Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

The grandiose entrance of the Diviner Fu Xuan elicited a variety of reactions from the group.

March 7th immediately imagined Uncle Yang making such a dramatic entrance someday. Stelle resolved to try it herself in the future. Welt's eyes sparkled, already envisioning how this scene could be incorporated into his next animation project.

Even Venti, who had been entirely unserious up to this point, straightened up, adopting a more respectful demeanor. It wasn't that he was awestruck—he simply recognized that putting on airs would be inappropriate, especially considering they might need her help later.

Still, imagining him playing the part of a dignified figure was almost comical. Pretending to be the Elven Princess earlier had already pushed him to his limits.

Fu Xuan, meanwhile, quietly observed the group's reactions and found herself pleased with their apparent politeness.

"Members of the Astral Express, we meet at last. Or rather, I should say, I've seen you already—in my visions," Fu Xuan began. Her small stature was more than compensated by her commanding presence. With every word, she drew their full attention, bowing slightly in greeting."

"I am Fu Xuan, Diviner of the Xianzhou Luofu and one of the Six Charioteers. Welcome. I would offer a proper toast to our guests from afar, but alas, the heavens, earth, and humanity are misaligned today. Let us delay such courtesies for a more auspicious time and focus on the matter at hand."

Yukong stepped forward, intending to speak, but Fu Xuan's stern gaze made her hesitate. Instead, Yukong straightened her posture and nodded apologetically to the Trailblazers before standing aside.

"First, regarding the Navigator's death," Fu Xuan continued. "I have already used the Eye of Insight to divine the truth. It is clear that you are not involved.

"Yukong's unorthodox methods in pursuing the Stellaron Hunters were ill-advised and caused you undue trouble. On behalf of the General, I offer our apologies. The Six Charioteers will issue an official statement to clear your name as soon as possible."

Though it was evident Yukong's reputation would take a hit from this incident, she didn't seem to mind. Bowing deeply, she offered her own apology.

"I am sorry. My grief over my friend's death clouded my judgment, leaving me no choice but to resort to such tactics. I will personally explain the matter to the General and accept whatever consequences are due."

March 7th, initially resentful of Yukong's actions, found her feelings unexpectedly complicated. She wasn't oblivious to the complexities of the adult world, where right and wrong were seldom clear-cut.

From Yukong's perspective, her actions were understandable. From the Trailblazers' perspective, forgiveness was optional, something entirely within their discretion.

Even Welt refrained from passing judgment, letting the younger members decide for themselves. Stelle said nothing, appearing indifferent, while Venti waved dismissively, his earlier indulgence in the starskiff's liquor leaving him in an unbothered mood.

Seeing no signs of anger or protest from the group, Fu Xuan's demeanor softened.

"Of course, we will also provide compensation for the trouble caused. On a personal note, I can offer a divination for your benefit, so long as it doesn't violate the three prohibitions of the art."

"Thank you, Diviner. We would be grateful," Welt replied, speaking for the group.

There was no point in pressing the issue further. Dwelling on it would only strain their relationship with the Xianzhou. Besides, the Astral Express had its own reasons to maintain amicable ties.

"This matter is settled for now," Fu Xuan declared. Turning to Yukong, she continued, "Navigator Yukong, return to the Sky-Faring Commission and restore order there. The Stellaron Hunter's interrogation will be handled by the Divination Commission. Do not refuse. I have the General's authorization here; you may leave immediately."

Though Yukong's reluctance was plain, she didn't resist the command. There were limits to how far one could push under the banner of "unresolved feelings." Persisting would harm not just herself but the reputation of the entire Sky-Faring Commission.

The once-proud foxian sighed, her sorrowful gaze lingering on the Trailblazers for a moment. Finally, she slung her bow over her shoulder and departed with deliberate grace.

Her departure left an impression. Gone was the cold, aloof figure they had first met. In her place was someone deeply human, her grief laid bare for all to see.

The group didn't linger on her fate, choosing instead to focus on the pressing matter at hand. Welt took the lead.

"Diviner Fu Xuan, the General promised to share information with us."

"Yes, he did," Fu Xuan confirmed. "Before I left, he instructed me to honor that promise. You will have access to the results of Kafka's interrogation."

Though some of the details were bound to be sensitive, Fu Xuan wasn't the type to nitpick over protocol. With Welt's expertise and eventual collaboration with the Divination Commission in mind, she reasoned it was better for him to familiarize himself with their methods sooner rather than later.

March 7th, however, couldn't resist teasing.

"Can't we interrogate her right here? The Stellaron Hunters are slippery—you wouldn't want her escaping again, would you?"

Her words drew everyone's gaze toward Kafka, who stood calmly nearby, her smile as poised as ever. Even when she met Stelle's wary stare, her expression softened, as if looking at someone familiar.

Stelle's doubts about their connection resurfaced. Kafka's gaze didn't feel like one directed at a mere pawn. It reminded Stelle of how Zaruyas and Fina had looked at the children in the orphanage.

Could they be related? But the hair color doesn't match…

While Stelle wrestled with her thoughts, Fu Xuan cleared her throat, speaking firmly.

"With me here, she won't escape. Besides, the only place capable of prying the truth from a Stellaron Hunter like her is the Divination Commission."

Ordinary interrogation methods wouldn't work on someone like Kafka. Even if she cooperated, her word-binding abilities meant that distinguishing truth from deception was nearly impossible.

Allowing her to mislead her captors, intentionally or otherwise, would be a grave error. As such, the Xianzhou had developed unconventional methods to ensure compliance—methods that, while morally questionable, were justified by the stakes.

"The auspicious time is upon us," Fu Xuan announced. "It's time we depart."

She gestured toward a nearby starskiff, its sleek form waiting to ferry them to their destination.

Despite her dramatic arrival earlier, Fu Xuan knew better than to transport everyone by herself. Such displays might be eye-catching but were impractical and against protocol.

As the starskiff began its journey, Fu Xuan's expression darkened, her petite frame emanating an aura of frustration.

"Why does the Diviner look so upset?" March 7th whispered to the others.

Finally sobered up, Venti offered a plausible guess. "It's probably because of the malfunctioning Sky-Scryer."

"Wait, how do you even know about that?" Fu Xuan shot him a curious look.

"Hehe, I saw Miss Tingyun using it once. It seemed interesting, so I remembered," Venti replied with a grin.

His easygoing demeanor gave Fu Xuan a moment of déjà vu—he bore an uncanny resemblance to Jing Yuan, especially with that lazy, laid-back attitude.

No wonder Jing Yuan seemed to think so highly of him...

Fu Xuan's irritation seemed to abate slightly as she adjusted the starskiff's automated navigation. The destination changed to Changle Sky, and with that task done, she turned toward Venti. Her delicate features carried a hint of curiosity.

"So, it seems you have a sharp memory and quick understanding. Have you ever heard of the Jade Pavilion's 'Astrology'?"

"How could I not? I'm a bard, after all! I might not know everything, but I've heard quite a lot," Venti replied with pride, his grin infectious.

Fu Xuan's lips curved upward faintly. She found him more intriguing than she had expected.

When she had first heard about him from Jing Yuan, she had nearly exploded with frustration. The situation reeked of trouble—but her own curiosity had driven her to divination, only to be met with a startling result.

Nothing.

Her attempts to divine him yielded no clarity, no threads of fate to follow. That kind of blank slate was a rarity.

For most people, their life's trajectory—despite its many possibilities—became increasingly predictable with age. Their personality, behavior, and decision-making formed a coherent pattern over time. Predictions grew more precise as those patterns solidified.

Fu Xuan did not believe in absolute determinism; she despised fatalistic resignation. She had spent her life proving that fate could be rewritten, that prophecy was not immutable.

Now, she understood the nuances of accepting one's destiny versus yielding to it. But the key to altering fate still eluded her.

Her gaze fell on Venti and Stelle, standing before her.

Their fates were an enigma—fragmented and unreadable, devoid of the usual threads that marked a person's journey through life. She couldn't see where they were headed, whether they'd walk divergent paths or face the future together. The mystery gnawed at her.

Driven by curiosity, Fu Xuan decided to try another divination.

Snap.

Pain shot through her forehead as her Eye of Insight flared to life. A sudden gust of wind tore through the starskiff's cabin, scattering everything in its path.

"Ahhh—!"

"What the heck! My clothes!" March 7th wailed as her outfit was swept into disarray.

While Fu Xuan winced in pain, March 7th's predicament elicited muffled laughter from the others. The wind dissipated as quickly as it had come, but March 7th spun toward Venti, pointing an accusatory finger.

"Hey! You're not messing with me on purpose, are you?!"

Her suspicion wasn't entirely baseless. During their last journey, Venti had dried her clothes with his Anemo powers—but the process had been so awkward, with him blowing air toward her relentlessly, that March 7th was left mortified.

The lingering embarrassment explained why she had taken her time catching up earlier.

Though her puffed cheeks and fiery glare made her look undeniably cute, Venti looked genuinely wronged. Casting a pleading glance at Fu Xuan, he muttered, "This wasn't my fault. It was her doing."

"Her?" March 7th frowned skeptically but glanced at Fu Xuan, who still appeared somewhat disoriented. Given how the proud Diviner now seemed weakened, it wasn't impossible.

After all, Xianzhou wisdom often warned of the dangers of revealing celestial secrets. The more powerful the diviner, the greater the toll on their body and spirit.

It didn't seem like an exaggeration. Fu Xuan's current state suggested a high cost for trying to read someone like Venti.

Did I wrong him again? March 7th thought with growing guilt.

As she mulled over how to defuse the situation, Fu Xuan finally steadied herself. Still catching her breath, she admitted, "Yes… I was attempting to divine him just now."

Welt, who had just cleaned his glasses and returned them to his face, perked up with interest.

"Oh? And what did you see?"

"Nothing."

Fu Xuan held her pale forehead, her gaze tinged with frustration as it landed on Venti.

"All I got was pain. No vision, no insights. Tell me… are you truly human?"

"As human as they come, Diviner," Venti said with mock seriousness, thumping his chest for emphasis. "I'm lazy, I love naps, I'm a fan of slacking off, I enjoy drinking, playing the lyre, and singing. Totally normal, see?"

Fu Xuan squinted at him, unconvinced. "And what about your companion? My Eye of Insight doesn't work on her either."

She turned her bemused gaze to Stelle, who blinked in surprise. Looking around at her friends for confirmation, she scratched her head.

"Me? Uh… well, I like eating. Does that count?"

"You're human! Of course, you're human!" March 7th interjected, pinching Stelle's cheeks as if to prove a point.

The warmth of her skin, the soft feel of her face, and the breath tickling March 7th's fingers left no room for doubt.

Fu Xuan watched their playful exchange, her initial frustration softening into a pensive calm. Her Eye of Insight, dimmed and quiet, offered no answers. She lowered her hand and spoke with a measured tone.

"Very well. I'll trust you. But it seems we have a problem. The starskiff cannot proceed directly to the Divination Commission for now."

"What happened?" March 7th asked nervously. "Don't tell me we have to pay for damages…"

Fu Xuan shook her head with a weary sigh.

"Of course not. Do you think the Divination Commission would demand compensation for a failed reading? Still, without me overseeing operations, I fear the chaos in the Commission is only growing worse."

"Do you need help?" Venti offered, stepping closer. His sudden proximity startled Fu Xuan, and her flustered reaction brought a faint blush to her cheeks.

Shaking off her embarrassment, she shooed him back with a stern look.

"—As a matter of fact," she began, regaining her composure, "there is something you could help with."

---

Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!

Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].

Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?

Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!

— Furina ✨