Crossover Shipgirls: Building a Dimensional Empire from Scratch

”Oh...”

Led by Ereshkigal, Tingyun and Sushang toured the Underworld with utterly bewildered expressions.

The Underworld Palace of the Goddess of the Underworld was essentially Ereshkigal’s private residence. It was nothing like the gloomy, sinister realm of the dead described in traditional legends.

”That’s a stereotype! A stereotype!”

”If you stay in a place without sunlight all day, your mental state will suffer, okay?!”

Ereshkigal protested.

”...”

Tingyun pondered for a moment. Indeed, the members of the Ten-Lords Commission of the Xianzhou Alliance were, more or less, somewhat... eccentric.

”Then who are they?”

She looked toward a group of little lolis nearby.

”They’re all from the Research Division. Sigh, ever since the Underworld was established, these little troublemakers have become more and more of a headache.”

Ereshkigal took a sip of juice and let out a sigh.

”They dare to conduct all kinds of dangerous experiments and even call it gathering first-hand, accurate data.”

”The result? Every few days one of them gets vaporized by a Matter Decompressor, annihilated by high-energy particles, or falls into a black hole... ah...”

As she spoke, she knocked one of the little lolis on the head.

”Be more careful next time!”

”Okay!”

The loli held her head and agreed.

Though most likely, she would do it again.

”...”

Tingyun watched in amazement.

The Starsea Empire had not only achieved true immortality, it had completely erased any fear of death.

In ancient legends, when a person died, they would descend to hell. According to the good and evil deeds of their life, they would receive rewards or punishment, determining the cycle of their next reincarnation.

By emphasizing the terror of hell, believers were encouraged to do good.

But what if you were told that after death, a beautiful blonde girl with twin ponytails would personally come to greet you, invite you to a place filled with birdsong and blooming flowers, and chat over tea?

And if you wished to revive, you only needed to say the word.

What, then, was there to fear about death? In the Starsea Empire, it was merely another state of life.

”Is this place only accessible to the dead?”

The moment Tingyun asked, she realized it might be a foolish question.

”Not entirely. You can come down directly as well, but an ordinary person’s physical body would be eroded by the Underworld. Aside from my Master and a few exceptional individuals, it’s hard to resist.”

Ereshkigal answered.

”Oh... the Sacrosanct truly possesses astonishing divine might.”

Tingyun nodded and silently took note.

It made sense. Even the Goddess of the Underworld was Setsuna’s subordinate. Naturally, he could freely enter and leave the Underworld.

In Tingyun’s eyes, Setsuna had already become a transcendent existence capable of traversing both the realms of yin and yang. She regarded him with deep reverence.

At this level, he was far beyond anything a Xianzhou general or alliance marshal could compare to.

”The special treatment you receive down here is something ordinary people don’t get. They can only remain in the Underworld. The Underworld Palace is open only to my Master and local residents.”

Ereshkigal wagged her finger.

”Does the Sacrosanct also govern life and death in other worlds?”

Tingyun was even more astonished.

”Mm-hm. I have plans to establish Underworld branches in other universes. This is just the prototype of the Starsea Empire’s underworld. It hasn’t been around for very long.”

Ereshkigal looked proud.

”My Master said that in the future, I’ll oversee the cycle of life and death across all worlds.”

Though the power systems of the myriad worlds might differ, life and death were always matters of the highest importance.

In a certain sense, Ereshkigal was the most suitable goddess to expand her authority outward. Setsuna had also provided her Underworld with considerable resources.

”Hiss—”

Tingyun froze.

The Ten-Lords Commission was already stretched thin just managing the Xianzhou. Yet the Starsea Empire spoke of governing the life and death of all worlds.

For the first time, she truly grasped the ambition and grandeur of this super-civilization.

”Then what you mentioned earlier, about expanding the Underworld and exchanging with the Ten-Lords Commission... is that...?”

”That... you can ask my Master when you return. I can’t explain it clearly in just a few sentences.”

Ereshkigal smiled.

”If you wish to explore the Underworld, please feel free.”

”You may stay for a while if you’d like. Your bodies will be preserved by Mobius’ assistant. Don’t worry, she has experience.”

Nearby, Mobius was still earnestly explaining her latest plan to Ereshkigal.

”So, can I move my laboratory into the Underworld as well? That would simplify the process and improve experimental efficiency...”

”Absolutely not! How about you stop conducting those weird experiments on yourself?! Ugh, I’m reporting this to my Master!!...”

”...”

Tingyun wanted to say that this so-called experience sounded extremely suspicious.

Out of curiosity, she followed Sushang to wander around the Underworld.

Ereshkigal’s Underworld Palace was practically a miniature city.

Bulins and Angeloids were everywhere. Inside the houses were piles of game consoles, holographic projectors, and snacks.

”The vast universe truly holds all wonders. This humble lady has broadened her horizons...”

She thought of how she was the first person from the Xianzhou to enter and exit the Underworld, and felt a trace of pride.

After strolling through the palace and enjoying some pastries with Mobius and Ereshkigal—

”Report. Data analysis has been completed in full, including that of Miss Tingyun and Miss Sushang.”

Mobius’ assistant transmitted a message.

”Oh, we can head back now.”

Mobius glanced at the report, thoroughly satisfied.

”Very well, everyone. I’ll send you back. See you next time.”

Ereshkigal snapped her fingers.

Snap!—

The souls of the three were released from the Underworld Palace.

Their vision blurred.

Tingyun felt herself instantly pulled upward.

In the blink of an eye—

”Haaah—!!”

She jolted upright on the laboratory table as though rising from a near-death illness.

Tingyun and Sushang touched their faces, then pinched their arms. It hurt.

As though they had just woken from a dream.

Mobius seemed completely used to it. She hopped down from the table and immediately went off with her assistant to process the data.

”Uh... my head feels a little dizzy?”

Sushang rubbed her forehead.

”The first time is always like that. You’ll get used to it after a few more visits.”

”Eh? This humble lady is timid. Once is more than enough, truly...”

...

Two hours later, they met Setsuna again.

”You’ve toured the other worlds of the Starsea Empire and the Underworld. What do you think?”

”Mm...”

Tingyun paused.

”Reporting to the Sacrosanct, this humble lady finds this place utterly incredible... The Empire’s territory surpasses that of the Xianzhou Alliance—no, it surpasses any world this humble lady has ever seen before.”

”Furthermore, the Starsea Empire has completely transcended the cycle of life and death. Even the emperors of ancient kingdoms could not achieve such a grand feat.”

”If the people of the Xianzhou and the outworlders were to learn of this, they would likely crawl in on their knees just to enter, would they not?”

As a Xianzhou native, what shocked her most was that the Starsea Empire had truly realized immortality and possessed unimaginable methods to reverse life and death.

”The homeland of the Starsea Empire isn’t so easy to enter. Only those who are invited may reach it.”

Setsuna said with a smile.

”When this humble lady met the Goddess of the Underworld earlier, she mentioned that the Sacrosanct has other plans for the Underworld. Might I ask what those are...?”

Tingyun recalled the important matter.

”Ereshkigal’s Underworld will expand into the myriad worlds in the future, including your own.”

Setsuna spoke calmly.

”I hope she can cooperate with the Ten-Lords Commission. Starting with the Xianzhou as the origin point, we will construct and expand the Underworld’s domain.”

”She and Mobius can help the Xianzhou resolve the issue of mara. The judges within the Ten-Lords Commission would also be well-suited for the Underworld, wouldn’t they?”

”Ah?!”

Tingyun was stunned.

”The Sacrosanct means... you wish for the Starsea Empire’s Underworld to govern the cycle of life and death for the Xianzhou?”

”Not only that. The Xianzhou is merely a starting point. This will have to proceed gradually.”

Setsuna smiled.

”I said before—the Underworld will one day oversee the life and death of all worlds.”

”Of course, the Underworld rebuilt within the Xianzhou cannot offer unconditional resurrection and reincarnation like the Starsea Empire’s homeland. Its function will be closer to the traditional concept of the underworld.”

”This...”

Tingyun’s mind struggled to process it.

It sounded like the Xianzhou would share the Ten-Lords Commission’s authority over life and death with Ereshkigal, while the Starsea Empire would help resolve the mara issue.

Like a cooperation agreement... yet somewhat peculiar.

”You wish to establish a new underworld system in that universe as well? This...”

Tingyun still did not fully grasp Setsuna’s intention.

”The Goddess of the Underworld is born with authority over life and death. She can be said to embody a concept itself.”

”Unfortunately, Ereshkigal is still somewhat weak. In that case, why not conduct an experiment and let her attempt to wield Imaginary power...?”

Setsuna lightly tapped the table.

”!!!”

Tingyun understood.

He intended for her to do what Grey had done.

To grasp Imaginary energy, open a Path, and elevate herself.

The Xianzhou would be her first step.

The Starsea Empire intended to create new Aeons.

And not just one.

”This matter is of great importance. This humble lady has no authority to make a personal decision.”

”When we return to the Xianzhou to report our mission, I will personally submit this matter to the Xianzhou Alliance.”

Tingyun’s expression was solemn as she bowed to Setsuna.

The Ten-Lords Commission held an extraordinary status within the Xianzhou and was not subject to the Six Charioteers.

Allowing a new deity to take over the system governing life and death was absolutely a major issue. It required collective deliberation by the Alliance.

She would also need to carefully consider her wording when reporting this to the higher authorities.

Moreover, the proposal to reconstruct the cycle of life and death and eliminate the threat of mara was indeed highly appealing.

”No matter. You may continue to look around the Starsea Empire.”

”As for the specific details, Ereshkigal will discuss them with you.”

Setsuna said.

To maintain the balance between life and death, each world’s Underworld should operate under different rules.

The specific details—how exactly to govern the Underworld within the Honkai: Star Rail universe—would be the responsibility of Ereshkigal and the Ten-Lords Commission.

He found Hanya, Xueyi, and Huohuo quite adorable. As judges, they would pair well with the Goddess of the Underworld.

It would be perfect to form a group and enrich the Underworld’s forces within the Starsea Empire.

Otherwise, Ereshkigal would end up like a lone commander, relying solely on artificial intelligence to do all the work.

”Ah... This humble lady originally thought this trip would involve discussing ordinary trade matters. I never expected to be handed something so extraordinary first...”

Tingyun’s ears twitched as she sighed.

The Luofu had appointed her to lead the delegation for two reasons. First, to promote exchanges with the Starsea Empire and understand this unfamiliar nation.

Second, they valued her keen intuition and hoped she could procure some valuable goods or advanced equipment.

Yet after merely touring the Starsea Empire once, she had already been given an unfathomable proposal.

”Don’t worry. Normal trade activities won’t be lacking either.”

Setsuna snapped his fingers, summoning Sophon.

”You may continue exploring. The Starsea Empire embraces all things. With your eye, you should be able to discover some worthwhile goods.”

”Additionally, I will notify the Life Sciences Division to prepare genetic enhancement surgery for you. Consider it a small benefit for assisting Mobius with her experiments.”

”Thank you for your generosity, the Sacrosanct.”

Tingyun was pleasantly surprised.

If acting as a lab rat could earn one a free genetic enhancement, ordinary people would probably crowd the entrance of the Life Sciences Division.

Of course, that was assuming the Goddess of the Underworld would pull you back up afterward.

...

”Phew—”

Tingyun and Sushang stepped out of the administrative center and took a deep breath.

Only after seeing blue skies and white clouds again did they realize they had died and returned to life not long ago.

”This Starsea Empire is truly marvelous. I remember an old Xianzhou saying—once a person dies, they cannot... cannot what again?”

Sushang scratched her head.

”Once a person dies, they cannot be revived. That does not apply here.”

Tingyun recorded a long list of observations in her memo.

Such a bizarre experience would likely cause upheaval if spoken of openly within the Xianzhou.

She would have to wait until she returned to formally report before explaining everything to the higher-ups in person.

After finishing the serious discussion, she relaxed somewhat.

”I plan to visit the Starsea Empire’s commercial district. There are quite a few novel items there. If the Luofu imports some of them, it would surely bring considerable profit.”

”Do you have anything you wish to do?”

”Mm...”

Sushang thought for a moment. Tingyun was going to handle procurement. She likely would not be of much help.

”Well... I’ll just look around on my own? If anyone needs help, Sushang can lend a hand.”

Carrying her greatsword on her back, she wandered through the capital.

Past bustling streets, garrisons of various squads with distinct styles, and lively schools...

Unlike Tingyun, the girl was not entirely at ease. In an unfamiliar environment, she felt somewhat nervous.

She walked, paused, and looked around curiously.

Passing shipgirls who found her unfamiliar would occasionally stuff small snacks into her hands or give her a ride.

Before she realized it, she reached a corner of the capital.

Looking up, she saw a mountain shrouded in mist before her. A winding path led upward, flanked on both sides by lush forest.

”Why is there a mountain here?”

Sushang looked left and right. The Starsea Empire’s capital was built upon a plain. A mountain suddenly rising here felt distinctly out of place.

She took out her tablet and checked the information.

”Hm? Mount Taixuan? It was artificially constructed here by the Starsea Empire? ...”

”Ah?...”

She perked up and began climbing.

The mountain was not particularly tall. After about half an hour, she reached a platform midway up the slope.

A small squad of girls dressed in similar short traditional outfits was practicing sword techniques within a training ground.

They varied in age. Some were older, some younger. A few little lolis had also come to train their bodies. All wore the same uniform.

”Watch carefully. I will demonstrate once more.”

At the front stood a gray-haired, green-eyed girl dressed in Yunmo Danxin attire. Holding a sword in one hand, she recited an incantation.

The heavens and earth changed color in an instant.

”The divine is the ultimate transformation, the subtle speech of all things—beyond the grasp of form... This sword is space itself. Therefore, it is everywhere and unstoppable.”

Boom—

From within the rolling crimson clouds above, a resplendent golden sword suddenly pierced downward.

Sword energy scattered in all directions. Though devoid of killing intent, its might was still capable of shattering heaven and earth, sending the birds and beasts of the forest fleeing in panic.

Sushang practiced swordsmanship daily. Instinctively, she sensed that this move bore countless threads of connection to the Taixu Form she herself used.

”So amazing!”

She stared in awe and could not help but applaud.

”Hm? Who are you?”

Fu Hua who had been teaching turned her head and saw Sushang, looking slightly puzzled.

”Ah, my name is Li Sushang. I’m from the Yaoqing—no, from the Xianzhou delegation stationed in the Starsea Empire.”

Sushang stumbled through her introduction.

”Hm?”

Fu Hua sized her up from head to toe.

The greatsword on Sushang’s back was unmistakably the Xuanyuan Sword.

”I know of you—the delegation from another world. You also cultivate the Edge of Taixuan?”

”You know about that too?!”

Sushang jumped in surprise.

”To what stage have you cultivated the Five Aggregates of Taixu? Would you care to spar with me?”

Fu Hua had developed strong interest in this girl from another world who also used the Edge of Taixuan.

”Alright! Is this a friendly match?”

Sushang eagerly took her position opposite Fu Hua on the training ground, assuming a stance.

”Then Sushang shall offend!”

”Please.”

Fu Hua gestured for her to attack first.

Sushang lifted her greatsword with both hands, somewhat straining.

Gathering her strength, she unleashed her most powerful move.

”Take this—Taixu Form!”

”Phoenix, manifest!!”

Buzz—

Golden light burst from the blade. Energy condensed and gathered before her.

Fu Hua, along with Akame, Kurome, and the Butterfly sisters who cultivated Taixuan Eminence, watched without blinking.

”Condensing sword energy into form? Is this the ability of Divine Manifestation?”

Rumble!!—

A massive, plump bird—bearing some resemblance to a Manjuu—was summoned, charging fiercely toward Fu Hua.

”Chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp!!—”

It leapt into the air, its rotund body blotting out the sunlight overhead.

The disciples of Mount Taixuan stared in stunned silence as the round ”phoenix” traced a graceful arc through the sky.

After performing two and a half midair spins, it descended toward Fu Hua with its rear aimed squarely at her.

”???”

Fu Hua was horrified.

She drew the Xuanyuan Sword, mobilized Honkai energy, and shattered the mysterious object with a single strike.

Honkai energy scattered through the air as she instinctively used more force than intended.

She was familiar with many techniques of shaping sword energy. When she heard the word ”phoenix,” she had even been momentarily startled.

But what in the world was that?!

”...”

A deathly silence blanketed Mount Taixuan.

Whether it was Fu Hua, the ordinary girls cultivating Taixuan Eminence, or the little lolis who had come to exercise, everyone fell silent.

”Well?”

Sushang wiped the sweat from her brow, waiting expectantly for feedback.

”...”

Fu Hua looked at the innocent girl before her, then at the Xuanyuan Sword in her hands, hesitating to speak.

”You... perhaps practice a bit more?”

”Also, when you’re outside, could you avoid saying you cultivate the Edge of Taixuan?”

—

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