Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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[Fortunately, the skilled craftsman swiftly acted from hundreds of meters away, hurling the slaughter knife with precision to end the pig's life in one strike.]

[The world is vast and full of wonders; if there can be pastries emitting crisp laughter, then encountering a swearing pig isn't so surprising after all.]

[This amusing incident became fodder for guests' conversations over tea and meals.]

[Now, everyone knows that Li Shen, the Master of Sword Memory Villa, adopted a godson with a sword embryo martial bone, aware of your fate marked by solitude and misfortune, bringing harm to both yourself and others.]

[Despite this, Li Zhuangzhu insisted on taking you as his godson, suggesting he must have some strategy in place.]

[On your first birthday, Yifu Li Shen and Yimǔ Qin Suyi hosted a traditional selection ceremony for you.]

[A gathering of relatives and esteemed guests watched as an array of diverse items adorned the table. Your choices are:]

Option One: Grasp the jade pendant.

Option Two: Grasp a fake dong.

Option Three: Grasp the ceremonial sword.

Option Four: Activate the talent of your sword embryo martial bone.

Option Five: Grasp the wet nursemaid.

What the hell is with the fake dong?! Who the f*ck would put a fake dong at a selection ceremony, damn it?!

And what's up with the wet nursemaid option? Is that even appropriate? Won't people gossip about me being promiscuous and lustful if word gets out?

The safest choice would be grabbing the sword.

However, Su Jinyan decided to take a bold approach. He planned to activate his sword embryo martial bone Talent as a trial.

With news of his sword embryo martial bone spreading, this move could also earn some prestige for Li Zhuangzhu.

[Standing atop the round table, you harness your sword embryo martial bone Talent, triggering a symphony of thousands of swords at Sword Memory Villa. Countless blades burst from their sheaths, soaring and circling in the air, drawing a vast crowd of onlookers.]

[All present marvel at your rare genius in the sword path, predicting that given time, you will undoubtedly attain the title of Yaoqing's Sword Leader.]

[Your renown spreads even at such a young age, inciting envy and fear among individuals like Buli Ren and other Abundant Ones. They seek to eliminate you before your abilities fully mature, hoping to nip the threat in the bud.]

[However, being within the Yaoqing Immortal Boat's protection at Sword Memory Villa, no matter how much the Abundant Ones dread and despise you, they cannot directly harm you—they lack the means to breach the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

[As an alternative strategy, the Abundant Ones bribe company employees to discreetly spread unfavorable rumors about you aboard the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

[They label you as an evil creature, a menace, and insinuate that Li Shen adopted you not merely as his godson, but secretly intended to confine and study the living cells of an evil entity.]

However, Li Shen, the master of Sword Memory Villa and well-regarded in the jianghu, along with your godmother Qin Suyi, swiftly identified several company employees spreading these rumors. They apprehended them and confined them to The Shackling Prison.

The Interastral Peace Corporation attempted to secure bail for those employees but was firmly rejected by the King of Ten Commission.

At age three, you displayed exceptional erudition and quick wit, garnering admiration from your teachers.

Yet, Qin Suyi believed that martial training should begin early, considering it the perfect time to strengthen your bones. Consequently, before dawn's first bell toll, your godmother would seize you to rigorously practice martial arts each day.

By the time you attended school at the academy, you were utterly exhausted, unable to focus on studies and longing only for sleep, causing your teachers great distress.

Yaoqing has always valued martial prowess over scholarly pursuits, a tradition since ancient times. Despite their helplessness, the teachers had no choice but to accept this reality.

Your swordsmanship steadily improved, while your literary knowledge...well, do you even have any?

In the same year, Qin Suyi gave birth to a daughter named Li Sushang.

Sushang weighed merely two pounds and three ounces at birth, comparable to the weight of a single sword.

Li Shen shook his head and sighed, bluntly stating that the child might not survive.

Fortunately, under the care of her nursemaid and Qin Suyi, Sushang persevered and lived on.

Qin Suyi also recognized Sushang's exceptional natural aptitude, identifying her as having a "natural sword embryo." Her talent in swordsmanship, second only to yours, raised high expectations from her parents.

[You deeply cherished this adorable little sister but also feared that her presence might diminish Yifu and Yimu's affection towards you.]

[Fortunately, their love for you remained unchanged, undiminished by even the slightest fraction; they simply devoted more energy to caring for Sushang.]

[At the age of four, Sushang's parents held a traditional "zhua zhou" selection feast for her.]

[Young Sushang gazed at the array of items on the table, hesitated momentarily, and then crawled towards the pillow.]

[Qin Suyi and Li Shen's hearts raced with anxiety, fearing the implications if Sushang chose the pillow, as it could invite unfavorable rumors.]

[However, Sushang's gaze was resolute, seemingly fixated on the soft cushion tucked in the corner of the round table, as if eager to curl up and sleep upon it.]

[In response to Sushang's actions, your next choice is:]

[Option 1: Create a loud distraction to discreetly cover Sushang's potential embarrassment.]

[Option 2: Harness the Talent of your sword embryo martial bone, leading others to believe Sushang is controlling thousands of swords.]

[Option 3: Trust that Sushang will make the right choice.]

Option two, presumably, aims to bolster Sushang's reputation?

With two sword prodigies emerging from the Li family, such news would undoubtedly bring great prestige to Li Zhuangzhu.

Su Jinyan selected Option Two.

However, what unfolded next was completely unexpected.

Su Jinyan activated his sword embryo martial bone's talent, causing thousands of swords to resonate, replicating the brilliance from his selection ceremony years ago. This spectacle misled guests into believing that young Sushang too must be a rare, once-in-a-millennium genius in the sword path.

But at that moment, one guest mercilessly exposed his ruse.

"Ridiculous! The Li daughter clearly possesses average aptitude, utterly mundane."

"For Li Zhuangzhu to orchestrate such a deception before everyone, does he truly think we're all blind?"

This public accusation left the Li couple deeply embarrassed.

Who would attend a banquet with the intent to humiliate their hosts? The unfamiliar face of this guest suggested ill intentions; it seemed they had no genuine interest in celebrating.

[Please make your choice.]

[Option 1: Shameless cur, how dare you insult my parents! I shall end you with a single strike.]

[Option Two: Publicly apologize and take full responsibility.]

[Option Three: Remain silent, awaiting Li Zhuangzhu to handle the situation.]

Without hesitation, Su Jinyan chose Option One.

Since they were already headed towards an inevitable disastrous outcome, why endure further? Might as well see it through to the bitter end.

[You stealthily activate the sword worn by this shameless scoundrel. With a resounding clang, his own blade pierces his pill furnace.]

[By committing murder under everyone's gaze, you have violated the Ten Unforgivable Offenses of the Ten-Lords Commission. Even as Li Shen's son, it will be difficult to escape the legal consequences enforced by Yaoqing Immortal Boat's regulations.]

[However, considering your minor status and possessing a sword embryo martial bone, the Ten-Lords Commission offers you two choices.]

[One: Sever all ties with the living world, join the Underworld Palace, and serve the Ten-Lords Commission.]

[Two: Upon reaching adulthood, face punishment with the Destruction of your pill furnace.]

[You choose to meet death calmly.]

[Evaluation: D-]

[Too rigid leads to breaking, too yielding results in weakness. Only by balancing strength and flexibility can one achieve success.]

[Reward: New Positive Trait Added - Vigorous Spirit (Amethyst)]

[Vigorous Spirit (Amethyst): With minimal sleep, you maintain exceptional alertness and rarely feel fatigue or drowsiness. Purchase Cost: 10 Merits.]

[Victory and defeat are common occurrences in warfare; young hero, please try again.]

[Do you wish to spend 100 Cosmic Fragments to reselect traits for simulation, or continue with the existing traits and start anew?]

[Current Cosmic Fragments: 4350]

Upon reselection this time, Su Jinyan chose [Lonely Fate Tribulation Fiend] + [Vast and Deep Bond] + [Short-Lived Species] + [Naturally Impoverished] + [Illiterate] as his negative traits.

For positive traits, he added the new entry [Vigorous Spirit] to his original set.

Restart, restart—this time, achieving either a true end or happy end is imperative.

[Would you like to spend 50 Cosmic Fragments to skip repetitive early scenes and directly load a critical moment?]

[Current Cosmic Fragments: 4250]

[Skipping successfully completed. Loading critical plot point: Sushang's Choosing Ceremony.]

[In response to Sushang's actions, your next choice is:]

[Option 1: Make a loud noise to divert attention and cover up Sushang's awkward situation.]

[Option 2: Activate the talent of your sword embryo martial bone, leading others to believe Sushang is commanding thousands of swords.]

[Option 3: A sudden idea strikes you—considering how much Sushang adores clinging to you, perhaps you can use this to effortlessly diffuse the embarrassment.]

Do changes in narrative entries also affect the available options? Su Jinyan pondered before selecting Option 3.

[You discreetly approach the circular table and subtly wink at Sushang.]

[Upon seeing you, Sushang's eyes light up. Abandoning the pillow within reach, she chooses instead to crawl towards you.]

[Quietly shifting position, you guide Sushang's soft, tiny hands to touch your sword - Xuan Yuan.]

[The guests burst into applause, all expressing admiration that the Li lineage has its successor, foreseeing another hero emerging from the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

Su Jinyan read the text, recalling the memories in his mind, and finally let out a sigh of relief.

[With exceptional innate talent, Li Shen holds you in high regard. By the age of six, you have already mastered the Li family's ancestral martial arts: 'Flying Swallow Art' and 'Thirteen Styles of the Hanging Swallow'.]

[At seven years old, you mastered the Yunji Sword Manual to perfection. In terms of cultivation and proficiency, none among your peers could match you.]

[Your younger sister Sushang idolized you greatly, always wanting to stick by your side and sweetly calling you "Jinyan-gege."]

[By eight, you had grasped the Grand Void Sword Glare technique, breaking through to the third realm of Sword Heart - "Mirror Clarity," mastering all twenty-one sword forms.]

[In your ninth year, a dispute arose between your parents.]

[Sushang, whom you cherished dearly, struggled to advance her swordsmanship skills. At that point, she had only learned a few basic techniques from the Yunji Sword Manual, significantly lagging behind your progress.]

[The daily martial training under Suyi's supervision left Sushang utterly exhausted. During hongxue classes, she would often fall asleep, resulting in poor academic and martial achievements.]

[This led to her being mockingly nicknamed "Big Pillow Li" by the teachers.]

[Li Shen believed that your natural talent, endowed with a sword embryo martial bone, far surpassed Sushang's, warranting greater focus on your development rather than hers.]

[He felt that since they already had Jinyan, this age should be about nurturing affection for Sushang, not subjecting her to rigorous training and hardship.]

[Suyi argued that Li Shen was overly invested in your progress, neglecting their daughter's discipline, which hindered Sushang's cultivation advancement.]

Moreover, the ancient Xuan Yuan sword is a divine weapon; to comprehend its sword intent requires constant use and nurturing.

However, since Sushang's birth, she has only touched the Xuan Yuan once, for which Li Shen bears significant responsibility.

Li Shen never cared for Sushang, already providing you with the best cultivation resources.

Now, he even intends to further tilt these resources towards you, which Suyi cannot tolerate.

A memory scene unfolded.

"Jinyan-gege, have I upset Father and Mother?"

Little Sushang was just six years old, at that adorable age.

Gazing upon her chubby, endearing face, brown pigtails framing her innocent and enchanting eyes, Su Jinyan felt his heart melting from her cuteness.

He hadn't anticipated how irresistibly charming young Sushang could be.

Su Jinyan kissed little Sushang gently, "Sushang, sweetheart, it's not your fault."

Indeed, it wasn't little Sushang's fault. It was because he had monopolized her cultivation resources, leading to her slow progress in both scholarly pursuits and martial training.

"Father, I wish to yield the Xuanyuan Sword to Sushang."

"From now on, I'll use Wuheng instead."

Li Shen responded unhappily, "Hmph, Jinyan, don't jest with me like this."

"You possess a sword embryo martial bone, endowed with extraordinary talent in the sword path."

"Her progress in cultivating the 'Sword Heart Art' and refining her inner spirit has been remarkably swift."

"You, my son, are the most suited to wield Xuan Yuan. How could you abandon this hard-earned divine weapon merely due to Suyi's personal opinion?"

Suyi narrowed her beautiful eyes, displeased. "Hmm? It seems my words hold no weight anymore?"

Li Shen, ever fearful of his wife, hastily smiled apologetically. "No, no, no, dear wife, your words always carry great importance."

"Then reduce Suhuang's study time significantly, and there's no need for play either. Let her focus solely on cultivation, alright?"

Suyi nodded. "That sounds more reasonable."

Little Suhuang pouted, feeling wronged but dared not speak up. She already had only enough playtime for two incense sticks daily; now even that was being taken away?

Su Jinyan stepped forward voluntarily, addressing them respectfully, "Father, Mother."

"How about allowing me to teach Suhuang instead?"

Suyi pondered before responding, "A-Yan, while you have indeed mastered the sword techniques we taught you..."

"...you must understand that teaching and practicing are entirely different concepts. Your achievements in swordsmanship stem from the enhancement of your [sword embryo martial bone]."

"Sushang has a naturally slow disposition; if you were to teach her, I fear she might hinder your progress instead."

Little Suhuang felt even more aggrieved. "I wouldn't hold back A-Yan at all!" she protested.

Suyi glared at her, causing little Suhuang to hastily hide behind Su Jinyan. With her soft hands clutching his collar, she timidly peeked out from behind him.

Unable to suppress a smile, Su Jinyan picked up little Suhuang and reassured them, "Mother, please rest assured. If you entrust Sushang to me, within seven days, I guarantee she will master the Yunji Sword Manual thoroughly."

[Sushang is not inherently dull-witted; it's just that as a young girl, she enjoys playing excessively. Her father, Li Shen, dotes on her immensely and cannot bear to see her struggle.]

[Whenever Li Shen instructs Sushang, he deliberately sets aside time for her to freely play, leading to her slow progress in martial arts.]

[This arrangement is a small secret between father and daughter, kept hidden from you and Suyi.]

[Your teaching style excels in adapting to individual strengths, significantly differing from Suyi's and Li Shen's methods.]

[After Sushang completes tasks assigned by you, you always find creative ways to reward her. Sometimes you'd take her and her friends to play hide-and-seek, other times engage in building block games.]

[Although sword training can be monotonous, with your guidance and encouragement, Sushang finds it less tedious.]

[Your exceptional demeanor and striking appearance surpass countless men, deeply captivating girls of your age, including your sworn sister Sushang.]

[Whenever you attend classes at hongxue, numerous love letters from secret admirers fill your drawer.]

[As your younger sister, Sushang diligently collects these love letters, secretly opening each one to read them.]

[Despite not comprehending a single word written by those girls, Sushang knows that these wicked women aim to steal her beloved Jinyan-gege away from her.]

"Jinyan-gege, could you please stop accepting love letters from those bad women?" Little Sushang looked at you with puffed cheeks, feeling aggrieved, fearing someone might take away her only brother.

Su Jinyan gently pinched little Sushang's cheek. "Sushang, dear."

"From now on, I won't accept their love letters anymore."

"How about when you grow up, you write me a love letter instead?"

Little Sushang's beautiful eyes sparkled innocently as she replied:

"I can write it for you right now," little Sushang eagerly declared, pulling Su Jinyan back to her room and grabbing paper and pen.

"Um..."

"Eh..."

"Jinyan-gege, how do you spell 'jin' in your name?" Little Sushang asked in her soft, childlike voice.

Surprisingly, the very first word stumped her. It seemed mastering love letters would be quite a journey ahead.

Unable to suppress his amusement, Su Jinyan kissed little Sushang's cheek, thinking fondly, My wife was truly adorable as a kid.

[Age 11: You have already carved out a reputation in the jianghu, making numerous friends under the guise of a valiant hero.]

[Among them is a dashing young noble named "Sampo," who styles himself as the "Blue Noble."]

"Why did Sampo show up on the Yaoqing Immortal Boat?"

"This nephew clings like a specter..."

[Additionally, there's a foxfolk elder sister, Tingyun, aboard the Yaoqing Immortal Boat on official business; she serves as a Shuttle Envoy for Luofu Tian's Sky-Faring Commission.]

[Tingyun-jiejie introduces you to another prodigy with a sword embryo martial bone—Little Brother Yanqing.]

[Little Brother Yanqing had just turned eight this year and became the youngest brave guard in Cloud Knights history.]

[Despite his young age, Yanqing's pride is considerable. However, after your stern guidance, he genuinely admires and respects you wholeheartedly.]

[Soon, you become close friends, sharing everything with each other.]

"Well, well, it seems I'm reacquainting myself with familiar faces all over again."

[At thirteen, as a valiant adventurer, you join the Cloud Knights' auxiliary forces to combat the Falamomo evil creatures. The mission ends in a great victory, with you recognized for leading the charge.]

[At fourteen, alongside the Yaoqing Cloud Knights, you face off against the Teste-VIII evils, achieving another resounding triumph, once more credited with pivotal contributions.]

[At fifteen, wandering through the jianghu, you make numerous friends, while legends of your exploits spread aboard the Yaoqing Immortal Boat.]

[At sixteen, you return to Sword Memory Villa, warmly reconnecting with Sushang and your parents, whom you haven't seen in years.]

[Li Shen, feeling immense pride, having heard much about your achievements, regards you with newfound admiration and immediately invites you for a hearty drinking session.]

[Noticing Sushang's evasive gaze, you realize that she is no longer the adorable little girl who constantly clung to you during childhood.]

[Feeling somewhat disheartened, you couldn't resist indulging in a few extra cups and ended up heavily intoxicated.]

[What you didn't realize was that Sushang's evasive gaze actually reflected her budding affection for you.]

[Just gazing at you brought her immense joy; she cherished every word you spoke, never forgetting them.]

[The next morning, after sobering up, you began assessing Sushang's cultivation progress.]

[To your puzzlement, during the years you were away without your guidance, Sushang's cultivation had significantly slowed down.]

[When you asked your mother, Suyi, she explained that throughout these years, she herself had been instructing Sushang, ensuring there was no lapse in her training.]

[As for the reason behind Sushang's stagnation, it might be because...]

[Sushang had spent her entire childhood practicing martial arts within the confines of the villa, lacking real-world experiences. Her sword remained untainted by bloodshed, preventing her from grasping the resolve required for combat and killing.]

[This is why Sushang's cultivation had stalled.]

[Suyi and Li Shen had already discussed plans to send Sushang to Luofu for training in two more years, where she would serve as a Cloud Knight.]

[As for why you didn't want her to enlist with the Yaoqing Immortal Boat's military, it was due to fearing that Sushang would receive "special attention" from the Yaoqing Cloud Riders, hindering her growth.]

[You were uneasy about letting Sushang gain experience at Luofu; it's too far from home, and she is overly innocent.]

[A dazzling world can easily captivate one's eyes. What if some deceitful man there wins her heart with smooth words? How could we bear such an outcome?]

[If anyone dares to deceive Sushang's affection at Luofu, I'll surely make them suffer...]

"I suspect this line was deliberately added by you..."

[At this thought, you decide:]

[Option 1: Father, Mother, considering neither of us is yet married or betrothed, why not seize the moment? Shall Sushang and I wed today?]

[Option 2: Mother's decision has merit; allowing Sushang to gain experience at Luofu might indeed be a good choice.]

[Option 3: Mother, how about letting me accompany Sushang on her training journey for three years instead?]

After pondering, Su Jinyan chose Option 3.

[Unwilling to let Sushang venture out alone, you propose to Suyi that you accompany her during her training journey.]

[Suyi, perceptive as always, instantly discerns your personal motives.]

[However, Suyi did not reject your request. After all, you share no blood ties with Sushang, and as her godson, forging a closer bond could only strengthen their relationship.]

[On the eve of departure, Li Shen visited Sushang's room to inform her about this arrangement and secretly handed her a ring.]

[In his youth, Li Shen was known for his dashing good looks, charismatic demeanor, generous nature, and wide circle of friends, making him quite a prominent figure in the jianghu.]

[But ever since meeting Suyi, he reined in his flirtatious ways and gradually withdrew from the jianghu scene.]

["This ring was crafted by my great-grandfather himself and used when proposing to my great-grandmother. It has been passed down through generations, now reaching me."]

["Today, this ring is being entrusted from your mother to you."]

["If you find someone truly worthy of your lifelong commitment, give him this ring and place it on his finger yourself."]

[Understanding the profound meaning behind Li Shen's words, Sushang felt both bashful yet overjoyed, leading to a sleepless night filled with excitement.]

The next morning, seeing Sushang's panda-like dark circles, Su Jinyan couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Sushang, feeling indignant, stamped her foot and playfully scolded, "Is there something wrong with this young lady that amuses you?"

Su Jinyan teased, "Xiao Sushang, why aren't you calling me 'Jinyan Gege' anymore?"

"I used to enjoy hearing it so much - sweet and lively. Now that I haven't heard it in ages, it feels strangely unsettling."

Blinking her lovely eyes, Sushang grabbed his hand and purred, "Jinyan-gege..."

"If you want to hear it, this lady will call you that every day, alright?"

[You tailored a cultivation path specifically for Sushang.]

[Recognizing Sushang's weakness in qinggong (lightness), you took her on snow-bound outings to admire plum blossoms. There, you taught her the Flying Swallow Art and challenged her alongside Sampo to master Treading Snow Without A Trace amidst blizzards.]

[Noticing Sushang's lack of scholarly knowledge, you accompanied her through teahouses and restaurants, with Tingyun by your side, teaching her music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Though still deficient, she improved significantly compared to before.]

[Seeing Sushang's inadequate sword foundation, you brought her to challenge the prodigious youth Yanqing. Despite repeated defeats, these encounters ignited her determination even more.]

[For you had once told her: "A sword may break, but one's resolve must remain unshaken."]

[You gifted Sushang the Xuanyuan Sword, instructing her to carry it always, fostering her understanding of its essence.]

[Sushang intended to decline, but unknowingly, you had tempered her spirit subtly. To you, a sword is merely an external tool; grass, wood, stone, or bamboo could all serve as swords.]

[Enchanted by your graceful swordsmanship, Sushang secretly clenched the ring, vowing to personally place it on your finger at the right moment.]

[Together, you embarked on scenic journeys, admiring the moonlit nights as its hazy reflection shimmered upon the lake surface.]

[Inevitably, you recall Miss Tingyun—she has always been so gentle, much like this tender moonlight.]

[Upon hearing these words, Sushang discreetly tucks away the ring she intended to give you and defiantly declares that someday, she will be even gentler and more beautiful than Miss Tingyun.]

Beneath the soft, ethereal glow of the moon,

Su Jinyan cupped Sushang's cheeks gently and kissed her forehead lightly.

"Then, once Sushang grows up, let's compare ourselves with Miss Tingyun again, shall we?"

Sushang's lovely eyes filled with determination. "Alright, I absolutely will be gentler and more beautiful than Tingyun."

"And when that time comes," Su Jinyan continued, "will Sushang marry me?"

At his words, Sushang extended her delicate pinky finger, seeking a pinky promise from Su Jinyan. "Jinyan-gege, pinky swear!"

"If anyone lies, they must—they must—" Sushang hesitated, searching for the right consequence.

Smiling, Su Jinyan prompted, "Must what?"

Sushang's expression suddenly turned serious. "Nothing."

Initially, she wanted to say that if anyone lied, they would face great misfortune. But then, a worry crept in—what if he was already lying? She couldn't make such a sworn pact; if it came true, wouldn't it harm him?

Instead, Sushang threw herself into Su Jinyan's arms. "Then, just kiss me, okay?! How about that?"

Su Jinyan gently pinched Sushang's small nose and asked, "Foolish girl, isn't this punishment too lenient?"

"Is there something more severe?" Sushang swatted his hand away, dissatisfied. "Then make it two kisses from me!"

Su Jinyan softly stroked Sushang's ponytail. "I would never deceive you."

"In this world, only three people will forever remain truthful to Sushang:

"Our father, our mother, and myself."

That night, the moonlight flowed like water, bright and gentle, mirroring Sushang's innocent eyes, their radiance eternal.

***

[In October of Star Calendar 8098, the Yaoqing Immortal Boat embarked on its first ill-fated mission against evil creatures at Sarin-Jinxiadu.]

[After seeking assistance from the Interstellar Peace Corporation, delays occurred due to signal interference, receiving no timely response.]

[The Yaoqing Immortal Boat urgently summoned the Cloud Knights for another expedition against the Jinxiadu evil creatures. Li Shen and Qin Suyi heeded Yaoqing's call, leading three thousand elite cloud riders in the joint campaign against the evils at Jinxiadu.]

[Unwilling to burden Sushang with worry about your parents, you left without farewell, entrusting her with a letter before joining the elite cloud riders to combat the evil creatures.]

[Before departing, to encourage Sushang's cultivation, you deliberately concealed your impending mission and instructed your close friends to look after her in your absence.]