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In the Central Starskiff Haven's public square, the lighting was not extravagant. Under the unadorned glow of white incandescent lamps, countless artists showcased their talents to the fullest.
This scene was unlike anything on Jarilo VI, reminiscent of ancient times before Bochang's transmigration.
However...
Xianzhou Luofu embraced progress alongside tradition.
When performers entertained on the streets, they often live-streamed their acts online, attracting larger audiences and more tips.
The blend of modernity with antiquity evoked deep emotions for Bochang, almost as if he had stumbled upon a gathering of internet celebrities from his pre-transmigrated era.
Sushang and Guinaifen weren't alone; two dancing lion doggos accompanied them—a large one and a smaller companion. Both were Divine Listener models that had briefly joined Bochang's group earlier.
The bigger doggo carried props, while the smaller one held a bowl to collect money around the crowd. These technologically advanced creations infused with Xianzhou's innovations did not come cheap, clearly indicating...
Guinaifen's substantial wealth.
The orange-haired girl wasted no words, embodying efficiency and decisiveness. Seeing enough spectators gather, she swiftly swung her hammer down.
In an instant...
Flames surged around the iron hammer.
Guinaifen's strike was ferocious, embodying speed, precision, and intensity to perfection.
With a resounding "bang," sparks flew as the massive stone slab cracked open.
Due to Bochang's exceptional dynamic vision, what appeared as a swift blur to others seemed slowed down to him.
Sushang's trembling gaze remained fixed on Guinaifen's hammer throughout its descent.
As it neared impact, she instantly tensed her muscles and held her breath—a small trick used in chest-breaking stunts. This technique helps alleviate the force of the blow for the person lying beneath.
Of course...
This alone isn't sufficient.
The hammer wielder must possess great skill, ensuring a precise single strike before withdrawing immediately.
Otherwise,
Even as a Cloud Knight, Sushang would suffer considerable pain from such a direct hit.
The stone slab gently pressed down, then swiftly bounced off her chest and shattered.
Bochang clearly observed that just before impact, the steamed bun hovering above Sushang rapidly transformed its shape, propelling the stone slab upward and apart.
It seemed the pair of white Slimes had been under considerable pressure earlier.
Now able to catch their breath, they swiftly regained their original droplet shapes in mid-air.
Bochang muttered inwardly, "Although not as intense as Honkai Impact 3rd, it still wasn't insignificant."
"That... looks quite entertaining," Stelle said, her face filled with curiosity.
Glancing at the gray-haired girl beside him, Bochang replied, "Not so much fun, really. One misstep and your chest could get flattened."
"Really?" Stelle's expression showed surprise.
March 7th, sounding exasperated, chimed in, "He's just teasing you..."
Bailu, held securely in someone's arms, unconsciously glanced down at her flat chest—a true sight of unbroken plains. There was no risk of anything getting squashed; after all, there wasn't much there to begin with.
Chest-crushing stunts were merely one segment of Guinaifen and Sushang's performance. More acts followed.
Sitting up, Sushang took a moment to recover, noticing this time felt significantly better than before—she didn't experience the same discomfort upon completion.
"Holding my breath really made a difference..." she thought to herself.
In a daze, Big Pillow Li noticed Bochang smiling nearby, accompanied by Bailu, March 7th, and Stelle.
"Huh?! What are you guys doing here?" Sushang exclaimed, astonished at seeing familiar faces during her acrobatic performance.
Feeling somewhat embarrassed that acquaintances had witnessed her act, Big Pillow Li's cheeks flushed slightly with a hint of redness.
"We found it intriguing, so we came to watch. Sushang, I didn't expect you to have such artistic interests," Bochang remarked, examining the newly risen cloud knight with keen interest.
Whether due to the lingering excitement from breaking stones or her embarrassment, the blush on Sushang's fair face persisted.
"Well... I'm just accompanying my friends, so..." She waved her hand, offering a brief explanation.
Guinaifen approached them.
"Sushang, are these your friends?"
"Yes." Sushang nodded and briefly introduced everyone, making their acquaintance.
Subsequently, Bochang and his group refrained from further interruptions, silently observing Sushang and Guinaifen's acrobatic performances from the sidelines.
Naturally...
Guinaifen was the main performer, while Sushang played a supporting role, though she seemed quite enthusiastic about lion dancing amidst the spectacle.
Sushang served as an assistant, but her lion dance performance was quite impressive, seemingly lost in sheer joy.
After observing briefly,
the sound of rock music resumed from behind them.
Bochang and his group snapped back to reality. March 7th nudged him, asking, "Serval has already started performing. Should we return?"
[Dating Options activated.]
[Option 1: Return with March 7th and others - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...]
[Option 2: Do not return - Completion Reward: Yandere's Gaze. Note: Watch your back!]
[Option 3: Have March 7th and others go back while you explore alone - Completion Reward: 100% increase in physique.]
Options one and two were within Bochang's expectations.
However, upon seeing option three, he felt genuinely puzzled.
«With such a generous reward, is there a significant plot event about to occur?»
If prioritizing safety, Option one would be ideal. But unlike last time, these options didn't involve obtaining rewards through harming others.
It wasn't that they were entirely unappealing.
After a moment of contemplation, Bochang still chose the third option.
"I must see what this situation entails."
"You all go ahead and assist Serval first. I'll take a stroll outside and return later."
Bochang gently set down Bailu.
March 7th and the others, though puzzled,
understood...
If Bochang had matters to attend to, they wouldn't insist on his company.
After bidding farewell,
the group, including the dragon girl, departed.
Following the system's prompt, Bochang wandered aimlessly around the public square, awaiting task completion.
As he strolled through the night-lit square, observing the diverse expressions of passersby, Bochang focused solely on the system's mission, losing interest in enjoying the scenery. The once captivating sights now seemed mundane, stripped of their previous allure.
Bochang sauntered leisurely.
Given the generous rewards at stake,
if not purely for convenience, completing this task might require considerable effort.
I wonder how long I need to wander here. Will someone attack me soon? If so...who could it be?
Bochang couldn't be certain, but he felt that Xianzhou Luofu should still be relatively safe at this time, as long as he avoided hazardous areas.
Guided by intuition for half an hour,
Bochang reached the edge of the public square.
This area was close to the Palace of Astrum.
[Rewards being distributed—Congratulations! Your physique has been increased by 100%.]
Bochang paused, gazing at the twinkling stars above while sensing a warm flow within his body. He felt an overwhelming sense of joy and satisfaction.
Taking a deep breath, Bochang's gaze lowered, focusing on the solitary figure staring into the sky ahead.