Guinaifen

An outworlder who ended up residing on the Xianzhou by accident. She is now a passionate and vivacious street performer.

With her real name being Guinevere, Guinaifen is the Xianzhou name given to her by her good friend Sushang.

Faced with a whole new life on the Luofu and relying on her adoration of Xianzhou culture, Guinaifen quickly learned skills that would keep her clothed and fed — such as slurping noodles in a handstand, smashing slabs without harming the people it was placed upon, catching bullets with bare hands, and so on.

Hello~ Hello~ Can you hear me? Good evening fam! And welcome to Little Gui's stream~

Thank you BigFlowa_49886 for the super chat! "Little Gui, you haven't streamed for more than half a month again. Are you not taking this seriously anymore?" No way! I just have a lot going on IRL these days and yeah, I haven't streamed for quite a bit. I'm sowwy~ The stuff I ran into IRL is actually pretty fun. But that's a topic for another day.

As for today, just like what I wrote in the title of the stream, it's "Music night! Little Gui singing Xianzhou folk songs!"

Anyways, I feel stuff like acrobatics is better for offline stuff, so I'm gonna try streaming some folk music. Just testing the waters today~ If you like the stream, remember to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE! If you wanna send a gift or a super chat, you'll get to take part in the prize-draw for this stream!

Thank you MilkyPowderdurdar for the super chat! "I love to watch everything you stream, Little Gui." Powderdurdar, you are the best! Don't you leave the stream until I'm done tonight! Mwah~!

*cough*... Lemme adjust the audio... One two three one two three pray on a tree... Alright! Now for some vocal exercises! I wrote all the lyrics for the doggerel tonight!

Long time no see, Aurum Alley glee. Changed so neat, what a feat!

Streets got fame, beauty is the same.

My neighbors be healthy, my friends be wealthy.

Here I am, my kuaiban clang, please check out my new song slam.

Gimme a cheer, and the coast gets clear. Toss me strales, and life never fails.

No time for gods and monsters, no talk of Reignbow Arbiters.

Only story here is the Little Gui, coming and going which way.

As a child, Guinevere's entire world was the Lord Protector's mansion and the bustling streets before its doors.

Her teachers said that her family has a long and distinguished history, and even this mansion has stood for a few Amber Eras. However, time did not seem to leave any traces on its stones. As if it stood apart from the rules of time and space, it forever protected this family in eternal peace and joy.

Her father trained Guinevere's eldest brother, second-eldest brother, and eldest sister in politics. He wished to hand the future of this planet to one of the three. As for Guinevere and her younger siblings... He only wished they would have a quiet and happy life in this tranquil paradise.

Guinevere loved her father. He was as terrifying as a ridge-tailed python when facing his political enemies. Yet in her presence, he softened and became warm and cozy, like a big fuzzy mountain hare.

She remembered that her father would do anything for her. He would even willingly play the role of an earth spirit to be struck down by Guinevere, the heroine, at her birthday party. The birthday parties of upper-class children would often have the family's enemies turn up as well — However, her father didn't care at all about being a laughingstock for all the attendees. He was happy as long as she could be happy.

Then, Guinevere grew up a bit. She started to hear rumors — How her father made the king a puppet, persecuted the honest courtiers, and gluttonously gained riches... She was willing to believe that all these were lies spread by his enemies. However, she knew not all of them were lies.

Soon, however, these concerns ceased to matter.

Everything changed when the Antimatter Legion attacked. Her father led the army to protect the royal capital, refusing to back down. Guinevere fainted when she heard the news of his death. She was already sitting inside a space shuttle when she woke up again. Her younger siblings were sobbing next to her, while her eldest brother and eldest sister were bound tightly in ropes. Her second-eldest brother said to her in a despondent tone, "Don't untie them just yet. They are still trying to go back."

Guinevere looked outside the window. Her mother was dressed in armor and had her back turned to the space shuttle slowly lifting off, taking command of servants who were still willing to fight. Further away, the Voidrangers were tearing apart the Lord Protector's mansion. Even further, entire streets were on fire, with charred corpses scattered everywhere like heaps of soil.

For little Guinevere, it was like her entire world had been erased from the cosmos.

My home world, Court Camelot. My siblings, a dozen lot.

Our days, peace and joy to boot. Until Ruin Author led woes afoot.

Nation breached, arms they took. Legion marched, defiant we stood.

We siblings escaped without a root, into an IPC mine all covered in soot.

Meager scraps are what we fetch, homeless and foodless at a stretch.

Eldest brother, timid once was. Back-breaking work, to piracy he was forced.

Mercantile he waylaid, genteel he relayed. Hero among bandits, loots for people's benefits.

Hundreds of poor he led, us siblings he fed.

When Guinevere was young, her father always told her that humans should live with dignity. However, who could manage that on Hombert-σ?

It was a barren planet. Primitive algae, fungi, and lichen maintained an atmosphere barely able to support animal life. Among the endemic species that stubbornly proliferated in that world, almost all of them existed as genuine threats to humanity.

Had the Interastral Peace Corporation not discovered the mineral ores hidden in the heart of this planet, no humans would have wanted to move here anyways.

Guinevere passed all of her teenage years on this poverty-stricken planet.

She was good at making friends and was on good terms with the other kids. The son of the poor man, the daughter of the refugee, the brother of the gambler, or the sister of the murderer... Guinevere did not care about people's background. No matter what kind of families people are from, they were equally at risk of perishing before the arrival of tomorrow on this planet.

The IPC didn't keep a tight eye on this place. Except for those with debts or criminal charges, the IPC didn't limit the workers' freedom as long as they paid their taxes. However, if they did pay their taxes, they might not have enough money left to even buy a drink at the town's bar.

Her father was the most reliable backbone of the family back home. Now that both father and home were lost, the duty of looking after the family fell on the shoulders of the only senior in the group — the Stone-Wall Knight. Back when they had to flee their home, the mother sternly demanded that this loyal old knight escape with the children, while she stayed behind in their homeland to watch over the last speck of dust on their barren planet.

The old knight was once her father's closest playmate, then her father's most courageous comrade in battle, then her father's most loyal servant. And now... he became another "father" for the children. Guinevere didn't manage to remember his real name even till the end. She was more familiar with the knight's other name — Uncle Stone-Wall.

A dozen starving children made their dwindling finances even worse. After a night of arguments, Stone-Wall reluctantly agreed to have the three eldest children go to work in the mines with him. However, no matter how much Guinevere begged, he refused to let her go with them.

Night after night passed. Stone-Wall grew old and withered. His lungs became full of incurable scars, and his spine no longer stood as tall as in years past. His hands, once able to swing a kinetic hammer majestically on the battlefield, have been deformed till he could no longer hold a spoon.

Soon, he died.

The stone wall fell. It fell before the dawn arrived, and it didn't make a single sound. It was like a sand castle receding as the tides swelled and fell, like the soft descent of winter's withered boughs in a breeze, like an ending doomed to arrive.

Only a world of hoarfrost exists beyond the stone wall.

Her elder brothers soon became interstellar pirates. Guinevere can fill her stomach again. However, she was also faintly aware that she had further strayed from her father's creed and embarked on a life even less respectable.

Therefore, when the IPC's soldiers put cuffs on Guinevere and handed her over to the Cloud Knights together with her younger siblings, she breathed a long sigh of relief.

People all claim the folks of the Xianzhou are very kind. She thought that the Cloud Knights would definitely allow her entire family to die together in dignity.

Folly befell my brother's mind. A Xianzhou ship, his raid entwined

Those of Xianzhou, just and upright. Thunder and storm, willed in their might.

To Xianzhou, my brother offered compliance. For us siblings, he pleaded forbearance.

Xianzhou knights, blessed with grace. Xianzhou fleet, we get to embrace.

Our brother pardoned, our burdens lessened.

To the school, our young'uns go. Teaching skills was my dear Ms. Yo.

A future elsewhere, brother urged me to prepare. Gratitude to pay, I chose here to stay.

In Aurum Alley I shine. Fame and fortune, I'm fine.

"Sorry, sorry! I ran into someone who was injured, so I got here later than I thought — Ah. Little Gui, you're still singing? Then I'll shut up."

"Yo! Shangshang is here! Fam, lemme introduce her to y'all. She's our surprise guest tonight! The Cloud Knights' genius newcomer — Ms. Sushang! C'mon fam, post in the chat 'welcome Ms. Sushang'~"

"H—Hello everyone. I'm Sushang... Stop with the 'genius newcomer' thing! Don't make me seem more than what I am. My boss is gonna give me an earful if they hear about it."

"Just gimme a sec here, Shangshang. My doggerel is just missing its last bit. You're here right on time since it's all about you~"

Then a thug crossed my path, a timely heroine dealt with his wrath.

You may ask, which heroine could it be? And I answer, Li Sushang, you see.

Ever since then, I'm no longer alone. With a heroine like her, I have a much livelier tone.

And I have fans in a throng, enjoying my awesome song.

My fans whom I adore, always ask for more.

But my story runs too long, I can't go on and on.

Let's wrap it up for now, if you allow, I'll save it for another wow.

"Nice! Nice! Let's all give it up for Little Gui, everyone! But... I don't quite remember this heroic feat?"

"Mr. Xiyan told me that stories featuring damsel-in-distress scenarios are popular, hence my decision to write it this way. If it's not to your liking.... Thank you CatEmanator8190 for the Diting Storm gift! Thanks so much!"

"Thank you so much! ...It doesn't matter how you write it! The stuff you do are all fun anyways."

"Alrighty. Now that Shang-Shang is here, let's do the Show-Show! We can now finally present the duo skit we've been practicing for a long time~ Here, Shangshang, gimme the chordophone. I, Little Gui, is now gonna sing Teng Xiao Slaying the Serpent!"

"This section isn't easy to perform."

"True. Any expert here would know that Teng Xiao Slaying the Serpent has singing, music, and fight scenes. One person can't do it all."

"And that is why I'm here! So how do you want to do this?"

"Simple~ Today I'm gonna play the role of Teng Xiao, the previous Luofu general. I'll bring peace to the nation and all shall bow before my majesty."

"And me?"

"You'll play the serpent getting slain! Where are you going, puny snake? Eat~ My~ Sword~"

"Ahh! It hurts... Guinaifen! I've had enough of you!"

First Meeting: My name is Guinaifen! "Gui" means wood, "Nai" means to exist, and "Fen" means fragrant — rolls right off the tongue, doesn't it? I usually do juggling performances on this side of Exalting Sanctum. Remember to come see the show when you have the chance~

Greeting: Geez, why do I feel like I haven't seen you in a long time? What? You saw me yesterday? Ah — a day without seeing you feels like three years!

Parting: See you next time! I'll save you a front-row seat. Oh, uh, it's a makeshift outdoor stand, "front-row" sounds a little fancy...

About Self: Name: My real name is Guinevere. Guinaifen is the Xianzhou name Shangshang gave me. Who is Shangshang you ask? She's my best friend — Sushang the Cloud Knight. Have you met her?

About Self: Family: I've got more than a dozen siblings! One of them is my older brother — he's also living on the Xianzhou. His name is Langshile, but he seems to prefer being called "Lancelot."

Chat: Juggling: I learned my juggling skills on the street — my brothers taught me. It started out as a way to survive. Who'd have thought the performances would become so popular? It feels like fate is teasing us sometimes, hehe.

Chat: Doggerel: This girl arrived on your Xianzhou ship and started juggling to earn her tips, melons and dates make a very nice meal, but to make my day needs at least ten strale, no need to waste time on idle chat, 'cause a real stage play is right where it's at!

Hobbies: Don't you think the poetry and songs of the Xianzhou people are enchanting? One time I asked Shangshang to teach me to write poetry, and she only wrote four words in three months... I don't think I'll be able to learn at this rate.

Annoyances 1: There's so much good food on the Luofu, but for juggling one has to stay light and nimble. How does that ancient saying go... It's hard to be both loyal and filial? You can't serve two masters? Something like that?

Annoyances 2: Sushang has been calling me "Little Gui" for a long time now, which is fine... But recently I've noticed that even my brothers on the street have started calling me "Little Gui," and even audience members... At this rate, no one's gonna remember my real name!

Something to Share: On the Xianzhou, short-life species like us have a fleeting existence, here one moment and gone the next. That's all the more reason to seize the moment while you still have it!

Knowledge: There's a crosstalk comedy duo in Exalting Sanctum — Forth and Back'n. They're a friendly couple of guys — they helped me to embellish a lot of my act. In fact, the doggerel portion of the performance was their idea.

About Sushang: Shangshang is my best friend. Aside from my street-performing brothers, she's the person I've known the longest on the Luofu. I wanted to become sworn sisters with her, but she didn't seem interested.

About Jing Yuan: I heard that the general is interested in these street music performances. I wish I had the chance to perform at the Seat of Divine Foresight, then I could be famous.

About Yanqing: I've never spoken to the general, but I did meet his retainer once. He asked me if I was a "woman of the sword," so you know what I did? I did a sword-swallowing performance right in front of him!

About Qingque: Qingque likes to play celestial jade in Exalting Sanctum, but sometimes she gets tired and comes to see me juggling. I can tell from her face if she's won or lost that day — red is a win, pale is a loss, and really pale means her boss is out looking for her.

About Huohuo: Isn't Huohuo's laugh just the cutest? My performances aren't scary — they're uplifting! I can't wait to see her laugh some more~

About Jiaoqiu: That healer seems to be a senior colleague of Sushang's... But I heard that he's even more energetic than she is! Maybe everyone from the Yaoqing is that way?

Eidolon Activation: "Living?" that's all a big hustle and bustle. But life? Life's all about savoring the moment.

Character Ascension: Spread those positive vibes, and watch the good luck follow~

Max Level Reached: Fresh face, fresh vibes — must be talking about me!

Trace Activation: The more you can do, the easier life gets~

Added to Team With Trailblazer: Trailblazer, did you check out my latest livestream? It was a show-stopper!

Added to Team With Sushang: Sushang! We should totally team up for this performance, the fans will go wild~

Added to Team With Yanqing: Hey little guy, wanna see some sword swallowing? I've added some new tricks to my act!

Added to Team With Qingque: Hey Qingque, you're looking chipper, did the cards fall in your favor?

Added to Team With Huohuo: Come get a better view, Huohuo. Don't worry, the fire won't bite you, you know~

Battle Begins: Weakness Break: Don't throw the game!

Battle Begins: Danger Alert: What's wrong? Everyone's a customer!

Turn Begins 1: Turn out your pockets!

Turn Begins 2: Forget your wallet? Hmph...

Turn Idling: No one's gonna pay you to stand still!

Basic ATK: Fame and fortune!

Skill: Wealth and wisdom!

Hit by Light Attack: Glad I trained...

Hit by Heavy Attack: Getting serious, huh!?

Ultimate: Activate: Come feast your eyes!

Ultimate: Unleash: It's never too early... for a Happy New Year!

Downed: Uh-oh, dropped the ball...

Return to Battle: The show must go on!

Health Recovery: Here we go!

Technique: Tough crowd!

Battle Won: That was a heck of a performance!

Treasure Opening 1: Ooh, extra tips!

Treasure Opening 2: Quick, snatch it all up!

Precious Treasure Opening: Wooh, looks like we've struck gold!

Successful Puzzle-Solving 1: Think fast and work faster~

Successful Puzzle-Solving 2: Want to know the secret? Well, my lips are sealed~

Enemy Target Found: Maybe this one's not a customer...

Returning to Town: Busier places mean fizzier business.