The 1.3 version main story ends here.
Some players didn't think much of it at first, only understanding later through the companion missions why Stelle and Jing Yuan had that conversation.
Dan Heng still has some past matters to settle on the Luofu, as well as to wrap up the Ambrosial Arbor incident.
Since Stelle asked Jing Yuan for that special "immunity medallion," it was only natural to invite her along.
Ever since defeating Phantylia, the Express group chat had long since restored communications.
In the Starrail Express family group, Dan Heng briefly explained the situation.
[Himeko: Go ahead.]
[Himeko: Though Nameless ones never stop their Trailblaze footsteps, after the journey on the Luofu, it's fine for the Express to dock for a while.]
[Himeko: Oh, right—Stelle, while you were out of contact on the Luofu, Herta looked for me. She has something to discuss with you.]
[Stelle: Looks like I'm pretty popular. Even that selfish woman misses me so much.]
[March 7th: …I think she just wants to study you.]
[Stelle: If the reward is good enough, being studied isn't out of the question. After all, I want to study myself too.]
[March 7th: You win.]
[Stelle: Himeko, please help me reply to Herta. Tell her I'm busy with something on the Xianzhou and ask her to wait.]
[Leon: I've already got a mental image.]
[March 7th: Eh! Leon, you finally showed up! By the way, are you still recuperating at the Alchemy Commission?]
[Leon: Discharged. Just wandering around. I'm at a place called Fyxestroll Garden. The scenery here is nice, and it's quiet.]
[Stelle: You just said you had a mental image—what is it?]
[Leon: The image of Herta fuming red. Haha, with that arrogant personality of hers, she'll definitely be pissed that you're making her wait.]
[Stelle: Then I feel pretty satisfied.]
[Leon: Still, if you promised to return to the space station, don't stand her up. Herta's personality is eccentric, but she's a good person.]
[Leon: Himeko deals with her the most; she probably knows best.]
[Himeko: Mm.]
[Stelle: But how do you know she wants me back at the space station? Could it be… Simulated Universe?]
[Welt: Just have Himeko ask. Don't keep Dan Heng waiting too long.]
[Stelle: Sorry, Dan Heng—I'm on my way. Be there soon.]
[Dan Heng: No rush.]
After finishing the prerequisites to accept Dan Heng's companion mission, Ah Xian was still mulling over Leon's words.
"Wandering around… Fyxestroll Garden?"
"Could it be a future new map?"
Teleporting back to the Express, she found that Leon had indeed vanished after accepting the quest.
"Anyone got coordinates? Weird. Isn't the new map Aurum Alley? I've never even heard of Fyxestroll Garden."
The livestream audience was completely baffled.
"Whatever. Let's just do Dan Heng's quest first."
Arriving at the quest location, she spotted Dan Heng talking with someone from afar.
Stelle: "Oi, Dan Heng—why are you in High Elder form again?"
Dan Heng: "It's nothing… There are things I can't run from, so I'm temporarily acting in this appearance."
"This is the attendant of the Vidyadhara dragon girl, Miss Huanxi."
"Hello hello, I'm Stelle, one of Dan Heng's good partners. You can also call me Galaxy Baseball Batter."
Stelle smiled and waved, looking completely harmless in her 'sweet girl' mode.
Huanxi: "I dare not accept the title of 'miss.' I am merely a humble attendant by Lady Bailu's side."
"Next, I have an unreasonable request for the two of you…"
At this point, she glanced subtly at Stelle.
A little sweet, a little airheaded—didn't seem threatening at all.
Dan Heng: "She is my closest friend and the witness I invited to accompany me. Treat her as you would me—speak openly and state your request."
Huanxi frowned slightly and sighed. "Very well. I hope you will not meet with Lady Bailu."
Hm?
Stelle's eyes narrowed slightly.
Two issues.
First, Bailu was, after all, the current High Elder.
Even if, as Jing Yuan said, it was in name only, Huanxi—as a Vidyadhara and her personal attendant—should not address her like this to outsiders.
Considering it might be at Bailu's own request, Stelle didn't dwell on it too much.
"The attendant of a High Elder blocking guests on her master's behalf should at least give a reason, Miss Huanxi."
Stelle was direct.
Huanxi: "Lady Bailu's ascension to High Elder was neither in accordance with the regulations nor of her own volition. It was the result of the previous High Elder's willful obstinacy."
"His arrogance and tyranny caused problems in the Luofu's High Elder succession."
"Now, the dragon masters have learned of Lord Dan Heng's return, and none can predict whether it bodes fortune or disaster."
"Yet everyone speculates that the High Elder succession may be restored and unified once more."
"Whether by selecting a new worthy candidate according to clan law, or… or by you reclaiming the position yourself—there is still room for resolution."
"However, if Lord Dan Heng were to hand everything over to Lady Bailu to inherit, it would surely cause massive upheaval and bring her no benefit at all."
Stelle: "Not going to ask what Bailu herself thinks?"
Huanxi: "Lady Bailu is young and easily swayed. I fear that under pressure from those with ulterior motives, she would believe herself capable of shouldering this responsibility."
Dan Heng: "I understand your meaning, but for now, I cannot give an answer."
Listening to Dan Heng's calm, noncommittal reply, Stelle quietly pondered.
Something about Huanxi's words felt… off.
Dan Heng had clearly come to resolve his past and made no attempt to hide his attitude or intentions.
Yet Huanxi seemed to be evading the issue.
On the surface, she claimed to be thinking of Bailu's wellbeing, but if one followed Leon's advice and assumed the worst possible malice…
Then it was all wrong.
Thinking darkly, the Vidyadhara might not want the status quo to change—that is, they didn't want a truly powerful High Elder to exist.
Emmm…
Because the thought was too sinister and involved internal Vidyadhara matters as well as the alliance between the Xianzhou and the Vidyadhara, Stelle could only keep it to herself for now, showing no unusual emotion on the surface.
Solid evidence first.
Huanxi bowed. "I understand. I shall take my leave."
"Lord Dan Heng, whether you choose to meet Lady Bailu or accompany me to pay respects to the dragon master elders—"
"I will wait for you both at the dock heading to Scalegorge Waterscape."
Watching Huanxi's retreating figure, Stelle instinctively crossed her arms and asked softly,
"Doesn't something feel off?"
Dan Heng nodded. "Before even seeing Bailu, someone already came to persuade me to back down."
Stelle: "Just what did your previous incarnation do to make the Vidyadhara… uhh… how should I put it—both hate and fear you?"
Dan Heng sighed.
"The Luofu currently lacks top-tier combat power. Besides the Cloud Knights' main force being away on expedition, my previous incarnation, Dan Feng, bears responsibility for this."
"He arbitrarily altered the High Elder succession, creating a calamity dragon and causing the deaths of many."
Stelle hesitated. "Then right now you—"
Dan Heng: "Repair the Ambrosial Arbor seal and pass the method to Bailu. If possible, I will also return this past life's power787 to her."
"With that, I will be square with the past and can peacefully remain a Nameless one, continuing the journey of Trailblaze with everyone."
Stelle: "Sounds good. Should we go find Bailu first, or meet the Vidyadhara dragon masters?"