Chapter 164: The Vanguard Assembles

March 7th turned to Tingyun with a smug smile. "Exactly! Pei Guang might joke about scary things sometimes, but he's just looking at possibilities from a player's angle to spice up the journey a bit. At first, I struggled to keep up with him, but now? I'm totally in sync!"

Tingyun sighed with a hint of envy. "How carefree… you're truly lucky."

In no time, they reached Starskiff Haven, and Tingyun guided the team off the starskiff as they docked.

Pei Guang glanced at the mine carts. "Should we unload these people?"

Tingyun shook her head. "No need. Please just let those… incapacitated, continue sleeping. Others will arrive shortly to collect them."

Pei Guang smiled, "So, we're officially off duty for these folks?"

Tingyun nodded, "Thank you all for safely delivering them. The rest is in our hands."

Gathering herself, Tingyun then addressed them formally. "Let me officially welcome you, on behalf of the Starskiff Fleet, to Starskiff Haven. Here on the Luofu, matters of airspace, navigation, and trade fall under the authority of the Starskiff Fleet, one of the Six Commissions. As the largest port, Starskiff Haven is managed directly by us."

March 7th crossed her arms, nodding with respect, "Impressive, I guess… huh?!"

Pei Guang leaned in to whisper to March 7th, "She's a ferryman, after all."

March 7th nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly! Of course, the Ferryman has to be this cool with her words."

Tingyun gave the two an amused look. "I appreciate the compliment. My role is to guide merchants and dignitaries alike, so formal words come with the territory. I must say, though, I envy the bond you all share—it's so natural and carefree."

Pei Guang grinned, "Then why don't you join us?"

Tingyun laughed, shaking her head. "A kind suggestion, but I'd hardly fit the role of a Trailblazer! That said, now that you're safe, I'd normally be glad to show you around and offer some hospitality. However, due to current circumstances, we must head to the Astral Palace to report your presence to Madam Yukong. You see the tallest building in town? That's our headquarters for the Sky-Faring Commission. We should get going."

Pei Guang replied casually, "No rush on our part; we promise not to wander off. Why don't you go ahead first, and we'll meet you at the doors of the Palace of Astrum?"

At Pei Guang's words, Tingyun's polite smile faltered a bit. She'd hoped to leave this… unique group in the capable hands of her superiors, but it seemed that responsibility was still hers. After a quick pause, Tingyun nodded reluctantly.

"Very well, but please be mindful of the decor here. I can cover damages from battles in the ports, but any damage to public property here will lead to your arrest."

Pei Guang nodded. "Got it. Not a single item will be damaged."

Tingyun finally felt a small sense of relief. With Pei Guang's promise, if anything did happen, she would at least be blameless. With a final bow, she turned to leave.

The moment Tingyun was out of sight, Pei Guang, Stelle, and March 7th exchanged a glance, grinning. They'd promised not to break anything here, sure. But they hadn't promised they wouldn't take anything out of town and then smash it. As experienced players, they knew how to find workarounds to rules, and now all three were brimming with excitement at the idea of a full exploration of Xianzhou.

Watching them, Welt offered, "You three go ahead and explore. I'll be right here at the Palace of Astrum, and I'll message you if she returns early."

March 7th beamed, thrilled to explore. But she turned to Welt with a small pout. "Won't you come with us, Uncle Yang? It'll be boring just waiting by yourself."

Welt shook his head, smiling. "I'll be fine. Once everything's wrapped up, you three can give me a tour."

Pei Guang gave him a mock salute. "Good thinking, Uncle Yang—you're making us the advance scouts, huh? No problem! We'll scope out all the best food, drink, and sights, then come back for a proper celebration."

Welt smiled as he watched the three hurry off with such excitement. The exploration was necessary—Welt knew that Pei Guang and Stelle's teleportation ability only worked within areas they had already explored. In the previous port, Stelle had scouted a full map under the pretense of "scouting," unlocking a massive area for use. But here, the map remained pitch-black. To be sure they had a quick escape route, Pei Guang's team needed to activate teleport access through exploration.

After they'd gone, Welt stayed back, reflecting on the information Pei Guang had shared. Putting together all the details from the letter Pei Guang had shown him, he arrived at a chilling conclusion. The threat the Xianzhou faced might not just be the Stellaron crisis. There was a high likelihood of an infiltration by one of the Destruction's Emanator.

Though preparing for a sudden encounter with the Destruction's Emanators was daunting, Welt felt that if Pei Guang had anticipated it, there might already be some hidden plan in motion. His role, as their senior, was to provide any support he could to ensure the younger Trailblazers could fight freely without looking back.

Meanwhile, aboard the train, Seele was watching the map update as Pei Guang and the others mapped out a new area. She stood up, stretching, and turned to Himeko. "Himeko, I'm heading out to do some exploring too."

Dan Heng, who had been resting with his eyes closed, and Silver Wolf, currently engrossed in a game, both looked over.

Himeko nodded with approval. "According to protocol, the train is stationed for seven standard days. Everyone is free to use their time however they choose. Dan Heng, are you joining Seele?"

Dan Heng hesitated. "I don't want to be a burden."

Seele rolled her eyes, smirking. "Are you serious, Mr. Cool-and-Collected? Since when do you worry about being a burden? Pei Guang and Stelle have always counted you as a teammate and friend. They've even put together countless plans just to make sure you don't get hurt! Remember what Pei Guang said? 'Discover the unknown, explore together, and achieve the best ending we can with everyone.' How are you going to reach that ending if you're afraid of being a burden?"

Dan Heng fell silent, but Himeko gave Seele an approving nod. She added, "Seele's right. Who doesn't feel like they're holding others back at times? March 7th, who knows nothing about her past, or Pei Guang, who always acts like nothing matters, each has their own burdens to bear. On our journey down these mysterious paths, all our memories, hardships, and achievements make up the luggage we carry—and the fuel that drives us forward."

Himeko looked at Dan Heng with a gentle smile. "Don't overthink it. Join the others, if that's what you want. The train will be in good hands with Pom-Pom and me on duty. You're on this journey with us, aren't you?"

Seele chimed in with a teasing smile. "That's right! Pei Guang doesn't see you as a burden. In fact, he specifically asked me to team up with you if you felt like going. Oh, what did he call us again…?"

Dan Heng's lips curved up in a small smile. "The Vanguard."

"Exactly! We're the Vanguard team!"

Himeko's eyes softened, seeing the resolve returning to Dan Heng's expression. "Go on, Dan Heng. It's better to act than to regret."

Dan Heng nodded firmly, activating his pink, meowing bunny and turning to Seele. "Alright, let's go. As Pei Guang would say…"

Seele raised her scythe with a grin. "Trailblazer crew—move out!"

Dan Heng pulled out his Pink Bunny weapon and shouted: "Let's move out!"

Although he'd performed this routine many times before, doing it without Pei Guang, Stelle, and March 7th made it feel like it lacked soul. Despite his usual tension and restlessness, Dan Heng felt his heartbeat quicken with purpose.

He recalled Pei Guang's words: "Never waste a reward, never betray the trust of your companions."

Looking at his "meowing" spear and the Herta puppet that had become his trusted partner, Dan Heng felt a newfound resolve.

Seeing his shift in demeanor, Seele smiled. "Come on! Let's follow in Pei Guang's footsteps and hunt down those who threaten Xianzhou."

Seele, Dan Heng, and the Herta puppet set off. Just before they left, Seele stopped by Pom-Pom. "Pom-Pom, we'll bring back some souvenirs for you!"

Pom-Pom responded, "Awesome!"