his eyes. He wasn't being arrogant and ignoring them as Shen Gonglin claimed.

"I'm sorry, this child is spoiled by the Class President, that's why... Do you know our names?"

They shifted the blame onto the Class President, since Class President was their teammate anyway. Now that Rin Shen Gonglin had become like this, they could just go to the Class President if there was a problem. The Flame-Chasers all had very distinct personalities, and this one in front of them... gave off a very intelligent vibe. Mei usually respected people like that.

"It's alright. In this Elysian Realm, all things are born from cognition. From the moment you visited this world, you also became a part of cognition. At our first meeting, I am the pioneer, the seventh of the Flame-Chasers. However, I would prefer you to call me by my name directly—Su."

"Are most of the Flame-Chasers like this, riddle-solving types?" Shen Gonglin didn't quite understand what he was saying. In that case, Kiana seemed easier to get along with. That girl was a bit silly, and Shen Gonglin had no trouble communicating with her at all. He was initially very interested in learning about these Flame-Chasers, but Shen Gonglin quickly lost interest. There was nothing he could do; he was just the kind of person who only had a three-minute attention span.

"Su...you are the Flame-Chaser who is known as Tianhui."

Since Shen Gonglin isn't good at this kind of thing, I must become good at it. The more I know, the better I can help Shen Gonglin in the future. I remember Elysia mentioned this Flame-Chasers... although she talked more about his eye problem. Elysia was quite curious whether he could see the person in front of him with his eyes open like that.

I really don't know how Elysia managed to get into the Flame-Chasers. There's just no way I could put the name of Flame-Chasers on that idiot.

"A name is merely an external thing; there's no need for it to influence your perception. You and I are both seekers of the Way, and since we share the same will, we should address each other by our names."

He was very gentle, and even when Shen Gonglin waved his hand in front of his eyes, Su didn't react much. Mei, on the other hand, couldn't stand it anymore. She pulled Shen Gonglin down again. "Can't this guy be quiet for a bit?" Mei Shen Gonglin, pressing his head down with her chin. "Be good, stop making a fuss."

"I thought it was some kind of rule, since Elysia seemed to care about it quite a bit."

After suppressing Shen Gonglin, Mei was able to have a proper conversation with Su. Elysia was very interested in the inscriptions between the Flame-Chasers. However, she knew about the inscriptions of the Class President, Kevin, Chakravartin, Eden, and Su, but she still didn't know about Elysia's inscription, which was the first one she met.

"Elysia's insistence has its reasons. Names had a necessary meaning when this group was first established, and it was her foresight that secured our survival. But to you, we are just shadows of the past, and the cause and effect of that time have long since become lost history. So there's no need to be bound by complicated formalities. You have more important things to explore."

Mei listened attentively, while Mei Shen Gonglin n't pay attention. Rather than listening to these Zen-like words, he preferred to focus on the brain pad behind him. Having already experienced it firsthand, Shen Gonglin knew the soft feel of it. Perhaps the World Serpent's food wasn't as bad as he had imagined.

Otherwise, how come Mei at all? The girl is truly gifted. In this position, Shen Gonglin feels like she could lie there forever.

... Could it be that these two are genuinely blind because I can't see? I'm just squinting, I'm not blind. Is this what Elysia meant by luring dogs in to kill them?

That really caught his eye. Su wanted to say something, but now he just wanted to get rid of them. Since they had come to his side, he should give them what he had.

Yes, it's her, not him. This girl is already enviable enough.

"Visitor, if you wish to question that long-forgotten past, then follow this Bodhi leaf. It will guide you through countless destinies, showing you the path to enlightenment."

Su released his hand, and a golden Bodhi leaf slowly drifted down from it, while Mei hesitated.

Chapter 59

"Aren't you going to put me to a test?"

Mei asked this question as if she were completing a game, having passed trials to meet Flame-Chasers, and receiving their gifts after passing their tests. But now, it seemed that this Su was planning to give her the imprint directly. What was going on?

Should I admit that I really don't want to see them showing affection and that I'm planning to get rid of them as soon as possible? That would be too undignified, so I need to find a suitable reason.

"Suffering is a trial, and tranquility is also a trial. The test for you has already begun and will continue. See, listen, feel. Every pause, every choice will shape you. One day, the answer you seek will appear in your heart. And I will witness your journey with this world."

Like some enlightened monk, Su uttered such philosophical words. Shen Gonglin couldn't understand them, but Mei had an expression of "Master, I understand now." Shen Gonglin just felt that these people were all riddle-makers. Did they think they were so cultured by talking like that? They should just speak plainly to her!

Golden Bodhi leaves drifted into the water, and Su softly chanted, "All things are impermanent, subject to the cycle of cause and effect, arising and ceasing in an instant, nothing but dreams and illusions. Come, step into this boundless light, this is the inscription of Heavenly Wisdom."

Having accepted the mark called Tianhui, Mei closed her eyes. This wasn't the first mark she had received; it was a gift from Flame-Chasers. The girl took a deep breath, figuring this was probably her limit. Exploring the Elysian Realm would put a burden on her body, and this time, she should go back.

"Goodbye."

Holding Shen Gonglin, Mei bid farewell to Flame-Chasers before her, while Su, with her eyes closed, nodded slightly to her. This Herrscher is really polite. This era is perhaps much more hopeful than her own.

This feeling is like being back in the "rest room," and yes, I really should get some rest...

Mei, with her eyes closed, felt a strange sense of security. However, this feeling didn't last long before a surprised voice broke Mei's thoughts. Then, the girl felt a loosening in her arms, and she quickly opened her eyes, only to see a scene that made Mei very angry.

"Shen Gonglin! You're finally back! I've been waiting for you. So you came back because of me after all? I've been thinking about you the whole time!"