"You have a cross-galactic communication message. Please check it promptly." A notification sound suddenly came, startling Hanxing, who was taking a nap on the sofa with Firefly. "What happened?" Firefly, who was also awakened, asked in confusion.
The Astral Express Crew had just held a route meeting, and out of courtesy, Hanxing and her companion did not attend, instead settling down to rest on the sofa. Just then, the rest of the Astral Express Crew came out and heard the notification: "Oh, um..." Pom-Pom tapped on the electronic screen beside her and began reading the message.
"What's wrong, Pom-Pom?" Himeko asked from the side. "The train just received a message from the Xianzhou Luofu. Judging from the summary, it seems to conflict with the upcoming itinerary." Pom-Pom's voice sounded worried, and then she played the message:
"It's been a long time, friends of the Astral Express. I wonder if your Trailblaze journey has gone smoothly?" A tall, ancient-style man's projection appeared from the spot, his eyes looking at the Astral Express Crew: " The Xianzhou Luofu will soon hold the ' Luminary Wardance ' ceremony. You all helped Luofu quell the calamity and are good friends of the Xianzhou Alliance. On behalf of the Seat of Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan cordially invites you all to attend the ceremony. Please do not miss the opportunity to grace us with your presence."
" Xianzhou Luofu? Isn't that where Shi Ren was imprisoned when we went to Fansha Star?" Firefly was a little surprised, but she didn't show it. "It's really lively. We just got out of the Family's ' Charmony Festival,' and we've already received new invitations." Himeko remarked. " Trailblaze is happiness." Qiong smiled.
"Thinking about it this way, our ' Trailblaze trip' is going to turn into a 'happy trip' of eating, drinking, and having fun everywhere," March 7th said happily, which made Pom-Pom a little confused: "Happily...?" "Yes, a 'happy' trip of eating, drinking, and having fun all the way, a rapid descent into decadence."
"... Hunter." Hanxing silently complained to herself. "Then let March 7th stay and maintain the train?" Dan Heng also became playful. "I... I didn't say I didn't want to go." March 7th's voice was a little anxious. "I really like joining in the fun... I just hope the next place we join in the fun doesn't have to be a Friday or Saturday to mess with us."
" The Xianzhou Luofu has just weathered the crisis, and holding the Wardance is also a way to demonstrate its peaceful and secure state to the outside world," Welt said seriously. "Everyone said the same thing before we went to Penacony! There won't be any danger under the protection of the ' The Family '~" March 7th said somewhat sarcastically.
"It shouldn't be that bad," Hanxing interjected. "The ' The Hunt ' force is quite reliable." "Oh right, I almost forgot, you all experienced it firsthand." For some reason, March 7th's voice seemed a bit volatile, but Hanxing didn't take it to heart. "As far as I know, the Wardance is merely a festival commemorating the heroic deeds of the Reignbow Arbiter and Cloud Knights in fighting against the Abominations of Abundance and saving the Xianzhou. It's unlikely there's any hidden danger behind it."
Dan Heng nodded, agreeing with Hanxing's assessment, "Aside from the Starskiff performance, the events before and after the ceremony are just some martial arts and sword fights. It's not much different from the Tatalov Grav-Ball we saw." "That's hard to say—" Firefly whispered to Hanxing, "This 'script' is about us resolving a crisis; I suspect this trip won't be simple."
" Himeko, what do you think?" Welt asked Himeko. "Given the train's current condition, we've accepted Lady Black Swan's suggestion to arrange a ' Trailblaze trip' to Amphoreus to refuel." "The time isn't too tight," Himeko replied. "This ' Trailblaze trip' is special. Before heading to the next station, the train should also make preparations for resupply and support."
"It just so happens that Ms. Herta acted as a go-between. I was planning to bring back an ancient beast's remains from the ' Ginnungagap ' for Ms. Ruan Mei, #81 of the Genius Society, before setting off, as a favor. However, considering this, it will take at least a few weeks to return." Himeko pondered repeatedly, but was interrupted by March 7th: "Oh, that means... we can't go to Luofu."
"Instead of considering it on your own, why not ask for others' opinions?" Welt turned his gaze to Firefly: "Miss Firefly, do you have any opinions?" Firefly glanced at Hanxing, then turned her gaze back to Welt: "The 'script' doesn't mention the destination of the next leg of the journey. Personally, I'd prefer to go to Luofu, so as not to neglect our friendship."
" Little March, maintaining relationships is a small price to pay in adult life," Himeko said earnestly. "Since the Xianzhou Luofu has extended an invitation, then as friends, the Astral Express should also keep the appointment. I plan to arrange it like this: Pom-Pom will send everyone to Luofu first. Afterwards, Mr. Welt and I will continue on to fulfill our promise to Ruan Mei. Mr. Hanxing and Ms. Firefly will attend the ceremony as representatives of the train, along with Qiong, March 7th, and Dan Heng. Qiong, Dan Heng, is that alright?"
"Then the group assignments are settled!" Qiong said excitedly. "It seems everyone has no objections," Welt said calmly. "Since all the passengers have reached an agreement, we'll prepare to jump to the Xianzhou ' Luofu ' now," Pom-Pom concluded, then walked to the side on his own. The group dispersed into their own groups, while Hanxing and Firefly huddled together.
" The Xianzhou... it's a place I've been looking forward to for quite some time," Hanxing said with a sigh. "What's wrong? Is it related to your background?" Firefly asked curiously. "Seeing Jing Yuan's clothes just now, it's very similar to the ancient attire of my hometown, so I was a little curious," Hanxing replied briefly.
"So, you mean my suggestion to go to the Xianzhou suited your wishes?" Firefly teased. "Doesn't that prove we're on the same page?" Hanxing smiled and gently pinched Firefly's cheek. "Alright, this is too public—" A blush crept onto Firefly's face.
"Hello--Hello--" Pom-Pom's voice echoed through the observation car, "The train is about to depart, the jump is about to begin, please sit tight and hold on, get ready! 3, 2, 1!" As the countdown ended, a strong push pressed the people already in their seats firmly into their seats. Before long, the discomfort disappeared, and a huge starship appeared in the window of the observation car.
"It really is... huge," Hanxing exclaimed.