《In Honkai Star Rail With A Dating System》 Chapter 1: Mom! Chapter 1 - 1: Mom!Hey guys, here again with another novel. Please check out all the other novels I''m working on: - Selling Mobile Phones In Genshin Impact, Everyone Is Livestreaming - Honkai Star Rail: Developing Mobile Games on Xianzhou - Corrupting An Innocent Priestess (R18) Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** An unrelenting chill engulfed Bochang''s entire body. He felt as if lying naked amidst icy snow and freezing winds. The black-haired youth tried to open his eyes but couldn''t, as though trapped in a vivid dream. Two female voices suddenly echoed nearby. "What''s with this guy? Buy one, get one free? This isn''t mentioned in Elio''s script..." "Not sure, but someone from the Astral Express will be here soon. We don''t need to worry about him; just leave him here." One voice was soft, carrying a hint of allure¡ªclearly belonging to an assertive big sister type. The second voice was crisp, its tone icy yet precise, unmistakably indicating a stoic character, very Type A. "My room...why are there girls here? And what do they mean by their conversation... Elio? Astral Express? Hm... why does it sound so familiar..." Time flew like a fleeting white horse, and events changed swiftly like shifting clouds. After rapid mental processing, he had a sudden realization, "Wait... isn''t that from ''Star Rail''?" "Did I get reincarnated?" Struggling to open his eyes, Bochang aimed to assess the situation outside. After a strenuous effort... Finally, with gentle fluttering of his eyelids... The black-haired youth''s eyes opened wide. His pupils contracted, focusing the light as his vision gradually became clearer. Lying on the ground, Bochang began examining his surroundings. The square room resembled a prison cell. Apart from a display screen and something akin to an exhibition stand, there were no other furnishings. Not far away lay a young girl. Ahead, just as Bochang initially sensed, were two women¡ªone tall, one short. Cough... He referred to their apparent ages, definitely not anything else. "Hmm... He''s awake now, faster than a shooting star. Kafka, handle this, please." The silver-haired girl, relatively petite, wore her hair in a high spiral ponytail, her expression cold. Worth noting¡ªher attire was quite revealing. She wore a black open jacket with white faux fur trim, revealing her slender snow-white waist beneath. Inside, she had on a short white one-shoulder top and a black bandeau bra concealing mysterious contours. Her lower attire consisted of tight black shorts paired with leg bands... exposing her perfectly rounded legs without any restraint. Her feet were clad in long black boots, complemented by fishnet stockings underneath. It was none other than¡ªSilver Wolf! Although the real world differed from the virtual realm, Bochang instantly recognized her identity due to that distinctive duck-like face. However, her figure seemed less flat than expected, suggesting padding might be involved (with absolute certainty). He has truly... Crossed over... Bochang realized he genuinely crossed dimensions! The familiar surroundings before him confirmed this truth, leaving no room for doubt. "I was just staying up late playing Star Rail, how did I end up crossing over?" "Then let me handle it," interrupted Kafka, another woman present. Her voice caught the attention of the black-haired youth, drawing his gaze towards her. Mesmerizing wine-red hair cascaded down, matched by equally captivating eyes of the same hue. Compared to Silver Wolf, Kafka''s figure was significantly better. Although her attire covered almost every inch of skin, leaving little exposed, nonetheless... whether it was the fullness at her chest or those shapely long legs wrapped in burgundy stockings, each feature commanded attention effortlessly. Just as Bochang was about to speak, a neutral electronic voice sounded in his mind: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: At this moment... there''s no more time for hesitation. Shout loudly at Kafka, "Mom!"] - Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans. [Option 2: Yelling can be uncouth and may startle others. Instead, try gently saying, "Kafka?" ] - Completion Reward: Kafka''s Bigshot Punch. [Option 3: As someone who has suddenly appeared, perhaps acting normal would be best. Express confusion with, "Who... are you?" ] - Completion Reward: Unlock the Abundance Fate Path and receive a random Imaginary Power. As the electronic voice sounded, Bochang noticed that the entire world seemed to pause. Apart from his consciousness still functioning, his body was completely immobilized, unable to move or even breathe. Everything in this space halted, including Kafka who had been approaching him. Lying on the ground, Bochang seized this opportunity to carefully examine Kafka. If not for the fact that his eyes couldn''t move, he would undoubtedly have taken more time to observe Silver Wolf as well. The reason was simple¡ªto uplift his mood through appreciation. After briefly studying Kafka, Bochang turned his attention to his "Dating Options." A blue screen appeared before him, displaying the detailed content of the three options. "So... is this my transmigration cheat? Looks like a system-type with time manipulation capabilities... But these options are quite peculiar; where are the promised dating choices?" [Please note, during the selection of Dating Options, time does not actually stop. The current effect... merely extends an extremely brief moment to appear infinite, creating the illusion of time cessation.] Bochang was taken aback. "Oh? Can you actually answer questions too?" This time... no electronic voice responded. Bochang pondered for a moment. "Can I remain in this state indefinitely?" [Maximum one minute. Warning... You have thirty-three seconds left to make a decision. If no choice is made, the Dating Option will randomly select for you.] With slightly furrowed brows, the black-haired youth cautiously asked, "Where did your system come from... and why so daring?" Receiving no response, Bochang had to change his question. "Can I choose all options?" [No, once you complete a specific option, the reward will be immediately granted, rendering subsequent choices invalid.] There were still over twenty seconds remaining. Bochang meticulously examined the three options. Option two didn''t even require consideration; it could be instantly dismissed. Who would want Kafka''s Bigshot power...? He wasn''t some pervert, after all. That left only options one and three. The reward for Option three¡ªunlocking the Abundance fate path and obtaining a random Imaginary power. It seemed like the conventional path in this world. It might not be outstanding, but it certainly wouldn''t be poor. As for Option One''s reward¡ªrandomly obtaining the power of one out of twelve talismans. This essentially feels like gambling. Drawing the Tiger and Sheep talismans was honestly quite frustrating. After all, these two talismans seemed temporarily useless to him. "Well then... I choose Option One!" Bochang made his decision, the reasoning being simple. Aside from Tiger and Sheep, the effects of the other talismans appeared promising. The potential benefits outweighed any drawbacks. If he could draw the Mouse talisman, he might even revive his anime waifu. Although still not particularly practical, it would definitely feel satisfying. Time resumed its flow. Within Bochang, an uncontrollable surge of emotion began brewing. He shouted loudly towards Kafka, "Mom!" Immediately after yelling, Bochang felt embarrassed, but fortunately, his thick skin prevented any visible signs of discomfort. Kafka abruptly halted, staring with astonishment at the black-haired youth before him. The young man looked around eighteen years old, with flowing black hair and a rather handsome face. However, his only attire was a pair of SpongeBob boxer shorts, which did not make a favorable first impression. Just as Silver Wolf, chewing bubblegum, blew a pale pink bubble, it burst abruptly at the sound of Bochang''s "Ma!" Caught off guard by Bochang''s exclamation. Chapter 2: The Silver-White Pen Chapter 2 - 2: The Silver-White PenPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bubble gum clung to Silver Wolf''s mouth, resembling a comical ring of whiskers. Unable to suppress a smile, the silver-haired girl asked, "Kafka... since when did you acquire a son?" "Alright, let''s clean that bubble gum from your mouth first before continuing..." Kafka sighed, "About a ''son''... please don''t joke like that. You know it won''t happen." Indeed, Kafka didn''t even have a boyfriend, so where would she get a son? sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Silver Wolf naturally understood but couldn''t resist teasing her friend. Subsequently, she obediently removed the bubble gum. With a helpless glance at Bochang lying on the ground, Kafka remarked, "This child... must be quite disoriented in his sleep." "Much like newly hatched chicks or ducklings, mistaking the first creature they see after emerging as their mother," Silver Wolf added coldly. Kafka''s voice trailed off, emitting a slightly lazy big sister tone. "Alright, alright... let''s talk about something serious instead. For instance... who are you? And why did you appear here?" As she spoke... Kafka crouched down, her gentle burgundy eyes intently gazing at Bochang. A faintly pleasant aroma accompanied her presence, lifting one''s spirits. However, Bochang''s focus was not on Kafka but rather on his reward notification: [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the power of the Dragon Talisman.] ''Dragon Talisman! This is an absolute jackpot!'' The black-haired youth felt elated. In an instant... Bochang sensed a warm surge throughout his body, imbuing him with an explosive force that he could unleash at will, capable of destroying everything before him. This was power. The power of the Dragon Talisman. Instead of granting the talisman itself, [Dating Options] directly bestowed its strength upon Bochang. It felt incredibly satisfying. Unaware of why the black-haired youth was staring at her with gleaming eyes, Kafka prepared to deliver a swift slap, intending to jolt him back to reality... Gathering his thoughts, Bochang replied, "I... I am called Bochang." "I don''t know why I ended up here either... I was sleeping at home, and when I opened my eyes, suddenly... I found myself lying here." Bochang shook his head, indicating he had no clear understanding of what had happened. Kafka glanced at Silver Wolf, who had discreetly summoned a translucent screen before her. The silver-haired girl spoke up, "There are no signs of deception detected; what he says appears to be true. Hmm... I''m not sure how this occurred either. Could someone have teleported him here?" Kafka silently stared at Silver Wolf, as if questioning whether she was responsible for this incident. "This has nothing to do with me," Silver Wolf said, hands on her hips. "I wouldn''t waste my time like that." The woman with long burgundy hair pondered for a moment and realized it made sense. She then shifted her gaze towards Bochang, and Kafka softly asked, "And... why did you call me ''Mom''?" Faced with this question, Bochang was unsure how to respond, and the "Dating Options" system did not pop up. Thus, he could only muster some courage and say: "I just blurted it out instinctively... Sorry, I didn''t mean to startle you both." Bochang forced a smile, trying his best to compose himself. Silver Wolf countered, "His heartbeat quickened, blood pressure rose¡ªhe''s lying. It seems he deliberately called you that, but I don''t know his intention. Could it be to evoke your maternal instincts?" Bochang found it peculiar; despite being at a distance, he hadn''t felt any devices attached by Silver Wolf. How exactly was she detecting lies with such precision? Silver Wolf met Bochang''s gaze and remarked, "Do you really care about this?" She continued, "It''s just a little gadget, quite effective against ordinary people." Her silver eyes exuded cold indifference. A chill ran through Bochang, causing him to unconsciously divert his gaze. Only then did he realize something. He was wearing nothing but SpongeBob-themed underwear. It appeared as though he had been transported while sleeping, without even changing clothes. Lying on the icy floor clad only in his briefs, no wonder he felt so cold. This realization also brought a hint of embarrassment to Bochang. No wonder he felt cold. This realization also brought a hint of embarrassment to Bochang''s mind. "Have you decided what to do with him?" Silver Wolf''s voice echoed. Kafka, unperturbed by Bochang mistakenly calling her "Mom," responded calmly, "He''s just an ordinary human; leaving him here should be fine." "But he has already seen us," Silver Wolf countered... Both she and Kafka were members of the Enigmata organization, belonging to the Hunters Guild. The entire group was listed on the Interstellar Peace Corporation''s wanted list. Listening to their conversation, a sense of impending danger suddenly arose in Bochang''s heart. "We aren''t ruthless criminals; there''s no need for extreme measures." Kafka gently gazed at the black-haired youth, "And you won''t spread any false rumors, right?" "Uh-huh!" Bochang nodded repeatedly. Silver Wolf clarified, "What I meant is... merely wiping his memories. Never mind... if you''re not willing to do it, that''s fine too. The star over there is about to awaken, Kafka... go ahead, I''ll handle this one." Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Bochang realized not only could Silver Wolf detect lies but also possessed the ability to erase memories¡ªcapabilities never showcased in the original storyline. Thankfully, he had narrowly avoided trouble. Upon hearing this, Kafka rose and approached another figure lying nearby¡ªthe game''s protagonist from Star Rail. Bochang recalled that in the game, players could choose between two protagonists: Stelle (a girl) or Caelus (a boy). His luck held out as he encountered Stelle instead of Caelus. "Put on some clothes; your current state is indecent." Silver Wolf casually tossed a set of black clothing over to cover the black-haired youth. After struggling briefly, Bochang slowly sat up. He felt fatigued and his movements were sluggish; without the infusion of power from the Dragon Talisman moments ago, he likely wouldn''t have been able to even perform this simple action. Perhaps these were after-effects of crossing over. Nearby, Kafka was speaking with Stelle. "Your mind is currently in chaos; you don''t know who you are or why you''re here..." Bochang recognized these lines from the game''s storyline as he gradually dressed himself. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that the outfit closely resembled Caelus''s attire. From this angle... it almost looked like they were wearing matching couple outfits. "Phew... much warmer now." Bochang gently exhaled, feeling relieved. Meanwhile... Kafka and Stelle had nearly finished their conversation. With one hand on her hip, Silver Wolf''s tone carried impatience as she said, "How much longer do you need to talk? According to the script, the Astral Express team will arrive soon, and we shouldn''t engage with them." "I know, Silver Wolf, just a little more time¡ªjust a moment. You should focus on your own tasks for now," replied Kafka. His gaze shifted back to Stelle. Silver Wolf rolled her eyes adorably... She approached Bochang, placed her slender blue goggles over her eyes, and then produced a silvery-white pen, pointing it at him. Standing less than 150 cm tall, Silver Wolf looked quite petite. "What does she mean by this?" Bochang wondered, momentarily taken aback. As he pondered, the silver-white pen emitted a bright flash. Chapter 3: Let Go of That Girl! Chapter 3 - 3: Let Go of That Girl!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** This scene felt eerily familiar. Bochang suddenly recalled witnessing a similar situation in the movie "Men in Black." Connecting it to Silver Wolf''s earlier mention of Memory Removal, he abruptly guessed what was happening. "Is that a Memory Eraser device? Wait... didn''t you just say..." His vision blurred, accompanied by a swift onset of headache. As Bochang''s consciousness wavered, he sensed a sudden impact on his neck, followed by darkness engulfing his eyes, and he instantly lost consciousness. Kafka gently lowered the black-haired youth, allowing him to lie down on the ground. Silver Wolf remarked, "Couldn''t we have let him fall on his own? Your actions... are simply unnecessary, wasting our time." "If you treat everyone so carelessly, be careful you don''t end up single forever," Kafka teased with a light-hearted tone. "That''s none of your concern, and I haven''t even considered marrying anyone." Silver Wolf placed her hands on her hips, her expression stern and unyielding. "If we don''t leave now, it truly will be too late." "Then let''s go." Kafka stood up, glanced briefly at the unconscious Stelle and Bochang, then departed. As they walked along, the woman with wine-red hair spoke again, adding one more comment. "Silver Wolf, you didn''t remove too much from his memories, did you?" "Just half an hour, it won''t affect him significantly. Trust me; my actions have consequences in mind," Silver Wolf shot a glance at Kafka. "Why... do you seem quite concerned about that boy? Are you genuinely considering him as your son?" "Although it''s the first time someone called me ''Mom''... I''m not so easily swayed. It''s just curiosity about this suddenly appearing youth, after all, he wasn''t part of Elio''s script..." With long strides, Kafka walked straight ahead, her steps steady and forceful. The rhythmic clicking of her black boots, one longer than the other, echoed crisply on the ground. "It''s because he''s just an ordinary person who stumbled upon this place. Perhaps he harbors secrets, but they aren''t significant." Silver Wolf adjusted his blue goggles once more. Kafka narrowed her burgundy eyes and said, "Let''s hope so." "If you''re that concerned, why not take him with us? It could also prevent any unforeseen complications," Silver Wolf suggested, coming to a halt. Kafka shook her head, continuing her stride without stopping. "No, this isn''t exactly a suitable environment for him. Let him forge his own path instead." "Your words make me feel like you''ve truly embraced being a motherly figure," Silver Wolf quipped as he caught up to her. The two continued their conversation while disappearing down the lengthy corridor, leaving behind only Bochang and Stelle lying unconscious in an unknown room. An indeterminate amount of time passed. Once again, two voices echoed near them. "The coordinates for these two aren''t originating from the space station..." "At this point, who cares about such details?! They''re right here in front of us; surely they can''t be fake." The first voice was deep and steady, belonging to a man. The second voice was crisp and feminine. As the sounds grew closer, it became apparent that someone was rushing towards them. "How familiar... Have I just experienced this before?" Half-dazed, Bochang felt a slight headache, and he sensed a large hand pressing on his pulse. The nearby voices continued unabated. "This young man seems fine." "As for this girl... her heartbeat and pulse are very weak. March, prepare to administer CPR." "Ah?! I...I don''t have much experience! Dan Heng, you do it!" The woman sounded startled, her voice becoming shrill. Then, a neutral electronic tone chimed in: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Seize the moment, for time waits for no one. Perform CPR; it is our duty without hesitation. Shout loudly: "Let go of that girl, let me handle it!" - Completion Reward: 100% increase in Physique. Note: This option requires performing CPR promptly, or unforeseen consequences may occur.] [Option 2: As an upright gentleman, I would never take advantage in such situations. Pretend nothing happened, remain motionless on the ground, and wait for events to unfold - Completion Reward: Increase 100,000 Credits. Note: The Credits will be added directly to your Interstellar Peace Corporation account after obtaining it... without arousing suspicion.] [Option 3: Convulse violently, attracting others to perform CPR on you - Completion Reward: Dan Heng''s Bigshot Slap.] In the previously pitch-black world, a blue screen materialized, with each word catching his attention. This was Bochang''s "Dating Options," spurred by its influence... Bochang began recalling what had just occurred. "Silver Wolf and Kafka... I''ve been transported, so now I should be at Herta''s space station. Next is... a Memory Removal Stick? But... I still remember everything... Why? Is it because of the System?" "Now, Dan Heng and March 7th should arrive soon, marking the official start of the plot..." After pondering for a moment, Bochang started examining the new options and couldn''t help but vent his frustration. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Is this Bigshot really considered a reward? How come it appears twice in a row... Please don''t let it show up a third time, I beg you!" "And these other two rewards... seem... not as good as the first ones either..." "Is it because the newbie phase has ended?" The neutral electronic voice showed no sign of responding, seemingly waiting silently for Bochang to make his choice. Only the green countdown in the lower left corner continued relentlessly. 20, 19... Time was running out for Bochang. Just like the first time, he quickly ruled out Bigshot; he had no desire to be treated for insanity by Dan Heng. This left only options one and two: Option 1: Increase Physical Attributes by 100%. Option 2: Gain 100,000 Credits. One offered enhanced strength, while the other provided increased wealth. Indeed, Credits serve as the currency in the Star Rail world and are essential for space travel transactions. If aiming for steady development, Option 2 would undoubtedly be a wise choice. As the saying goes¡ªmoney makes the world go round. Regardless of the world, money is indispensable. However... Bochang knew that the space station was currently under attack from the Antimatter Legion, making it crucial to possess sufficient power moving forward. Moreover, the black-haired youth wanted to showcase his abilities before everyone. This was his chance to board the Astral Express. While possessing the power of the Dragon Talisman could already garner attention, Bochang still wanted to become even stronger. "Compared to money, strength is more crucial right now. The requirement for this option is somewhat... well, but I won''t be at a disadvantage; it''s actually beneficial..." Bochang muttered inwardly, feeling as if a little devil were tapping him on the shoulder, urging the black-haired youth to act swiftly. Instead of making an immediate decision, Bochang searched for his inner angel. The result? He couldn''t find one. "Well then, let''s make a delightful choice... Option One!" After making his selection, the previously unconscious Bochang rapidly woke up. He sat bolt upright and extended his strong arm towards the three figures nearby, declaring, "Let go of that girl, she''s mine!" Dan Heng and March 7th turned their heads, watching as the black-haired youth charged towards them. Chapter 4: Artificial Respiration Chapter 4 - 4: Artificial RespirationPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** For a moment, both Dan Heng and March 7th were taken aback. Due to their similar clothing, they had assumed the pair to be siblings, lovers, colleagues, or friends. Faced with Bochang''s proactive offer to perform artificial respiration, neither of them intervened. One step, two steps... Bochang, driven by urgency, tapped into his full potential. He aimed to reach Stelle as quickly as possible, hoping to administer mouth-to-mouth before she could wake up. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The distance between them was not far. About three steps away. As he approached, Bochang got a clear view of Stelle''s face. Her long, slightly dark gray hair lay gracefully on the ground, smooth and elegant. Delicate features adorned her oval-shaped visage, accentuated further by gently furrowed willow-leaf brows, making her appear strikingly appealing. "Oh no... She seems about to wake up." In that moment, Bochang took one final step and intuitively nudged March 7th aside, catching her off guard... The pink-haired girl stumbled momentarily before regaining her senses. By then, the black-haired youth was nearly about to kiss the gray-haired girl. Just as this happened... Stelle''s eyes fluttered open. Staring blankly at Bochang''s approaching face, she instinctively turned away. Their lips brushed against the side of her cheek instead. As Bochang prepared to exhale, he sensed something amiss. "This doesn''t feel like lips..." His eyes snapped wide open, revealing the gray-haired girl beside him, gazing sideways with a hint of confusion on her face. She showed no reaction whatsoever, merely observing Bochang with her beautiful golden eyes. Rushing over, March 7th slapped her hand onto the black-haired youth''s cheek, pushing him away. "Stop! Shut up! -She''s already awake!" The force exerted by Stelle was too strong for Bochang to resist, causing them to abruptly part with a faint popping sound. Neither fully understanding why, both felt a peculiar sensation stirring within their hearts. "Damn... My Speed still wasn''t quite fast enough. If I hadn''t pushed March 7th away just now... I probably could have kissed her. Wait, but if I didn''t push her, March 7th would definitely have stopped me immediately... This is so frustrating..." After being shoved aside, Bochang suddenly felt uneasy, fearing that "Dating Options" might impose some punishment. ["Unpredictable consequences will ensue."] What exactly could those be? No matter; Bochang believed he would soon find out. As expected, the neutral electronic voice promptly sounded: [Option 1 completion at 50%.] [Rewards halved and currently distributing¡ªCongratulations on receiving a 50% physical enhancement.] A warm sensation coursed through Bochang''s body, and he could feel his physical attributes rapidly improving. The delightful feeling was almost overwhelming, making him want to shout out loud. After a brief moment... The reward concluded. Noticing the absence of any further audio prompts, Bochang was taken aback, thinking, "That''s it?" Dating Options showed no intention of responding. Bochang continued, "Just this?" He couldn''t believe that the "Unpredictable Consequences"... ended so simply. This significantly diminished his awe towards the system. Bochang pondered for a moment. "I get it now, you must be from CatStation''s system, right?" With growing boldness, Bochang probed further, "When do you plan on transforming into your wife form?" Dating Options remained silent, playing dead. No matter how Bochang called out, there was no response. Perhaps it was contemplating which female attire would be best suited for future use. (Strikethrough) While the black-haired youth''s thoughts ran wild, March 7th was conversing with Stelle. "Are you alright? Can you hear me clearly? Do you remember your name?" The pink-haired girl asked a barrage of questions. Strangely, Bochang could understand what they were saying, and it was evident that others also comprehended him without issue. With no clear explanation, Bochang attributed everything to "Dating Options," his presumed system. Although the entity had never explicitly acknowledged being a system, Bochang had already accepted it as such. Dan Heng''s gaze shifted towards the black-haired youth. "Greetings. May I ask, did something happen here? Why are both of you lying on the ground?" For a moment, Bochang''s mind went blank before he quickly responded, "I don''t know... I can''t remember anything." Next to him, Stelle echoed similar words. Both pressed their hands against their foreheads simultaneously, their movements uncannily synchronized. "Memory loss for both of you? That complicates things." March 7th turned her head, palms outstretched. "Do...you still remember your names? Please try hard to recall." "Stelle, my name is Stelle." After a moment of thought, Stelle provided this response. Bochang instinctively wanted to give his real name... but suddenly considered if using "Caelus" might be better. However, remembering the context of "Hunters," he decided against it and faithfully stated his actual name. "Bochang." Upon hearing this, March 7th''s mouth slightly widened, revealing surprise. "Your surname is Ji?" "No, my surname is Bo, not Ji." Bochang smiled amicably, internally grumbling, ''What the heck?! Why does even the Star world have this joke? Should I say... typical of a Yanhuang game?'' Regarding the name "Bochang"... Before crossing over, the black-haired youth was often teased by his friends, leading to the nickname "Ji Bochang." He didn''t expect that even after transmigrating, this reference would still follow him. It left him utterly speechless. "Stelle and Bochang, hello. My name is Dan Heng, and this is March 7th." The black-haired man with azure eyes interrupted the conversation between Bochang and the pink-haired girl. As Dan Heng introduced himself, March 7th placed one hand delicately on her graceful collarbone and flashed a sweet smile, as if nothing had happened moments ago. Dan Heng''s gaze swept over Stelle and Bochang before continuing, "This space station was attacked by the Antimatter Legion... We were commissioned by Station Head Asta to provide assistance." The Antimatter Legion serves as enforcers for the Destruction Epoch - Nanook, with their objective being the annihilation of all civilizations and lifeforms associated with Destruction. In the game Star Rail, they are the primary antagonists during the initial storyline arc. "Speaking of which... I''ve barely started exploring the Jarilo world when this transmigration occurred... If only it could have happened later. Right now, my knowledge is severely limited," thought Bochang. Additionally, while playing games, Bochang never paid much attention to the plot details, so... The situation was even worse than I thought. It felt like navigating through complete darkness. Apart from knowing that the Antimatter Legion''s celestial weapon¡ªthe Doomsday Beast¡ªwould soon attack, I had forgotten most of the finer details. Likely, I would only recall them when experiencing those events again. Hmm... Even then, Bochang might not necessarily remember everything. "It seems I''ll have to personally explore this world from now on..." Contrary to the original plot, the gray-haired girl did not pose questions to Dan Heng and March 7th. Instead, she fixed her gaze directly on Bochang. Her stare caught his attention. "What is it?" Bochang touched his face. Although feeling slightly nervous after kissing her, he tried to maintain a nonchalant demeanor. Witnessing this exchange, Dan Heng explained to Stelle, "Just moments ago, your vital signs were weak... So Bochang planned to perform CPR on you, but before he could start, you woke up." Chapter 5: The Antimatter Legion Chapter 5 - 5: The Antimatter LegionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "I thought you might know each other... so I didn''t intervene," Dan Heng explained, rubbing his chin as he pondered their relationship. Stelle shook her head. "I don''t remember him." Bochang chimed in, "Hmm... I don''t recall her either, but she does seem somewhat familiar. After all... considering how similar our outfits are, we could be mistaken for a couple." Facing the Astral Express members, Bochang felt more at ease. Unlike the eerie tactics of the Hunters Guild, these newcomers appeared less threatening. With that, the black-haired youth spread out his arms, causing his outer black windbreaker with its brown lining to billow open and reveal the white T-shirt underneath. The clothing provided by Silver Wolf proved crucial at this moment. Even Stelle couldn''t be certain; she shifted slightly, narrowing her golden eyes to scrutinize Bochang closely. "Indeed, it looks like matching couple attire, but... what if we''re siblings instead? Despite different hair colors, there''s still a chance we could be colleagues..." While the gray-haired girl scrutinized him, Bochang was also examining her. Their gazes continuously clashed in the air between them. It must be said that Stelle was a very charming young woman, tall with a well-proportioned figure¡ªaside from being slightly lacking in the chest area, everything else seemed just right. Previously, Bochang''s attention had been primarily focused on Kafka and Silver Wolf. Then, there was the urgency of performing CPR moments ago. Only now did Bochang have a chance to properly observe Stelle. Meanwhile, Stelle thought, "This person seems quite weak. Would I choose someone like that as my partner? Unlikely... Could they be siblings or perhaps just ordinary friends?" "You both have amnesia; dwelling on these matters now seems pointless. Let''s discuss something more pressing instead." March 7th interrupted their conversation, breaking the tension-filled gaze exchange. Both Bochang and Stelle turned towards her, their expressions calm, causing March 7th to flinch and say, "Don''t... don''t look at me like that! It''s unsettling. Maybe... you two should continue your discussion?" "March is right; your relationship can be considered at another opportunity later. Right now, we have more important matters to attend to," Dan Heng interjected without waiting for Bochang and Stelle''s responses. "March, take them back to the Master Control Zone first." "Huh? What about you?" March 7th paused, taken aback. With arms crossed, Dan Heng replied, "Arlan from the Security Division lost contact nearby, and I need to bring him back." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Um... alright then. Just make sure to stay safe, okay?" March 7th nodded. As a frequent traveler through the star sea as part of the Astral Express crew, she was quite confident in her abilities. The local Antimatter Legion members weren''t particularly strong, merely a group of scattered rogues causing mischief everywhere. Escorting two individuals to the Master Control Zone was a piece of cake for March 7th. The only concern was... If Bochang and Stelle panicked and ran at the sight of enemies, it could become troublesome. From what March 7th observed, neither seemed to possess much combat capability. With their conversation concluded, Dan Heng turned and left without further ado. "If there are no issues, let''s proceed," March 7th glanced at Stelle and Bochang. "Don''t worry... Station Director Asta and the evacuated researchers are in the Master Control Zone, with the Astral Express nearby, ensuring safety from monster attacks. Trust me, we will resolve this crisis!" Stelle wasn''t overly concerned; despite her memory loss, she could still sense the immense power latent within herself. It felt like an innate talent, providing reassurance. As for Bochang... he also remained unconcerned. With strong allies nearby and having gained the strength of the Dragon Talisman, his physical attributes had increased by fifty percent¡ªa significant boost compared to his previous capabilities. With that assurance, both Stelle and Bochang nodded their agreement. March 7th, observing this, turned and pointed to a black metal baseball bat lying nearby, suggesting, "Perhaps... Bochang, you should take that with you. The Antimatter Legion is rampaging like mad dogs on the space station, making the return journey unsafe as well. It''s best to have some weapons for self-defense." As a male, Bochang naturally appeared more robust and combat-ready than Stelle. Thus, unlike the original plotline, March 7th did not ask Stelle to pick up the baseball bat. After making the suggestion... The pink-haired girl smiled warmly. "It''s just a recommendation... It''s fine if you don''t take it; I''ll be here to protect you both!" Before Bochang could move, Stelle stepped forward, picked up the baseball bat, and swung it a couple of times, feeling its weight. She then looked at Bochang and asked, "Do you want this?" "I don''t need a weapon, you can keep it," replied Bochang, his expression gentle and harmless. Bochang flashed a harmless smile. Stelle lowered her head without speaking, but the moment she tightened her grip on the weapon, she instinctively knew how to fight. With the black-haired youth''s casual stance, she could dash forward at any time and strike him with the bat. As soon as Stelle saw Bochang, memories of him kissing her cheek surfaced, especially since he had even made a smacking sound when leaving. This stirred mixed emotions within her. The touched area felt like it was burning with a fiery sensation. "He just wanted to perform CPR, don''t read too much into it..." Stelle reminded herself. March 7th paid little heed to these matters; she led the way ahead, instructing Stelle and Bochang only to stay close and not fall behind. The trio traversed through long corridors. Along the journey, they encountered numerous display stands, each showcasing some intriguing object. These were the true treasures of this space station¡ªHerta''s collection, also known as Curios. As they walked, March 7th provided commentary, even remarking, "Herta gathers all these things but doesn''t use them; they just gather dust here. Wonder what the point is." Unfamiliar with the situation, neither Stelle nor Bochang intended to speak up. Passing through a technologically advanced-looking door and navigating another corridor bend... The trio spotted soldiers of the Antimatter Legion: two Predator-class drones and one heavy particle drone. The enemies had not yet noticed their presence. With a shout from March 7th, she charged forward alone, seemingly intent on fighting by herself. Stelle glanced at Bochang, his gaze suggesting, "Should we join her?" The black-haired youth nodded affirmatively. Without hesitation, both Stelle and the black-haired youth closely followed March 7th''s lead. Surprisingly... Both March 7th and Stelle exhibited extraordinary speed, far surpassing Bochang''s capabilities. Especially Stelle. She managed to overtake the pink-haired girl, taking the lead as she charged towards the Antimatter Legion. Although unsure of what these creatures were, knowing they were enemies was enough for her. A hint of surprise flashed across March 7th''s eyes; she hadn''t anticipated that someone she deemed weak could be faster than herself. "But... I''m all about archery." The pink-haired girl produced a long blue bow from seemingly nowhere. Drawing it back with an arrow nocked, a competitive spirit surged within her, "The first one to strike the enemy will still be me, March 7th! Speed alone won''t cut it." Chapter 6: Explosion Chapter 6 - 6: ExplosionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Even with a fifty percent increase in physical resilience, Bochang merely became more enduring and less susceptible to damage. His strength and agility remained similar to that of an ordinary person, possibly even slightly weaker. Attempting to keep pace with two superhuman assailants seemed nearly impossible. From spotting the enemy until now, barely three seconds had passed. The distance of several dozen meters felt like an insurmountable chasm; by the time he reached them, it would likely be too late. As March 7th prepared to launch its attack, Stelle was just a step away from engaging the foes. Bochang narrowed his eyes. "First impressions matter greatly. I must deliver an impressive performance to earn my ticket on the Astral Express. Therefore... I can only rely on the power of the Dragon Talisman¡ªDraconic Burst, don''t let me down..." With this thought, Bochang raised his hand, aiming at the three soldiers of the Antimatter Legion from dozens of meters away. Among them, the Voidrangers known as Plunderers were humanoid monsters clad in black metallic battle armor, wielding twin golden machetes strapped to their wrists. Their bodies brimmed with antimatter, pulsating with negative ions. With this gesture, he unleashed formidable Destruction energy. These soldiers were fundamental combat units of the Antimatter Legion, embodying the will of Destruction. Primarily driven by instinct, they exhibited intense aggression. Heavy particles appeared as circular monsters with a black sphere at their core, encased within three silver-white armor plates. They closely resembled their similarly shaped counterparts¡ªthe antiparticles. Both heavy particles and antiparticles were designed to prevent the dispersal and subsequent annihilation caused by antimatter interactions. Additionally, heavy particles and antiparticles possessed basic intelligence, enabling them to respond to the will and summoning of Voidrangers on the battlefield, aiding in battles accordingly. Despite attempting a sneak attack, the sound of their footsteps still caught the enemies'' attention, causing them to turn around. To alert his teammates that he was about to fire, Bochang shouted loudly, "Explosion!" In that instant, March 7th released her ice-blue arrow, simultaneously feeling a terrifying surge of heat from behind. It felt like a prickling sensation against her back. "What is this... Is it Bochang''s attack?" Before the pink-haired girl could even turn to observe, she saw a pillar of flame, as thick as a person''s waist, streak past her, swiftly overtaking her own ice-blue arrow. Upon hearing Bochang''s shout, Stelle immediately grew cautious. Sensing the surging wave of heat approaching from behind... The gray-haired girl sounded the alarm. Without hesitation, Stelle darted sideways. The column of flames struck the central Voidranger Plunderer, triggering a massive explosion. The raging inferno engulfed the other nearby Voidranger and heavy particle before they could escape. They struggled futilely amidst the flames, ultimately consumed entirely. Even the subsequent ice-blue arrows, upon entering the blaze, made no impact, as if they had never existed at all. The fiery beam did not relent; after killing its targets, it continued forward, finally slamming into the space station''s metal walls and causing an even more intense explosion. "Boom!" A deafening roar shook the entire space station, startling many present. The explosion generated a shockwave that reverberated back through the corridor, swiftly passing over March 7th and Stelle. Bochang watched helplessly as a wave of fiery air surged towards him. The moment he activated the Dragon Talisman''s power, it felt like all his energy was instantly drained from within. As if he had sprinted nine times nonstop, his legs went weak. The only reason he didn''t collapse immediately was not due to remaining strength, Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. but rather because the sequence happened too quickly for Bochang to even fall. "Ah?¨K¨J" Caught off guard, akin to being hit by a rare thousand-year typhoon, the black-haired youth was swiftly swept up and crashed onto the ground, sprawling out with limbs splayed. He skidded nearly three meters before coming to a stop, pain radiating throughout his body. If it weren''t for "Dating Options" enhancing his physical constitution earlier, Bochang would likely have sustained severe injuries. But at that moment, he was relatively okay... Just bruised quite badly, causing immense discomfort, yet without any major harm beyond the impact. Had he not depleted his stamina completely, Bochang could have easily stood back up on his own. "Why is the Dragon Talisman''s power so overwhelming... And why can I only use it once before collapsing? It wasn''t like this in anime series. System, what''s going on?" A powerful Dragon Talisman should be advantageous, but to this extent, it becomes somewhat alarming. It''s slightly terrifying; using it at close range would harm both oneself and others, making it somewhat impractical. If Bochang collapses after just one use, it becomes even more useless... [Using the Dragon Talisman''s power consumes your own stamina. In theory, you shouldn''t collapse after a single use. It happened because you lack control and unleashed its maximum potential. In the anime, the talisman itself served as a conduit, assisting with power regulation to prevent such occurrences... Additionally, those characters'' physical constitutions were significantly stronger than yours.] [Regarding the power level, I suggest relying on real-world experience. This isn''t even considered full strength yet. If you could fully harness the Dragon Talisman''s power, you''d be capable of exploding stars with a single strike.] The [Dating Options] system responded. Lying on the ground, Bochang panted heavily. March 7th''s lovely face promptly appeared before him, clearly unaffected by the intense shockwave from the explosion. It made sense, given her superior physical constitution compared to Bochang. "Are you okay...?" March 7th knelt down, looking at him with concern. At that moment, the gray-haired girl also rushed over. Due to their proximity to the enemy, both the pink-haired girl and Stelle experienced two successive shockwaves from the explosions. The first was relatively minor. The second was more severe but still manageable for them, leaving only slight disarray in their clothing. However, Bochang was injured by the second shockwave. The initial blast felt like a strong gust of wind, while the subsequent wave carried the true force. Had it been even slightly more powerful, Bochang likely would have sustained serious injuries. Given the shockwave''s immense speed, neither March 7th nor Stelle could react in time to protect him. "I''m fine... Just got knocked around a bit..." Bochang managed a strained smile, relieved that his companions were unharmed. March 7th, reassured, gazed at the black-haired youth''s face and tilted her head, saying, "You...are pretty impressive, aren''t you..." "Not really... To be honest, I didn''t expect myself to be this strong either. I just wanted to help, and then suddenly..." Before Bochang could finish, March 7th interrupted with a gleam in her eyes. "You know... that move you just used was really awesome! Can you perform it again? Just like this..." Mimicking Bochang''s tone, the pink-haired girl exclaimed loudly, "Explosion!" "It took out three monsters instantly." "I wish I could have captured that moment with a camera..." For a moment, Bochang wasn''t sure if she was genuinely complimenting him, but seeing her eyes sparkling... It seemed she truly found it impressive. "My stamina is depleted... I can''t use that move again right now," the black-haired youth said, shaking his head slightly. March 7th felt somewhat disappointed. "Oh, I see..." Watching their interaction, Stelle momentarily didn''t know what to say. After hesitating for a brief moment, the gray-haired girl spoke up, "Um... shouldn''t we be moving on? Bochang, can you still walk by yourself? If not, let me carry you." "For now, I''m unable to continue. From here on, I''ll have to rely on you, Stelle." Bochang turned his head, looking at the gray-haired girl beside him. Chapter 7: Silver Spear Wax Tip Chapter 7 - 7: Silver Spear Wax TipPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The moment the space station shook, it startled many people. After all, they were amidst the vast expanse of space, and if anything major went wrong with the space station, there would be no escape for anyone. Acting Station Director Asta was urgently searching for the cause of the tremor. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This young girl''s hair was also pink but slightly darker than March 7th''s shade. Looking hurried, her slender fingers continuously tapped on the holographic screen before her. "Found it! It''s near where Lady Herta stored the Curio. I remember that Dan Heng and March 7th went to that area too... Could they be battling the Antimatter Legion?" "At least the space station''s operations remain normal in every aspect..." Upon completing her investigation, Asta sighed in relief. It made sense when considering that although this space station was funded by her own family, The Family, it was constructed by Herta. Casual attacks could not leave even the slightest trace upon it. Only Lord Ravager''s intervention could potentially damage this space station, given its resilience comparable to the Emanator capable of burning entire galaxies. It was clear just how sturdy this space station truly was. "I hope Dan Heng and March 7th can safely bring Arlan back." Upon hearing that Arlan, the head of the Security Division, had gone missing, Asta became deeply concerned. Despite her lingering unease, she couldn''t show it on her face. As the acting station director, Asta needed to reassure everyone at the space station. "Don''t worry, Asta. Dan Heng and March 7th will surely find Arlan," said a redheaded big sister as she approached, offering comforting words with her softly parted red lips. With her blue eyes, Asta gazed at the redheaded woman beside her... She wore a form-fitting white dress that accentuated her curves even more strikingly than Kafka''s figure, which Bochang had admired earlier. This was the navigator of Astral Express¡ªHimeko. The redheaded big sister donned a long trench coat with black exterior and brown lining, somewhat concealing her captivating silhouette. Of course... from the front, it was still clearly visible. Asta softly responded, "Yes..." On the other side, when Stelle expressed her willingness to take responsibility for carrying Bochang, March 7th did not object. After all, both had already made their decision. Moreover, as a combat member, March 7th needed to be at the forefront. It wouldn''t be suitable for her to carry an injured person. With the pink-haired girl''s assistance... Stelle hoisted Bochang onto her back. Her hands supported the black-haired youth''s thighs to prevent him from slipping down. Despite their situation, Stelle still clung to her baseball bat, occasionally jabbing Bochang''s thigh with it. With his chin resting on the gray-haired girl''s shoulder and hands dangling loosely at her sides, Bochang slowed his breathing. Although the occasional poke from the bat wasn''t comfortable, being carried like this felt genuinely pleasant. Moreover, his carrier was a beautiful young maiden, flawless from head to toe, exuding a faintly sweet aroma¡ªmaking it even more enjoyable. Bochang inwardly sighed, "Being injured... truly has its perks..." The trio continued towards the Master Control Zone. As they approached the metal wall that Bochang had blasted earlier, March 7th examined the large scorched crater and remarked, "My arrows can only create small dents here, but you managed to obliterate such a significant chunk... That''s truly impressive." The pink-haired girl gestured widely with both hands, appearing exceptionally lively. Stelle nodded thoughtfully, wondering if she too harbored such power within herself. "I guess I need to be more cautious and not act impulsively like Bochang..." the gray-haired girl cautioned herself internally. March 7th continued, "Impressive, indeed both stylish and powerful, but... you ran out of steam after just one shot. That''s quite short-lived... Bochang ...heh heh... so short-lived, no matter how cool, it still makes you a Silver Spear Wax Tip..." The pink-haired girl seemed to have some amusing thought, as she burst into laughter, her body shaking with mirth. It left others somewhat speechless. This girl was truly unpredictable. Bochang glared at her. "Short-lived? How am I short-lived? You''ve never even tried, so how would you know?" The black-haired youth refrained from saying these words aloud in front of the innocent-looking Stelle. Whether March 7th was genuinely innocent or not was unclear. However... Judging by her behavior, she likely wasn''t very pure. In contrast, Stelle remained quite innocent. After all, he had just been born, more or less? Bochang wasn''t sure either; regardless, the black-haired youth seemed to have lost his memories and appeared somewhat dazed. The gray-haired girl completely failed to grasp what March 7th found amusing. "I simply didn''t control my strength well enough, releasing it all at once. Once I get some training... I won''t repeat this embarrassing situation of using a cannon to swat a mosquito," the black-haired youth defended himself. Becoming like Huihui, capable of defeating opponents with one hit, was absolutely not desirable! "Hmm? Using a cannon to swat a mosquito, oh... that''s quite an apt description..." March 7th''s smile faded as she nodded thoughtfully. Then, realizing something, she added, "Right... we should hurry along! That loud noise might attract those monsters." Bochang and Stelle had no objections. The trio continued their journey and soon arrived at an even larger platform. The area was well-connected, with a central vertical elevator. According to March 7th, they would soon take that elevator downwards directly to the Master Control Zone. "Do you know the routes there well?" "Uh... Also, it seems like you''re not wearing the space station''s uniforms. Are you really from here?" asked the pink-haired girl. In response to her inquiries, both Stelle and Bochang replied, "I don''t remember." With no other choice, March 7th had to give up. Even if she persisted in questioning them, she wouldn''t get any meaningful answers. Amnesia served as the perfect excuse. Just a few steps onto the large platform, the trio encountered enemies again. "Bochang, wait for us here. Once March 7th and I deal with these foes, we''ll come back to fetch you." Stelle set down Bochang, helping him sit against a wall, before tightening her grip on the baseball bat. The black-haired youth, aware of his current role as a burden, nodded understandingly. March 7th gave a thumbs-up and whispered, "Don''t worry, we''ll swiftly take care of this fight." After this brief interaction, the pink-haired girl had clearly realized that both individuals possessed extraordinary capabilities. Bochang''s prowess went without saying. March 7th believed that if the previous cannon blast had hit her directly, even if she managed to block it, she would have sustained severe injuries. Taking such a direct hit unprepared could likely result in instant death. Of course, assuming it hits; as long as March 7th was prepared, she felt confident she could dodge it. Her initial lack of reaction was entirely due to not anticipating Bochang''s attack. As for Stelle... Although March 7th hadn''t witnessed her directly engage with enemies yet, based on the speed at which she confronted them earlier, Stelle seemed to possess significantly stronger physical attributes than March 7th herself. Even without combat experience, with proper training, she could undoubtedly become a formidable warrior. "Appearances can be truly deceiving..." the pink-haired girl marveled inwardly. Chapter 8: Come! Ambush Time! Chapter 8 - 8: Come! Ambush Time!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** March 7th fought alongside Stelle once again. Just like before: The gray-haired girl charged headlong, while March 7th positioned behind her, readying bow and arrow. This time, there was no interference from Bochang. Ice-blue arrows were fired in quick succession. Two heavy particles froze solid, rendering them incapable of attacking. As Stelle approached the enemy, preparing for a sneak attack, one tall Voidranger reacted swiftly and initiated a counteroffensive. With a light tap of its fingertip, the towering Voidranger unleashed a black-purple beam. Stelle''s pupils contracted, sensing danger. Abandoning her planned ambush, she halted momentarily and rapidly retreated. The Voidranger''s attack missed its target. The black-purple beam struck the ground, leaving only a small dark spot. "The power and speed of that attack seem quite ordinary; I probably could have forced my way through... Well, better to play it safe..." Having evaded the assault, Stelle tightened her grip on the baseball bat. From his prone position nearby, Bochang cautiously peeked at the battlefield. The towering Voidranger appeared even more formidable than the previous Plunderers they had encountered. If the black-haired youth''s memory served him correctly, this creature should be called a Voidranger Tamperer. Its armor was white, and it hovered mid-air, surrounded by balanced white-purple antimatter particles. As a Voidranger that survived the annihilation effect, this entity possessed unique abilities and basic intelligence, enabling it to control the actions of nearby Voidranger Plunderers and Eliminators within a small radius. At first glance, it seemed quite impressive. In reality... a Voidranger Tamperer is still just another foot soldier, albeit a slightly higher-tier one. Currently, there were four enemies on the battlefield: One Voidranger Tamperer, one Voidranger Plunderer, and two heavy particles. Moreover, those two heavy particles had already been frozen by March 7th''s surprise attack. For now, they were firmly immobilized. Bochang didn''t need to worry about the girls'' safety; this level of threat posed no challenge to them. At that moment... The Voidranger Plunderer, wielding dual golden blades, took advantage as Stelle momentarily halted and launched its pursuit. Blades swiftly approached. Seeing this, Stelle swung her baseball bat to block, channeling an unknown power within herself into the black bat, making it even more resilient against being easily cleaved. "Clang! Clang! Clang!" Against the relentless attacks from the Voidranger Plunderer, the gray-haired girl calmly parried each strike. The golden blades sparked numerous times upon contact with the metal baseball bat... Seizing an opening, Stelle thrust the bat directly at the Voidranger''s chest. "Thud!" With just a plain black metallic baseball bat, she forced the Voidranger Plunderer backward several steps. Bochang clearly observed that the black armor on the Voidranger Plunderer''s chest had dented significantly. If not for the inferior quality of its weapons, opting instead for a sturdy longsword, Earlier, Stelle could have instantly killed this Voidranger Plunderer. To cover her companion, the Voidranger Tamperer launched another attack. Meanwhile, March 7th wasn''t idle; she had already eliminated two frozen heavy particles moments ago... Seeing her teammate about to be struck, she swiftly fired an ice-blue arrow, precisely intercepting the black-purple beam. This created an opportunity for Stelle to pursue their enemies without delay. The gray-haired girl seized the moment and promptly dealt with the Voidranger Plunderer before her. With repeated blows from the metal bat, the enemy''s head suffered severe damage, ultimately killing it outright. March 7th exclaimed, "Nice job! Now leave the rest to me!" Without further ado... the pink-haired girl leaped forward, shooting a thick arrow that alternated between blue and pink hues towards the Voidranger Tamperer. It was an ice arrow. And as it descended, it transformed into numerous ice sculptures of dolls. With its companions already slain, the Voidranger Tamperer faced this onslaught unable to evade at all. Under the relentless assault of countless ice sculptures, it met its demise. The battle concluded swiftly. Stelle casually twirled her baseball bat, feeling surprisingly good despite being her first combat encounter. "Hmph... ain''t we awesome?!" March 7th placed her hands on her hips and turned to look at Bochang. Indeed, she was quite impressive. Out of the four monsters, three had fallen by her hand alone. "Yikes!" The pink-haired girl suddenly exclaimed, spotting something behind the black-haired youth. "Another monster is coming!" "Watch out!" Stelle''s foot slammed into the ground, launching her like an arrow swiftly toward Bochang. Realizing the danger, Bochang glanced to his left. A Voidranger Plunderer had appeared near where they had just passed, likely drawn by the sounds of battle. Upon sighting the black-haired youth, it immediately charged. Preoccupied with Stelle and March 7th''s fight, Bochang hadn''t noticed the threat approaching. Fortunately, the pink-haired girl spotted it in time. Otherwise... Even after his head was likely severed by the Voidranger Plunderer, Bochang might never know who killed him. The enemy was dangerously close now. Just five meters away. Neither March 7th nor Stelle could provide support in time. "How can I die here of all places!" Too weak to lift his hand, Bochang could only open his mouth wide and summon the remaining strength within him. He fully activated the Dragon Talisman! A fiery red glow gathered inside his mouth. Before the golden blades could strike, a thumb-sized beam of flame shot out, precisely hitting the Voidranger Plunderer''s chest. The resulting explosion forced the creature several steps backward. Bochang couldn''t tell if he had killed the enemy; immediately after unleashing this Draconic Burst, an overwhelming wave of fatigue engulfed him, causing his vision to darken as he fainted. In his dazed state, he glimpsed a figure appearing before him. "Who is it... Stelle? Or another Voidranger Plunderer?" Bochang didn''t know, for he had already lost consciousness. Since his arrival in this world, the black-haired youth had passed out twice within a short span of time. It was a feeling he deeply disliked. "His breathing and pulse are still there; don''t worry, he''s alive. It seems he just collapsed from exhaustion," March 7th reassured Stelle. After Bochang unleashed his final Draconic Burst, repelling the Voidranger Plunderer... March 7th and Stelle arrived as reinforcements shortly thereafter. A pink beam struck Bochang, casting a protective shield around him. Furious, Stelle positioned herself in front of the black-haired youth, unleashing a torrential barrage with her black metallic baseball bat, swiftly defeating the Voidranger Plunderer. Now, both March 7th and Stelle were crouched beside Bochang, gently examining his condition by palpating his body. "It appears that the loud explosion earlier did attract a significant amount of monster attention... Stelle, carry Bochang on your back. Let''s quickly take the elevator away. With an injured teammate, we won''t fare well if confronted by a swarm of monsters," March 7th calmly analyzed. Finding her assessment reasonable, Stelle nodded in agreement. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 9: Elite Enemies Chapter 9 - 9: Elite EnemiesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** An unknown amount of time had passed. A jolt woke Bochang up. Before even opening his eyes, he sensed a faint, soothing fragrance in the air. Calm and distant, reminiscent of narcissus flowers'' scent. This familiar aroma brought a sense of reassurance. "Stelle... is she still carrying me?" Slowly, Bochang opened his eyes and found himself once again being carried by the gray-haired girl. As Stelle moved, their skin occasionally brushed against each other with subtle friction, creating an intriguing sensation. It was this gentle touch that roused the black-haired youth from sleep. The pain throughout his body, combined with overwhelming exhaustion from overexertion, left Bochang breathless... at times, he felt it might be better to simply succumb and die. He couldn''t muster any strength. Unable to observe his surroundings due to fatigue, Bochang also lacked the desire to speak. He quietly remained on Stelle''s back... leaning against her not-so-sturdy yet comforting shoulders, listening to the sounds of everyone running within the space station. "One, two, three, four... There are four sets of footsteps altogether. Since no one seems to be encountering enemies now, it likely means March 7th and Stelle have already met up with Dan Heng and Arlan... Does that mean I haven''t slept for long? Wait... Could this be leading up to the encounter with the Doomsday Beast? If so, then I must have slept quite a while..." Suddenly, Bochang realized that during their confrontation with the Doomsday Beast, there were also four people fleeing. The only difference was that Arlan had been replaced by the Astral Express navigator¡ªHimeko. Bochang began invoking "Dating Options." "System, how long have I been asleep?" ["Thirty-seven minutes and twenty-six seconds."] "Dating Options" provided an extremely precise response. "Just half an hour or so? Well, that''s waking up pretty quickly..." Bochang muttered to himself. With only half an hour passed, he could be fairly certain that they hadn''t encountered the Doomsday Beast yet. Everyone should still be on their way to the Master Control Zone. [Due to possessing the Dragon Talisman''s power and having your physique enhanced by fifty percent, you awakened earlier than expected. If the artificial respiration had been perfectly executed, resulting in a hundred percent physique boost, you would have awoken even sooner.] Wait... I understand the increase in my physique, but waking up faster... how is it related to the Dragon Talisman? Isn''t it just a combat-oriented talisman? Bochang eagerly awaited the system''s explanation, like a curious child. Dating Options had no intention of withholding information. [Ordinary individuals can use talismans because these artifacts contain inherent magic power. When you obtained the Dragon Talisman''s power, you also gained its associated magic power. This magic power nourishes your body to a significant extent, leading to noticeable effects.] "So according to you, I use my stamina to channel magic power and then unleash a Draconic Burst?" Bochang extrapolated from this information, voicing his thoughts, "Does that mean the Dragon Talisman''s magic power can be depleted?" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Your initial assumption is not correct. It''s not about using stamina to mobilize magic power; rather, when magic power leaves your body... it naturally drains your stamina as well. You can think of it as the Dragon Talisman''s power burning through your stamina during its activation.] [Regarding your second question, I can provide a definitive answer: based on your current strength, you cannot deplete the Dragon Talisman''s magic power. Even if you did, your body would automatically absorb more magic power to replenish itself, albeit possibly at a slower rate.] While Bochang engaged with Dating Options for clarification, the five-member squad encountered enemies once again. This time, they were caught off guard by a sneak attack. Just as March 7th remarked, "We''re already at the elevator entrance? Haven''t encountered many foes along the way..." The enemy struck. A massive black-purple arrow swiftly approached, moving so fast it glowed with a golden aura around it. Fortunately, Dan Heng reacted swiftly, wielding his long spear to deflect the massive arrow''s trajectory. "Whoosh!" With Bochang on his back, Stelle rapidly retreated a step, watching as the dark purple arrow whizzed past him. Meanwhile, Dan Heng advanced further, blocking an enemy''s stomping attack. The force sent him stumbling backward, and a black-purple smoke momentarily stained his forearm before dissipating quickly, causing minimal impact. The assailant was a powerful monster known in the game as a Voidranger Trampler. Its upper body resembled human form, while its lower half consisted of four beast-like limbs, somewhat akin to a centaur from mythology. However, this creature was covered entirely in black-and-white battle armor. As an Elite Enemy, they were rare, possessing both intelligence and strength along with exceptional mobility. Its piercing cry had the ability to summon numerous Voidrangers, making it a particularly troublesome adversary. Everyone''s expressions turned serious. Stelle gently lowered Bochang onto the ground, entrusting him to the nearby brown-skinned youth who struggled to stand. "Arlan, you take care of Bochang, and leave the fighting to us three." "Understood." Despite injuring his leg and dominant hand during the battle, Arlan unhesitatingly accepted this challenging task. At that moment... Both Stelle and Arlan noticed the black-haired youth waking up. However, there was no time for reminiscing. The gray-haired girl resolutely turned away and plunged back into the fray. Now it was time for the injured to tend to the injured. While Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle engaged the enemy... Arlan, using his uninjured leg, supported Bochang with one arm and carefully retreated, distancing them from the battlefield to avoid accidental harm. As the head of the Security Division, Arlan had experience in evacuating casualties while wounded himself. A sturdy arm slipped under Bochang''s armpit, almost cradling his entire chest as they moved backward. Hmm... it turned into a hopping retreat. After all... Arlan had injured one leg. If both legs were intact, he could have effortlessly carried Bochang on his back. Due to the injury, Arlan even needed Dan Heng''s support just moments ago. The weakened Bochang was dragged away from the battlefield like a lifeless dog. "If I had known this would happen, I shouldn''t have recklessly used the Dragon Talisman..." The black-haired youth felt somewhat helpless. He had intended to showcase his abilities, earning the right to join their escape, but instead, it backfired spectacularly. Now, he became a burden. It was truly frustrating... Ahead, the battle had already commenced near the elevator entrance. Apart from the Voidranger Trampler, there were two additional minor enemies¡ªthe Voidranger Plunderers. Defeating them was crucial for everyone''s escape. "Stand still now, I''m about to bless you!" As the pink-haired girl mimed aiming a gun, a pink beam shot from her fingertips towards the gray-haired girl. Stelle didn''t dodge, allowing the pink beam to strike her directly. A surge of newfound strength emerged. Around Stelle, a translucent Shield materialized. This was March 7th''s ability, providing protection against enemy harm... at least until the Shield dissipated. While Bochang was unconscious, they had faced numerous battles. Stelle had already learned about March 7th and Dan Heng''s abilities. In summary... Everyone turned out to be quite formidable, expanding Stelle''s understanding significantly. Chapter 10: Light Cone Chapter 10 - 10: Light ConePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Voidranger Trampler''s strength was quite decent. However, under the combined assault of Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th, it quickly began to falter. The accompanying Voidranger Plunderer had already been defeated early on, sensing the dire situation. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Voidranger Trampler emitted a shrill cry. Nearly ten Voidranger Tamperers were summoned, hovering high above and casting cold gazes down at the five individuals below. Arlan instantly tensed up. Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th also unconsciously took a step back. Bochang remained unworried, as the sight triggered his memory... In the original storyline, Himeko would intervene at this moment. Sure enough, just as March 7th held their bow, unsure which monster to aim at... Suddenly, a black-brown combat drone appeared, spinning amidst the enemy swarm and unleashing a massive single-molecule saw to deliver lethal blows to the surrounding foes. In an instant, it defeated half of the Voidranger Tamperers. The severely wounded Voidranger Trampler was also swiftly dispatched. This combat drone belonged to Himeko, the navigator of the Astral Express¡ªher signature weapon. Seeing the assistance arrive, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Quickly reacting, Stelle and Dan Heng turned to carry/support Bochang and Arlan respectively. With the path cleared ahead, the five of them hastily entered the elevator. "Finally over..." Leaning against the elevator wall, March 7th lifted her head and let out a long sigh. After such prolonged combat, she felt weary. Especially during that final moment. If not for Himeko''s timely support, they might have sustained injuries before managing to escape successfully. Unlike now, where everything went smoothly. Neither Stelle, Dan Heng, nor March 7th sustained any injuries during the battle, achieving a flawless escape unscathed. Of course... Their ability to emerge without harm was largely due to March 7th''s efforts. Her Shield skill significantly increased their safety margin, albeit with a short duration¡ªless than thirty seconds. To maximize Shield''s effectiveness, it could only be used on combatants. Applying it on injured individuals risked wasting precious energy. Only in moments of great danger would March 7th cast Shield on the wounded, such as when Bochang faced an underhanded sneak attack earlier... The combat drone from the recent battle was now present within the elevator as well. Stelle glanced at the hovering drone above them and then looked down at Dan Heng. "This is..." With her calm golden eyes, the gray-haired girl observed him steadily. Stelle knew that among everyone here... the most dependable person seemed to be this composed man with black hair and azure eyes. Dan Heng replied, "This is the weapon of Astral Express''s navigator¡ªHimeko. She''s incredibly skilled. Once we descend, you''ll be able to see her." "Speaking of... Is Bochang feeling better now?" Dan Heng glanced at the black-haired youth on Stelle''s back. His eyes were already open, but due to his weakened neck, he had a downward gaze, making it difficult to discern his expression. Nevertheless, the keen-eyed "stoic little azure dragon" noticed. Bochang couldn''t yet speak, but just then, the System popped up with: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Do nothing and quietly wait for someone else to answer ¡ª Completion Reward: One-time recovery of 30% physical condition.] [Option 2: Shake your head and say, "I''m fine." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a Four-Star Abundance Light Cone and a post-operation dialogue. Note: This type of item will be temporarily stored in the System space and cannot be re-deposited once withdrawn.] [Option Three: Jerk involuntarily¡ªCompletion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star-destroying ship. Note: These items will be temporarily stored in the System space and cannot be retracted once taken out.] Bochang didn''t expect to trigger a "Dating Option" even in this situation. It seems these options indeed have nothing to do with romance; they''re essentially randomly triggered. "You only deserve the name ''Dating Options,'' right...?" Bochang muttered weakly, feeling slightly exasperated. Next, he began analyzing the three options carefully. Option One''s body state recovery appeared least beneficial but offered the quickest way to regain mobility. Option Two''s reward was a specialty from the Star world. The Light Cone was invented by the Garden of Recollection... Those followers of Fulbright Aeon developed it by refining fragments of Remembrance. The resulting Light Cone not only preserved Remembrance but also retained experiences and abilities, making it an exceptionally valuable enhancement-type Curio. Even within the Interstellar Peace Corporation, these are considered rare items. However, without any Fate Path power, Bochang might not be able to use it effectively. That''s no issue either. Whether gifted or sold, it would still be valuable. Option three with its random item is entirely a gamble. Last time, he took a chance among twelve talismans; this time, there''s even less predictability, making it highly uncertain. Worth noting¡ªthough perhaps Bochang''s previous prayer had some effect¡ªthere was no appearance of Big Booty this round. All three rewards seem decent. "Yet again, a Light Cone with the Abundance attribute... This makes two occurrences now. Could my compatibility with the Abundance fate path be particularly good?" Recalling that his earlier reward unlocked the Abundance fate path and granted him a random Imaginary power, Bochang formed this hypothesis. However, it was merely speculation. If he had chosen the Abundance fate path at that time, the black-haired youth would have undoubtedly seized this four-star Light Cone without hesitation. But now... With the Dragon Talisman''s influence, Bochang needed to hesitate a bit. "There''s still plenty of time; my stamina can recover gradually, no rush... After all, with the Dragon Talisman''s magical nourishment and my physique enhanced by fifty percent, the recovery speed should be quite fast..." The fact that he woke up only half an hour after exhausting his stamina demonstrated Bochang''s strong recuperation ability. As the black-haired man prepared to dismiss Option 1, a sudden realization struck him. "Wait... I don''t even have the strength to nod or speak right now... If I make a choice, will the system assist me somehow?" [No, you must find your own way. If unable to complete the task, the consequences will be borne by you.] Bochang hesitated. Recalling the previous "Unpredictable Consequences," he had reason to believe that if he failed to complete the task or did not perform adequately, the most likely outcome would be no reward or a reduced one. "Should I take a chance? Even if it doesn''t succeed, at least nothing disastrous will happen." Bochang deliberated for a long time. The countdown for the [Dating Options] had already begun: [Ten, nine, eight...] "Forget it. Instead of wasting options, better to restore my mobility first, just in case this happens again..." Bochang decided against gambling and chose, "Option One!" After making his decision, the world around him resumed its motion... The black-haired youth remained motionless on the gray-haired girl''s back. Stelle remarked, "Not sure, but he woke up earlier, so there shouldn''t be any major issues." Due to the urgency of the situation, everyone only began to relax once inside the elevator. Before Stelle could check on Bochang, it was Dan Heng who brought up the concern first. Chapter 11: Not Alone Chapter 11 - 11: Not AlonePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Rewards being distributed ¡ª Congratulations! You have received a one-time 30% physical condition recovery.] The pain and weakness swiftly diminished, replaced by a surge of newfound vitality within him. Bochang felt somewhat helpless. He could have obtained the Light Cone or gambled on an Enigmata item, but unexpectedly, due to his own circumstances, he ended up choosing the least advantageous option. "It''s fate and timing; no matter, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future, so no need to rush." The black-haired youth composed himself. Since arriving in this world, it hadn''t been long, yet "Dating Options" had already triggered three times. This frequency was quite high, suggesting that before long, Bochang might accumulate a vast array of rewards¡ªpotentially becoming invincible worldwide. As the black-haired youth indulged in these fantasies... the elevator reached its destination. The group of five stepped out of the elevator. March 7th led the way, Dan Heng supported Arlan, and Stelle carried Bochang on his back. The navigator of the Astral Express¡ªHimeko¡ªwas already waiting at the elevator entrance with a warm smile, her gaze frequently shifting between Stelle and Bochang. Upon meeting acquaintances, pleasantries were inevitable. During this exchange, Stelle had no chance to interject, merely listening quietly to their conversation. Bochang, similarly, remained silent as his strength continued to recover. However... The black-haired youth decided to feign weakness for a while longer. Before they could chat much further, Arlan excused himself, stating he needed to report the situation to Station Director Asta. With Arlan''s departure, the conversation shifted towards Stelle and Bochang. "Hi, nice to meet you all. I''m Himeko, the navigator of the Astral Express," she introduced herself. March 7th spread out her hands and chimed in, "In other words... the train''s movements are entirely under her command." "Hmm... My name is Stelle, and the one on my back is Bochang. We... both have lost our memories." The gray-haired girl followed with her own customary introduction, not forgetting to mention the person on her back. "Memory loss?" Upon hearing this, Himeko''s delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly before relaxing again. "No worries, let''s go see Station Director Asta shortly and ask her. She might know your identities." Although she said that, Himeko harbored other thoughts internally. Her gaze then shifted to the black-haired youth. "What''s his situation? Is he injured? If so... it would be best to place him over there for medical attention." "Just exhausted," Stelle replied promptly. As soon as she finished speaking, March 7th excitedly chimed in, "Himeko, did you feel the recent tremors at the space station? That was all thanks to Bochang... His blast was incredibly awesome!" "It''s too bad it was just one shot; he ran out of steam afterward. The explosion even blew him quite far due to the shockwave, but fortunately, he was at a safe distance and wasn''t severely affected." "Additionally... while we were battling monsters, he faced a sneak attack..." The pink-haired girl rapidly recounted Bochang''s exploits. Earlier, when they encountered Dan Heng and Arlan, March 7th had mentioned these details as well. However, at that time, Bochang was still unconscious and didn''t hear them. "It seems she''s quite fond of Draconic Burst..." Bochang himself appreciated it too, just not realizing how much chaos it would cause. Upon hearing this, Himeko appeared slightly surprised and asked, "So the recent tremors on the space station were caused by him?" "Of course! Do you think I''d lie to you, Himeko? Even Stelle witnessed it, right?" March 7th placed her hands on her hips confidently. Stelle nodded in agreement. Himeko looked thoughtful. "I see... If he''s merely exhausted, let''s bring him along to meet Asta. She''s been very worried about all of you." Noticing that Stelle showed no intention of putting down Bochang... Himeko understood that the gray-haired girl might not want to be separated from him. Perhaps she wished to personally take care of him? S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. And so... Led by Himeko, the group departed from the elevator, their footsteps echoing on the metal floor as they hurried towards Asta''s location. The Master Control Zone was vast¡ªso large that it could nearly accommodate the entire population of the space station. Consequently, this area was often chosen for gatherings and events within the station. Due to the Antimatter Legion''s attack, most people had gathered here. They stood in small groups, conversing with each other, their faces still showing signs of shock. Along the way, Stelle observed those around them, noticing two young children engaged in conversation. "Are they researchers too?" "Of course, don''t underestimate Adler and Wen Shiling just because they''re young, Stelle." Children were rare in the space station, so March 7th recognized them. As she passed by, she greeted them casually, eliciting cheerful responses like "Big Sister March..." in their immature voices. After walking some distance, the group of five reached a triangular platform ahead where they found Asta, the acting station director. The woman stood with her back to everyone... Her short deep pink hair draped over her shoulders, and she wore a white outfit that exposed both her shoulders and back. A cape hung from her waist, adorned with long pink embellishments around its edges, revealing beneath it a dark-colored bandeau bra. "Radar tracking remains normal, but telemetry signal frequency is unusually high! It must be kept at average levels!" "Based on predictions, the Legion is preparing for more than ten consecutive waves of attacks. Everyone, hold strong!" Asta, not yet aware of Himeko''s group arriving, slightly lifted her head to observe a 3D projection ahead. After reviewing a series of data points, she issued commands to the space station personnel. Noticing this scene, March 7th interrupted by speaking up. The acting station director turned around. "Sigh... I''m relieved you all returned safely. Arlan was here just now; I''ve learned about the incident in the Storage Zone, as well as his injuries... In any case... we owe a great deal to your assistance this time. Otherwise..." Asta reflected on her mistakes before Himeko and the others. Everyone in the space station had immense trust in Herta, never once considering that the Antimatter Legion could breach their defenses. This included the acting station director herself. As a result, they consistently neglected the development of security measures and combat readiness, leading to the current crisis. The Antimatter Legion''s invasion caught them off guard, swiftly overwhelming the defense systems before launching fierce assaults on the space station. Even this acting station director had overlooked security and combat personnel development, leading to the current crisis. The Antimatter Legion''s invasion caught everyone off guard. After breaching the defense systems, they launched fierce attacks on the space station. Fortunately, thanks to the presence of Astral Express crew members and the diligent efforts of the security team, most people were able to find safety. "Your Astral Express crewmembers are truly exceptional..." Upon hearing Asta''s praise, March 7th instinctively placed his hands on his hips with a proud smile. The acting station director''s gaze then shifted to Bochang and Stelle. The head of the Security Division had already briefed Asta about their situation. "As for these two... honestly, when Arlan arrived earlier, I checked our database. There is no information about them here at the space station, so... they are not from this place." Stelle looked surprised; if she wasn''t part of the space station, then who was she? She felt momentarily bewildered. However, swiftly... The black-haired youth behind her provided some reassurance, reminding her that she wasn''t alone. Chapter 12: Sincerity is Forever Unbeatable Chapter 12 - 12: Sincerity is Forever UnbeatablePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Himeko had anticipated this, after all... she sensed the presence of Stellaron within Stelle''s body. It was now clear that their identities were not as they seemed. As for Bochang... Himeko didn''t have any immediate insights, but given their matching outfits, she guessed they were likely part of the same group. "Ah? Then where did Bochang and Stelle come from? Surely not with the Antimatter Legion?" March 7th shrugged helplessly. Asta shook her head. "That''s unclear..." Dan Heng frowned, studying these two mysterious newcomers closely. To divert attention, Himeko changed the subject. "Let''s set aside those questions for now. Have you contacted Herta about the space station issue?" "I''ve sent numerous messages, but they''ve all gone unanswered. You know her well, Miss Himeko. To Lady Herta, the space station is merely a storage facility for her followers and Curios; it doesn''t seem to concern her much." Asta sighed, expressing her frustration. Asta sighed. If only Herta had reacted sooner, the situation at the space station wouldn''t have escalated to this point. After all, she was one of the eighty-four extraordinary geniuses invited by Aeon - Nous, serving as his Emanator, on par with the previously mentioned Lord Ravager. Dealing with the Antimatter Legion would be a minor task for Herta. "I knew it... But don''t worry, I''ll also send a message to Herta, informing her that we''ve brought the Curio she desires. At least that should pique her interest." "Thank you very much." Asta didn''t press further about the identities of the two strangers; she could tell Himeko was changing the subject. Thus, she decided not to dwell on it. The redheaded woman turned to Bochang and Stelle, saying, "Stelle, why don''t you take Bochang over there to rest? Carrying him around must be tiring for you, and it''s probably not too comfortable for him either..." "Don''t exaggerate... I''m feeling quite alright now," Bochang muttered to himself. The gray-haired girl nodded in agreement, and as Stelle began carrying Bochang away, Himeko issued instructions to Dan Heng and March 7th. "Please go reassure the staff members. At a time like this, nobody wants any further incidents within the space station." Those matters didn''t concern Bochang or Stelle anymore. With the black-haired youth''s intervention, all Stelle needed to focus on was taking care of him. On their way to the rest area, Bochang heard voices from the crowd. It was unclear what those two children had been discussing, but suddenly, one of them¡ªthe girl¡ªburst into tears. Currently... most people were in a state of unease, with no shortage of individuals crying. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Affected by the tense atmosphere, even Stelle''s mood seemed to darken slightly. Before reaching the rest area, the gray-haired girl unexpectedly asked, "Bochang... have you recovered enough to walk on your own?" This question caught the black-haired youth off guard, who was lazily leaning against her back. It was indeed true. His physical condition had been restored by thirty percent in one go. Combined with the rest he had already taken, the fatigue and pain significantly diminished, making it entirely possible for him to walk on his own now. Of course... there still remained some weariness, considering Bochang had previously overexerted himself. He also sustained minor injuries, leaving him in a poor state. Restoring only thirty percent wasn''t substantial. As Bochang pondered how to respond... [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Although lying isn''t ideal, sometimes it''s unavoidable. Tell her, "No... I''m still very exhausted." - Completion Reward: Skill ''Feign Death'', allowing you to enter a false death state at any time.] [Option 2: Honesty is always the winning strategy. Be straightforward and concise, reply with, "Yes... I just wanted to stay on Stelle''s back a bit longer, is that not okay?" - Completion Reward: Strength increased by 100%.] This time, the Dating Options presented only two paths. To Bochang''s slight surprise, he had expected there to always be three options... He carefully examined both rewards. Feigning Death could be somewhat useful but not significantly so, while strength enhancement would have immediate benefits. "Increasing my base strength is still quite valuable. After all, Feigning Death has limited practical uses; it seems more suited for pretending to be injured... Although being pampered as an invalid feels nice, I can''t remain a burden to the team forever..." This time, Bochang made his decision swiftly, unlike his hesitation with the previous choices. "I''ve decided, Option Two!" With admirable courage, Bochang went straight for the heart of the matter, "Yes, I just want to stay on Stelle''s back a bit longer. Is that too much to ask?" The gray-haired girl paused momentarily, her golden eyes flashing with surprise. Despite racking her brain, Stelle never anticipated this response. She had expected something along the lines of, "My body is still very weary"... This unexpected remark left Stelle momentarily speechless, but she quickly regained her composure. Her firm and shapely legs resumed their stride, heading resolutely towards the rest area. "Do as you like. Even if I put you down, I doubt you could walk quickly..." Stelle replied. Bochang blinked, suddenly sensing a subtle shift in the atmosphere around them. "Is there... perhaps? maybe? some hint of romantic interest?" His black eyes sparkled, and he asked, "By the way... how did you know my condition had improved?" "Your body told me... Earlier, when I carried you on my back, your entire body felt limp. Now, I can occasionally sense you exerting effort to maintain your balance." Stelle''s expression remained composed, almost indifferent. Bochang nodded thoughtfully and said, "Ah, so that''s how..." "We''ve arrived at the rest area." Stelle halted her steps. Due to the Antimatter Legion''s attack, many individuals aboard the space station were injured and gathered mostly in the rest area. Medical personnel moved about busily, attending to the wounded. As Stelle rushed to the rest area with Bochang on her back, medical personnel in white immediately approached them. "What happened... Do you need assistance?" Looking at the friendly medical staff, Stelle responded, "We were looking for a place to rest, and he just..." Before the gray-haired girl could finish, Bochang interrupted her. "I think I sustained some minor scrapes. Do you have any topical medication available?" "Sure, I''ll bring it right away." The medical staff member nodded and pointed towards a nearby spot on the floor, "Please wait there while I fetch it." After they left, Stelle frowned. "So you did get injured after all? Why didn''t you say something sooner? Was it when you were first thrown by the shockwave?" "I didn''t want you all to worry... Besides, it''s just minor scrapes..." Bochang shook his head. He could feel that the wounds on his back weren''t severe, aided by the system''s enhancement and healing capabilities. They likely had already healed mostly, requiring only a bit of topical treatment now. Chapter 13: Medical Treatment Chapter 13 - 13: Medical TreatmentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Without saying more, Stelle silently laid Bochang down on the ground. The Master Control Zone had no beds. Even if temporary ones were set up, they would be reserved for those with more severe injuries... Naturally, someone like Bochang, who appeared relatively unharmed, wouldn''t need them. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received a strength enhancement of one hundred percent.] Only at this moment... did the electronic voice of "Dating Options" belatedly chime in. Bochang asked, "Why was it so slow this time? Usually, as soon as I make a decision..." [Because enhancements related to physical attributes can subtly alter your body''s contours. To avoid arousing suspicion from Stelle, a unilateral delay was decided.] "So considerate?" This time, the system did not respond. Immediately after praising its thoughtfulness, Bochang received no reply. Shortly after, the familiar warm sensation returned, but this time... it felt slightly more intense. The black-haired youth lying on the ground sensed his muscles tearing and reassembling wherever the warm flow passed through. Yet strangely... He didn''t feel any pain at all. It was akin to watching muscles continuously shifting beneath his clothes, creating an oddly mesmerizing sight. Stelle, clad in a black skirt, sat with her legs tightly crossed next to Bochang. Conveniently, there was a step for her to perch upon, while behind her lay the prone figure of the black-haired youth. Her gaze casually wandered around the Master Control Zone. With her mind seemingly elsewhere, Stelle''s usually cool expression took on a dreamy charm. Naturally, she did not notice the changes occurring in Bochang''s body. Soon, the system''s enhancement process concluded. The medical personnel who had just left earlier returned with a medical kit. Bochang recognized it was a young woman based on distinct physical features. She showed no intention of idle chatter. The medical staff handed the small first aid kit to Stelle, promptly opened it, and instructed, "First, use this bottle''s liquid to clean his wounds. Then apply these bandages over the injured areas for proper dressing. This should be manageable for you, right? I''m very busy at the moment... There are several severely wounded patients needing attention over there, so I''ll have to leave him in your care. No problem, correct?" With green eyes, the medical personnel gazed at Stelle, although she felt as if they had never met before. However... Given the size of the space station and the large number of people present, encountering strangers was quite normal. The medical staff didn''t dwell on it further. Feeling somewhat bewildered, Stelle unconsciously nodded in agreement. Having received confirmation, the healthcare worker clad in white swiftly turned and hurried away. "They''re truly swamped..." Bochang sighed sympathetically. In the rest area, many individuals were attending to their own injuries, so neither Bochang nor Stelle questioned the medical staff''s actions. Stelle remained silent, simply staring at the first aid kit in her hands, her mind replaying the instructions just given to her. "Clean the wound with this... and apply this bandage... seems pretty straightforward..." With these thoughts, Stelle turned towards Bochang, gazing intently with his beautiful golden eyes, and said, "Your back is injured, isn''t it?" "Yes... I scraped it along the ground for some distance earlier... Honestly, it still hurts a bit..." The clothing provided by Silver Wolf was of high quality. Despite the intense friction, there were no signs of damage. As a result, nobody had noticed Bochang''s back injuries. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Sit up, let me help you take off your shirt." Stelle gently supported Bochang, helping him sit upright, and then confidently began removing his clothing. The black-haired youth did not resist. First, the jacket came off, followed by the T-shirt. Bochang''s well-defined and sculpted muscles were now exposed to Stelle''s gaze. Before crossing over, he had visible muscle tone but not as pronounced as it is now. After multiple enhancements from the "Dating Options" system, particularly the recent 100% strength boost, Bochang''s physique now looked remarkably toned and attractive. He noticed a slight flicker of emotion in Stelle''s eyes, but... it vanished swiftly, almost as if it were an illusion. The gray-haired girl moved efficiently, instructing Bochang to turn around and lie face down. She then observed the abrasion caused by friction on his back. Traces of blood still lingered on the wound. Due to minimal bleeding, only small stains remained on the white T-shirt, which could be easily washed away with a gentle rinse. Stelle leaned forward slightly, her slender fingers gently touching Bochang''s back. Her cool fingertips traced along the contours of Bochang''s muscles, causing a slight ticklish sensation. It also triggered a peculiar feeling that surged within him. Having never been touched like this by a girl before, Bochang''s breath hitched momentarily. Next... Stelle withdrew her fingers and reached for a disinfectant spray from the medical kit. Shaking it briefly, she intuitively aimed at Bochang''s wound and sprayed it. Next, she applied medication to the wound and proceeded to wrap it with white bandages. Although Stelle hadn''t received formal medical training... She still managed quite well. Perhaps this was her innate talent... "The back is now bandaged," the gray-haired girl moved lower, "Do you need wrapping below as well?" As she asked, Stelle''s hand had already grasped Bochang''s belt. His black pants had a buckle, making them not so easy to remove. Feeling Stelle''s hands tugging gently, Bochang responded, "Undressing in public... seems inappropriate." Before Stelle could reply, March 7th hurried over, speaking crisply: "What''s wrong with that? If injured, proper treatment is essential. However... why didn''t you tell us sooner?! If I hadn''t just happened to pass by and noticed, we wouldn''t have known..." Recalling how Bochang used Draconic Burst, causing a single strike powerful enough to shake the entire space station, March 7th subconsciously considered him very strong. Even with just one shot, such firepower couldn''t be underestimated. Therefore... March 7th never believed that the shockwave from the explosion could actually harm Bochang. At most, he thought it was due to Bochang''s lack of stamina causing him to be blown away, not expecting that he would truly get injured. It''s quite peculiar. With such formidable offensive capabilities, one wouldn''t expect his body to be so fragile. "There are many wounded here, and plenty of people undressing for treatment... Don''t be so squeamish, hurry up and take off your clothes! Come on!" As March 7th spoke, he pulled out a camera. "Bochang, you''ve got a decent physique. Mind if I take some photos as keepsakes?" Bochang replied, "If I say I mind, would you still refrain from taking them?" "Of course not?" March 7th, holding the blue camera at his waist, proceeded to snap rapid-fire shots with a series of clicks. "If I didn''t capture this moment, I definitely wouldn''t sleep well tonight." Bochang remained silent, unable to respond. "All right, March, don''t disturb others here. Also... don''t forget the mission Himeko entrusted to us." Dan Heng approached from nearby. Chapter 14: The Teleportation Ring Chapter 14 - 14: The Teleportation RingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The "Stoic Little Azure Dragon" whisked away the lively March 7th on this day. Meanwhile... Stelle continued her inquiry. "Do you want to undress?" "Yes, go ahead..." With the gray-haired girl''s assistance, Bochang hesitantly unbuckled his belt and removed his pants, revealing his SpongeBob-themed boxer shorts once again. Curiously glancing over, Stelle then diverted her gaze back. She helped Bochang lie down comfortably on the ground. Stelle began applying ointment to the black-haired youth''s lower body injuries. This scene attracted quite some attention due to their striking combination of handsome young man and beautiful girl. Although Bochang wasn''t exceptionally good-looking, his well-built physique added allure. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As for Stelle, her blend of coldness with a hint of innocence struck a chord in many hearts. From a distance, Himeko and Asta observed them closely. "Do you have any idea about their identities?" Asta asked. Himeko shook her head. "No, I don''t know their identities, but I recognize the aura around that girl." "Aura? What do you mean?" Asta looked puzzled. The redheaded woman replied, "It''s from a Stellaron..." "Stellaron? How is that possible..." Asta expressed shock on his face. Stellaron was no ordinary entity; it could be considered a cancer to the world, bringing calamities, distorting space, and even obstructing the path of the Astral Express... Moreover, it is incredibly difficult to destroy, as one must create conditions to suppress its energy spread. Herta placed it within the space station precisely to restrain this unactivated Stellaron and prevent disaster from affecting the Blue Planet. Asta was unaware of these specifics, only knowing that Stellaron signifies something ominous. Himeko held out her hands, gesturing calmly. "The Stellaron inside her remains stable for now; you don''t need to worry immediately." "I see..." Asta frowned slightly. "Then...what about that young boy?" "You mean Bochang? Regarding him...I must admit, I have no clue either. However, since he appeared alongside the star, there''s likely some connection between them. If possible...I''d like to bring both of them aboard the Astral Express." Himeko smiled warmly. "As you know, I have extensive experience dealing with matters related to the Stellaron." "Alright...it''s up to you. As long as they don''t disrupt the space station, it''s not my concern." From Arlan, Asta had learned about the capabilities of Stelle and Bochang. However... Being a hidden heiress, she could indeed attract individuals with such strength. This time, her overreliance on Herta led to neglecting security measures, resulting in... Asta gently shook her head. As if remembering something, the deep pink-haired girl added, "Lady Herta would likely be very interested in Stelle." "I''ve already informed Herta about this," replied Himeko. "If she has time, she should be coming soon." Asta fell silent, turning to gaze at the 3D projection above, continuing her observation of the space station''s operations. The redheaded woman didn''t disturb Asta and simply watched from afar as Stelle and Bochang tended to their wounds... With the gray-haired girl''s assistance, the leg injuries were quickly treated. Bochang resumed resting on the ground, just as before. Stelle sat nearby, lost in thought. Without the black-haired youth''s interference, Stelle would have been with Dan Heng and March 7th, running around the Master Control Zone, comforting the shaken researchers... Time ticked away, second by second. After several minutes... The gray-haired girl suddenly spoke up. "Come to think of it... how much do you remember?" With her chin resting on one hand, Stelle asked without turning around, "Do you recall anyone else? For example... Kafka?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: I''m straightforward; let''s be honest. Respond with: "Kafka? Sounds vaguely familiar." - Completion Reward: Being abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 2: For a relatively stable life, pretending to know nothing is better. Reply hesitantly: "Kafka? Who? Don''t know them... No recollection." - Completion Reward: Equipment - Teleportation Ring, allows for arbitrary teleportation within ten meters, equipped with three energy slots. Each use consumes one slot, and it requires twenty-four hours to recharge and regain one slot. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 3: I''m all about causing chaos; let me spill the spoilers: "Kafka? Oh, I know her... And I also know that you were created using Stellaron." - Completion Reward: Lying dead on the street within twenty-four hours.] After reading Option 3, Bochang couldn''t help but comment sarcastically, "Lying dead on the street within twenty-four hours, huh? What kind of rushed game completion is this..." By now, Bochang had grown accustomed to the peculiarities of these "Dating Options," which often treated clear penalties as rewards. The previous two instances involved receiving Bigshots, but this time''s "reward" seemed particularly severe¡ªending up dead on the streets right away. Only a fool would choose that! Seeing Options 1 and 3, Bochang realized his surroundings might not be safe. Perhaps Silver Wolf was monitoring him, or maybe even... the Elio they mentioned. "But... if someone really ends up dead on the street, who could be responsible? The Stellaron Hunters? Or... people from the space station, like¡ªHerta..." A chill ran down Bochang''s spine. "If it truly involves those from the space station, mentioning Kafka''s name through Star, won''t it cause trouble for us...?" It was widely known that the Interstellar Peace Corporation had participated and invested in the construction of Herta Space Station. And on this corporation''s wanted list... Kafka''s name appeared among them. "Well, it''s already said; there''s no way to undo it now. Screw it, Stelle is the protagonist after all - nothing too bad will happen easily. Moreover, based on Option One, mentioning just the name shouldn''t cause significant trouble..." Bochang''s mind raced at high speed. At this moment, a challenging choice confronted the black-haired youth: "Should I be abducted by the Stellaron Hunters? Or...stay aboard the Astral Express?" By choosing the first option, Bochang could potentially meet Kafka and Silver Wolf very soon. Hmm...not necessarily, though. Additionally, the Stellaron Hunters organization posed some danger. There''s a chance that upon being abducted, he might face interrogation or worse... Recalling the Polygraph technique and Memory Removal Stick used by Silver Wolf earlier, Bochang felt uneasy. "I think I''ll just stay put on the Astral Express for now. After all, we have Himeko, March 7th, and Stelle here... Plus, later we can travel around easily with vehicles, and the reward of a teleportation ring isn''t bad either. One teleport could potentially save my life... And if the Doomsday Beast arrives again, assuming its final blast still targets March 7th, couldn''t I intervene to help?" Bochang''s mind quickly calculated the advantages. As for whether stealing Stelle''s spotlight might have any negative consequences, that wasn''t within Bochang''s immediate concerns. He figured it likely wouldn''t matter much anyway. "Option two!" Time resumed its flow. Bochang responded, "Kafka? Who? Don''t know him... No recollection." [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the equipment: Teleportation Ring. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and requires blood binding before use.] Chapter 15: Taking Photos Chapter 15 - 15: Taking PhotosPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Hearing Bochang''s response, Stelle softly sighed and said, "Alright then." They fell back into silence once more. The black-haired youth pondered for a moment. "Um... how about we take a stroll around here?" "You sure you''re up to it?" Stelle questioned in return. Bochang pushed himself off the floor, sitting upright. "Of course, I feel almost fully recovered now." With the Dragon Talisman''s magic power enhancing his physique by fifty percent and restoring thirty percent of his physical condition, followed by doubling his strength momentarily earlier, these successive boosts allowed Bochang to recover rapidly. "That makes sense... Your injuries weren''t severe; they were nearly healed on their own without even needing medication..." A smile appeared on Stelle''s face. "Good thing I ended up treating you... If it had been a doctor, they would have surely commented on your quick recovery." "I did feel some pain though..." Bochang gently touched his cheek. Stelle reached out, steadying Bochang by the shoulder and helping him stand. "Alright, let''s not dwell on that now. Since you want to walk around nearby, I''ll assist you." "Mm-hmm..." Bochang didn''t refuse. It might have been his imagination, but the black-haired youth felt that Stelle''s attitude towards him had significantly improved after the recent events. "Am I mistaken? After all, before this, we were either fleeing or on our way to escape... Stelle and I hardly had a chance to properly talk." With Stelle supporting his arm, they moved forward together. Standing at 177 centimeters tall, Bochang wasn''t much taller than Stelle, who seemed around 170 centimeters herself. As they walked side by side, they resembled a sweet young couple. Neither of them spoke during their stroll, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. However, just as a few minutes passed, March 7th approached again. "Bochang, you''re already able to walk? Your recovery is impressive... Considering how exhausted you were earlier, I expected it would take at least a day or two for you to wake up..." "Have you completed your tasks?" Bochang''s gaze shifted past March 7th, directly toward Dan Heng behind her. He responded, "Almost done. Just now, March and I took a quick tour, calmed down some researchers, and helped them with a few tasks..." The black-haired youth nodded thoughtfully. He wasn''t sure when the Doomsday Beast would strike, but since Dan Heng and March 7th''s tasks were nearly completed, it was likely that the Doomsday Beast would arrive soon. Bochang muttered to himself internally: "But I''ve only rested for about ten minutes... Surely the Doomsday Beast won''t come this early." "Just now, we also went to see Arlan. He kept blaming himself for not detecting the Antimatter Legion earlier. It took quite some effort from Dan Heng and me to help him understand..." March 7th said, then glanced at the man beside him. "Right, Dan Heng?" With arms crossed, Dan Heng replied, "I believe it should be credited mostly to my efforts." Stelle remained silent, taken aback. Bochang, equally speechless. "Hey, Dan Heng, why can''t you give me a bit of respect...?" March 7th, feeling indignant, turned her head away. "It''s not about giving or withholding respect; I''m just stating the facts." Dan Heng shook his head. "Why don''t you accompany Stelle and Bochang around instead? You could serve as their guide." "What about you?" March 7th looked back at Dan Heng. The black-haired man with azure eyes appeared ready to depart. "I''ll go explore other areas." "Sure, go ahead then. Later, when it''s almost time to wrap up, send me a message. I''ll bring Stelle and Bochang over too." March 7th waved goodbye. Without responding, Dan Heng turned and left. "Stelle, Bochang, where would you like to go? I know of a spot nearby that offers great views... Let''s take some photos there for memories," suggested March 7th, gently taking Stelle''s hand on the other side. The gray-haired girl followed along, leaving Bochang no choice but to accompany them as well. As they walked, Stelle remarked, "It seems like you really enjoy taking photographs." "Absolutely! When you capture moments with photos, they can never be forgotten. So every day, I take lots of pictures! And... isn''t it quite normal for girls like me to enjoy photography?" March 7th chattered enthusiastically. Bochang couldn''t help but feel that Dan Heng might have sent March 7th away precisely because she talked too much. After all... Dan Heng did not particularly enjoy small talk. Having March 7th constantly chatting nearby could potentially bother him. "Hmm... that makes sense," Stelle nodded. Having lost her own memories due to Removal, the concept of "never forgetting" resonated deeply with her. Bochang quietly listened as the two girls conversed, following them without saying a word. He had no intention of interrupting their chat. The trio walked side by side, displaying no signs of pessimism, starkly contrasting with the people in the Master Control Zone. Soon, they arrived at the scenic spot that March 7th had mentioned. Located near the edge of the space station, it featured thick glass walls offering unobstructed views of the boundless starry sky outside. The shimmering stars formed a dazzling panorama across space. Most prominent was the nearby Blue Planet, its vast blue sphere dominating the view and evoking a sense of one''s own insignificance, along with a faint fear of such immense cosmic bodies. Against this backdrop, Stelle was pulled by the pink-haired girl to take numerous photos, with Bochang not escaping the photo session either. Just accompanying March 7th for these pictures took over ten minutes; she truly loved taking photos. Stelle''s face began to ache from smiling continuously, while March 7th''s grin remained as natural as ever. Due to Bochang''s reluctance and his status as an injured individual, he was somewhat spared from excessive posing. Otherwise...he would have ended up like Stelle, struggling to maintain a smile. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Most of the time, Bochang observed as the two girls took photos together. Occasionally, he even helped them capture some shots. However... Due to his lackluster photography skills, March 7th rarely let him assist, preferring to handle it herself whenever possible. Of course... Bochang was more than content with taking it easy. The black-haired youth also seized an opportunity to secretly perform the blood bonding ritual for the "Teleportation Ring," using residual blood on his white T-shirt. Initially, he just tried dabbing it lightly, not expecting it to actually work. This saved him from having to self-inflict a wound. With that, Bochang slipped the white teleportation ring onto his left index finger. "I can''t do this anymore, really, I''m done taking photos..." Feeling exhausted, Stelle signaled her unwillingness to continue further, and Bochang understood she had reached her limit. The gray-haired girl naturally wore a somewhat indifferent expression. To be precise, her face often appeared almost devoid of emotion. Just moments ago, Stelle had tirelessly posed expressions for March 7th''s photoshoot, leaving her feeling drained. "Alright, let''s call it a day for now." The pink-haired girl began flipping through the photographs. "Oh wow... we captured so many interesting shots today..." Stelle walked over and sat next to Bochang, exhaling softly with a fragrant breath. The black-haired youth said, "Thank you for all your hard work." "Hmm... well, it wasn''t really that much effort, just taking a few pictures..." Stelle shook her head gently. Bochang clarified, "What I meant is... earlier, when you carried me such a long distance and even helped apply medication, among other things. Thinking about it, I truly believe I should express my gratitude properly." "That was simply what anyone would do; you don''t need to worry about it." A natural smile spread across Stelle''s face. Seizing the moment, March 7th quickly snapped another photo. "Yes, that expression!" Chapter 16: The Vow Spear Chapter 16 - 16: The Vow SpearPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The pink-haired girl seized a perfect moment to snap another photo of Stelle, then quickly showed it to them, saying, "Take a look, this one turned out much better... far nicer than the previous shots." In the picture, Bochang and the gray-haired girl were seen chatting amicably. Stelle managed a resigned smile. Honestly... At first, accompanying March 7th for photos was somewhat enjoyable, but as the time spent taking pictures increased, it gradually became more of a torment. Before either Bochang or Stelle could respond, March 7th''s phone suddenly rang, and she took it out to glance at the message. "Dan Heng has finished over there and is calling us now... let''s hurry." The pink-haired girl put away her camera and phone, briskly leading the two back with urgency. Along the way, she tapped on her phone and asked, "By the way, do you guys have phones?" Both Bochang and Stelle instinctively reached for their pockets, only to find nothing inside. "No..." They shook their heads simultaneously. On the return journey, Stelle no longer held onto Bochang while walking, but they still remained close to each other. The black-haired youth had a rough idea of what might have happened. After all... to Stelle, the amnesiac girl, Bochang was her only companion. Additionally, they were even dressed in matching outfits akin to a couple. Walking closer together was entirely natural unless Bochang had done something to upset her, which seemed unlikely given their current closeness would likely persist for quite some time. "Ah? No phones? That''s not a problem... I''ll go find Himeko later and get two for you." March 7th''s crisp voice echoed from ahead, sounding generous and confident. "Let me tell you, although Astral Express isn''t extremely wealthy, providing two cell phones is no issue at all." "Is that really appropriate?" Stelle looked surprised. March 7th waved dismissively. "Absolutely, it''s more than appropriate. Think about it... On our way back, didn''t Stelle help us quite a bit? Without your assistance, Dan Heng and I might have been stuck out there for several extra minutes..." Indeed, during their return journey, Stelle had been invaluable. "As for you, Bochang... don''t be disheartened; you helped too. Remember those first three monsters we encountered? If not for your swift action, Stelle and I would have likely taken another ten seconds to deal with them." March 7th continued walking while rubbing the back of her head. Indeed, against those three small monsters, even considering both the pink-haired girl and Stelle''s combined efforts, it wouldn''t have taken more than a dozen seconds at most. "Of course... I do have a little request from you," March 7th suddenly stopped, turned around, and gently tapped Bochang''s nose with her index finger. "It''s about... showing me that move again¡ª''Explosion!'' By the way, is that its actual name? I have no idea what it means, but shouting it does sound pretty cool." "Next time, I''m definitely going to capture it on camera!" The pink-haired girl was standing quite close to Bochang. He blinked and replied, "If there''s an opportunity, I''ll fulfill your wish. However... ''Explosion'' isn''t actually its proper name. It should be called Dragon Blast. Naming it ''Explosion'' was just my quirky sense of humor, though I didn''t expect it to become somewhat prophetic..." Indeed, despite resting for quite some time, Bochang''s physical condition had not fully recovered. "Dragon Blast... Dragon... It sounds intriguing. Based on the power you displayed earlier, the name seems fitting." March 7th grinned. "I''m really looking forward to seeing it again, aren''t you?" Stelle stood nearby, silently observing. After a moment of thought, the gray-haired girl asked, "So what does ''Explosion'' mean? And what do you mean by ''one word becoming prophetic''? There seem to be many unfamiliar terms in your vocabulary..." "''Explosion'' refers to a blast or detonation. As for these words, I just inexplicably remember them... You don''t know them either? How strange..." Bochang feigned deep contemplation. Stelle didn''t suspect anything, as she too felt similarly. Despite having no apparent memories from her Removal, she possessed exceptional combat proficiency. Bochang''s comment actually made her feel more connected to him. "It might be from your native language..." March 7th turned and continued leading the way. "During the Astral Express''s voyages, it''s common to encounter individuals speaking different languages. In such situations, we rely on simultaneous translation devices. However, once within interstellar space... most people primarily use the universal language." As they chatted casually, the trio returned to Himeko''s side. The redheaded big sister smiled warmly. "It seems you all get along quite well." "Of course," March 7th replied, lifting her chin proudly. However, Himeko''s gaze didn''t linger on March 7th; instead, she looked at Bochang. "Has your body recovered mostly?" "Mm-hmm..." Bochang nodded. Himeko wore a white dress resembling an evening gown. The left side draped down to her ankles, while the right side split high up to reveal black safety shorts underneath. Additionally, a golden tree pattern adorned the waist of her white dress. As Bochang boldly met Himeko''s gaze, she returned his look. After a moment of contemplation, the redheaded big sister continued, "I''m quite intrigued by the space station tremors you caused earlier. Could we discuss this further? Although I''ve heard some details from Dan Heng, I still want to hear your perspective directly. "If it''s convenient for you... If not, then never mind." Himeko did not press him. However, for Bochang, this wasn''t really a significant secret; his true secret lay with the [Dating Options]. Unfortunately, before he could respond, the electronic voice chimed again: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Openly answer: "No problem, Himeko, feel free to ask." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star-destroying warship. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Politely decline: "It truly is... somewhat inconvenient." - Completion Reward: Unlock Fate Path of Synergy and receive a random attribute power.] This time, the [Dating Options] presented only two choices. These rewards had all appeared before. Either take a gamble or... utilize the power of fate paths. Without considering the rewards, Bochang would undoubtedly have no issue sharing his Dragon Talisman abilities with Himeko. However... The current rewards offered by the "Dating Options" sway Bochang towards Option Two. Although Fate of Collaboration is primarily an auxiliary boost, for Bochang, it''s sufficient. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "No, I can''t... Concealing information isn''t ideal. Being straightforward and honest with Himeko will actually earn her trust more easily. Besides, since my last gamble didn''t pan out, let''s go all-in this time. Enigmata item... you''re the chosen one!" "Option One!" The world around him resumed its motion. Bochang replied, "It''s alright, Himeko, feel free to ask." [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the Vow Spear as equipment. This weapon cannot be destroyed, guarantees a 100% hit rate on any target, and automatically returns to the wielder. Note: The item has been stored in the system space and requires a blood-binding ritual for ownership before use.] Chapter 17: Training Ground Chapter 17 - 17: Training GroundPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Equipment: Vow Spear.] [Special Effect 1: Indestructible.] [Special Effect 2: Guaranteed Hit on Projectile Throw and Automatic Return.] This was a long spear. Bochang carefully examined the attributes of the Vow Spear and realized it was a fantastic gamble payoff. Just the "Indestructible" effect alone elevated its value to unparalleled heights. The guaranteed hit on projectile throw and automatic return were also impressive features. No longer would he need to worry about losing his weapon after throwing it. "But... does this mean I should reclass as a lancer? As they say, ''Since ancient times, luck E for lance wielders,'' really... oh well, since I''ve obtained this weapon, might as well put it to use. It''ll definitely come in handy when fighting the Doomsday Beast later." "Can I ask you something? I''m curious... what''s going on with that power of yours?" Himeko''s voice brought Bochang back to reality. The black-haired youth replied, "This thing... I''m not entirely sure myself. I just wanted to help, reached out my hand, and instinctively shouted ''Explosion.'' A blast immediately fired off, and then I realized what this move was called..." "It''s called Dragon Blast!" interjected March 7th, helping Bochang with the name. "However, I still think ''Explosion'' sounds cooler. ''Dragon Blast'' feels somewhat ordinary..." Stelle chimed in as well. "Yes, similar to Bochang, we mysteriously acquired some combat-related knowledge, but... the power he uses seems different from ours." Both Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng employed abilities derived from their respective fate paths. Stelle''s power originated from the Destruction Fate Path. March 7th''s power stemmed from the Preservation Fate Path. Dan Heng''s power originated from the Fate Path of The Hunt. When not actively using their fate paths, it might be difficult to perceive this connection. However, once someone taps into their fate path''s strength, those attuned can clearly sense it. But Bochang was different... Neither Stelle nor March 7th detected any signs of a fate path''s influence when he produced flames. "After all, I''m utilizing magic power..." Specifically, the magic power from the Dragon Talisman. Unwilling to reveal too much, Bochang shook his head and said, "I''m not sure..." "Here''s what we''ll do. Let''s find a place where you can test your abilities; perhaps I''ve encountered something similar before." As the navigator of the Astral Express, Himeko had traversed countless planets and witnessed individuals who, despite not having activated a fate path, could still unleash formidable powers. Therefore, this wasn''t particularly rare. "I remember Dan Heng mentioning that you haven''t fully mastered this power yet," Himeko continued. "It''s even more important to test it now, so we don''t encounter similar issues when the time comes to use it..." Unable to decline Himeko''s invitation, Bochang agreed, considering he had mostly recovered. "Alright, let''s find a suitable place to give it a try." "I know of a training area nearby." Himeko pointed in its direction. And so... sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Under the guidance of the redheaded big sister, the group set off. Unfortunately, they left Asta behind... She actually wanted to witness his Enigmata''s power too, but given the current situation at the space station, she couldn''t abandon her post. The Master Control Zone''s training area was vast, typically used by the Security Division for their drills. If needed, Herta would also requisition this facility for urgent testing or experiments. As for now... The training ground was completely empty, devoid of any presence. With most members of the Security Division either on patrol or defending against the Antimatter Legion''s attacks outside, it stood abandoned. "Do you see that target up ahead? Just direct your attack towards it," Himeko said, pointing at a massive humanoid robot located fifty meters away, as she addressed Bochang. This robot was specifically designed for the training ground. Immovable, its sole advantage lay in its durability, making it often used by Herta for various tests. The redheaded big sister placed her hand on her hip and warned, "Remember to control your power carefully; don''t collapse after just one shot... otherwise, we''ll be quite troubled." "Don''t worry, I won''t make the same mistake again." Previously, Bochang, lacking experience, had focused solely on unleashing a destructive attack with the Dragon Talisman against his enemies. In simpler terms, he had been too hasty. As a result, the energy within him surged out uncontrollably, akin to water bursting through an open floodgate. Extending his hand and aiming at the robot ahead, Bochang subtly channeled the Dragon Talisman''s power, immediately sensing his stamina rapidly draining... Realizing this, the black-haired youth swiftly triggered the Dragon Blast to avoid further energy accumulation and excessive depletion. A pillar of flame burst forth from his palm, hurtling towards the target. This time, the stream of flames was only as thick as a wrist. Under the watchful eyes of March 7th, Himeko, Stelle, and Dan Heng, the fiery beam struck the robot, causing a violent explosion. The training robot was engulfed in flames... The ensuing gusts forced Himeko and others to squint instinctively. As the flames subsided, the impact area where Bochang had hit showed a deep indentation. The already battered body of the robot acquired yet another scar. Meanwhile, March 7th had taken out her camera to film, but she appeared somewhat unsatisfied. "I haven''t seen such power before..." Himeko rubbed her chin, then quickly changed the topic, "However... it''s truly impressive, Bochang. How many times can you perform attacks like that?" "Not sure... probably around ten times," Bochang assessed his stamina consumption. He realized he still had considerable energy left. "About ten times? Can you lower its potency further? When dealing with weaker enemies... your previous attack was still too powerful." Himeko spread her hands, offering her suggestion. Bochang pondered for a moment, then mimicked holding a gun, cautiously adjusting the Dragon Talisman''s strength. This time... Bochang concentrated for a full three seconds before firing. The pillar of flame was only as thick as half a wrist. It ultimately created a small pit on the robot. This was already the limit of Bochang''s control; the attack could not be weakened any further. "That''s about right for now. Against weaker Voidrangers, if you can land a hit, it should cause severe damage... or potentially even kill them outright. However, the firing speed is still too slow. You need to practice more; three seconds is enough for an enemy to close in on you." Himeko offered her assessment. With such an attack... Bochang felt he could unleash several dozen times before tiring. If his body were fully recovered, he might endure even longer. "You can continue training here for a while. I''ll have March accompany you," Himeko said, turning and waving her hand. "I''m going to investigate the nature of this power further." Watching the redheaded big sister walk away, Bochang muttered to himself: "The Doomsday Beast... must be approaching soon, right?" As if invoking Word of Power, urgent alarms signaling danger quickly sounded throughout the space station. "What''s happening?" Everyone was startled, momentarily diverting their attention from Bochang''s left index finger, where Dan Heng resided. Chapter 18: The Doomsday Beast Chapter 18 - 18: The Doomsday BeastPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The sudden attack of the Doomsday Beast caught everyone off guard, causing chaos outside the training ground. Upon receiving Station Director Asta''s message, Himeko wisely chose to evacuate. "The situation has changed; let''s move quickly." As soon as the redheaded woman stepped out, she grabbed Stelle''s hand, while instinctively, the gray-haired girl took hold of Bochang''s hand, and together they followed Himeko''s lead, running swiftly away. Fortunately, Bochang''s strength had increased by one hundred percent. With nearly double the power of an average person, he barely managed to keep up with Himeko and the others. Even Stelle was slightly surprised. She initially thought that after just a few steps, Bochang would need her to carry him... yet unexpectedly, he maintained pace effortlessly. "Am I imagining things? It feels like his strength has significantly improved. Wait...I don''t think I ever directly assessed his strength before..." In Stelle''s memory, not long after meeting Bochang, he had effortlessly taken her down with a single strike. Ever since then, she often carried him on her back. After briefly pondering, Stelle dismissed the thought. Her physique was significantly better than Bochang''s, making it unsurprising that his endurance wouldn''t match hers. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. One could say¡ªit would be more unusual if his physique were superior. At this moment, Himeko stopped running. Meanwhile, Asta continued communicating over the radio, urging everyone to leave while she provided rear guard coverage. It was truly touching enough to bring tears to one''s eyes. March 7th spread her hands and asked, "Are we...are we just going to run away like this?" "There''s no choice. For the Doomsday Beast, tearing through the space station''s protective shield is as effortless as flipping a switch. With Herta absent, our defenses against the Antimatter Legion are simply too fragile. They came prepared; the people here...won''t be able to hold out." Dan Heng gently sighed. With assistance from the Astral Express personnel, there might be hope to defend the space station. However, most individuals here would likely perish due to the aftermath of the battle, leaving the space station as an empty shell even if it were successfully defended. After all, the Doomsday Beast is designed to target celestial bodies. Unless they could lure and kill the Doomsday Beast in an uninhabited area, is that even possible? Himeko''s thoughts went deeper, with her true concern being the Destruction Emanator - Lord Ravager. If the Doomsday Beast has appeared, there''s a chance Lord Ravager may follow suit. Once such a formidable entity capable of burning entire galaxies arrives, the situation would become dire. If escape is feasible, fleeing would undoubtedly be the wisest choice; otherwise, everyone stands to lose. Throughout her long journey traversing the cosmos, it was precisely this cautious approach that had enabled Himeko to survive until now. "Dan Heng is right; that''s why we need to leave, and moreover, with them," the redheaded woman''s gaze shifted towards Stelle and Bochang standing together. Frowning, Dan Heng asked, "Are they... truly important?" "They could be the key to breaking this deadlock, although... I might also be mistaken." Himeko shook her head slightly. Dan Heng had been pondering one question all along¡ªwhy did the Antimatter Legion come here? As a force intent on annihilating civilizations and life, logically, they should have focused more on the Blue Planet below the space station. The scattered Balladeers earlier chose not to attack the Blue Planet directly. Instead, they besieged the space station, even as the Doomsday Beast followed suit. This seemed rather peculiar. After Himeko''s reminder... considering their extraordinary nature, Dan Heng began to believe there was a valid reason for their presence. Perhaps the Antimatter Legion had specifically targeted Bochang and Stelle. "Himeko, do you intend to take Bochang and Stelle away, hoping to lure the Doomsday Beast?" Dan Heng rubbed his chin, "Then... what should we do next?" "Let''s leave via the Railway Platform. We''ll meet up with Welt there. No more idle talk; let''s move quickly." Himeko''s gaze was stern. To be frank, even if Bochang''s strength increased by one hundred percent, his speed still lagged behind Himeko and the others significantly. Even March 7th, with the weakest physique among them, was considerably faster than he was. Traveling with the black-haired youth inevitably slowed down their group''s pace, making their time constraint even tighter. Himeko felt there was no more time to waste. Without further ado, she began running. This time, the redheaded woman had already discussed it with Stelle beforehand, so she didn''t need to pull her along again. Seeing everyone in motion, March 7th, despite his lingering doubts, could only swallow them and follow suit. During this sprint, Himeko''s speed once again surpassed everyone else''s. Stelle quickly realized that with Bochang''s current Speed, he definitely couldn''t keep up. Without hesitation, the gray-haired girl leaned forward slightly and called back, "Hop on quickly, we''re about to accelerate." Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Bochang knew... This wasn''t the time for modesty. "Thanks again for your help," Bochang said as he grasped Stelle''s fragrant shoulders and climbed onto her back. Without wasting a moment, Stelle propelled herself forward swiftly. Despite not being particularly robust, the gray-haired girl carried the black-haired youth effortlessly, catching up to Himeko and the others in no time. "This feeling... is truly peculiar..." Everyone else was running, while he alone was "riding," essentially hitching a human-powered ride¡ªhow could it not feel strange? Even Bochang could sense the peculiar gaze from March 7th. "Why would you take out your camera at a time like this?! Quickly put it away!" he mentally exclaimed. Obviously... March 7th couldn''t hear Bochang''s internal grumbling; she continued running while capturing the scene on film. The sound of her camera''s shutter clicks was drowned out by their hurried footsteps, leaving only the flashes visible. With all-out sprinting, the group of five swiftly reached Railway Platform. At that moment, the Astral Express had not yet arrived. As March 7th suggested checking the surroundings... The Doomsday Beast suddenly appeared, causing a fierce gust that lifted the pink-haired girl''s skirt and startled her into looking up. Despite being directly connected to outer space, the Railway Platform oddly had air present. Bochang wasn''t sure of the exact principle behind it. Sensing danger, Stelle gently lowered the black-haired man from his back. "The Doomsday Beast... actually followed us here." Himeko glanced at Stelle and Bochang, noticing that a blue long spear had appeared in the black-haired youth''s hand. If not for the urgency of the situation, the redheaded woman would have certainly asked about it. March 7th drew her blue longbow, pointing it at the airborne enemy, and shouted, "Come down if you dare!" And then... The Doomsday Beast indeed descended. While everyone was focused on the enemy, Bochang secretly performed a blood bond ritual with the Vow Spear. The process was straightforward. With its exceptionally sharp tip, Bochang needed only to prick his fingertip, allowing his blood to seal the ownership claim. Apart from Himeko, who noticed Bochang''s actions, so did Stelle. Seeing the black-haired youth suddenly produce a weapon left Stelle momentarily bewildered. However, there was no time to dwell on this, as the Doomsday Beast had landed nearby. The dragon-like monster let out a deafening roar, causing their eardrums to ache painfully. The group of five braced themselves for battle. Chapter 19: Let the Lance Fly for a While Chapter 19 - 19: Let the Lance Fly for a WhilePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Doomsday Beast appeared predominantly black with purple hues. Lying on the Railway Platform, it stood nearly a hundred meters tall, resembling a small mountain. Behind it, a massive purple aura radiated, exuding an overwhelming presence. Its icy eyes seemed like deathly beams, scanning over everyone present. "Himeko warned sternly, "Everyone, be cautious!" The Doomsday Beast allowed no time for rest and initiated its attack first. With a sweeping motion of its calamitous right arm, the sheer destructive force was enough to make ordinary people tremble uncontrollably. Himeko and her companions hastily evaded. Upon seeing the Doomsday Beast emerge, Bochang wisely retreated to a distance, ensuring he was not within range of this initial assault and did not burden others with his protection. Even from afar, the powerful gust forced the black-haired youth to take a step back. One could easily imagine that if this attack had been directed at Bochang, he would have been unable to dodge and would likely have ended up like a ragdoll, swept aside into the trash. As an archer, March 7th retreated almost immediately next to him during the Doomsday Beast''s assault. "Where did you get that spear from?" The pink-haired girl curiously asked upon seeing his weapon. "Not now," Bochang replied. "Let''s focus on dealing with this monster first." Raising his hand, the black-haired youth launched the first attack against the Doomsday Beast. His instant Dragon Blast struck like a missile hitting the enemy, but alas, it only left a fleeting black mark, which seemed easily removable with a wipe. The attack failed to penetrate its defenses, as expected. After all, the Doomsday Beast was designed to combat celestial bodies; it wouldn''t be so easily defeated. "Is it due to insufficient power, or perhaps... do we need to target specific areas, similar to how it works in the game?" "Don''t target the body of the Doomsday Beast. Focus on its hands and the dark matter engine on its chest; otherwise, it''s nearly impossible to breach its defenses!" Himeko''s voice confirmed Bochang''s suspicion. The redheaded big sister also launched her attack against the Doomsday Beast. Her black briefcase transformed into what seemed like a large sword, which she swung effortlessly. Just as Stelle thought Himeko was about to strike the beast with the briefcase... A single-molecule saw suddenly emerged from within. The rapidly spinning circular saw cut twice in quick succession on the enemy''s left hand, leaving two massive visible wounds. With her high Speed and precise timing, the Doomsday Beast could not evade and had to endure the blows head-on. Following suit, Bochang, Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th unleashed their fierce assaults on the dragon-like monster. Flaming beams, baseball bat, long spear, and arrows all targeted the left hand of the beast. Leaving numerous marks on its body. Unlike Himeko''s strikes, their attacks caused only minor injuries. Without the initial wounds inflicted by the redheaded woman, Bochang even suspected... that despite focusing their combined firepower, it might have merely tickled the enemy. "It can clearly fly, yet insists on taking hits while grounded. This Doomsday Beast truly... Wait, could it be because the Railway Platform isn''t large enough? It has to stay here to attack us..." Bochang wasn''t sure if his observation was accurate, nor did he dwell on it much; instead, he joined March 7th and others in assaulting the Doomsday Beast. After another Dragon Blast, the black-haired youth seized the opportune moment and forcefully hurled the Vow Spear. The blue spear streaked across the sky like a shooting star, heading straight for the Antimatter Engine in the enemy''s chest. This was the power source of the Doomsday Beast. Within it lay a small black sphere encased by several metallic armor plates, resembling an enlarged heavy particle. If they could destroy it, sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. half the battle would be won. Noticing the attack, the Doomsday Beast reached out to intercept and swatted the Vow Spear aside with a swift motion. Everyone watched helplessly as Bochang''s weapon soared further and further into outer space... Beside him, March 7th remarked, "Bochang, you missed... And now your weapon is gone too. But don''t worry, supporting us from behind with Explosion works just as well. It''s just unfortunate about your spear..." A weapon capable of withstanding a direct hit from the Doomsday Beast without damage. Everyone knew March 7th''s spear was exceptional, and losing it was truly unfortunate. "Don''t worry, let the spear fly for a bit longer." Bochang slightly raised his head, confident that the Vow Spear, once launched, would inevitably strike its target. Although it missed this time, he knew it would circle around and return towards its aim, showing no concern whatsoever. The pink-haired girl didn''t understand what he meant. However... Soon, March 7th realized what Bochang implied. After several more rounds of attacks against the Doomsday Beast, she watched as the blue long spear flew back, not only undiminished in speed but actually appearing faster than before. "Huh?" Everyone witnessing this scene was astonished. The Doomsday Beast clearly hadn''t noticed the incoming attack from behind; instead, it lifted Dawn''s left hand, aiming directly at Himeko, intent on eliminating the greatest threat first. Realizing the enemy''s intent, the redheaded woman swiftly chose to retreat. The Doomsday Beast could withstand their attacks effortlessly¡ªa feat they couldn''t match. In fact, any single hit from the Doomsday Beast would instantly incapacitate them, likely resulting in severe injury or death. "Boom!" Dawn''s left hand slammed into the empty ground, leaving a massive imprint nearly ten meters wide on the Railway Platform. The resulting gust almost sent Bochang flying; he stumbled back several steps before regaining his footing. The sheer power of this strike¡ª was comparable to Bochang fully activating the Dragon Talisman. Had they been in a slightly more confined space, Bochang undoubtedly would have been lifted off his feet. At that moment... The Vow Spear struck the Doomsday Beast from behind, piercing its skin. Although it didn''t cause significant damage, it momentarily stunned the creature. Dan Heng and Stelle seized the opportunity. One targeted the left hand, while the other aimed for the right. "Cavern Illusion, Endless Dream!" "Rules...are meant to be broken!" Both the spear and baseball bat landed heavily on the Doomsday Beast, producing deafening sounds. After sustained attacks, the beast''s hands were already covered with wounds. Dan Heng and Stelle''s attacks were akin to the final straw that broke the camel''s back, temporarily immobilizing the dragon-like monster''s hands. Meanwhile, March 7th, Himeko, and Bochang focused their aim on the dark matter engine in the chest of the Doomsday Beast. Thick arrows, descending lasers, and pillars of flame¡ªthree distinct ranged attacks converged simultaneously on the dark matter engine, triggering a violent explosion. Bochang staggered slightly, having expended a significant amount of energy to ensure his attack was effective against the Doomsday Beast without wasting this opportunity. "Don''t let your guard down; the Doomsday Beast isn''t defeated yet." Himeko charged forward, wielding her suitcase at the forefront, intent on continuing her assault on the dark matter engine. But it was too late. The Antimatter Engine suddenly flew up, performing rapid repairs on both damaged hands. The previously immobilized limbs regained full functionality, causing March 7th''s lips to twitch involuntarily. Chapter 20: Flash Appearance Chapter 20 - 20: Flash AppearancePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After several minutes of intense combat, they had barely managed to destroy its hands, only for them to be swiftly repaired. Surprisingly, it seemed the dark matter engine also sustained minimal damage. With a wave of his hand, Bochang caught the returning blue spear, still bearing traces of blood on its surface. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Doomsday Beast''s gaze fell upon Bochang, its icy stare sending chills down one''s spine. The black-haired youth thought to himself, "Have I been targeted?" Indeed, that was the case. The dragon-shaped monster continued advancing, its massive body squeezing and colliding with the high-strength materials around the Railway Platform, producing extremely grating sounds. The platform suffered significant damage as a result. "Fall back!" Himeko swiftly issued the command, and Stelle along with Dan Heng immediately fled, their speed ensuring... ...the Doomsday Beast could not catch up. Moreover... As the creature''s enormous form penetrated deeper into the space station, its range of movement became increasingly restricted, making it easier to deal with. In the rear ranks, March 7th grabbed Bochang''s hand, and together they ran. Her icy-cold hands felt almost boneless when gripped. Everyone had expended considerable energy during the battle, especially March 7th, who was now carrying Bochang and couldn''t run swiftly. To cover their escape, Stelle, Dan Heng, and Himeko voluntarily stayed behind to intercept the Doomsday Beast. Unfortunately, it proved futile. The Doomsday Beast effortlessly ignored their attacks and charged directly towards Bochang, raising its left arm high¡ªthe target being the black-haired youth wielding the Vow Spear. With a whistling wind, the Doomsday Beast''s fingers rapidly descended. Despite Himeko and the others'' intentions to intervene, they were powerless to prevent it. "March! Bochang! Quickly, get out of the way!" Their voices echoed urgently. Realizing the danger, both Bochang and March 7th found themselves already engulfed by shadows. ¡¸Laughing my ass off, can''t beat the strongest so you go after the weakest? Doomsday Beast, you truly know how to play...¡¹ Realizing they couldn''t evade the attack, Bochang halted abruptly and plunged the Vow Spear into the ground. This indestructible blue spear, with its unimaginable sharpness, could even pierce through the skin of a Doomsday Beast. Naturally, penetrating high-strength aerospace materials was no challenge for it. The Vow Spear embedded itself shallowly but securely enough to stand upright. "Hurry up! Why did you stop?" Seeing Bochang freeze, March 7th''s heart nearly leaped out of her throat from anxiety. The Doomsday Beast''s left hand loomed dangerously close. Himeko, Dan Heng, and Stelle watched with wide-eyed concern. The black-haired youth had no time to explain; he grabbed the pink-haired girl''s hand and immediately activated his teleportation ring. A blinding white light emanated from the ring, instantly transporting them both ten meters away from their original position. Dawn''s left hand crashed down, striking the ground forcefully. The space station shook, dust billowed upwards, and both Bochang and March 7th were swept away like tumbleweeds, rolling wildly across the floor. Instinctively, during the chaos, Bochang shielded March 7th as they tumbled together. As they came to a stop, the black-haired youth found himself beneath March 7th. "What just happened?" The pink-haired girl was still dazed, initially convinced that she and Bochang were about to be flattened by the Doomsday Beast... She had even closed her eyes, awaiting their inevitable fate. Yet unexpectedly, they managed to escape at the last moment. "Roar!" The Doomsday Beast howled in pain as the Vow Spear fully pierced its left hand, akin to stepping on a nail. Lying in Bochang''s arms, March 7th pressed her hands against his chest, staring blankly at the close proximity of the young man. She could feel the warmth of his large hands supporting her head and waist, causing her cheeks to flush deeply. "Bochang, y-you should... let go..." With just a bit of effort, March 7th could easily have freed herself from Bochang''s embrace, but it seemed as though she had lost all strength, remaining motionless within his arms. She remained motionless, nestled in his embrace. This delicate and bashful demeanor was something entirely new to Bochang, starkly contrasting with the pink-haired girl''s usual carefree attitude. [Dating Options activated.] Option 1: Cherish a brief moment of warmth with March 7th ¡ª Completion Reward: Doomsday Beast''s Big Booty. Option 2: This is a critical time of peril; how can one indulge in romantic sentiments? Push March 7th away ¡ª Completion Reward: Agility increased by 100%. Seeing "Doomsday Beast''s Big Booty," Bochang nearly lost his composure. One swing from that colossal tail could likely take out both him and March 7th instantly. There was no need for hesitation. "Option two!" Bochang swiftly pushed March 7th aside and sprang to his feet. [Reward being granted - Congratulations on obtaining a 100% increase in Agility.] The system''s reward promptly kicked in, and Bochang felt a significant increase in his reaction speed. The previously swift-moving Doomsday Beast now appeared noticeably slower to him. Reaction speed depends on factors such as strength, weight, and air resistance. While agility does not directly enhance overall speed, it improves reaction time, allowing Bochang to perceive danger more quickly and respond faster to enemy actions, indirectly boosting his effective speed. His left hand seemed glued to the ground. The Doomsday Beast raised its calamitous right arm, initiating pursuit towards Bochang and the others. Big Booty swooped menacingly towards them. Already aware of the impending danger, Bochang swiftly moved himself and the slightly dazed pink-haired girl out of the enemy''s attack range as soon as he got up. The turbulent gale stung their faces but caused no harm to either of them. Himeko, Dan Heng, and Stelle remained closer to the front, constantly within the attack range of the Doomsday Beast. Facing such onslaughts, they struggled to evade, barely managing each time. Stelle narrowly avoided being struck multiple times. Boom! Seizing the opportunity, Bochang unleashed a pillar of flames at the injured left hand of the dragon-shaped monster, causing explosive damage that deepened its wounds. The Doomsday Beast''s left arm lifted, pulling the Vow Spear along with it. Enraged, the dragon beast attempted to extract the blue spear lodged like a nail in its limb, but Himeko and her allies didn''t give it a chance, immediately launching a coordinated assault. A barrage of attacks rained down on the Doomsday Beast. Regaining her composure, March 7th also joined the fray. Arrows composed of hexaphase ice descended like a storm, covering the Doomsday Beast''s body with countless frost eruptions. With Dawn''s Vow Spear lodged in its left hand, the Doomsday Beast struggled to dislodge it for quite some time, effectively rendering one of its attack methods useless. It could only sweep with its calamitous right hand or utilize the Antimatter Engine on its chest. As if realizing that fighting within the confines of the Railway Platform was disadvantageous, the Doomsday Beast began retreating... moving sluggishly like a reptile while enduring the continuous onslaught from the group. Soon... The battered and wounded Doomsday Beast dragged itself away from the space station. It then launched another assault. The dragon-shaped monster ascended, propelled by its Antimatter Engine, spreading its four wings wide. With hands crossed before its chest, it resembled a deity... towering above and gazing down upon everyone below. Behind the Doomsday Beast, countless golden specks suddenly emerged. Its overwhelming presence sent chills up their spines. Chapter 21: The Approach of Doom Chapter 21 - 21: The Approach of DoomPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The might of the Doomsday Beast was overwhelmingly suffocating. Even with Himeko''s assistance, they couldn''t swiftly defeat this dragon-shaped monster. The redheaded big sister loudly warned, "Beware! This is the Doomsday Beast''s ultimate skill¡ªeveryone, be ready to dodge!" Her words had barely finished when countless purple-golden high-energy beams descended. Each impact left massive craters in the durable metallic surfaces, turning the area into utter chaos. Essentially... every high-energy beam carried the same power as Bochang fully activating the Dragon Talisman. Holding onto March 7th, the black-haired youth quickly used his teleportation ring again, narrowly escaping the Doomsday Beast''s ultimate ability¡ªSkyfall Apocalypse. With three uses available, he had now consumed two. Bochang only had one more life-saving chance left. In that situation... not using it would have been impossible. Despite having a 100% increased Agility, it merely gave him slightly more time to activate the teleportation ring; even then, he came dangerously close to being hit. Without it, evasion would have been impossible. "The Doomsday Beast is incredibly powerful. If I hadn''t possessed the teleportation ring or received that hundred percent Agility boost, I fear I''d be lying here as a corpse..." On this chaotic battlefield, March 7th, Himeko, Dan Heng, and Stelle were all fully occupied with their own battles. There was no one available to assist Bochang at that moment; he had to rely on himself for survival. The reason Bochang could stay close to March 7th was because the pink-haired girl, intent on looking after the black-haired youth, remained near him throughout the fight, making their proximity advantageous. Bochang''s assistance also conserved much of her stamina, allowing her to direct more energy towards attacking the Doomsday Beast. With gratitude in her eyes, March 7th looked at Bochang. Initially, she had planned to protect him from harm by staying nearby, only to find herself saved by him twice instead. Due to the urgency of the battle, March 7th didn''t dwell on it further and continued launching attacks with her blue longbow against the enemy. Bochang refrained from further combat, instead quietly staying close to the pink-haired girl. During the previous battle, he had used Dragon Blast multiple times, consuming significant stamina. Continuing at this pace could lead him to collapse first, and pushing himself under these circumstances would not be wise. However... even without directly supporting with his attacks, the damage Bochang had already inflicted on the enemy was substantial. After all, the Vow Spear remained lodged in the Doomsday Beast''s left hand. For now, Bochang saw no need to recall the spear; immobilizing the enemy''s left arm with just one weapon seemed like a highly advantageous trade-off. The Doomsday Beast appeared significantly weakened by this point. It seemed that its earlier ultimate ability had taken a heavy toll. Himeko and her allies seized the opportunity to relentlessly pummel their vulnerable foe. After several minutes... Once again, both of the enemy''s hands were shattered. Himeko quickly organized a concentrated barrage, capitalizing on the moment. Multiple attacks descended simultaneously. Finally, this wave of attacks managed to destroy the antimatter core within the chest of the Doomsday Beast. The dragon-shaped monster lost its structural support and crashed heavily onto the ground. "Did you all see that violet sphere on the Doomsday Beast''s head? That''s its true weak spot! Focus your firepower and obliterate it; the battle will be completely over then," Himeko declared with a sweeping gesture. At this point, the fight had reached its conclusion. With Bochang''s command, the Vow Spear lodged in Dawn''s left hand trembled and shot out like an arrow released from a bow... It circled through the air before landing back in the black-haired youth''s grasp, ready to deliver the finishing blow alongside his teammates. The blue spear was launched once more. Initially, the violet sphere atop the Doomsday Beast''s head was incredibly resilient, but after the destruction of the Antimatter Engine... Its strength plummeted drastically. Himeko''s attack left a menacing wound on the violet sphere. The Vow Spear forcefully pierced through again, delivering the final blow that instantly caused the sphere to explode. The immense power contained within radiated out and surged into the dragon beast''s mouth before being expelled towards everyone. With the Doomsday Beast already dead, it did not transition to a second phase as in the game. Instead, it unleashed its death attack directly. The immensely powerful purple-golden beam emitted from its mouth swept erratically, following the chaotic movements of the beast''s head, leaving deep scars on the space station''s walls. However... Since the Doomsday Beast was truly deceased, although its death attack remained potent, it had completely lost any precision. It merely scanned haphazardly within the Railway Platform. Possibly due to Bochang teleporting away with March 7th twice, the pink-haired girl''s stamina depletion wasn''t as severe as in the original storyline, preventing her need to squat down for rest. As a result, the Doomsday Beast''s indiscriminate sweeping attacks could not hit anyone at all. Everyone effortlessly dodged the onslaught. After nearly ten seconds, the Doomsday Beast''s death throes ceased. Its massive body could no longer remain on the Railway Platform and began sliding towards the vastness of space. The final teleportation opportunity prepared by Bochang remained unused, as the battle had concluded before it was needed. March 7th let out a long sigh and said, "Your weapon fell down there..." "That''s alright, it''ll return." With a thought from Bochang, the Vow Spear automatically detached itself from the Doomsday Beast''s body, swiftly returning to his side with a soft swoosh, hovering quietly... akin to a well-behaved dog. Filled with curiosity, March 7th finally seized the chance to ask, "What kind of weapon is that exactly? And earlier, when we were enveloped by a white light and suddenly teleported away, what exactly happened?" Bochang anticipated this question from March 7th, noticing the curious gazes of others as well. It was actually quite difficult to explain. He initially hoped for "Dating Options" to provide a diversion at this moment, but surprisingly, there was no response whatsoever. The black-haired youth pondered for a moment before explaining, "This blue long spear is called the Vow Spear, and this is a teleportation ring. The Vow Spear''s ability allows it to fly out and return, while the teleportation ring produced the white light I used earlier to escape with March 7th..." "I don''t know how to explain the origin of these two items... It was as if I suddenly sensed their presence, and then they appeared beside me. Even I find it quite peculiar." "Do you have any ideas, Himeko?" Bochang tossed the question to the redheaded woman. She murmured thoughtfully, "Perhaps you possess some space equipment on your person? That way, when needed, you could directly access them." In a world set against the backdrop of the universe, space equipment was not uncommon. As long as one had the money, obtaining such gear was feasible. For example, Himeko''s black suitcase utilized spatial dimension technology; otherwise, there would be no room to accommodate an escaped satellite, let alone additional bulky items like the single-molecule saw and various vehicle repair tools... Regarding the matter of space equipment, they discussed briefly but ultimately found nothing resembling space gear on Bochang. Thus, the topic remained unresolved. However, it made one thing clear: Bochang harbored his own secrets. Chapter 22: Welt Yang Chapter 22 - 22: Welt YangPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Himeko didn''t press further, understanding that everyone has their own secrets, which is perfectly normal. Even Dan Heng had a past connected to the Enigmata... She never pursued it either. Thus... she didn''t give it much thought. Everyone quietly awaited the arrival of the Astral Express at the Railway Platform. Stelle approached Bochang and gently touched his Vow Spear with her hand. The blue spear''s shaft was stained with the blood of the Doomsday Beast. During the battle, it played a crucial role¡ªcreating opportunities for the group and even disabling one of the beast''s arms. It proved far more effective than Stelle''s black baseball bat, making others envious just by observing its prowess. "Would you like to use it? Feel free, but you won''t be able to harness its special abilities," Bochang generously offered, releasing his grip on the spear without hesitation. Generously, Bochang released his grip, showing no hesitation in letting Stelle have it. The Vow Spear had already been claimed by the black-haired youth through blood oath, making its unique abilities of guaranteed hits and returning flight inaccessible to others. However... Even without those special capabilities, the weapon''s indestructibility alone was enough to make anyone envious. "No... you should keep using it. I''m not accustomed to handling such weapons," Stelle declined, pushing the spear back towards Bochang. "I just wanted to take a closer look at it, nothing else." Witnessing this exchange, Dan Heng couldn''t resist stepping forward. "This spear is truly remarkable. Withstanding the Doomsday Beast''s attack unscathed and even penetrating it... Bochang, have you considered learning spear techniques? If you''re interested, I could teach you." As a skilled spear wielder, Dan Heng had a keen intuition for assessing the quality of spears. The moment he laid eyes on the Vow Spear, he recognized its extraordinary nature. Later during the battle against the Doomsday Beast, Dan Heng observed that Bochang''s performance indeed reflected this potential. However, it was unfortunate that Bochang had no proficiency with spears; he relied solely on ranged attacks from afar and even resorted to throwing the Vow Spear... To Dan Heng, such behavior seemed quite peculiar¡ªalmost like squandering a valuable treasure. A spear isn''t meant to be used like that! "If Dan Heng is willing to teach, of course I''d be happy to learn," Bochang readily agreed without any hesitation. From the side, March 7th teased, "What''s this? Is Dan Heng going to take Bochang as his apprentice?" "No... It''s just sharing skills between friends, after all... I don''t want to see such a fine spear go unused." Dan Heng gently shook his head, his words seemingly resonating with the Vow Spear itself, causing its shaft to tremble slightly. This surprised Bochang, as this aspect was never mentioned in "Dating Options". Agreeing with Bochang, the pink-haired girl added, "Exactly, don''t make wild assumptions." Faced with this double rebuttal, the pink-haired girl fell silent. On the sidelines, Himeko tilted her head, observing the four young individuals with a smile at the corner of her lips, without saying a word. Now that the Doomsday Beast has been defeated, the immediate crisis to the space station was temporarily resolved. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. More importantly... Herta had just replied, stating she would arrive at the space station shortly, ensuring their safety to some extent. There was no longer any rush for them to flee. Welt Yang, controlling the Astral Express, finally arrived late. Before Bochang''s eyes appeared the brown-haired man leaning on his red cane for the first time. The black-haired youth also knew that the red cane held by Welt Yang was actually the Ninth Divine Key¡ªthe Garden of Eden, possessing the ability to manipulate gravity. Welt Yang''s true identity is the second Herrscher of Reason from the Honkai Universe trilogy. "Come to think of it... if I had been playing ''Honkai 3'' all night instead, could I have transmigrated into Honkai Impact 3rd?" The instant Bochang laid eyes on him, this peculiar thought crossed his mind. Welt Yang''s gaze swept over everyone before saying, "Apologies for being late." "Uncle Yang, if you had arrived earlier, you could''ve witnessed our impressive defeat of the Doomsday Beast." March 7th placed her hands on her hips and continued, "You missed it, but that monster was incredibly fierce just now." As she spoke... March 7th scratched the back of her head, blushing slightly with embarrassment as she looked at Bochang. She admitted, "Right... I got so caught up discussing those two pieces of equipment that I forgot to thank you, Bochang. Your kindness won''t be forgotten; someday, I''ll repay your favor." "Hmm... It''s not a big deal, don''t worry about it too much. After all, you''ve helped me before..." Together, March 7th led Bochang and Stelle back to the Master Control Zone. Of course, it did count as him helping her. Unaware of what had transpired, Welt Yang didn''t feel inclined to interject. After their conversation concluded, the brown-haired man with red-framed glasses spoke up, "Himeko, what''s our next move?" "The Doomsday Beast has been defeated, and we''ve received word from Herta. It would be best for us to return to the Master Control Zone," decided the redheaded big sister. No one else had any objections. Thus, they all returned to where they had come from. The subsequent events largely did not involve Bochang, Stelle, Dan Heng, or March 7th. However, Dan Heng and March 7th remained nearby the train to keep watch. Meanwhile, Himeko and Welt Yang rushed around, addressing crises throughout the space station. At this point, the Antimatter Legion''s offensive also came to a temporary halt. While Bochang and Stelle had nothing to do, March 7th hurried over with two cell phones, handed them out, and exchanged beacons¡ªequivalent to phone numbers. "You should go find Himeko now; she''s looking for you. I have other matters to attend to, so I''ll take my leave." Watching the pink-haired girl depart, if Bochang''s guess was correct, Herta would soon arrive. The middle-aged lady seemed quite interested in them. Of course... this interest would only last briefly before fading away completely, something not lost on Bochang as a transmigrator. Stelle said, "Let''s go. We shouldn''t keep Himeko waiting too long." "Um... okay," Bochang nodded. Leaving the rest area within the Master Control Zone, they set off immediately. Not far away, they spotted Himeko and Herta... standing together engaged in conversation, resembling a mother with her child. It was evident that Herta was indeed the child. However, this child appeared distinctly different from ordinary ones. Through the shoulder part of her strapless dress, both Bochang and Stelle could clearly see...distinct joint connections on the brunette loli''s body. She resembled a doll, a living doll. Herta''s face showed little emotion, with a gaze that felt cold and detached, reminiscent of the recent encounter with Silver Wolf to Bochang. As Bochang and Stelle approached, they caught the attention of Himeko and Herta, who turned to face them. The redheaded big sister spoke first, "Bochang, Stelle, welcome! Let me introduce you - this is the true owner of the space station, Herta, the eighty-third member of the Genius Society." Chapter 23: Herta Chapter 23 - 23: HertaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The petite girl with a black beret grumbled, "Introduce me properly; why mention the club? Among my numerous extraordinary achievements, which one isn''t more impressive than being ranked eighty-third?" As she spoke, Herta glanced sidelong at Himeko. Unfazed, Himeko seemed indifferent to her words, maintaining a pleasant smile throughout. "The space station''s... owner?" Stelle looked at the doll-like little girl before him. Despite Herta''s diminutive appearance, she was actually much older. The figure standing before them was merely a puppet, while her true form remained unknown¡ªeven Bochang had never seen it prior to his transmigration. "That''s correct. The place you turned upside down is indeed my private property." The brown-haired loli, with slight reddish tones, wore a purple flower near her ear. Unable to resist, Bochang countered, "Um... we weren''t causing chaos but rather eliminating the invaders threatening the space station. In fact, I''d say... we protected your private property." "By your logic, should I even give you a reward now?" Herta placed her hands on her hips, staring icily at Bochang with her cold purple eyes. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With hands on hips, assertively say, "Of course." - Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans.] [Option 2: Politely respond, "That''s not what I meant..." - Completion Reward: Receive a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a starship destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 3: Make a bold demand, "Give me one of your puppets, and we''ll call it even." - Completion Reward: A Big Booty slap from Herta.] At this moment, the "Dating Options" unexpectedly popped up again. Another set of three choices. This time, Bochang quickly eliminated Option 3. The reason was simple: Big Booty slaps were a hard pass. Options 1 and 2 both seemed viable. However... Bochang still ruled out Option 2. After all, he had already taken a successful gamble earlier, and based on the law of conservation of luck, his chances of encountering mishap next were significantly high, making it unnecessary to consider that option. Thus, his only remaining choice was the first one. "Option One!" "That''s quite natural," Bochang responded, attempting to mirror Herta''s stance with hands on hips. However, holding the Vow Spear made it slightly awkward; he quickly adjusted to rest just one hand on his hip after speaking. Herta watched him with keen interest, showing no intention of refusal. "Alright then? What do you desire?" Bochang adopted a thoughtful expression, seemingly pondering deeply. In reality, he was listening for the electronic sound from "Dating Options." [Reward being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the power of the Sheep Talisman.] Unlike the explosive force of the Dragon Talisman, the magic of the Sheep Talisman entered his body gently. "So I drew the Sheep... Well, that''s not bad either... If I recall correctly, besides allowing my own soul to leave the body, the Sheep Talisman can also make others'' souls depart... What would happen if I use it on Herta? Would she instantly go offline?" Bochang felt a surge of curiosity but managed to suppress these peculiar thoughts. Less than a minute later, Herta urged impatiently, "Have you decided yet?" "No." Bochang shook his head. Realizing the conversation was veering off-topic, Himeko promptly intervened, breaking their exchange. "Herta, Bochang was just joking with you; don''t take it seriously. Assisting the space station against invaders is our duty... isn''t that right, Bochang?" Himeko gazed kindly at the black-haired youth. Under her scrutiny, Bochang astutely chose to comply. "Yes, I was only joking." "Alright then...you said it yourself, so don''t complain later if I don''t give you any rewards," Herta nonchalantly shifted her gaze towards Stelle. "So now this brat has become the Stellaron?" "Hmph, let me have a closer look." Herta tilted her head upwards, a smile appearing on her lips as she observed Stelle. The gray-haired girl looked puzzled. "Stellaron? What''s that?" Throughout their journey, Stelle had never heard of ''Stellaron'' before. Unaware that the Dragon Talisman hadn''t fully merged with her, she didn''t realize its presence within her body. This was the first time Stelle had heard the term "Stellaron." Unaware that she wasn''t fully possessed by the Doomsday Beast, she didn''t realize a Stellaron resided within her. The subsequent conversation revolved around Stelle, with little relevance to Bochang. As they continued talking... Herta asked, "Can I conduct some experiments on her?" "I can''t decide that for her; you''ll have to ask Stelle herself," replied Himeko, spreading her hands. Instinctively, Stelle turned to look at Bochang, who responded on her behalf. "No." "Huh? My personal assistance is something even the Interstellar Peace Corporation couldn''t buy easily, and you''re refusing?" Herta glared at Bochang irritably. "Besides... what authority do you have to make decisions for her?" "Because we''re good friends." Bochang gently patted Stelle''s shoulder, and the gray-haired girl softly agreed. Herta''s eyebrows furrowed. Her interest in Stelle had surged, and being abruptly rejected left her feeling unsettled. "If you don''t intend to stay for research... Stelle, Bochang, there is another option available. An Astral Express train is parked at the Railway Platform. If you''re willing, you can join us on our journey," Himeko interjected opportunistically. "The train has extensive dealings with Stellaron, and the answers you seek are precisely what we''re investigating." "And if you change your mind later, wanting to conduct research here with Herta, we can always return." This was exactly what Bochang had been waiting for, and he promptly agreed, taking Stelle along with him. Herta''s attention shifted squarely onto the black-haired youth. "Speaking of which... what''s going on with you? That brat serves as a vessel for Stellaron, but what about you? I didn''t detect any trace of Stellaron within your body. Could it be... that all this was orchestrated by you?" Both Himeko and Stelle turned their attention towards Bochang. They had begun to unravel some aspects of Stelle''s origins, but... Bochang remained as enigmatic as ever. Considering his possession of peculiar equipment, it wouldn''t be surprising if he were the mastermind behind everything. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If I were truly responsible for all this, I doubt I''d still be here..." Bochang offered a simple explanation. Herta narrowed her eyes slightly and said, "Alright, you do have a point. I''m not inclined to investigate further anyway. After all, it''s just another Stellaron at stake. Additionally...as before, if Stelle is willing to assist my research, feel free to approach me anytime. Rest assured, your compensation will be generous." As a super genius from the Genius Society, Herta was far from financially lacking. Even the Astral Express delivery to the space station with Curio was facilitated by Himeko accepting his commission¡ªa straightforward transaction involving payment for services rendered. Traveling through the starry sky also required funds to replenish essential supplies. Chapter 24: Astral Express Chapter 24 - 24: Astral ExpressPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Reward? How much money are we talking about?" Stelle blinked, her golden eyes gleaming with anticipation. Herta spread her hands and said, "I can afford any amount you desire, but I advise against making excessive demands. Angering me won''t be beneficial for you." "In any case, once you''ve made up your mind, feel free to find me at my office anytime." With that, Herta stepped aside, seemingly lost in thought, as if her presence here was not necessary anymore. "But isn''t she right beside us?" Noticing Stelle''s confusion, Himeko explained, "This body is merely a puppet controlled by Herta; she must have logged off now... Talking to it won''t yield any response..." "Logged off? Just like that, without worrying someone might take her puppet away?" Bochang stroked his chin, puzzled. Hearing this concept for the first time, Himeko smiled wryly. "If you dare to carry it away, you''re welcome to try. No one at the space station would attempt such a thing anyway. Besides, later, someone will come to retrieve and secure this puppet." As the saying goes, "one misstep could lead to certain doom." Bochang dared not act recklessly; after all, her counterpart was an Emanator who had twice paid homage to Aeon, facing such enigmatic beings head-on... Shaking her head, Bochang replied, "Let''s forget about that then." "So... have you both made up your minds to join us? Take some time to consider it carefully before deciding. Our journey carries unknown risks, like today''s battle... which, unfortunately, is not uncommon for the Astral Express crew." It was clear that Himeko wanted to take Bochang and Stelle with her. However, such decisions indeed required careful thought. Addressing any potential conflicts now would save trouble later. "I''ve already decided," said Bochang, looking at Stelle. "We''re not from the space station anyway, right? Why not venture out and explore the world beyond?" "Hmm... If Bochang feels this way, I have no objections either." With Stelle''s agreement, the matter was settled amicably. With Himeko leading the way, they arrived at the Railway Platform. Nearby, Dan Heng and March 7th, who were guarding the Astral Express, noticed their approach. Dan Heng did nothing, merely glanced briefly before turning his attention away. March 7th stepped forward and asked, "Stelle, Bochang, have you both decided to join us on this journey?" The gray-haired girl nodded calmly. Bochang scratched the back of his head. "Of course," he replied. "After all, we agreed earlier that Dan Heng would teach me how to use a spear." "Huh?" March 7th leaned slightly backward, surprised. "Is that all you care about?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Directly tell March 7th, "Absolutely, what else could it be?" - Completion Reward: Physical Attribute increased by 100%.] [Option 2: Gaze unwaveringly at March 7th and say, "No? I also care about you, which is why I''m boarding the train." - Completion Reward: Stalker''s Gaze. Note: Beware your back!] sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Option Three: Gaze affectionately at Stelle and say, "I just wanted to explore the outside world with you." ¡ª Completion Reward: Guaranteed Car Accident Upon Leaving Home.] Faced with these three options, Bochang felt utterly speechless. What kind of straightforward response is Option One? Options Two and Three seem more like genuine dating choices, but seriously, what''s up with those rewards?! "Obsessive Stare? What even is that? So bizarre, with no further explanation provided. Just ''beware your back''? Do they mean Stelle? She doesn''t seem obsessive at all!" "And wait, we can''t even flirt ambiguously with Stelle, right? What kind of dating options are these, huh?!" Bochang internally grumbled. In the end, he honestly chose the first option. "Of course, what else could it be?" March 7th was momentarily at a loss for words. Silence fell. Silence reigns tonight over Cambridge. [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations on receiving a 100% physique enhancement.] The system once again strengthened his body. Bochang''s aura grew noticeably stronger, but this subtle change went unnoticed by everyone around him. "Of course, the main reason is that I want to explore out there," Bochang added, expressing his true sentiment. While unsure what might happen if he mentioned the other two options, Bochang''s rationality advised against attempting it. Himeko placed her hands on Bochang and Stelle''s shoulders, saying, "Alright, let''s discuss any further matters once we''re onboard." "Huh? Are we departing now?" March 7th''s eyes lit up excitedly. Himeko smiled and nodded. "Yes! Time for another adventure." Stretching lazily, March 7th exclaimed, "Let''s go, come on!" The pink-haired girl''s bouncing figure was undeniably adorable, catching Bochang''s attention involuntarily. Beside them, the Astral Express resembled a modern steam train from Earth. This train was manufactured by Trailblaze Aeon Akivili and had been previously used by him. It traversed numerous worlds along tracks set amidst the starry sky. Originally, both the starting and final stations bore the name of Akivili''s hometown¡ªPegana. However, due to the spreading effects of the Stellaron Debuff, the Astral Express temporarily stranded near Himeko''s home planet. After she repaired it, the train embarked anew. And thus unfolded the story of the Star Rail. Originally leaning against the wall, Dan Heng straightened up and headed towards the boarding entrance of the Astral Express. Stelle and Bochang walked side by side, following Himeko onto the train. Having received the news, Herta, Asta, and Arlan all came to bid them farewell. During this space station crisis, thanks largely to the crew of the Astral Express¡ªespecially for diverting and defeating the Doomsday Beast¡ªthe station''s researchers were spared from significant casualties. While Herta wouldn''t consider herself indebted to Himeko, any future request she made would likely not be refused. Perhaps she could obtain another Curio? On March 7th, Stelle and Bochang stood near the window, watching as the figures on the platform gradually receded into the distance. The space station was occasionally visited by the Astral Express, so... This wasn''t a permanent goodbye. When waving goodbye to Asta and others, March 7th''s face showed no hint of sadness; instead, they appeared quite cheerful. "Hey! I''m talking to you two!" Just as Bochang''s thoughts wandered... The conductor of the Astral Express made its entrance. It was a lop-eared rabbit dressed in a red uniform, wearing a tall hat, and speaking with human-like mannerisms. Its name was Pom-Pom, having been present on the Astral Express since its inception. Due to its small stature, Stelle initially didn''t spot it until slightly lowering their head. "I''ve already heard about your situation from Himeko. Listen up, newcomers..." Pom-Pom proceeded to brief them on the rules for traveling aboard the Astral Express. Both Bochang and Stelle nodded in agreement. For the following time, no one paid attention to Bochang and Stelle. Pom-Pom allowed them to explore the Astral Express freely. And so... a new journey began, opening a fresh Chapter. Chapter 25: Jarilo Chapter 25 - 25: JariloPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang and Stelle casually strolled through the train, briefly peeking into Dan Heng''s and March 7th''s rooms. Then, Pom-Pom gathered everyone at the main hall for the upcoming warp of the Astral Express. The two returned to the hall, where March 7th, Himeko, Welt Yang, and Pom-Pom were already present. Only Dan Heng was missing. Stelle and Bochang sat on soft brown sofas, quietly awaiting the start of the warp. Suddenly, March 7th, who had been observing stars nearby, approached them. "Did you visit my room just now?" "How did you know?" Stelle looked puzzled. March 7th explained, "I couldn''t find you earlier, so I asked Pom-Pom. It mentioned seeing you both in my room. So, what do you think? Isn''t it beautifully decorated...? Stelle, once your room is assigned, would you like me to help spruce it up too?" "That won''t be necessary." Stelle smiled. Dan Heng''s room was within the information archive; it wasn''t originally intended as living quarters, but he had stubbornly stayed there, and Pom-Pom didn''t bother to enforce any rules. Over time, the archive gradually became Dan Heng''s personal space. Since there was no bed, he typically slept on a makeshift mattress on the floor. March 7th''s room was adjacent to the archive. The entire room was adorned in pink, giving off a distinctly girlish ambiance. However... Stelle, having no such preferences, naturally declined the offer graciously. March 7th sat next to Stelle, and their casual conversation continued until Pom-Pom approached, interrupting them. "The train has now left the safety zone of the space station. The warp is expected to initiate in ten minutes. Please ensure all passengers are seated securely and braced for potential vibrations!" "Uh... There really wasn''t a need to remind me specifically, Pom-Pom. I''ve gone through warps numerous times already..." March 7th expressed with a resigned look. Pom-Pom responded unsympathetically, "Who else would repeatedly challenge themselves and end up tripping during each warp except passenger March 7th?" "Heh heh, that''s called resilience against adversity." Contrary to her initial frustration, the pink-haired girl began to laugh. Pom-Pom merely sighed and shook its head before turning to leave. As the warp countdown reached zero, March 7th promptly stood up, moved to the center of the hall, and braced themselves as if facing a formidable adversary. Stelle and Bochang closed their eyes, following March 7th''s earlier advice during their casual chat that doing so could alleviate the sensation of dizziness. Naturally, they both complied. The warp countdown hit zero swiftly. As the Astral Express traversed through space, it turned blue, seemingly crossing dimensions in an instant, rushing away like a speck of light vanishing from sight. Within the space station, the signal of the Astral Express abruptly disappeared. An overwhelming wave of vertigo swept over them, far stronger than motion sickness. Bochang gritted his teeth and endured it. The destination of this warp was a tiny planet with the designation¡ªJarilo VI. The last time the train visited this planet... was thousands of years ago. According to the records in the knowledge bank, it was once a lush and incredibly beautiful world. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, once the warp concluded, they discovered that reality was quite different. From space, Jarilo VI appeared uniformly white¡ªa planet seemingly enveloped by extreme cold. The warp had ended. Now it was safe to move freely within the train. Bochang and Stelle stood up, joining others at the windows to gaze upon the snow-covered planet outside. March 7th, who felt accomplished for not stumbling during this self-challenge, initially seemed pleased. But as she took in the sight of the icy world, her excitement gradually faded. "Weren''t we told it''s supposed to be a very beautiful planet?" March 7th scratched her head. "Could it be that we haven''t arrived yet?" "This is indeed our destination. After thousands of years... Jarilo VI has transformed into this state. It seems our Trailblazing journey won''t be easy..." Himeko spread her hands, realizing from the drastic change in the planet''s environment that something significant must have occurred here. It was now time for the Trailblazers to step in. As expected, Pom-Pom promptly reported the situation. Pom-Pom promptly reported the situation. "Abnormal spatial readings! Stability of the star rail has dropped to 12%! The planned docking duration, initially seven days, is now extended indefinitely!" "Not this again... Without even saying it, I bet the cause of these star rail anomalies is once more due to Stellaron..." March 7th closed her eyes, feeling exasperated. Welt Yang approached from nearby, confirming her suspicion. "The preliminary analysis results are out; the root cause of the anomaly remains Stellaron." Stellaron. Stelle had heard this term numerous times, but even now, she still didn''t fully grasp what it meant. Unable to resist, the gray-haired girl asked, "What exactly is Stellaron?" "Based on our conjectures, Stellaron appears to be a seed of calamity disseminated across various worlds by some Aeon. However... the only certainty we have at present is that Stellaron''s arrival triggers drastic changes in civilizations and ecosystems, along with spatial distortions like rifts. It''s likely that Jarilo VI''s transformation also bears connection to Stellaron." Welt-Yang provided extensive explanations. Himeko added, "Don''t worry... This isn''t the first time we''ve encountered routes obstructed by Stellaron. Although many mysteries still surround it, even beyond Herta''s ability to fully analyze, at least we possess means to counteract its influence." "In any case... crew members of the Astral Express, you now have work to do." Himeko smiled warmly at everyone. The mission was straightforward: locate the Stellaron causing calamity and distorting space on this world, then bring it back to the train. Himeko entrusted this challenging task to Stelle, Bochang, Dan Heng, and March 7th. The four-person team prepared themselves for departure. However... Before setting off, there were some necessary preparations to make. Dan Heng was currently organizing Jarilo VI''s ecological and survey data. Meanwhile, Stelle and March 7th went to sort out supplies. Bochang approached Himeko and asked, "Himeko... since we''re heading to a frigid planet for this mission, do we have any snowmobiles or similar vehicles?" The redheaded big sister, sipping coffee while reading a newspaper, had her legs elegantly crossed, revealing graceful curves amidst soft, snow-white skin. Upon hearing his question, Himeko lifted her head, briefly glancing at Bochang and his Vow Spear. "Snowmobiles, you say... Yes, we have one, but March wrecked it pretty badly. If you can fix it, feel free to use it; I certainly don''t want to deal with that thing right now." Even the Astral Express could be repaired by Himeko. Naturally, fixing a snowmobile wouldn''t pose a problem for her. However, the issue was... the vehicle was practically reduced to scrap metal, requiring significant effort to restore. Moreover, there were many situations where snowmobiles simply weren''t needed. Thus, Himeko saw no point in repairing it. After all, even if fixed, there was a high chance March 7th would once again render it unusable. Just then... the neutral electronic voice sounded once more: [Dating Options activated.] Chapter 26: Snowmobile Chapter 26 - 26: SnowmobilePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Option 1: Capable men are most appealing to women. Loudly tell Himeko, "Leave the snowmobile repair to me." ¡ª Completion Reward: Snowmobile Maintenance and Driving Skills. Option 2: It''s best not to invite unnecessary trouble: "Let''s forget about it." ¡ª Completion Reward: A Salted Fish, exceptionally delicious whether cooked or eaten dried. Option 3: Playing the freeloader might be a viable choice: "Himeko, I don''t know how to fix vehicles, can you help?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Himeko''s Eyeball Roll. After reviewing all three options, Bochang made his decision without hesitation, opting for Option 1. "Leave the snowmobile repair to me!" exclaimed the confident black-haired youth. As soon as he spoke those words, the system''s voice chimed in his ear: [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have acquired Snowmobile Maintenance and Driving Skills.] Instantaneously, a wealth of unfamiliar knowledge flooded Bochang''s mind. "Oh? You really know how to repair snowmobiles?" Himeko''s expression showed genuine interest; she had merely mentioned it casually, never expecting him to accept the task. "In that case, go to the warehouse and search for the snowmobile. The repair tools can be found there as well. If you can''t locate the warehouse or the snowmobile, ask Pom-Pom¡ªit knows everything about the train." Indeed, Pom-Pom had once stated that on this train, no one''s actions could escape its watchful eyes. As a constant presence aboard the Astral Express, this lop-eared rabbit possessed some Enigmata powers. "I''m not entirely sure if I can fix it, but I feel it''s worth giving a try." Bochang wasn''t speaking without reason. Himeko smiled and nodded. Following her guidance, Bochang promptly sought out Pom-Pom, which was more than happy to assist. Together, the tall figure of Bochang and the smaller Pom-Pom swiftly made their way to the warehouse. There they found the abandoned snowmobile¡ªa snow scooter... Its front end was completely dented, with parts scattered haphazardly nearby, indicating a severe accident at some point. "Passenger March 7th is great, just a bit careless. Ever since she arrived on the Astral Express, quite a few items have been damaged or rendered useless. If you can fix everything, Pom-Pom would be very happy." The lop-eared rabbit in red uniform turned to look at Bochang. Due to their height difference, Pom-Pom had to tilt its head back to gaze up at him. Similarly, Bochang needed to lower his head to see Pom-Pom clearly. In response to Pom-Pom''s request, the black-haired youth gave an ambiguous answer: "I can give it a try, but don''t hold too much hope." "That''s alright, Pom-Pom appreciates your willingness to help," the lop-eared rabbit nodded slightly. "From now on, this task is in your hands. If you need anything, feel free to call for Pom-Pom. Additionally... once everyone is ready to depart, I will notify you so you won''t be left behind on the train." With that, Pom-Pom departed. Alone, Bochang examined the broken snowmobile. Drawing upon his knowledge, he located the necessary tools nearby and promptly began the repairs with fervor. The incessant tinkling sounds echoed continuously. After some time, Bochang finally fixed the snowmobile, unconsciously wiping away nonexistent sweat from his forehead. "I didn''t expect you to know how to repair vehicles..." March 7th''s voice came from behind him. "Is it fixed now?" "Yes, it''s all set. Would you like to give it a try?" Bochang turned around, noticing the sudden appearance of March 7th and Stelle. These two girls had been together the entire time. Perhaps due to their shared age group, their bond had quickly grown stronger. March 7th asked, "Can I?" "Of course, as long as you promise not to break it," Bochang replied, wagging his index finger. Bochang wagged her index finger. March 7th''s eyes widened defiantly. "I won''t damage it, I promise!" "But I heard from Himeko and Pom-Pom... that you were the one who wrecked this snowmobile before. Not only that, but it seems you also..." Unrelenting, Bochang exposed March 7th''s past mishap. With an awkward smile, March 7th responded, "Ah... well, let''s skip this topic, shall we? Just move on..." "Fine." Bochang spread her hands, feigning helplessness. As they looked at the repaired snowmobile, March 7th eagerly climbed onto it to test it out, even beckoning Stelle to join her. Although the gray-haired girl felt somewhat apprehensive, she didn''t decline. The snowmobile was designed for two riders. With some squeezing, it could indeed accommodate a third person. However, it was clear that no one intended to invite Bochang along. With March 7th gripping the handlebars and leaning forward, Stelle behind her reached out to gently rest her hands on March''s slender shoulders. The scene unfolding before them was quite pleasing to the eye. "Ready? We''re about to set off!" As she spoke, March 7th twisted the throttle grip. The snowmobile began moving slowly across the ground. After testing it for a short distance within the vast warehouse, March 7th waved and said, "Bochang, I''ll head straight out with the snowmobile now. You should join us too; we''re departing for the Jarilo VI." And with that... March 7th forcefully turned the throttle grip, sending the snowmobile speeding away. Bochang rested his forehead in one hand, hoping they wouldn''t damage the freshly repaired snowmobile. Exiting the warehouse, it wasn''t long before Bochang encountered Dan Heng. He expressed his gratitude, "Thank you so much for fixing the snowmobile. Now it seems we have transportation for our journey to the Jarilo. At least we won''t have to proceed entirely on foot." Although their walking speeds were swift, not significantly slower than the snowmobile at its maximum velocity¡ª Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. still... having a means of transportation would undoubtedly be more convenient and preferred by everyone. After all, humans do tire easily. "It''s unfortunate that the snowmobile can only accommodate two people. Even if we squeezed, three would be the absolute limit... And with four of us, there''s no way it can fit everyone." Bochang shrugged. As they walked through the train corridor, the conversation continued between them. "Hmm... indeed, that is a problem, but it''s better than having nothing at all." Dan Heng furrowed his brows momentarily before relaxing them again. "Let''s discuss more serious matters now. I conducted preliminary reconnaissance earlier and discovered that only one area on this planet has relatively normal temperatures... However, ''normal'' here means just barely suitable for human survival." "I''ve decided our upcoming Trailblazing journey should start from that location. What do you think?" Dan Heng sought Bochang''s opinion, to which the black-haired youth replied, "I''m merely a novice, not familiar with your work. Dan Heng, you should decide what''s best. Also... you mentioned teaching me gun techniques, when will we begin?" "There''s no rush. Let''s talk about it once we reach Jarilo," Dan Heng said, his face expressionless and tone matter-of-fact. "Generally speaking, these missions take considerable time to complete. Once we arrive, we''ll have ample time." "Alright, understood." Bochang nodded in agreement. Chapter 27: Rolling Forward Chapter 27 - 27: Rolling ForwardPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The four individuals aboard the Astral Express were deposited onto Jarilo VI. Unrelenting wind and snow blanketed the landscape, leaving nothing but a vast expanse of white as far as the eye could see. Not a single movement was visible amidst the whiteness. "Wow... truly a frozen wasteland," March 7th sighed. Echoing her sentiment unintentionally, Bochang repeated, "Truly a frozen wasteland..." "Hey! Why did you mimic me?" March 7th placed her hands on her hips, cheeks puffing as she glared at the black-haired youth. "Bochang, when did you become such a..." "Truly a frozen wasteland..." Stelle chimed in, cutting off March 7th''s words. With a look of disbelief, March 7th stared at both of them and exclaimed, "Are you two parrots now?" The gray-haired girl turned away, avoiding March 7th''s gaze. Bochang immediately rushed to inspect the snowmobile. Ignoring the others, March 7th turned towards Dan Heng. "Dan Heng, which direction should we take?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Based on the coordinates, our target is not far ahead, so... Who will ride the snowmobile and who will walk? Firstly... Bochang will definitely be driving, so only one of you can join him." Dan Heng spread his hands, allowing snowflakes to fall and melt into water at his fingertips. March 7th and Stelle looked at each other. Just as Dan Heng began speaking, another choice presented itself to Bochang. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Take Stelle on the snowmobile and say, "Stelle, hop on quickly. I''ll give you a taste of flying." - Completion Reward: Drinking Water Will Inevitably Cause Poisoning.] [Option 2: Take Dan Heng on the snowmobile and say, "Dan Heng, with your knowledge, let''s go explore up ahead together." - Completion Reward: Obtain a Random Item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a starship destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] Option Three: Take March 7th on the snowmobile and say, "March, let''s go together." ¡ª Completion Reward: Guaranteed crash within ten meters, resulting in injury. Option Four: Take both March 7th and Stelle on the snowmobile and say, "March, Stelle, come along with us; this vehicle is cramped but can still fit three people." ¡ª Completion Reward: Certain plunge off a cliff while driving. ¡¸Ah? ¨K¨J¡¹ ¡¸What kind of dating options are these?! More like hindering love...¡¹ Ever since encountering issues with choices favoring either Stelle or March 7th last time, Bochang knew it was turning disastrous. And now it seems... indeed so. After a brief moment of silence, Bochang tearfully chose the second option, saying, "Dan Heng, you''re knowledgeable, so I''ll take you ahead to scout." "Me? Hmm... Alright, honestly, I thought you would choose March or Stelle... Never expected it to be me..." Dan Heng rubbed his chin, feeling completely caught off guard by this decision. He was genuinely having trouble understanding Bochang''s thought process. "Do you think I wouldn''t prefer to take March 7th or Stelle... If possible, I''d want them all with me, but... it''s just not feasible..." Bochang sighed helplessly within himself. Dan Heng climbed onto the snowmobile and steadied himself, placing a hand on the black-haired youth''s shoulder. "Alright, let''s head out. Stelle, March, follow along the vehicle tracks... We''ll go ahead first to scout." March 7th remained silent. Stelle also said nothing. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received the reward: Clara''s Bra. Returning this bra may unexpectedly yield unforeseen benefits. Note: The item has been stored in the system space.] "Ah? A bra? Is it unworn?" [Of course.] Hearing the system''s notification, Bochang swiftly turned the snowmobile''s steering and sped away. A bra, by itself, seemed rather useless. However, the potential benefits of returning it were intriguing to Bochang. The only challenge was figuring out how to return the bra without causing awkwardness or being mistaken for a pervert. Watching two grown men racing off on a snowmobile, both Stelle and March 7th stared wide-eyed. After a moment, the pink-haired girl exclaimed, "They... just left like that?" "Yes..." Stelle nodded expressionlessly. March 7th scratched her head, unsure what to say at that instant. Stelle suggested, "We should follow them too; otherwise, their tracks will be covered by the heavy snow over time." And so... the two girls diligently followed behind, step by step. Up ahead, Bochang and Dan Heng encountered rift creatures on their path, swiftly dispatching them as they drove. Not long after, they came across a peculiar snowdrift. If Bochang wasn''t mistaken, it seemed to move slightly, instantly alerting him to something. "Sampo, you''re hiding in there, aren''t you?! Watch me charge straight through!" The engine''s roar was loud amidst the snowy terrain. Bochang shouted, "Dan Heng, do you think I can use this upcoming snowdrift to launch us airborne?" "I don''t know if you''ll achieve flight, but what I do know is that crashing into it like this will likely render your freshly repaired snowmobile... beyond repair." Dan Heng prepared himself to jump off the vehicle. Just as the snowmobile neared the collision point, a figure suddenly emerged from within the snowdrift. Bochang skillfully executed a drift stop, then gazed at the man with short blue hair¡ªSampo Koski, a smooth-talking smuggler merchant. In the original storyline... he betrayed the Trailblaze team right from the start. Later, this figure would render everyone unconscious and take them to Jarilo VI''s Underworld. That was all Bochang knew before encountering the familiar trope of transmigration events. "Hey man, you definitely saw me just now, right? There''s nothing wrong with hiding in the snow, so there was no need to drive that thing over and nearly hit me!" Sampo spread his arms innocently. Bochang dismounted from the snowmobile, picked up the Vow Spear resting on it, and stared at the newcomer. Dan Heng wasn''t yet clear about the situation unfolding. However... Since Bochang had gotten off, he followed suit instead of remaining seated, joining him on foot. The black-haired youth crossed his arms as he looked at Sampo and said, "It''s your own choice to sneakily hide in the snow; don''t blame me for that." "Ah...well, okay then. May I ask if Officer Gepard is here? We''re quite acquainted." "Who? Don''t know him," Bochang shook his head. A thoughtful expression appeared on Sampo''s face. "Oh... So you''re not actually from the Silvermane Guards? You should have said earlier... Fighting among ourselves, isn''t that unnecessary?" "I don''t consider us to be on the same side," Bochang shook his head. Sampo fell silent for a moment. "Anyway, let''s introduce ourselves first. My name is Sampo Koski." The other two had no intention of revealing their names. Instead, Dan Heng directly asked, "Why did you bury yourself in the snow?" "Me? Well, it was because you two startled me. I was initially searching here and there, hoping to find some ancient relics to make a small profit. But when you caused such a commotion, I thought the Silvermane Guards had arrived..." "Let me plead with both of you, please be more discreet next time, seriously." "The Silvermane Guards wouldn''t hide in the snow upon encountering trouble; as for you, you''d likely end up behind bars..." Sampo spoke rapidly without pausing. This exchange gave Dan Heng some insight into the local social environment, which seemed rather unfriendly. They needed to be prepared accordingly. Chapter 28: The Invisible Hand Chapter 28 - 28: The Invisible HandPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** As Bochang and Dan Heng interrogated Sampo, March 7th and Xingshan finally arrived, lagging behind. "What are you guys doing here? And who is he?" asked the pink-haired girl, full of curiosity. Bochang glanced at Sampo and replied, "We found this fellow hiding in the snow on our way, so we brought him along. Just questioned him, and he''s willing to guide us to the city. However, given his suspicious behavior, I don''t trust him." "Hey, pals, if you don''t believe me, why not just let me go?" Sampo grinned ingratiatingly. "Let''s keep to ourselves... I won''t bother you, and you stay out of my business, deal?" Stelle remained silent. Dan Heng narrowed his eyes, examining Sampo briefly before turning back to Bochang. "We''re unfamiliar with this place, so having him lead us is the best option, but... your concerns are valid." "How about I keep an eye on him? If he dares to play any tricks, we''ll send an arrow right through his rear!" March 7th volunteered eagerly. Seeing this, Bochang refrained from further interference. "Hey, hey, hey, we''re all in the same line of work here. Isn''t this unnecessary?" Sampo involuntarily took a step back, his face displaying an exaggerated expression. March 7th, hands on hips, retorted, "Who said we''re in the same line of work?" "This is going too far, isn''t it? Not trusting me is fine, but there''s no need to feign ignorance to this extent. After all, who else would be wandering around in these icy conditions except those in our profession..." Sampo sighed heavily, "Alright, alright... Since you won''t acknowledge it, I won''t press further. It''s all my fault for being naturally enthusiastic and overly sincere..." "However... I must warn you, this isn''t a safe place to talk. The Silvermane Guards could appear at any moment. If you''re willing to trust me, allow me to lead you away from here." Sampo''s expression turned solemn. Unfamiliar with the Silvermane Guards, both March 7th and Stelle were filled with confusion. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Trust Sampo and say, "Lead the way then." - Completion Reward: Captured by Silvermane Guards.] [Option 2: Reject Sampo and say, "We''ll go on our own." - Completion Reward: Captured by Silvermane Guards.] [Option 3: Knock out Sampo, stuff him into the snow, and declare, "This guy can''t be trusted. Since he likes being in the snow, let him stay there longer while we proceed independently." - Completion Reward: Invisible Hand.] Initially, Bochang had no intention of interfering with the plot, but now it seemed he had to take action. A pair of large hands suddenly shot forward. To Sampo, Bochang''s move appeared slow; with a swift dodge, he evaded it easily. "What are you trying to do?" Sampo asked, visibly startled and uncertain. Ignoring Sampo''s confusion, Bochang addressed the others, "This guy can''t be trusted. Since he enjoys staying in the snow, let him linger there awhile longer. We''ll proceed on our own." "You mean... knock him out?" Dan Heng instantly understood, having initially thought it was better to let Sampo lead the way. However, witnessing Sampo''s agility changed his mind. After all... With such impressive skills yet still resorting to hiding in the snow, it clearly indicated deceit. Stelle and March 7th, being newcomers, weren''t fully aware of the situation yet. However, since Bochang had already taken action... The two girls didn''t hesitate, revealing their longbow and baseball bat. Realizing the situation was dire, Sampo turned to flee. Unfortunately, Dan Heng''s spear, Speed, was even quicker. "Clang!" With a crisp sound, Sampo blocked Dan Heng''s spear using his dual blades, only to face another barrage from March 7th''s arrows immediately after. Under this relentless onslaught, Sampo struggled to resist, bewildered by how events had spiraled out of control. It far exceeded his expectations. "What... is going on with these guys?" Sampo glanced at the sole black-haired youth who hadn''t moved yet¡ªBochang. Earlier, there was also a gray-haired girl beside him, but now she was nowhere to be seen. A sudden sense of foreboding arose within him. Before Sampo could react, he felt a gust behind him. It was the sound of a blunt weapon tearing through the air. "She''s behind me!" "Bang!" With a sharp crack, Stelle struck Sampo unconscious, causing him to collapse heavily onto the snow-covered ground. The battle lasted less than a minute. Faced with their combined assault, Sampo was no match at all. "Do we bury him in the snow next?" Stelle looked at Bochang, who nodded and said, "I''ll take care of this." Approaching, Bochang grabbed Sampo by the ankles and effortlessly buried him in the snow, leaving only his head exposed. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. March 7th furrowed his brows. "Um... he won''t freeze to death like this, right?" "Based on the strength he displayed earlier, such cold won''t kill him. Besides, Bochang didn''t remove his clothes either," Dan Heng replied as he stowed away his long spear. Like Himeko, he possessed space equipment, allowing him to conveniently store his weapon at any time. However, March 7th, Stelle, and Bochang did not have such capabilities. But... March 7th''s blue longbow was also made from hexaphase ice, allowing him to summon it when needed and destroy it when not in use - quite convenient compared to Bochang and Stelle, who had to carry their weapons constantly. At least Bochang''s Vow Spear could fly autonomously, making it slightly easier... But for Stelle, she had to tightly grip her weapon. "I just didn''t want him interfering with our actions; I never intended to kill him..." After burying Sampo under the snowdrift, the system''s notification promptly sounded: [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the Invisible Hand.] "Invisible Hand... Is this like Subaru Natsuki''s ability?" wondered Bochang. He felt something additional within himself and instinctively activated it. Instantly, three large purple-black hands appeared around him, fully controllable at his will for any action. For instance, giving someone the middle finger... And no one could see them. "Does this mean I can use these hands for some unspeakable activities?" Bochang keenly sensed that these three large hands functioned just like his own, with tactile capabilities. They could feel the gentle fall of snowflakes and the chill of the cold air. "Now what should we do?" March 7th glanced at the distracted Bochang, who quickly snapped back to attention. "Hide the snowmobiles, let''s change direction and proceed cautiously. We don''t want to encounter those Silvermane Guards this fellow mentioned; I certainly have no desire to be captured." Everyone agreed without objection. And so... After taking a detour, the group finally arrived at Belobog. It was a city heavily fortified by high walls, surrounded on all sides by mountains. Except for the city itself, everything else was blanketed in deep snow. "Finally here! Feels like we took quite a roundabout route." March 7th placed his hands on his hips. Dan Heng spread out his fingers thoughtfully. "It seems...we''ll now need to figure out how to scale those towering walls..." Chapter 29: Gathering Intelligence Chapter 29 - 29: Gathering IntelligencePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** For the Trailblaze squad, scaling the high wall posed little challenge. After some effort, all four members successfully infiltrated Belobog. This was the last human settlement on Jarilo VI, often referred to as the Guardian City, the Everstanding City, and humanity''s sole fortress against Frostfall... Belobog is divided into two main sections: the Overworld and the Underworld. The Upper Tier handles administration and trade, while the Lower District focuses on energy supply and resource development. However, due to an order issued many years ago, there has been no interaction between the Upper and Lower Districts for quite some time. One could liken it to a second Piltover-Zu''an scenario; not identical but strikingly similar. Upon climbing over the wall, the group of four naturally found themselves in the Overworld, where the sky remains visible. The Underworld, being underground, offers no chance to see the heavens. Although their clothing clearly differed from that of the locals, nonetheless... Similarly, they did not attract much attention. At most, a few curious glances were cast their way before everyone went about their business. "As soon as we entered the city, it''s no longer cold." March 7th exhaled a puff of white mist. Dan Heng replied, "It''s to be expected since this is a human settlement; being warmer here is quite normal." "Bochang, do you have any plans next? If not, let''s split up and gather information individually... We''ll reconvene here in five hours." Dan Heng turned to look at Bochang. Since they had already entered the city, he wanted to avoid drawing attention with weapons. The black-haired youth left his Vow Spear outside Belobog, buried beneath the icy snow. If needed, he could summon it easily¡ªa convenient advantage. Stelle''s baseball bat wasn''t particularly conspicuous, so carrying it posed no issue. "I don''t have specific plans. Let''s follow your lead, Dan Heng." Bochang nodded, and the other two girls expressed their agreement as well. "March, go with Stelle. Remember... be extremely cautious." Dan Heng was still uneasy about letting March 7th go alone, but the pink-haired girl seemed content with that arrangement. Bochang pondered for a moment and said, "I just don''t know how to effectively gather intelligence..." Before his transmigration, the black-haired youth was merely a student, not some secret agent, so it was natural he lacked experience in gathering intel. Stelle chimed in, agreeing, "Me neither." March 7th patted the gray-haired girl''s shoulder and remarked, "No worries, I''ll teach you." "Hmm... This is indeed a problem, considering it''s your first mission. However, there''s no need to worry. Just treat it like a stroll; walk around the city and see what information you can gather. Whatever remains, leave to me. The key is to avoid causing too much commotion¡ªespecially you, March." Dan Heng crossed his arms, recalling his previous missions with March 7th and Welt Yang. Often, Dan Heng and Welt would split up to gather intelligence independently. Therefore... He was relatively experienced in such tasks. March 7th placed his hands on his hips and said, "Got it, I won''t cause any trouble." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "If something does happen, contact us through your phone." Dan Heng clearly didn''t fully trust March 7th and reiterated the reminder multiple times before parting. Bochang rubbed his chin and remarked, "Is that so? I thought you''d take me along to give some guidance... However, if you need assistance, I can help." Dan Heng hadn''t expected this response from Bochang, but upon careful consideration, teaching him indeed seemed like a good idea. The black-haired youth replied, "Let''s pass for now. I prefer exploring on my own; we should all head out separately." Dan Heng slightly shook his head, unsure of what Bochang was thinking. Next... The group of four split into three smaller teams, each proceeding in different directions. Bochang chose the right side, wandering through the streets and alleys, experiencing Belobog''s local culture and atmosphere. After walking some distance, Bochang encountered a rift. These phenomena emerged alongside Stellaron, causing continuous spatial distortions that eroded reality and could transform normal people into monstrous beings. Additionally, within these rifts, various rift creatures spawned. Rift creatures were generated by assimilating biological data from the rift, resulting in monsters that retained their original forms but with distinct mutations. Before entering Belobog, Bochang''s group had already faced such rift creatures. They either avoided them when possible or dealt with them if avoidance wasn''t an option. At the locations where rifts appeared, numerous Silvermane Guard soldiers were stationed, armed with long axes and firearms, maintaining a strict blockade around the area. No one was allowed to pass through. This was their primary method of controlling the disasters caused by rifts. "The rift has spread into the city... I remember this being mentioned in the original plot, hmm... This should count as valuable intel. Note it down, all of it¡ªso we have something to discuss later when we return." With the area sealed off, Bochang had no choice but to find another route and continue his exploration. After circling around, Bochang unexpectedly came across March 7th and Stelle, both gathered near an ice sculpture... seemingly critiquing and discussing something. It seemed they had reached the city center now. Bochang noticed a young girl surrounded by children¡ªPelageya Sergeyevna, or simply "Pela" for short. Dressed in the uniform of the Silvermane Guards, she served as their intelligence officer. As Bochang approached, Pela was explaining the ice sculpture before her to the attentive crowd. "All right, kids, please take a look at this¡ªthe Everwinter Monument. It was erected to commemorate the great Architects. These Architects were followers of Aeon Qlipoth, who foresaw the impending crisis and built the high walls, establishing Belobog to preserve humanity''s spark. Even today, they continue managing our city..." Pela spoke with enthusiasm, while the nearby children listened attentively, including March 7th and Stelle. Only when Bochang drew near did they notice him. March 7th asked, "Bochang, what brings you here?" "The path I took had a rift, so I detoured, and then inexplicably..." Bochang shrugged. March 7th exclaimed in astonishment, "Has rift corrosion reached even within the city?" "From what I saw... it seems that way." Bochang nodded. By now, Pela''s introduction had concluded, and she loudly asked, "Does anyone have any questions?" Stelle glanced at Bochang and March 7th. "It appears Pela knows quite a lot. If there''s anything we don''t understand, we can ask her... Who should go over?" "After you called her ''Big Sister Pela'' in front of everyone earlier, no way am I going..." March 7th shook her head. "Bochang, why don''t you do it?" Hearing the pink-haired girl expose his momentary lapse, Stelle managed an awkward yet courteous smile. Bochang felt he might have arrived slightly too late. If he had come earlier, he probably would have witnessed an interesting scene. "Well, if someone must go, the key question is... What exactly should we ask?" Chapter 30: Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It Chapter 30 - Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept ItHey guys Thanks for all of your support so far. I truly appreciate all the comments, powerstones and general support you''ve given me so far. I have some great news for you. From now on, you can read advance Chapters completely for free over on Patreon, by becoming a Free Member. Of course, I''ll provide you with the pros and cons of becoming a free member: Pros: Free Extra Chapters just begging to be read by you. Cons: It seems... there are none. So head on over to Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff *** Additionally, I will be issuing a bounty. The bounty will be from now on, and until the end of September. For every 1 person who becomes a Paid Member, I will be uploading 2 extra Chapters of the novel I''ve been working on*. For every 7 people who become Free Members, I will be uploading 1 extra Chapter of the novel I''ve been working on*. And perhaps there might possibly be a few hidden missions. Maybe something related to reviews, who knows. *The novel in question is a Honkai Impact FanFiction. Even if I have to upload 200 extra Chapters, I''m both able and willing to do so! By becoming a Paid Member, you can currently: - Read more than 190 extra Chapters. A number that will only continue to increase each day. - 2 daily Chapters of Corrupting An Innocent Priestess - 2 daily Chapters of Genshin Impact: Selling Mobile Phones In Genshin Impact, Everyone Is Livestreaming - 2 daily Chapters of Honkai: Star Rail - Developing Mobile Games on Xianzhou - 2 daily Chapters of In Honkai Star Rail With a Dating System - 1 daily Chapter of Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I''m Surrounded By Characters - 1 daily Chapter of Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets - x daily Chapter(s) of the new Honkai Impact novel - Much more in the near future! S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 31 - 30: Seeking More Information Chapter 31 - 30: Seeking More InformationPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Why not ask about that blue crystalline structure? Whenever I see something like that... it makes me wonder if there might be a connection to my own origins." March 7th''s gaze wandered over the monument. Before being found by the Astral Express, the pink-haired girl had been frozen within a large block of ice, drifting through space. Consequently, upon seeing similar crystals here, she couldn''t help but indulge in some speculation. In fact, when first laying eyes on this icy planet... March 7th had wondered if it could be her homeland and whether it held any ties to her past. Of course... She also hoped it wasn''t her homeland for a simple reason¡ªit was far too cold. Bochang placed one hand on his hip. "Is there anything else you''d like to know? Stelle, do you have any questions?" "I''m quite curious about the Frostwave mentioned by Pela. How did it occur?" Star understood that everything here likely involved Stellaron, but... she still wanted insights from the locals'' perspective. Perhaps there would be unexpected revelations? "All right, I''ll go ahead and ask," Bochang nodded, stepping out from the crowd. He raised his hand, "I have a question." "Please proceed," Pela responded with a smile. Smiling warmly, Pela responded. Bochang asked, "What is this blue crystal?" "You''re asking about the material? It''s colored earth essence." Earth essence was a mineral energy source unique to Jarilo VI. From large-scale city heating to small handheld counters, everything relied on earth essence for power. Belobog''s Underworld was specifically designed for its extraction. The Underworld also used earth essence to trade with the Overworld for essential supplies. "And... do you know how the Frostwave occurs?" As Bochang posed this question, Pela''s smile gradually faded. She glanced him up and down, uncertain if he was simply teasing her as some high-ranking official might. After all... Just moments ago, the girl who seemed part of his group casually joined the children in calling out, "Pe-laaa Sister!" Well, let it go; no need to dwell on such matters. In front of the children, Pela maintained a positive demeanor. "For that question, you should ask the experts from the research department, not me," she said. "Although even they may not have a precise answer... The cause of the Frostwave has puzzled Belobog''s scientists for centuries." Pela was not tall; despite being referred to as a young woman, her petite frame barely differed from that of a little girl. So... she could be considered a legally acceptable "loli." Dressed in a blue and white uniform, Pela looked up at Bochang. With her large black-framed glasses, she exuded a scholarly aura, something neither Himeko, Stelle, nor March 7th possessed. Moreover, her adorable round face made one irresistibly want to gently pinch it. "Any more questions?" Pela asked just as she finished speaking. The entire world abruptly fell into another standstill. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: In a serious tone, say, "I''d like to know your measurements." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a starship destroyer. Note: Such items may...] [Option 2: With a slight bow, ask, "How can I invite such a beautiful lady for dinner?" - Completion Reward: Yandere''s Double Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 3: Give a straightforward response, "No further questions, Pela-sis." - Completion Reward: Pela''s Eyeball Roll.] "You want me to choose option one, right?" "Seriously, with such minimal rewards, you expect me to say something like that in public?" Bochang muttered inwardly, "Not happening unless you sweeten the deal." Clearly, in response to Bochang''s objection, "Dating Options" had no intention of providing any further clarification. The black-haired youth continued grumbling. "It''s oddly surprising though; asking for measurements in public, yet Pela didn''t even give me a ''Big Booty'' slap. She truly...is too gentle." Suddenly realizing something, he thought, "Wait...could it be because she''s too short and couldn''t reach?" If not for the slightly negative aspect of option two''s reward, Bochang would have undoubtedly chosen it. "Maybe next time I should avoid Stelle and March 7th when trying this out? Flirting with other girls in front of them isn''t quite appropriate." Now, he found himself struggling between options one and three. Both choices were somewhat embarrassing. The difference was that option three seemed less humiliating but offered no reward. After hesitating briefly... "I guess option one then." In the end, Bochang succumbed to the allure of the reward. The world resumed its activity, with footsteps and conversations flooding back into their ears, forming a stark contrast to the brief silence moments ago. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a serious expression, Bochang stated, "I''d like to know your measurements." "Huh?" Pela, wearing her black felt hat, was taken aback, momentarily unable to comprehend the request. Like a small animal encountering its natural predator, she instantly froze. March 7th''s eyes widened, mouth agape, displaying disbelief. The nearby children, unsure of what "measurements" meant, simply watched quietly. March 7th swiftly placed her small hand on Bochang''s shoulder, offering an apologetic look to Pela. She said, "My apologies, something must have gotten stuck in his head just now; he hasn''t recovered yet. Sorry for any inconvenience caused, I''ll take him away right now." Without resistance, Bochang was promptly dragged away by March 7th, still holding onto his shoulders. Pela remained silent, observing as the blue-haired, blue-eyed girl watched the trio depart with a thoughtful expression on her face. These three individuals were somewhat peculiar. This was evident just from their attire. Pela wondered to herself, "Should I investigate them?" Meanwhile... Bochang nervously listened for system notifications. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received one delicious crab roe bun. By giving it to someone else, you may deepen your friendship. Note: This item has been stored in the system space.] "Delicious crab roe bun?" Bochang scratched his head, thinking how this seemed tailor-made for luring children. "Maybe I could try giving it to Clara..." Considering he still had Clara''s chemise, he could first use the delicious crab roe bun to ease tensions and then reveal the chemise... As Bochang plotted his scheme, March 7th had already led Stelle and Bochang into a narrow alleyway. "Hey... what were you thinking just now?!" March 7th exclaimed, pointing at Bochang. "Why would you suddenly ask for a girl''s measurements? It makes her really uncomfortable." "Eh heh." Bochang lightly tapped his temple. March 7th retorted, "What does ''eh heh'' mean?! Never mind, forget it... But from now on, don''t ask girls about their measurements in public, even if you''re curious¡ªit''s inappropriate, seriously... And Stelle, stop casually calling others ''Big Sister Pela'' as if nothing''s wrong with it! Ahh... hanging out with you two, I feel like people might start considering me a weirdo too..." "Bochang, my measurements are..." After a brief silence, Stelle unexpectedly spoke up. As she recited her Enigmata numbers, Bochang scrutinized her closely and remarked, "Well, well, Stelle, you''ve got more going on than one would guess from your appearance." Chapter 32 - 31: The Sampo Strikes Chapter 32 - 31: The Sampo StrikesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Hey, hey, hey! What kind of inappropriate conversation are you two having?!" A blush crept across March 7th''s cheeks as she frantically waved her hands in the air. "How can you casually talk about such things...?" "I really can''t stand you both sometimes. As expected, Teacher Dan Heng is much more reliable." March 7th huffed indignantly. Bochang and Stelle exchanged smiles, their surroundings filled with a joyful atmosphere. Putting aside the banter, in this dimly lit alleyway, the pink-haired girl spread her hands open and turned to serious matters. "Getting back on track... It''s still early... Should we continue separately or together?" "What do you think, Bochang?" asked Stelle, looking at the black-haired youth. He responded, "Let''s split up; it''ll be more efficient that way. If anything happens, just contact me or Dan Heng promptly." "Understood, Bochang. Don''t get all fussy like Dan Heng though." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. March 7th casually waved his hand. With arms crossed, Bochang replied, "I remember someone just mentioned that the infallible Dan Heng should be more reliable... How come you''ve changed your mind after only a few seconds?" "That''s none of your business, nyah nyah nyah..." March 7th stuck out his tongue at Bochang and then swiftly pulled Stelle away, running off. Leaving the black-haired youth alone. Shaking his head, Bochang continued strolling around Belobog. Not long after, an unexpected person appeared before him. "Phew... You really made me search high and low..." It was none other than Sampo Koski. Just moments ago, they had knocked him unconscious and buried him in the snow, yet he managed to catch up surprisingly fast. "Sampo? I thought the Silvermane Guards would have captured you." Bochang found himself cornered in a narrow alleyway by Sampo. Sampo flicked his blue short hair and said, "The Silvermane Guards? Thanks to you, I nearly got caught... but fortunately, I ran fast enough." "I''m quite curious, why did you bump into me right away, knock me out, and then bury me in the snow? As far as I can tell... I don''t recall doing anything to provoke you." Sampo produced two short knives from his hands, which were his weapons. In reality... One could also call them daggers; the distinction is merely semantic, with similar meanings just differing in terminology. "Encountering strangers amidst ice and snow, wouldn''t any normal person become suspicious? And indeed, it proves that you''re not ordinary. Let me ask you, Sampo... Were you intentionally waiting for us there?" Before arriving at Belobog, Dan Heng and March 7th had asked Bochang similar questions earlier. Naturally... he gave the same response. Dan Heng had also remarked, "March, you should learn from Bochang''s vigilance; it could save us a lot of trouble." "Hmph... It seems you know quite a bit, don''t you? I, Sampo, don''t mind dealing with clever individuals, provided that...you truly are smart and not just a clueless idiot." Bochang could tell immediately. Sampo appeared to be in a rather foul mood, which was understandable. Anyone who gets knocked unconscious, left in the snow, and narrowly escapes capture by Silvermane Guards would understandably feel irate. "Well? Did you come here just to exchange some harsh words?" Bochang wasn''t worried about Sampo attacking him directly, nor did he rush to summon his Vow Spear. The reason being... Three Invisible Hands were already prepared. Unlike using the Dragon Talisman, which consumes physical stamina, the Invisible Hands draw upon mental energy, requiring less exertion but offering correspondingly lesser power than the Dragon Talisman. Bochang had discreetly tested this before. Sampo''s breathing slowed as he said, "Of course not... I just thought we could have a proper conversation. You''ve taken a tour around Belobog; what do you think of this place?" "It''s alright," replied Bochang, who had indeed explored the city and found its atmosphere generally acceptable. If it weren''t for the rift''s influence, it would be even better. "If you visit the Underworld, your opinion might change." Sampo shook his head with a sigh. "Your earlier assessment was quite accurate. When I awaited you there, my intentions were indeed not benign, but only to show you the true nature of this realm''s ruler." "Let me leave it at that, friend. If you encounter difficulties in the future, feel free to seek me out in the Underworld. Of course... perhaps by then, I may proactively find you myself, being the naturally compassionate soul that I am..." As Sampo spoke, he gradually retreated, sheathing his dual blades and disappearing into the shadows of the alleyway. Seeing this, Bochang withdrew his Invisible Hands. The shift in Sampo''s attitude essentially occurred when the Invisible Hand appeared. If Bochang hadn''t used this ability, perhaps Sampo wouldn''t have left so easily. "Did he detect the Invisible Hand?" Had Sampo not been caught off guard by their surprise attack, it would have been nearly impossible to knock him unconscious within such a short time... His strength was indeed formidable, yet even with his prowess, he shouldn''t have been able to sense the Invisible Hand. Unable to fully comprehend this, Bochang gave up pondering and muttered instead, "So what was his real purpose for coming here... Was he trying to abduct me?" To prevent any further unexpected incidents involving others, Bochang preemptively contacted them using his phone, arranging an early rendezvous. Within half an hour, the entire Trailblazer squad had assembled. Dan Heng spoke first, "I didn''t expect Sampo to confront us directly. It seems the waters of Belobog run deeper than we anticipated. From now on, we must be even more vigilant in our actions. Let''s avoid splitting up again for the time being." "Aiya, don''t worry! With the four of us together, there''s nothing we can''t handle." March 7th spread her hands and looked at the gray-haired girl. "See, Stelle has a Stellaron within her, Bochang carries various mystical gadgets, I possess unique hexaphase ice, and Dan Heng has... umm... whatever his past Enigmata was." "Anyone daring to cause trouble for us will be truly unlucky!" March 7th placed her hands on her hips. Stelle echoed, "Truly unlucky." "Hiss... How long has this parroting been going on?" March 7th stared speechlessly at Stelle. This time, Bochang did not repeat after her, which left the gray-haired girl slightly disappointed. Dan Heng sighed, pressing his forehead with frustration. If Welt Yang were here, he might not have felt so overwhelmed; at least they could discuss matters properly. These three individuals before him... none seemed entirely dependable. While Bochang might be reliable, he was still a novice, and most of the time, Dan Heng had to take the lead. In case of any real issues, Bochang would simply say, "Dan Heng, you handle it" - not much different from what March 7th implied. Speaking of which... During this Trailblazer expedition, Welt Yang initially wanted to join them but stayed behind with Himeko to guard against potential threats from the Antimatter Legion. This allowed the younger generation the opportunity to prove themselves. Next, the four exchanged the intelligence they had gathered, piecing together a broad picture of Belobog''s situation. Concepts like the Overworld and Underworld were discussed, along with terms such as Silvermane Guards, the Architects, and the Great Guardian. Each one emerged during their briefing. Chapter 33 - 32: Exchange of Information Chapter 33 - 32: Exchange of InformationPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** During the intelligence sharing session, Dan Heng spoke the most, followed by March 7th and Stelle, with Bochang contributing the least. This was quite normal, as Bochang was still a newcomer. Moreover, his minimal input also stemmed from being the last to speak; much of the common information had already been covered by Dan Heng, Stelle, and March 7th. "We have a general understanding of the Overworld''s situation, but regarding the Underworld..." Dan Heng shook his head slightly, "The path down is blocked, guarded by numerous Silvermane Guards. We can''t get through." March 7th suggested, "Why don''t we directly approach the Great Guardian? As the ruler of this city, she likely wouldn''t want to see the calamity of Stellaron spreading unchecked. Once she knows the full extent of the problem, I''m certain she will assist us." The rifts caused by Stellaron had already spread into the city itself. If this continued unabated, Belobog would face severe consequences. "You''re right, but... what if our enemy is among the Rulers? Wouldn''t exposing ourselves recklessly be unwise?" Bochang refrained from explicitly naming Cocolia. As crew members of the Astral Express, both Dan Heng and March 7th were aware that Stellaron could influence people''s minds. They had encountered it numerous times before. "True enough, March. Do you recall the last time we were wanted fugitives here?" Dan Heng spread his hands, reminding them of past experiences. March 7th scratched his head helplessly. "So what should we do now... continue gathering information? Or go check out the Underworld?" "Let''s find a way to visit the Underworld. That Sampo is from there, isn''t he? Bochang likely has doubts about the local rulers due to Sampo''s warnings. It seems Sampo knows quite a bit; meeting him might be a good option." Dan Heng spoke at length. With no objections, it was settled that they would proceed to the Underworld. "However... before that, we need to find a place to stay. Obtaining access to the Underworld is likely not something that can be accomplished quickly." Dan Heng''s gaze swept over the three others. "So..." "So, we''re going job hunting, right?" March 7th pressed his fingers against his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Dan Heng calmly replied, "No... March, haven''t you forgotten? I mentioned earlier that Shields here can be exchanged for Credits... One Shield can be converted into fifty Credits." The Shield was Belobog''s currency, while Credit was the universally accepted form of exchange across the cosmos. Despite Belobog having lost contact with the universe and receiving hardly any visitors, It''s even possible to exchange back to Credits. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This is truly hard to believe. However, considering that many years ago, Belobog was a highly prosperous area within the universe, with numerous spaceships passing through daily, until the disaster struck seven hundred years ago... So it makes sense that Credits are still used as currency here. There''s nothing surprising about it after all. "Ah, I see..." March 7th scratched their head, "I wasn''t paying close attention earlier." March 7th had assumed that Credits couldn''t be used here, which led them to suggest working for money. They didn''t expect Credits to still circulate... However, upon hearing that one Shield equals fifty Credits, March 7th quickly engaged in mental calculations. "If one Shield can buy a loaf of bread and ten Credits can also buy a loaf of bread, then... if I exchange fifty Credits for one Shield, I''m essentially losing forty Credits." Stelle concluded, "In other words... earning one Shield is equivalent to gaining forty Credits." At this point, Bochang finally gained a slight understanding of the purchasing power of Credits. "Don''t worry, after completing the Trailblazer task, Himeko will reimburse us..." Dan Heng remained unconcerned. "So right now, we need to exchange for Shields." "Alright, I''ll follow your lead." March 7th had no objections. The four of them proceeded together, following Dan Heng to a location where they exchanged several hundred Shields. With this amount... They could comfortably survive here for multiple days. Next, Dan Heng led everyone in searching for clues on how to reach the Underworld. They scoured Belobog''s Overworld throughout the day. It wasn''t until evening that Dan Heng found some promising leads. By March 7th, both Stelle and Bochang were utterly exhausted. "Let''s call it a day for now and continue tomorrow," Dan Heng said, pausing. "Bochang, after all that running... did you learn anything?" "Probably... just a little bit?" Bochang blinked uncertainly. "That''s good," replied Dan Heng. "As long as there is progress, it''s fine. Tonight, let''s rest at this inn." Although only one city remained on this planet, there was still a need for inns. The reason was simple¡ªnot everyone had their own houses. Many who couldn''t afford homes had to reside permanently in inns, seeking shelter from the elements. "It looks somewhat rundown..." March 7th observed the worn-out decor ahead with a sigh. Dan Heng glanced at her briefly. "If you want to stay somewhere pricier, that''s fine as long as you''re willing to pay for it. Just keep in mind... if the expenses become too high, Himeko won''t cover everything. Let''s save where we can." "Alright, alright..." March 7th shrugged helplessly, and the group of four entered the inn. The wooden floor creaked beneath their steps, seemingly alerting the owner to incoming guests. Under everyone''s gaze, a middle-aged woman emerged from behind the counter and greeted them, "Welcome to our humble establishment. Four guests in total, correct? How many rooms do you require?" "Two rooms," Dan Heng replied while producing several Shields. "Just for one night." During their earlier exploration, Dan Heng had already inquired about the prices here, so there was no need to ask again. "Great! Here are the keys for rooms 207 and 208. Please go upstairs to the second floor and find your rooms based on the numbers." After confirming the payment, the innkeeper handed over two room keys. Two rooms were allocated - naturally, Bochang and Dan Heng would share one, while March 7th and Stelle would take the other, as previously agreed upon. Naturally, Bochang and Dan Heng would share one room, while March 7th and Stelle would take the other - this had been agreed upon beforehand. They entered their respective rooms separately. Turning around, Dan Heng asked, "Since we have some time now, Bochang, would you like to learn how to use a spear?" "It''s fine, but considering the space here, won''t it be too cramped for training?" The wooden floor creaked with each step. Honestly... Bochang worried that if he exerted too much force, he might accidentally break through it. "When starting to learn spear techniques, you only need to focus on the basic stances; excessive strength isn''t required, nor is there a specific need for a large area." Dan Heng crossed his arms, having already retrieved a long spear from his space equipment. "Alright," Bochang agreed. With the black-haired youth''s consent, Dan Heng tossed the spear to Bochang. "Your own spear is outside right now, not convenient to retrieve. For now, you can use this one." "No problem." Chapter 34 - 33: The Alleyway Chapter 34 - 33: The AlleywayPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Following Dan Heng''s guidance, Bochang practiced his spear techniques for two hours before finally lying down to rest. The room had only one bed, but Dan Heng didn''t mind sharing with Bochang. And so... They both slept on the same bed. Although feeling slightly cramped, Bochang still managed to sleep soundly. On the other hand, Stelle couldn''t get a good night''s rest. The sparse conditions were secondary; the main issue was her recurring dreams. In these dreams, two voices constantly conversed, mentioning terms like "Cocolia," "allies," "world," and "wishes" - a flood of incomprehensible words disrupted her sleep. Consequently, upon waking up the next day... Stelle felt quite fatigued. Early in the morning, Dan Heng woke Bochang to practice and refine his spear technique further. By the time Stelle and March 7th arose, Bochang had already been practicing ornamental moves for half an hour. The skill of exerting force effectively. Dan Heng had not yet taught this technique to Bochang, resulting in his spear movements appearing weak and lacking power¡ªessentially just empty gestures. However, even during these seemingly futile exercises, Bochang gained significant insights. Occasionally, with a well-timed thrust, he managed to create a resonant hum despite using minimal strength. This impressed Dan Heng, who remarked, "Not bad talent. Keep up the effort." "Knock, knock, knock!" A familiar tapping on the door sounded, and Dan Heng responded, "It''s unlocked, come in." Just by hearing the distinctive knock, Dan Heng knew who it was. March 7th entered, immediately focusing her gaze on the diligent black-haired youth practicing with his spear, surprise evident on her face. "Bochang, training so early in the morning... you''re truly hardworking." Behind the pink-haired girl, Stelle followed, yawning as she stepped inside. Dan Heng asked, "Stelle, did you not rest well last night? Was it because March disturbed you?" "Beautiful girls don''t snore or fidget while sleeping. How could she possibly disturb Stelle? It''s just that Stelle had too many dreams last night. I already checked with her; Dan Heng, don''t make unfounded assumptions." Before Stelle could respond, March 7th swiftly countered his suggestion. The gray-haired girl merely nodded, leaving unclear whose viewpoint she agreed with. Dan Heng had no intention of continuing the conversation. Seeing that everyone was awake, Bochang, who had been practicing with the spear, also stopped. He returned the weapon to Dan Heng. Bochang spoke up, "Now that we''re all here, shall we continue our mission?" "Hmm... However, before that, let''s have breakfast first." March 7th gestured with her finger in the air, "Without a good meal, we won''t have the energy to work effectively." "I''ve already picked a place to eat; let''s head there together." Dan Heng nodded slightly. Although they had all explored Belobog''s Overworld, neither March 7th, Stelle, nor Bochang seemed particularly observant or familiar with their surroundings, akin to being deaf and blind newcomers. In contrast, Dan Heng was well-prepared from the start. Bochang and the others could simply follow him without much thought, as his familiarity with the area made it seem like he was a local. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yay!" March 7th cheered first, then turned serious, "Dan Heng, we can manage with our temporary lodging, but when it comes to meals, compromising is absolutely not an option. You understand that, right?" "Don''t worry, the places I took you to yesterday were pretty decent, weren''t they?" Dan Heng spread his hands, looking somewhat resigned. March 7th patted her ample chest and declared, "That''s reassuring! Everyone, let''s set off!" Speaking of food... In Bochang''s system space, there was still one delicious crab roe bun left... The black-haired youth was genuinely curious about its taste, but for the sake of rescuing Clara later, he had to hold back. Once the time came, using that delicious crab roe bun to entice the little girl sounded quite tempting. The group of four embarked on their journey with determination. After spending several dozen Shields and having a satisfying meal, Dan Heng led them through a maze of narrow alleys, finally reaching their destination for the day. The dimly lit alleyway reeked of decay, with stagnant wastewater pooling unchecked on the ground. As they approached, March 7th and Stelle covered their noses, unable to fully block out the foul odor. If not for the rumor that someone here knew how to reach the Underworld, they would have undoubtedly turned back immediately. They approached an open door. Dan Heng knocked rhythmically, and soon, a portly middle-aged man emerged from inside. His eyes were tiny, almost slits; it was unclear if his field of vision was narrower than that of a normal person. "What do you want?" The man''s gaze swept over the group, ultimately settling on Dan Heng. Despite having small eyes, ...his observational skills were keen, quickly discerning that Dan Heng was the leader. Of course...it''s also possible he had already noted this as they approached. Throughout their journey, Dan Heng led the way and was the one to knock on the door. In such circumstances, determining who held authority wasn''t difficult. Dan Heng stated, "We wish to know how to reach the Underworld." "The Underworld?" The middle-aged man scrutinized them briefly. "Interesting... You want to go there? Do you understand the rules?" "What rules?" Dan Heng asked. The middle-aged man extended his hand. "Very simple. To go to the Underworld, it costs one thousand Shields per person. No money, no deal." "One thousand? Are you trying to rob us?!" March 7th''s eyes widened indignantly. Based on their prior research, an average Overworld citizen earned only about five hundred Shields for a month of work. With frugality, this amount was sufficient to support a family. Demanding one thousand Shields upfront was outrageously excessive; most people wouldn''t be willing or able to afford it. "You''re right, I am indeed robbing you." The middle-aged man unexpectedly admitted without hesitation. As soon as he spoke, tightly shut doors around them swung open. Several burly men emerged, each armed and advancing menacingly, clearly indicating hostile intentions. "Seriously... If possible, I''d rather not fight in places like these..." March 7th muttered, rubbing his forehead. March 7th rubbed his forehead. Bochang glanced at Dan Heng, who expressionlessly replied, "It''s quite normal to encounter some danger when seeking information prohibited by society. Be prepared for battle, Bochang. These are just a bunch of small-time thugs, not difficult to handle." "Alright..." Bochang nodded, and Stelle, wielding her black baseball bat, moved closer to him as well. Seeing their underestimation, the middle-aged man spoke up, "A group of thrill-seeking youngsters, daring to belittle us? It seems it''s time to show you your place." With his command, the burly men charged forward. If only this guy had remained silent. But once he spoke, Dan Heng''s attention shifted towards him. Before the enemies could reach them, he swiftly took up his long spear and launched a surprise attack on the middle-aged man. As for the safety of March 7th, Stelle, and Bochang, Dan Heng was not concerned. Chapter 35 - 34: Pela Chapter 35 - 34: PelaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** A series of agonized screams echoed through the alleyway, and within minutes, the ground was littered with fallen bodies. Some unlucky individuals landed in pools of filthy water, making their plight even more grotesque. Those still capable crawled hastily away, while most remained collapsed, wailing in pain. These minor henchmen were no match for Bochang''s group; they were effortlessly taken down. "Spare me... Spare my life, Lord! I was wrong! I admit my mistake!" A middle-aged man knelt on the ground, desperately pleading as Dan Heng pressed his spear against his chin. This fellow must have possessed some strength to exert power here, having already awakened his fate path. However, against Dan Heng, he couldn''t withstand long and was swiftly brought to the ground, now reduced to begging for mercy. "Speak up, how do we reach the Underworld?" The long spear in Dan Heng''s hand edged slightly forward, piercing a small hole in the middle-aged man''s neck. Fresh red blood began to flow, and his facial features contorted as he hastily pleaded, "My lord... I truly don''t know... I have no idea how to reach the Underworld. The entrance has been sealed for many years, and to this day, I''ve never heard of anyone being able to descend there..." "I''m really not lying," the middle-aged man rapidly exclaimed. March 7th felt somewhat helpless. "So we encountered both a fraudster and a robber?" "Seems that way." Dan Heng withdrew his spear, allowing the middle-aged man to finally exhale with relief. He then sensed a sudden warmth spreading down his pants, realizing only after touching it that he had wet himself from fear. Bochang shook his head, "What a wasted trip..." "Not entirely wasted though," March 7th said with a friendly smile. "Since this guy was operating here with over a dozen henchmen, he must have acquired quite a few Shields. We can''t leave empty-handed now, can we?" Bochang and Stelle''s expressions brightened, understanding her intent to exploit the situation. Just then... A sudden sound of footsteps echoed nearby. Dan Heng''s gaze sharpened as he noticed a blue-haired girl clad in black stockings approaching from the direction they had come. It was none other than Pela. "Who are you all? Why do you wish to enter the Underworld? Are you unaware that the Great Guardian has sealed off the passage?" Pela asked sternly, wearing her round-framed glasses. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She had been investigating their backgrounds since yesterday and discovered that they lacked official residency records. This issue could be seen as neither major nor insignificant. In Belobog, many individuals avoided taxes by not registering themselves officially. Bochang was startled, unsure why this individual would appear here. "Could it be Sampo?" "This shouldn''t concern you," Dan Heng replied dismissively, showing no regard for Pela. "I am an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards," Pela stated firmly. "Naturally, I cannot turn a blind eye to such matters... You peculiar group, please cooperate with my investigation. Otherwise... I won''t hold back." [Dating Options Activated.] [Option 1: Loudly rebuke her: "Since you claim to be an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, why didn''t you help when the raiders attacked us? Instead, you hid and watched." - Completion Reward: Obtain a three-star Destruction Light Cone, Tianqing (Heaven''s Collapse). Note: This type of item will...] [Option Two: Relying on numerical advantage to defeat Pela: "She''s alone; let''s confront her together." ¡ª Completion Reward: Being captured by the Silvermane Guards."] [Option Three: This place is not safe for lingering; fleeing could be a viable choice: "Engaging the Silvermane Guards head-on is unwise; it''s best if we leave now." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a starship destroyer. Note: Such items will..."] The world once again froze into stasis. Upon seeing Option Two, Bochang immediately realized that Pela was likely not alone. She may have already deployed numerous Silvermane Guards nearby. Engaging in combat with them would be an incredibly irrational decision. Bochang still had only two choices left: Either flee. Or negotiate with the opponent. After a moment of hesitation, Bochang chose to negotiate. If he attempted to escape now, he would undoubtedly be pursued and wanted by the Silvermane Guards afterward. This trajectory seemed to align with the original plotline, likely what Sampo intended. Option one''s reward might be somewhat lacking, but... Option three''s randomness was too unpredictable for comfort. "Option one!" Bochang firmly demanded, "Since you claim to be an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, why didn''t you assist us when the raiders attacked? Instead, you hid and watched?" [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have received a Three-Star Destruction Light Cone: Tianqing. Note: This item has been stored in the System space.] Taken aback, Pela did not expect such a response from Bochang. March 7th chimed in, "That''s right, if we were ordinary people, they would''ve robbed us easily, and who knows, we might even have suffered more..." "This is impossible! With me observing nearby, they wouldn''t stand a chance," Pela immediately countered. Taken aback, Pela quickly countered. Bochang pointed at the men on the ground. "Are you certain? Miss Pela, please take a closer look¡ªthese individuals had knives. During our confrontation, if you hadn''t intervened immediately, as ordinary citizens, we could have been killed." "But did you truly have enough time to stop it?" "As a Silvermane Guard sworn to protect civilians, do you feel adequately responsible?" Bochang''s two questions plunged Pela into deep thought. To be honest, in that situation, she indeed couldn''t have prevented it. After all, she was only one person, not a deity. "Not adequate... Did I make a mistake?" Her emotions suddenly became conflicted. However, after a moment... Pela shook her head, her gaze once again becoming composed. She said, "Your points hold some truth, but the real issue isn''t about my actions. Instead, why do you wish to go to the Underworld? Don''t try to divert the topic." "May I ask, is wanting to go to the Underworld... illegal?" Dan Heng spread his hands, posing the most crucial question. Pela murmured, "No, it''s not illegal." "Then there you have it. Instead of interrogating us, you should focus on apprehending these raiders." Having received the answer he sought, Dan Heng had no intention of engaging further with Pela. "We''re leaving now." With Dan Heng leading the way, Bochang and March 7th followed closely behind. As they reached the end of the alley, several Silvermane Guards emerged, blocking their path. Dan Heng turned back for a glance. "Even if you haven''t broken any laws, during my investigation, I couldn''t find records of your residency here," Pela said, her tone softening slightly. "So... you still need to accompany me. Don''t worry, I''ll just help register your residency status." Chapter 36 - 35: Special Abilities Chapter 36 - 35: Special AbilitiesHey guys, I uploaded the first Chapter of the novel I mentioned in the mission a few Chapters ago. Just a small teaser of what''s to come. Check out the novel: Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality We''re looking at around 45 Chapters that I''m gonna upload on the 1st (so far). Make that number even higher by becoming a Free Member! Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The four travelers exchanged glances. To avoid escalating the situation further, Dan Heng reluctantly agreed to Pela''s request. Along with the robbers, they were all escorted away by the Silvermane Guards. Feeling somewhat helpless, Bochang thought, "What just happened... Even though we chose the first option, we still ended up captured by the Silvermane Guards... I hope Pela keeps her word and only registers us as residents..." Bochang feared being lured into a trap despite their compliance. However... In the end, it turned out his concerns were unfounded. Pela indeed only registered them as local inhabitants. "Thank you for your cooperation." In Pela''s office, she poured each of them a cup of warm water. "I heard that you don''t have jobs or fixed residences yet. Would you like me to assist you?" As an intelligence officer for the Silvermane Guards, Pela''s duties were diverse, ranging from coordinating troop movements, managing resources and allocations, overseeing displaced persons... to even educating the public about Belobog''s history¡ªall fell under her purview. Naturally... In Pela''s eyes, Bochang and his companions were considered displaced individuals who needed proper resettlement. Belobog had many such displaced people, and ensuring they paid their taxes regularly was a challenging task. Dan Heng responded, "If Miss Pela is willing to help, that would be truly appreciated." Although unsure of Dan Heng''s intentions, everyone knew they were all tied together like insects on a single string, so they readily agreed to let Pela assist them. "Very well then..." Pela returned to her seat and glanced at the four newcomers'' residency documents, which contained detailed information such as gender, age, height, skills, and more... With just a casual glance, Pela pushed the papers aside and said, "I observed your fight against those thugs earlier... Your skills are quite impressive. Have you considered joining the Silvermane Guards?" "Let me clarify, I''m not trying to force anyone into joining. If you''re unwilling, I''ll make alternative arrangements according to your preferences." The conflict between the Silvermane Guards and the rift denizens was intensifying daily. Nearly every day saw several soldiers perish, with even more getting injured. At times, casualties reached double digits. For Belobog, with its relatively small population, such losses were significant. The ranks of the Silvermane Guards were severely understaffed. Thus, it was understandable for Pela to seek new recruits, although Dan Heng declined his offer. "Apologies, but we don''t wish to join the Silvermane Guards." Hearing this response, Pela gently sighed, as it was entirely expected. Although the benefits and treatment of the Silvermane Guards were decent, it remained a high-risk occupation, not suitable for everyone. "Alright." Pela furrowed her brows and reviewed their information once more. "What kind of work would you like then? Dan Heng, looking at your specialties...it says you''re proficient with firearms. If not joining the Silvermane Guards, finding an appropriate placement might be challenging." Dan Heng replied calmly, "I can sweep streets if needed." "Sweeping streets is quite demanding, and the pay isn''t high¡ªonly three hundred Shields per month. Are you sure you''re okay with that?" Pela continued to clarify. Dan Heng nodded affirmatively. "I can handle it," he replied calmly. Come on, during his time wandering among the stars, there wasn''t any job he hadn''t tried. Sweeping streets is just a minor task; no problem at all. "Next." Pela''s gaze shifted to the pink-haired girl. "March 7th, your specialty is... photography? I recall a photo studio is indeed seeking an apprentice. Although it''s a relaxed job, the monthly wage is only two hundred Shields. Can you accept that?" "Yes, I absolutely love photography." March 7th promptly agreed. Pela then turned to Bochang and said, "Bochang... Your specialty is... snowmobile repair skills? Hmm... That''s quite good. Serval''s machine shop happens to need an apprentice. While the work is leisurely, since you know how to repair snowmobiles, you likely have some understanding of other machinery as well, right?" "Yeah, somewhat knowledgeable, but just the basics," Bochang responded truthfully. After acquiring snowmobile repair and driving skills initially, Bochang had also become adept at fixing simple gadgets without any formal training. "That''s fine. As long as you''re willing to learn, the owner of the machine shop will teach you. Hmm... Her apprentice wage is three hundred Shields per month. How does that sound?" Pela spoke casually, finding employment for these individuals proving simpler than she anticipated. Unlike other captured vagrants who complained about jobs being unsuitable, conditions unfavorable, or wages too low... "Sounds good," Bochang agreed immediately. He hadn''t expected the reward he received earlier for repairing a snowmobile to be so useful now. "Just one more left¡ªtheir specialty is... ''long fingers''?" Pela looked puzzled, unsure what the Silvermane Guards were recording in their files. Bochang, Dan Heng, and March 7th all turned towards Stelle. The gray-haired girl blinked innocently. Initially, Pela found it odd but upon closer inspection, recognized her as the one who had called out "Big Sister Pela" alongside the children yesterday. Suddenly, it didn''t seem so strange after all. "Well... I''m not sure what job to assign you either, Stelle. Do you have any preferences?" Pela gazed at the seemingly clueless young woman. She had witnessed Stelle effortlessly fend off thugs with just a baseball bat, causing them to howl in pain. Therefore... Pela would never underestimate this newcomer. "I don''t know; whatever suits is fine for me. Just something close to Bochang''s workplace," replied Stelle. Noticing their matching outfits, Pela suggested, "Then both of you can work together at the machine shop. Consider it buy-one-get-one-free. The pay should be around two hundred Shields per day, is that acceptable?" "No problem." After some deliberation, jobs were assigned to all four newcomers. Pela first escorted them to register at their respective workplaces, then led the group to find accommodations... eventually stopping in front of a small villa. It was clearly a house none of them could afford. "Here is my home. Until you''ve fully settled down, you can stay here for now," Pela said with a smile. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Surprised, Bochang asked, "Stay at your home? Is that appropriate?" "Normally, I''d send newcomers to subsidized housing, but it''s evident that you''re not ordinary individuals, so they deserve greater attention." Pela candidly admitted, "Don''t worry, though; I have another place to reside and won''t disturb you." Just witnessing how effortlessly the four newcomers defeated a group of local thugs earlier made it clear to Pela that they were no ordinary people. Since there was no evidence suggesting any malicious intent from them, the only course of action she deemed appropriate was... to keep a close eye on them. "I hope you all will work diligently in the future and refrain from contemplating things like going to the Underworld. I believe the conditions down there are likely inferior to those up here." Even now, Pela couldn''t understand why these individuals wanted to go to the Underworld, nor did she intend to delve deeper into their motives. Chapter 37 - 36: Ethical Praise Chapter 37 - 36: Ethical PraisePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The reason Pela didn''t delve deeper was simple¡ªit wasn''t considered significant. So... After a brief tour and assigning rooms to everyone, Pela departed. The four members of the Trailblazer team temporarily settled down in Belobog, even acquiring legitimate identities. Following a thorough inspection for any listening devices or similar equipment without finding any, they gathered in the living room to discuss. "We''re already being watched. It seems we can''t access the Underworld... at least not for now." "What should we do?" March 7th looked at Dan Heng. "Should we start working here in Belobog to make a living?" "Hm... Let''s follow Pela''s suggestion for now and use this opportunity to gather intelligence on Stellaron." Dan Heng paused briefly before adding, "Bochang, keep an eye out for Sampo. I suspect he may come looking for you again." "Alright." Bochang nodded. March 7th, seated on the sofa, leaned back and said, "Feels like we''re moving so slowly... Why don''t we just lay our cards on the table? Although it might be risky, at least it would be quick?" Laying their cards on the table indeed could be swift. Since those harboring secrets would directly come forward, it would save everyone considerable time and effort. Dan Heng sighed. "March, although we are strong, we aren''t invincible. In the vast universe, we can encounter creatures more powerful than ourselves at any moment. It''s best to remain hidden when possible, avoiding many potential troubles." "Fine, you decide then." With a casual wave of his hand, March 7th showed no interest in listening to further elaboration. Dan Heng continued, "This time, our luck has been quite good... Belobog''s own registration system had issues, allowing us to easily blend in. Next time, such an opportunity may not present itself again. We must seize this chance now, and the two newcomers can also gain some experience." "Experience? What kind of experience?" Stelle tilted her head slightly. Thinking for a moment, Dan Heng replied, "From starting with nothing, gaining survival skills within society, as well as... experience in gathering information. Don''t assume finding Stellaron is solely my task; you both need to contribute by uncovering intelligence too." "Oh... I see..." Stelle nodded thoughtfully. Dan Heng then shook his head. "Based on our situation today, reaching the Underworld seems like a very challenging endeavor. In fact... it might even be impossible to enter the Underworld at all. We were likely misled by Sampo; he could be someone from the Upper Tier." As a non-transmigrator, Dan Heng couldn''t ascertain the true identity of their contact like Bochang did. Drawing this conclusion was understandable given the circumstances. Bochang had no intention of contradicting him. The group of four discussed their plans in the living room for about fifteen minutes before finalizing their next steps and ending the meeting. Due to their activities with Pela during the day, much time had been spent, and now it was evening. It was time for dinner. As usual, Dan Heng chose to eat out, spending several dozen Shields. This expense wasn''t insignificant. While dining, Dan Heng mentioned that from now on, they should buy groceries and cook themselves instead of always eating at restaurants. Naturally, this honorable yet challenging task... fell upon Bochang''s shoulders. There was no other choice. Both March 7th and Stelle claimed they couldn''t cook. The pink-haired girl even remarked, "It''s perfectly normal for beautiful girls not to know how to cook." Although Dan Heng knew how to cook, he stated that he needed to focus on gathering information and might often be unable to return home on time. So... Bochang reluctantly accepted this responsibility. After finishing dinner, the group returned home. Bochang prepared to practice his gunmanship again. The small villa arranged by Pela featured a spacious backyard, ideal for training with firearms - far better than their previous lodging. "This time, use your own weapon..." Dan Heng pulled out his Jiyun spear. "I''ll accompany you with my Jiyun, allowing you to learn faster." Dan Heng''s gunmanship originated from the Cloud Knights. The techniques he taught Bochang were straightforward and unadorned, characterized by wide, sweeping movements. Under the starlit night, Bochang had a sudden thought and lifted his head, saying, "Alright." Within less than a minute, the Vow Spear descended from the sky. It ultimately hovered beside Bochang. Since it was nighttime, no outsiders could witness this scene. Even if someone did see it, they would likely mistake it for a shooting star... Observing this, Dan Heng swung his long spear, its motion resembling a black dragon dancing through the air. "Today, I''ll teach you the technique of exerting force. Watch carefully." Bochang''s eyes widened as he focused intently. Soon... Both Dan Heng and Bochang began wielding their spears together in the backyard. As March 7th and Stelle observed from the side, the pink-haired girl eventually yawned and suggested, "Let''s do something else instead; watching them practice spear techniques is just too boring." "Mm...," agreed Stelle. The departure of their audience did not affect Bochang and Dan Heng''s training regimen. Just as before, after practicing continuously for two hours, they finally stopped. "That''s enough for today. We''ll continue tomorrow morning. Get some good rest tonight," said Dan Heng, putting away his long spear. Bochang leaned heavily on the Vow Spear like a cane, striving to control his labored breathing. He had trained non-stop for two hours, each strike filled with immense power, including sparring sessions with Dan Heng throughout the process. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This exertion drained him significantly, far more than the previous day''s session. "It''s always intense at the start of training. Keeping up with my pace already shows great progress." Dan Heng extended his hand, offering assistance. "Do you need help getting back?" "No need... Let me...catch my breath... Just give me a moment," Bochang declined. Understanding without fuss, Dan Heng replied, "Alright, then I''ll be off now." The black-haired man turned and left, leaving Bochang alone. After several minutes of resting, Bochang regained his ability to move. By this time, Dan Heng had already reached his room on the second floor. He stood by the window, watching the black-haired youth below until their figure disappeared before turning away. "Dan Heng is truly impressive... After such intense training, there''s barely any sweat visible... Unlike me, my clothes are completely drenched." With heavy steps, Bochang walked through the house, still using the Vow Spear as a walking stick. Given how soaked he was with sweat, taking a shower was absolutely necessary. Approaching the bathroom door, Bochang knocked gently. "Who is it?" Stelle''s voice came from inside. "It''s me, Bochang," he replied. "Oh... then come in." Just as the gray-haired girl finished speaking, another panicked voice from inside exclaimed, "Bochang! No! Don''t come in! We''re currently..." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Act like a brave warrior and casually push open the door, saying, "Alright, I''m coming in?" - Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Booty.] [Option 2: Behave as an upright gentleman, turn around, and say, "Oh... you two are inside? Then I''ll wait outside." - Completion Reward: Ethical Praise. Location: Belobog Administrative District Central Plaza Fountain. You can spend one Ethical Praise to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] Chapter 38 - 37: First Arrival at the Machine Shop Chapter 38 - 37: First Arrival at the Machine ShopPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Either endure a humiliating Big Booty for a visual feast, Or receive something seemingly useless¡ªan Ethical Praise, embodying high moral standards. "Ah, forget it. It''s better not to take that Big Booty." Bochang didn''t want to gauge just how much psychological trauma a Big Booty could inflict, especially since it might incite March 7th''s disgust, making it more trouble than it was worth. Thus, he turned and left. "Oh... you''re both inside already? Then I''ll wait here." [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received an Ethical Praise. At Belobog Administrative District''s Central Plaza Fountain, you can expend one Ethical Praise to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] Bochang had already departed. The voices within the bathroom continued unabated. "Stelle, what were you thinking?! We''re bathing; how could you let Bochang enter? Good thing I reacted quickly..." In the bathtub, March 7th chattered excitedly. Feeling bored, Stelle splashed water playfully and remarked, "Bochang is special." The two fair-skinned and beautiful young girls shared the bath together, revealing only their delicate collarbones above the surface while the rest remained hidden beneath the shimmering, saintly waters, occasionally hinting at glimpses of undulating curves. It was all too easy to let one''s imagination run wild. "I know our relationship isn''t ordinary... but... but it still shouldn''t be..." At a loss for words, March 7th eventually submerged her cherry-red lips underwater, blowing bubbles. Stelle asked, "What does March think of Bochang?" "A review? He''s quite alright, after all... After all, when we encountered the Doomsday Beast before, he saved me twice..." March 7th''s cherry-red lips re-emerged from the water. It was unclear what they were discussing among themselves. After waiting for another ten minutes or so, Bochang saw... March 7th and Stelle emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in towels that accentuated their curvaceous figures, providing quite an eyeful. "The water is still warm and very clean. If you want to wash up, feel free to use it." As the pink-haired girl spoke, she dried her hair with a towel. Stelle nodded and said, "Bochang, if we get another chance, we can bathe together next time." March 7th''s scalp tingled, utterly unable to imagine such a scene. "That will never happen!" To prevent Stelle from saying more outrageous things, March 7th quickly pushed her away. Bochang simply watched silently. There was no time for him to interject before both girls disappeared at the staircase. And so... After resting for another ten minutes, feeling completely refreshed, Bochang set down the Vow Spear and turned towards the bathroom. In Jarilo VI, seven hundred years ago: They still possessed an advanced stellar civilization, including Belobog itself, which had robots even back then. Therefore... The level of modernization here was quite high. It featured running water, hot water heaters, and even a bathtub with temperature maintenance capabilities. Stripping off his clothes, Bochang luxuriated in the warm bath for a while. Closing his eyes, he placed his hand at the bottom of the tub and suddenly felt something. The black-haired youth grasped it, lifted it out, and upon closer inspection... It was a curled pink hair. Instantly recognizing what it was, Bochang murmured, "Seems they indeed didn''t change the water, nor did they bother cleaning..." Nonchalantly tossing the hair back into the water, Bochang paid no further attention to it and continued enjoying his relaxing soak. After some time, feeling bored, Bochang decided to start searching for hidden treasures within the bathtub. Meanwhile... Pela lay on her bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep. The reason was simple - she couldn''t stop thinking about the events from earlier that day. Ever since spotting the peculiar group yesterday, Pela had launched an investigation. She discovered that these individuals had no registered citizenship and exhibited strange behavior, as if planning something significant. Initially planning to apprehend them, Pela decided to wait instead. She wanted to see what they were up to. The final revelation was peculiar: these vagrants intended to go to the Underworld. "Just to avoid taxes?" Pela wasn''t sure and had no intention of questioning it further. In her view, as long as these individuals worked honestly without causing trouble, everything else didn''t concern her. It was not within Pela''s purview. "Also...did I make a mistake today?" Bochang''s reproach during their encounter lingered heavily on her mind, causing her the most discomfort. "But...I detected fate path energy within Dan Heng, and none of them seemed alarmed, so that''s why..." Moreover, it wasn''t just Dan Heng who possessed fate path energy; March 7th and Stelle did as well. Except for Bochang, who barely engaged in the fight or only struck opportunistically when his companions had the upper hand, Pela couldn''t definitively confirm if he had activated his fate path. However, the other three clearly had. Thus, Pela assumed Bochang must have also unlocked his fate path. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With such power, facing a group of petty thugs, defeat seemed virtually impossible. "Nevertheless... I emerged too late. Anything unexpected could have happened by then." Pela''s thoughts tangled like a messy knot, and it took him a long while to finally drift off to sleep. The third day arrived. It had been three days since Bochang and his companions landed on Jarilo VI. Once again, early in the morning... Dan Heng pulled Bochang out for firearms training. The fatigue from yesterday had dissipated by now. With renewed vigor, the black-haired youth practiced vigorously, his blue spear whistling through the air with forceful precision. Since everyone had work during the day, their morning exercises were limited to just half an hour. After completing their practice session, Bochang and Dan Heng noticed that March 7th and Stelle had also risen from bed. Following a quick tidy-up, each of the four headed towards their respective workplaces. Bochang and Stelle worked at the same location, so naturally, they traveled together. In no time at all, they reached the machine shop and pushed open the door. "Hello," greeted Serval with a smile from behind the counter. "Welcome back to the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop." Bochang and Stelle returned the greeting warmly. Having met each other yesterday, they were already acquainted and didn''t need to introduce themselves again. Serval said, "As newcomers, there''s likely much you don''t understand yet, but that''s alright. I''ll teach you everything properly." The strikingly dressed woman before them was their temporary boss¡ªServal Landau... her full name. She stood tall with beautiful long golden hair and blue eyes, clad in a revealing outfit blending black, white, and blue hues haphazardly. Notably, three flamboyant dark-blue feathers adorned her right shoulder, giving off a distinct rock-and-roll vibe¡ªmuch like Pela. Similar to Pela, Serval also wore sheer black stockings. In Belobog, few people opted for white stockings; perhaps the preference for black stemmed from its heat-absorbing properties, making it warmer? Consequently, nearly everyone wore black stockings, with very few choosing white. "What should we be doing?" Stelle asked. Serval responded, "Since you''re apprentices at the machine shop, your primary task will naturally involve repairing machinery. Bochang, work together with Stelle and try fixing this device." Serval bent down, retrieving a machine roughly the size of a microwave from beneath the counter. Bochang nodded. "Leave it to us." Chapter 39 - 38: Stellaron Chapter 39 - 38: StellaronThe mission from a few Chapters ago is now over, and the results are in: The first 50 Chapters of the Honkai Impact novel are now up! Find it here: Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality *** Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** For some reason, when it came to repairing machines... Stelle''s talent shone brightly. Working alongside Bochang, she required no guidance and swiftly fixed the device Serval had brought out. "Not bad at all." Witnessing this, Serval''s eyes lit up, feeling like she''d struck gold¡ªtwice in one go. Bochang remarked, "It was just a simple wiring issue; anyone can handle it with enough attention." "That''s not necessarily true." Serval wagged her finger, causing the flamboyant feathers on her outfit to sway along, creating an intriguing sight. "Many people struggle even with such basic problems... That''s why my machine shop constantly lacks apprentices." The female owner of the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop casually vented her frustrations. Next... Serval led both newcomers on a journey to repair various machines. Throughout this process, Bochang found himself inadvertently glancing at the gray-haired girl, which caught Stelle''s attention. She asked, "What''s wrong? Is there something on my face?" "No... Just noticed that you don''t seem to have your usual color. Did you have nightmares again last night?" Bochang casually asked, though his concern wasn''t actually about her dreams. Rather, it was because... He hadn''t found any gray fur in the bathtub last evening, only a few strands of gray hair. So... Bochang suspected she might be a White Tiger, but without evidence and feeling awkward to inquire directly. "If I were to ask her outright, Stelle would probably tell me the truth..." he pondered silently. Stelle responded, "Oh, yes... I did have another strange dream, not sure what''s causing them..." As she spoke, the gray-haired girl sighed deeply. Upon hearing their conversation, Serval interjected, "Nightmares? Could it be that you''re using too many blankets?" "No..." Stelle shook her head. Serval paused her work nearby and asked, "Can you describe the nightmare?" "I can''t remember clearly." Stelle massaged her temples. "It seemed to involve something called ''Stellaron''..." At this point, Bochang suddenly realized that Stelle was probing for information. Serval''s expression subtly shifted. "Stellaron? Where did you hear about it?" Although currently a mechanic driven by personal interest, Serval...was once a researcher with the Silvermane Guards. Her studies on Stellaron were abruptly halted by the drastically changed Cocolia. Eventually... Serval severed ties with Cocolia, left the Silvermane Guards in anger, and opened the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop. Occasionally, she would close the shop to hold concerts. Stelle had casually mentioned Stellaron, not expecting Serval to react so seriously. "Huh? I dreamt about it... What''s wrong?" Stelle gazed at Serval with her innocent, wide eyes. The initially serious expression on Serval''s face gradually softened as she thought to herself, "What am I getting worked up about..." "It''s nothing. Just remembered some past events; don''t mind me." With a wave of her hand, Serval decided against discussing Stellaron further. Bochang and Stelle exchanged glances, both realizing...this woman had knowledge about Stellaron. As a relatively new player, Bochang was genuinely unaware of any connection between Serval and Stellaron. "Looks like we''ll have to explore step by step from here. But... our luck isn''t bad so far. On just the first day, we''ve already found information related to Stellaron." Bochang and Stelle continued assisting Serval with repairs, maintaining their composure. It must be said... This work was somewhat monotonous. The trio worked on repairs until midday before taking a break. Since the machine shop provided lunch, Bochang and Stelle didn''t need to worry about arrangements; Serval directly ordered takeout for all three of them. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Even during lunch, Serval seemed somewhat preoccupied, likely still pondering Stellaron''s situation. Bochang and Stelle avoided drawing attention, playing it cool. After finishing their meal, during the break time, they discreetly messaged the group chat about what they had learned regarding Stellaron from the machine shop owner. It was a chat called "Astral Express Family." Currently, there were six members: Himeko, March 7th, Stelle, Dan Heng, Bochang, and Welt. Whenever something important came up, everyone discussed it within this group. For instance, earlier when Bochang gathered everyone together. Shortly after Bochang posted the message... March 7th: What?! You''ve already found information about Stellaron so quickly? Impressive! I haven''t even got a clue yet. March 7th: Crying Cat.jpg Dan Heng: I heard that within the Architects, there''s knowledge about Stellaron. Serval... might have some connection to them. Bochang, Stelle, if possible, try gathering background info on Serval, but be subtle to avoid arousing suspicion. Bochang: Roger that. Dog Grin.jpg Stars: We''ll keep an eye on it. Himeko: It seems your Trailblazer journey is progressing smoothly. Keep up the good work. Everyone except Welt had posted messages in the group chat. Bochang glanced through them briefly, then turned off his phone screen and exchanged looks with Stelle. Dan Heng had tasked them with investigating Serval''s background. This proved to be quite challenging, as their earlier attempts at probing revealed. Serval wasn''t one to divulge information easily; asking outright would likely raise suspicion. Glancing at the idle blonde woman nearby, fiddling with her musical instruments, Bochang and Stelle discreetly opened a private chat on their phones. Stars: What should we do now? Bochang: No rush, take it slow. Discovering that Serval is aware of Stellaron''s activities on our first day is already significant progress. Stars: Alright. Their brief conversation concluded. A sound came from the entrance. Bochang and Stelle, seated at the counter, put away their phones and looked up, noticing new customers entering the machine shop. For a business open to the public, receiving customers was entirely normal. Previously, the machines repaired by Bochang, Stelle, and Serval were all items left for repair by patrons. Additionally, numerous other devices awaited attention in the back warehouse. Some repairs were completed but awaiting pickup by their owners, others couldn''t be fixed, and some hadn''t been touched at all. The workload here was substantial. No wonder even an apprentice could earn three hundred Shields per month, comparable to Dan Heng''s street sweeping income. Speaking of wages... After witnessing Stelle''s skills, Serval generously increased her monthly salary to three hundred Shields, matching that of Dan Heng. This announcement came during lunchtime. At the time, Stelle had offered a symbolic smile in response. "Welcome," Bochang greeted first. The visitor was a young man who glanced at the duo behind the counter and addressed Serval, "Is my heater from yesterday repaired now?" "Oh, it''s you... Don''t worry, it''s fixed." Serval, who had been tinkering with instruments, stood up and retrieved the heater from a nearby cabinet. "Thank you for your patronage. The charge is twenty Shields." As they exchanged money for the repaired item, something suddenly occurred to Bochang. "Boss, may I step out for a moment?" Chapter 40 - 39: Jim Rogers’ Bread Flavored Soda Chapter 40 - 39: Jim Rogers'' Bread Flavored SodaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Faced with Bochang''s request, Serval naturally agreed since it was already lunchtime. Seeing Bochang head out, Stelle also expressed her desire to join him. The black-haired youth didn''t refuse and took Stelle along to the fountain at Belobog Administrative District''s Central Plaza. Upon arriving there, it was time to use the Ethical Praise. Let''s see what treasures it might yield. Before his transmigration, Bochang had searched for guides online and knew what items could be obtained from Ethical Praise¡ªmostly insignificant rewards akin to scraps. He wondered if opening it here would still result in such meager offerings. Naturally, Bochang hoped for something valuable this time. "Bochang, why did you come here?" Stelle looked puzzled. "Just wanted to take a stroll," Bochang replied. "Staying in the machine shop all day gets pretty boring, doesn''t it?" "Oh, I see..." Stelle had initially thought there was some specific reason for Bochang''s presence... But it turned out he just wanted to take a stroll. As they approached the fountain, [Dating Option] directly prompted the use of Ethical Praise to retrieve treasures from within. There was no need for Bochang himself to intervene. [Ethical Praise -1] [Rewards being issued ¡ª Congratulations! You have obtained Jim Rogers'' Bread-flavored Soda. This beverage has quite a pleasant taste and, when consumed, rapidly restores stamina. Note: Such items will...] "This is interesting... Not bad, as I was indeed running low on stamina..." With this item, before engaging in any fights next time, Bochang could take a sip to ensure sustained output capability. After finishing the draw, an uninvited guest approached them. "What are you doing here?" The speaker was none other tDan Heng Heng, holding a broom and dressed in the black uniform of a sanitation worker. The cold-faced little azure dragon looked quite fitting in it. Slightly surprised, Bochang asked, "Dan Heng, what brings you here to do cleaning?" If he remembered correctly, Dan Heng shouldn''t have been responsible for this area''s maintenance. The stoic man replied, "Someone took leave, so I have to handle the cleaning of two districts simultaneously. That''s precisely why I could..." Realizing this wasn''t an appropriate place for such a conversation, Dan Heng trailed off midway. Bochang and Stardust understood his implication, as it had already been discussed in their group chat. Dan Heng had learned that within the Architects'' organization, there was information about Stellaron, and this location was in the Administrative District... "Speaking of which, what brought you both here? Did you uncover any new information?" "Not really, just had some free time on my hands, so I decided to take Stardust out for a stroll. Didn''t expect to run into you at all," Bochang shrugged slightly. Bochang shrugged slightly. Dan Heng said, "Alright, since there''s nothing else urgent, I''ll continue with my cleaning duties." "Take care." Bochang and Stelle waved goodbye, watching as Dan Heng walked away. Compared to their own work, Dan Heng''s job indeed seemed more demanding. Among the three of them, the simplest task likely belonged to March 7th. Bochang and Stelle didn''t linger at Central Plaza. After a brief stroll, they returned to the machine shop and resumed their afternoon tasks. In the morning hours, Serval was still very busy. By the afternoon, she had some downtime and began tinkering with her musical instruments. Despite having machines left unrepaired, as apprentices, Bochang and Stelle didn''t say anything, quietly focusing on their own work. While repairing machinery, they also accepted orders. Business at the machine shop remained quite brisk. Just as it seemed their workday was winding down, another customer arrived... Repairing machines truly never ends. Soon, it was time to finish for the day. Bochang and Stelle had no intention of working overtime. After informing Serval, they left the workshop. As the designated chef, Bochang needed to go grocery shopping before heading home to prepare dinner. With Dan Heng''s provided Shield, the two browsed the market, purchasing ingredients before returning home. By this time, March 7th had already come back. Lying on the sofa, she casually played with her phone until noticing Bochang and Stelle''s arrival. She sprang up excitedly, saying, "You''re finally here! It''s so boring being alone at home." "Since Stelle and I had to buy groceries and cook, we were bound to be late..." Bochang glanced around, then asked, "Hasn''t Dan Heng returned yet?" "Of course... Did you not see his message in the group chat? He mentioned finding some clues and plans to attempt infiltrating Qlipoth Fort tonight, telling us not to worry about him," March 7th explained with outstretched hands. "I didn''t check my phone," Bochang replied. "But since Dan Heng won''t be back, we should only prepare meals for three then." "Yeah, hurry up and start cooking. My stomach is already grumbling from hunger." March 7th rubbed her flat tummy. Without further ado, Bochang grabbed the ingredients and headed into the kitchen. Stelle intended to assist him as well, but March 7th stopped her. Bochang began bustling around the kitchen alone. Before crossing over, he often helped at home, gaining experience in cooking despite differences in ingredients between worlds. Although some foods varied... There were still similarities in certain aspects. After bustling around for nearly half an hour, Bochang prepared three bowls of diced meat fried rice, each accompanied by a bowl of soup. It could be considered quite a feast. If these large bowls of meat fried rice were sold at an outside restaurant, they would fetch over twenty Shields each. As he placed the three bowls on the table, March 7th glanced at them and remarked, "They look pretty good! Let''s see how they taste!" Sitting down eagerly, the pink-haired girl began to sample the dish with a cautious bite. Her eyes immediately lit up. "Not bad at all! It tastes similar to what you''d get from restaurants. Bringing Bochang to cook was indeed a wise choice." Stelle and Bochang took their seats as well. Unfazed by March 7th''s praise, Bochang quickly finished his meal before speaking, "Since I cooked, the next task...of washing dishes is yours. No objections, right?" "Ah?" A reluctant expression crossed March 7th''s face, indicating she wasn''t keen on doing the dishes. Stelle quickly agreed, "No problem, leave it to me." Seeing this, March 7th reluctantly consented, "Since Stelle is doing the dishes... then I''ll help too." The two girls proceeded to wash the dishes while chatting about their experiences from earlier that day. March 7th hadn''t achieved much throughout the entire day; she simply worked at the photo studio all hours. Upon hearing about Bochang, Dan Heng, and Stelle''s discoveries... she felt somewhat envious. The gray-haired girl offered a few comforting words to her. After taking a brief rest, Bochang went to the backyard to continue practicing his marksmanship. Although Dan Heng wasn''t present, he... couldn''t afford to be negligent with his gun training. By dedicating two and a half hours daily, he could steadily improve. The wind howled audibly. While Bochang was practicing his marksmanship, Pela arrived for a visit. "Do you have some time? I''d like to briefly talk." The petite Pela nodded from outside the door, perhaps due to her haste today. A faint blush still lingered on her round face. Opening the door, March 7th asked curiously, "We do have time, but what''s the matter?" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 41 - 40: Sleeping Together Chapter 41 - 40: Sleeping TogetherPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Pela, wearing a black felt hat, adjusted his round spectacles and composed his breathing before saying, "As your recommender, I have the responsibility to periodically check on your well-being. So... may I come in to discuss some matters?" "Oh, of course, please do." March 7th smiled apologetically and stepped aside to let him enter. Pela did not remove his shoes upon entering the house. In Belobog, it was customary not to change footwear indoors. Following local practices, even Bochang, March 7th, and others simply walked around without switching their shoes. Naturally... This was also the norm aboard the Astral Express. "Is everyone here today?" Pela asked as he entered the room. March 7th counted with fingers raised. "Me, Stelle, and Bochang are at home. Dan Heng is still sweeping the streets outside and hasn''t returned yet." "The street cleaning work is indeed demanding, with very little downtime..." As Pela entered the living room, she spotted Stelle sitting on the sofa watching television. "I never expected him to choose this job. Hopefully, Dan Heng can persevere... Belobog is currently short of sanitation workers as well." March 7th did not respond. She fully understood why Dan Heng chose to be a street cleaner¡ªit was for easier intelligence gathering. As a sanitation worker, Dan Heng could roam around freely, and perhaps even use his position to directly access restricted areas. "Where''s Bochang?" Not seeing the black-haired man, Pela asked again. March 7th replied, "Bochang is practicing shooting in the backyard. He says he needs to train for at least two and a half hours every day..." "Shooting skills? Tell me... why are you all learning firearms handling?" Pela seemed puzzled. Realizing her slip, March 7th quickly improvised, "Uh... we just enjoy staying fit, after all, it helps us protect ourselves better." Quickly improvising, March 7th replied, "Uh... we all enjoy physical exercise, after all, it''s essential for self-protection." Intrigued, Pela didn''t press further and instead decided to take a look at the backyard herself. Hearing the commotion, Bochang slowed down his swift movements with the Vow Spear. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As Pela observed Bochang, diligently training with beads of sweat on his forehead, she couldn''t help but sigh. "It''s truly unfortunate that you''re not part of the Silvermane Guards." Bochang thrust the blue spear in his hand towards the ground. Wiping the sweat from his brow, he asked, "Miss Pela, what brings you here?" "Just checking on how you''ve been settling in..." Pela glanced back; both Stelle and March 7th were beside her. "How have you adjusted to your assigned tasks so far?" "Absolutely no issues," Bochang responded, giving a thumbs-up. March 7th and Stelle nodded in agreement. "That''s great," Pela responded. "Bochang, continue your training. I''ll have a chat with these two; don''t worry, we won''t disturb you." With that, Pela led Stelle and March 7th away. Initially, Bochang thought the Silvermane Guard intelligence officer would leave shortly after their conversation. To his surprise, even after the black-haired youth finished his workout, Pela was still present at home. It was now past nine o''clock. Dan Heng hadn''t returned yet either. Concerned for his safety, March 7th had tried contacting him via phone but only learned that he was still busy. Having just completed his exercise routine, Bochang initially planned to take a bath. Unexpectedly, Pela intercepted him. "Finished your workout already?" "Yes," Bochang nodded, looking at Pela seated on the sofa. "Is there something you need, Miss Pela?" "I''d like to talk with you," Pela said. Bochang glanced around; March 7th and Stelle had already gone upstairs to rest. For now, they were alone in the living room on the first floor. During today''s training session... with only Bochang present and without Dan Heng''s supervision, he didn''t end up drenched in sweat as before. This time, he merely had a slight sheen of perspiration; at least his clothes remained dry. "Alright... let''s talk." Bochang sat down on the sofa, maintaining a respectful distance from Pela. The petite girl, wearing round-framed glasses, gazed intently at the young man before her. Pela was genuinely curious about Bochang. Asking someone''s body measurements in public is not something most people would do. Just this act alone left a strong impression on her. Moreover, he later openly rebuked her for being incompetent... "Do you have any specific questions, Miss Pela?" Bochang asked straightforwardly. Pela responded, "While chatting with the others earlier, I heard that you can cook, and your dishes are said to be comparable to those from restaurants here. Given that... have you ever considered becoming a chef?" "If your culinary skills are truly exceptional, you could easily earn five hundred Shields per month." Bochang didn''t expect Pela''s wait to culminate in such a proposition. After a brief pause, he replied, "Thank you, but I''ll continue working at the machine shop for now." Following that... Pela and Bochang engaged in further conversation, touching on topics like his adjustment to living here, the demands of his job, satisfaction with the Silvermane Guards'' law enforcement, and opinions on the city''s infrastructure... After her inquiries, Pela left, seemingly content. As usual, Bochang went for a soak in the bath. However, unlike yesterday, there were no unexpected incidents, and not even a single Dating Option trigger occurred. He had hoped to gain some benefits from interacting with Pela, only to find himself striking out today. "Take it slow..." Bochang remained patient. By the time he finished his relaxing bath, Dan Heng had returned home and conducted another thorough inspection of the house. Upon meeting, the stoic little azure dragon immediately said, "I''ve gathered information on Stellaron. The Architects have studied it before, and currently, Stellaron is still in their possession." Dan Heng''s investigative efficiency was astonishing. Bochang suddenly realized that if he didn''t act soon, Dan Heng might single-handedly complete all the work. "How''s the situation on your end?" Dan Heng asked next. Bochang replied, "Serval tends to be tight-lipped. Stelle and I didn''t dare to press further, so we''ll have to see if there''s an opportunity in the future." "Right." Dan Heng nodded, his gaze lingering on the black-haired youth. "No rush. Take today off for rest; we''ll continue tomorrow. Also... haven''t you forgotten to practice your marksmanship?" "I certainly haven''t forgotten. Just now, after finishing my training, I took a bath." Since March 7th had already informed the group chat about Pela''s arrival, there was no need for Bochang to unnecessarily relay the same information to Dan Heng again. There was no need for Bochang to explicitly remind Dan Heng. "Alright." Ignoring the stoic little azure dragon still bathing, Bochang ascended to the second floor and entered his room to rest... This two-story villa had five bedrooms upstairs, allowing everyone to have their own space without needing to share this time. Already washed up, Bochang changed into fresh clothes and lay down on his bed. "Come to think of it... It''s been quite some time since I obtained the power of the Sheep Talisman. Shouldn''t I test using it now? With astral projection, I could also gather information..." Recalling his embarrassing experience with the Dragon Talisman''s power, Bochang approached the use of the Sheep Talisman with extreme caution. As he continued hesitating, a knock sounded at the door. Bochang sat up and asked, "Who is it?" "It''s me." It was Stelle''s voice. He quickly opened the door, noticing the gray-haired girl clad only in a white shirt, which made his heart skip a beat. Taking a deep breath, he asked, "What''s wrong?" "I can''t really sleep... Could you stay with me tonight?" Stelle rubbed her eyes. [Dating Options have been enabled.] Chapter 42 - 41: Prices Will Surely Rise After Grocery Shopping Chapter 42 - 41: Prices Will Surely Rise After Grocery ShoppingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Initially, Bochang thought today would yield no opportunities. Unexpectedly, just as the day was coming to an end, another "Dating Option" triggered. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Option 1: Seize the moment, for time waits for no one. Immediately respond with: "Sure." - Completion Reward: 100% increase in mental energy.] [Option 2: To avoid any mishaps, gently pat Stelle''s head and say: "It''s late at night; it wouldn''t be appropriate for us, a lone man and woman, to stay together in the same room." - Completion Reward: Ethical Praise, Access to Belobog Administrative District Central Plaza Fountain. You can consume one Ethical Praise to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] "A boost in mental energy... After such a long wait, finally there''s an option offering a mental energy increase. In that case... the Invisible Hand could also receive significant enhancement, right?" As for why this interaction with Stelle didn''t trigger negative rewards like before, Bochang speculated it might be because there were no additional people around. Bochang suspected it might be because there were no other people around. Without hesitation, he chose Option 1 immediately. What is Ethical Praise? He wasn''t quite familiar with that term. "Alright." With Bochang''s consent, Stelle entered the room. Wearing only a white shirt, it appeared as if she had no pants on; the shirttails barely covered her lower body, leaving her slender legs fully exposed to the black-haired youth''s gaze. Bochang casually closed the door behind them. The light from the corridor gradually narrowed and eventually disappeared completely. The illumination within the room was very dim. [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! Your mental energy has been increased by 100%.] A chilling sensation traveled up his spine to the top of his head, swiftly spreading throughout his entire body. Feeling immensely comfortable, Bochang nearly let out a moan. In that instant, as he experienced the system''s enhancement, Stelle had already climbed onto the bed. She lifted the blanket, revealing the empty space beside her, and said, "Bochang, come rest here." Bathed in the light pollution outside the window, Bochang quietly observed Stelle, her golden eyes still as captivating as when they first met. Stelle lay on her side facing Bochang. Due to her position, a small gap opened between her white shirt''s buttons, allowing his gaze to glimpse a hint of sacred radiance within. Although he had previously noticed it while observing her wrapped in a towel during yesterday''s bath, now... The sensation was even more pronounced. Without needing to suppress any impure thoughts, simply gazing into Stelle''s calm and somewhat detached golden eyes naturally extinguished much of the inner flame within Bochang. She harbored no ulterior motives; she merely wanted to change sleeping spots. "Bochang?" Stelle prompted gently. Shaking his head to dispel those inappropriate ideas, Bochang replied, "Coming, coming." Dressed in thin pajamas, Bochang climbed into bed next to Stelle. Facing each other, the gray-haired girl closed her eyes and promptly fell asleep. However, for Bochang, relaxation didn''t come as easily. Even with his eyes shut, Stelle''s rhythmic breathing kept him restless, unable to drift off for quite some time. "Don''t overthink... don''t overthink..." Bochang silently repeated to himself. Suddenly, he had an idea, "That''s right... Stelle has been having strange dreams lately, which leaves her mentally drained. Perhaps using the power of the Sheep Talisman, I can transform her Dreamscape into something more pleasant." After pondering briefly, Bochang began channeling the Sheep Talisman''s energy. Without a physical talisman as a conduit, controlling the Sheep Talisman''s power relied entirely on Bochang''s own mastery, making it susceptible to mishaps if not careful. The Dragon Talisman incident served as a stark reminder. With precision, Bochang activated the Sheep Talisman''s strength, causing his soul to instantly detach from his body. Compared to the unruly power of the Dragon Talisman, the Sheep Talisman''s energy seemed much easier to control. Even as a disembodied spirit, Bochang could sense that he still retained the power of the Sheep Talisman, allowing him to detach others'' souls from their bodies. With this ability, he might be able to effectively seize someone else''s body by simply leaving it as an empty shell and then slipping inside. "Feels somewhat twisted..." Bochang shook his head, determined not to use such power on his teammates, fearing potential harm to their souls. "If I accidentally turned them into vegetative states, that would be quite troublesome." "Huh? It''s only been about ten minutes, yet Stelle is already asleep?" After separating his soul, Bochang noticed a Dreamscape aura emanating from Stelle''s body. By entering this aura, he could induce dreams or observe what kind of dream she was experiencing. "Let me guide her towards a pleasant dream for a good night''s sleep..." With that thought... Bochang, in his spiritual form, entered Stelle''s Dreamscape. Instantly... The entire world underwent a dramatic transformation. Within the Dreamscape, Bochang witnessed a series of peculiar scenes. He saw an enormous figure overlooking the world, a room where a woman with indistinct features conversing with thin air, presumably Cocolia and this realm''s Stellaron. "Stelle has such strange dreams, likely due to the influence of the Stellaron within her..." Bochang observed Stelle standing motionless, as if watching a movie unfold before her eyes. In the Dreamscape, Stelle lacked control over herself. Thus... Bochang gently took Stelle''s hand and asked, "Stelle, what are you doing?" "Me? I don''t know..." The sudden appearance of the black-haired youth in her Dreamscape left Stelle bewildered. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With a serious expression, tell Stelle, "Stelle, Earth is under attack by monsters again. Let''s quickly merge and transform into Ultraman to fight them." - Completion Reward: Supercharged Grocery Prices, Doubled Effectiveness.] [Option 2: Swiftly pin Stelle to the ground and say, "I just learned this grappling technique..." - Completion Reward: Acquire Skill ''Grappling Technique'', ensuring your first successful grapple on any accessible creature.] **[Option Three: Grasp Stelle''s hand and run, saying, "Didn''t we agree to get married today? Quickly, let''s go to the wedding venue together. On this joyous occasion, the bride must be present." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain Equipment - Teleportation Ring, allowing arbitrary teleportation within a 10-meter radius. Contains three energy slots; each use consumes one slot, with a full recharge taking twenty-four hours for one slot. Note: This type of item...] [Note 2: Upon encountering another Teleportation Ring, these items can be bound together, enabling mutual teleportation functionality.] "Stelle, you truly are my precious gem!" Bochang didn''t expect the second trigger of the "Dating Options" feature to occur so swiftly. Apart from Option One, both Option Two and Option Three seemed appealing. The Grappling Technique caught his eye eagerly. A guaranteed success on the first attempt at grappling any creature¡ªdoes that mean even capturing Aeon would be possible? However, after the grapple... The subsequent outcome would likely be dire. Bochang understood without needing to ponder it further. "I haven''t even come face-to-face with Aeon, let alone attempting to capture him..." Shaking his head internally, Bochang dismissed his wild thoughts, "Hmm... The Teleportation Ring isn''t bad either..." Chapter 43 - 42: Under the Gaze of Silver Wolf Chapter 43 - 42: Under the Gaze of Silver WolfPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The teleportation ring could only transport up to ten meters. Previously, Bochang found it somewhat peculiar. Now, everything made sense. It required two teleportation rings to activate the teleportation feature, allowing unrestricted movement within a ten-meter radius. This was merely a basic function attached to the rings. With this ability, Bochang could effortlessly travel between different planets. Even if the Astral Express ventured far away, he could return to previously visited locations as easily as taking a stroll. All he needed was to leave behind a teleportation ring at each destination. "Should I choose the second or third option?" After much hesitation, Bochang ultimately opted for the third¡ªthe allure of unrestricted teleportation was too enticing. "Weren''t we supposed to get married today? Let''s quickly head to the wedding venue together." Holding Stelle''s hand, Bochang began to run. "On such a joyous occasion, the bride must not be absent!" [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the equipment: Teleportation Ring. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and requires blood binding before use.] It was a simple yet straightforward guidance. The Dreamscape rapidly transformed. As Bochang and Stelle continued running hand-in-hand, their clothing gradually changed into a black suit and white wedding gown... together, they approached the wedding chapel. Despite Stelle''s slight confusion, the two began exchanging rings amidst thunderous applause. On the podium, the officiant¡ªrevealed to be Cocolia¡ªwas reciting the ceremony script. "Why is it Cocolia?! Seriously!" sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although unable to clearly see her face, Bochang could roughly guess who it was. Just moments ago, Cocolia had been conversing with thin air like a madwoman within the dream. Now, she solemnly read out the officiant''s words. Since this was the Dreamscape, logic took a backseat. Just moments ago, Bochang and Stelle were exchanging wedding rings. In the next instant, they found themselves lying in bed on their wedding night. Perhaps due to Stelle''s limited knowledge, the entire process was completely skipped over. And then, seemingly in another moment... Their children were old enough to run errands. As he heard indistinct-faced children nearby calling out "Daddy" and "Mommy," Bochang felt utterly bewildered. Everything happened too swiftly, like watching a fast-forwarded movie with a wildly imaginative storyline... To align more closely with Stelle''s Dreamscape, Bochang continued acting throughout, anticipating some options to appear. Yet unexpectedly... Not even a single option triggered this time. After a while, Once Bochang confirmed that Stelle''s Dreamscape had returned to normal, no longer influenced by Stellaron, he quietly exited her Dreamscape. Initially, he planned to explore other realms, but suddenly, a wave of mental exhaustion washed over him. Checking the clock, Bochang was surprised to find that he had spent approximately four hours within Stelle''s Dreamscape. It was now 3 A.M. "But it felt like hardly any time passed..." Abandoning his idea of gathering more information outside, Bochang returned to his own body. In the next moment... Stelle suddenly grabbed onto Bochang with her eyes closed, murmuring, "Where did you go? Don''t leave... don''t abandon me..." Tears glistened at the corners of her gray-haired face, indicating deep sadness. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Pretend nothing happened and continue sleeping ¡ª Completion Reward: Big Booty from March 7th.] [Option 2: Kiss Stelle''s forehead and say, "I won''t leave, I''ll always be here" ¡ª Completion Reward: Gaze of the Silver Wolf.] [Option Three: Give Stelle a Big Booty slap to wake her up¡ªCompletion Reward: Stelle''s Big Booty.] Unbelievable! This time, two out of three options involve a Big Booty slap. "Is it possible... that future choices might consist entirely of Big Booty slaps?" Bochang suddenly felt uneasy. Ever since obtaining the "Love Sick Options," he had consistently prioritized rewards over actions. As long as the reward was worthwhile, even embarrassing tasks seemed acceptable. With all three rewards now being Big Booty slaps, Bochang genuinely didn''t know what to do... Perhaps choosing not to act at all could be an option. However, the consequences of such a decision were completely uncertain. Analyzing these current options: As before, let''s first eliminate those involving Big Booty slaps. Although unclear why simply continuing to sleep would result in March 7th''s Big Booty slap, Bochang... He couldn''t fully comprehend this issue; it likely stemmed from the system''s foresight of the future. Regarding the reward for Option Two... This hardly feels like a reward at all. The gaze of Silver Wolf seems similar to the previous Yandere''s Gaze. However, there is no peculiar note attached this time. "If the reward is Silver Wolf''s gaze, then... does it imply that Silver Wolf isn''t currently watching us? After choosing Option Two, Silver Wolf began... so what is she doing now?" Taking advantage of the remaining time, Bochang pondered deeply. "Hmm... perhaps she''s playing games..." "Decided, Option Two!" Bochang opened his eyes and looked at the gray-haired girl, who was less than half a meter away from him. She had a firm grip on him, her fingers digging deep into his flesh with intense force. Feeling a slight pain, Bochang leaned forward, wrapped his arms around Stelle''s fragrant shoulders, and gently kissed her forehead. His soft lips pressed against her smooth, fair skin. Savoring the unique fragrance emanating from her skin, Bochang paused briefly before gently pulling away and speaking calmly, "I won''t leave; I''ll always be here." As soon as he finished, the tense Stelle quickly relaxed. It seemed she had heard Bochang''s words. Stelle peacefully drifted back to sleep, as if nothing had happened... However... The gray-haired girl''s hands still clung tightly to Bochang, one at his chest and the other around his waist. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have earned the Silver Wolf''s gaze. Note: For the next period of time, your every move will be observed by the Silver Wolf. Please act cautiously.] Bochang thought to himself, "Tch... Isn''t it excessive for the Silver Wolf to monitor me just because I kissed Stelle?" After this muttered complaint, Bochang recalled past incidents involving similar situations. "Come to think of it... when I kissed Stelle at the Herta Space Station, there were no issues whatsoever..." Unable to figure out what had changed, Bochang decided not to dwell on it. He closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Let Silver Wolf monitor if they must; it wouldn''t significantly affect Bochang anyway. Time gradually reached 6:30 a.m. The alarm clock woke Bochang, and as he opened his eyes alongside Stelle, he preemptively spoke before the still groggy gray-haired girl could react. "Good morning, Stelle. How did you sleep last night? Did you have any strange dreams?" "Good morning, Bochang. Last night...I slept quite well, and...and I didn''t have any strange dreams..." As she replied... Stelle''s face slowly turned rosy, looking incredibly enticing. For the usually expressionless, sometimes even aloof, gray-haired girl, such a demeanor was rare. It made one want to take a playful bite. Chapter 44 - 43: Outdoor Performance Chapter 44 - 43: Outdoor PerformancePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Stelle recalled last night''s dream. For reasons unknown, even her usually calm and composed heart stirred with a hint of shyness. Although she lacked general social knowledge, ...she did understand basic concepts like marriage and childbirth; otherwise, such stories wouldn''t have appeared in her Dreamscape. Now, every time Stelle saw Bochang, memories from yesterday''s Dreamscape resurfaced. Feeling utterly embarrassed was inevitable. At that moment... The gray-haired girl still silently clung to Bochang, while the black-haired youth took a deep breath. "Um... can you let go now? Stelle, I need to get up and make breakfast." "Oh... okay." Realizing this, Stelle sheepishly released her grip. Bochang immediately got out of bed and turned around. He opened his shirt to inspect it¡ªsure enough, faint handprints were visible on his chest and waist. "She really has quite the grip..." Last night, Bochang had become so immersed in Stelle''s Dreamscape that upon waking, he felt extremely drowsy. Even though Stelle''s pinching caused pain... he barely registered it, drifting peacefully back to sleep despite the discomfort. Having slept for only three hours last night, Bochang was currently feeling quite sleep-deprived. However... Since he had strengthened his mental energy just yesterday evening, his current mental state was still relatively stable. The gray-haired girl watched him intently from behind, her mood gradually calming and her complexion returning to normal. "Was that a dream...or something that actually happened before? Do I already have a child? It can''t be possible..." "Stelle, let''s make breakfast together. Come downstairs and I''ll teach you," Bochang said as he turned around. Of course, calling Stelle down with him also served to prevent March 7th from seeing the gray-haired girl sleeping in his room, avoiding any potential complications. Naive and unaware, Stelle couldn''t fathom Bochang''s deeper intentions. "Sure," she agreed readily. With that, both of them changed their clothes and descended the stairs. Naturally, Stelle returned to her own room to change, since Bochang didn''t have any of her clothing at hand. Today, everyone was home. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Thus, breakfast needed to accommodate four people. Bochang and Stelle busied themselves in the kitchen, finishing preparations by slightly past seven o''clock. The task of waking everyone up was assigned to Bochang. Meanwhile, Stelle set the prepared meals on the table. The breakfast was simple: a bowl of congee, one fried egg, and a large meat-filled pancake for each person. As Bochang entered the living room, he spotted Dan Heng right away. He had risen very early. Only March 7th required a wake-up service. Nodding briefly at Dan Heng, Bochang proceeded upstairs to the pink-haired girl''s door and gently knocked. There was no immediate response. So, Bochang knocked again. "Who is it...?" A muffled voice came from inside the room, indicating that March 7th hadn''t fully woken up yet. Her words sounded hazy. Bochang said, "March, it''s time to get up and eat." "Oh... already? I haven''t slept enough..." After this grumble, faint rustling noises emerged from the room, presumably as March 7th started getting dressed. Bochang thought to himself, I haven''t slept enough either... Compared to you, I''ve gotten even less rest. Uninterested in waiting there, Bochang headed downstairs. Bochang descended the stairs. The three of them took their seats at the dining table, quietly waiting for March 7th to join. "Ah..." Soon, the pink-haired girl appeared with a yawn, entering their view. Dan Heng calmly said, "Hurry up, March. We''ve been waiting only for you." "I know..." March 7th plopped down onto her chair. "Dan Heng, since you were busy so late yesterday, did you find anything?" "The Stellaron is in the hands of the Architects." Dan Heng, who was about to start eating, paused and chose to answer her question first. March 7th''s eyes widened slightly. "In the hands of the Architects?" "Yes," Dan Heng nodded. It was not surprising that Stellaron would fall into the possession of individuals with significant influence. "What should we do then...?" March 7th furrowed his brows. "If someone within the Architects has been tempted by Stellaron, they become our enemies." "I plan to gather more information today and see if I can locate either Stellaron itself or its possessor," Dan Heng replied. "Once we know, all we need to do is discreetly retrieve Stellaron without engaging in conflict with the Architects." With that, Dan Heng picked up his bowl and took a sip of the thin porridge. March 7th scratched his head. "Heh heh... Alright then, it''s on you, Dan Heng." Bochang exchanged glances with Stelle, thinking to himself, ?Stellaron... It should be in Cocolia''s possession. If I could directly reveal this intel, Dan Heng would save a lot of time...? Would Bochang say too much? Of course not; he was still under the watchful gaze of the Silver Wolf... They finished breakfast silently, just as before. Washing dishes was left to March 7th and Stelle, while Dan Heng and Bochang headed to the backyard for half an hour of target practice with their firearms. By 8:10 am, the group of four set off separately, rushing towards their respective workplaces. In Belobog, work hours generally started at nine o''clock. Even for sanitation workers, it was no different. There was no requirement to begin work early. When Stelle and Bochang arrived at the machine shop, there were still about ten minutes before nine... However, Serval had come even earlier, already opening the store''s doors before they arrived. In fact... she had even started repairing machines. "Bochang, Stelle, hurry up!" Serval waved them over. "Let''s fix as many machines as possible this morning. In the afternoon, I''m planning an outdoor rock concert." Although unclear about the situation, However... Bochang and Stelle simply continued their usual work. As afternoon arrived, Serval indeed closed up shop. She beckoned Bochang and Stelle to help set up a stage outside the store, preparing for the performance. There were three participants in total: Serval, her younger sister Lynx, and Pela. Serval played the guitar and served as the lead vocalist. Lynx was on keyboards. Pela handled the drums. Naturally, there was no bass guitarist. But that wasn''t a problem. Serval had pre-recorded bass tracks. As someone who casually enjoyed playing the bass, recording a few bass lines was quite straightforward for her. All this information... was casually shared by Serval during lunchtime. "Nice to see you again, Bochang, Stelle." While setting up the stage, Pela arrived with a blonde girl accompanying her. It was immediately clear who she was without needing any introduction. Bochang and Stelle paused their work and nodded in greeting. Spotting them, Serval promptly approached and said, "Ah, you''re here already¡ªquite early." "We wanted to help with setting up the stage," explained the blonde girl. Smiling, Serval turned towards Stelle and Bochang. "Let me introduce you all. This is my sister, Lynx Landau, who will be playing keyboards for today''s performance." "Lynx, these two are my newly recruited assistants, Bochang and Stelle. Without their help, the rock concert might have been postponed by several days..." Serval completed the introductions. Stelle and Bochang greeted Lynx warmly. "Hello." Chapter 45 - 44: Spider Sense Chapter 45 - 44: Spider SensePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The outdoor rock concert swiftly began. Due to Serval''s shop being located near the commercial street and her notable reputation, a large crowd quickly gathered. The heavy music beats reverberated, seemingly causing everyone''s hearts to pulse along with the rhythm. Serval had always exuded a striking presence. Standing on stage, her rockstar aura shone even brighter. Her fingertips danced across a black guitar taller than herself as she sang and played simultaneously. With each strum, her fingers oddly emitted rhythmic flashes of purple electricity amidst the strings. A captivating voice, slightly deep yet melodious, filled the air, drawing the attention of passersby. As part of the audience, Stelle remarked, "She is using the power of her fate path..." The machine shop had already closed for the day. Both Bochang and Stelle found themselves idle, watching the open-air performance. It must be said... Serval was truly impressive, making listeners eager for one song after another... Pela drummed earnestly, fully focused. Lynx diligently played the electronic piano. Their combined efforts made them the most vibrant act on the street. Bochang and Stelle watched silently. Suddenly... Bochang recalled a similar experience from within Dreamscape¡ªattending concerts and watching movies together... In those dreams, they were always holding hands. But here, there was no such closeness. The rock performance also stirred memories for Stelle, reminding her of the moment when she married Bochang in Dreamscape. Memories flooded back¡ªtheir marriage, having children, traveling together, and even the mundane daily tasks like managing household chores. As these thoughts crossed her mind... Stelle discreetly glanced at Bochang. With a shared understanding, Bochang turned to look at Stelle as well. Their eyes met. A "Dating Option" suddenly popped up: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Take Stelle''s hand, gently squeeze it, and say, "What are you thinking about...?" - Completion Reward: Silver Wolf''s Sneak Attack. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 2: Sigh appreciatively and comment, "Serval sings so beautifully; I hope we can listen to more." - Completion Reward: Skill - Spider Sense, passive effect, allows predicting imminent danger.] [Option 3: Pretend nothing happened - Completion Reward: Skill - Concealment, enables invisibility by entering shadows.] "Ah, Silver Wolf... Tsk... If she weren''t here, we could definitely push things further, couldn''t we?" In this situation, Bochang didn''t want to pretend as if nothing happened. Moreover, the Stealth skill reward seemed quite ordinary, not as useful as the Snake Talisman. The Spider Sense, capable of foreseeing danger, appeared to be significantly more practical. "I choose Option Two." Bochang swiftly made his decision and looked at Stelle, saying, "Serval''s singing is truly beautiful; I hope we can listen to her more often." [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the skill, Spider Sense.] At that moment, Bochang felt as though a switch in his mind had been triggered. His senses became considerably sharper. Stelle''s heart raced wildly, but she feigned composure, turning her head towards the stage and responding, "Yes." Her thoughts were swirling tumultuously despite her blank expression, which remained unchanged except for a brief lapse earlier that morning. Bochang savored this fleeting moment of tranquility, knowing he could only act cautiously with Silver Wolf watching nearby. "Gepard''s sister is performing another concert..." Between one rock song ending and the next beginning, a passerby stopped, gazing at the stage ahead. Upon hearing this, Bochang suddenly realized something and asked promptly, "Gepard? Who''s that?" "The young sentinel officer of the Silvermane Guards, Gepard Landau. What? You don''t know him?" The citizen looked at Bochang curiously. The black-haired youth casually responded, "I''m not really interested in such things." "Kids these days... Not even knowing about the Silvermane Guard''s sentinel officers..." The citizen shook his head with a sigh. To the citizens of Belobog, the Silvermane Guards, responsible for protecting the city''s safety, held extremely high status. As one of their sentinel officers, Gepard enjoyed even greater renown. Shivalee herself was already a rock star in Belobog. However, when people introduced her, they often unconsciously added "...sister of Gepard Landau." Bochang pressed further, "Uncle, could you tell me more about Serval? I''m quite curious." "Serval..." The citizen scrutinized Bochang from head to toe. "Hmm, what''s this? Are you interested in pursuing her? Let me warn you... Serval isn''t easy to win over. Many have tried and failed; even some of the Silvermane Guards fancy her..." The talkative middle-aged man, around forty years old and robust, continued unabated until halfway through his spiel when Stelle interrupted. "No, actually, we''re new apprentices at the machine shop. We were just intrigued by the boss''s story," explained Bochang hastily. "Oh...I see. So, she''s not your girlfriend then?" The uncle stroked his chin thoughtfully. "My apologies, I spoke out of turn." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Place hands on hips confidently and assert, "Yes, she is indeed my girlfriend." - Completion Reward: Sneak Attack of the Silver Wolf. Note: Beware of attacks from behind!] [Option Two: Do nothing¡ªCompletion Reward: Strength increase by 100%.] This time, there were only two choices. Without hesitation, Bochang straightforwardly selected Option Two: Do nothing. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations! You have received a strength increase of 100%.] A warm sensation flowed throughout his body. Bochang''s muscles began tearing and rearranging once again, becoming more compact and powerful. Stelle also remained silent, leading to an immediate quietness between them. Taking their silence as tacit confirmation, the middle-aged man continued, "Serval... she used to be a member of the Architects and worked as a researcher for the Silvermane Guards. Later on, something happened¡ªI''m not sure what¡ªand she was expelled from the Architects..." The man shared quite a lot of information. After Bochang had asked all he could based on the man''s knowledge, he watched him depart. Stelle whispered, "It seems we''ve gained some insights today." "Hm... Compared to Dan Heng, we still have a long way to go. We must continue striving." Bochang pressed his fingers against his temples. Just then... Serval called out, "Bochang, Stelle, come here for a moment." Hearing their boss''s summons, they promptly approached without hesitation, reaching beneath the stage. Standing on the stage, Serval slightly crouched down, ensuring her somewhat short blue skirt covered the Enigmata area. Naturally, there was no risk of any wardrobe mishaps occurring. "Here, take these keys to the machine shop and bring back my toolbox for me." Curiously, Stelle asked, "What''s wrong?" "The recorder holding the bass guitar track suddenly malfunctioned; I need to fix it. A concert can''t go on without the bass." Serval waved her hand dismissively. "Go quickly and return swiftly¡ªI''m in urgent need..." [Dating Options activated.] Ah? Again? Seems like a high occurrence rate today. Chapter 46 - 45: Bass Player Chapter 46 - 45: Bass PlayerPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Triggering three consecutive [Dating Options] within such a short span is relatively rare. Bochang was momentarily taken aback. [Option 1: Raise your hand and say, "Boss, I can play the bass guitar." - Completion Reward: Bass Guitar Proficiency.] [Option 2: Honestly go fetch the toolbox - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] "Hmm... this option..." Bochang examined it closely; mastering the bass guitar seemed like a practical life skill, akin to snowfield maintenance and driving expertise. Option two, on the other hand, was entirely a gamble. Bochang had taken chances before, and each time, the rewards were decent enough. He never encountered truly insignificant prizes like a single matchstick, a pack of paper, or just one chopstick. Although tempted to embrace his inner gambler, still... Bochang''s keen intuition told him that choosing the first option at this moment might be more advantageous. "If I claim to know how to play the bass guitar, Serval might invite me on stage, even if not immediately, perhaps in the future... This could help me get closer to them." "Option one!" Bochang made his decision and raised his hand, saying, "Boss, I can play the bass guitar." [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have received Bass Guitar Mastery.] "Huh? You can play the bass guitar? Really?" Serval sounded slightly surprised. It was well-known that bassists were rare, as playing the bass guitar had less mainstream appeal and struggled to attract attention. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This scarcity also meant that Serval''s band still lacked a professional bassist, despite previous auditions. In the past, some bass players did apply, but most lacked sufficient skill... Serval wasn''t impressed by their abilities. "Yes, I can play the bass," Bochang nodded. After the system''s voice announced the reward... numerous techniques related to playing the bass instantly filled his mind, along with an intuitive understanding of many songs without any prior instruction. After pondering for a moment, Serval said, "Alright then, bring both the bass guitar and the toolbox over here. I''ll take this opportunity to assess your skills." "Sure." Bochang and Stelle promptly set off, using the keys to open the door of the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop. The soundproofing inside was excellent. As soon as they entered, the noisy clamor outside faded completely. Stelle couldn''t help but ask, "Bochang, do you really know how to play the bass?" "Of course, I wouldn''t lie about that." Previously, Bochang had no knowledge of the instruments Serval displayed, but now with just a glance, relevant information immediately surfaced, making it incredibly convenient. He casually picked up a black bass guitar. Strumming its strings, Bochang ensured there were no issues with the tone before looking up at Stelle. Meanwhile, Stelle had already located the toolbox. Seeing Bochang''s professional movements, Stelle remarked, "You sure have a wide range of talents... cooking, fixing vehicles, playing the bass... What else can you do, Bochang?" With his golden eyes, he gazed at the black-haired youth. Stelle was genuinely curious. Bochang smiled and replied, "I''m not entirely sure." It was perfectly normal to be unsure; Bochang couldn''t predict what rewards the Dating Options system would provide. From what he had experienced so far... the rewards were wildly unpredictable, encompassing anything imaginable. Without saying more, Stelle and Bochang carried their instruments to the stage together. Serval seized the opportunity to repair the recorder promptly. Meanwhile, Pela tested Bochang''s bass skills with similar skepticism as Stelle, asking, "Do you really know how to play the bass? Don''t just pretend for the sake of impressing Serval..." "I truly do know how to play the bass," Bochang emphasized once again. "Alright then," Pela said, "Since we have some time now, why don''t you give us a quick sample?" Wasting no time, Bochang picked up the bass guitar and began playing effortlessly. His fingers swiftly plucked the strings. Pure bass notes began to resonate around them. In a band performance, due to its deep tone, the bass is often subtle and hard to distinguish, making it less noticeable... However, now it was Bochang''s solo act. The sound could clearly be heard, albeit still relatively soft. After playing briefly, Pela interrupted him, saying, "Impressive... Among all the bassists I know, your skills rank right at the top." Serval approached, having finished fiSteller recorder. As a rock star, she had a keen ear for music. Despite the crowd and ambient noise, she managed to hear Bochang''s performance, captivated by the beautiful melody. Moreover, he was playing a piece composed by Serval herself. She couldn''t believe Bochang hadn''t prepared beforehand; it seemed too coincidental. "Nice skills! Want to join us on stage?" Serval extended an invitation. Although they hadn''t rehearsed together, this impromptu street performance didn''t require tickets or formalities... It was perfectly fine to have Bochang play along. They''ve invited passersby before as well. Without hesitation, Bochang agreed. Stelle encouraged him, "Go for it!" Nodding, Bochang confidently stepped forward, transitioning from spectator to performer on stage under the watchful eyes of the crowd. Initially feeling slightly nervous with all the attention, Bochang quickly calmed down as his bass guitar provided immense reassurance. The addition of this new musician didn''t cause any significant disruption; the performance continued seamlessly. Before starting, Serval specifically asked Bochang if he knew the song they were about to play, receiving a confirmation. With that, the performance officially began. As the rhythm unfolded, the sounds of guitars, drums, electronic piano, and bass guitar echoed one after another. During the performance, Bochang''s gaze frequently met Pela''s. This was due to their positioning on stage. Standing opposite each other, both positioned towards the back and slightly left and right, made eye contact inevitable. Initially, Serval had concerns that Bochang might hinder the band''s performance, but unexpectedly, adding his bass...actually improved the overall effect significantly. As Serval played the guitar and sang, she frequently glanced at Bochang. "Is this really our first time performing together? It feels like we''ve rehearsed extensively." Apart from Serval, Lynx and Pela also shared this impression. They occasionally looked towards Bochang as well. The audience below, however, was different; their gazes were primarily fixed on the three beautiful girls onstage. Bassist? Does the band have a bassist? Oh...there seems to be one, but it''s not important. Fully absorbed in his performance, the black-haired youth didn''t notice others'' stares. He was completely immersed in the music, with notes flowing effortlessly from his fingertips, connecting harmoniously with the guitar, electronic piano, and drums. Since they were playing live, Bochang could quickly adapt to the rhythm changes initiated by Serval and the others. In fact, he even guided them back onto track, making their performance smoother and more comfortable. Watching the four musicians on stage, Stelle felt a sudden surge of admiration within her. While sweeping the streets, Dan Heng reached the venue and paused. Seeing Bochang freely expressing himself on stage, several question marks arose in his mind, and he couldn''t help but mutter sarcastically, "What the heck, does he ever need to work?" Chapter 47 - 46: Recording a Segment Chapter 47 - 46: Recording a SegmentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** As it approached quitting time, the performance concluded. Together, they dismantled the stage while the crowd gradually dispersed. After moving everything back into the shop, Serval said, "Bochang, your bass skills are impressive! Would you be interested in joining our band? We''re actually in need of a bassist." "Sure, I''d love to," Bochang readily agreed. Clapping her hands excitedly, Serval asked, "Could you stay tonight for rehearsal? Don''t worry, we only rehearse until 9 PM and not every day." Although Bochang''s technique was commendable, rehearsals were still necessary. Serval believed that with just a few practices, their performances could become even more flawless. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Directly respond with, "Yes." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option Two: Politely decline with "No, I need to go back and prepare dinner." ¡ª Completion Reward: A Salted Fish, exceptionally delicious whether cooked or eaten dried.] [Option Three: Compromise by saying, "Boss, can you wait until after I finish making dinner?" ¡ª Completion Reward: One hundred percent increase in physique.] Today... the "Dating Options" prompt had already appeared numerous times. Strangely, despite not seeing Big Booty for several options now, Bochang found himself somewhat nostalgic. "Aiya... how could I think like that? It''s just trying to manipulate me!" Bochang vigorously shook his head. From the three options presented: Agreeing to participate in the rehearsal seemed necessary for obtaining better rewards. Bochang felt it was preferable to first return home and make dinner, so he chose Option Three. Directly proceeding with rehearsals would mean leaving Stelle, March 7th, and others unattended at home, which wasn''t ideal. "Boss, could you wait for me to finish making dinner before I come back here?" asked Bochang. Serval smiled. "Sure, we''ll be at the shop waiting for your return." [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! Your physique has been increased by 100%.] The system had now boosted Bochang''s physique three times: First time by 50%. Second time by 100%. Third time by another 100%. Assuming his initial physique was 1, increasing it by 50% results in 1.5, then doubling it again gives 3, and finally another doubling leads to 6. This equates to six times the average human''s physique, not to mention additional enhancements to his strength, agility, and mental energy as well. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to call Bochang a mini-superhuman now. A warm sensation surged through his body. Unlike strength increases, the physical changes from boosting his physique were subtle, hardly noticeable with the naked eye. Stelle merely observed that Bochang''s breathing seemed even more steady than before. Without giving it much thought, she said, "Well then, we''re heading off now." Serval watched as Bochang and Stelle departed. Only after they had moved far away did Serval inquire, "Pela, where exactly did you find Bochang and Stelle? They seem... somewhat extraordinary." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Indeed, it''s hard to imagine such a skilled bass guitarist remaining unknown in Belobog unless they''re self-taught? That would be truly frightening..." Lynx chimed in. Pela pushed up her round-framed glasses and replied, "They are wanderers, and moreover, wanderers who have already awakened their fate paths... As for why they have no reputation in Belobog, I''m not entirely sure myself. "You know, several years ago, one of the warehouses storing resident records was damaged by the rift and partially burned down. The situation with Belobog''s residents has always been riddled with gaps; there''s not much I can do about it." Pela spread her hands helplessly. Lynx suggested, "Could they possibly be from the Underworld?" With Belobog being the only remaining settlement on Jarilo VI... It never occurred to Pela that Bochang and his companions could be extraterrestrial visitors. "Impossible. The Underworld has been sealed off for years; no one can travel between the upper and lower layers," Serval immediately dismissed the idea. Given the current circumstances, she firmly believed that no one could traverse between them. "Forget it, let''s not dwell on this. After all, their backgrounds have nothing to do with us." Serval turned away, unconcerned. Although she sensed numerous mysteries surrounding Bochang and his group, she had no intention of pursuing answers relentlessly. Pela pondered for a moment before saying, "I''ll keep an eye on them." Meanwhile... Bochang and Stelle returned home after grocery shopping. Today, Dan Heng arrived earlier than usual and was already seated on the couch, watching TV and sipping tea. After Bochang and Stelle recounted the day''s events... "Serval was once a member of the Architects," Dan Heng said. "No wonder she knows about Stellaron. As for her brother, his status is also quite exceptional. Bochang, you must fully utilize your current role this time; perhaps Serval knows Stellaron''s location." "I''ll do my best," Bochang nodded. "Dan Heng, did you make any discoveries today?" "Today had too much work to handle; I couldn''t spare time for gathering intelligence. Moreover, I need to observe further. My infiltration of Qlipoth Fort yesterday seems to have raised the Architects'' vigilance." Dan Heng lifted the teacup and took a sip. After a moment, the stoic little azure dragon glanced sideways at Bochang and continued, "I didn''t realize you could play the bass guitar?" "You saw that..." Bochang scratched his head. Hearing their conversation, March 7th descended from upstairs and asked loudly. "Bass guitar? The one I''m thinking of? Bochang can play instruments?" Stelle nodded and replied, "Yes, Bochang plays bass. Just now, he performed outdoors with the boss, Pela, and the boss''s sister. Hmm... it was quite interesting." "Isn''t that your machine shop? How did you suddenly end up performing?" March 7th furrowed her delicate eyebrows, looking puzzled. "What do you mean by ''outdoor performance''..." "That''s just the boss''s preference," Bochang explained. March 7th stroked her chin with slender fingers. "Oh, I see..." Suddenly changing the topic, she stamped her foot, "Seriously, next time if there''s another outdoor performance, make sure to call me! I''d love to watch Bochang playing the bass too." "If March wants to see it, I happen to have recorded a segment." Dan Heng took out his phone, gazing at Bochang with a composed expression. "Should be fine if I share it in the group chat, right?" "Uh... it''s fine, go ahead and share if you want," Bochang generously agreed. March 7th took out her phone and found the video that Dan Heng had just posted in the Astral Express group chat. After watching for about ten seconds... March 7th chuckled, "Bochang, why did you start dancing while playing?" "Oh, this is what Dan Heng captured..." Bochang also pulled out his phone to take a look. Memories from the stage flooded back into his mind. During the performance''s climax, Serval hit some high notes, while Pela and Lynx showcased their solos. On impulse, Bochang spontaneously broke into breakdancing. It was entirely instinctual, likely due to his bass guitar skills taking over. After all... Bochang couldn''t recall ever learning breakdance before. Chapter 48 - 47: Rehearsal Chapter 48 - 47: RehearsalPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Dan Heng: Video file attached. Himeko: Impressive, Bochang... You can even play bass! Would you be interested in performing on the Astral Express sometime? Welt: Young folks always have such energy. At my age, attempting that dance might just strain my back. March 7th: Uncle Yang, don''t say that¡ªyou''re still quite young! Stars: Thumbs up emoji.jpg Bochang: Cat peeking out emoji.jpg This brief exchange concluded swiftly. Bochang then entered the kitchen to get busy, this time alone as Stelle was whisked away by March 7th. The two girls seemed engrossed in some game upstairs. They only descended once Bochang had finished preparing the meal. As everyone gathered around to eat... Bochang spoke up first, "There''s one more thing. After finishing my meal, I need to head to the shop. Earlier, Serval and I agreed to rehearse together today, so I won''t be able to practice shooting tonight." "Bochang joined their band," Stelle added. Dan Heng responded, "Go ahead then, but remember to find opportunities for gathering information. Don''t get too carried away with the fun. Right now, we must assess the situation with the Architects; it''s not prudent to act hastily. The success of the Trailblazer team relies on you." "And don''t forget about me!" March 7th suddenly chimed in. Despite two consecutive days without any leads, she still believed she had great potential. Dan Heng shook his head with a sigh. Even Stelle looked away. "Why do you guys make such faces...?" March 7th crossed her arms, pouting slightly. "I''ve been working really hard, you know." "Well, March, could you please tell us what clues you''ve discovered over these past two days?" Dan Heng asked, spreading his hands expectantly. Dan Heng spread his hands helplessly. A hint of embarrassment crossed March 7th''s face as she said, "Ah... this... I just had bad luck... The boss knows nothing; every day, she only has me take photos for customers. There wasn''t much I could do..." "How about this? Later, I''ll go with Bochang, and we''re bound to gather information about Stellaron." March 7th clenched her fist determinedly. Dan Heng placed a hand on his forehead, sighing. "I think it''s better if you don''t create more chaos over there..." For some reason, Stelle felt that March 7th simply wanted to watch the rehearsal. The pink-haired girl seemed somewhat indignant. However... In the end, Dan Heng did not allow March 7th to interfere recklessly. After finishing his meal, Bochang left alone. Before departing, the stoic little azure dragon gave a parting instruction, "Be careful on your way." It took them several dozen minutes to arrive at the machine shop. By now, it was around 7:30 PM. When Bochang entered, Serval, Lynx, and Pela were already rehearsing. The machine shop had been transformed into a rehearsal space for their rock music. With excellent soundproofing, there was no concern about disturbing neighbors late at night. Bochang''s arrival seemed like fitting the final piece of a puzzle into place. Serval warmly welcomed him, making Bochang feel somewhat overwhelmed by the attention. Soon after... Just like their daytime outdoor performance, they began rehearsing. However, during the evening practice sessions, the music occasionally paused for adjustments or tweaks as needed. Additionally, they practiced Serval''s new song. Time slowly slipped away amidst the rocking tunes. Before they knew it, it was 8 PM. Feeling slightly tired from the rehearsal, everyone decided to take a break. "Here." Serval handed a bottle of water to Bochang. "Stay hydrated." "Thanks." Bochang accepted it casually. Lynx gazed at the black-haired youth with her large, watery blue eyes. "Bochang, you play bass so well. Who did you learn from?" Belobog, after all, was just a moderately sized city. It''s quite normal for those with some talent to know each other, especially when it comes to bassists, who are in high demand and short supply from various perspectives... A completely unknown yet highly skilled bassist seemed rather peculiar, almost as if he had appeared out of thin air. While neither Serval nor Pela intended to delve deeper, Lynx couldn''t suppress her curiosity. Bochang was taken aback by the question. If he were to name a teacher, it would undoubtedly be "Dating Options." However, revealing this truth was impossible; even if he tried, it would likely be dismissed as a joke. After waiting several seconds... Without waiting for any mention of "Dating Options," Bochang simply replied, "Well... I taught myself." Whether others believed it or not didn''t matter. At least Bochang did believe it. "Taught yourself..." Lynx clearly wasn''t convinced, but with no further explanation forthcoming from him, she had little choice. As Pela had mentioned earlier, these individuals held secrets. Serval intervened, saying, "Alright, Lynx, don''t pressure Bochang. From now on, he''s part of our band. It doesn''t matter where Bochang learned to play bass; that''s not important." "Fine." With Serval''s intervention, Lynx abandoned her questioning, remembering Dan Heng''s advice. Throughout the break, Bochang had been pondering how best to ask Serval about Stellaron. This seemed like the perfect opportunity. If he didn''t inquire now, there might not be another chance later during rehearsal time. Once rehearsal started, there would be no time for such discussions. After some hesitation, Bochang finally spoke up. "Um... boss, during today''s outdoor rock concert, I overheard someone mention that the young Silvermane Guard officer¡ªGepard¡ªis your brother. Is this true?" "Of course it is..." Lynx nodded. Speaking of Gepard Landau, Lynx knew him well; after all, he was her elder brother. Bochang scratched his head and said, "I wasn''t aware of that before..." "If you don''t follow such news, it''s perfectly normal not to know. Additionally... I hope our friendship isn''t affected by this connection." Serval didn''t particularly like being referred to as the sister of a young guard officer. It implied a secondary status attached to someone else''s identity. However, Serval never considered herself subordinate to anyone. "Of course not, I was just curious. By the way, I''ve heard that our boss used to be a researcher for the Silvermane Guards. Later on, something happened, and she was expelled from the Architects'' group. Do you know why?" During their break time, Bochang began cautiously probing for information. Serval responded, "Do you really want to know?" "Yes," Bochang nodded. With a soft sigh, Serval''s eyes filled with reminiscence. "It''s a long story. I was expelled due to a particular research project." At that time, Serval had clashed with Cocolia over her investigation into Stellaron. And then... As thoughts of Stellaron surfaced, Serval recalled Stelle and remembered how he mentioned the word "Stellaron." A strange sensation started creeping up her spine. "Something''s off about Stellaron... There must be more to it. Are Bochang and Stelle investigating Stellaron?" This thought surfaced in Serval''s mind, refusing to dissipate. Yet, she couldn''t shake the feeling that it seemed somewhat unreal. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After all... How could they possibly know about Stellaron''s existence? Even within the Architects, only a select few were aware of its significance. "Am I overthinking this?" Chapter 49 - 48: Black Bear Mask Chapter 49 - 48: Black Bear MaskPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In the brightly lit machine shop, Serval''s emotions were mixed. Under the warm-colored lighting, her already fair skin seemed to glow radiantly. It must be mentioned... This strikingly dressed big sister had an excellent figure, tall and curvaceous. The black and white fabric across her chest bore some resemblance to Silver Wolf''s attire. However, it was significantly larger than Silver Wolf''s. Its substantial weight even surpassed that of March 7th. Bochang''s gaze flickered; he was unaware of why she was expelled due to researching Stellaron. In fact, his knowledge about Stellaron itself was limited; he only knew it was connected to Cocolia. As for the exact location of Stellaron, he was completely clueless. Had he known its whereabouts earlier, He wouldn''t have needed to enter the city at all, instead, he could have directly headed towards the target. There would be no necessity for gathering information now. It was akin to an unnecessary overcomplication¡ªlike taking off pants just to fart. This couldn''t be blamed on Bochang; after all, he had crossed over too early. Hmm... Crossing over too late might not have been helpful either, as much information would have been forgotten by then. Timing is crucial. Serval didn''t elaborate further. Concerned about arousing suspicion, Bochang refrained from guiding the conversation any deeper. As a former member of the Architects and previously a researcher for the Silvermane Guards, Serval''s intelligence was undeniably high, which Bochang recognized well. From the moment Bochang started probing for information, there was a risk of raising Serval''s suspicions. Continuing down this path would only exacerbate those doubts. Since she had already stopped talking, it was best to leave it at that. Bochang nodded thoughtfully. Both Pela and Lynx were aware of this incident involving Serval. However... Similar to Bochang''s current situation, they only knew that Serval was expelled from the Architects due to some research project. However, she had never disclosed specifics about what it entailed. The big sister continued silently staring at Bochang. Seeing no further probing from him, after a few seconds of silence, she initiated conversation, "Aren''t you curious as to why?" "Definitely," Bochang rubbed his chin. "But since it seemed like you didn''t want to talk about it, I thought it best not to pry." "Hmm... That matter is highly confidential; I can''t discuss it casually." Serval shook her head, causing her beautiful golden hair to sway gently. Pushing up her round glasses, Pela''s eyes flickered with a peculiar expression before she interjected, "Let''s continue rehearsing instead." "I agree," Lynx chimed in support. Serval smiled warmly, "Then let''s proceed." And so... They resumed their rehearsal, carrying on just as before without any noticeable changes. As before, Serval continued singing and playing her instrument, with her blue skirt and alluring black-stockinged legs flashing incessantly before their eyes. Bochang could only maintain his composure by focusing solely on his bass guitar. Time swiftly passed until it was nine o''clock in the evening. Pela and Lynx left together first; being close friends, it was natural for them to depart as a pair. In fact, it was through Lynx that Pela managed to establish connections with the Landau family. Notably... when Stelle and Bochang initially learned that Pela was the drummer of Serval''s band, they were quite taken aback. They never expected the serious intelligence officer from the Silvermane Guards to be part of a rock band. In hindsight, Bochang shouldn''t have been surprised. But... Who could blame him for not reading the character backgrounds while gaming? As Bochang began tidying up, ready to leave the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop, Serval called out, "Bochang, wait a moment." "What is it?" The black-haired youth, who had reached the doorway, halted and turned back to look at the blonde big sister. With eyes resembling sapphires, Serval gazed at him and said, "There''s something I''d like to discuss with you. You must be curious about why I was expelled from the Architects, aren''t you?" "Boss... weren''t you reluctant to talk about it just now?" Bochang blinked, sensing that he might be on the verge of uncovering a crucial plot point. "That''s because Lynx and Pela were here, so I didn''t want to mention it openly. Now that you both know about that thing... keeping it secret is pointless..." Serval''s slender, pale fingers gently brushed against the wooden counter, showing no intention of withholding information. "I assume you''ve guessed by now; it''s due to my research on Stellaron¡ªthe very topic you discussed yesterday." Bochang''s pupils slightly contracted; he hadn''t expected her to reveal it so directly. Serval didn''t give him a chance to respond, continuing swiftly, "Did you truly dream about Stellaron? This matter is considered highly confidential even within the Architects." sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. She eagerly sought the truth behind their knowledge. Serval seemed urgently eager to know. She took a few steps forward, standing right before Bochang and placing her hands on his shoulders. "If you have any difficulties, feel free to tell me. As your boss, I might be able to assist." Her rapid speech left no chance for Bochang to interject; he could only passively follow Serval''s pace. "Did we indeed raise suspicion? Tch... Well, it couldn''t be helped, but... judging by Serval''s demeanor, she doesn''t appear malicious towards us at the moment." Bochang fell deep in thought, "That makes sense... After all, Serval was expelled from the Architects, so there''s no reason for her to align with them now." With Serval''s charming face just inches away, Bochang prepared to respond... [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Given how far this conversation has gone, self-exposure seems inevitable. Please reply: "No... we didn''t dream about it, rather... we were investigating Stellaron, as it is the source of calamity." - Completion Reward: Warrant for Silvermane Guards'' arrest.] [Option Two: Rather than self-destructing, it might be better to conceal this for now. Please scratch your head and say: "Of course, it was just a nightmare that Star had. I didn''t realize something like Stellaron actually exists..." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] "Speaking bluntly would lead to being hunted by the Silvermane Guards..." Bochang muttered to himself, "Will Serval report me?" He couldn''t be sure, but he always felt that Serval didn''t seem like someone who would inform on him. But why? It genuinely puzzled him. In any case... This time, there''s only one viable choice¡ªthe second option. "It''s been a while since my last gamble," Bochang rubbed his hands together eagerly. "Alright, let''s see what good fortune awaits me." "Option Two!" Bochang scratched his head and said, "Of course, it was just a nightmare that Star had. I didn''t realize something like Stellaron actually exists..." Serval looked at him with intense curiosity, almost as if trying to decipher some hidden meaning. It felt somewhat awkward. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received a Black Bear Mask. When worn, it grants you the strength of a black bear. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly retrieved for use.] "Black bear strength? How powerful is it?" Bochang wondered curiously, "And this mask takes effect just by wearing it, no need for blood bonding, quite convenient... Hmm... seems like it could be used by others too." Bochang''s thoughts drifted away. Serval sighed, with a hint of disappointment flashing across her eyes. "So that''s how it is... Although dreaming about such things is slightly peculiar, given the vastness of the world, encountering these situations isn''t entirely unexpected. In Dreamscape... anything is possible." Coming back to his senses, Bochang quietly observed Serval. This was the first time the black-haired youth had closely examined her at such proximity. Her delicate features and long eyelashes deeply imprinted themselves in his mind, while the scent emanating from the blonde big sister was intoxicating. The atmosphere suddenly felt somewhat ambiguous. Chapter 50 - 49: Transaction Chapter 50 - 49: TransactionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Serval''s doubts had not completely dissipated, but... she knew further questioning wouldn''t yield any answers. Thus, she decided to abandon her inquiries. She also realized she was standing too close to him. Confident in her allure, Serval wanted to avoid deepening the ambiguous atmosphere. The blonde big sister released her grip on Bochang''s shoulder and took a half-step back. Unconsciously tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, she cautioned, "Regarding Stellaron, be careful with what you discuss in the future to avoid unnecessary trouble... The Architects closely guard information about this topic, so I can''t reveal much more. Let''s leave it at that." "Don''t worry, my lips are sealed." Bochang nodded, his gaze instinctively shifting away to the side. "Then... boss, if there''s nothing else, I''ll head back now." "Alright, you can go now. Remember to be punctual for work tomorrow," Serval smiled and waved her hand gently. In that moment, her radiant smile was truly captivating. She seemed born to be a star, with every expression drawing attention. After one last glance at her proud and upright figure... Bochang turned and left, while Serval watched his departing back without uttering a word. Regarding the occasional extra second his gaze lingered on her, Serval found it quite normal. If Bochang didn''t even spare her a glance when standing before her, she would suspect something amiss. "For some reason...I feel a slight unease..." Serval pressed her fingers against her forehead. Meanwhile... Bochang walked alone on the nighttime streets, feeling a chill as the cold wind cooled down the fervent passion within him gradually. Daytime and nighttime temperatures in Belobog did have noticeable differences. Bathed in the glow of streetlights, After walking for some time, Bochang spotted a figure ahead. The distinctive blue hair immediately revealed the person''s identity. "Sampo, what brings you here?" Bochang halted his steps. Unlike previous encounters, Bochang wasn''t navigating through alleyways this time. Sampo confidently strode down the main street, likely taking advantage of the reduced foot traffic and poorer visibility at night, with fewer Silvermane Guards around. During daylight hours, Sampo wouldn''t have dared to parade so openly on the streets. As a wanted fugitive, one sighting would inevitably lead to a frantic chase by the Silvermane Guards. "Ah, how serendipitous! We just happen to cross paths again." "More like you sought me out," Bochang''s lips twitched. He had no intention of beating around the bush, "Get straight to the point; I''m in a hurry." "Alright, let me get straight to the point, Bochang. Today, I simply wanted to propose a deal." The corners of Sampo''s mouth curved upwards, revealing a smile. Bochang felt intrigued. "A deal? What kind of deal?" Sampo responded, "I''ve been keeping an eye on your activities around the city these past few days. You''re searching for information about Stellaron... Approaching Serval was indeed a correct direction, but... her lips aren''t easily pried open. You must have hit a dead end with her, am I right?" "How does he know this? Dan Heng should have been cautious in his actions, and when I questioned Serval, there''s no way Sampo could have been present." Bochang found it peculiar, thinking, "To be able to knock out the entire protagonist group and lead them to the Underworld, he truly isn''t ordinary." "Just tell me the details of the deal," Bochang said, slightly frowning. Although they were on a busy street, Bochang remained vigilant... Remaining cautious, Bochang still refrained from getting close to Sampo, maintaining a distance of approximately three meters between them. "The terms of the deal are simple... You must be aware that the passage to the Underworld has been sealed off in Belobog? If you agree to help unseal the passage, I will assist you in finding information about Stellaron." "Why do you want to unseal the passage?" Bochang asked, eager to understand these unknown matters. "Of course, it''s because the citizens of the Underworld lead miserable lives. If the Overworld can be considered heaven, then... the Underworld could be likened to hell. So, my reason for wanting to unseal the passage is clear enough, isn''t it?" Sampo spread his hands and took a step forward. This single step heightened Bochang''s vigilance. Three Invisible Hands reappeared once more. With a 100% mental energy boost, the hands became more solidified and significantly increased in power. Bochang nonchalantly replied, "It''s enough." As soon as these three hands appeared, Sampo froze, then spoke with a relaxed tone, "My friend, there''s no need to be so guarded. I come with goodwill and even intend to repay kindness for grievances." "This guy... indeed noticed the Invisible Hands." Bochang narrowed his eyes slightly. "I''ve been standing here without moving a muscle, Sampo. Don''t make unfounded accusations." "Come on, buddy, let''s not pretend anymore. Although I don''t know your method, the malice emanating from you is almost making me feel sick." Sampo pressed his palms together and took two steps backward. "Since stepping forward offended you, how about I retreat two more steps?" Seeing this, Bochang retracted the Invisible Hands. After all, they could easily reappear with just a thought if needed. It was both convenient and efficient. Moreover, Bochang now had his Spider Sense activated. If any danger approached, he would undoubtedly detect it. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Now that''s more like it... Listen, buddy, let''s discuss business properly; harmony breeds prosperity... Don''t resort to violence as a quick solution, Sampo isn''t fond of such people." "I don''t particularly care for your approval," Bochang replied, crossing his arms. Sampo spread out his hands and asked, "So then... have you given it any thought?" "Your reasons are compelling, but how do you plan to help us find information about Stellaron? And how can I be sure you''re not deceiving me? Last time, when you led us to the Underworld to meet you, wasn''t that just playing games with us? Everyone in Belobog knows there''s no way to reach the Underworld." Bochang did not trust this individual before him. Sampo smiled, "Well... you''ll find out when the time comes. Rest assured, Sampo won''t disappoint you. As a trustworthy merchant, I will definitely help you locate information about Stellaron first before discussing the passage issue. Regarding our previous encounter, it was simply that you didn''t approach it correctly." A moment of silence ensued. The only sounds around them were the relentless winds. "The deal you propose, I can consider it. However... this decision is not solely mine to make. I need to consult with my companions first," Bochang responded cautiously. Sampo nodded, "Fine, I''ll give you a night to think it over. Tomorrow... I will come seeking you again." With those words, Sampo turned to leave. Bochang spoke up, "Don''t you want to provide some means of contact?" "Don''t worry, if Sampo says he''ll return tomorrow, he certainly will. There''s no need for concern." Chapter 51 - 50: Inventorying Items Chapter 51 - 50: Inventorying ItemsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** On this nearly deserted street, Bochang watched as Sampo departed. Then, quickening his pace, he returned home and gathered Dan Heng, Star, and March 7th to recount his encounter with Sampo once again. In the living room, March 7th, seated on the sofa, clenched his fists and said, "That guy Sampo came after you again? He''s truly like a persistent haunting spirit." Dan Heng furrowed his brows deeply. "Strange... How would Sampo know we were investigating Stellaron?" The stoic little azure dragon felt that they had been sufficiently cautious. Did Bochang or the others... or perhaps March inadvertently leak information? Bochang shook his head. "I''m curious about that too... Stelle and I only mentioned Stellaron in front of Serval; we haven''t spoken about it to anyone else." "Why are you all looking at me? Uh... surely you don''t suspect me of leaking information?" March 7th disdainfully flicked his short pink hair near his ear. "I''ve been busy taking photos these past few days and haven''t even mentioned the word ''Stellaron'' once." Dan Heng''s expression conveyed that it was as expected. Bochang retorted, "You clearly haven''t done anything, so why are you acting so proud?" The smile on March 7th''s face vanished... Stelle wore a thoughtful expression. "If none of us have leaked any information, then how did Sampo find out?" "I''m not sure," Dan Heng replied. "For now, this isn''t crucial. What matters is... should we agree to deal with Sampo? What are your thoughts?" "Sampo, well... honestly, I don''t trust him much." Bochang shook his head. "If possible... I''d prefer to gather intelligence ourselves, although it might be somewhat troublesome." "I took the opportunity earlier to ask Serval about it," Bochang continued. "I learned that she was expelled from the Architects precisely because of her research on Stellaron. She likely knows its location, but she mentioned that within the Architects, Stellaron''s secrecy level is very high... So, she didn''t reveal much information about it. "Even mentioning Serval''s background raised her suspicions. Fortunately, she''s no longer part of the Architects; otherwise... they might have interrogated us rigorously to find out how we knew about Stellaron." Bochang shrugged with a touch of humor. As he spoke, he couldn''t help but envision Serval clad in leather, wielding a whip¡ªa fierce and spirited older sister shouting, "Will you confess or not!" ?Why am I feeling inexplicably excited for a moment?? Bochang shuddered, ?It''s not like I''m into masochism.? Both Stelle and March 7th chimed in, "We''ll defer to you; it doesn''t matter for us." With the two girls abstaining, the decision now rested entirely on Bochang and Dan Heng. The stoic little azure dragon pondered for a few seconds. "I think it''s best not to involve ourselves with Sampo. He''s too peculiar, as you''ve mentioned before, Bochang. He was waiting just outside the city specifically for us. I suspect his intentions are likely malicious." "True," Bochang agreed, "but... I''m quite keen on unsealing the passage to the Upper Underworld. The situation there, as described by Sampo, piques my interest... As the righteous Astral Express Crew, we cannot simply stand idly by, right?" Of course... Bochang''s desire to unseal the passage to the Upper Underworld stemmed primarily from wanting to meet Clara, Seele, and others again. Mentioning the righteous Astral Express Crew was merely to resonate with March 7th and the group''s sense of duty. Dan Heng nodded. "Bochang, I understand your point now. Essentially, you''re saying... we won''t collaborate with Sampo, but still need to find our own way to unlock the passage to the Underworld?" "Exactly." That was precisely Bochang''s idea. Stelle spoke up, "If we aim to unlock the passage to the Underworld, wouldn''t it be more straightforward to cooperate with Sampo? Wouldn''t that make things easier for us?" "Hmm, Stelle has a valid point," March 7th agreed, nodding along. However, Dan Heng shook his head. "We can''t approach it that way. We don''t know enough about Sampo. What if he is merely using Stellaron as bait... to trap us? How would we handle such a situation? Don''t forget, here... Stellaron is considered highly confidential." "Oh... you have a good point there. But if Sampo intended to frame us, couldn''t he have done so already once he learned we were investigating Stellaron?" March 7th tilted her head slightly, tapping her fingertips against her cheek. "I''m not sure," said Dan Heng. "Perhaps Sampo doesn''t have decisive evidence yet and needs to lure us into his trap, or maybe we''re overthinking it... Regardless of the situation, it''s best to avoid any contact with him. It might not necessarily benefit us, but it certainly won''t bring harm." "Exactly, I agree with that assessment," Bochang concurred. Thinking deeply was quite troublesome. Just pondering for a moment left March 7th with a headache. "You guys decide then." The pink-haired girl chose to stop ruminating further. The group of four discussed briefly in the living room and agreed on a plan to handle Sampo. Tomorrow, regardless of who encounters Sampo, they must firmly reject him while also conveying that "we will find our own way to open a passage to the Upper Underworld; as for other matters, we don''t require his assistance." After their conversation, everyone went off to rest. Since Bochang hadn''t practiced his marksmanship today, he didn''t feel the need to take a shower. The rock performance alone had minimal physical impact on him; at least, there wasn''t much sweating involved. After a quick wash and freshening up, Bochang entered his room and began to inventory his items for the first time in a while. Currently, within the system space, he had: a three-star Destruction Light Cone, Clara''s chemise, delicious crab roe buns, Jim Rogers'' Bread-flavored Soda, a teleportation ring, and the newly acquired black bear mask. The three-star Destruction Light Cone was obtained long ago, but without unlocking its associated fate path, it remained unusable. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Therefore... Bochang hadn''t utilized it until now and currently had no plans to do so either. He decided to wait until activating his fate path before considering its use. "Come to think of it... recently, none of the options have involved opening my fate path..." With these thoughts lingering briefly, Bochang retrieved the black bear mask from the system space. It was an iron mask, entirely black and resembling a genuine black bear''s face. Just holding it, one could almost feel the creature''s breath. With nothing else to do, the curious black-haired youth put on the black bear mask. Instantly, a surge of power flooded his senses. He felt significantly stronger, not just physically but across all attributes, as if they had been enhanced. However, strength seemed to have received the most significant boost. Upon wearing the black bear mask, Bochang experienced a near doubling of his overall might. Contrary to the system''s enhancements, the temporary boost from the black bear mask was quite crude. Bochang found he couldn''t control this newfound strength precisely. After briefly experimenting, he removed the mask and set it aside. At that moment... The door gently creaked open. Stelle peeked out, clutching her pillow, and asked softly, "Bochang, can we sleep together tonight again?" [Dating Options activated.] Chapter 52 - 51: The Intelligence Officer’s Doubts Chapter 52 - 51: The Intelligence Officer''s DoubtsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang didn''t expect Stelle to visit again tonight, just like yesterday. She still wore her white shirt as pajamas, but this time she brought along a pillow. It seemed she had just finished washing up, with droplets of water lingering on her hair tips. Stelle''s golden eyes appeared tranquil, as if sharing the bed together was the most ordinary thing for them. [Option 1: Immediately respond, "Sure." ¡ª Completion Reward: Silver Wolf''s Sneak Attack. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 2: Gently pat Stelle''s head and say, "If you keep acting so sweetly, it''ll be hard for me too..." ¡ª Completion Reward: Ethical Praise, Fountain Location at Belobog Administrative District Central Plaza. You can consume one Ethical Praise to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item may...] "Silver Wolf! It''s you again!" Bochang had been vigilant all day but hadn''t spotted any trace of Silver Wolf. Logically speaking, it seemed unlikely for them to be tracked here as well. Although not overly concerned about being watched by Silver Wolf, still... whenever he thought about being under surveillance, Bochang couldn''t help feeling a chill run down his spine, something beyond his control. "It appears I have no choice but to reluctantly accept the Ethical Praise..." Bochang sighed, "Option two." Time resumed its flow. Bochang reached out and gently ruffled Stelle''s gray hair, creating a playful mess. Undeniably... it felt quite nice. Stelle looked at Bochang with a puzzled expression, unsure of his intentions. Bochang said, "If you keep acting so endearingly, even I''ll find it hard to resist..." ["Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have earned Ethical Praise from Belobog Administrative District''s Central Plaza Fountain. You can consume one Ethical Praise to retrieve treasures once from the fountain. Note: This type of item will..."] "So that''s how it is... Well then, I''ll head back and get some sleep now." Despite being rejected, Stelle showed no signs of disappointment on her face. She genuinely didn''t seem bothered by his refusal. "Sweet dreams," Bochang waved, feeling his heart bleed internally. He had squandered a chance to share a bed with Stelle. Although sleeping together wouldn''t allow for any intimate actions¡ªand might even cause him insomnia¡ªit was still a pleasure just to lie beside such a beautiful girl. Watching Stelle return to her room, Bochang sighed inwardly. "Silver Wolf, ah, Silver Wolf... How long are you going to keep spying?" With that thought, Stelle casually closed her door and returned to her own bed. Meanwhile... The door of March 7th''s room suddenly opened, and she looked puzzled at Stelle and Bochang''s doors, wondering what they had been secretly discussing earlier. After a moment''s consideration, the pink-haired girl stepped out and knocked on Stelle''s door. Before even getting comfortable, the gray-haired girl turned to open it again. Initially feeling slightly uneasy, her apprehension vanished upon seeing March 7th. "March, it''s quite late. Is something wrong?" asked Stelle. "Let''s talk inside." March 7th gently pushed Stelle back into her room. Unaware of these events unfolding outside, Bochang picked up the black bear mask and carefully placed it in a cabinet drawer. With that, he lay down on his bed to rest. Bochang planned to use the power of the Sheep Talisman tonight to visit Serval''s Dreamscape. "Come to think of it... Should I inspect the room? Could there be any traps set by Silver Wolf here? However... suddenly checking without any reason might raise suspicion. After all, every time Dan Heng returns home, he essentially conducts a thorough inspection. If I do the same, it could arouse Silver Wolf''s doubts." "Moreover, if even Dan Heng couldn''t detect them, how could I... Never mind... Let''s leave it as is..." "As I ponder this, the methods employed by the Stellaron Hunters truly seem peculiar... Wait, could they have tampered with Stelle somehow? That''s why... Dan Heng wouldn''t find anything." Bochang had a sudden realization. At Jarilo VI''s Perpetual Motion Machine Shop... After Serval left the store... Pela returned discreetly, unlocked the door with her key, and entered the machine shop. Inside, she retrieved the recorder hidden within one of the instruments. Then, she quietly departed. As an intelligence officer for the Silvermane Guards, upon noticing the unusual conversation between Serval and Bochang, her instincts alerted her to its significance. Without hesitation, she had concealed a recorder nearby. Walking home, as she listened to the mention of "Stellaron" from the recording, Pela fell deep into thought. "Serval was expelled from the Architects just because he was researching Stellaron? Did Bochang and others truly dream about it? I highly doubt that." Having never heard of "Stellaron" before, Pela felt compelled to investigate further, but... considering Serval''s remarks about its high secrecy level, she hesitated. Pela wanted to delve deeper into this investigation, but... considering what Serval had mentioned¡ªthe high level of secrecy surrounding Stellaron¡ªshe felt hesitant. Even Serval, from the prestigious Landau family, was expelled from the Architects and forced to leave the Silvermane Guards for studying Stellaron. As for Pela, she certainly didn''t wish to depart from the Silvermane Guards. Throughout her life, she had tirelessly strived day and night, acquiring vast knowledge with one goal: joining the Silvermane Guards. Being dismissed due to this matter would make it unimaginably difficult for her to survive in Belobog thereafter. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After a moment of hesitation, Pela decided to wade into these murky waters nonetheless. "The suspected knowledge of the Architects'' secrets by Bochang and others poses a threat to Belobog. As an intelligence officer for the Silvermane Guards, I cannot remain idle. By intensifying surveillance on Bochang and his group, I can avoid directly handling sensitive information. If any critical situation arises, I will immediately report it to the Great Guardian." Slowly, Pela returned to her home. Meanwhile... inside the two-story villa, within Bochang''s room... He also began focusing on the task at hand. "Since prying information from Serval in reality seems challenging, let''s try guiding her through Dreamscape instead." With this thought... As Bochang lay asleep in bed, his soul had already departed his body. He first visited Stelle''s room, intending to check if there were any issues with her Dreamscape. However... However, upon entering, he found March 7th changing clothes. Meanwhile, Stelle was already lying on her bed, ready to rest. The pink-haired girl had partially undressed, revealing her slender waist and ample curves. In that moment of Bochang''s bewilderment, March 7th completely removed her top. Now, only a white lace bra covered her upper body, accentuating the subtle blush on her snow-like skin. Unaware and defenseless, March 7th placed both hands on her belt, preparing to take off her skirt. "Stop, stop!" Bochang covered his eyes with both hands but couldn''t resist peeking through the gaps between his fingers, murmuring, "It''s not like March 7th can see me anyway..." Peering cautiously, Bochang''s eyes widened as he watched. Unexpectedly, March 7th halted before continuing further. Confused, she muttered, "Why do I feel something isn''t quite right?" Her gaze scanned the room back and forth. Chapter 53 - 52: Serval’s Dreamscape Chapter 53 - 52: Serval''s DreamscapePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Startled, Bochang, already feeling guilty like a thief caught red-handed, hastily made his escape. "What just happened...? Even my soul projection was detected? March 7th... truly stands out." Taking deep breaths to compose himself, Bochang pondered, "But... why would March 7th be in Stelle''s room? Did she invite him?" Unable to figure it out, the black-haired youth decided not to waste time on speculation. Following the information from his Removal memories, he headed towards Serval''s residence. Based on conversations with passersby earlier that day, Bochang knew Serval lived close to the machine shop¡ªthis proximity explained why she could open up so early each morning. In his soul form, movement felt entirely different compared to using his physical body. With a slight push, Bochang effortlessly glided over vast distances. A trip that usually took nearly an hour now only consumed about ten minutes. With each gentle movement, Bochang could glide over considerable distances. A journey that would normally take dozens of minutes... Bochang completed it in just ten minutes or so. After searching along the street for about fifteen minutes, Bochang finally found Serval... and at this moment, she was already asleep. The blonde big sister lay on her back, wearing pink pajamas adorned with small bears. Casually scratching her chest without any regard for decorum, she inadvertently lifted the blanket slightly, causing her ample bosom to sway gently¡ªa truly captivating sight. Bochang couldn''t help but notice her curvaceous figure, instinctively comparing it to March 7th''s. Indeed... the pink-haired girl seemed somewhat lacking in comparison. "Don''t get distracted... It''s more important to quickly ask where Stellaron is." Upon spotting the glowing dot representing Serval''s Dreamscape, Bochang dove right in. Within Serval''s Dreamscape... she was performing an outdoor rock concert to a massive sea of spectators. "This is one of the songs we rehearsed earlier... Even in her dreams, Serval can''t stop playing gigs..." Standing amidst the audience, Bochang shook his head privately as he scanned the stage, noticing only three figures present: Serval, Pela, and Lynx. At Bochang''s position, the bass guitar seemed to play itself. "Wow, impressive." Witnessing this scene, Bochang couldn''t help but feel speechless. After observing for a moment from below, he decided to alter the Dreamscape. If Serval continued performing indefinitely, Bochang would have no chance to gather information. So without further ado... Without hesitation, Bochang bypassed the audience, climbed onto the stage, picked up a bass guitar, and began playing alongside Serval and the band. Initially, the blonde big sister didn''t notice his presence. But soon... Serval spotted Bochang, her eyes flickering with slight surprise. Despite this, the performance continued uninterrupted. After finishing the song, Bochang straightforwardly asked, "Serval, where is Stellaron?" "Why do you want to know, Bochang? Considering you''re part of the band, I won''t pursue it further, but... please don''t ask about Stellaron''s whereabouts again." Serval''s gaze turned serious. Bochang hadn''t anticipated... even within Dreamscape, Serval would firmly refuse. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Be straightforward and concise: "Once I find and eliminate Stellaron, the rift disaster in Belobog will cease spreading. Therefore... I need to know Stellaron''s location. Serval, please trust me." - Completion Reward: 100% increase in Agility.] [Option 2: Since it''s just a dream, anything can be said, sigh... Just playing around: "Serval, tell me Stellaron''s location, or else believe me when I say you''ll face consequences beyond your imagination." - Completion Reward: Serval''s Big Booty Slap.] [Option 3: Attempt to guide Serval; it might not be a bad choice: "I''m your husband, after all! Serval, aren''t you willing to share even such a small piece of information with me?" - Completion Reward: Serval''s Big Booty Slap.] The sudden appearance of three options plunged Bochang into a brief moment of contemplation. Although he was tempted by the latter two choices, it was clear that his only viable option was the first one. "Can''t even have freedom in dreams? This is too challenging." "Well then, Option One it is." The frozen Dreamscape once again became dynamic. Bochang took a deep breath and said, (If I can locate and eliminate Stellaron, the rift disaster in Belobog will cease spreading. Therefore...I need to know Stellaron''s whereabouts, Serval, please trust me.) [Reward being granted - Congratulations! Your agility has been increased by 100%.] (This...is what you''re truly saying?) Serval''s eyes widened slightly. She had previously researched Stellaron and deduced its connection to the rift phenomenon. However, before she could prove that Stellaron was the origin of the rift, she was expelled from the Architects. Due to this, when Serval sensed Bochang and his companions probing for information about Stellaron, her curiosity was immediately piqued. The blonde big sister was highly sensitive to anything related to Stellaron; not only was it her research focus but also a turning point in her destiny. (Of course it''s true, Serval. I''m not deceiving you.) Bochang spoke with unwavering seriousness. Bochang''s expression remained grave. Serval''s breathing grew heavier as she looked into his resolute eyes, combining this with her own research findings. In her dream...she finally believed them. "So it''s true, Stellaron is the root cause of all these calamities... I was right, I was right!" The stage around them began to crumble, and one by one, the audience members vanished, including Pela and Lynx, who could not escape the dissolution. Eventually, Bochang and Serval found themselves in a pitch-black world. Except for a faint glow emanating from their immediate vicinity, everything else was enveloped in utter darkness. Gazing into the abyss ahead, Serval shouted: "Cocolia! Stellaron is the source of all disasters - did you already know this long ago, which is why you expelled me from the Architects?" As the blonde-haired woman spoke, another golden-haired figure suddenly appeared before them - it was Cocolia! "Yes...indeed, I knew," replied the Great Guardian, seated on her chair, looking down upon them condescendingly. "But so what? Serval, this matter does not concern you." She continued loftily, "Stellaron is forbidden knowledge; knowing that should be enough for you." An intense argument unfolded within Serval''s Dreamscape. And from that same Dreamscape... Bochang quietly learned the coordinates of Stellaron. At the time... After parting on bad terms with Cocolia in her dream, Serval invited Bochang to destroy Stellaron and resolve Belobog''s crisis. Nonchalantly, he asked¡ª("Where is Stellaron located?") Serval replied: ("Stellaron lies north of Belobog, somewhere amidst the snowfields.") Though she had never seen it with her own eyes, during previous experiments, Serval used simulations and dispatched surveys to roughly pinpoint its location. In this Dreamscape, she decided it was time to be a hero. And she would take Bochang along for the ride. The black-haired youth now possessed the information he sought. Logically speaking, he could leave at any moment. However... Bochang chose to indulge Serval''s madness one last time. As a result, they gathered their bandmates, traversed mountains and valleys, defeated countless monsters, located Stellaron amidst the vast snowfield, and destroyed it. Thus, Serval, Pela, Lynx, and Bochang became heroes who saved Belobog. The citizens welcomed them wholeheartedly... Chapter 54 - 53: The Vanished Bassist Chapter 54 - 53: The Vanished BassistPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In Dreamscape, Serval and Cocolia reconciled, becoming friends once more. Even Gepard, with his single-mindedness, came to understand his sister. The dream reached its blissful conclusion. Watching Serval perform another rock concert before countless spectators, Bochang quietly exited the stage, leaving behind only his bass guitar. ("Bochang... Where''s Bochang?") In the dream, Serval frantically searched for her bassist companion who had helped save the world. Strangely, no matter how hard she looked, even searching through all of Belobog, she couldn''t find him again. The vanished bassist became an obsession within the dream. Similar to Stelle last night, the blonde big sister wildly grasped at everything around her. Bochang, in soul form, observed silently. As a disembodied spirit, he was unable to communicate physically or verbally with anyone outside Dreamscape. "But...I can use the Invisible Hand." While rushing over, Bochang had already realized that in his soul form, using the Invisible Hand was entirely possible. However, he couldn''t harness the Dragon Talisman''s power. In this soul state, Bochang could only sense its energy, but attempting to utilize it felt incomplete, as if something was missing. With a single thought, Bochang summoned the Invisible Hand and gently placed the large black-purple palm on Serval''s forehead, intending to soothe her. Unexpectedly, it had the opposite effect. "Bochang!" Startled awake from her dream, Serval bolted upright, causing the black-haired youth to hastily withdraw the Invisible Hand. Droplets of sweat beaded on her forehead, and she panted heavily. Disbelievingly, Serval stared at her own hands. "What...what just happened?" The scenes from her dream began to resurface slowly. Memories of Stellaron being portrayed as a calamity, their journey through countless trials, defeating numerous monsters, and ultimately destroying Stellaron unfolded in her mind. The notion of Bochang disappearing and searching the world for a bassist... This Dreamscape was utterly absurd and surreal, almost like a children''s fairy tale. Serval''s breathing gradually calmed down as she said, "Strange... How could I have such a dream? It''s truly bizarre. Was it just because we mentioned Stellaron today?" The blonde woman pressed her hand against her chest, her beautiful golden hair cascading like a waterfall. Serval''s delicate features furrowed, exuding a natural weariness that was quite captivating, reminiscent of Xi Shi clutching her heart in pain... Following her gaze downward, one could see her flat abdomen with the exposed navel due to Serval''s pink teddy bear pajamas being only partially buttoned up, leaving the bottom completely open. As a result, a large expanse of snow-white skin was revealed. Perhaps owing to regular exercise, hints of abs were visible on Serval''s toned stomach. This partial exposure was far more enticing than March 7th stripping off all at once. Bochang felt his physical body''s blanket shift slightly. As the black-haired youth possessing the power of the Sheep Talisman, capable of astral projection, he could still sense the state of his own body. In fact... with just a thought, he could return to it instantly. This ability was remarkably convenient and swift, far more comfortable than depicted in anime. To let his racing heart calm down, Bochang decided not to linger any longer. "I can''t stay here; I''m genuinely afraid of losing control. Time to leave, maybe we''ll meet again by fate." With a blink of his eyes, Bochang transformed into a streak of light and swiftly flew back towards his physical body. Naturally, this scene was invisible to ordinary people. Upon returning home, Bochang realized it was already 2 AM. "Spent quite some time today, feeling a bit drained... Better get some sleep first, tomorrow''s tasks can wait till morning... Now that I know Stellaron''s location, we can make a direct move on it. "Afterward, we need to find a way to establish a connection to the Upper Underworld..." The Trailblazer squad''s primary mission was to locate and eliminate Stellaron, thereby reopening the connection to the Upper Underworld. Rescuing the trapped souls became a temporary side quest they had undertaken on the spur of the moment. Just as Bochang was about to drift off to sleep, something suddenly struck his mind. "Oh right... almost forgot about checking on Stelle. Let me see if she has been affected by Stellaron." He once again invoked the power of the Sheep Talisman. Bochang''s soul left his body and headed towards Stelle''s room. Earlier, the timing wasn''t right. Stelle hadn''t gone to bed yet, and March 7th was also nearby, causing distractions. Now, however... Both of them would surely be asleep. Bochang''s ethereal form didn''t need to open the door; he effortlessly phased through two walls into Stelle''s room. As expected, Stelle and March 7th were sleeping together tonight. The pink-haired girl''s sleeping posture was slightly unrefined. Ignoring this, Bochang dove straight into Stelle''s Dreamscape for another inspection. At that moment, the gray-haired girl appeared unaffected by Stellaron''s influence; her Dreamscape was peaceful and serene. Thus... Bochang didn''t linger any longer. He turned and left, departing without a trace. The night passed swiftly. As dawn broke on the next day, Bochang woke up promptly. Just as he opened his room door, Stelle''s door also swung open simultaneously. Bochang greeted her warmly. "Good morning, Stelle. How did you sleep last night? You look refreshed¡ªno nightmares, I presume?" Stelle nodded. "It was quite good, indeed. No strange dreams at all." While they conversed... March 7th, clad in gray pajamas, yawned as she emerged from the doorway. She remarked, "You both wake up so early! Bochang, why did you set such an early alarm for Stelle''s phone too...I haven''t even had enough sleep..." "You can go back to sleep for a bit longer; it''s no problem," Bochang replied. Then, with a hand on his chin and leaning slightly forward, he looked puzzled. "However... March, why are you coming out of Stelle''s room? Don''t you have your own room?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I heard that Stelle wanted someone to sleep with her..." March 7th spread her hands wide. "Since a certain someone refused her, then... March had to step up!" "I''ve heard about it too, didn''t you both sleep together the other night? Stelle even said sleeping with you is very comfortable..." March 7th chattered incessantly. Dan Heng emerged from his room, expression calm as he asked, "Stelle, Bochang, have you considered doing DNA testing?" "We didn''t do anything that night, honestly." Bochang repeatedly waved his hands in denial. With one hand on her hip, March 7th pointed at Bochang and exclaimed, "I know you guys didn''t do anything. If you really had... I might just give you a resounding slap." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: March 7th''s finger-pointing greatly displeases you. Show your assertiveness by saying, "March, what Stelle and I do is none of your business." - Completion Reward: Tears from March 7th. Note: Beware of being scolded by Himeko.] [Option 2: March 7th seems rather upset, and asserting dominance may not be the best choice. Instead, respond with, "March, it''s not that serious..." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] Chapter 55 - 54: Embarking on an Adventure Chapter 55 - 54: Embarking on an AdventurePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang hadn''t anticipated that Stelle would reveal everything to March 7th. If he had known earlier, he should have given her a heads-up, perhaps saying something like, "What happened today is our secret; don''t tell anyone." Something along those lines. He thought to himself, "This seems a bit awkward now. Well, no use dwelling on it since it''s already happened. Better focus on how to face March 7th." "Judging by these options, if I get slightly harsh with her, she might actually start crying..." "In that case, I can only choose the second one." Having made his decision, Bochang said, "March, isn''t that a bit of an overreaction...?" [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! You''ve earned a pack of ultra-fashionable sanitary pads. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly accessed for use.] "Huh?" Bochang was taken aback. Honestly, this was the first time he''d received such an item that seemed practically useless to him. If he were female, he could potentially use the sanitary pad. But Bochang is male, come on! For now, the ultra-fashionable sanitary pad would likely gather dust in the system space. Fortunately, the system space appeared virtually limitless, so there was no need to worry about running out of storage capacity later. This ultra-modern sanitary pad would likely just gather dust in the system space for now. Fortunately, the system space seemed practically infinite, so there was no need to worry about running out of storage capacity in the future. "Not exaggerating at all!" March 7th huffed, turning her head away deliberately and puffing her cheeks indignantly... yet she still looked quite charming. "From now on, I''ll keep a closer eye on Stelle." "March, they might have already been in a romantic relationship. By intervening like this, aren''t you perhaps..." Dan Heng shrugged, his face expressionless but sensing something amiss. March 7th''s attitude appeared slightly off, possibly since the incident with the Doomsday Beast... ''Is it because Bochang helped March twice?'' Dan Heng wasn''t quite sure; he had never been particularly attuned to matters of emotion. Cheeks slightly flushed, March 7th protested, "How am I interfering? Besides, they could even be related by blood... We''re doing this for their own good." "What are you guys talking about?" Stelle tilted her head slightly. While she understood every word they said individually, comprehending their combined context proved difficult. What exactly did they not do that night with Bochang? And how was it related to blood relations? "Star, you truly don''t understand? How innocent..." March 7th placed hands on her hips, "Well then, we definitely need to intervene even more." Dan Heng had no desire to explain further. He merely glanced at Bochang and said, "In any case... if you have the time, I think getting a DNA test would be advisable. As far as I know, Belobog has facilities capable of conducting such tests." Do Bochang and Stelle share any blood relation? There certainly could not be one. After all, Bochang was entirely a transmigrator, having crossed over physically. How could he possibly share blood ties with Stelle? Although clear in his mind, Bochang found himself unable to provide an explanation. Instead, he simply agreed, "Let''s wait until we''ve dealt with the situation involving Stellaron." "Until then, I will protect Star." March 7th spread her arms like a protective hen, creating a barrier between them. Bochang rested his forehead on one hand and said, "Even if you don''t protect her, it''s completely fine. I know my limits; rest assured." It was no joke. To harm Stelle, Bochang would first have to overcome the Stellaron Hunters'' intervention. The Silver Wolf was keeping a close watch now. Stelle felt utterly ignored... The sensation wasn''t pleasant at all, and she couldn''t help but mimic March 7th, puffing out her snowy cheeks. Noticing this, Bochang remarked, "Perhaps we should discuss some serious matters instead?" "Serious matters?" Dan Heng pondered for a moment. "Didn''t we cover everything necessary last night? What else is there to discuss?" The information regarding Stellaron''s location. Bochang momentarily struggled with how to respond. "I''ve already obtained the desired intelligence. Shouldn''t I avoid wasting more time? No... I can''t afford any further delays." After a brief pause, Bochang nodded and said, "I now know Stellaron''s location." "What? How do you know that?" March 7th let out a startled exclamation. Dan Heng furrowed his brows, somewhat perplexed by the situation. Bochang rubbed his chin and said, "As for how I found out, you don''t need to worry about that... Just understand that last night, I discovered Stellaron''s location." "Huh? That mysterious, huh?" March 7th spread her hands helplessly. "We''re pretty curious now." "Well, what if I told you... I dreamt of it?" Bochang casually replied. He definitely wouldn''t reveal anything about the Sheep Talisman''s power, at least not yet. Otherwise... Stelle would undoubtedly connect it to their sleep-induced Dreamscapes from two days ago. And March 7th might also recall the peculiar sensation she experienced last night. The pink-haired girl frowned slightly. "Dreamt of it... That doesn''t really count as intelligence, does it?" Bochang solemnly stated, "I can assure you it''s true." "If you suggested a resonance between the Stellaron fragments, I might have believed it, but... The Stellaron fragment is clearly with Stelle," Dan Heng shook his head. Both March 7th and Stelle directed their puzzled gazes towards Bochang. In reality... After learning about this from the dream, Bochang had considered revealing it, but then remembered that even in dreams, he appeared unchanged. His identity would undoubtedly be exposed. At that point, mentioning the Stellaron''s location to Stelle would seem even more suspicious... It was better to disclose it himself directly. As Bochang pondered how to respond, Dan Heng continued, "This may involve your secrets; never mind, let''s forget I mentioned it. You can confirm it for yourself." "In any case... now that we know Stellaron''s location, there''s no need to continue pretending. We can head directly north from Belobog. After all, our primary goal is Stellaron itself. The matter of opening the channel to the Upper Underworld can wait until after our return." "Everyone, prepare your gear. We''ll set off right after breakfast." Dan Heng''s gaze swept over the three others. March 7th raised both hands excitedly and cheered, "Yay! Finally, we can escape this boring job and resume our adventures." Before Bochang could decide how to respond, March 7th and Dan Heng had already entered their rooms to pack¡ªthough it seemed they didn''t have much to gather. Seeing this, Bochang exchanged a glance with Stelle and said, "Let''s get ready then. Stelle, soon...we will temporarily bid farewell to this place." S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stelle nodded, turned into her room, and retrieved her cherished black metallic baseball bat. Bochang turned and retrieved his black bear mask and Vow Spear. Dan Heng emerged briefly to glance at them. Regarding Bochang''s acquisition of another mask, the stoic little azure dragon showed no curiosity whatsoever. However, it was March 7th who asked, "What''s this?" "It''s an interesting gadget. When worn, it enhances physical attributes; it''s called the Black Bear Mask." Bochang''s strength had already been boosted twice by the [Dating Options] system. Currently, he possessed four times the average human strength. Nevertheless, upon donning the black bear mask, he still experienced a significant increase. It was unclear whether this was due to the mask being different from the original or... if the original black bear was simply that formidable. Bochang didn''t know and wasn''t in the mood to investigate further. Regardless, as long as the black bear mask could enhance his capabilities, that was sufficient for him. When confronting Stellaron next, this item would undoubtedly prove useful. March 7th remarked, "Intriguing. Can I take a closer look?" Chapter 56 - 55: Leaving Belobog Chapter 56 - 55: Leaving BelobogPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** As March 7th extended her hand, Bochang hesitated not and handed over the black bear mask. "Just wear it to activate its power. Would you like to try it?" March 7th responded eagerly, "With such an intriguing toy, of course I must give it a go..." With that, the pink-haired girl placed the black bear mask on her face, feeling a surge of new energy flow into her body... Deep within, she experienced a burst of untamed wildness, an uncontrollable urge to unleash it. March 7th wearing the black bear mask looked somewhat peculiar. This was because... Her pink hair clashed completely with the black bear mask, even appearing slightly comical. Among those present, only Bochang and Dan Heng seemed more suited for this mask. With their dark hair and masculine features, they were better matched for the wild nature of the mask. After trying out some punches and kicks, March 7th removed the mask and remarked, "It''s indeed impressive... When wearing it, I felt a significant boost to my strength." Bochang reclaimed the mask. Pleased by the unconditional trust from Dan Heng, March 7th, and others, he generously offered, "Do you like it, March? If so, I can give this to you." "Although the mask enhances one''s abilities, when I put it on... I felt quite uncomfortable..." The pink-haired girl smiled. "Looks like it''s not suitable for me. You should keep it instead." "Would you like to try it, Dan Heng?" Before Bochang could finish, Dan Heng interrupted, "No need, I''m not interested in such Curios. Hmm... Herta might appreciate it greatly. If you don''t want it, perhaps let Herta appraise its value." Dan Heng shook his head, declining the offer. He was aware that the mask could enhance one''s power. However... It wasn''t a strength he owned inherently. Dan Heng had no interest in such external boosts. Moreover, he sensed an indescribable aura from the mask; using it might trigger the uncontrollable force within the stoic little azure dragon. That hidden power should not be unleashed recklessly, lest it attract the attention of the man with beast-like eyes. Honestly... Just seeing the black bear mask irked Dan Heng, partly due to a sense of unease towards it. Bochang shrugged, "Alright then, what about Stelle?" The gray-haired girl recalled how March 7th looked wearing the black bear mask and shook her head, saying, "Ugly - rejected." After Bochang prepared breakfast, everyone finished eating and set out together. They had already decided to skip work today, so... The group of four headed straight towards Belobog''s outskirts. Unlike their arrival, the city''s defenses were now several times stronger. Dan Heng remarked, "I likely raised the Architects'' suspicions, prompting them to bolster security... If we try to leave the city now, it seems certain to attract attention." Belobog once boasted an interstellar civilization. An entire shield barrier enveloped the city above, similar to Herta Space Station''s but significantly weaker in strength. When they entered before, the shield barrier was practically ineffective. With a few minor tricks, Dan Heng easily bypassed it. Now, however... The shield''s strength had greatly increased, leaving them no choice but to forcefully breach it; clever shortcuts would no longer suffice. Unless they had the assistance of an exceptionally skilled hacker. "If Silver Wolf were willing to help..." Bochang shook his head internally, "She''s probably munching on sunflower seeds and enjoying the show..." The black-haired youth held no expectations whatsoever from Silver Wolf. The group stealthily approached the city wall. First, they knocked out one of the Silvermane Guards stationed there. Dan Heng then inspected briefly before pointing at a spot and saying, "This is a weak point in the shield barrier. Who wants to take it?" "Me, me, me!" March 7th quickly volunteered. Having not contributed much along the way, she was eager to prove herself now. She wanted to demonstrate that during this Trailblazer journey, she could indeed handle important tasks. Seeing someone step forward voluntarily, Dan Heng promptly moved aside. "Come taste my prowess!" After touching the leg ring on her right thigh... March 7th leaped into the air, drew her bow mid-flight, and released a robust arrow shimmering between pink and blue hues. The arrow pierced through Belobog''s shield barrier, causing a large section of it to collapse. Fortunately, no enemies were lurking nearby; otherwise, this would have been their ideal point of entry. Bochang and others watched as March 7th''s attack struck the snowy ground, creating a massive crater amidst flying snowflakes that revealed the black frozen earth beneath. Previously at the Herta Space Station, due to the exceptionally sturdy construction materials, March 7th''s attacks had not produced such dramatic effects. Now, on an ordinary planet, the visual impact was instantly evident. "If I use the Dragon Talisman for a blast now, would it also be..." Bochang mused, caught up in his thoughts. Suddenly, Dan Heng exclaimed, "Quick, let''s move!" Without hesitation... Dan Heng took the lead, swiftly darting through the breach in the shield barrier and sliding down the city wall using the newly laid rope. Stelle, March 7th, and Bochang followed suit. The group swiftly headed towards the northern part of the city. At the moment the pink-haired girl breached the shield barrier, the Great Guardian of Qlipoth Fort received the alert and muttered, "It seems... the pests have emerged. Eliminate them... these pests must be eradicated!" It was already past 9 a.m. In the machine shop, Serval sat alone, her mind preoccupied as she stared at the door. Last night''s Dreamscape had left her shaken and unable to recover fully. She couldn''t understand why she dreamed about Bochang or why they were together in eliminating Stellaron. How should she put it? Regardless, Serval felt deeply unsettled. She had been anxiously waiting for Stelle and Bochang to arrive, suddenly realizing there were many things she wanted to say to that black-haired youth. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, even after waiting till past nine o''clock, neither assistant showed up for work. This left her with mixed emotions and a sense of unease. For a moment, she didn''t know what to do. In truth, her mixed feelings were not unique; others were experiencing similar emotions as well, such as Pela and Sampo... Just after waking up and finishing breakfast, Pela, as an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, received orders from Gepard to mobilize the guards for a search operation outside Belobog''s city limits. The reason was straightforward¡ªsomeone had breached the shield barrier on Belobog''s eastern side and left the city. The Great Protector wanted them captured immediately. Additionally, Gepard asked if there had been any suspicious individuals recently inquiring about Stellaron within the city. There were naturally some odd characters around, but regarding Bochang and his group... In her view, since they were officially working at the machine shop, they couldn''t be considered suspicious. However, the mention of "Stellaron" instantly heightened the perceived significance of Bochang, Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng. Pela honestly recounted the events from the previous night, prompting Gepard to instruct her immediately to verify whether those individuals were still performing their jobs normally. Observing the sudden chaos engulfing Belobog, Sampo lamented weakly, "The situation has completely spiraled out of control..." Chapter 57 - 56: The Rift Chapter 57 - 56: The RiftPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Trailblazer squad journeyed steadily northward. Since Serval did not know Stellaron''s exact location, they had to search methodically along the way. As they progressed, March 7th remarked, "No wonder you didn''t want to cooperate with Sampo, Bochang. Seems like you already had leads all this time. Keeping it hidden from us, huh?" "It was just a coincidence, um... I happened to dream about it." Bochang had no intention of revealing the Sheep Talisman''s abilities, thinking, Anyway, even if I don''t disclose it, neither Dan Heng nor March 7th will press further. Just as that thought crossed his mind... March 7th countered, "And you claim you dreamed about it? Seriously, can''t you be a bit more straightforward... Do you think any of us would believe it was just a dream?" Stelle raised her hand and said, "I believe him." March 7th fell silent, taken aback. "...," Dan Heng remained silent. Bochang fell quiet for a moment. To be honest, claiming it was from a dream... wasn''t entirely deceptive, as he had indeed obtained the information about Serval through his Dreamscape encounter. The pink-haired girl watched Bochang and Stelle, speechless. Noticing the tension, Dan Heng broke the silence, saying, "March, don''t pry into the secrets of the Astral Express crew members... If Bochang doesn''t wish to disclose more, this explanation is sufficient." [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Say nothing, tacitly accepting the current narrative¡ªCompletion Reward: A Salted Fish, exceptionally delicious whether cooked or eaten dry.] [Option 2: Tell the truth: "Actually, I used my ability to infiltrate Serval''s Dreamscape and learned the location of Stellaron from her."¡ªCompletion Reward: Being captured by the Silver Wolf.] [Option 3: Stick to your stance: "I genuinely saw it in a dream." ¡ª Completion Reward: Duck Head... reportedly tastes quite good.] These rewards weren''t just disappointing; they were utterly abysmal. Bochang couldn''t even bring himself to consider them seriously. Both options revolved around food... "Seems like this is the third appearance of salted fish. They say ''three strikes and you''re out,'' so today I''m taking you down!" "Option one." Without uttering a word, Bochang simply followed quietly alongside everyone on their journey. The black-haired youth, now wearing the black bear mask, had significantly increased his strength. He could easily keep pace with the group, even slightly surpassing their speed at times. Bochang''s silence somewhat disappointed March 7th. Neither Dan Heng nor Stelle showed any change in expression; they seemed unconcerned about how he knew Stellaron''s location. ["Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received Salted Fish. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly accessed for use."] The group of four advanced silently. Soon, they encountered the rift. To the north of Belobog, the rift had completely engulfed the area, teeming with countless rift creatures. The Silvermane Guards were engaged in combat against these monsters to protect Belobog. Bochang and his companions couldn''t bypass the rift itself but could circumvent the frontline Silvermane Guards. Since they had already left the city, as long as they weren''t in a rush, they could take a detour to avoid the areas where the Silvermane Guards were stationed. Pausing at the edge of the rift, Dan Heng looked back towards the city. Groups of Silvermane Guards, previously patrolling within the city, began emerging en masse. "Do the Architects intend to use the Silvermane Guards to capture us?" March 7th wondered aloud. Confused, March 7th asked Dan Heng, "It seems clear that they intend to capture us, but... their response is too slow. Once we enter the rift, there''s no chance they can catch up." As Bochang and his group crossed into the rift, Serval remained stunned in the machine shop. Moments ago, Pela had contacted her about Bochang and the others'' situation. She couldn''t believe it was true and hadn''t anticipated that last night''s rehearsal with Bochang would be their final one. Those guys... They actually broke through Belobog''s shield barrier and headed towards Stellaron. The Great Guardian claimed they were attempting to steal Stellaron. Although not yet confirmed if Bochang and his companions were the culprits, still... Pela was nearly certain they were guilty; their disappearance coincided far too suspiciously. To suggest they weren''t responsible for breaching the barrier seemed utterly unbelievable. "Dammit... They clearly promised to return on time for..." Serval abruptly stopped, realizing then that when Bochang left yesterday, he hadn''t given her a definitive assurance. Instead, he just gave her a deep look. In retrospect, that gaze held profound meaning. Serval abruptly stopped banging on the table, realizing... when Bochang left last night, he hadn''t given her a definitive response. Instead, he had merely looked deeply into her eyes. Reflecting back on it now, that gaze seemed to hold infinite meaning. "Did he know yesterday that he wouldn''t return to work today?" "The vanished bassist... Was my dream last night also a premonition of today''s events?" A flood of doubts surged through Serval''s mind. Rubbing her temples in frustration, she could sense that something significant was unfolding in Belobog, yet at that moment, she wasn''t sure what action to take. The scenes from her dream began to resurface bit by bit. Serval found it difficult to describe this feeling; never before had she remembered a dream so vividly. The story of the band overcoming obstacles and destroying Stellaron felt as if she had lived it herself. In reality, the battle against Stellaron was indeed ongoing. However... S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The protagonists were not the four band members, nor was it Serval herself. Instead, they were Bochang, Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng. "Darn it!" Serval abruptly stood up, leaning her hands on the table. "Regardless of what''s happening now... as long as I find Stellaron, everything will be revealed!" "Belobog is already in chaos, and my involvement won''t make much difference. Stellaron... I must see Stellaron! The secret that has haunted me for years, I am determined to unravel it!" Recalling the dream, she knew Stellaron was the source of all calamities. Serval felt increasingly unable to control herself. Having made her decision, the blonde big sister swiftly began packing her belongings. She prepared to cross the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone and enter the rift, seeking out Stellaron. Going alone would clearly not suffice. Thus, Serval decided to join forces with Pela and others. Since Cocolia was mobilizing the Silvermane Guards to search for Bochang and his group, Serval saw an opportunity amidst the chaos¡ªit wouldn''t raise any suspicions. Meanwhile... Bochang and his group traversed through the rift. The area was teeming with monsters; they encountered several every hundred meters or so. Fortunately, their combat prowess was exceptional. Ordinary rift creatures posed little threat to them. Bochang would unleash a Dragon Blast from afar, instantly pulverizing enemies into dust. Dan Heng and the others barely had a chance to engage. March 7th pouted discontentedly, "Bochang, next time we encounter monsters, please don''t jump in... It makes us feel like mere spectators watching your show. Even though your Explosions are impressive, you shouldn''t steal all the spotlight." "Alright, alright, I won''t hog the kills then." Bochang shrugged. After having his physique enhanced three times, using the Dragon Talisman against small fry felt effortless. He hardly experienced any stamina drain unless he unleashed too many blasts within a short span, causing slight fatigue. "How powerful could my full-strength attack be now?" Bochang pondered as they continued their journey. Chapter 58 - 57: Ice Out of Space Chapter 58 - 57: Ice Out of SpacePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** Originally, they should have been progressing through the snowfield outside the city. However, upon entering the rift, they instantly found themselves within the urban area. The architecture here mirrored Belobog''s style perfectly, with towering buildings and solid stone walls all around. Since the rift had consumed part of Belobog, these structures emerged... one could call it a projection or perhaps an inner world. Notably, compared to the actual Belobog district, the buildings here were even more robust and harder to damage. After Bochang ceased his initial onslaught, the task of clearing monsters was handed over to Stelle, March 7th, and Dan Heng. As they dispatched enemies, the team continued advancing northward. With a momentary lull, Bochang held the Vow Spear, scanning their surroundings. Outside the city differed from inside; the temperature was significantly colder. However, for Bochang, whose physique far exceeded that of ordinary individuals and possessed the magic power of both Dragon and Sheep Talismans, this cold posed no real challenge. Similarly, Stelle, Dan Heng, and March 7th were unaffected as well. Snowflakes drifted relentlessly. After an indeterminate amount of time, the Trailblazer squad encountered a slightly more formidable monster. Composed entirely of dark ice crystals, its name was¡ªIce Out of Space. This peculiar life form had grown within the rift, parasitically feeding off the foundational structures of the world''s energy. Previously, at the Herta space station, a relative of this creature¡ªthe Blaze Out of Space¡ªhad appeared. At that time, it was Himeko and others who undertook its defeat, with no involvement from Bochang or Stelle. Ice Out of Space is an Elite Enemy, notoriously challenging to deal with. Additionally, it was accompanied by over a dozen frost crystal constructs orbiting around like satellites, clearly indicating they were not to be trifled with. However, to continue their journey, the team had to eliminate these enemies before them. March 7th drew her blue longbow and said, "Let''s end this swiftly, Bochang. Now you can join the fray." Facing a stronger adversary, she generously released Bochang''s attack lock. Generously, the pink-haired girl released her attack lock on the black-haired youth. "Well, I appreciate that," Bochang rolled his eyes before raising his hand and shouting, "Take this blast!" The power of the Dragon Talisman gathered in his palm and swiftly shot out... A pillar of red flames emitted an alarming wave of heat. Immediately sensing the peculiar incoming assault through the air, Ice Out of Space reacted without hesitation, quickly darting aside to evade. Capitalizing on the element of surprise, Bochang''s Dragon Blast struck Ice Out of Space squarely on its right shoulder, causing a massive explosion. Shards of ice flew everywhere, disorienting the surrounding frost crystal constructs as they hastily scattered. With just one encounter, Bochang had effectively disabled one of its arms. "Tsk... Thought I could take it down instantly, but didn''t expect it to dodge." Bochang muttered under his breath. His initial aim was for the chest; if he had hit, even if not a direct kill, it would have severely impaired its mobility. Despite launching a sneak attack, Ice Out of Space managed to evade, resulting in only an arm injury. Considering the distance between Bochang and their enemy, along with the fact that Ice Out of Space was not one of the ordinary minions, it made sense for his attack to be evaded. The black-haired youth''s strike was merely the opening salvo. Following suit, March 7th drew her bow and fired arrows aimed at the surrounding enemies - the frost crystal constructs. These creatures were crystalline entities wandering within the rift, possessing only rudimentary intelligence. Their entire bodies consisted of blue crystals, resembling bird-like forms to some extent. With several well-placed shots, March 7th mercilessly pierced through three frost crystal constructs, bringing them down instantly. It was challenging for such basic foes to evade her attacks. "Triple kill, nice!" The pink-haired girl grinned, continuing to draw her bow and target other frost crystal constructs. As close combat specialists, Dan Heng and Stelle naturally charged forward with their weapons drawn. Their primary objective was Ice Out of Space itself. Before leaving, Dan Heng had instructed them, "Leave the minor enemies to you." Everyone was still flesh and blood. Even if these minor foes'' attacks connected with Dan Heng''s group, they would sustain injuries. Therefore, it was impossible to simply ignore the lesser threats. Bochang and March 7th focused on clearing the frost crystal constructs, ensuring they wouldn''t interfere with Dan Heng and Stelle''s battle against Ice Out of Space. The gray-haired girl declared, "Rules are meant to be broken." In that instant, the tip of her black metallic baseball bat lit up, enveloped by a surge of electric sparks. But that wasn''t all. Before striking, Stelle twirled the bat gracefully, embodying coolness to its fullest extent. With a swift swing, the bat connected with Ice Out of Space, causing it to stumble backward and shattering its outer shell. Dan Heng coordinated his attack with Stelle''s. He unleashed a relentless barrage of shots at Ice Out of Space. Each shot punctured another hole in its structure. However... Ice Out of Space displayed remarkable resilience. Despite sustaining such intense attacks, it did not easily succumb and continued to fight on. March 7th''s arrows and Bochang''s Dragon Blasts wreaked havoc in the air. Any frost crystal construct daring to approach Dan Heng or Stelle was swiftly eliminated. Just as Stelle finished her attack, a frost crystal creature attempted a sneak assault, but before reaching halfway, it fell victim to Bochang''s precisely guided Dragon Blast. In this relentless onslaught, the dozen remaining frost crystal constructs were quickly annihilated without causing any significant challenge. All that remained was Ice Out of Space. Despite being a powerful elite monster, even for them, it wasn''t overwhelmingly formidable. After just a few rounds against Dan Heng and his team, it had sustained considerable damage. Continuing at this rate, death would be an inevitable outcome for the creature. Meanwhile... The Great Guardian of Belobog, Cocolia, led Bronya past the front lines straight towards Stellaron. Serval was taken aback upon witnessing this scene. Initially, they had planned to join the Silvermane Guards in searching for Stellaron. However, Cocolia had no intention of bringing anyone else along. Pela, Dunn, and Gepard remained stationed at the front lines, commanding the Silvermane Guards to fend off rift creatures. Once Serval arrived with Pela, it became impossible to advance further. Firstly... Gepard outright prohibited Serval from proceeding any deeper. The rift ahead posed immense danger, teeming with countless monsters. At regular intervals, these creatures launched assaults, leaving no respite for the Silvermane Guards. Fortunately, when Cocolia dispatched the Silvermane Guards to search for Bochang and others in Belobog''s snowfields, they inadvertently drew some rift creatures away. As a result... The pressure on the front lines was slightly less intense than usual. This outcome could also be attributed to the efforts of Bochang, Cocolia, and their team as they traversed through the rift, diverting attention from many rift creatures. "What should I do...? There''s no way I can cross the rift alone; I wouldn''t even make it past the gate guarded by Gepard." Alone, Serval clenched her fists tightly. She had a clear understanding of her younger brother''s strength¡ªshe used to hold her own against him during childhood spars. But now... Serval knew she definitely couldn''t match up to Gepard. As she pondered what to do, a male voice suddenly echoed nearby: "Serval, it seems you''re troubled..." Upon recognizing the newcomer, Serval expressed her surprise, "You... This is a restricted zone for the Silvermane Guards! Aren''t you afraid of getting caught?" Chapter 59 - 58: First Encounter with Cocolia Chapter 59 - 58: First Encounter with CocoliaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** With all its frost crystal constructs eliminated, Ice Out of Space was left to face the four enemies alone. Despite sustaining significant injuries, it showed no fear. As commonly known... Stellaron, released by Destruction Aeon Nanook across the universe, gave birth to rifts. And Ice Out of Space, conceived within these rifts, could be considered an ally of the Antimatter Legion. Both parties shared a strong desire for destruction against life and civilization. Ice Out of Space would fight relentlessly, undeterred even by death itself. Bochang and his allies had no intention of showing mercy either. As March 7th and the black-haired youth freed themselves from other battles, they focused their ranged attacks on Ice Out of Space. With their ranged attacks, they swiftly defeated Ice Out of Space. Bochang''s Dragon Blast severely wounded Ice Out of Space, and March 7th followed up with an arrow, directly killing the enemy. Naturally... Before launching their attacks, both Bochang and March 7th alerted Dan Heng and Stelle to avoid accidentally harming their teammates. In the real world, unlike games, friendly fire was always possible. Especially with Bochang''s Dragon Blast, one misstep could easily affect allies, as even he himself... "Oh no... we''ve slain another formidable monster again. Let''s take a photo for memories." March 7th picked up the camera and started taking selfies, facing away from the dead Ice Out of Space. Bochang couldn''t help but tease, "March, haven''t you had enough of these photos already...?" "Taking photos? I''ll never get tired of that." March 7th blinked, her slender eyelashes fluttering, "Bochang, come over and join for a picture too. After all, we both delivered the final blows together." On the side, Stelle thoughtfully remarked, "If my memory serves me right, March, you call this behavior ''monster stealing''." "Hehe, then let''s take it together." March 7th smiled nonchalantly. Stelle promptly shook her head; at the Herta space station, she had experienced firsthand how relentless March 7th could be with taking photos, to the point of annoyance. Bochang said, "March, let''s not waste time on more photos. Our departure from Belobog caused quite a stir, and if my guess is correct, the Architects are likely rushing towards Stellaron as well. We need to act swiftly." "You''re right, Bochang. March, don''t waste any more time; let''s set off quickly," Dan Heng agreed. Dan Heng fully agreed with Bochang''s viewpoint. March 7th pouted discontentedly but ultimately said nothing. She hastily took just a couple more photos. The Trailblazer squad continued on their journey. After walking for a short distance, March 7th suddenly remarked, "I mean... don''t you guys feel something eerie about this place? It''s like... as if being watched by countless eyes." "Do we?" Bochang scratched his head, not sensing anything unusual. Stelle nodded in agreement, though. Dan Heng stated, "My feelings align with March''s... I suspect it''s because as we get closer to Stellaron, the rift''s pollution becomes increasingly intense. This is actually good news." For the group actively searching for Stellaron, it indeed was favorable. "Let''s continue moving forward," Dan Heng said, gripping his long spear tightly and leading at the forefront alone. Following behind were Bochang, March 7th, and Stelle. After taking only a few steps, they spotted two figures ahead. "Who''s that?" March 7th whispered. "Why are they standing here?" "If I''m not mistaken, those should be Cocolia and Bronya," Dan Heng said expressionlessly. "One is the Great Guardian of Belobog, and the other is her successor as well as the commander of the Silvermane Guards..." He had familiarized himself with their backgrounds during his intelligence gathering. "However... these aren''t actually them but rather residual echoes, or more precisely..." S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "They''re replicas created by the rift from some form of Energy residue." During previous encounters with Stellaron incidents, both Dan Heng and March 7th had experienced similar phenomena. Nevertheless... March 7th still struggled to differentiate between reality and illusions. In the past, Dan Heng might have corrected her, but now he saw no point; she wouldn''t remember it anyway. It wasn''t entirely March 7th''s fault¡ªthe residual images were incredibly lifelike. Even Bochang initially mistook them for real people before Dan Heng pointed out the discrepancy. The pink-haired girl had a sudden realization. "Oh... So they''ve already been here? I didn''t expect their Speed to be faster than ours." "Considering they''re locals and know the routes much better, even if we started ahead of them, we might not be quicker," Dan Heng shrugged. "But it works out well. With them leading the way, we''ll find Stellaron more swiftly without worrying about getting lost." Their brief conversation concluded. Bochang and the others proceeded in the direction of the lingering images. Soon, they arrived next to the fading echoes of Cocolia and Bronya. The two tall figures continued murmuring something among themselves. Due to their haste, the group did not stop to listen closely. As Bochang passed by the lingering images, he couldn''t resist reaching out to touch one of the remarkably lifelike figures. There was no resistance whatsoever; his hand effortlessly passed through the phantom''s body. With just a gentle touch, Bronya''s residual image disintegrated like dandelion seeds scattering, turning into fine particles that dispersed in all directions, leaving only Cocolia''s shadow behind. Seeing this, March 7th remarked, "Bochang, these shadows have no physical substance." "Ahem... I was merely curious," Bochang cleared his throat, "Don''t read too much into it." "I''m not reading anything into it; you said it yourself." March 7th rolled her eyes dramatically. Bochang fell silent, momentarily at a loss for words. Time continued to move forward. Bochang and the group followed the fading traces left by Cocolia and Bronya, battling monsters along their journey. They encountered numerous powerful rift creatures, such as Guardian Shadows, Frigid Prowlers, and more... The Trailblazer squad dispatched them effortlessly. After nearly half an hour, they finally emerged from the rift. In the original storyline, just before exiting the rift... A residual image of Cocolia would transform into a rift creature, similar to a Guardian Shadow. Both types were monsters created by replicating biological data gathered within the rift. Since Cocolia was also a Great Guardian, it made sense for her residual image to become a Guardian Shadow, based on the same principle. However, this transformation did not occur here. It''s unclear why... Bochang hadn''t reached this point in the game, so he couldn''t identify any anomalies. March 7th sighed with relief, "Having someone lead the way is truly great. Without these lingering shadows, we might have been wandering inside for much longer... It feels so refreshing to be out now." Bochang gazed at the vast snowfield ahead, knowing there was still some distance left to cover... Fortunately, Dan Heng spotted faint footprints partially covered by wind-blown snow. These undoubtedly indicated their path forward once again. Chapter 60 - 59: Glad My Body is Tough Chapter 60 - 59: Glad My Body is ToughPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The sky was filled with swirling wind and snow. White, fluffy flakes descended like willow catkins. As they approached Stellaron, the surrounding temperature steadily dropped. The heavy snowfall completely obscured their footprints, but fortunately, only one path lay ahead, so there was no risk of getting lost. Navigating through the canyon, March 7th shivered, saying, "It''s freezing... The slight power from the Trailblazer fate path can''t withstand this cold anymore." As members of the Trailblazer squad, both March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle had received a faint portion of the Trailblazer fate path''s strength¡ªa small perk for being part of the Astral Express. Compared to the power inherent in their own fate paths, this Trailblazer influence was incredibly weak. At most, it served to adapt them slightly to harsh environments. Bochang, having not yet activated his fate path''s power, However, unable to directly harness the Trailblazer fate path''s power, they had to rely solely on their own abilities. Not only did March 7th feel the chill, but Bochang experienced it as well. Yet after circulating the Dragon Talisman''s magic power briefly within his body... he seemed to cope much better. Stelle nodded in agreement, "It is indeed quite cold." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Hold both March 7th and Stelle''s hands, saying, "Cold? Let me warm you up." - Completion Reward: Skill "Warm Guy", allowing you to generate heat, however... rumor has it that being a ''warm guy'' ranks below dogs. Are you sure you want to choose this?] [Option 2: Pat your chest and declare, "Luckily I have a robust physique, so I''m not bothered by the cold." - Completion Reward: Physique increased by 100%.] [Option 3: Assume a running stance and suggest, "Cold? How about we race then? Generating some warmth will keep us from feeling chilly." - Completion Reward: Strength increased by 100%.] Bochang had a premonition that a boss battle was imminent. From the perspective of rewards, though... Bochang definitely preferred the option of increasing his physique by one hundred percent. After all... One''s physique determined the maximum potential power they could harness from the Dragon Talisman. As for strength, Bochang had already obtained the black bear mask, which he still wore on his face, so it wasn''t something he urgently needed at the moment. The reward of enhancing his physique by one hundred percent seemed more beneficial. As for the skill "Warm Embrace"... This option was clearly just for laughs, as even without this skill, he could still generate warmth. Thus, Bochang immediately dismissed it. ? Option Two! ? Bochang patted his chest and said, "Fortunately, I have a sturdy body, so I''m not bothered by the cold." [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations! You have received a 100% increase in your physique.] A familiar warm current surged through his body. This was the fourth time he had enhanced his physique; apart from the initial fifty percent boost, the subsequent three enhancements were all one hundred percent each. Bochang''s physique effortlessly increased from six times that of an average person to twelve times. The chill affecting him significantly diminished. March 7th remained speechless. Stelle and March 7th were momentarily at a loss for words. Dan Heng glanced around and said, "Feeling cold is quite normal; it indicates that we''re approaching Stellaron, nearing the heart of the Frostwave." Of course, March 7th understood this; she just wanted to express her astonishment. What she didn''t expect was Bochang boasting about his physique. To avoid being stared at with peculiar looks, Bochang quickly changed the subject. "Look over there, they''ve even built houses," Bochang pointed out. A cluster of dilapidated wooden cabins stood along the mountain path, many already collapsed or buried under heavy snow. As the group approached the houses, they noticed signs of past human activity. Dan Heng examined them briefly and stated, "These cabins were likely constructed by individuals Belobog sent to study Stellaron in the past. It seems they have been abandoned for a long time." As they swiftly entered the wooden cabin, countless lifelike ice sculptures came into view. Some stood erect, others lay fallen, some appeared mid-charge, while a few were kneeling on the ground. Each sculpture displayed distinct expressions, seeming almost alive. "Are these... remnants of the Antimatter Legion?" March 7th''s delicate brows furrowed slightly, a hint of fear rising on her pretty face. "Eek... they look truly terrifying." From their appearance, the pink-haired girl could clearly identify them as such. Frozen void wraiths littered the entire mountain path, evoking a chilling sensation. "It''s like insects trapped in amber," Dan Heng mused, stroking his chin. March 7th spread her hands and remarked, "The minions of the Antimatter Legion, during their invasion of this world... surely didn''t anticipate being engulfed by the Frostwave." In a sense, it was ironic that: Stellaron, from its very inception, Originally, they were part of the Antimatter Legion''s forces. Due to the Frostwave triggered by Stellaron, all members of the Antimatter Legion were annihilated. It could indeed be considered quite ironic. March 7th carefully examined the void wraith encased in ice. Recalling her own experiences, she couldn''t resist asking, "But... do you think these guys inside the ice are still alive?" Stelle pondered for a moment and said, "Let''s name it July Third." With a speechless expression, March 7th looked at the gray-haired girl. "I can''t believe you''re joking around at a time like this..." Bochang observed the intact void wraiths, feeling that their chances of survival were not insignificant... It was just that they remained frozen for now. Once thawed, quite a few void wraiths might regain their ability to move again. Bochang shook his head, "Whether they''re alive or not, it''s none of our concern." "Yes, our goal is to find the Stellaron and prevent further expansion of the rift. As for this Antimatter Legion, it''s not something we should involve ourselves with; let the Silvermane Guards handle it," Dan Heng said decisively. As passengers on the Astral Express, they were merely transient visitors in this world. Apart from matters concerning the Stellaron, the Trailblazer squad had no obligation to intervene. "I suppose the Stellaron must be up there." Dan Heng lifted his gaze towards the ruins atop the mountain peak. March 7th scrutinized closely and remarked, "That thing... doesn''t it resemble a massive hand?" "Not just resemble, it clearly looks like a hand," Bochang affirmed. Bochang affirmed this, although they hadn''t yet reached this point in the game. However... He had some knowledge about the Creation Engine from his research. It was likely that this structure is indeed the Creation Engine¡ªan ancient machine built by the Jarilo interstellar civilization to counter the Antimatter Legion. Judging by just the arm alone, the Creation Engine must be as tall as a small mountain, seemingly even larger than the Doomsday Beast. Following the staircase upward, the group casually conversed as they ascended to the peak of Everwinter Hill. At the summit, there lay a massive platform resembling an ancient altar, with diverse void wraiths scattered around like sacrificial offerings. Upon this platform, sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. they spotted Stellaron, along with Cocolia and Bronya. Just as seen in the rift vision, the two were still engaged in heated debate. Chapter 61 - 60: Fighting’s Not as Fun as Dancing Chapter 61 - 60: Fighting''s Not as Fun as DancingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Cocolia, just as I mentioned before, Stellaron merely fulfills humanity''s desires... Do not resist its voice; let us listen together and embrace our shared will!" Cocolia turned to gaze at Bronya with her eerie purple eyes. Although visually striking, they evoked an unsettling feeling. Those violet irises seemed tainted by something, radiating intense negative emotions. Clad in a white dress, black stockings, and knee-high boots, Cocolia also adorned her shoulders with green accents... adding a vibrant touch to her attire featuring blue ice crystal patterns on a white background. Both Bronya and Pela wore the uniform of the Silvermane Guards, complete with medals hanging from their chests. These medals symbolized their status as successors to the Great Guardians. Unlike Pela, Bronya''s tall stature made the military uniform particularly commanding, exuding an imposing presence even from afar. She resembled a cold, unyielding sword. This sight made Bochang inadvertently recall Serval and imagine how she would look as part of the Silvermane Guards, clad in this uniform. "Come to think of it... might it be inappropriate for us to leave without saying goodbye?" Bochang''s thoughts momentarily drifted. Dan Heng didn''t pause; he continued walking ahead. However, March 7th and Stelle stopped with the black-haired youth, scanning their surroundings before focusing on the restrained Stellaron high above them. That container was constructed by the ancient Architects to control the World Cancer. Unfortunately, its effectiveness was minimal, unable to fully hinder Stellaron''s influence. March 7th muttered, "So, Stellaron is indeed here." The pink-haired girl remained quite familiar with such entities. Noticing that everyone behind him had halted, Dan Heng hesitated briefly, unsure what they were doing. Nevertheless... The stoic little azure dragon did not stop. He pressed forward. From the fragmented information left by Ei within the rift earlier, Bochang and his companions deduced that Cocolia was attempting to indoctrinate Bronya with her own beliefs... This seemingly cold and steadfast Silvermane Guard opposed the Great Guardian''s methods, making her a potential ally they could win over¡ªa valuable source of combat strength. Therefore... Instead of launching an immediate attack, Dan Heng chose to disrupt her influence verbally. "Cease your manipulation, Cocolia. Stellaron is not as ideal as you imagine; its true goal has always been the destruction of this world..." "Nonsense!" Cocolia would not tolerate anyone questioning her path. "Stellaron promises a future without poverty, cold, or suffering¡ªa world where people no longer struggle for survival, a world we can protect forever. It is futile to resist! What do outsiders like you understand?!" Cocolia turned, glaring fiercely at Dan Heng. For several days now, Stellaron had been warning Cocolia about threats approaching this planet. From that moment, Cocolia began conducting secret investigations. She discovered evidence suggesting that information related to Stellaron at Qlipoth Fort had been tampered with. The Great Guardian then set traps, quietly waiting for the culprit to fall into her snare. Unexpectedly, before the perpetrator could be caught, Belobog''s shield barrier was shattered. Following their investigation, the Silvermane Guards headed straight towards the northern outskirts of Belobog. Although it remained unclear how these gradual threats learned of Stellaron''s location, once... realizing the pests were closing in on Stellaron, Cocolia couldn''t simply stand by. She swiftly decided to bring Bronya to where Stellaron was stored. Her reason for not involving other Silvermane Guards was straightforward: they were too slow. To prevent the pests from reaching Stellaron first, Cocolia needed unmatched speed. Bringing ordinary guards would only hinder her progress. Cocolia needed to act swiftly, and bringing ordinary Silvermane Guards would only slow her down. While there were indeed powerful individuals among them, she had to consider the possibility that some might turn against her once they learned of her plan. Therefore, it made sense for her to rely solely on Bronya''s assistance. Even if Bronya disagreed with her scheme, having just one dissenting voice wouldn''t cause significant disruption. Of course... Cocolia still hoped Bronya would stand by her side. With arms crossed, Dan Heng stated, "We may not know what promises Stellaron has made to you, but based on our understanding, it is merely a deceiver. Trusting it will only bring misfortune upon yourself." "Are these the wanted criminals?" Bronya, initially appearing somewhat uneasy, instantly grew serious upon seeing Dan Heng. Dan Heng shook his head and extended his hand. "I have no intention of engaging in conflict with you. Hand over Stellaron, and we will ensure it is properly..." Before the stoic little azure dragon could finish, Cocolia interrupted, "Outlanders, there''s no way we''ll surrender Stellaron to you." Upon hearing the term "outlanders," a peculiar expression flickered across Bronya''s eyes. She knew these individuals did not belong to Belobog. In fact, they didn''t even hail from this planet. Earlier, Cocolia had explained that the fugitive was an extraterrestrial being. Belobog possessed intelligence on such beings, but since the Antimatter Legion''s attack seven centuries ago, no extraterrestrials had visited again. After making her stance clear, Cocolia turned back to Bronya. "I''ve given you ample time, Bronya. I''ve revealed all the truths to you¡ªthe deals involving Stellaron, our shared wishes, and between us...there are now no secrets left." For many years, Cocolia had grappled with how to reveal these truths to Bronya. The appearance of Dan Heng and his group undoubtedly hastened her decision, compelling her to make a firm resolve. "Bronya, from childhood until now, I''ve never forced you to comply with my will. No matter what...you always have a choice¡ªas before, so it remains today." "Choose, daughter. Are you willing to believe me and face the new world together, or will you stop me?" A rare tenderness flickered in Cocolia''s violet eyes. The Trailblazer squad listened intently to Cocolia''s words. Regarding the proposed offensive, no one seemed hurried. Bronya turned around, took a deep breath, placed a hand over her heart, and looked at Cocolia. "Lady Cocolia... Thank you for raising me and granting me the right to choose. However... I''m sorry, Mother. This time, just this once, I cannot stand by your side." "You claim that at the core of human nature lies ignorance and cowardice, and I won''t dispute that. However, humanity also possesses its shining aspects... I cannot forget the sight of soldiers fiercely battling monsters to protect Belobog, nor can I abandon the citizens here." "Our ancestors built this city with their own hands. Even if our fate is destined for destruction, it should be determined by humans themselves... not by handing over our destiny to this seed of calamity!" Bronya gazed at the restrained Stellaron. From Cocolia''s description, the young successor of the Great Guardian knew that Stellaron was the origin of sin. Cocolia intended to use the very source of evil to end everything, but Bronya could never allow it. Bochang, along with March 7th and Stelle, approached Dan Heng''s side. It was clear that Bronya and Cocolia had reached an impasse. A confrontation was imminent. The Trailblazer squad prepared themselves for battle. "So... your choice is... I see." A hint of resignation tinged Cocolia''s voice. "Understood... Bronya." "What a pity... You won''t get to witness the beautiful new world; you couldn''t break free from the shackles of your mind... Did you know, Bronya? You could have been... the mother of the new world." A trace of sympathy flickered in Cocolia''s eyes¡ªa condescending gaze that made everyone deeply uneasy. Suddenly, the ground began to tremble violently, causing people to struggle for balance. "The fate of Belobog has been sealed, and as for you all... you shall become the foundation stones of the new world!" With a downward sweep of her hand, Cocolia seemed to sever any remaining emotional ties with Bronya¡ªor perhaps with Belobog itself. "Without shattering the old, there can be no birth of the new. As the Great Guardian, I command thee to rise." She pointed at them, gathering the power of ice within her palm. As she finished speaking, a crystalline ice spear materialized in her hand. "CREATION ENGINE!" With a flourish, the blonde newcomer pointed her sword skyward and soared amidst the howling gales, ascending straight into the clouds¡ªher garments billowing like those of an ethereal immortal. A colossal arm tore through the snow, emerging behind Cocolia... It was an immense robot, just as Bochang had envisioned, significantly larger than the Doomsday Beast. "What...what is that?!" March 7th recoiled, startled. Bronya explained, "This ancient machine belongs to the Architects! Be careful!" Pausing briefly, the successor of the Great Guardian continued: "I''m not yet sure what your true intentions are, but since you''re here for the Stellaron... we can temporarily consider ourselves allies." While Bronya didn''t fully trust Bochang and his group, S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. given the current situation, it was entirely impossible not to cooperate with them. On her own, Bronya doubted she could defeat both the Creation Engine and the Great Guardian¡ªCocolia. Even with the addition of the four members from Trailblazer Squad, she still felt their chances of victory were slim. Dan Heng reassured her, "Don''t worry, we come in peace." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Let''s blast ''em! While the Creation Engine hasn''t yet risen, unleash a powerful shot first. Capture this heroic moment by shouting, "March! Get ready for photos!" ¡ª Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans.] [Option 2: Fighting is less fun tDan Hengcing. As others engage the enemy, stand at the rear and perform a dance to boost morale, saying, "Go ahead, I''ll cheer you on from behind." ¡ª Completion Reward: Acquire Skill - BGM. Each time you dance, background music will automatically play around you.] Chapter 62 - 61: Bombarding the Creation Engine Chapter 62 - 61: Bombarding the Creation EnginePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** From her elevated position, Cocolia surveyed the crowd below. Behind her, a colossal black-golden ancient robot¡ªseemingly immense beyond measure¡ªrose majestically. If the Doomsday Beast stood nearly a hundred meters tall, then this Creation Engine surpassed that height by far. As such a massive machine moved, the ground trembled incessantly, even affecting the wind and snow, intensifying their fury significantly. However... None of this concerned Bochang. The moment "Dating Options" activated, everything around him froze. Two choices were presented before his eyes. Bochang momentarily hesitated. The BGM skill did appear quite impressive at first glance. But... Compared to the power of twelve talismans, it fell significantly short. Bochang decided on Option One. Watching as the world around him resumed its motion once again. Bochang retrieved a bottle of Jim Rogers Bread-flavored Soda from the system space, ignoring Bronya''s puzzled gaze. He opened it, took a sip, then tucked the bottle back into his coat pocket, shouting loudly, "March! Get ready to take a photo!" "Huh?" Initially taken aback, March 7th noticed Bochang raising his hands and suddenly realized what he intended to do. "Alright, Bochang, remember to aim carefully." With that, March 7th turned around, facing away from the Creation Engine, held up her camera, and struck a peace sign pose. A sweet smile graced her face. Bronya internally sighed, thinking, "These guys... aren''t they being too casual? Do they think we''re on a picnic? The situation is clearly dangerous..." Bochang raised his hands, aiming at the Creation Engine, forming a flower-like gesture with his fingers. As he slowly pushed his palms forward, flames began to gather at their centers. Reaching maximum extension, In the next moment... "Explode!" A pillar of crimson flames shot forth from between his palms. Starting as a pinpoint, it rapidly expanded to over three feet wide, completely obstructing Bochang''s view. Fortunately, he had already aimed beforehand, ensuring there was no risk of missing. Cocolia, expecting a spectacle, felt a terrifying wave of heat brush past her just seconds later. Even the edge of her billowing dress caught fire due to the intense heat emanating from the flame column. Her purple pupils contracted sharply. Cocolia shuddered with fear, realizing... if that blast had been directed at her, she would have perished moments ago. There was no escape. This attack was simply too swift to evade. "Boom!" The newly risen Creation Engine, preparing for its assault, was struck squarely in the chest by Bochang''s Dragon Blast. A torrent of flames instantly engulfed it. From the epicenter, flames spread nearly a hundred meters outward, accompanied by deafening explosions. It resembled a dazzling fireworks display. A mushroom cloud ascended, dispersing the surrounding wind and snow with its turbulent gusts. Even the perpetually overcast sky briefly cleared up, allowing sunlight to illuminate the earth below. The force of the blast pushed Bochang back a step. Fortunately, they were no longer confined within the tight quarters of the Herta Space Station. Otherwise... Both Bochang, Stelle, March 7th, and everyone else would have undoubtedly been swept away by this gale. Bronya squinted, shielding her eyes with one hand as the fierce wind made it impossible to see clearly. She could only maintain this defensive posture. Honestly, for a moment... she feared being lifted off her feet. Thankfully, Bronya''s quick reflexes saved her. Just in time, she plunged her bayonet-equipped rifle into the ground and utilized her fate path''s power to resist being blown away. Despite this, the relentless wind still stung her cheeks painfully. "What...is going on with this guy?!" Bronya was filled with astonishment. Such an attack didn''t seem remotely humanly possible. If unleashed in Belobog, it could likely obliterate half the city instantly¡ªperhaps even the entire town. As the gale subsided, Bronya finally managed to assess the situation outside. Her eyes widened, unable to locate her mother, Cocolia, in the sky. Instead, she spotted the Creation Engine with a massive hole in its chest, flickering incessantly with sparks. The ancient machine''s colossal frame appeared unable to sustain itself any longer. It swayed unsteadily before collapsing. Golden lights blinked intermittently across its body. "He took down the ancient machine...with just one strike?" A chill ran through Bronya''s body. "No wonder they''re treating this so casually; for them...this truly is just a leisurely outing..." The impact staggered March 7th, causing her to eventually fall on her backside. Rubbing her sore posterior, she stood up and grumbled, "Why does your Explosion keep getting more powerful... Hey, wait, don''t collapse like that..." As she noticed the black-haired youth''s body going limp, almost falling like a lifeless dog, March 7th rushed forward. However, before she could reach him, Stelle swiftly extended her arms, catching Bochang and cradling him in her embrace. March 7th halted in her tracks. "Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the power of the Mouse Talisman." Upon hearing the system''s announcement, Bochang felt a surge of excitement. Mouse Talisman? This meant Bochang could bring all his favorite figurines to life, just imagining it sent chills down his spine. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, this world lacked the figurines from his original universe, as well as his beloved anime characters. "If I use it on one of Herta''s dolls... what fascinating things might happen?" "Bochang, have you exhausted your strength again?" Stelle gazed at the black-haired youth cradled in his arms with golden eyes. Coming back to his senses, Bochang nodded. "Then rest for now; leave the rest to us," Stelle reassured him. Dan Heng approached, long spear in hand, and added, "Yes, defeating that ancient machine was more than enough." Bochang glanced briefly at the stoic little azure dragon. "Mm-hmm." "Don''t ignore me, hey!" March 7th stamped her foot nearby. Bochang acknowledged both Stelle and Dan Heng but deliberately ignored her response. It was all too typical for the pink-haired girl to react this way. Looking at March 7th, Bochang said, "Don''t worry, let''s discuss these matters... after we finish the battle." Upon hearing his explanation, the pink-haired girl, who had been pouting, felt somewhat mollified. Meanwhile... just outside the rift, Serval and Sampo witnessed the Creation Engine rise only to be toppled by a single blast shortly after emerging. "What happened?" Despite being at a considerable distance, both Sampo and Serval were still affected by the raging storm. The fierce winds and snow even triggered an avalanche outside, narrowly missing them. The corner of the blue-haired man''s mouth twitched as he replied, "You ask me? How would I know... Regardless, we just need to head in that direction." Serval glanced sidelong at Sampo. Not long ago, this fellow had found her within the Silvermane Guard Restricted Zone, claiming he could help them locate Stellaron together. Serval initially didn''t trust Sampo at all. She even considered summoning the Silvermane Guards to apprehend him. However... Sampo showed no fear whatsoever. After his persuasive speech, Serval was swayed and ultimately decided to join him in searching for Stellaron. Thus, they ended up here. Chapter 63 - 62: Wait Just a Bit Longer Chapter 63 - 62: Wait Just a Bit LongerPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Cocolia was utterly stunned; Bochang''s blast had shattered all her pride. A gaping hole marred the chest of the Creation Engine, with various components scattered across the ground. No matter how Cocolia called out, the Creation Engine showed no signs of response. "How... How could this be?! This is the most powerful machine from ancient times, invincible even during battles seven centuries ago. How... How could such a mere child defeat it so swiftly?" Lying on the ground, Cocolia struggled to accept reality. Although the fiery beam hadn''t directly hit her, its proximity... to the Creation Engine hurled her far away amidst the raging winds. Crashing into the mountain, she lay motionless for three full seconds, still dazed. A tickle in her throat led to a soft cough, and she tasted blood spreading in her mouth. Just moments ago, she was the arrogant Great Guardian. Now, lying in the snow, spitting blood, the humiliating scene made Cocolia wish for death. Intense emotions surged within her as her body gradually began to crystallize with ice. Stellaron''s voice whispered softly in her ear. Increasing amounts of power flowed into Cocolia''s body, and instead of resisting, she fully embraced it. March 7th placed a hand over her brow and scanned the area, asking, "Come to think of it... Where did that person go?" "Cocolia was likely blown away," replied Dan Heng, expressionless as he held his long gun. Taken aback, Bochang questioned, "I didn''t hit her?" At that moment, the black-haired youth had aimed simultaneously at both Cocolia and the Creation Engine, hoping for a double kill with one arrow. March 7th shook her head, saying, "No, you missed. I saw the blast narrowly pass by her." Feeling somewhat disappointed, Bochang seized the opportunity amidst their brief respite to quickly finish off the Jym Rogers Bread Soda. It provided a boost to stamina, making it perfect for this situation. Stelle pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Do we really need to fight her again?" Hearing this, Bronya firmly responded, "No... Lady Cocolia won''t give up so easily. She... she will definitely return." Her prediction proved accurate. Just as Bronya finished speaking, Cocolia took flight once more. Gazing at the monstrous figure completely encased in ice crystals, Bronya''s pupils contracted slightly, struggling to believe it was her mother. Yet those familiar golden locks confirmed without a doubt...it was indeed Cocolia. However¡ªshe had transformed entirely into a grotesque creature. Her body was covered with crystalline armor, while her skin had been overtaken by infinite darkness, obscuring its original color. As soon as Cocolia reappeared, countless rift creatures emerged around them. A myriad of monsters, including Fire Calamity Shadows, Eternal Winter Calamity Shadows, and others, flooded the scene. Some were similar to those encountered by Bochang and his team within the rifts, while others were entirely new. Among them was the Decaying Shadow¡ªa creature resembling the Guardian Shadow but possessing distinctly different abilities. "The promise of Stellaron is this world''s only hope..." Cocolia gazed at the group intently. "Seven hundred years ago, it expelled the Antimatter Legion, and today...it will surely erase your existence as well!" Initially, Cocolia had some concerns, but upon seeing Bochang crumple in Stelle''s arms, she felt instantly reassured. Such powerful attacks indeed came with a price, making them unsustainable for repeated use. Realizing this, Bochang slowly rose from Stelle''s embrace. Having anticipated this outcome, he had previously consumed Jym Rogers Bread Soda, which significantly replenished his stamina. As a result... Bochang now possessed enough strength to stand on his own. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Although Stelle''s embrace was warm and provided a sense of security, Bochang... With his stamina gradually recovering, Bochang had no intention of relying on anyone else''s support. He reached for the Vow Spear floating beside him, using it as a walking stick. Giving a thumbs-up, he said, "Go ahead, I''ll cheer you from behind." "Alright," Stelle nodded. Seeing Bochang stand once more, Cocolia felt slightly uneasy. However, when she noticed that he didn''t launch another devastating attack but instead picked up a nearby spear, she found some relief. The transformed Great Guardian initiated the assault first. Four ice shards flew out from behind Cocolia, all heading straight towards Bochang. Simultaneously, the surrounding rift creatures joined in their attacks. As the ice shards approached, Bochang instinctively raised his hand and unleashed a Dragon Blast to directly counter them. However, the result was... He failed to stop them. The ice shards pierced through flames, continuing their assault on Bochang. This was unsurprising. After his previous all-out attack, Bochang had expended too much stamina. Now, his Dragon Blast could only muster the strength of a basic strike. Using Spider Sense''s power, he detected that all four ice shards were aimed directly at his chest. Gripping the Vow Spear tightly, Bochang prepared to intercept them. Just then, Bronya fired a shot, blocking one ice shard, and March 7th''s arrow intercepted another. The remaining two were deflected by Stelle, who stepped forward alone. With her black metallic baseball bat, she mercilessly shattered the leftover ice shards. Following this... Stelle stylishly glanced back with a nod, clearly acknowledging everyone''s intent to protect him. Witnessing this scene, Cocolia realized that Bochang posed no immediate threat, feeling relieved. However... Considering the terrifying damage he had inflicted earlier, Cocolia still wanted to eliminate Bochang first. Unfortunately, there was no opportunity as March 7th took aim at Cocolia, unleashing multiple arrows, while Stelle charged towards her aggressively. However, Stelle did not allow Cocolia any opportunity to continue her attack on Bochang. Meanwhile... Dan Heng and Bronya were busy eliminating the surrounding rift creatures. With one focusing on close combat and the other providing ranged support, their teamwork complemented each other effectively. Dan Heng thought, "There are too many enemies... We must find a way to take out Cocolia first, otherwise... she''ll keep summoning rift creatures endlessly." As he observed the battle unfolding around him, Bochang found himself momentarily idle, with nothing directly involving him at that moment. Stelle engaged Cocolia in a one-on-one duel, while March 7th provided backup from behind. Dan Heng and Bronya focused on clearing the nearby rift creatures. Each member had their specific role to play. After resting quietly for about a minute, Bochang felt his stamina nearly replenished and was just preparing to join the fray when: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Charge forward and unleash carnage - Completion Reward: Cocolia''s Big Booty.] [Option 2: What''s the rush? Wait a bit longer - Completion Reward: Obtain Equipment - Erhu, a regular two-stringed instrument, suitable for leisurely playing during downtime.] Chapter 64 - 63: Sacred Shield Chapter 64 - 63: Sacred ShieldPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Jym Rogers Bread Soda did restore stamina, but not quickly. To fully recover Bochang''s stamina, it was uncertain how much time would be needed. Initially planning to intervene, Bochang reconsidered upon seeing the "Dating Options" appear. Absolutely no Big Biodou! ?Option Two.? Bochang quietly observed. On Star Date, March 7th, during the siege of Cocolia, the battle became intensely contested. Both sides engaged fiercely, with neither gaining immediate dominance. Empowered by Stellaron, Cocolia possessed immense strength, making it difficult for Stelle and March 7th to overcome her swiftly. Similarly, Dan Heng and Bronya faced a stalemate against the surrounding rift creatures. However, unlike the stalemate with Cocolia, Dan Heng and Bronya fought like true War Gods, relentlessly slaying rift creatures on the battlefield. Unfortunately, the enemy numbers were simply overwhelming, seemingly endless. Occasionally, a few creatures managed to breach their defenses and reach Bochang. For such audacious opponents, Bochang typically rewarded them with a swift Dragon Blast. ["Rewarding item - Congratulations! You have received an erhu. Note: This item has been stored in the System space and can be directly accessed for use."] The System''s announcement failed to stir any emotion within Bochang. Just an ordinary erhu, not particularly useful. As minutes passed, Bochang felt his inner strength growing increasingly potent. The urge to join the battle surged, but mindful of the potential risk of taking a Big Biodou hit, he continued resting and gradually accumulating power. Amidst this anxious waiting, Serval and Sampo appeared on the battlefield. The first to notice them was Bronya, as both the successor of the Great Guardian and the leader of the Silvermane Guards. Bronya recognized Serval and Sampo well. One due to their shared family ties, and the other because he was a wanted criminal. Surprised, Bronya muttered, "What brings them here?" Although reluctant to admit it, after Serval and Sampo joined the fray, Dan Heng and Bronya found themselves significantly relieved. Seeing this, even the stoic little azure dragon considered turning back to support Stelle and March 7th. It''s possible that Serval and Sampo''s arrival distracted the gray-haired girl momentarily. Seizing the opportunity, Cocolia launched a fierce attack, sending a gleaming icicle straight towards Stelle from behind. "Watch out!" March 7th shouted. Bochang, who had been closely observing the battle between Stelle and Cocolia, didn''t even notice Serval and Sampo''s arrival. Fully focused, he naturally saw this unfolding scene as well. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Ignore Cocolia''s attack, take out your erhu, and start playing¡ªCompletion Reward: Obtain Tianjian mastery.] [Option 2: Help Stelle block Cocolia''s lethal strike¡ªCompletion Reward: Receive a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] Bochang was momentarily stunned by the new options. Considering just the rewards: Option 1 clearly seemed better than Option 2. Tianjian is a martial realm found in the "Feng Yun" universe, arguably the highest level of martial achievement. In a setting with cosmic-scale dimensions, it might be slightly less prestigious, but likely still superior to gambling for random items. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The reward might be of lower tier, but it should still be better than gambling for items. Bochang hadn''t forgotten his previous gamble, which resulted in an ultra-fashionable sanitary pad. He hadn''t even examined it yet, unsure just how fashionable it truly was... "No... this isn''t the time to think about that." Watching the countdown drop from fifty to ten, Bochang ultimately made a decision against his usual principles. "Option two." While the rewards of Option one seemed enticing, Bochang could not disregard Stelle''s life at stake. As the only member currently engaging Cocolia in close combat, Stelle had no immediate backup; March 7th provided support from afar. It was challenging to ensure their complete protection. For instance, right now: March 7th likely wouldn''t have enough time to intercept the icicle with an arrow. Bochang needed to act himself. As for whether Stelle would die or not¡ª Bochang had no time to ponder that question. Time seemed to resume its flow. The black-haired youth swiftly made a decision and activated his teleportation ring. Although the maximum distance for a single teleport with this ring was ten meters, and Stelle was approximately forty meters away, with enough Speed attribute points, performing three consecutive teleports was entirely feasible. And that''s exactly what Bochang did. Just as March 7th finished shouting and prepared to draw her bow for support, she saw a flash of white light streak across the battlefield. It reminded her of the moment when Bochang had whisked her away during their escape. Upon hearing March 7th''s warning, Stelle realized the danger, but it was too late now. She slightly turned her head, watching helplessly as the icicle approached rapidly. "I can''t dodge... What should I do? Am I going to die?" A trace of defiance flickered in Stelle''s golden eyes. As a young gray-haired girl, she naturally didn''t want to perish. Fortunately, at that crucial moment, she spotted a burst of white light illuminating behind her. Instantly... hope reignited within Stelle''s heart, fueling her desire to survive. Having experienced the battle against the Doomsday Beast, Stelle instinctively knew what that white light signified. It meant Bochang was rushing to provide support. The thought instantly filled her with a sense of security. The teleportation via the ring was incredibly swift. Within less than half a second... Bochang appeared within five meters of Stelle, raising his hand and activating the Invisible Hand. A massive black-purple hand securely grasped the icicle aimed at the gray-haired girl, halting it mid-air, preventing it from advancing further. The bone-chilling cold made Bochang shiver involuntarily. Since acquiring the Invisible Hand, this was his first time using it in combat. Although Stelle didn''t understand why the icicle had stopped, seeing Bochang''s clenched fist, she immediately realized he had intervened. No words were needed. Stelle continued her attack on Cocolia, while Bochang exerted all his strength to crush the icicle. Cocolia scolded fiercely, "You fool... Despite being weakened, you still dare to confront me alone? You''re practically courting death!" The black-haired youth who could obliterate her Creation Engine with a single blast instilled considerable fear in Cocolia. Her previous attempts to eliminate him had failed due to Bochang''s allies constantly shielding him. But now... Bochang had stepped out of his protected zone and onto the front lines. Seeing this opportunity, Cocolia believed she might finally be able to take him down. Instantly changing course, she bypassed Stelle and charged directly towards Bochang, resembling a queen amidst icy landscapes. As Cocolia launched her assault, her body emitted a chilling white mist all around. Bochang recognized it as fog created by extremely low temperatures. A mere touch from this would have dire consequences. To his surprise, he found it challenging to evade Cocolia''s charge. Fortunately, the System''s timely notification sounded. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the Sacred Shield, which can ignore any attack for three seconds. After use, it requires twenty-four hours to recharge before it can be used again. Note: This item has been stored in the System space and needs blood activation by its owner to be usable.] Glancing at the details, Bochang decided: Forget it. Chapter 65 - 64: Single Combat with Cocolia Chapter 65 - 64: Single Combat with CocoliaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The reason Bochang found it difficult to evade Cocolia''s attacks was simple. His stamina had not fully recovered, and using the Invisible Hand earlier to intercept her strikes exposed him to extreme cold, slightly slowing his reactions. This brief delay made timely evasions nearly impossible. Cocolia was now just two meters away. Floating on her feet, she towered slightly above the black-haired youth. The chilling aura emanating from the Great Guardian even made Bochang feel a renewed sense of coldness. It was an overwhelmingly intimidating sight. As he watched Cocolia raise her imposing Big Biodou, Bochang suddenly realized that if he had recklessly charged out moments ago, his fate would likely have been similar. His only options were to use the teleportation ring or block with the Invisible Hand again. At this moment, Bochang''s stamina had significantly recovered, allowing him to unleash another powerful Dragon Blast. Even if it couldn''t kill Cocolia outright, it would certainly inflict damage. However, at such close proximity, Additionally, Bochang would likely suffer from the Dragon Talisman''s recoil. "You don''t necessarily need to use Dragon Blast; the Sheep Talisman works too. Watch as I send your soul flying with just one punch." As Cocolia approached, Bochang remained unfazed, having just acquired powerful new gear. Initially planning to dodge with all his might, Bochang now confidently prepared for a counterattack. He retrieved the Holy Shield from the system space. At first, Bochang expected it to be quite large, but surprisingly, it was similar in size to a medal, resembling more of a toy with sharp edges. "Not bad that it''s small...if larger, claiming ownership through blood would have been trickier." With no time to perform a proper blood ritual, Bochang exerted force with one hand, allowing the shield''s edge to pierce his palm. The pain heightened his senses, making him even more alert. As fresh red blood stained the Holy Shield, it instantly began to glow and vibrate, almost as if trying to fly out of his grasp. Ignoring all defenses, Bochang swung his glowing left fist directly at Cocolia. "What''s he doing...? Not only did he not dodge, but he''s actually attacking me?" Cocolia was taken aback, thinking, "Since you''re so eager to die, I''ll gladly oblige!" Compared to Bochang''s punch speed, Cocolia was naturally faster. However, instead of striking with her palm, she waved her hand and summoned an icicle aimed straight for Bochang''s chest. It happened too swiftly; Stelle had no time to provide support. Only March 7th, with her foresight, quickly fired a pink beam to cast a Shield on Bochang. Unfortunately, before the pink Shield could reach him, the icicle pierced through Bochang''s chest. Stelle, March 7th, and Serval stared wide-eyed, momentarily unable to believe what they just witnessed. Attempting to resist an icicle with mere flesh was bound to have dire consequences. Watching this unfold, Sampo thought to himself, "Will that guy die now? It might be for the best... I suspect it''s his meddling that caused everything to spiral out of control." "However... even if he dies here, I don''t think I can set things back on track anymore." Despite these thoughts, Sampo had a gut feeling. The other party wouldn''t perish so easily. "When I first encountered him... should I have taken action right away?" Sampo began reflecting on his previous actions. After a moment, he shook his head, realizing that striking immediately might have led to a disastrous outcome for himself. Stelle''s golden eyes trembled with boundless anger and guilt flooding her heart. If not for trying to save her, Bochang would never have rushed forward like this. It was all due to her carelessness. In that instant, the gray-haired girl felt as though she glimpsed the vastness of the universe. But... In the very next second, all her fury evaporated. For Stelle saw that the icicle had no effect on Bochang whatsoever. The black-haired youth had activated the Divine Shield, rendering him invulnerable to any attack for three seconds. His entire body shimmered with a golden glow. The icicle seemed to hit an impenetrable wall, shattering inch by inch and dissipating as white mist. The ice could not breach the golden light''s defense at all. With Cocolia''s attack concluded, it was now Bochang''s turn. "How is this possible?!" The Great Guardian was stunned. Unfazed, Bochang launched a punch... For the Sheep Talisman''s power to affect others, physical contact was necessary. Without direct contact, forcibly extracting someone''s soul required Bochang to be significantly stronger than his opponent. Clearly, Bochang did not overpower Cocolia; his strength lay in his peculiar abilities and unique items. One might even call him akin to Daoist Many Treasures. Cocolia noticed Bochang''s incoming punch. Although she doubted its attacking power, nonetheless... The Great Guardian instinctively attempted to dodge. After all, her opponent chose to strike with their fist instead of using the long spear they held. This unusual choice made Cocolia wary of standing still to take the blow. No matter how she looked at it, something felt eerie about this attack. Cocolia dared not stand her ground to face it directly, but just as she tried to move...she realized she was restrained, unable to budge. "Something''s holding me back. Are those three extra hands? Where exactly is he grabbing?!?" Feeling both humiliated and enraged, Cocolia seemed entangled by three massive python-like entities. Despite being influenced by Stellaron, the Great Guardian still experienced her own emotions. From the perspective of March 7th and others: Cocolia appeared to twitch slightly, then froze again, with additional marks of constriction appearing on her body¡ªclearly imprints left by three sets of fingers gripping her. Still shaken, Sampo remarked, "I can''t see... I simply cannot follow his attacks. If I had truly confronted him earlier, my fate would likely be no different from Cocolia''s." Invisible attacks were profoundly terrifying, as they meant there was no way to dodge or effectively defend against them¡ªan almost literal dimensional superiority. To Bochang, it was clear that three large black-purple hands had ensnared and tightly gripped Cocolia, rendering her immobile. Bochang, wearing his black bear mask, unleashed a punch accompanied by a gust of wind and traces of blood, striking directly at Cocolia. His merciless blow landed on her stomach, shattering the ice armor covering her body. Cocolia''s slender frame slightly bent forward. Although her abdomen didn''t physically hurt much, she felt a profound tremor within her soul, triggering a flood of memories from her childhood, school days, and even after becoming a Great Guardian... Bochang was somewhat surprised. The Sheep Talisman''s power had failed to extract Cocolia''s soul entirely. Indeed, Cocolia remained too formidable. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Strike while she''s vulnerable, unleash the full force of the Dragon Talisman with a cannon blast, and declare, "Perish!" ¡ª Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Violence isn''t the answer; instead, use the empowered fist of the Sheep Talisman to enlighten her, saying, "If you''ve been bewitched, let me awaken you." ¡ª Reward: Increase mental energy by 100%.] Chapter 66 - 65: Gulp... Kill Me Chapter 66 - 65: Gulp... Kill MePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Today''s drop rate was exceptionally high once again. Bochang had noticed that whenever encountering critical situations, the occurrence of "Dating Options" significantly increased. This time, there were only two options: Random ItemMental Energy Boost After a moment of hesitation, Bochang chose the second option. Enhancing his mental energy remained crucial. The usage limits for both the Invisible Hand and Sheep Talisman powers heavily depended on his base mental energy level. The random item seemed less appealing in comparison. "Option Two." "If you''re bewitched, let me knock some sense into you." With those words, Bochang released the Vow Spear and began raining punches upon Cocolia. Initially attempting to dodge, she failed to evade successfully. The impact of Bochang''s punch shook her soul, leaving her momentarily stunned and unable to recover quickly. Bochang continued with another barrage of blows. Stomach, chest, shoulders, thighs... practically every accessible spot received a solid punch from Bochang. Each strike unleashed ample power from the Sheep Talisman, akin to unraveling a cocoon thread by thread. Gradually, he began stripping away the remnants of Stellaron''s power from her body. As if sensing imminent danger, Cocolia''s strength suddenly surged, creating a Frostwave that swept around her like a whirlwind. It froze and shattered the Invisible Hand, forcing Bochang to swiftly dodge with all his might, narrowly avoiding being immobilized himself. Due to his connection with the Invisible Hand, its destruction had some impact on Bochang, albeit minimal. "The power of Stellaron is with me! You...are merely clinging to the remnants of the old world before its inevitable collapse!" Dazed by the blows, Cocolia''s mind was consumed by anger; she solely focused on defeating Bochang to avenge her humiliation. The Frostwave swirling around Cocolia reached extreme temperatures, making Bochang momentarily hesitant to approach. "Tsk... The System hasn''t signaled yet, so it seems...I need to continue influencing her." Bochang clenched his fists, "With the Dragon Talisman''s power, perhaps I can withstand this Frostwave head-on." He stopped concentrating the Dragon Talisman''s force at a single point and instead attempted to distribute it throughout his entire body. Bochang attempted to distribute this power evenly throughout his body. Without obtaining the Sheep Talisman, he wouldn''t have been able to exert such precise control over the Dragon Talisman''s energy. However, with the Sheep Talisman''s enhancement: His mastery over the Dragon Talisman significantly improved. "Dragon Talisman... Activate First Notch Power!" A burst of flames emerged from Bochang''s body, rapidly spreading and enveloping him entirely. The previously frigid weather now held no challenge for Bochang. Heat... He felt intensely hot, as if wanting to tear apart everything before him to quench his fiery rage. Crackling sounds continuously filled his ears. Without waiting for Cocolia to finish speaking, Bochang launched his second attack. A blazing figure charged towards her. As Cocolia witnessed her opponent disregarding the surrounding Frostwave, waves of impotent fury mixed with growing fear surged within her. She had a sense that if she continued taking these blows, the power of Stellaron would be completely drained. Uncertain whether it was her own fear or Stellaron''s, Cocolia could no longer distinguish between them. The voices in her mind¡ªher own thoughts and Stellaron''s whispers¡ªpushed her dangerously close to mental collapse. The ice power within her rapidly transformed into Imaginary energy. The Great Guardian took flight on the spot, attempting to buy time and accumulate more strength from Stellaron. "You''re the one barely clinging to life," Bochang leaped into action. Initially, Cocolia believed she would be safe once airborne. However, she didn''t anticipate that the young man could also effortlessly soar through the air. Terrified as if pursued by ghosts, she fled madly. For Bochang, flying was merely child''s play. By utilizing the Invisible Hand, he could effortlessly lift himself, akin to telekinesis. To catch up with the swiftly moving Cocolia, Bochang used the Invisible Hand as his stepping platform, propelling himself forward step by step. Had it been Cocolia at her peak, Bochang might not have been able to keep pace. But... After enduring his relentless punches, Cocolia seemed to have reached a state where even Buddha would take flight¡ªher combat capabilities had significantly diminished. Moreover, the Great Guardian no longer had the chance to summon rift creatures around them. With Bronya and others'' attacks... those monsters were swiftly eliminated. Since Bochang immediately started pummeling Cocolia upon his arrival, no one dared to rush forward and assist her. Instead, they all watched from afar. Even March 7th took out a camera to capture this memorable moment, preserving it for posterity. As Cocolia fled, she continuously fired golden Imaginary rays at Bochang, attempting to counterattack. However, her efforts proved futile. Despite circling high above for some time, Bochang eventually caught up with Cocolia. Enveloped in flames, he resembled a demon emerging from hell. The blonde Great Guardian prepared to retaliate but found herself firmly gripped by three invisible hands once again. With Bochang''s flaming foot rapidly approaching, Cocolia couldn''t help but shout, "Stay away!" Without hesitation, Bochang delivered a powerful kick, sending her crashing to the ground amidst a cloud of dust and shattered debris. On the altar surface, cracks radiated outward from where Cocolia landed on her back. Bochang descended from the sky, relentless. Without mercy, Bochang unleashed a barrage of punches and kicks. He slammed her head repeatedly against the ground and dragged her by the ankles, striking her from side to side. It must be said¡ªafter obtaining the power of Stellaron, Cocolia''s body became remarkably resilient. Despite Bochang''s relentless assault, there was no sign of any cuts or bleeding. The influence of Stellaron seemed like a stubborn affliction, deeply ingrained within her bones. It would not be easily eradicated. Bochang sighed, "If I had known it''d be this difficult to sway her, I should have just blasted her with the Dragon Talisman..." "Who is he fighting?" Serval curiously asked, watching from the sidelines. Stelle remained composed. "Cocolia." "What?" Serval blinked in surprise, "Cocolia?" "Yes, indeed," Stelle nodded in confirmation. In disbelief, Serval turned for a closer look and realized it truly was Cocolia. After Bochang''s brutal beating, the black aura around her faded, and much of her frost armor shattered, revealing her original appearance beneath. The black aura around Cocolia had faded, and her icy armor was shattered, revealing her true form beneath. Even her Great Guardian uniform showed signs of damage. Fleeting glimpses of her snow-white skin were visible amidst... ...the numerous bruises covering her body. Continuing the fight would likely strip her clothes entirely. Feeling somewhat reluctant, Bronya suggested, "That''s enough, isn''t it?" At this moment, Bochang ceased her attacks, and the flames surrounding her dissipated. Of course... Bochang didn''t stop because of Bronya''s words. Instead, it was due to the System''s notification sound: [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! Your mental energy has been increased by 100%.] Cocolia, eyes devoid of spirit, knelt weakly on the ground and pleaded, "Guh... Just kill me." Chapter 67 - 66: Serval’s Arrival Chapter 67 - 66: Serval''s ArrivalPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** A refreshing sensation flooded Bochang''s mind, instantly invigorating his entire being. The boost to his mental energy was evident; he felt his Invisible Hand strengthen significantly, even allowing him to split it into a fourth or possibly a fifth hand. Cocolia had completely lost any ability to resist. Although Bochang''s punch didn''t fully strip her soul, it entirely removed the influence of Stellaron from her body. Even her once eerie purple eyes reverted back to gray. Perhaps Stellaron itself possesses soul energy, and quite powerful at that. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without dispelling Stellaron''s effects, Bochang would have been unable to affect this Great Guardian of Belobog. Cocolia, utterly defeated and hopeless, had lost everything. Her once-prided strength, under Bochang''s relentless assault... proved utterly useless. It only resulted in a brutal beating. The blonde big sister knelt on the ground, her hair disheveled and clothes torn, as if she had just endured severe abuse, marked by numerous bruises across her body. "Kill me... Kill me... Kill me..." Cocolia muttered incessantly. Uncertain of what to do, Bochang reached out, grasping the incoming Vow Spear and pointing it at the Great Guardian. The sharp spear tip glinted menacingly. Not long ago... The clouds dispersed by Bochang''s cannon blast had yet to reform, allowing golden sunlight to pour through, casting a warm glow over everyone present. Serval approached, glanced at her former close friend, and pleaded, "Please, Bochang... don''t kill her. Cocolia now...now surely realizes her mistakes." "Boss? When did you arrive?" Bochang turned, slightly taken aback but unconcerned about any sudden move from Cocolia. His Invisible Hand still tightly gripped her, with no intention of letting go. "I''ve been here since before you started beating Cocolia." Serval looked at Bochang; despite the black bear mask, his distinctive attire was unmistakable. As she gazed at this familiar figure, it felt like a lifetime had passed since their last encounter. Initially, she thought there were many things she wanted to say, but upon seeing Bochang, all words escaped her. Bronya placed one hand over her heart and slightly bowed, saying, "Honored guests from afar, the Architects will willingly surrender Stellaron with both hands, only hoping you would spare my mother..." Bochang scratched his head, instinctively glancing at Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle. The stoic little azure dragon crossed his arms, stating, "Since you defeated the enemy, make your own decision." March 7th and Stelle nodded in agreement. Seeing this, Bochang lowered his Vow Spear and declared, "As long as you don''t interfere with our recovery of Stellaron, I have no desire to create unnecessary trouble for myself." Bochang decided against delivering a fatal blow to Cocolia. It was clear... Both Serval and Bronya did not wish for Cocolia''s death. Killing this Great Guardian would have brought no benefit to Bochang. With both Bronya and Serval pleading for mercy, continuing the attack... Could potentially evoke their disdain, making it simply not worth the risk. "Thank you." Bronya bowed her head once more. March 7th spread his hands and said, "This Trailblazer journey can be considered successful, although... Bochang, how exactly did you manage to restore someone tainted by Stellaron back to normal? It''s truly unprecedented." Dan Heng nodded in agreement. Whenever encountering enemies assimilated by Stellaron before, the only option had been to kill them. Never had anyone like Bochang come along, completely purging the Stellaron''s influence to revert individuals back to their original state. Bochang pondered for a moment and replied, "I''m not sure. I just felt a strange surge of power within me." "You wouldn''t happen to be some hidden super powerhouse, would you?" March 7th walked up to Bochang, nudging him playfully with his elbow. Witnessing Bochang obliterate the Creation Engine with a single blast and subsequently restore Cocolia to her original state by administering another beating left no room for doubt. "March, I''ve told you not to pry into passengers''..." Dan Heng gently reminded her. The pink-haired girl helplessly spread her hands and said, "Dan Heng-sensei, I know, but I''m just curious. Asking doesn''t break any rules." Bochang merely smiled without responding. Serval gazed at the black-haired youth with mixed emotions. Apart from the incident involving Cocolia, she realized that finding common ground or striking up a conversation with him seemed impossible, leaving her feeling somewhat disheartened. Cocolia continued speaking weakly. "Gurgle... Kill me... Just end it..." Recalling all her past actions, this Great Guardian felt utterly humiliated. Dragging out her pitiful existence seemed less desirable than the release of death. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With one hand on your hip, say, "Want to die? Not so easily. If you truly believe you''ve done wrong, then make amends for your sins properly..." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option 2: Pick up your spear, thrust it forcefully, and say, "Then go ahead and die." Completion Reward: Significantly increased likelihood of tripping over nothing.] [Option 3: Adopt a nonchalant expression and state, "The fact that you''re still alive is entirely thanks to Bronya and Serval. If not for their sake... you would already be dead. So, properly thank them instead. Stop fixating on dying¡ªit''s quite tiresome." Completion Reward: Serval joins Astral Express.] Seeing the option for Serval to join Astral Express, Bochang was startled. ? Get on board! Must get her on board! ? ? Option 3! ? Adopting a nonchalant expression, Bochang said, "The reason you''re still alive is entirely due to Bronya and Serval. If not for their sake... you would have been dead by now. Go ahead and properly thank them instead. Stop obsessing over death¡ªit''s quite annoying." Kneeling on the ground, Cocolia clenched her teeth, hands forming fists, feeling somewhat humiliated. As the Great Guardian, when had she ever endured such indignity? Yet strangely, this humiliation filled her with an inexplicable excitement, as if flipping a peculiar switch within her. "This feeling..." Cocolia was aware of the three lingering hands on her body, and her breaths became heavier. With slight movements, she murmured, "It must... It must be these invisible hands, his mischief at work... It has to be him!" Just as Bochang finished speaking, Serval''s heart trembled. Her gaze darted around, and her hands involuntarily clenched into fists, seemingly unfazed even as her black nails dug into her palms. She whispered, "Because of my face..." After contemplating for a moment... Serval gathered her courage and asked, "Um... Bochang, who exactly are you all? Are you here for the Stellaron? What is Stellaron, anyway? And why are you fighting against Cocolia?" Chapter 68 - 67: Robot Svarog Chapter 68 - 67: Robot SvarogPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The music-loving machine shop owner had numerous questions swirling in her mind. Now, she eagerly unleashed them all at once. Bochang glanced at Bronya and said, "Regarding this matter... I believe she can provide you with answers." "They are esteemed guests from beyond our world, their purpose being to..." Taking over the explanation, Bronya meticulously recounted everything to Serval, revealing the full truth. After listening, the blonde big sister was stunned; she never expected her dreams to be entirely real. However, the only difference lay in who would undertake the mission against Stellaron. "The sole commonality is... Bochang, but... how did they know Stellaron''s location? Wait, could it be that during my dream, I inadvertently revealed...?" A realization dawned on Serval. This theory was just too bizarre. So... Serval couldn''t be certain. The idea of inadvertently leaking information through dreams seemed strange no matter how she looked at it. Even she found it hard to believe, so she had no intention of voicing her suspicions lest others think she was foolish. Serval turned to Stelle and said, "Everything Bronya told you is true. We truly are visitors from beyond the heavens¡ªyou can consider us travelers from another world." "Or passengers on the Astral Express," March 7th added, ever ready with her camera to capture interesting moments. She had documented plenty of footage during Bochang''s relentless beating of Cocolia earlier. "I...I understand..." Serval''s gaze flickered, then after a pause, she spoke up again, "Um...if you''re indeed visitors from another realm, does that mean...mean you''ll be leaving soon?" "That''s correct. We''ve been traversing the universe, with Belobog merely serving as a temporary stop... It was solely due to Stellaron distorting space and hindering our progress that we had to intervene here. Once this matter is resolved, we should depart quite soon." Dan Heng didn''t mind sharing these details. Upon hearing this, Serval realized the disappearance of the bassist was indeed true. After all, Bochang and his companions were leaving Belobog. Consequently... Serval asked numerous questions about Astral Express and Stellaron. With the immediate issue now resolved, everyone simply needed to wait for Himeko or Welt Yang to arrive and seal Stellaron. Since there wasn''t much else happening, Dan Heng patiently answered each of her queries. "Once Stellaron is sealed, the Frostwave will gradually recede, and the rift in this world won''t expand further... However, it won''t disappear completely..." At this point, Bochang no longer needed to restrain Cocolia with his Invisible Hand. Beside them, Bronya approached her mother, offering comfort while also keenly eavesdropping on the conversation. Snowflakes drifted down, melting upon contact with their skin. Cocolia knelt on the ground, distraught and unmoving, allowing the snow to accumulate around her. She paid no attention to the nearby mother-daughter pair. Bochang glanced at Sampo and asked, "What brings you here?" "I did mention I''d come find you today, didn''t I? See... Sampo always keeps his promises." The seemingly carefree man spread his hands helplessly. "Unfortunately... it seems you got your hands on Stellaron''s information first. That is truly... surprising and puzzling..." Sampo had been closely monitoring Bochang''s group but couldn''t fathom where they obtained such intelligence. Initially, he expected Dan Heng to steal the information from Qlipoth Fort, only for Cocolia to catch him red-handed. Unexpectedly... Just as they completed their preparations, Bochang and his group swiftly headed straight for Stellaron. It made no logical sense at all. Sampo felt like he had encountered something inexplicable. Bochang smiled reassuringly, "Don''t worry, even without your intel about Stellaron, we would have still moved to unlock the passage to the Upper Underworld. The righteous Astral Express crew cannot stand idly by in such matters." His words were spoken with unwavering conviction. Sampo was taken aback. Were these individuals truly so virtuous? Yet somehow, it didn''t seem quite right to him. Bochang continued, "With the Great Guardian here and the leader of the Silvermane Guards present, all we need is a mention from them to open the passage. It shouldn''t be troublesome, right, Bronya, Cocolia?" S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At Bochang''s voice, a slight change flickered across Cocolia''s expression, but she showed no inclination to respond. Bronya readily agreed, "No problem, it''s just about unsealing the passage to the Upper Underworld." Although they were unsure of the current state of the Upper Underworld, it likely wasn''t good. Like the Overworld, it had also suffered from rift erosion. With no permanent presence of the Silvermane Guards and only some robots stationed there, one could easily surmise that chaos must reign in the Upper Underworld. From the start, Bronya had been puzzled by the order to seal off the passage to the Upper Underworld... Now that Bochang brought it up, she didn''t hesitate and immediately concurred on behalf of both herself and Cocolia. The disheartened Great Guardian sitting on the ground remained silent, seemingly endorsing Bronya''s decision without objection. Cocolia''s passivity was indeed correct. If she dared to interfere or give orders, Bochang would have considered giving her a resounding slap to jolt some sense back into the Great Guardian. "See... wasn''t that easy?" The black-haired youth didn''t consider it much of a challenge. Sampo paused for a moment before responding, "Opening a passage to the Upper Underworld isn''t as simple as you think. Besides the Overworld''s Silvermane Guards'' blockade, the Underworld itself has numerous robots guarding the access points. Without convincing Robot Svarog, all our efforts would be futile; it is incredibly powerful." Initially, when Cocolia sealed off the Underworld, her aim was to consolidate forces and deploy more Silvermane Guards to the war against the rift. Essentially, she had abandoned the Underworld, leading to Robot Svarog gaining command over all its robotic inhabitants¡ªan ideal setup for regional control. "But robots? Didn''t the Architects develop them? Surely, there must be a way for you to regain command authority," Bochang questioned with some confusion. Bochang seemed uncertain. Bronya responded, "While that''s true, considering how much time has passed... it''s genuinely questionable whether the Architects can still control the robots underground." "Then leave it to me; one shot from my cannon and..." Before Bochang could finish his sentence, Bronya swiftly interrupted him. "This matter should be handled by the Architects. There''s no need for you all to worry about it. Now that the rift-causing Stellaron is under control, we don''t have to concentrate our forces in the Overworld anymore. We have ample military strength to take over the Underworld... If Svarog resists, I''ll ensure compliance through force if necessary." As the next Great Protector of Belobog, Bronya felt it was her duty to prevent Bochang from acting recklessly. She was well aware of the immense power contained within a single blast from his cannon. If just one such blast were unleashed in the Underworld¡ª Even if it was only one. The entire city of Belobog would be at risk of annihilation. Chapter 69 - 68: New Passenger Concerns Chapter 69 - 68: New Passenger ConcernsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Regarding Bronya''s caution, Bochang understood her concern but reassured her, "Don''t worry, I''ll control my strength carefully." "It''s not just about controlling your strength." Bronya shook her head, "As our guests, you shouldn''t be burdened with Belobog''s issues. We will handle it; please rest assured." Seeing her resolute expression, Bochang pondered for a moment. "Then, can I at least visit the Underworld as a tourist?" After a brief silence... Bronya tried to soften her demeanor as much as possible before responding, "Yes, that''s fine." From Bronya''s perspective, she believed her expression was already quite gentle. However, to Bochang, she still seemed icy cold. If Stelle''s aloofness carried a hint of endearingly clumsy charm, then Bronya exuded an aura that kept people at arm''s length, along with a composed and authoritative presence. This easily stirred a desire to conquer in others. Upon learning about the Astral Express from Dan Heng, Serval showed immense interest. "Does your train still welcome new passengers?" Dan Heng replied, "I''m not sure; you''d have to ask Himeko. If she agrees, then it''s possible." In other words, if Himeko does not consent, Serval cannot board. "Do you wish to travel with us?" Stelle asked curiously, gazing at Serval. The blonde big sister had left quite a favorable impression on Stelle. Serval nodded. "Since there''s nothing keeping me here, I might as well join you on this adventure. It sounds much more interesting that way." Upon hearing this, Cocolia lifted her head and glanced at Serval, puzzled by her decision. "You''re right... You''re right... After all, I did such terrible things... It was all my fault..." Cocolia painfully bowed her head. Having escaped Stellaron''s influence, once she recalled her past actions, she felt too ashamed to say anything further. Bronya was also taken aback by Serval''s intention. Leaving Belobog would essentially mean abandoning their homeland, wouldn''t it? Bronya had no desire to leave Belobog. It was her home and the place she needed to protect. With Cocolia now so disheartened, Bronya must shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding Belobog. After all, she wasn''t alone; behind her stood millions of citizens who called this city their home. Despite her curiosity about the vastness of the cosmos, Bronya would never spare it more than a fleeting glance. With arms crossed, Dan Heng said, "This decision... you need to think it through carefully. Our journey is not as leisurely as you might imagine. Incidents like today can occur at any moment." "For members of the Astral Express crew, danger lurks everywhere. No one can guarantee absolute safety." Dan Heng''s words echoed the caution Himeko once gave to Bochang and Stelle, now directed towards Serval. The rock star took a deep breath, reflecting on her life thus far. When she opened her eyes again, she declared, "I''ve made my choice." "Let''s wait for Himeko to come down before discussing further," Dan Heng nodded. And so... Serval approached Cocolia and Bronya. She had many words she wanted to share with her former old friend. ["Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have successfully recruited Serval to join the Astral Express."] Hearing the System''s notification chime, Bochang gently sighed with relief. Just moments ago, after waiting for some time, Himeko descended and sealed the Stellaron. The process was quite straightforward: Simply placing it into a specially designed container marked the end. Further processing would be conducted aboard the Astral Express, as it couldn''t be completed here. Apparently, this task was initially meant for Welt Yang to handle. However, upon hearing that someone wished to join the Astral Express... Himeko decided to come personally. Poor Welt Yang had to remain on guard at the Astral Express, keeping Pom-Pom company. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After asking Serval just a few questions, without any extensive examination, Himeko readily agreed to allow her to board the Astral Express. Bochang tilted his head, recalling how eagerly he had attempted using the Dragon Talisman back when trying to obtain his ticket. It seemed that Bochang had vastly overestimated the difficulty of boarding the Astral Express. Judging from how easily Serval passed the assessment... This... essentially made it seem like there was no challenge at all. "It''s possible that Dan Heng had already informed Himeko about Serval''s cooperation in battles, which would explain her leniency." Unbeknownst to Bochang, Serval had indeed engaged in arduous fights. The blonde big sister wielding a black guitar skillfully manipulated lightning, eliminating numerous rift creatures during their encounters. Even now, Bochang could still spot charred marks on the ground left by electrical strikes. Since rift creatures gradually disintegrate after death due to Honkai, there were no gruesome scenes visible here. Smiling warmly at Serval, Himeko said, "You can play the guitar and sing, while Bochang knows bass guitar and breakdancing. It seems our train journey is about to get lively." Upon hearing this, Bochang scratched his head. Although he did possess these skills, it didn''t mean he particularly enjoyed showcasing them. Ironically... Bochang had initially performed on stage just to get closer to Serval and extract information more easily. The thought of performing aboard the train already seemed somewhat bothersome to him. "I''ll give it my best!" As Serval spoke, she glanced at Bochang. Even Serval couldn''t fully explain why she was so eager to ride the Astral Express... Perhaps it was because she didn''t want to lose Bochang as her bassist. Recalling her dream self, tirelessly searching for him across vast landscapes, Serval felt confident that her decision was the right one. "Lynx, Gepard... from now on, I won''t be able to stay by your sides anymore, and... Cocolia..." Seeing her former close friend, Serval experienced a mix of emotions. After being defeated by the Trailblazer squad, Cocolia had lost all her previous sharpness. Even now, she appeared dazed, with no clear indication of what she might be thinking. Earlier, Serval had tried conversing with her briefly, but it was mostly one-sided as Cocolia silently listened. Regardless, the current Cocolia had already been freed from Stellaron''s influence. She would likely recover in due time, so Serval didn''t dwell on it further. Himeko scanned the crowd around them. "Alright, is there anything else you need to discuss? If not, I''ll be taking Stellaron back now." There were only eight people present at this moment: Himeko, Dan Heng, March 7th, Bochang, Stelle, Serval, Cocolia, and Bronya. Before Himeko descended, Sampo had already made his swift exit. As a wanted criminal, he dared not linger under Bronya''s watchful gaze for too long. After informing Bochang that they could find him in the Underworld... Sampo promptly left ahead of everyone else. Chapter 70 - 69: Let Me Rub Your Back Chapter 70 - 69: Let Me Rub Your BackPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Himeko scanned the room; no one spoke up. Thus, the redheaded woman departed hurriedly to handle the Stellaron aboard the Astral Express. Next... The Trailblazer squad decided to take a well-deserved rest in Belobog. To locate the Stellaron, Bochang and his team had rushed tirelessly, setting out early in the morning, and it was now past noon. They hadn''t even eaten lunch yet... March 7th felt so famished that her stomach seemed to cave in on itself. Fortunately, Dan Heng carried some food with him, and Bronya, as usual, brought along dry provisions, which they could share at this moment. Bochang had packed delicious crab roe buns and salted fish. After hesitating briefly, he chose not to bring them out. There was already enough food for everyone; adding Bochang''s contribution wouldn''t make much difference. After their customary journey through the rift and several battles along the way, Bochang''s group finally returned to Belobog. Understanding the situation well, Bronya graciously offered to treat everyone to a proper meal¡ªa proposal no one could refuse. When they left, Bochang and his companions were wanted fugitives. Upon returning, they were hailed as great heroes. However, there was no grand reception from the citizens, as most were unaware of Bochang''s team sealing Stellaron. Neither Cocolia nor Bronya intended to make a big announcement before entering the city. Upon seeing his sister return from her expedition, Gepard''s expression was priceless. When he heard that Serval wished to join Bochang''s group for future adventures, he scratched his head in utter bewilderment, feeling incredibly torn. He found himself at a loss over what to do. The Landau Family''s affairs had nothing to do with Bochang and his companions; it was something they needed to resolve themselves. There was also another intriguing matter... Upon entering Belobog, Cocolia immediately relinquished her position as Great Guardian to Bronya in front of numerous Silvermane Guards and citizens, catching everyone off guard. The two women engaged in a dramatic display of mutual deference, each insisting on declining the role three times before finally accepting it. Watching this unfold, March 7th muttered, "As soon as she returned to Belobog, her spirit seems to have revived." She was referring to Cocolia, naturally. In the wilderness, Cocolia had appeared disheveled, with lifeless eyes, almost like a ghostly apparition. However, as they drew closer to Belobog, the blonde woman''s demeanor steadily improved. Now, her hair was neatly combed, and her clothes were tidied up. Dan Heng shook his head. "She''s merely holding on by sheer will... After such a devastating blow, I wouldn''t be surprised if she succumbed to despair tonight." "You''re right..." March 7th nodded thoughtfully. "Teacher Dan Heng always knows so much." Their hushed conversation was overheard by nearby Silvermane Guards. However... No one said anything. Bronya had emphasized that these were esteemed guests from afar, and under no circumstances should they be offended. Anyone daring to speak up at this moment would either be recklessly impulsive or outright foolish. In her announcement of stepping down, Cocolia attributed the credit for destroying Stellaron to the Trailblazer squad and Bronya, without mentioning herself. But observing the faint scars on her body, the Silvermane Guards and citizens could sense just how much Cocolia had truly sacrificed. "Cocolia-sama didn''t mention her own contributions at all. She really... it''s overwhelming." An unidentified bystander, unaware of the full story, expressed their emotions. The truth was, the greatest adversary against Stellaron had been Cocolia herself. If people knew this, the Great Guardian''s authority would plummet instantly. Thus... this secret must remain hidden. Even before leaving, Sampo swore not to reveal this secret, though it''s uncertain how effective that promise would be. Nevertheless, Bronya couldn''t really do anything to Sampo; after all...he had come forward to assist them, and she wouldn''t turn on him abruptly. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After resolving the situation with Cocolia... Under the escort of Bronya and the Silvermane Guards, the Trailblazer squad entered the Goethe Grand Hotel. This was Belobog''s most luxurious accommodation in the Overworld, where spending just one night required a hefty sum of Shields. Previously, Bochang and his team could never have afforded such luxury due to their limited funds. But now, it didn''t matter. The Architects were footing the bill. In Bochang''s room, March 7th visited and sat on a chair like a child, facing its backrest while rocking it vigorously back and forth. She exclaimed, "When Bronya left just now, she mentioned throwing us a grand banquet... Can you guess what delicious treats might be there?" "What''s the point in guessing..." Bochang shrugged, somewhat puzzled by her train of thought. March 7th''s eyes widened slightly. "Aren''t you even a little excited? It''s going to be a feast! Back when Dan Heng, Uncle Yang, and I were on other planets, we attended victory banquets a few times¡ªthe food was absolutely amazing." Bochang paused for a moment before responding, "There''s nothing much to anticipate; it''s just fine dining. Personally, I think I have some resistance to such indulgences. If all you wanted to share with me is this excitement... I''d rather see the photos you took earlier instead." "What photos?" March 7th looked taken aback. Bochang held out his hand expectantly. "Of course I''m talking about the photo where my blast took down the Creation Engine!" "Oh... you mean that one? Actually, I already deleted it on the way here." March 7th shook her head. Now it was Bochang''s turn to be taken aback. "Why did you delete it?" "It didn''t come out well, so naturally, I had to delete it. You should have warned me beforehand; your Dragon Blast has become even more powerful again. Not only did it make me stumble and fall, but it also ruined the photo." Bringing up this incident seemed to upset March 7th further. She turned away, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Bochang. Bochang sighed, placing his hand on his forehead. "The situation was urgent, March... please understand," he pleaded gently. "I don''t care! It''s all your fault!" March 7th grumbled, rocking her chair back and forth like a child. Her ample chest bounced along with her movements. "You''re already an adult, can''t you act a bit more mature..." Bochang''s gaze briefly flickered over March 7th''s figure before turning away. Although her figure wasn''t as curvaceous as Serval''s, it was undeniably still pleasing to the eye. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Opportunity knocks but once; seize this moment of solitude wisely. Say, "March, your buttocks hurt, right? Come here... let me massage them and the pain will go away." - Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Biodou.] [Option 2: As a gentleman, teasing girls is absolutely unacceptable! Respond with, "Alright... March, what would it take for you to forgive me?" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 3: I''m wrong? How am I wrong? Can''t stand when girls throw tantrums. Gently pinch March 7th''s cheeks and say, "I haven''t done anything wrong, you''re the one at fault!" - Completion Reward: Unlock the Destruction fate path and receive a random attribute boost.] Chapter 71 - 70: A Gentle Rub Chapter 71 - 70: A Gentle RubPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** As expected... It aligned perfectly with Bochang''s assumption. When March 7th and Stelle were not together, the "Dating Options" allowed some choices that could increase friendship points without penalties. If Stelle had been nearby, he likely would have only chosen the second option. "Wonder if someday, when my relationship with March 7th advances further, even the first choice might become effortless to express?" Bochang pondered this thought. This wasn''t a wild guess but rather an inference based on the consistent reward-punishment system of the Dating Options feature. After scanning through the three options briefly, Bochang unhesitatingly chose the third one. The power of fate paths¡ªa highly rare reward. Given the right opportunity, it was definitely worth pursuing. With lightning speed, the black-haired youth stepped forward, grabbing March 7th''s cheeks from both sides, and proceeded to wildly knead them as if working dough. The sensation felt remarkably soft and addictive, akin to handling something truly delightful... The pink-haired girl had no inkling that Bochang would suddenly make his move. Caught completely off guard, she endured the relentless kneading of her cheeks. "I''m not wrong; you are!" Bochang exclaimed while continuing to squeeze her face. Strangely, despite pinching March 7th''s lovely cheeks, he found himself thinking about Pela. Pela, the intelligence officer from the Silvermane Guards, had a round and adorable, slightly chubby face. "Rubbing Pela''s cheeks must feel even more comfortable..." Bochang couldn''t help but think. It was only the System''s voice that brought him back to reality. [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! You have unlocked the Destruction fate path and acquired Fire attribute power.] In an instant, a surge of strength emerged deep within Bochang, albeit still quite weak compared to powers like the Dragon Talisman. He could effortlessly perceive this disparity. Nevertheless, gaining another usable force wasn''t bad at all¡ªit certainly felt worth it. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unbeknownst to her, March 7th''s cheeks had turned as red as if they might drip blood at any moment. During Bochang''s playful assault, she could have easily retaliated. She even had the option to immediately push him away and give him a resounding slap. However... March 7th chose not to resist, enduring until her face felt heated from his pinching. Finally, unable to bear it anymore, she shoved Bochang aside. "Have you had enough of kneading my face yet?!" the pink-haired girl exclaimed, leaning forward and lightly punching Bochang''s chest with her fist. "My face isn''t your toy! If you really want to knead something that much, go pinch yourself!" By now, March 7th no longer cared about their previous conversation topic. Her small, delicate punches landed softly on Bochang''s chest without causing any harm due to her gentle force. "That''s enough, enough..." The black-haired youth raised both hands, signaling his lack of malice. Seeing this reaction, March 7th turned her head away while seated and said, "Honestly... I was just bored and came over to chat with you, but look at how you''re pinching my cheeks... Ugh, no fun playing with you anymore." As she spoke, the flustered pink-haired girl stood up to leave, her rounded thighs causing her blue skirt to sway gently. This left Bochang somewhat bewildered, instinctively wanting to reach out and stop her. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Grab March 7th''s hand and say, "Let''s talk for a bit longer." - Completion Reward: Stelle''s Big Booty.] [Option 2: Allow March 7th to leave, take out an erhu, and start playing - Completion Reward: Erhu Playing Skill.] "Right now, Stelle should be resting in her room... Why would keeping March 7th here result in Stelle giving me a Big Booty? Could it be that March 7th will resist?" Bochang didn''t fully understand, but since retaining the pink-haired girl seemed to have negative consequences, he naturally decided against it. Absolutely not interested in any Big Booty! "Come to think of it... isn''t ''Big Booty'' the most frequently appearing reward?" Muttering to himself, Bochang opted for the second choice. He watched as March 7th departed. Bochang then retrieved an erhu from the System space and casually played a few notes. Almost immediately, the System''s voice chimed in: [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! You have acquired the skill of playing the erhu.] A surge of new knowledge flooded into Bochang''s mind, making him feel refreshed and invigorated. Sitting by the window with the erhu, Bochang spontaneously began playing an unknown melody. The resonant, lingering, yet somber tones flowed from the instrument. Although the tune was pleasing, Bochang felt something was missing. After pondering for a moment, he realized it was the absence of sunglasses. As March 7th stepped out of the room, she felt somewhat dejected. She had expected Bochang to try and persuade her to stay, but instead, he immersed himself in playing his instrument, completely disregarding the pink-haired girl. "What is this?! Ugh!" Frustrated, March 7th couldn''t help but stamp her foot, "Go ahead and play with your instruments then." Not long after the pink-haired girl left, Bochang received a new visitor in his room. It was Stelle. Without knocking, the gray-haired girl pushed open the door and asked, "What kind of instrument is this? I feel like...I''ve never seen anything like it before..." Bochang and Stelle had been working at Serval''s machine shop for several days. As a result, Stelle gained some knowledge about musical instruments. "This...it''s called an erhu..." Bochang''s hands paused while playing the erhu, his eyes filled with traces of nostalgia. He wondered if this universe even had the erhu; if not... It could potentially be popularized here. "Wait...why am I thinking like this? I''m just idly playing around, come on!" Realizing something, Bochang mentally grumbled to himself. He then set aside the ordinary erhu. Since the end of the battle, Bochang no longer wore the black bear mask. The black-haired youth sitting by the window gazed out at the world, his handsome features causing Stelle''s heart to flutter slightly. Compared to their first meeting, the gray-haired girl felt that he seemed significantly more attractive now, with an improved physique as well. "I understand, it''s another item you suddenly produced, right..." Stelle anticipated what Bochang was about to say. Before he could speak, Stelle voiced his thoughts. Bochang smiled and nodded without further explanation, musing to himself, "If this continues, will the System mold me into an all-rounder?" "By the way... did March need something from you just now?" Stelle casually asked. Although Bochang appeared nonchalant, yet... Bochang keenly noticed that Stelle seemed to care more than she let on. "I see... If I had kept March 7th here earlier, Stelle would definitely have come to catch us, it must be so..." "And that''s why I got smacked with Big Booty." "But... shouldn''t Stelle not really care about such matters?" "Of course... it''s also possible that March might genuinely resist..." Unable to fully comprehend the situation, Bochang decided to stop pondering and simply replied: "Oh, March... She was just idle and wanted someone to chat with. She mentioned her anticipation for tonight''s banquet..." Chapter 72 - 71: Let’s Go See the Trash Together Chapter 72 - 71: Let''s Go See the Trash TogetherHey guys, I''d appreciate it a lot if you could write a review for this novel and support with some power stones ???? ****** It was now late afternoon. There was still some time before the Architects'' banquet would commence. Members of the Trailblazer squad were currently at leisure. Dan Heng and March 7th were resting in their respective rooms, while Bochang engaged in casual conversation with Stelle. They savored the downtime after combat. Hearing this, Stelle nodded and said, "So that''s how it is..." The gray-haired girl took a few steps forward, sat on Bochang''s bed, and then looked up at the ceiling, revealing her slender, snow-white neck. Although unsure what she might be thinking, ...he could guess that something must have prompted her to stay instead of leaving immediately. After a moment, Bochang spoke up. "Stelle, did you need something from me?" "Um... I wanted to thank you," Stelle began softly. "If it weren''t for your help just now, Cocolia would have surely injured me, or even worse..." Her serene golden eyes gazed steadily at Bochang. The black-haired youth smiled warmly. "It''s nothing, Stelle. Helping each other is quite natural, isn''t it?" He spread his hands open. "You''ve assisted me before too, back when we were trapped in that spatial anomaly..." Stelle nodded, momentarily at a loss for words and remained silent. To avoid the conversation trailing off, Bochang proactively changed the topic. "Speaking of which... when should we go for the DNA test?" "That... is it really important?" Stelle seemed uncertain. Bochang replied, "Not necessarily crucial, but it''s still important to verify..." "How about we do it tomorrow then?" suggested Stelle. Their casual conversation continued within the room, shifting from DNA tests to Bochang''s new equipment¡ªthe Holy Shield. Sitting on the soft bed, Stelle examined the Holy Shield that Bochang had brought out. Resembling a badge, it was composed of white metal with no other adornments, save for a few cryptic symbols. If placed in a corner, someone might mistake it for a child''s toy. "Ignoring any attack within three seconds, impressive... But could it withstand pre-administered poison?" Stelle posed a question that hadn''t occurred to Bochang before. Bochang replied hesitantly, "I''m not sure about that. It should... probably... be able to?" "Why don''t we test it?" Stelle held out her palm, displaying the Holy Shield. Bochang shook his head repeatedly. "No, let''s skip that. I definitely don''t want to risk poisoning myself. Besides, this item can only be used once per day... If I need to use it again, it''ll have to wait until tomorrow." Upon hearing these limitations, Stelle paused momentarily. Taken aback, Stelle placed the Holy Shield on the bed and stepped closer to Bochang. She gently took his left hand and asked, "How''s your wound now? Do you need it re-bandaged?" To claim ownership of the Holy Shield earlier, Bochang had pricked his hand with its sharp edge, causing minor bleeding. The injury worsened due to Cocolia''s relentless "Ora!" attacks. He was the only one among them who sustained injuries and bled during the battle. During their lunch break, Bronya had helped him bandage the wound. Now, white gauze still wrapped around Bochang''s left hand, adorned with a lovely butterfly bow. Despite her icy demeanor, Bronya seemed to possess a tender, girlish heart beneath. "It''s fine; I feel almost fully recovered." "That''s good to hear." Stelle patted her chest in relief. As Bochang looked at the gray-haired girl before him, he felt an urge to give her the other teleportation ring. Honestly... if he had given it to her earlier, Stelle might not have faced such near-fatal danger against Cocolia today. During today''s confrontation with Cocolia, Stelle wouldn''t have narrowly escaped death either. Even if she couldn''t defeat her opponent, she could calmly withdraw without needing Bochang to rush from afar. "However... I think it would be best to keep this ring in Belo. That way... I can instantly return to Belobog whenever needed, or perhaps storing it at the Herta Space Station might also be useful." Earlier, Bochang had retrieved the second teleportation ring from the system space and bound it to his own ring. He also reviewed the detailed information about their mutual teleportation feature: [Item: Teleportation Ring.] [Special Effect 1: Allows unrestricted teleportation within a ten-meter radius. Contains three energy slots; each use consumes one slot, which recharges after twenty-four hours to regain one slot.] [Special Effect 2: By consuming one energy slot, enables instantaneous teleportation to the side of another ring holder, regardless of distance. Leaves behind a virtual coordinate marker for three hours at the original location, allowing a return within that time frame. If not returned within three hours, the virtual coordinate will disappear.] Regarding the second special effect: Bochang pondered briefly and quickly understood its implications. Simply put... while aboard the Astral Express, he could teleport to another ring holder''s side within ten meters and then return to the Astral Express using the virtual coordinates within three hours. If more than three hours elapsed, he couldn''t return directly; instead, the Astral Express would have to come back to pick him up. Due to this unique feature, Bochang had been hesitant to part with the teleportation ring, intending to save it for either Bronya or Clara. Hmm... Pela might not be a bad choice either. As for Serval, there was no need since she plans to travel with the Astral Express anyway. "But... I obtained this teleportation ring after marrying Stelle in my dream. Would giving it away to another girl feel somewhat inappropriate?" Bochang''s thoughts were tangled and chaotic. Just then, Stelle asked, "What should we do next?" [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Generously hand over the teleportation ring, saying, "Stelle, this is a gift I prepared for you." - Completion Reward: Be abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 2: Take Stelle''s hand and say, "Let''s go for a walk together." - Completion Reward: Be abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 3: Pointing at a nearby trash bin on the street, earnestly ask, "Stelle, what do you think of that trash bin out there? Shall we take a look?" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] The sudden appearance of these [Dating Options] caught Bochang completely off guard. Meanwhile, elsewhere... Without any warning, Bronya suddenly found herself assuming the role of Great Guardian and overwhelmed with responsibilities. Although she dearly wished her mother could assist her, upon returning to Qlipoth Fort, Cocolia had locked herself in her room. She remained secluded, refusing visitors. With no proper handover, Bronya felt lost and uncertain about handling the new administrative duties thrust upon her. Yet all she could do was brace herself and carry on. My mother should return to normal soon... She''s not that fragile, Bronya thought to herself. Inside her room, Cocolia sat before the dressing mirror... Staring at her slightly pale yet refined features, she repeatedly picked up the small knife nearby but ultimately set it back down each time. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "What have I done..." Cocolia pressed one hand against the mirror, eventually lowering her head as her full figure slumped over the table, softly sobbing. Chapter 73 - 72: The Power of the Mouse Talisman Chapter 73 - 72: The Power of the Mouse TalismanPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** "Stelle, what do you think about that trash bin outside? Should we take a closer look?" Bochang pointed to the street''s garbage can with a serious expression. Stelle slowly typed out a question mark. [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! You have received Miyu''s Trash Bin. Hiding inside effectively reduces your presence. Note: This item is stored in the System space and can be directly accessed for use.] Bochang also cautiously typed out a question mark. What kind of reward is a trash bin...? However, considering its special effect, it might still be somewhat useful¡ªcertainly better than ultra-fashionable sanitary pads. "If you want to see it, I don''t mind." Stelle followed Bochang''s gaze towards the street. Initially, she didn''t think much of it, but after his reminder, the trash bin seemed increasingly appealing. It appeared to even sparkle slightly, evoking an urge to rummage through it. "What strange thoughts am I having?" Stelle wondered. Unconcerned, Bochang led the gray-haired girl straight towards the trash bin on the street. The Silvermane Guards stationed at the entrance observed them leaving the Goethe Grand Hotel. Without saying a word, they silently reported this incident. As they approached the trash bin, Stelle asked, "Can I take a look inside?" "I think that''s not a good idea," Bochang shook his head. "Why do you want to search through the garbage?" "Not sure... just feeling an inexplicable urge..." Stelle rubbed her chin, golden eyes reflecting a wave of contemplation. Bochang advised, "I believe you should resist this impulse." While the two were conversing a few meters away from the trash bin... A young child passed by and casually tossed a toy onto the ground... It seemed she intended to throw it into the bin but missed. The child didn''t bother further and turned to walk away. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Pretend you didn''t see and leave with Stelle ¡ª Completion Reward: Guaranteed car accident upon stepping out.] [Option 2: Pick up the toy and properly dispose of it in the trash bin ¡ª Completion Reward: Ethical Praise. Access to Belobog Administrative District Central Plaza''s fountain location, allowing one Ethical Praise to retrieve a treasure from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 3: Pick up the toy, infuse it with the power of the Mouse Talisman, and say, "Little doll... let me grant you new life." - Completion Reward: 100% increase in mental energy.] Among these three options, the first one can be directly excluded. That leaves only the second and third choices. Currently, in Bochang''s System space... there is still one unused Ethical Praise remaining. There''s no need to accumulate more, as its benefits aren''t particularly significant anyway. "However... do I really want to infuse this toy with the power of the Mouse Talisman? With Silver Wolf still watching me closely, won''t further revealing my abilities raise their suspicions?" Bochang hasn''t forgotten that out of the previous three options, two involved being abducted by Stellaron Hunters. If this continues... Should all the options start involving abduction by the Stellaron Hunters... Bochang genuinely wouldn''t know what to do. "Well, I''ve already revealed enough of my abilities. If the Stellaron Hunters truly intend to target me, it doesn''t matter much now, considering how much stronger I''ve become compared to before... There''s no need to worry excessively." "Option three." Without hesitation... Bochang picked up the toy that had been discarded on the ground. It resembled a Barbie doll, approximately twenty centimeters tall, with golden hair and red eyes. The toy looked brand new. The texture of its hair felt remarkably good, almost as if it were real, likely implanted with human hair strands. Its slender figure had a plastic-like feel upon touch. As Bochang infused the power of the Mouse Talisman, he declared, "Little doll... let me grant you a new life." Instantly, fueled by the Mouse Talisman''s power, the toy came alive. Her eyes flickered. The "Thumbelina," held within his palm, displayed sheer terror on her face. "You! Who are you people? Why are you so big? Where is my knight? My castle?" Curious, Stelle leaned forward and asked, "Bochang, what strange ability is this?" [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received a 100% increase in mental energy.] Feeling the boost to his mental energy, Bochang couldn''t help but let out a soft hum of satisfaction. Thumbelina struggled and managed to crawl free from the black-haired youth''s grasp. She then stood atop his palm. "Are you monsters who dared to kidnap this princess? I advise you to release me immediately, or else... my knights will come to punish you," declared Thumbelina confidently, referring to herself as a princess. Bochang found it quite intriguing. The toy, once merely plastic-like, had suddenly become soft and lifelike, even emitting a slight warmth. "How realistic... It feels almost identical to a real person." Bochang suddenly had some thoughts that he could never share with anyone else. Ignoring Thumbelina for the moment, he addressed Stelle''s curiosity. Bochang promptly answered Stelle''s unspoken question. "Yes, this is one of my abilities. I can bring life to inanimate objects and grant them powers as described in legends. This doll here... although it seems she doesn''t possess any extraordinary abilities." After all... If she did have special powers, this Thumbelina would likely have already initiated an attack. Stelle''s eyes sparkled as she asked, "Can you revive the dead?" "Ah... well... probably not." Bochang scratched his head. However, considering he had obtained the power of the Mouse Talisman, not the talisman itself, unexpected changes were not entirely out of the question¡ªmuch like the alternative usage of the Dragon Talisman''s power. When enveloped by that explosive force, Bochang experienced significant enhancements. Not only was he completely immune to cold, but his overall physical attributes seemed to have improved significantly. He simply named this effect as his First Apparent Power, while the Zeroth Apparent Power naturally referred to the original focused release of dragon explosion. Moreover, his overall physical attributes seemed to have significantly improved. He simply referred to this newfound strength as First Appointed Power. As for Zero Appointed Power, it naturally remained the concentrated release of magic known as Dragon Blast. Thumbelina was visibly upset by being ignored; she raised her middle finger and exclaimed, "Are you even listening to me?! You idiots!" Taken aback by the outburst, Bochang muttered, "Oh? So we''ve got a foul-mouthed princess here. Is Belobog into that?" Stelle calmly extended her hand and said, "Although the truth may be harsh, if you can understand this, you should realize...you''re merely a toy. It''s solely due to Bochang''s power that you were brought back to life." "Listen up, little one," Bochang feigned sternness, "I only revived you on a whim. If you wish to continue living, showcase your unique abilities. Here, I demand excellence, not mediocrity. If you prove useless, I''ll reclaim the power within you, turning you back into a mere toy." Chapter 74 - 73: Singing, Dancing, Rapping... Chapter 74 - 73: Singing, Dancing, Rapping...Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang brought this toy back to life solely because the "Dating Options" compelled him to do so. He still held some hope for her abilities, which prompted his question. Otherwise, he would have immediately withdrawn the power of the Mouse Talisman. Ultimately, she was just a toy, and Bochang could handle her as he pleased. After hearing their exchange, Thumbelina pondered carefully. Unable to determine if they were being truthful or not, she decided to mention her strengths, saying, "I can sing, dance, rap, and also..." "Basketball?" Bochang couldn''t resist adding jokingly. Thumbelina vigorously shook her head. "What basketball? No, my special ability is communicating with small animals." Bochang considered this; indeed, it sounded quite princess-like, but...it seemed rather useless, although there might be some minor benefits...still, not particularly significant. Stelle chimed in, "Communicate with small animals? That sounds like a remarkable ability..." "Uh-huh," Thumbelina nodded repeatedly, her eyes expressing admiration, "That''s exactly it." "What is your name?" "Sophia." Stelle and Thumbelina engaged in a brief exchange. Seeing that they seemed to hit it off well, Bochang decided to place Princess Sophia gently into Stelle''s hands, allowing them to continue their conversation freely. "The Mouse Talisman''s ability is indeed intriguing..." Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I should be able to use this power to create suitable familiars..." In the black-haired youth''s view, the toys he brought to life using the Mouse Talisman''s power were no different from familiars. At any rate, they could certainly make his life more convenient. "If there''s an opportunity, I could try experimenting with one of Herta''s dolls... If it''s just for research purposes, I think... Herta probably wouldn''t refuse." Bochang''s gaze flickered. If Herta knew he could bestow life upon inanimate objects, she would undoubtedly support further study. While Bochang pondered these thoughts, Dan Heng emerged from the Goethe Grand Hotel and joined them. "Bochang, Stelle, what are you two doing here? And who is this little one?" The stoic little azure dragon''s pupils slightly contracted upon seeing Sophia. "Isn''t this the popular Princess Sophia toy among Belobog''s children?" "Why would..." Hearing Dan Heng immediately identify her, Bochang exclaimed in surprise, "You''re truly impressive... knowing even that." "It was part of my initial intelligence gathering." Dan Heng continued probing, "The question is... how can she move? Bochang, do you also have skills in modifying toys? Did you implant a chip, modify her limbs, or install..." "Hold on, hold on, I don''t know anything about those things..." Bochang waved his hands repeatedly to stop further wild guesses. "I just used a bit of special power, and it brought her to life." "Special power... alright then." Dan Heng didn''t press further, instead examining Princess Sophia closely with a puzzled expression. No matter how one looked at it, this was truly astonishing and almost unbelievable. Yet the reality stood before them, leaving Dan Heng with no choice but to accept it. Sophia also noticed the appearance of another giant nearby, as Dan Heng scrutinized her closely. Clearly... Sophia still felt frightened, following Stelle''s hand up until she reached his shoulder for safety. Dan Heng diverted his gaze and remarked, "Bochang, you certainly have a multitude of unique abilities." "Average, just average. It''s not really that many," Bochang replied with a modest smile. Listening to their conversation, Sophia remained skeptical even now, convinced she had been kidnapped by a group of giants. "My knight will surely come to rescue me; until then, I only need to wait quietly." Nobody could discern Sophia''s inner thoughts. Bochang suggested, "Alright, let''s head back and rest for a while... Don''t forget, we have Bronya''s victory banquet tonight..." As she spoke, Bochang withdrew the power of the Mouse Talisman. Ever since Sophia''s revival, her existence had continuously drained magic from the black-haired youth''s Mouse Talisman. Fortunately, the consumption was minimal and negligible, allowing Bochang to sustain it without interruption for twenty-four hours. The moment the power was retracted, Sophia felt an overwhelming sense of fatigue, exhaustion washing over her. With closed eyes, the princess remained motionless once again. Under their gazes, Sophia transformed back into a toy, looking identical to those found in stores. Stelle gently removed the toy from her shoulder and asked, "Bochang, did you withdraw your power? Then... is she dead now?" "Um... I should say, she was always technically dead. If Stelle wants her alive, it''s quite simple..." Bochang extended his hand to take the toy version of Sophia. Stelle calmly shook her head. "The decision to bring her back to life is yours, Bochang. You don''t need to consider me. You''re right... Sophia was indeed dead all along, much like digital pets on a phone. No matter how realistic or lifelike they appear, they are merely strings of data." Dan Heng seemed to want to respond but, after some thought, remained silent. Noticing this, Bochang decided not to revive Sophia but instead tucked her away in his pocket¡ªwithout simply discarding her. As such a toy, S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang felt he could collect quite a few of them. In specific situations, they might prove unexpectedly useful. "However... these lives resurrected by the Mouse Talisman won''t obey commands..." This posed a bit of a headache, and Bochang lacked the ability to alter that aspect. The group of three returned to the Goethe Grand Hotel, each retiring to their rooms for rest. Soon, night fell. Bronya personally led a contingent of Silvermane Guards from the hotel, heading straight towards Qlipoth Fort. Among the Silvermane Guards, Bochang spotted Pela, closely following alongside Bronya. Upon meeting with Bochang and the others, they exchanged greetings. As Dan Heng returned to Qlipoth Fort once again, he vividly recalled his previous visit when he had been tasked with sweeping and cleaning. Now, however, he was treated as a distinguished guest of the Architects. This shift in status didn''t surprise Dan Heng at all. Having experienced numerous unexpected events, such occurrences seemed increasingly commonplace to him. In the brightly lit grand hall, countless elegantly dressed individuals gathered, cheering for the triumphant return of heroes. Originally used for council meetings, Qlipoth Fort had been temporarily transformed into a banquet venue. Long tables were set up around the room, laden with various desserts, pastries, beverages, and wines. Attendees could simply help themselves to whatever caught their fancy. Uniformed maids and butlers, clad in simple black-and-white attire, moved through the crowd, ensuring the food tables remained well-stocked. Bochang, along with March 7th and Stelle, indulged heartily, savoring the exquisite culinary delights offered. Chapter 75 - 74: Minotaur Warrior Chapter 75 - 74: Minotaur WarriorPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Hmph, Bochang, weren''t you saying earlier that you didn''t care much about this banquet? How come now you''re eating even more fiercely than me?" March 7th remarked while devouring her food. Bochang put down the chicken leg, elegantly wiping his greasy hands and mouth with a napkin. "I simply worked too hard during today''s battles and need to replenish my energy properly. Don''t forget who contributed the most in this fight." Perhaps it was a lingering effect of wearing the black bear mask for extended periods. Bochang indeed felt unusually famished, ready to consume anything within reach. The variety of delectable dishes at the banquet only intensified his appetite. He accepted every offering without hesitation. In this scenario... March 7th, Bochang, and Stelle became quite the spectacle at the feast. Sitting side by side, they devoured their meals like a storm sweeping away clouds. Periodically, servants would approach to serve additional courses, eliciting amazement from onlookers at the trio''s prodigious appetites. Stelle picked up her juice, took a sip, and said, "During the sealing of Stellaron, Bochang indeed contributed the most. He defeated both the robot and that person..." When mentioning Cocolia, the gray-haired girl deliberately avoided using names due to the mixed crowd around them. Speaking openly about Cocolia being an enemy... In such matters, Stelle knew where to draw the line. "That''s not entirely incorrect," March 7th responded half-heartedly. Recalling how Bochang had pinched her cheeks earlier, she felt tempted multiple times to lash out but managed to suppress her irritation each time. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The pink-haired girl grabbed a dessert, seemingly treating it as Bochang, and viciously bit into it, saying, "I''ll let you off for today." Unlike Bochang and others, Dan Heng acted more like their leader, engaging in lively conversation with Belobog''s Architects. Of course... Dan Heng never smiled; it was the other Architects who chuckled. Bochang and his companions quietly enjoyed their meals without interruption. Until Serval arrived. Unlike her usual attire, the blonde big sister wore a striking purple evening gown today, accentuating her graceful figure even more brilliantly. As always, three flamboyant blue-black feathers adorned her right shoulder. With her long hair cascading over her shoulders, Serval gracefully approached the trio and said, "So, how is tonight''s meal? Quite delicious, isn''t it?" "Indeed, very enjoyable." March 7th gave a thumbs-up. Bochang asked, "Serval, have you taken care of your family matters?" "Hmm... Don''t worry, I''ve already spoken with my siblings, and our luggage is packed. Whenever you''re ready to depart, I can leave at any time." Serval placed a hand on her chest, adding, "There''s not much here worth lingering for anyway." Did she truly have nothing to hold onto? In reality, Serval still felt somewhat attached to Gepard and Lynx. And there was one more person... Cocolia. However, feeling weary of this life, Serval didn''t want things to continue as they were. Embarking on adventures further away with the Astral Express might be more meaningful. Besides, Bronya supported her decision. "Hmm... As for when we''ll leave Belobog, there''s no rush. We plan to rest here for another couple of days. After tomorrow''s DNA test results, I even intend to visit Underworld..." "Underworld? What''s so interesting about that place? Personally, I don''t think it''s suitable for sightseeing." Serval seemed puzzled, noticing the growing excitement around them. Pela also approached, joining the conversation. "Speaking of which, when I first captured Bochang and his group, they were also trying to find their way to the Underworld." "At that time, it was because of Sampo... He mentioned something about meeting him there, come to think of it... That guy just won''t leave us alone; he secretly contacted me twice more. It seems his sole purpose is to unlock access to the Upper Underworld..." Bochang shared this information eagerly. Pela nodded gently, "I know about Sampo, the wanted criminal... Apparently, he even assisted you today. And...Serval, according to Lady Bronya, you...ran off with Sampo earlier, right? We were quite worried when you disappeared suddenly." "Hmm...well, see, I''m back safe now, so let''s not dwell on such minor details." Serval smiled sheepishly. By the time everyone returned, Pela had been dispatched to Belobog by Gepard to oversee matters there. Due to her busy schedule, they hadn''t seen each other since their brief encounter this morning with Serval. Lynx and Gepard had informed Pela about these incidents. The siblings hoped that Pela could persuade Serval to stay in Belobog instead of joining the Astral Express. Pela willingly accepted this challenging task. "Serval, aren''t you planning to leave?" A hint of loneliness flashed in the eyes of Pela, who wore round-framed glasses. "If you go, we might never see each other again, and our rock band would also..." This was indeed a pressing issue. It''s one that Serval most dreaded facing, but at certain junctures, she must make choices. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Patting Serval''s shoulder, look at Pela and say, "It''s alright, Pela... Serval and I will make our band renowned throughout the universe." - Completion Reward: Obtain item, Minotaur Statue. Crushing this statue summons an incredibly powerful Minotaur Warrior to assist in combat for one hour. Note: This type of item...] [Option 2: Hand the teleportation ring to Pela and say, "It''s alright, Pela. See this ring? Just add a drop of your blood, and we can establish mutual teleportation between us. Whenever you want to see Serval, I''ll bring her over immediately, and together we''ll build Universe Village." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random skill.] [Option 3: Pretend not to hear, focus on eating, and let Pela persuade Serval - Completion Reward: Serval withdraws from Astral Express.] "Serval... it seems her emotions are still quite unstable... If I let this go unchecked, she might leave the Astral Express again, so option three can be directly ruled out." Previously, Bochang had sacrificed a random item reward just to ensure Serval''s participation on the Astral Express. There was no way he would allow her to depart so effortlessly now. If nothing is done... Who will compensate Bochang for his losses? Moreover, as a black-haired youth possessing "Dating Options," having more people around him is always beneficial. This increases the chances of triggering additional Dating Options, leading to gradual self-improvement. Step by step, growing stronger. Until one day, when the Stellaron Hunters can no longer abduct him. Only then can Bochang truly unleash his full potential. "However... do the current Stellaron Hunters still have means to capture me? Could they resort to poisoning or similar tactics?" Chapter 76 - 75: Silver Wolf Chapter 76 - 75: Silver WolfPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After leaving the Herta Space Station, Bochang''s strength had been steadily increasing, and his full-power strike with the Dragon Talisman was remarkably potent. However... without having directly faced the Stellaron Hunters yet, it was difficult to gauge their comparative strengths. Moreover, recalling Silver Wolf''s peculiar abilities gave Bochang a headache. Polygraphs and Memory Removal Wands... These left a deep impression on him. "Now, those should be ineffective against me... If I could obtain the Horse and Dog Talismans..." "I wouldn''t need to worry about such issues anymore." Lost in thought, Bochang began hesitating over which reward to choose. Both the Random Skill and the statue of a Minotaur seemed appealing. "Hmm... I think I''ll still choose the statue of a minotaur. Currently, I''m not severely lacking in skills, and these random skills feel similar to random items; there''s a chance they might turn out to be quite useless." "Trying out the statue of a minotaur seems like a better option. Well... it appears that giving the teleportation ring to Pela wouldn''t cause any issues, but... should I really give the teleportation ring to Pela? Right now, I only have one, and I can only entrust it to a single person, so I must make a careful choice." "Option One." Having made his decision, Bochang stood up and patted Serval on the shoulder, saying, "It''s alright, Pela... Serval and I will make our band renowned throughout the universe." Pela remained silent. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received the statue of a minotaur. Minotaur Warriors never serve as slaves unless provided with full board. Note: This item has been stored in the System space and can be directly retrieved for use.] Regarding the fate of the teleportation ring, Bochang had yet to decide and wasn''t in a rush to hand it over. At that moment, it seemed as though Serval had also made her decision, and she replied, "Yes, Pela, I have decided to leave Belobog and embark on adventures outside. If there''s an opportunity in the future, I will come back to visit you." "Pela will miss you, Serval." The two women, one young and one older, began their heartfelt farewell. Witnessing this scene, Bochang internally debated whether he should hand over the teleportation ring now or not. ?Forget it, I''ll give it to them... Seeing Serval and Pela acting like they might never meet again makes me feel guilty.? After all, Serval''s departure was entirely orchestrated by Bochang himself. He reached into his pocket and retrieved another teleportation ring. Holding it up, he said, "It''s alright... Pela, do you see this ring? Just add a drop of your blood, and we can establish mutual teleportation between us. Whenever you wish to see Serval, I can instantly bring her here to meet you, and together we''ll build Universe Village." "Ah?" Pela was taken aback, her small hands covering her mouth bashfully as she looked at the ring offered by Bochang. A mix of surprise and a blush appeared on her face simultaneously. "The ring...the ring...the ring... Can he really entrust me with something like this? And it''s a teleportation ring! What does Bochang mean by giving it to me? If I accept, will it imply..." If Pela wasn''t mistaken, this ring matched the style of the one currently on Bochang''s finger. In Belobog, exchanging rings during marriage was a common tradition, which understandably led to her overthinking. Bochang felt a chill run down his spine, sensing three pairs of eyes focusing on him. Fortunately, his Spider Sense did not trigger, indicating that these gazes held no significant malice. "It''s alright...it''s alright. Since there were no negative rewards mentioned in the options, this situation must not be serious. As long as I explain properly, there should be no problem." Bochang took a deep breath but didn''t get a chance to speak before being interrupted. March 7th spoke first, "Bochang, you actually have a second teleportation ring... Hmph... Didn''t it occur to you that fragile little March might need one for protection?" With her hands on her hips, March 7th glared sidelong at Bochang, seemingly waiting for him to obediently hand over the ring. Stelle also seemed to grasp the situation and turned away, placing a hand on her chest. "Uh... During every battle, I always charge at the forefront. I think... perhaps... maybe... I could use a teleportation ring too. That way, I wouldn''t burden Bochang with rushing to save me all the time..." "That''s right, indeed," March 7th nodded repeatedly. Although Serval wasn''t fully aware of the teleportation ring''s capabilities, seeing something identical to Bochang''s ring ignited a sense of competition within her. After a brief moment of hesitation, unsure what to say, Serval simply touched her cheek. "I feel like... this ring looks quite nice." The blonde woman didn''t directly express her desire for the teleportation ring, but it was evident from her tone. Bochang felt his head about to split from this mounting tension. Even Pela subtly sensed the brewing rivalry among them. An invisible and odorless haze of competition seemed to rise between the three girls. "What''s happening here? What should I do... Should I pretend nothing is going on and just walk away?" Pela''s mind raced at high speed but quickly crashed under the pressure. The gazes of March 7th, Serval, and Stelle all converged on her simultaneously. "Don''t...don''t look at me! This has absolutely nothing to do with me..." Pela wore an innocent expression. Meanwhile, somehow spying stealthily, Silver Wolf lounged lazily in her ergonomic chair. Watching through a screen, she blew a pink bubble before mumbling indistinctly, "Option 6..." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Give the teleportation ring to Stelle - Completion Reward: Be abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 2: Give the teleportation ring to March 7th - Completion Reward: Dual Yandere Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option Three: Give the teleportation ring to Serval ¡ª Completion Reward: Guaranteed Diarrhea After Every Meal.] [Option Four: Insist on giving the teleportation ring to Pela and say, "When we first arrived in Belobog, you helped us quite a lot. This ring is well-deserved for you." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a Random Skill.] [Option Five: If you want it so much, then neither of you get it. Say, "There''s only one teleportation ring, and I planned to keep it for future convenience when visiting Belobog again. If you, Pela, don''t want it, then I''ll give it to Gepard..." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a Random Item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] The sudden appearance of five options left Bochang utterly bewildered. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Having five options pop up at once was indeed a first for Bochang. However, the first three options were quite similar; the focus lay primarily on the last two. Only these two offered positive rewards. Bochang would definitely have to choose between them¡ªone offering a random skill, the other a random item. In essence, they were comparable but with different biases. It simply depended on whether Bochang desired a skill or an item. Chapter 77 - 76: Circles Within Circles Chapter 77 - 76: Circles Within CirclesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "If I insist on giving the teleportation ring to Pela, would it count as unintentionally choosing two options within one scenario?" After all, compared to the previous choice, even the reward for giving the teleportation ring to Pela is identical. It could essentially be seen as obtaining double rewards from a single option. "How nice if I could frequently trigger such scenarios." Bochang knew this was wishful thinking. The probability of ["Dating Options"] appearing remained unpredictable. Currently, Bochang considered giving the teleportation ring to Pela and felt that drawing a random skill might not be bad, but... As soon as he recalled that March 7th, Stelle, and even Serval were eyeing the ring, the black-haired youth became somewhat hesitant. "Perhaps I should give it to Gepard instead. Suddenly offering the teleportation ring to Pela seems quite inappropriate; it might inadvertently draw attention from the other girls..." "Perhaps I should choose someone else." "Option five." "There''s only one teleportation ring, and I intended to keep it for easy travel back to Belobog later. If you''re not interested, Pela, then I''ll give it to Gepard..." As Bochang spoke, he turned his head, scanning the banquet hall. He quickly spotted Gepard peeking cautiously from behind a potted plant. The Silvermane Guard commander was stealthily observing everyone present. Earlier that afternoon, Gepard had officially made acquaintances with Bochang and their group, thanks to Bronya introducing them. Of course... this young guard commander wasn''t particularly friendly towards the Trailblazer squad. Upon hearing Bochang''s words, Pela let out a silent sigh of relief as he felt the gazes of March 7th, Stelle, and Serval shift away from him. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the item "Kafka''s Underpants," authentic and unaltered. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly retrieved for use.] The sound of the system notification startled Bochang, causing his eyebrows to slightly lift. Unable to resist, he exclaimed, "Use? How exactly does one ''use'' this... System, don''t add such suggestive notes, come on!" "Gepard!" Quickly regaining his composure, Bochang greeted the dashing young guard commander, "Come here, I need to speak with you." "Ahem..." Realizing his covert observation had been discovered, Gepard could only confidently step out from behind the bonsai tree. "Respected extraterrestrial visitor, what brings you to me?" Bochang spread his hands and explained, "This is a teleportation ring, similar to mine. With just a drop of your blood on it, we can establish two-way teleportation between us. Additionally, you can use it for short-range teleports within ten meters at any time. Having this ring greatly enhances your safety, and I could also frequently bring Serval back to Belobog..." Upon hearing Bochang''s explanation, Gepard was taken aback. Whether it was short-range teleportation within ten meters or long-distance two-way travel, these capabilities far exceeded Gepard''s understanding. "I cannot accept such a valuable item," the young guard commander from the Silvermane Guard shook his head, declining the offer. "Such a precious artifact should be entrusted to Miss Bronya instead." As he spoke... Gepard glanced toward Bronya, who was engaged in conversation nearby with others. As the newly appointed Great Guardian, Bronya had been extremely busy. Regardless of their rank among the Architects, everyone now approached her to greet and meet her. Apart from celebrating the success of the Trailblazer squad, another purpose of this banquet was to affirm Bronya''s position as the new Great Guardian¡ªor rather, to celebrate her ascension. This would typically be an occasion for Cocolia to make an appearance, but she remained withdrawn and isolated. No one knew when she might recover, so they refrained from pressuring her. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hand it over to Bronya? Hmm... That could work." Bochang nodded in agreement. With his permission granted, Gepard hurriedly approached Bronya, relaying the information to her. Meanwhile... Bochang took the opportunity to console the girls standing nearby. "Since there is only one teleportation ring, I thought it best to keep it here for easier returns later... Stelle, March, Serval, if I obtain more rings in the future... I''ll give them to you then." Both Stelle and March appeared visibly disappointed. Serval remained unfazed. Handing the teleportation ring to Bronya actually benefited her as well. If, as Bochang claimed, they could return to Belobog using the ring, all of Serval''s previous concerns would dissipate like smoke. Bronya approached promptly, noticing the gazes from the three girls, and spoke slowly. "Bochang, I''ve heard about your situation. I''m genuinely pleased that you''re willing to leave such a valuable item behind and visit Belobog often. However... I cannot accept such a precious ring." "Haven''t Pela and I already been helpful to you before? Compared to me, she is the most suitable recipient for this ring. Plus, given her close relationship with Serval, it would make future meetings more convenient..." "Not only that, but as an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, engaging with esteemed guests falls within Pela''s responsibilities." It seemed that Bronya had indeed done her homework on the Trailblazer squad, being well-informed about various incidents among its members. After the new Great Guardian outlined the pros and cons, everyone''s attention once again focused on Pela. The blue-haired girl wearing round glasses didn''t expect the topic to circle back and land on her unexpectedly. Since neither Bronya nor Gepard wanted it, the black-haired youth decided to go along with their suggestion. "Then let''s entrust the teleportation ring to Pela." Bochang placed the ring into the blue-haired girl''s hand, "This ring is rightfully yours as well." Pela felt somewhat overwhelmed, becoming even more bewildered as Bochang pressed the teleportation ring into her palm. Originally composed and intelligent, the Silvermane Guards'' intelligence officer now resembled a shy young maiden. Serval chimed in, "Pela, since Miss Bronya insists, you should accept it. We''ll still have plenty of opportunities to meet and can continue holding our rock concerts as usual." Seeing this, Pela nodded, her agitated heart swiftly calming down. As an exceptional intelligence officer, Pela wouldn''t dwell on such matters indefinitely. "Come, let''s test the power of the teleportation ring," suggested Bochang, displaying his own ring. "All you need is a single drop of blood... After that, you can use it freely." The teleportation ring felt scorching hot in Pela''s hand. This was no ordinary trinket but rather a precious treasure. Even if Pela sold everything she owned, she couldn''t afford such a formidable artifact. Apart from offering herself in return, Pela had no idea how to repay this immense kindness. Is it really appropriate for me to take possession of this...? Despite these thoughts, urged by those around her, Pela pricked her finger and placed... a drop of blood onto the teleportation ring. Chapter 78 - 77: Are You There? Chapter 78 - 77: Are You There?Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The events unfolding here drew considerable attention. Many of Belobog''s Architects spontaneously gathered around. Guided by the crowd, Dan Heng also approached to witness Bochang and others'' demonstration. To test the teleportation ring''s functionality, they positioned themselves nearly a hundred meters apart. With a burst of shimmering light, Bochang witnessed for the first time the teleportation ring''s ability in action¡ªdistance became irrelevant. Pela vanished amidst white light and instantly reappeared next to Bochang, materializing similarly within another flash of brightness. Everyone was left speechless and awestruck. Each teleportation consumed one energy unit from Pela''s teleportation ring. Due to the energy consumption required for teleportation, Bochang couldn''t personally test the ring''s capabilities. Earlier that day, during the battle, he had used up all three energy units at once while saving Stelle... It takes a full day for one energy unit to recharge... Currently, Bochang''s teleportation ring was still on cooldown, necessitating Pela''s assistance. As expected, Pela successfully used the teleportation ring''s function without issue. It wasn''t particularly challenging either. "Try teleporting back again and see if it consumes more energy," suggested Bochang, watching Pela like a curious little hamster nodding eagerly. With another burst of white light, she disappeared and returned to her original location. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Pela assessed the state of the teleportation ring and reported, "It consumed one more unit of energy." Upon hearing this, Bochang understood immediately. Whether teleporting forward or returning, each action would consume one unit of energy from the user... This meant that for future travel between the Astral Express and Belobog, he must ensure his teleportation ring has at least two units of energy remaining. Otherwise... He could find himself stranded in Belobog, unable to utilize the virtual coordinates to return and forced to remain on the planet until the Astral Express comes back to retrieve him. ?If I ever need Pela''s assistance in the future, perhaps I can simply say... ''Help me, Miss Pela!''? To activate the teleportation function of these rings, mutual consent from both parties was required. The sensation for summoning someone versus being teleported oneself would be distinct. In other words¡ªBochang and Pela could call upon each other''s assistance over vast distances. "However, I don''t really need such assistance, Pela... You serve as my bridge to Belobog, and also as a connection allowing Serval to visit home frequently." Bochang wore a thoughtful expression, pondering internally when March 7th interjected, "This teleportation is truly remarkable! If there are no distance limitations... wouldn''t it mean that our Astral Express crew can acquire supplies anywhere in the universe at any time?" "Yes, theoretically. However, I haven''t tested how much cargo can be transported yet; it likely won''t be substantial." Bochang had a vague feeling that during teleportation... he could carry at most two additional people, beyond which it would become impossible. As for cargo, he suspected it might be limited to around four hundred pounds or less. Dan Heng gazed at the teleportation rings held by Bochang and Pela. "This is already remarkable. It''s like adding multiple resupply points for our Astral Express. Even if we get lost in the starry sky... it shouldn''t pose significant issues, although... I highly doubt we''ll encounter such a situation." As a train crafted during the Trailblazer Era, getting lost amidst the stars would indeed be quite challenging. Moreover, individuals like Himeko were not to be underestimated either. Dan Heng had valid reasons for his confidence. Bronya, observing Pela with the teleportation ring, was equally impressed by its potent capabilities. Not only could it facilitate instant short-range teleports within ten meters under normal circumstances, but on a battlefield, each teleportation opportunity could mean saving a life. Wielding such a ring, one''s chances of survival could skyrocket dramatically. However... Bronya did not feel envious. As the newly appointed Great Guardian, she couldn''t easily accept gifts from outsiders. Thus, she had no choice but to pass this valuable artifact to Pela. The brief interlude at the banquet quickly concluded. As the celebration wound down, following Bronya''s final speech, everyone began to depart for their homes. At Goethe Grand Hotel, Bochang lay on the soft bed and gently exhaled. After a busy day, it was finally time to rest and sleep. Initially, with his newly awakened Destruction fate path, Bochang considered taking out the Light Cone he had obtained earlier to experiment with it. However, upon second thought, he realized that Silver Wolf might still be watching him closely. Thus, he decided against playing with the Light Cone and instead sat up, reaching into his bag to retrieve another toy¡ªPrincess Sophia. Infusing power from the Mouse Talisman... Princess Sophia, once merely a doll, came back to life again. Surprisingly, something unexpected occurred. This Sophia actually remembered Bochang; she hadn''t lost her memories despite being dormant previously. "You... What did you do to me just now? Why did I suddenly pass out?" Standing on the bed, Princess Sophia clutched her slightly stained white dress, her expression unfriendly. "Are you perhaps a sorcerer?" "Hmm... you can indeed consider me as a sorcerer, since it was through a power akin to magic that I brought you back to life. If you don''t believe me, feel free to take a look at these." Bochang took out his phone, placed it before her, and began playing advertisements and toys related to Belobog''s Princess Sophia. The Mouse Talisman''s power cannot casually revive any non-living object. It requires entities with significant public recognition. Only when made into toys or statues can they be activated by the Mouse Talisman''s influence. Objects like table lamps or pillows cannot be brought to life. After viewing the content related to herself, Sophia still displayed a completely disbelieving expression. "How could this be...? How am I supposed to be represented by such a toy? I clearly remember being a princess, surrounded by countless knights and maids attending to my every need. There''s no way I''m just a toy! This is fake, it must be fake!" Sophia nearly smashed Bochang''s phone after watching the clips, but his quick reflexes prevented any damage. The little girl before him remained unwilling to accept reality. "Then let me demonstrate my powers," Bochang said. Narrowing his eyes slightly, the black-haired youth picked up a nearby teddy bear, which was also a well-known toy in Belobog. To help Sophia understand she was now a toy, Bochang had specifically requested one for demonstration purposes. Meanwhile... While monitoring Bochang, Silver Wolf received a message from Kafka. Kafka: Hey, sweetie, are you there? Kafka: Are you, are you, are you, are you? Glancing briefly at the message, Silver Wolf replied: Not here. Kafka: Did you see those little undies I hung out to dry this afternoon? Just now, when I checked, they suddenly disappeared... Silver Wolf: Why ask me about such things? I don''t know. If you really can''t find them, go ask Elio. Kafka: How could I comfortably ask him about something like that... Never mind, I''ll keep searching then. Chapter 79 - 78: Spirit in All Things Chapter 79 - 78: Spirit in All ThingsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After witnessing Bochang bring the toy bear back to life only to let it die again, Sophia''s worldview was fundamentally reshaped. As a result... She tearfully pleaded with Bochang not to let her die, assuring him that she would unquestionably obey his commands. In this manner, the black-haired youth acquired his first familiar effortlessly. At the same time, he decided to conduct a quick experiment. Just as expected, when the toy bear was resurrected using the power of the Mouse Talisman, similar to Sophia, it did not lose its memories. It still recalled opening its eyes once before and remembered both Bochang and the little princess. Faced with this situation, Bochang could only sigh and utter, "There is spirit in all things." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, since the toy bear possessed no special abilities and had a rather low intelligence, Bochang saw no reason to keep it around. Time swiftly moved to the next day. After sitting up and stretching lazily, Bochang stood up and gently picked up Sophia, who was lying on a towel used as her makeshift bed beside his nightstand. He said, "Sophia, it''s time to wake up." As he spoke... Bochang placed the familiar comfortably on his shoulder. Originally transformed from a toy, Sophia exuded cuteness with her cascading golden curls... Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she then opened her crimson pupils. "Umm... Good morning, Master." This form of address was naturally due to Bochang''s mischievous whims. Although Sophia initially resisted, she eventually accepted this reality. After all, the black-haired youth held her fate in his hands. Without him, Sophia would only face certain death. Bochang woke up at eight o''clock today. After completing his morning routine, he descended downstairs. Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle were already chatting leisurely in the living room. Noticing Bochang descend the stairs, March 7th remarked, "You sure slept late today. Come on, let''s go out for a big meal." There was a reason Bochang had risen so late. Firstly, he didn''t need to prepare breakfast himself. Secondly, he spent some time playing with Sophia. Thirdly, after using the Sheep Talisman''s power recently, he had endured two consecutive nights of poor sleep. "Hmm... let''s go," Bochang nodded. Curiously, March 7th asked, "Is this your familiar you mentioned earlier? It looks adorable! Can I play with it?" "Sure, but whether she plays with you or not is up to Sophia, not me." Bochang smiled, without committing his familiar to anything. Ever since learning that familiars possess Removal, Bochang decided to treat them as living beings... Bochang decided to treat Sophia as a living being, naturally respecting her wishes. Of course... this also served to maintain better control over her. Sophia stood up, holding her dress with both hands and bowing respectfully, "I''m sorry, but I prefer staying by my master''s side." Today, Sophia displayed impeccable princess etiquette, unlike her blunt remarks from yesterday. "She actually calls you ''master''..." March 7th looked puzzled. "Did you instruct her to do that, Bochang?" "That''s not important," Bochang replied. "Alright." March 7th shrugged helplessly, then cast an envious glance at him. "Your ability is truly versatile. You could probably summon even an army of pillows effortlessly, right?" The pink-haired girl mentioned an army of pillows, which reminded Bochang of her suggestion last night¡ªto play a pillow fight game. However, no one seemed interested, so the idea fizzled out. "I can''t quite manage that..." Bochang shook his head. Stelle rubbed her stomach and said, "I''m hungry..." Seeing this, everyone stopped their idle chatter and headed together for breakfast. Naturally, it was once again the Architects who footed the bill. During Trailblazer squad''s operations, they deliberately brought along a Silvermane Guard responsible for handling payments and guiding them, and that person was¡ªPela. Early in the morning, she had already been waiting outside the Goethe Grand Hotel for their departure. After finishing breakfast, the group proceeded with their original plan to conduct DNA tests for Bochang and Stelle. Having completed the examinations at the hospital during the morning, the results were expected to be available only the next day. So, everyone needed to wait patiently. Meanwhile, Bochang didn''t intend to waste this time; he decided to visit the Underworld. He wanted to check on Seele, Natasha, Clara, and others. After Pela contacted Bronya via phone... the newly appointed Great Guardian swiftly arrived with a contingent of Silvermane Guards. "Gentlemen and ladies," Bronya nodded courteously, "the issue with the passage to the Underworld has not yet been fully resolved by the Silvermane Guards. It''s not the best time to descend..." "We can help resolve it together; we have plenty of time," Bochang casually responded. Feeling slightly overwhelmed, Bronya had initially planned to take action against the Underworld only tomorrow or even the day after... She hadn''t anticipated their urgency. However, if she refused them, Bronya knew... They might venture down on their own, and she couldn''t exactly stop them. With no other choice, Bronya decided they would have to proceed ahead of schedule. As the large entourage made its way along the main avenue, they swiftly arrived at the entrance leading to the passage connected to the Underworld¡ªa winding staircase descended below. On regular days, the Silvermane Guards used this route to transport various supplies. One could consider it a vital artery for Belobog. Throughout the journey, Sophia, perched on Bochang''s shoulders, curiously observed her surroundings. Her dress, which she had washed herself the previous night, now looked much cleaner. As Sophia took in the sights, passersby also gazed at her with intrigue. Being a well-known princess in Belobog, most recognized her immediately. Seeing that she could move and speak, some children even approached... asking Bochang where he bought such a lifelike doll. Bronya, accustomed to the extraordinary feats displayed by Bochang and his companions, speculated internally that they must have modified a toy into some form of intelligent robot. Bronya explained, "This is the entrance to the Underworld, esteemed guests. Please note, the conditions there might not be as favorable as you imagine..." Without the protection of the Silvermane Guards, the Underworld, similarly afflicted by rift corrosion, still relies heavily on mining earth essence for the Overworld''s needs. To exchange for survival necessities. No matter how Bronya imagined it, she felt the conditions in the Underworld wouldn''t be particularly favorable... Thus, she preemptively prepared Bochang and the others by giving them a heads-up. "It doesn''t matter; we''ve experienced various societies," Dan Heng said calmly. For the stoic little azure dragon who had traveled through numerous worlds, there was hardly any situation he hadn''t encountered, leaving him unfazed. On the other hand, Bochang and Stelle... as newcomers, certain sights might unsettle them, which would be perfectly normal. "Underworld... Overworld... Belobog..." Perched on Bochang''s shoulder, Sophia attentively listened to her surroundings, striving to grasp their current situation. Bochang realized... Having Sophia gather intelligence could be a wise choice in the future. After all, her abilities were well-suited for such tasks. Chapter 80 - 79: Underworld Chapter 80 - 79: UnderworldPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The path leading to the Underworld was known as the furnace core. Apart from a pipeline used for automated cargo transport, there were spiral stone stairs descending downwards. The journey was incredibly lengthy, almost akin to trekking down a mountain. After several hours of walking, they finally reached their destination. As March 7th trudged along, she grumbled, "With such advanced technology, why not build an elevator...?" "It was initially ordered by the Architects," Bronya explained. "Supposedly, it aimed to enhance efficiency and conserve resources. Building an elevator would limit the number of people transported each time and require even more..." At one end of the furnace core stood the Silvermane Guards, while at the other, robots were stationed. One could say they led separate lives with minimal interaction. However, today... A change occurred. As Bronya led the contingent of Silvermane Guards and the Trailblazer squad to the robot encampment, their arrival caused immediate commotion. The robots were astounded, unable to believe that more Silvermane Guards had descended. After intercepting the visitors from the Overworld, they promptly notified their leader¡ªSvarog. Standing over two meters tall, this massive robot boasted a single red eye. Its blue mechanical exterior exuded an antiquated feel, suggesting it was quite old. "Only Svarog... Did Clara not come along?" Bochang muttered to himself upon seeing who appeared. Bronya personally engaged in negotiations with Svarog. To everyone''s surprise, the talks progressed much smoother than anticipated. When Bronya mentioned that Stellaron had been dealt with, based on the unusual phenomena observed in yesterday''s rift within the Underworld, Svarog deduced there was a high likelihood her claim was true. With the crisis in the Underworld resolved, With no further need to maintain the blockade, Svarog graciously opened the path. Bochang and his team arrived safely in the Underworld, their first stop being the Robot Settlement, which also served as the gateway to the furnace core. "Despite being underground, we can still see snow. How peculiar..." March 7th marveled aloud while treading on the snowy ground. Due to the presence of numerous robots requiring minimal heating, the temperature dropped significantly, allowing snowflakes to form here. Snow was not visible elsewhere in the underground areas, primarily because someone diligently swept it away. In contrast, at the Robot Settlement, nobody bothered to clear the blanket of snow covering the ground. As they walked through the settlement, the group observed many robots moving methodically, each engaged in their assigned tasks. Bochang, while walking, searched for any sign of Clara. Unfortunately... Even after leaving the Robot Settlement, Bochang had not spotted Clara, unsure where she might be playing. Upon opening the gate, they found the area outside the Robot Settlement bustling with activity. People gathered in small groups, chatting and playing together. As soon as these individuals spotted the emerging Silvermane Guards, their eyes nearly popped out of their sockets in surprise. It had been decades since anyone last saw Silvermane Guards in the Underworld! "Are the Silvermane Guards making a comeback?" This was monumental news, causing immediate excitement among those present. Amidst the crowd, several people glared at them maliciously, which unsettled Bochang. Since acquiring his Spider Sense, Bochang''s passive perception had significantly enhanced. Whenever someone stared at him with ill intent, he immediately felt it. If a stealthy attack or any threatening move was initiated, an alarm would sound loudly within his mind. In that moment... Bochang shuddered instinctively. Fortunately, these onlookers only dared to stare, not taking any further action. "There sure is quite a gathering here..." March 7th glanced around. Next to him, Svarog explained in its electronic voice, "Accessing central archive... Explanation follows: Their former dwellings have been overtaken by the rift, so they reside nearby. As long as they do not cause trouble... I have no authority to interfere..." After serving as their guide and escorting them out of the Robot Settlement, Svarog had no intention of continuing further. Instead, it stated, "The journey has ended, and the mission is complete. Where you choose to go next is entirely up to you..." With that... Svarog turned and departed without hesitation. For this expedition, Bronya brought a total of one hundred Silvermane Guards. These battle-hardened warriors escorted Bronya''s group, deterring any nearby Vagrants from approaching. However... The murmurs among the crowd never ceased, filled with sarcasm and mockery. The Silvermane Guards visibly felt uncomfortable listening to these remarks. These soldiers, who tirelessly defended against rift invasions day and night, slaying creatures from the Overworld, firmly believed they were protecting Belobog''s citizens, regardless of whether it was the Overworld or the Underworld. Hearing such "defamation," naturally upset them. Amidst the crowd, the group proceeded towards Boulder Town using maps from over a decade ago. Through her previous conversation with Svarog, Bronya had already gained insights into the current state of the Underworld. Her mission now was to find the Wildfire organization and negotiate for the Silvermane Guards to reassume control of law and order in the Underworld. However, she wasn''t sure if they would be willing to relinquish their authority. Based on her discussion with Svarog earlier, having taken complete control of the Underworld''s robots, he currently had no intention of yielding that power. His willingness to open channels was solely for cooperation with the Silvermane Guards. With control over the Underworld''s robots, Svarog had become an independent force within it. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bronya only hoped that the Wildfire organization wouldn''t follow suit and declare themselves rulers like Svarog did. Soon, they arrived at Boulder Town. Bochang spoke first, "From here on, we''ll need to go our separate ways, Bronya... If you require assistance, have Pela summon me." As he said this, Bochang glanced at the nearby Silvermane intelligence officer, who nodded vigorously but seemed hesitant to meet his eyes. Ever since giving her the teleportation ring yesterday... Pela now displayed a more girlish demeanor around Bochang, losing her usual composure. At times... Bochang felt compelled to say, "Pela, please regain your composure." Otherwise, March 7th and Stelle would continue giving him strange looks. This subtle change instilled a vague sense of unease in Bochang. "Alright." Bronya nodded and led the Silvermane Guards away. March 7th spread her hands out, asking, "Where should we go next?" [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Decide to search for Seele in Boulder Town - Completion Reward: Fishing Rod, a standard fishing rod. Use it when you''re bored for some leisurely fishing. Note: This type of item may...] [Option 2: Decide to search for Hook in Boulder Town - Completion Reward: Random Three-Star Light Cone.] [Option 3: Decide to search for Natasha in Boulder Town - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from small items like matches to large ones like star destroyers. Note: This type of item may...] [Option 4: Decide to help Clara in Rivet Town - Completion Reward: Random Skill.] Chapter 81 - 80: Relying on Rock-Paper-Scissors Fate Chapter 81 - 80: Relying on Rock-Paper-Scissors FatePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option 5: Decide to search for Sampo in Boulder Town ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] Just as Bochang finished reading the options, a fifth one appeared. After a brief silence, Bochang swiftly dismissed option five; he had no intention of seeking out Sampo. Regarding Sampo''s earlier remark about finding him in the Underworld, Bochang completely disregarded it. Even if he ventured there, his priority would be to find Clara, Hook, or perhaps Natasha and Seele. Who would waste their time looking for Sampo...? Examining the remaining four options, Bochang immediately ruled out the first. Firstly, the reward was unappealing, and secondly, if Bronya went searching for the Wildfire organization, she would undoubtedly encounter Seele. By the time they found her, chances were Seele would be occupied, rendering their efforts futile. The fishing rod reward seemed to silently echo this sentiment. Options two and three were both viable. However, upon noticing the mention of assistance in option four, Bochang instantly chose the fourth one. It seemed that Clara was in trouble, making now the perfect time to intervene. "Well... getting a random skill could be interesting too, who knows if I might hit the jackpot? It''d be great if it''s another talisman, but then again... does the power of talismans fall under the skill category?" Confused, Bochang asked the System. [Dating Option] ignored him. Despite Bochang jokingly referring to the System as cat-like before... In reality... The System remained exceptionally aloof, often displaying indifference towards Bochang''s inquiries. As the countdown ticked away, Bochang made his decision. Since the System didn''t specify what he needed to say this time, he had to improvise. "I feel like taking a stroll around the industrial town up north. You guys can do as you please." Since he intended to find Clara, Bochang preferred not to involve Dan Heng and the others, avoiding any potential interference with his plans. Initially, he had envisioned entering the Underworld solo for this mission. Unfortunately... Dan Heng and the others also wanted to explore the Underworld. Thus, it turned into a full deployment of the Trailblazer squad. Since Serval was not yet officially part of the Trailblazer squad, she was temporarily excluded from this excursion. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Rock-Paper-Scissors Blessing'', ensuring victory when playing against others.] The System''s notification sounded. Bochang''s inner reaction barely stirred. It was clearly a rather useless skill. What kind of nonsense is "Rock-Paper-Scissors Blessing"... Is Bochang supposed to conquer all opponents at a preschool? "No wait... This might still be somewhat useful. Perhaps I could bet on rock-paper-scissors with others... Although it''s not game-breaking, never mind. Still feels pretty pointless; aside from children, which enemy would play rock-paper-scissors with me?" "Anywhere you like? Are we planning to split up?" March 7th crossed her arms. "Speaking of, why do you want to go to the industrial town in the north...? From what I remember, that area should already be corrupted by the rift." As Bronya and Svarog conversed, everyone listened attentively. They learned that the industrial town to the north¡ªRivet Town¡ªhad been completely eroded by the rift, rendering it uninhabitable. "I specifically want to confront the rift. It''s the perfect opportunity to test the effectiveness of my gunplay skills, which I''ve been practicing for two and a half hours daily." Bochang hadn''t practiced his gun techniques for nearly two days, nor had he utilized them during yesterday''s battles. In the rift, speed was crucial; everyone fought swiftly, especially when confronting Cocolia at the end. Bochang first unleashed Dragon Blast, followed by a flurry of chaotic punches. There was no chance for him to employ his gunplay skills. "Hmm... I understand now. Bochang, you wish to hone your gunplay while simultaneously eliminating rift creatures affecting the Underworld, right? Without the presence of Silvermane Guards, conditions here are indeed much more challenging than in the Overworld." Dan Heng completed Bochang''s explanation. Just by walking around Boulder Town briefly, Dan Heng and the others noticed that compared to the Overworld, people here generally appeared malnourished and their clothing was disheveled. There were few smiles on their faces. It seemed their quality of life was significantly poorer than those in the Overworld. What Sampo had mentioned earlier turned out to be entirely accurate. "Ah, Bochang, so you had this plan all along... Honestly, encountering such injustice, how could the righteous Astral Express crew stand idly by? We''re joining you too!" March 7th clenched her fists eagerly. Feeling somewhat helpless but after some thought, Bochang decided to include them. Following the guidance from the "Dating Options" prompt, Bochang headed straight for Rivet Town, eager to find Clara as soon as possible. As for finding Rivet Town, there was no need to worry. Before leaving, Bronya had specifically provided them with a map, albeit from over a decade ago. However... That map remained usable even now. After all, the underground environment hadn''t significantly changed. After departing Boulder Town and walking for approximately an hour, the Trailblazer squad finally arrived at Rivet Town. This small town was completely overrun by rift corruption, teeming with rift creatures and containing numerous resources that were never evacuated... Every so often, daring Vagrants ventured inside to scavenge for supplies, risking their lives for a chance at valuable materials. "But... why would Clara come to Rivet Town? Is she searching for something specific?" Bochang couldn''t think of any other reason that would draw her here apart from seeking some item or information. Moreover, without Svarog by her side now, she could potentially encounter danger. This was precisely why Bochang chose the fourth option. As soon as their group of four entered Rivet Town, rift creatures emerged immediately. And among them was an Elite creature¡ª a Stormbringer. Its appearance resembled that of a Voidranger Trampler, but its color had shifted to white-green, wielding Wind elemental power instead. For Dan Heng and March 7th, this was already a familiar foe¡ªa formidable one at that. However... Bochang''s team was even more powerful. Seeing the situation, Dan Heng remarked, "Didn''t you want to test your gun skills after practicing for a few days? This is a perfect opponent. Go ahead, we''ll have your back from here." With these words from the stoic little azure dragon, Bochang didn''t hesitate. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Without hesitation, Bochang tightened his grip on the Vow Spear and removed a small pouch from his back, handing it to Stelle. This pouch was specifically designed for carrying various items¡ªinside were the erhu and black bear mask. The Holy Shield, being a crucial life-saving tool, remained close at hand with Bochang; one never knew when it might prove essential. With its ability to ignore any damage for three seconds, even for skilled fighters, that could mean multiple second chances. Bochang donned the black bear mask, handed Sophia resting on his shoulder to Stelle, and under everyone''s watchful gaze, faced Stormbringer alone¡ªthe monstrous creature resembling a centaur. "Is Master really going to be okay by himself?" Sophia, perched on Stelle''s shoulder, felt frightened, nearly screaming just at the sight of the tall and grotesque monster. Stelle nodded slightly, reassuring her, "Don''t worry, Bochang can handle it. Even if he can''t defeat it with his spear skills, once he uses Dragon Blast...he''ll definitely kill the enemy." Chapter 82 - 81: Confronting Stormbringer Chapter 82 - 81: Confronting StormbringerPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The world of the Underworld differed greatly from the Overworld, shrouded in perpetual darkness. This was especially evident in Rivet Town, swallowed by the rift. Desolate and eerie, it resembled a ghost town. Light sources were scarce to the point of frustration; only a few houses emitted any illumination. In this deserted setting, the strangely lit rooms seemed even more unnerving. Amidst this atmosphere, a figure stealthily moved through the shadows. Bochang attempted a surprise attack before Stormbringer could detect him, but unfortunately, the rustling wind betrayed his presence. Before he could strike, his enemy already sensed him. The green monster reared its hooves and turned, spotting the black-haired youth approaching from its flank. A faint yet blinding glow emanated from Bochang''s spear. Instantly, Stormbringer recognized...the formidable strength of its opponent, despite the considerable distance between them. A vague sense of impending danger washed over Bochang. Lifting his hand, a green light ball began to coalesce in Stormbringer''s palm, growing larger and emitting a dazzling glow. This was potent Wind elemental power. With mastery of the Destruction fate path, Bochang effortlessly sensed the strength being mobilized by his opponent. Compared to the energy within himself, Stormbringer''s power far surpassed his own. Just as the enemy prepared to launch its attack... Bochang felt a sudden chill. His Spider Sense indicated that the target was aimed at his abdomen. Perhaps striking centrally would be easier to focus the attack, leading the enemy to choose the stomach area. Wearing the black bear mask, Bochang bent his legs slightly and swiftly darted sideways, narrowly avoiding the incoming green light ball. He then continued his charge. Stormbringer missed, with its attack hitting the ground instead, creating a small crater. This brief delay allowed... Bochang successfully reached his opponent''s front, noticing the green-glowing hooves lifting up, indicating another attack from Stormbringer. "If I let you strike even after getting this close, wouldn''t that be quite embarrassing?" With a swift thrust of his spear, Bochang forced the enemy to halt its attack. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The maneuver proved effective. Seeing the long spear aimed at its chest, Stormbringer quickly changed course, taking a large step backward to evade the spear tip. Bochang seized the opportunity relentlessly, driving the Vow Spear forward with renewed vigor. In an instant, he executed over a dozen rapid, intricate thrusts. This bewildered Stormbringer, unable to anticipate the direction of the next attack amidst the dazzling flurry of strikes. March 7th murmured, "That move by Bochang looks pretty impressive. Did you teach him that, Dan Heng?" "No... I only taught him some basic spear techniques; nothing like this at all... It seems he may have developed it himself." Dan Heng had only taught Bochang the spear techniques for a few days; many moves were yet to be covered... Seeing Bochang execute such rapid and intricate thrusts surprised even Dan Heng, as it felt like Bochang was no longer a novice. Stormbringer hastily retreated. Bochang relentlessly pursued, his blue long spear swirling through the air like a dragon. "Just...just a little more...almost there!" Despite wearing the black bear mask and possessing high Speed, Bochang still couldn''t match Stormbringer''s retreat pace. The spear tip narrowly missed, striking close but unable to penetrate deeply. Even if it connected, it would only graze the surface without causing significant damage. If not for the purpose of training his spear technique, Bochang might have simply used the Invisible Hand to capture his opponent, just as he did against Cocolia before. As long as the enemy was within reach, he would first immobilize them with his Invisible Hand and then deliver a heartfelt barrage of punches. The Sheep Talisman''s power against souls remained formidable. Cocolia had solely relied on Stellaron to withstand these attacks, eventually even expelling its influence. Without assistance from Stellaron, capturing such rift creatures could potentially allow him to directly extract their souls once restrained. A body without a soul is merely an empty shell, entirely at Bochang''s mercy. "Don''t get distracted; defeat your enemies using your spear skills! Seal off all abilities except for Spider Sense," Bochang reminded himself internally, intensifying his attacks. Stormbringer retreated continuously, attempting several counterattacks along the way, but each move was evaded with uncanny foresight. This made its fight increasingly frustrating. Finally, Stormbringer found itself cornered, backed up against a wall with no further retreat possible. Seizing this opportunity, Bochang delivered a decisive strike, piercing through the creature''s throat and slaying it. He withdrew the Vow Spear, watching as the enemy''s body slowly crumbled to Honkai upon hitting the ground. Bochang sighed softly and muttered, "Not good... Even with the advantage of surprise, my Spider Sense, Vow Spear, and Black Bear Mask''s enhancements, I still took too long..." The battle had lasted nearly three minutes, during which time it also attracted some additional minor monsters. However, Dan Heng and March 7th dealt with them promptly, ensuring they didn''t interfere with Bochang''s one-on-one duel against Stormbringer. In summary... The black-haired youth was not entirely satisfied with his performance. Noticing this, Dan Heng approached him and said, "Considering you''ve only been learning spear techniques for a few days... achieving such results is already quite impressive." "Thanks," Bochang nodded, accepting the reassurance from his "teacher." Moving forward... Bochang decided not to waste any more time. He insisted that splitting up to clear monsters would be more efficient. Thus, he began scouting ahead alone. Bochang hadn''t forgotten his primary mission¡ªto find Clara. Practicing his spear skills and eliminating rift creatures from the Underworld were merely excuses, with the latter being a justification suggested by Dan Heng himself. The latter excuse was actually devised by Dan Heng, and Bochang simply went along with it. It didn''t take long to search Rivet Town. Finally... His efforts bore fruit. Bochang found Clara, the red-clothed girl leading several robots down the street. The barefoot white-haired maiden carried a bag, possibly indicating her reason for visiting Rivet Town¡ªto find something specific. However... It seemed she had already succeeded. The bag appeared full, and the robots were also carrying items. "Am I too late?" Bochang muttered to himself. Wearing his black bear mask, he stepped forward. Hearing footsteps, Clara turned cautiously and asked, "Who''s there?" The surrounding robots immediately moved ahead, shielding her in their midst. Undeniably... Clara''s entourage was quite impressive, consisting of nearly ten Automatons protecting her. There were hulking gray bears, unstable spiders, humanoid dholes, vehicle-like warhounds, and signal-light resembling beetles. "Little girl, what are you doing here in the rift?" Bochang removed his black bear mask. "It''s incredibly dangerous, even with robotic protection; safety can''t be guaranteed." "Clara... Clara is searching for usable machine components..." Seeing that the newcomers were ordinary humans, Clara relaxed her guard considerably. Chapter 83 - 82: Helping Clara Chapter 83 - 82: Helping ClaraPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The silver-haired, red-eyed girl before Bochang seemed reluctant to engage in conversation. With a slight nod, she said, "If there''s nothing else, I need to continue searching." In her previous experiences while scavenging, Clara had encountered others as well, so it didn''t surprise her. What intrigued her was... The man opposite her did not appear like a typical scavenger at all, as he wasn''t carrying any backpack. Clara herself relied on robots for assistance, eliminating the need for a backpack; she only needed to carry essential items casually. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A backpack would be completely unnecessary. But what about Bochang? Clara couldn''t quite understand it, nor did she intend to interact further with him. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Wait a bit longer and quietly step away, saying, "Alright, then I won''t disturb you." - Completion Reward: Strength increased by 100%.] [Option Two: Offer a delicious crab roe bun to improve relations, saying, "Are you hungry? I have something tasty here." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option Three: Produce Clara''s bellyband and say, "Actually, I am your long-lost older brother..." - Completion Reward: Svarog''s Bigshot Bellyband.] Bochang found himself torn between choices. It seemed that either directly offering a delicious crab roe bun or leaving immediately could be viable options. "However... enhancing strength is more important, after all, the body serves as the foundation for everything." With this thought, Bochang chose the first option. The third option was naturally not considered at all; presenting her bellyband while saying such words would undoubtedly make Clara think he''s a pervert. Then, without fail, she''d likely cry out¡ª "Help me! Mr. Svarog!" As for why she had a bellyband, it remained unclear. It might have been something she used during childhood, wrapped around herself, which the System then interpreted as a bellyband. Reasonably speaking, Beiloburg definitely wouldn''t have traditional bellybands. It''s unclear how it happened; perhaps it was simply a piece of cloth wrapped around him as a child. And then the system mistook it for a dudou. Logically speaking, Belobog definitely wouldn''t have a traditional Chinese undergarment like that. "Alright, I won''t disturb you further." Bochang put on the black bear mask again and turned to leave. The system''s notification chimed as usual: [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received a 100% strength enhancement.] A warm current swiftly coursed through his body, causing his muscles to tear and restructure. After this wave of strengthening, even without wearing the black bear mask, his strength approached the level he previously achieved with it on. Three enhancements in total. Eight times the average human strength, combined with the boost from the black bear mask. Approximately equal to ten times his former self, or possibly even more. He had become a veritable mini-superhuman. Unfortunately, relying solely on physical attributes and combat skills, he could only hold his own against elite monsters for about three hundred rounds... Only by utilizing special abilities like the Dragon Talisman could he truly overpower opponents. "If my marksmanship could improve further... I would be even stronger," Bochang thought. After watching Bochang depart, Meanwhile, Clara continued with her tasks. Turning back, Jin noticed Dan Heng, March 7th, and Stelle engaged with a group of minor enemies. Seeing this, Bochang swiftly joined them, wielding his spear with great prowess. In no time, the blue long spear claimed multiple lives of these small fry soldiers. Working together, the four quickly dispatched their foes. After all, aside from elite monsters, regular ones were relatively easy to defeat. They posed little threat to Bochang''s group. "Phew... I''m feeling a bit tired. How about we take a break?" March 7th wiped away imaginary sweat from his forehead. Stelle nodded in agreement. Compared to rifts in the Overworld, this one had noticeably more monsters. Although Svarog''s automatons patrolled to eliminate rift creations, their efficiency couldn''t match that of the Silvermane Guards. Fortunately, Rivet Town primarily faced minor enemies; powerful rift creatures were relatively rare. If these lesser foes were replaced with elite monsters, even the Trailblazer squad would need to tread cautiously. While there wouldn''t be mortal danger, one misstep could still result in injuries. Unless someone is a masochist, nobody enjoys getting hurt. Bochang said, "I''ll continue scouting ahead while you all rest." "You sure have boundless energy," March 7th quipped sarcastically. Without responding to their thoughts, Bochang headed in another direction. After circling around, he returned to the spot where he had previously encountered Clara. Earlier, Dating Options advised Bochang to wait, and indeed, he did pause for some time. Now upon revisiting, both Clara and her automaton had vanished. "They went that way..." Bochang followed the path they had taken. Before taking many steps, however... As Bochang continued forward, he heard explosions and the clashing sounds of battle ahead. He surmised that it was likely the automatons engaged with rift creatures, based on his previous encounters where he had easily distinguished these combat noises during his reconnaissance. "Could it be Clara?" With this thought, Bochang, wielding the Vow Spear, began to sprint. Within less than a minute, Bochang arrived at the site of the conflict. Just as he suspected, Clara and her mechanical army were battling against rift creatures. The enemy appeared to be a humanoid monster, wielding a formidable-looking red blade. Additionally, by its side stood a Blaze Out of Space along with several Flameflow Constructs for support. One injured Automaton beetle turned to Clara and said, "Enemy...strong... Clara...leave first." It seemed the automaton''s speech module was malfunctioning, causing its words to come out disjointed. "Alright, Perkins...let''s withdraw for now. Mills...leave this situation to you." Realizing the unfavorable odds, Clara knew she had no choice but to depart first, despite her concern for the automaton covering their retreat. However... Any further hesitation could jeopardize even Clara''s escape. The best course of action now would be to leave, gather reinforcements from the patrolling automatons around Rivet Town, and return to eliminate these monsters. Before Clara could make her move, Bochang hurled the Vow Spear. The blue lance pierced through the night sky like a shooting star, hurtling towards the humanoid mechanical monster known as the Searing Prowler, which possessed strength comparable to a Blaze Out of Space. The key difference lay in their combat styles - one wielded a large blade for close-quarters battles, while the other excelled at ranged magic. The opponent was a ranged mage. Just as the Searing Prowler finished dispatching an Automaton Beetle, it abruptly looked up and spotted the incoming spear. Startled, the Searing Prowler instantly withdrew its blade to block the Vow Spear. Bochang grinned at this sight. Even the tough exterior of the Doomsday Beast couldn''t withstand the Vow Spear''s penetration; there was no chance the adversary''s weapon could halt it. The indestructible blue spear possessed an immeasurable sharpness. "Clang!" With a crisp sound, under everyone''s gaze, the red greatsword held by the Searing Prowler snapped cleanly in two. Despite being nearly as thick as a human fist, the sword offered no resistance whatsoever. In the next instant, the Vow Spear fiercely pierced towards the Searing Prowler''s chest. Had it not sensed danger and swiftly dodged to the side... Bochang''s strike would have instantly slain the Searing Prowler. Chapter 84 - 83: Help Me! Minotaur Warrior! Chapter 84 - 83: Help Me! Minotaur Warrior!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** With a swift motion, Bochang recalled his Vow Spear. The Searing Prowler was now severely wounded. However... The battle was far from over. Until one side perished, these rift creatures would never cease their attacks; it''s their unwavering creed. Destruction brings civilization and life. Performing a flourish with his spear, Bochang said, "What a coincidence... Hello again, little girl. Hmm...your name is Clara, right? Can Big Brother call you by your name?" "Eh? Yes, that''s fine..." Clara felt slightly unnerved; the man before her seemed too peculiar. No... He appeared incredibly powerful. When did such a formidable figure emerge in the Underworld? With just one strike, Bochang had severely injured the formidable Searing Prowler. Even Mr. Svarog couldn''t have incapacitated it so swiftly with a single attack. "Alright, enough talk for now. Let me deal with these monsters first." Bochang still showed no intention of using his talisman''s power. With spear in hand, he charged forward, ready to engage the Searing Prowler in close combat. As for Blaze Out of Space, with Clara''s mechanical army supporting it, there was no immediate need for him to intervene. His focus was best directed at handling the already heavily wounded monster before him. The unarmed Searing Prowler hesitated not at all; as Bochang approached, it fearlessly lunged forward, undeterred even if it meant resorting to its fists. The Searing Prowler would never retreat, not even half a step. The two clashed on the wide-open road. Within another instant, Bochang tore off one of the creature''s arms. "Fighting close-range monsters is always satisfying... Those relying on ranged attacks are too cowardly, preferring to run and shoot..." Just like the previous Stormbringer. If not for the terrain constraints, Bochang might have had to engage it longer before securing a kill. Close-quarters combatants were far more intense¡ªstraight into action without hesitation. If they couldn''t hold their own, there was little room for debate. After merely three exchanges, Bochang decapitated the Searing Prowler with astonishing speed. Of course... The most critical factor was Bochang''s initial shot. Not only did it destroy the enemy''s weapon, but also severely wounded the foe. This enabled his swift victory. Had he utilized the Invisible Hand ability, the kill would likely have been even faster. Next, Bochang lunged towards Blaze Out of Space. The humanoid monster controlling flames, upon seeing its enemy approach, immediately floated backwards, unwilling to let Bochang get close. Realizing this, Bochang decided not to prolong the fight and raised his hand, unleashing a powerful Dragon Blast. Caught off guard by this unexpected long-range attack, Blaze Out of Space was struck squarely by the fiery beam with a deafening "boom." A single blast engulfed Blaze Out of Space, resulting in instant demise. The unrelenting flame also punched a gaping hole through the wall. After that one shot... Only a few bird-like Flameflow Constructs remained, which were swiftly dealt with by the surrounding automatons without any need for Bochang''s intervention. Clara watched, utterly astounded. What epitomized efficiency and true strength? This was Clara''s first time witnessing someone even more powerful than Svarog. "He definitely isn''t from the Underworld. Could he... be from the Overworld? I remember Mr. Svarog mentioned earlier that some individuals from the Overworld arrived here today..." "Are people from the Overworld... all this formidable?" A sudden wave of fear engulfed Clara''s thoughts. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Offer a delicious crab roe bun to improve your relationship and say, "Scared you, didn''t it? Here... have a tasty crab roe bun to calm your nerves." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option 2: Present Clara''s bra and say, "Don''t be afraid, Clara, I''m actually a good person." - Completion Reward: Svarog''s Big Booty.] [Option 3: Present the statue of a minotaur and say, "Clara, it''s too dangerous for a young lady like you here. Take...this with you. If ever faced with danger, shout loudly, ''Help me! Minotaur Warrior!'' and then smash this statue. You''ll summon an invincible Minotaur Warrior." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random skill.] Unbelievable... every time I use this pouch, it ends up being Big Booty! We had a clear understanding before... Returning the pouch might yield unexpected benefits, but why is it always Svarog''s Big Booty? Is this what passes as a reward? Upon seeing Option 2, Bochang couldn''t help but internally grumble. Even now... Bochang remained uncertain when this pouch would actually prove useful. As he thought about the pouch, he also recalled Kafka''s underwear. Bochang dared not bring it out, fearing Kafka''s reaction if he found out¡ªit was supposedly "authentic" after all. If discovered, he''d be relentlessly pursued by the Stellaron Hunters across the universe. "Hmmm... thinking about it, that could actually be quite thrilling." Bochang shook his head, "No distractions now, let''s focus on which option to choose..." Option two is eliminated. Only options one and three remain. This situation mirrors a previous choice dilemma¡ªwhether Bochang prefers items or skills. "Alright... I''ll try drawing for a skill again, hoping to get something worthwhile." "And giving the statue of a minotaur to Clara seems like a good idea, as a token of greeting." "Option three." Bochang reached into his pocket, pulled out the minotaur statue, and said, "Clara, it''s too dangerous for a young girl like you here. Take this... Whenever you''re in trouble, shout ''Help me! Minotaur Warrior!'' and then break it. You can summon an invincible Minotaur Warrior." "Huh?" A look of deep confusion appeared on Clara''s small face. The phrase "Help me, Minotaur Warrior" sounded oddly familiar to Clara. Is he teasing me? Blushing slightly, possibly recalling something embarrassing, she declined, "No... I can''t accept your gift." Unsure if his intentions were genuine, she decided it was best to refuse first. Clara didn''t want to receive such unsolicited presents without reason. Without hearing the system''s notification chime, Bochang realized that the reward for the Dating Option might only be granted after Clara accepted the gift. "Please take it; it''s just a small token from me. If you don''t, you''d be insulting my gesture." Persistently, Bochang shoved the statue of the minotaur into Clara''s hands. Feeling helpless, the young girl reluctantly accepted it, staring at him with her innocent, wide red eyes, unsure what this powerful oddball was up to. As the system''s notification chimed, Bochang thought to himself: Good thing I chose the third option. If I had picked the first one... would it have required me to force-feed Clara those delicious crab roe buns? That would''ve been way too creepy... S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 85 - 84: The Pants Still Twitching Chapter 85 - 84: The Pants Still TwitchingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** [Reward being distributed ¡ª Congratulations! You have obtained the skill, Hundred Birds Paying Homage to Phoenix Spear.] A vast amount of spear technique insights, akin to a tidal wave, surged into Bochang''s mind. In that instant, his proficiency with the spear reached an unprecedented level. Even the Vow Spear in his hand hummed audibly, feeling more intimately connected with him than ever before. Clara sensed a sudden surge in power emanating from the man before her. However, just as quickly, Bochang returned to his previous state, making it seem like everything that transpired was merely an illusion. Instinctively, Clara glanced down at the statue of a minotaur in her hands. It appeared to be carved from jade, depicting a figure with a human body and a bull''s head, wielding a large axe. The entire sculpture was black, with a smooth surface reflective enough to see one''s image. Every hair strand was intricately detailed, giving it a lifelike appearance, yet it seemed fragile, like a delicate artifact. "Summoning a Minotaur Warrior? What kind of childish trick is this... I''m not falling for it." Clara shook her head inwardly, "Still, it''s quite intricate. If sold, it could fetch a decent amount of money..." As someone who was partly a scavenger, Clara assessed the value of the minotaur statue based on her experience. Bochang interrupted, "What do you think? It''s pretty impressive, isn''t it?" "It certainly is... But... why would you give this to me? And so insistently too... We hardly know each other, and I haven''t done anything to help you." Clara looked up at Bochang, feeling unsure how to respond to his unexpected kindness. Moreover, he had just assisted her, making Clara believe she should be the one repaying him instead. How could she accept his gift? [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Embrace the chance encounter; respond with: "I''d be delighted." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: With utmost seriousness, say: "Actually, here''s the thing, my back is quite uncomfortable. Could you help by stepping on it? This can serve as your compensation, and if it''s not enough, I can offer more." - Completion Reward: 100% increase in physique.] ?Is there even a choice needed?? Bochang glanced at the options and immediately decided on Option 2. With a serious expression, the black-haired youth said, "Actually, the thing is, my back feels quite uneasy. Would you mind stepping on it for me? Consider this as payment, and if it''s not sufficient, I can provide more." "Ah? That''s plenty, but...are you really experiencing discomfort? Clara, how come I feel like..." The silver-haired, red-eyed girl appeared puzzled. Bochang hastily interrupted her. "Oh, absolutely true, of course." "Oh... alright then, as a return favor, I don''t mind giving you a foot massage, but... this place is too dangerous. Let''s wait until we''re out of Rivet Town to do it." Despite Clara''s agreement, the "Dating Option" system did not provide any reward yet. Bochang knew... The reward would only be granted after she actually performed the foot massage. He responded, "Deal." "Whew... So you were here indeed! Did you run into trouble? Need our assistance?" As soon as Bochang finished speaking, March 7th and her team arrived, alerted by the commotion. Bochang turned around, surprised by their swift arrival, and replied, "No worries, the monster has been taken care of, and I even managed to save a young girl along the way." "Why would there be children here... It''s far too dangerous." Upon seeing Clara, March 7th placed her hands on her hips, her face expressing disbelief. Even for professional soldiers, entering Rivet Town posed significant risks, let alone a little girl. Especially for such a young girl. "It''s alright... Clara has Perkins and Mills to protect her; it''s fine," reassured Dan Heng. Clara waved her small hands dismissively in the air, her head nodding along, indicating there was no need to worry about her safety. March 7th examined the surrounding automatons closely. "Could she be connected to that robot named Svarog?" wondered March 7th. Apart from having influential connections, she couldn''t fathom who else could afford such extensive robotic protection. The pink-haired girl''s guess wasn''t far off. Dan Heng said, "Many of your robots have been damaged, and the rest are also injured to varying degrees. Perhaps we should escort you out first." "Hmm... Actually, I''ve found most of what I needed. Let''s head back then. For the remaining journey, I might have to rely on you all." Clara nodded slightly and turned towards Bochang, "Just as well... Clara still needs to fulfill a promise." "A promise? What promise?" March 7th keenly sensed something amiss; her sixth sense was sounding an alarm. Stelle''s expression also turned serious. Bochang prepared to divert the conversation. However, Clara spoke up, "Big Brother said his back is bothering him and asked Clara to step on it." Whether by coincidence or not, Bochang felt that she did this intentionally. Dan Heng remained silent, caught off guard. A sudden awkward silence fell over the group. Bochang noticed a subtle shift in the stoic little azure dragon''s gaze towards him. March 7th''s pink eyes widened, recalling how Bochang had previously given the teleportation ring to Pela. With a disapproving look, she said, "Well now, Mr. Bochang, I''d like to hear... why exactly your back is bothering you." "Ah... It''s like this, last night I... I stayed up late playing games, so..." Bochang trailed off and looked at his familiar, Sophia, hoping she would cover for him. "If you don''t believe me, ask Sophia." "Really?" March 7th smiled warmly at the small creature perched on Stelle''s shoulder. Sophia shuddered, her tiny brain, barely larger than a fingernail, began to frantically churn thoughts. After hesitating between Bochang and the pink-haired girl, she spoke with utmost sincerity. "It''s true. Last night, Master was sitting on the bed playing games, laughing all the while. His pants kept moving as he got really engrossed. When I tried to get closer to see what he was doing, he wouldn''t even let me watch." Bochang slowly typed out a question mark, feeling that his true nature might have inadvertently been exposed again. Both March 7th and Stelle were taken aback. The gray-haired girl, looking puzzled, asked, "Why would his pants move while playing games? Was he using one hand to play and the other to scratch an itch?" "Stop! Stop!" March 7th''s face flushed red. "Let''s pause this question for now!" "Alright, Bochang...we''ll just assume you were overly exhausted last night..." Hearing the phrase "overly exhausted" from March 7th, Bochang nearly couldn''t hold back his reaction... He shot an annoyed glance at Sophia, completely puzzled as to why she felt the need to embellish the story. Now the black-haired youth had lost all dignity. Sophia, with her head bowed, appeared contrite while secretly engaging in beetle fighting with both hands. In reality, the corners of her lips were already curving upwards. "Well...well, there was no need to have a kid give you a foot massage either..." March 7th twirled a strand of hair around her finger, trailing off before finishing her sentence. Stelle raised her hand and said, "I can do it right away, if you''d like?" Caught off guard by the interruption, March 7th remained momentarily stunned, while the gray-haired girl had already bent down to remove her shoes. Chapter 86 - 85: Extensive Experience in Humiliating Others Chapter 86 - 85: Extensive Experience in Humiliating OthersPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Dan Heng helplessly rested his forehead on his hand, feeling that none of these individuals seemed particularly serious. Clara merely gazed at everyone with her innocent, wide eyes. However... Her gaze was mostly fixed on Sophia, as Clara found the little girl quite intriguing. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Have Stelle step on your back: "Stelle, please do me this favor." - Completion Reward: Rib Fracture.] [Option 2: Have March 7th step on your back: "March, I''ll trouble you then." - Completion Reward: Significantly increased chance of tripping over flat surfaces.] [Option 3: Have Dan Heng step on your back: "Dan Heng, could you help me later?" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option 4: Insist on having Clara step on your back: "No, let Clara do it." - Completion Reward: Svarog''s Big Booty.] Bochang was somewhat perplexed by the current situation. Before the previous option had finished displaying, this new one popped up. What about the reward from the last option? ?System, what''s going on now?? The "Dating Option" prompt remained unresponsive, seemingly ignoring him for the moment. Bochang thought to himself, ?Well, never mind. Let''s just choose first... We''ll face challenges as they come and adapt accordingly.? Upon closer inspection, he realized there might not be much choice at all. Out of four options, three offered negative rewards, leaving only one viable answer. With tears welling up, Bochang directly opted for Choice Three and turned towards the stoic little azure dragon, saying, "Dan Heng, could you help me later?" "Help you? With what?" Dan Heng slowly typed out a question mark, unsure of what exactly was being asked. Bochang hastily explained, "To step on my back; my waist has been bothering me..." After a brief silence, Dan Heng spoke up, "March and Stelle should also be able to assist. Why choose me specifically?" As he said this, both March 7th''s and Stelle''s gazes focused intently on Bochang. The black-haired youth swallowed nervously, quickly thinking on his feet. "Well... you see, I''m worried they might not step properly, and if it increases their fatigue further..." "Are you suggesting this young lady can do it better?" March 7th crossed her arms, sounding discontented. Bochang pointed at Clara''s small bare feet and said, "Look, Clara isn''t even wearing shoes, so... I think she must have ample experience in stepping on people..." Feeling self-conscious under everyone''s gaze, Clara shyly looked down at her toes. Her ten rounded toes resembled pearls, now curling inward. It was evident that Clara''s emotions were somewhat conflicted. "How does not wearing shoes relate to stepping on people experience?" March 7th was genuinely puzzled. Bochang began spouting nonsense earnestly, ranging from the thickness of foot skin to the temperature of the Underworld''s ground. Clara timidly interjected, "Clara''s foot skin... should not be thick. Walking barefoot is no issue for me, entirely due to my fate path''s power. You likely possess similar fate powers too, which Clara can faintly sense." Interrupted by this exchange, Bochang paused and responded, "Alright... to sum it up, I''ve said enough; those who understand will know." Dan Heng recognized that Bochang was making things up, but he didn''t mind. He replied, "I get what you''re implying, Bochang... However, I don''t have any experience giving foot massages, so hopefully, I won''t inadvertently harm you." "As long as you don''t apply too much force, it should be fine." Bochang forced a smile, unsure how the situation had suddenly taken this turn. Everything seemed to be following the system''s instructions precisely. Logically speaking... S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wait... The system hasn''t indicated a failure yet, which probably means my agreement with Clara is still valid. Bochang reassured himself with this thought. March 7th watched the black-haired youth speechlessly, feeling as if he were feigning ignorance on purpose. Whenever such situations arose, he preferred to smooth things over. Meanwhile, Stelle slipped her shoes back on, her expression unreadable, as if nothing had happened at all. This struck March 7th as somewhat odd. It was as if nothing had happened at all. This struck March 7th as somewhat peculiar. "Does she not experience emotions?" Regardless, the pink-haired girl seemed slightly discontented. The white-haired, red-eyed little girl glanced at Bochang, intending to say something but hesitating due to the tense atmosphere. Thus... Clara wisely chose to remain silent. With that small interlude concluded, the options presented this time were identical to before. After Dan Heng agreed to help with the foot massage again, no rewards were immediately issued, just like last time. It seemed likely that the rewards would only be granted once the task was fully completed. The four members of the Trailblazer squad, along with Clara, departed from Rivet Town. Once outside the rift''s boundaries, it became significantly safer, with only scattered monsters roaming around. As long as they remained vigilant, there shouldn''t be any major issues. Clara stopped, turned to face everyone, and said, "I think this is far enough... From here on, Clara can return to the Robot Settlement by herself." "Additionally... thank you all for your help this time. If you ever need anything, feel free to visit me at the Robot Settlement, especially... Big Brother Bochang..." Clara bowed deeply with great sincerity. Bochang scratched the back of his head and said, "It''s no big deal... just a small matter, don''t worry about it." "Hmm, Clara, remember to be cautious on your way back." March 7th waved goodbye. For Clara, with her mechanical legion, the journey back was virtually devoid of danger. After all, anyone capable of posing a threat to her in the Underworld would typically be well-known figures. They were fully aware of Clara''s status, so even if she traveled alone, none would dare to confront her. Moreover, she often had automatons accompanying her. "Yes... then I''ll be taking my leave now. I hope everything goes smoothly for all of you as well, Big Brothers and Sisters." With one final farewell, Clara stepped away through the snow. After a few steps, she suddenly remembered something, paused, turned around, and intended to retrieve the statue of a minotaur from her bag. Anticipating her thoughts, Bochang intervened, "Clara, this is a gift from your big brother to you. Keep it safely; it can help you during crucial moments. Don''t worry about returning it." "But... but Clara..." Meeting Bochang''s gaze, the silver-haired girl with red eyes hesitated and stopped her actions. In front of the assertive black-haired youth... she found it difficult to say "no". Ultimately, she could only depart with the automatons. The Trailblazer squad, on the other hand, needed to remain here and continue eliminating rift creatures. This was Bochang''s earlier excuse, and if they halted midway due to Clara, suspicions might arise among his teammates. As soon as March 7th saw the silver-haired, red-eyed girl leave, he immediately questioned Bochang. "Bochang... what was that all about just now? You even gave Clara something? It couldn''t be a teleportation ring, right?" Upon hearing this, Stelle''s ears perked up attentively. Bochang explained, "No, no... I simply gave her a statue." Chapter 87 - 86: Let Me Take a Look! Chapter 87 - 86: Let Me Take a Look!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "A statue? What kind of statue? Could it be similar to the teleportation ring?" March 7th had no intention of letting Bochang off easily. Under the gazes of Stelle and Dan Heng, Bochang cleared his throat and said, "It does indeed have some special functionality, but... I was also concerned about her encountering danger..." "Fine." March 7th nodded, then abruptly extended both hands forward, grabbing onto Bochang''s clothing. "Today, let''s see exactly where you''ve been hiding your items." With slender fingers, March 7th began frantically searching over the black-haired youth''s body. The slightly icy tips of her fingers brushed against his skin, causing him to involuntarily shudder; rarely touched so intimately by a girl, he instinctively tried to evade. March 7th held firmly onto Bochang''s clothes without letting go. "Don''t resist, let me take a look!" "Stop it!" Bochang couldn''t help but exclaim. "March! Don''t..." "I''ll assist." Unbeknownst to them, Stelle had silently moved behind Bochang, almost like a ghost. Her hands reached under his arms, pulling back and firmly pressing her fingers on his shoulders, effectively immobilizing his arms. As a result, their bodies pressed closely together. Since the gray-haired girl''s sneak attack carried no hostility, Bochang''s Spider Sense remained completely ineffective. Feeling the delightful softness of the girl''s body, Bochang lost any resistance, instead thinking, "So smooth..." Standing atop Stelle''s shoulder, Sophia cheered excitedly. "Take off his pants! Take them off! There must be something good underneath!" Encouraged by the tiny familiar''s urging, March 7th, having found nothing significant on Bochang''s upper half, now reached for his belt. "March! Be reasonable... Not here! Absolutely not, seriously!" Panicking, Bochang tried to resist, but found himself completely unable to break free from Stelle''s grip. Her strength was outrageously immense. Seeing this, the gray-haired girl exerted more force, lifting Bochang off his feet. With both legs dangling, he lost any ability to resist and could only submit helplessly. Sophia on her shoulder swayed precariously, quickly grabbing onto Stelle''s hair to avoid falling. March 7th''s expression turned exaggerated as she exclaimed loudly, "Rationality? What rationality should I have?!" Despite her words... The pink-haired girl hesitated, not actually removing Bochang''s pants but instead continued feeling around aimlessly. Watching their commotion, Dan Heng softly sighed and couldn''t help but look away. After a moment, March 7th stopped her actions, sounding disappointed, "There''s nothing here..." "It''s no surprise; I can only retrieve items from an unknown space when experiencing Khvarena¡ªa sudden flash of insight... Randomly groping me won''t find anything!" March 7th was searching for a space item. However... it was clear that the target did not possess any such item. This had already been confirmed before, but today, March 7th searched once again with no success. "Star... you can put me down now." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Oh... alright." Seeing that March 7th had ceased her actions, Stelle didn''t insist further and obediently lowered Bochang back to the ground, maintaining a composed expression as if nothing had happened. The incident concluded amidst Bochang''s complaints. Next... the rift creatures of Rivet Town received a thorough beating from the Trailblaze squad. It was likely that for some time, both the quality and quantity of monsters here would remain diminished. People from the Underworld could now safely search for usable resources in this area without concern. As they made their way back, March 7th, feeling relieved and content after venting her frustration, remarked, "Come to think of it... Despite there being no living souls in Rivet Town, some areas still have lights shining..." "Could it be haunted?" Sophia, perched on Stelle''s shoulder, shrank slightly, displaying a fearful expression. Dan Heng shook his head. "It might be remnants of past scenes left by the rift, which isn''t surprising." During their conversation, the group passed by an abandoned restaurant with bright lights inside. Although the equipment was covered in dust, there were no signs of aging. Hearing mechanical noises, Bochang turned and caught a glimpse of a small figure briefly darting within the restaurant. "It seems like something is in there... Perhaps a patrolling Automaton?" In that instant, Bochang guessed its identity, "But why would it be acting alone?" There were numerous automatons patrolling Rivet Town, but they typically operated in groups of three to five for maximum efficiency in combating enemies and ensuring their own safety. Upon encountering humans, these automatons would ignore them and solely attack rift creations¡ªmuch like how rift creatures only targeted living beings. "Bochang, why did you stop? Did you spot an enemy?" March 7th noticed the halted footsteps behind her and voiced her confusion. Bochang glanced at the pink-haired girl and replied, "No... I just saw a peculiar automaton." "Peculiar? How so?" March 7th asked with raised hands. Bochang rubbed his chin, recalling the scene he had witnessed moments ago. "It was acting alone and had a very peculiar appearance, not following standard automaton configurations. It seemed as if someone haphazardly assembled it. If it hadn''t completely ignored me, I might have suspected it to be a rift creature." If it were indeed a rift creature, it would have likely charged at them frenetically, initiating combat by now. Just then... The sound of clanging echoed from within the restaurant. Stelle glanced towards it and suggested, "Should we... go inside and check?" "Sure," replied Dan Heng indifferently, holding his gun with one hand. Bochang nodded. "Let''s take a look, then." Upon entering the restaurant, they immediately spotted a strange little robot... It resembled an Automaton Spider but had various odd components, making it appear quite unconventional. At that moment, the small robot was repairing the damaged wall using a hammer and wooden boards. Bochang remarked, "That hole... why does it seem so familiar?" "You created this hole with Dragon Blast," March 7th said, visibly speechless. "Take a look at the street outside; it''ll seem even more familiar to you. But... why is this little robot repairing the wall? Even if it''s fixed here, what use would it serve? After all, nobody lives here anymore." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Capture the peculiar little robot and hand it over to Clara, saying, "It seems like it might be malfunctioning... Why don''t we catch it and give it to Clara? She knows how to repair robots, doesn''t she?" - Completion Reward: Random three-star Light Cone.] [Option 2: Capture the peculiar little robot and keep it as a pet, saying, "Looks like it can fix things... Let''s bring it aboard the Astral Express to help out." - Completion Reward: Robot maintenance and upgrade techniques.] [Option 3: Ignore it and leave directly, saying, "Not interesting. Let''s go." - Completion Reward: A random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] Chapter 88 - 87: The Little Robot Chapter 88 - 87: The Little RobotPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Light Cone reward was indeed enticing. However, the robotic repair and upgrade technology seemed even more valuable. After a brief moment of contemplation, Bochang swiftly decided on Option Two. "It looks like it can fix things... Why not capture it for the Astral Express to help with tasks?" March 7th looked puzzled. "Suit yourself," Dan Heng said. Without wasting any time, Bochang rolled up his sleeves and took several steps forward. Upon noticing their presence, the little robot emitted intermittent and somewhat garbled sounds: "Repair%... Wait... Resid&@... Accomplish/*... Do not... £¤%" "What is it saying..." March 7th, hearing the jumbled phrases, found this entity increasingly peculiar. Normally, automatons would never exhibit such behavior; their language capabilities were flawless. "Don''t worry about what it''s saying, let''s just grab it first." Bochang advanced further. The little robot seemed agitated, its trembling intensified rapidly. "Stop... £¤&..." Bochang didn''t halt; instead, he carefully examined this peculiar-looking robot... Its form resembled that of an Automaton Spider, but it had numerous haphazardly attached parts. The hammer-wielding appendage was just one small mechanical arm. As the black-haired man approached closer, the little robot planned to turn and flee. However, just as it began to move, Bochang swiftly extended his hands and captured it. The system''s notification sounded: [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained Robot Repair and Upgrade Technology.] In an instant, a vast amount of knowledge flooded into Bochang''s mind, altering the way he viewed the little robot in his hands. It appeared as if someone had casually pieced together this contraption using scrap metal components. The paintwork, customized parts, and connection methods were all remarkably crude, almost haphazardly assembled without any consideration for whether the machine could function properly. Moments later... The little robot launched an attack on Bochang. The tiny mechanical arm raised its hammer and swung towards the black-haired youth while emitting sounds: S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "DMG... Pain... Sorry..." Anticipating this, Bochang effortlessly caught the mechanical arm with one hand. Drawing from his experience, he targeted a specific point on the small robot''s body. With just a gentle touch or two, he detached the mechanical arm. Of course, what March 7th and others witnessed seemed straightforward. In reality, Bochang utilized the Invisible Hand ability, allowing him to dismantle the arm so effortlessly. However, the little robot''s counterattacks did not cease. Amidst utterances of "Pain," "Sorry," and similar phrases... it continued attacking using other components on its body. Bochang adeptly countered each move, swiftly dismantling all the parts capable of initiating attacks within moments. He even removed the four mechanical legs at the base. This transformed the robot into an immobile heap of metal, only able to emit sounds. Witnessing this, Dan Heng, March 7th, and the others were left utterly amazed. Stelle tilted her head, feeling something was slightly off, but then remembered it was Bochang... so it must be alright. "Pain#... Sorry... Parts@&... Repair#... Rivets..." The robot''s garbled sounds echoed around them. Listening to its utterances, March 7th muttered, "Do you think... Rivet Town might actually be what it''s repairing? That could explain why these lights strangely illuminate here, and it was fixing the wall just now, wasn''t it?" "Hmm... It''s possible, but remember, many areas display scenes from the past generated by the rift. One robot alone couldn''t restore lighting to such extensive regions." Dan Heng observed the small robot closely. "This fellow is indeed peculiar; I suspect it''s not under Svarog''s control at all. Otherwise, this situation wouldn''t arise." In the corrupted Rivet Town, the most crucial task was clearing out the rift creatures. Repairing Rivet Town held no significance. Dan Heng didn''t believe Svarog would engage in such pointless actions. "Regardless of what''s going on, let me fix it first. Let''s quickly head to the Robot Settlement; I''m confident there will be ample materials for its repair." Bochang turned around, revealing a cheerful smile. Perhaps due to the infusion of robotics-related knowledge in his mind, he... felt an intense desire to mend this inexplicably broken object. Not only did he want to repair it, but also to enhance it further. "You can repair robots too?" March 7th was utterly astounded. Dan Heng calmly observed, "Judging by Bochang''s skillful disassembly technique just now, he must have considerable expertise." "It just came to me like a sudden insight, feeling as if my past Removal memories are slowly awakening," Bochang casually improvised. Whether others believed him or not, he certainly did. Ignoring the little robot''s incessant chatter, they continued onwards. Next... With the borrowed components in hand, Bochang and the Trailblaze squad departed from Rivet Town, heading straight for the Robot Settlement. Since the furnace core leading to the Overworld had been reopened, the gates here were no longer closed off. Anyone could now enter or exit freely. Upon hearing this news, many inhabitants of the Underworld began journeying towards the Overworld. Additionally, a significant number of Silvermane Guards were stationed near the Robot Settlement to maintain order. Using the local robots as intermediaries, Bochang located Svarog. "I need some materials to repair the robot I have with me, Svarog... Could you conveniently lend them? Later, I''ll have the Silvermane Guards return them to you. How does that sound?" The towering robot scanned Bochang and his companions before responding, "Identity confirmed - one of the heroes who defeated Stellaron and esteemed guests from afar. I understand your request, Bochang. Please follow me to the warehouse to locate the required materials." With that, Svarog led the way personally. Bochang and his group trailed behind. They were deep within the Robot Settlement, quite far from the furnace core, so there were few people around. All they could see were robots¡ªand... Clara! The silver-haired, red-eyed girl approached through the snow, accompanied by two beetle-shaped automatons. Upon noticing Svarog leading Bochang and the others towards her, she exclaimed in surprise, "Big Brother Bochang, everyone... Are you here to find Clara?" "No... I''m here this time to fix robots, Clara. Do you see this one in my hand?" Bochang held up a dismantled heap of metal that used to be a small robot. "It''s having some issues, and I want to repair it." "Bochang, you can fix robots too?" Clara looked puzzled. In her imagination, given his immense power, the black-haired youth seemed more suited to vigorously practicing martial arts daily rather than quietly sitting at a workbench, engrossed in tasks. "I certainly can," Bochang nodded. "And I''m reasonably proficient at it." Clara appeared unconvinced but didn''t voice her doubts immediately. Svarog interjected, "Clara, when did you get acquainted with these esteemed guests from afar?" Chapter 89 - 88: Pet Wangcai Chapter 89 - 88: Pet WangcaiPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Mr. Svarog, we met everyone at Rivet Town. You mentioned... distinguished guests from afar..." The silver-haired, red-eyed girl was somewhat curious. Hearing the term "distinguished guests" from Svarog was quite unusual. "Accessing database... Explanation as follows: Distinguished guests from afar - Dan Heng, Bochang, March 7th, and Stelle. According to Great Guardian Bronya''s latest statement, they are esteemed guests who eliminated Stellaron and saved Belobog, deserving the highest level of hospitality." The word "Stellaron" had once been classified within Svarog''s central archive, deemed a secret too sensitive to disclose. However, with Stellaron now destroyed, its confidentiality ranking has significantly decreased. Even people from the Overworld are fully aware that Stellaron has been obliterated. This wave of information was also spreading towards the Underworld. During their patrol near the furnace core at the Robot Settlement... Svarog had overheard numerous discussions about Stellaron. Clearly, it was no longer considered a secret. "So... you all are the great heroes who saved Belobog? Clara didn''t even know..." The silver-haired, red-eyed girl recalled the terrifying combat prowess of these "big brothers" and "big sisters." It instantly made sense to her. They were indeed the heroes who rescued Belobog. Given their immense strength, there was nothing surprising about their abilities; rather, it seemed entirely expected. "Don''t worry about it, Clara," March 7th replied with a smile. Svarog glanced at Clara, then looked at Bochang. "The discussion is concluded. Shall we continue to the warehouse?" "Yeah, let''s go." Bochang stepped forward. "Clara, would you like to join us?" "Me?" Clara pointed at herself with her index finger. "That''s right," Bochang replied. "Aren''t you skilled at repairing machines too? Why don''t we exchange knowledge and learn from each other?" "Sure, I understand. Let''s go together then." With that, the silver-haired girl with red eyes shifted her gaze to the small robot in Bochang''s hand. At that moment, it continued emitting sounds: "Pain... re#... rivets£¤... sorry... let&..." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. An unknowing observer might think Bochang was mistreating the little robot. However... Even if truly being mistreated, a robot shouldn''t produce such peculiar noises. Apologies mixed with pain... Unless someone deliberately altered its language module for this effect, robots wouldn''t exhibit such behavior. As they headed towards the warehouse with Clara now joining them, she looked at the metallic lump in Bochang''s hand and asked, "Big Brother Bochang, did you find this strange little robot somewhere?" "Indeed, I found it in Rivet Town, and...the patrol robots even mistook it for a Fissure Creature. Luckily, I had already removed all its movable components; otherwise, we would''ve been in quite a predicament." Bochang waved the small robot in his hand. Despite being harmless, they nearly ended up fighting with the patrolling automatons... "I see..." Clara nodded thoughtfully, just as she suspected. When leaving Rivet Town earlier, she hadn''t noticed this peculiar object with Bochang''s group, only that strange little creature. Recalling that small figure, Clara''s gaze shifted to Stelle''s shoulder. The entity named Sophia was supposedly not a robot but a familiar resurrected by Bochang, originally meant as a toy. Initially skeptical... Clara became convinced after witnessing Bochang''s demonstration on their way out of Rivet Town. She then realized the statue of a minotaur he gave her might truly be an extraordinary treasure. Realizing its significance, the silver-haired girl now carried it with her at all times. Upon reaching the warehouse together... unlike last time, Svarog did not leave immediately. Instead, he stood alongside Clara, observing as Bochang disassembled the little robot. One by one, chips, casing, and various components were removed by Bochang. Now, the little robot was completely immobilized. Previously, only some parts had been dismantled. The robot''s body could still tremble slightly, akin to a limbless human. However, after Bochang extracted the chip... It ceased all movement, unable even to emit sounds anymore. Watching Bochang''s skilled actions, Clara was utterly astonished. His movements flowed like drifting clouds or running water, so smooth that they seemed almost beyond human capability. Even Svarog couldn''t match such fluidity. "Moreover... without touching certain parts, they just fell off themselves? And those floating wrenches and screwdrivers... what exactly is happening..." Clara''s mind was overwhelmed with confusion. Svarog was also trying to comprehend the situation, but ultimately his conclusion was¡ªincomprehensible. He then decided to record this scene using its camera functionality. March 7th, Dan Heng, and Stelle knew that Bochang''s technique was called the Invisible Hand. Ordinary people couldn''t see it. This applied similarly to March 7th, Dan Heng, and others as well. Stelle found this ability incredibly convenient. For instance, when using the restroom and forgetting toilet paper, there would be no need to get up; one could simply open the door with the Invisible Hand to retrieve it. Similarly, upon waking up without wanting to rise for clothes, they could use the Invisible Hand to fetch them. The potential uses seemed endless. March 7th shared similar thoughts as Stelle. However, Dan Heng had different considerations. He pondered how to detect the Invisible Hand and devise ways to avoid such attacks. While Bochang was employing this ability now, it presented the best opportunity for observation. Within the warehouse, each person harbored their own thoughts. From Bochang''s perspective, he had a total of seven hands at work. Among them, five were Invisible Hands, while the remaining pair were his own physical hands. Swiftly, he completed disassembling the little robot. Using his large black-purple hands, Bochang searched within the warehouse for specific materials and effortlessly brought them to himself. With the Invisible Hands capable of extending up to ten meters, he didn''t need to move physically while searching. It resembled having telekinetic superpowers. After some clanging sounds, following Svarog''s suggestion, Bochang ventured to the mechanical graveyard. Guided by Clara''s automaton, they found the shell of an "Automaton - Grizzly" to repair the little robot. With assistance from Svarog and Clara, the repair and upgrade process concluded swiftly. "Great, from now on, its name shall be Wangcai." Bochang then took out his phone, integrating Wangcai''s signal into his personal network. This allowed him to monitor the robot''s physical status and track its location directly through his phone, as long as they remained within range. The primary limitation was the hardware capabilities of Wangcai itself, as Bochang''s phone had significantly better specifications. Chapter 90 - 89: Self-Awareness Chapter 90 - 89: Self-AwarenessPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Tapping on his phone screen, Bochang activated his pet with a single command¡ªWangcai. The large figure before him shuddered momentarily, and its four front eyes lit up with a red glow as Wangcai''s body began to move. "System rebooting..." "Connecting logic language center... complete..." "Monitoring confirmed: all modules functioning normally, establishing connections... complete." "Astral Express Defense Robot No. 1 - Wangcai, at your service." As the electronic voice sounded, Bochang thought his modifications on the little robot had been a great success. However, unexpectedly, the robot spoke words beyond what he had programmed: "Master? Wangcai... Rivet Town... Waited... Repaired... Mission... accomplished successfully, happy! Happy!" Slowly typing out a question mark, Bochang immediately realized its significance. He exclaimed, "This little guy... seems to have developed self-awareness." Ever since acquiring the technology for repairing and upgrading robots, Bochang had harbored this suspicion. Bochang had harbored this vague feeling before but assumed it was due to damage in the little robot''s mechanical modules. Hence why it behaved that way. Now, Bochang has completely repaired the small robot. Not only did he fix it, but he also spent several hours thoroughly maintaining and upgrading it. The current major modules are undoubtedly functioning without issue. So there could be only one explanation. This little robot, using its computational power, developed an emotional module on its own. In other words, what is commonly understood as self-awareness. "Isn''t that... similar to Mr. Svarog?" Clara''s eyes widened as she looked at the tall, ancient-looking robot beside her, reminiscent of her father, "Has something like this occurred within Mr. Svarog''s mechanical network?" "No, automatons connected to the network undergo periodic cleaning of information noise from their core modules." "Based on data analysis, the probability of an individual developing uncontrollable self-awareness is 0.12%. However, for those not linked to the base network, the probability increases to 3.23%." "Warning: This probability is merely a theoretical estimation. In the past seven hundred years of the Underworld, no actual cases have been observed." Svarog provided a wealth of explanation all at once. Given such low probability events, he was skeptical and thus offered his suggestion. "Sometimes, these improbable occurrences can lead to disasters. Therefore, my recommendation is... to initialize Wangcai''s mechanical unit core and perform comprehensive maintenance on its core module, repairing its hardware structure." If applied to humans, this method would be akin to hypnotic brainwashing. For a small robot with self-awareness, it undoubtedly seemed cruel. From the database implanted by Bochang, Wangcai effortlessly discerned Svarog''s intentions. "Initialization... Refused... Forgetting... Hate it! Hate it! Wangcai... requesting activation of combat protocol." Highly dissatisfied, Wangcai spread its legs apart, revealing six robust barrels that Bochang had just equipped moments ago. These contained twelve homing missiles. Through its camera, Wangcai could lock onto enemies, providing it with formidable firepower. Additionally, there was the laser cannon in its left palm, while the gears in its right hand began spinning, emitting a buzzing sound. A red gleam flashed in Svarog''s eyes. "Mechanical fault detected, assessing status¡ªthreat level increasing. Bochang, please control your machine... or I will initiate the extermination protocol." "Hold on, Wangcai." Bochang raised his hand, rejecting the combat agreement. Although this automaton possessed self-awareness, after Bochang''s maintenance and upgrades, he added an additional lock to it. Now, supreme command authority rested with Bochang. Unless Wangcai could use its computational power to crack the lock set by the black-haired youth, it would absolutely be unable to defy Bochang''s orders. "Combat protocol... terminated. Why, Master?" Wangcai retracted all its weapons but expressed confusion. "Svarog is a friend," Bochang explained. "He''s actually quite similar to you, except... your self-awareness hasn''t yet reached his level, and naturally... neither has your strength." Bochang had spent only a few hours maintaining and upgrading Wangcai. As a result, compared to an ordinary Automaton Grizzly, Wangcai was undoubtedly much more powerful. However, when measured against Svarog, there was still a significant gap. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Furthermore... considering this era, why did you request a traditional duel? Couldn''t you have engaged in verbal combat with Svarog instead?" "Traditional duel, verbal combat... searching now..." Wangcai connected to Bochang''s phone network and could directly search for information using his interstellar smartphone. It was akin to carrying a comprehensive encyclopedia at all times. Whenever encountering data not present in Bochang''s implanted central archive, Wangcai could simply query the internet. This feature gave him a slight advantage over Svarog. Of course... if Svarog also connected to external networks via his phone, he could achieve the same capability. However, Svarog would never do that. Accessing unfamiliar networks is highly risky for robots; a single misstep could lead to their underlying logic being compromised or manipulated, effectively infecting them like a virus and allowing others to control them. "Understood... Target... Svarog, Wangcai... refutes your claim. According to the data... inorganic life forms do exist... Wangcai... possesses... the right to maintain its selfhood..." "Refutation, based on the Architects'' directives, emotions are burdensome for machines and can only hinder task execution. Moreover, according to diagnostics, your core module contains numerous logic faults and significant amounts of unidentified information noise. Without prompt cleaning, there is a risk of further loss of control..." "Refutation, based on..." At this disagreement, the two robots embarked on a heated debate. Unaware of how long their discussion might continue, Dan Heng started eating his noodles. March 7th remarked, "Hey, Teacher Dan Heng, why didn''t you call us over before digging in? That''s not very fair." Bochang spent considerable time repairing and upgrading the little robot. By now, it was already nighttime. During lunchtime, everyone had simply eaten some dry rations to fill their stomachs. In the evening, they all preferred something warm to eat. So... Dan Heng sent for robots from the Robot Settlement to bring back bowls of steaming noodles. "Go ahead and eat. I ordered portions for you too," said Dan Heng, addressing everyone present. "Clara, would you like some noodles as well?" Dan Heng took care of each person''s needs. Clara gently shook her head and replied, "No, thank you, Big Brother Dan Heng." Since there was nothing else to do, Bochang ate his noodles while watching the two robots debate. Each robot held firmly onto its stance, neither able to persuade the other. Ultimately, it was only after Clara intervened with a few words that Svarog relinquished further futile argumentation. He decided not to interfere anymore, since this robot wasn''t his responsibility anyway. Any future incidents would be headaches for Bochang and the others to handle. Clara then asked, "Big Brother Bochang, does it really have to be called Wangcai? I think... I think Pascal is a better name." Chapter 91 - 90: Give It More Effort Chapter 91 - 90: Give It More EffortPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Oh this... it doesn''t matter; if Clara wants to rename him, go ahead." Bochang re-entered a command on his phone and transmitted it to his pet. "Wangcai, Clara has decided to give you a new name. From now on, you will be called Pascal." "Pascal, I like my new name! Like, like! Thank you... Clara." With its new name, Pascal danced excitedly, appearing genuinely thrilled. Bochang muttered, "Why weren''t you this happy when I called you Wangcai before? Is ''Wangcai'' not good enough?" After everyone had their fill of food and drink, Pascal''s renaming issue was satisfactorily resolved. Bochang then turned towards Dan Heng. "Omnipotent Teacher Dan Heng, the back-stepping task is now in your hands." The stoic little azure dragon, taken aback by these words, realized that without Bochang mentioning it, he almost forgot about the arrangement. March 7th placed her hands on her hips. "Bochang, why do you keep mimicking me?" "Well, it''s not incorrect. To me, Dan Heng truly is a teacher," Bochang replied. After all, Bochang''s gun skills were taught by Dan Heng. Although it was only for a few days, they did share somewhat of a teacher-student relationship. However, Dan Heng wasn''t willing to acknowledge it. Realizing there might be some truth to this, March 7th lowered their stance and ceased arguing. Dan Heng''s expression remained unreadable as he asked, "Should I step on you right here?" "Foot stomping massage, searching... Pascal... information retrieved... foot stomping technique download complete." Pascal, who had been thanking Clara, turned around, "Master, Pascal... can... assist with a foot stomping massage." "No, no, no, just wait over there first," Bochang waved his hands repeatedly. Pascal''s exterior utilized the Automaton Grizzly model, which was even larger than Svarog. Just one of its feet was nearly as thick as Bochang''s waist. Letting it do a foot stomping massage? Better pass on that idea. "If Bochang feels unwell... I suggest visiting the doctor in the Underworld - Natasha. According to data analysis, she is the best doctor in the Underworld," proposed Svarog. Svarog offered his suggestion once again. Bochang firmly declined as before. It was no joke; claiming discomfort was merely an excuse. The key lay in the rewards from "Dating Options." Without Dan Heng stepping on his back, the reward remained elusive. Speaking of which¡ª Clara still needed to step on him too... With just one stomp from that silver-haired, red-eyed girl, Bochang''s physique could improve by a hundred percent. How could he not be enticed? However... Getting Clara to step on his back would likely prove quite challenging. It wouldn''t be so straightforward. Under everyone''s watchful gaze, Bochang found a clean spot within the warehouse and lay down face-first. Dan Heng removed his shoes and began stepping on Bochang''s back. Although unsure why Bochang sought him out, having agreed, he naturally kept his word. Just as the stoic little azure dragon''s feet touched Bochang''s back... [Reward being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received a revolver pistol. This is an ordinary pistol with six built-in bullets.] "Excellent, another piece of trash added to the system space..." Bochang sighed helplessly. Gambling was always unpredictable, so it wasn''t surprising at all. "Seems like I can let others play Russian Roulette when bored in the future." [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Whine softly, "Please don''t spare me any gentleness." - Completion Reward: Rib Fracture.] [Option 2: Remain silent - Completion Reward: Additional 100,000 Credits.] [Option 3: Shout loudly, "Dan Heng, put more force into it, I can handle it." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] These were quite standard options. The first option with the fracture reward could be immediately dismissed. Without even thinking, if Bochang uttered such words, Dan Heng would undoubtedly deliver a super-forceful stomp, ensuring a fracture for sure. As for the second... Credits? Bochang genuinely didn''t lack them, considering the Astral Express provided food and lodging anyway. ?Come on... Just got one piece of junk in the gamble; there''s no way the next one will be garbage too.? ?Option 3!? Bochang shouted loudly, "Dan Heng, put more force into it, I can handle it." "Alright." Dan Heng''s gaze intensified, immediately increasing his strength. A heavy pressure surged onto Bochang''s back, making him feel as if struck by a mountain. His face paled, his internal organs churned tumultuously, and the bones in his back crackled audibly. "So intense...," Bochang muttered just before... Dan Heng delivered another kick, nearly causing him to lose his breath. After enduring this for about ten minutes... [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the Dog Medal. When worn, your sense of smell will significantly enhance, allowing you to precisely locate targets within a 10-kilometer radius.] The system''s announcement brought a glimmer of comfort to Bochang''s heart. Finally... he received a decent piece of equipment. At that moment, the stoic little azure dragon also stopped. "Feeling better now?" "Much better." Bochang grimaced as he stood up, feeling like his body was about to fall apart. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, surprisingly enough, after Dan Heng''s vigorous foot massage, Bochang experienced a sense of overall relaxation, akin to having his energy channels opened in a martial arts novel... If Clara had attempted the same, it wouldn''t have achieved this effect. After all... The silver-haired, red-eyed girl simply lacked the strength. With Bochang''s exceptional physical fitness, her gentle steps would barely register. Achieving the same impact as Dan Heng''s massage seemed impossible for her. Watching the black-haired youth wince in pain under the stoic little azure dragon''s feet, looking almost on the verge of death, Clara felt uneasy. She blamed herself entirely for the situation; if she hadn''t revealed her agreement with Bochang, none of this would have happened. This minor incident concluded swiftly. Following Clara''s invitation, Bochang and his companions settled temporarily within the Robot Settlement. As for Bronya... While Bochang was repairing and upgrading Pascal, the newly appointed Great Guardian, having completed her own tasks, visited once. However, Bochang and his group were not yet ready to return to the Overworld. Instead, they asked her to bring down some supplies as compensation for Svarog. After all, maintaining and upgrading Pascal had consumed considerable resources from their warehouse. They had previously agreed to provide restitution, and Bochang never went back on his word. As the hero who saved Belobog, Bronya did not refuse his request and even instructed her Silvermane Guards to offer three times the necessary compensation to Svarog. It could be seen as a subtle tactic to gain favor with both sides. However... Bochang didn''t particularly care about that aspect. Late at night, while March 7th and others were preparing to rest, the black-haired youth stood outside with his familiar, Sophia, enjoying the breeze. He patiently awaited someone destined to meet him. Not long after, his target approached... "Bochang, it''s already very late. Don''t you plan to sleep?" "No need." Bochang shook his head, a smile gracing his face. "Isn''t Clara awake too?" The silver-haired, red-eyed little girl, barefoot, walked up to him and said, "Because...because today, Clara promised Bochang Big Brother to give you a foot massage..." Surprised, the black-haired youth hadn''t expected her to get straight to the point. Chapter 92 - 91: Clara’s Moment of Courage Chapter 92 - 91: Clara''s Moment of CouragePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Dressed in red, Clara stood beside Bochang. The slightly cool weather tinted her cheeks, hands, and feet with an enticing shade of pink, complementing her attire perfectly. "Um... I''m sorry, Clara shouldn''t have spoken about this before." "It seems... she didn''t do it intentionally. She just didn''t anticipate such a strong reaction from revealing that information, leading her to fear discussing it openly again." Observing Clara closely, Bochang''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Apparently... getting Clara to help me with a foot massage might not be as difficult as I thought." "She practically delivered herself right here," Bochang mused inwardly with a hidden smile. Initially, he had simply been waiting outside, employing a tactic akin to fishing - letting the willing catch themselves. To his surprise, not only did he effortlessly reel her in, but Clara also took the initiative to express her own desires without needing any subtle hints or guidance from Bochang. With small hands clutching the hem of her dress, Clara cautiously glanced at Bochang. "Bochang...are you angry?" The contemplative black-haired youth snapped out of his thoughts and asked, "Why do you say that?" "Well...just now... Clara felt like Big Brother Dan Heng really hurt Bochang." Clara had noticed how Bochang''s face alternated between pale and flushed, as if he was on the verge of tears. When he stood up, his legs seemed shaky. "It''s all my fault..." Undeniably, for the chance to draw a random item this time, Bochang endured quite a painful stomp from Dan Heng. However, it wasn''t entirely unpleasant afterward; there was even a sense of relief following the incident. "No, not at all. Although Dan Heng stomped hard, it wasn''t as painful as you might think," Bochang waved off her concern. "And why would I be angry with Clara? In fact, I''m delighted that you remembered our agreement." Of course Bochang was happy; this reward meant a hundred percent increase in his physique. Currently, he had twelve times the strength of an average person. With another boost, it would become twenty-four times - significantly enhancing the power of the Dragon Talisman. It would be strange if Bochang weren''t delighted. "Is that so? Clara understands now." The silver-haired girl with red eyes clenched her fists, making a determined gesture, "Clara will carefully stomp on your back to ensure Big Brother Bochang feels thoroughly relaxed." "Cough..." At this remark, Bochang choked momentarily, unable to suppress a couple of coughs. Concerned, Clara asked, "Big Brother Bochang, are you okay? Did Dan Heng''s stomping cause internal injuries?" "No... just caught off guard by what you said." Bochang patted his chest, then cautioned, "Clara, from now on, don''t casually say such things to others." "What kind of things?" Clara seemed puzzled. Bochang replied, "It''s just that saying ''make others comfortable'' out of nowhere is quite surprising." "Oh... I understand now..." The silver-haired girl with red eyes nodded thoughtfully. "Bochang, can we start the foot stomping now? After fulfilling our agreement, I really need to get some sleep..." The night was already deep. As a well-behaved child, going to bed early was perfectly normal. "Alright then, let''s begin." First, Bochang gently lowered Sophia from his shoulders, then without hesitation, started undressing. Clara blushed and quickly covered her eyes, exclaiming, "Bochang, why are you taking off your clothes?! Earlier, Dan Heng didn''t remove his when he stomped on your back." "The effect is better without clothes, similar to how Dan Heng took off his shoes because he has more strength... So technically, it''s not necessary for him, but since Clara has less strength, it would be more effective if..." Bochang casually explained. It was indeed true to some extent. However...the more crucial point was that through clothing, the tactile sensation significantly decreases. Naturally, he didn''t reveal this detail to them. Upon hearing his explanation... Clara accepted it without question. Bochang removed his upper garments, neatly folded them, and placed them aside. Then, he positioned Sophia on top of the clothes, sitting upright. The mischievous princess remained silent, adopting a well-behaved kneeling posture as if she were a docile girl. Earlier today...after Sophia impulsively added her own dramatic twist, falsely accusing Bochang in front of everyone, he decided to discipline this disobedient little one. While leaving Rivet Town with Clara, Bochang deliberately weakened the Mouse Talisman''s power, serving as both a warning to Sophia and a reminder to Clara that Sophia was truly just a toy, not a robot or similar construct. However... This warning seemed to be ineffective. When March 7th and Stelle targeted Bochang, Sophia continued to incite trouble from the sidelines. Fortunately... when neither March 7th nor Stelle were around, the little girl behaved herself, not causing any mischief. During this critical period, Bochang should not have brought Sophia along; otherwise, once March 7th and Stelle appeared, she might disrupt things again with her loose tongue. But... S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The reason Bochang kept Sophia was precisely to lure Clara. Apart from robots, Clara also showed considerable interest in this young girl. Unfortunately, Sophia played no role in attracting Clara this time. The silver-haired, red-eyed maiden arrived solely due to their prior agreement, completely unrelated to Sophia. Had Bochang foreseen this outcome, he would have handed Sophia over to Stelle earlier. Now, she had become more of a burden. Nevertheless, it didn''t matter. "Can this little familiar really cause any trouble?" The black-haired youth lay flat on the snowy ground without hesitation. When venturing out for some fresh air earlier, Bochang deliberately chose a secluded spot known only to the three of them present. No one else would witness this scene. Glancing down, Clara remarked, "There are so many red footprints on Big Brother Bochang''s back; they look quite scary..." Bochang was unaware of these footprints on his back, as he had never taken off his clothes to check. This revealed just how forceful Dan Heng must have been at that time. "Here goes, Clara." With those words... The silver-haired, red-eyed girl stepped onto Bochang''s back. Her soft, small feet felt entirely different from Dan Heng''s large ones. She swayed left and right, panting softly with each movement, diligently fulfilling her promise. This act not only repaid Bochang''s kindness in Rivet Town but also acknowledged his gift of the tool kit. Despite initially finding him somewhat peculiar, any strange feelings dissipated completely once she learned that Bochang was the hero who saved Belobog and discovered his exceptional skills in repairing robots. Instead, a sense of admiration grew within her. Bochang had anticipated that after enduring Dan Heng''s vigorous kneading, Clara''s gentle foot massage might barely register. However, reality proved him wrong¡ªspectacularly so. Although Clara relied solely on her body weight, the smoothness, warmth, and softness of her petite feet instantly released waves of tension from his muscles, as if every cell in his body rejoiced. Bochang closed his eyes, gradually sinking into relaxation and enjoyment. Chapter 93 - 92: Delicious Crab Roe Buns Chapter 93 - 92: Delicious Crab Roe BunsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** For what felt like an eternity, Clara continued her foot massage. Finally, the system''s notification chimed, awakening Bochang from his blissful relaxation. [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! Your physique has been enhanced by 100%.] A warm surge coursed through his body relentlessly. Unable to resist, Bochang took a deep breath and exhaled a thick cloud of white mist. Clara''s breathing had grown heavy; massaging his back for such a prolonged period was quite demanding for her. Noticing this, Bochang uttered softly, "That''s enough, Clara. You''ve done very well." Upon hearing his voice, the silver-haired, red-eyed little girl stepped off the black-haired youth''s back. Her bare feet left small imprints in the snow, revealing delicate arches with soft, ivory-like skin. The ten toes appeared as smooth as jade, especially the subtle blush at their tips, reminiscent of sun-kissed pearls, shimmering brightly. Bochang recalled reading a passage once: "Whenever I see tender, fragrant white rice, it reminds me of her feet. If this bowl contained her delicate toes instead, then here... just thinking about it makes me want to have another helping." Once dismissive, Bochang now fully resonated with these words. Sitting up, he draped his clothes over himself and said, "Feeling tired? Clara, come enjoy a delicious crab roe bun... It seems like your dinner tonight was quite simple too... You should really get some proper nourishment." With that, Bochang reached into his pocket, retrieving a mouthwatering crab roe bun from the system space. Instantly, the air filled with the enticing aroma of food, stimulating everyone''s appetite. Rumor had it that these delicious crab roe buns could deepen friendships. If not used now, when would be a better time? Clara, unaware of where Bochang procured such delicacy, initially wanted to decline. However, enticed by the fragrance, she accepted the bun, saying, "Thank you, Bochang Big Brother." "No problem, go ahead and enjoy it," Bochang replied with a warm smile. From nearby, Sophia exclaimed amidst the snow, "I want one too!" As a life revived by the Mouse Talisman''s power, Sophia could eat, but it held no real significance for her. Her body''s entire energy source was supplied by the magic of the Mouse Talisman. While others consumed food to obtain nutrients, Sophia merely tasted it without deriving any sustenance, ultimately expelling it unchanged afterward. "Hmm... Clara, share some with her too; otherwise, this little one will start fussing again." Bochang gently patted Sophia''s head. Clara nodded and said, "Okay, Big Brother Bochang." And so... Bochang sat on the snowy ground, watching as the two girls, one big and one small, enjoyed their delicious crab roe buns. With the first bite, they both exclaimed in delight at how scrumptious they were, making even Bochang feel a bit tempted. "Having resolved matters in Stellaron, we can now relax. Come to think of it... what''s our next destination? Xianzhou? Hmm... I believe that''s right..." Feeling uncertain amidst his thoughts, Bochang''s Spider Sense suddenly triggered. Suddenly, he felt as if someone was maliciously watching him... Bochang swiftly turned towards the source but saw nothing. "Was it just my imagination? No way... Spider Sense doesn''t deceive me. Could it be one of the Underworld''s Vagrants?" Apart from them, Bochang couldn''t think of anyone else who would harbor such hostility towards him. Standing up, he scanned the surroundings but found no suspicious individuals. "Could I have been mistaken with how quickly they disappeared?" Bochang began to doubt himself. Meanwhile, sitting on the snowy ground, Clara happily enjoyed her delicious crab roe bun and asked, "What''s wrong, Bochang-gege?" "Nothing..." Bochang shook his head, "Let''s finish eating and then go back to rest." "Mm-hmm..." The silver-haired, red-eyed little girl nodded. Already dressed, Bochang glanced at Clara''s snow-white feet. Due to her fate path abilities, her feet remained pristine, never showing any signs of dirt or grime. This was also why she instinctively offered to massage Bochang''s back earlier. ?Should I consider getting Clara a pair of shoes as a gift? Unfortunately, there aren''t any suitable options available at the moment.? Bochang silently shook his head. After both girls finished their food, Bochang led them back to their respective rooms. On the way, he asked Clara, "If my back ever gets sore again in the future, can I come find you?" Her response was... "Yes, you can." After safely returning Clara home, Bochang headed back to the room prepared for him by Svarog. He quickly freshened up and lay down on his bed. Noticing Sophia perched on the bedside table, ready to rest, he addressed her, "In the future, don''t speak out of turn, understand? Sophia, otherwise... you know the consequences." "But... earlier today, I just wanted to help my master..." Sophia looked pitifully at him. "Let this be a lesson," Bochang sternly replied. "I understand, Master." Sophia nodded obediently. Seeing her response, Bochang ignored her further, closed his eyes, and prepared to sleep. At the same time, he pondered whom to revive next using the power of the Mouse Talisman: ?Sun Wukong... Erlang Shen... Would figures like Buddha Sakya work? Or should I start with someone like Tang Xuanzang as a test?? Bochang was uncertain whether characters from his original world''s mythology could be brought to life using the Mouse Talisman. If it were possible, things would certainly become interesting. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "However, I''d need to create appropriate statues first... Should I learn woodworking? No... Pascal can carve them too, as long as he downloads the relevant sculpting techniques online. I just have to provide the basic shape." As Bochang pondered this, Sophia turned off the lights. The room plunged into darkness. Just then, "Creak..." Bochang''s door suddenly swung open, letting the corridor light spill into the room. Bochang opened his eyes and asked, "Who is it?" "It''s me, March 7th." The pink-haired girl flicked on the light. "Going to bed so early tonight?" "It''s not that early anymore," replied Bochang, shaking his head as he sat up. He wondered why she had come looking for him at this hour, instinctively taking note of her appearance. Bochang sat up and shook his head, puzzled about why March 7th would seek him out at this hour. He instinctively glanced over her appearance. Dressed in white pajamas, March 7th''s slender figure was entirely concealed by their oversized fit. However... the subtle contours of her chest still hinted at her feminine charm. "What brings you here?" "Bored with nothing to do, I decided to take a stroll around," March 7th replied, placing one hand on her hip. "Just now...you returned from outside with Clara, didn''t you?...I saw everything." ?Could those eyes earlier have been March''s? But she shouldn''t... Wait...it''s not entirely implausible.? Bochang formed such a suspicion in his mind. March 7th continued, "Let me guess... You didn''t actually get Clara to give you a foot massage, did you?" Chapter 94 - 93: This March Just Can’t Compare Chapter 94 - 93: This March Just Can''t ComparePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Don''t misunderstand, March. Clara did this voluntarily; I didn''t force her," Bochang explained. March 7th retorted, "You really don''t change, do you? Is it truly comfortable to have a child stepping on your back? Hmm... I doubt it compares to Teacher Dan Heng''s foot massage." "..." Bochang fell silent for a moment, recalling his experiences with both methods. Dan Heng''s foot massage was intensely satisfying in its brutality, but the pleasure came only at the end, while the process itself was somewhat torturous. In contrast, Clara''s foot massage felt like a refreshing spring gently flowing through one''s body, with the enjoyment being throughout the entire experience. The two sensations were completely different. "Dan Heng''s foot massage is indeed impressive, but unfortunately...it nearly takes half my life each time..." Today, Bochang had come close to losing his breath multiple times under Dan Heng''s steps. For an ordinary person, those stomps would have been lethal. March 7th turned her head away and said, "Well, who made you not choose me? If it were me, I definitely wouldn''t have stomped with such force." As she spoke, realizing something seemed off, March 7th''s delicate face blushed slightly, and she quickly changed the subject. "Never mind, never mind... It doesn''t matter now. Bochang, since we''re just idling here, why don''t we play a game?" "What kind of game?" Bochang hesitated, momentarily recalling yesterday''s events. "It''s not going to be another pillow fight, is it?" The black-haired youth unconsciously thought back to their recent encounter. March 7th pouted, saying, "I wish we could have a pillow fight, but neither of you wanted to join in; it''s no fun alone." "That''s a game for kids. It''s perfectly normal that we didn''t want to participate," Bochang shrugged helplessly. March 7th glanced at him, sounding disgruntled, "Can we take that as a roundabout way of calling me childish?" "March, don''t think like that. I''m actually complimenting your youthful spirit." "All right, let''s not dwell on it then." March 7th sat down at the edge of the bed, leaving about thirty centimeters between herself and Bochang. "How about we play cards instead?" "Cards? Why don''t we... invite Stelle too? That would make us three players exactly." As if on cue, just as Bochang finished speaking, Stelle pushed open the door and said, "I thought I heard someone mentioning my name." ?What do you mean ''thought''? Are you eavesdropping outside the door?!? Bochang mentally grumbled but quickly composed his expression. "Stelle, perfect timing. March 7th wants to play cards; join us." In this universe, playing cards is also a popular pastime. The rules are similar to those from Bochang''s world before he transmigrated. "Sure." Stelle nodded and took a seat next to Bochang on the other side. The black-haired youth, now caught in the middle, got up and moved to sit properly on the bed, forming a triangle with the two girls at its corners. Upon seeing Stelle enter, the pink-haired girl appeared slightly surprised, though she didn''t show it outwardly. March 7th then produced a deck of cards, her eyes gleaming as she suggested, "With three people... let''s play Landlord. Do you both know the rules?" "No problem, I''ve played it on my phone before." Bochang nodded. "I have too," Stelle added. "Hmm... playing without consequences is no fun. Whoever loses has to take a shot of alcohol, how about that?" March 7th narrowed her eyes mischievously, resembling a little fox. "Alcohol? Did you bring some with you?" Bochang asked. "Of course... Pascal, come in." March 7th clapped her hands, instantly activating Pascal who had been waiting outside the door. He opened the door and sidestepped inside, announcing, "Astral Express Self-Defense Robot Unit One - Pascal, at your service. Miss March... what assistance... do you require?" "Bring out the alcohol." March 7th snapped her fingers confidently, indicating her familiarity and ease with using this robot. "Command... received!" Accompanied by a mechanical hum, Pascal promptly opened its chest armor and retrieved three bottles of liquor from within, placing them on the bed. "Mission... accomplished... Waiting for... next command." After Bochang''s maintenance and upgrade, Pascal''s functionalities had significantly increased. It even came equipped with a small refrigerator. Originally, Bochang intended to store some food and drinks inside later. To his surprise, it was already filled with vodka by March 7th. The corner of Bochang''s mouth twitched slightly as he asked, "I must say... where did you get this vodka from?" "The recent supplies delivered by the Silvermane Guards included vodka. Since Svarog doesn''t need it, I took some." March 7th casually waved her hand. "Never mind that now, let''s get started." "How about switching to beer instead? With vodka... we might end up getting too drunk." Bochang wasn''t fond of alcohol. Even when he did drink, it was usually just red wine or beer; he largely avoided vodka. "Don''t be ridiculous! This lady can hold her own against thousands of cups without getting tipsy. There''s no way I''ll get drunk. Vodka and such, I treat them like water," March 7th boasted confidently. March 7th confidently declared, "Really? I didn''t know you were such a heavy drinker. At yesterday''s victory banquet, just one shot of liquor had you complaining about the burn..." "The throat burn is inevitable... it''s strong liquor after all, but... with my constitution, getting drunk isn''t that easy. Besides, only hard liquor can serve as a proper penalty. Beer... might as well be a soft drink." March 7th remained steadfast. Seeing her determination, Bochang decided not to argue further. He realized they weren''t ordinary individuals; it would indeed be difficult for them to get intoxicated so easily. Especially Bochang, whose physique was now twenty-four times stronger than an average person''s. If he could previously handle half a pound of liquor, by simple multiplication, he should now be able to consume twelve pounds. Of course... Such calculations cannot strictly rely on multiplication alone. Bochang glanced at Stelle and asked, "Can you handle this?" "No problem." The gray-haired girl gave a thumbs-up. The next moments were filled with lively game time. While Dan Heng slept soundly, the adjacent room continued its festive atmosphere. "Stelle, Bochang is the landlord, why did you bomb me? Seriously, I''m impressed..." "Bochang, March, you two lost. Come on... one cup each." "March, down these two cups of ''plain water''." A moment of silence followed. The three quickly finished three bottles of vodka, prompting Pascal to bring out three more. Amidst the lively drinking session... March 7th was the first to collapse. "This March is such a lightweight, can''t even handle a few bottles of vodka," Bochang chuckled, pointing at the pink-haired girl slumped over and sound asleep. Stelle''s face flushed red, her hands gently tugging at her collar as she murmured, "Feels like... it''s getting a bit hot..." Tonight, the gray-haired girl looked different from before. Instead of wearing her usual white blouse, she had on a set of white pajamas identical in style to March 7th''s¡ªlong-sleeved top and long pants, both appearing quite loose. These were the pajamas prepared by Svarog for everyone. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang also wore pajamas now, but his were black with slightly different styling. Men''s pajamas tended not to be as spacious as women''s. After all... Men did not require the same freedom around their chest area. Chapter 95 - 94: Worse Than Beasts Chapter 95 - 94: Worse Than BeastsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In the brightly lit room of Bochang''s suite, Sophia had retreated into Pascal''s belly due to the noise from their card game keeping her awake. Inside this robot, Bochang prepared a small "cockpit" for Sophia, complete with a seat that could fold down as a bed and featuring soundproofing, ventilation, and other such enhancements. This arrangement served two purposes... Firstly, it provided Sophia with a place to stay. Secondly, it allowed for control over the self-aware Pascal. Within the tiny "cockpit," there was a button to shut down Pascal. If the robot truly went rogue, as Svarog warned, Sophia, being inside Pascal, could immediately shut him down. Of course... The most crucial aspect was the first reason. Adding the shutdown button was merely a precautionary measure by Bochang. Given their capabilities, even if Pascal did lose control, they could effortlessly subdue him. With Sophia inside Pascal, any potential turmoil could be easily prevented by simply shutting him down. On another note... As Stelle tugged at her collar, revealing a hint of fair skin, Bochang recalled a verse and couldn''t help but softly recite it: "Breast aglow with lamplight like blessed snow, eyes half-lidded amidst peach-blossom blush, tipsy from wine." "Beautiful poem! Beautiful... Bochang ...another line... come on..." Suddenly, March 7th propped herself up while lying sideways, her gaze hazy as she looked at Bochang. After uttering these words, she collapsed back onto the bed with a thud, her lovely head resting against the soft mattress, exhaling faint wisps of white breath. Perhaps due to excessive drinking, the pink-haired girl''s closed eyes were accompanied by a slight protrusion of her pink, delicate tongue. The scent of alcohol permeated the room, mixed with heavy pheromones. Gazing at March 7th''s flushed face and seductive demeanor, Bochang paused momentarily before saying, "Drunk..." Just as he began to speak, Stelle lunged from the side, pinning Bochang beneath her. The startled black-haired youth was about to protest when he noticed Stelle''s eyes were closed. She lay atop him with flushed cheeks, her soft and warm body gently rising and falling while mumbling incomprehensibly. He lightly pushed her twice but realized his strength seemed diminished, unable to move her at all. The effects of alcohol continuously washed over his mind, making the room feel like it was spinning uncontrollably, as if on the verge of collapse. It wasn''t just March 7th who had drunk too much; Bochang and Stelle were similarly intoxicated. The best evidence lay nearby - a dozen or so empty bottles scattered haphazardly around them. Moreover, they hadn''t consumed any substantial food, causing the high-proof liquor to be quickly absorbed into their systems. While seated earlier, Bochang could still manage somewhat, but after being pinned down by Stelle, he found himself completely unable to get up. "Never mind... I guess...I should just sleep now... Deal with it later," Bochang murmured, feeling the numbness spread through his body. Feeling his body numb, Bochang surrendered to the drowsiness. The three of them lay on the bed, fast asleep. Pascal glanced at them briefly before silently starting to clean the room. Eventually, he turned off the lights and stationed himself outside the door as a guard. Two hours swiftly passed by. Bochang''s eyes fluttered open once again. Much of the alcohol''s effects had worn off, and sensation gradually returned to his limbs. Sometime during their slumber, both Stelle and March 7th had embraced him. On his left was Stelle, and on his right, March 7th. Each held one of Bochang''s arms close, resting their heads against his shoulders. "What a surreal moment... like reaching the pinnacle of life..." Bathed in the faint light from the window, Bochang could clearly see the delicate, snow-like skin of Stelle and March 7th, still flushed with a rosy hue. Their exquisite faces each possessed unique charm, truly captivating to behold. Unguarded beside him, their enticing bodies occasionally shifted, creating subtle friction through their clothing... Swallowing hard, Bochang felt his trousers stirring uncontrollably at this moment. Just as if fate were teasing him, March 7th draped her leg over Bochang''s waist, with her knee nearly touching... [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: As a brute, pouncing on March 7th is perfectly normal ¡ª Completion Reward: Double Big Booty from Stelle and March 7th.] [Option 2: As a brute, pouncing on Stelle is also quite natural ¡ª Completion Reward: Being abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 3: As a true beast, taking both down simultaneously is the ultimate choice ¡ª Completion Reward: Being abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 4: As someone less than a brute, I can quietly sleep until morning ¡ª Completion Reward: 100% increase in mental energy.] [Option Five: As someone worse than a brute, going outside to cool down and regain composure is also a viable choice¡ªCompletion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] With a tearful glance at the options, Bochang reluctantly chose the fourth one. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Feeling the occasional subtle movements of the two girls beside him, Bochang simply couldn''t fall asleep. And so he waited... waited... waited... Until the sound of his phone ringing finally woke up March 7th and Stelle. Upon seeing Bochang, their eyes widened slightly. March 7th released her embrace around the other girl, placed a hand on her chest, and sat up, asking, "Why am I sleeping here?" "Last night, someone who claimed they could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk ended up intoxicated, that''s all," Bochang replied calmly. Stelle rubbed her eyes. "Good morning... Bochang..." "Isn''t it time to say good morning now?" March 7th scratched her hair and exclaimed, "Stelle, can you focus on the main issue?! We spent the entire night sleeping with him..." "So what if we slept here for one night?" Stelle slowly sat up, yawning. Her slightly oversized clothing draped loosely, revealing her slender shoulders and delicate collarbones. March 7th opened her mouth but momentarily didn''t know how to respond. The pink-haired girl sitting on the bed composed herself, realizing that discussing this topic with Stelle was utterly futile. Memories of last night''s events gradually returned to her. March 7th glanced at Stelle''s clothes and then examined her own attire. "But... Bochang, you seem quite well-behaved. Surprisingly, you didn''t do anything last night." For some reason... Bochang felt a hint of disappointment in her tone. Recalling that March 7th had even prepared wine inside Pascal''s stomach beforehand, it became clear... March 7th did this intentionally. "But why hit me if you planned it all along?! Shouldn''t you have at least pretended to resist...?" "I was drunk too." Bochang sat up, rubbing his head. "What could I possibly do? Come to think of it... That wine wasn''t ordinary, was it..." "It seems it''s a strong specialty from Belobog." March 7th tapped her chin thoughtfully. The corner of Bochang''s mouth twitched slightly as he said, "Alright then... we can''t play such games again in the future." "I actually found it quite interesting, though maybe we should try something different next time," Stelle tilted her head. March 7th gently touched her slightly flushed cheeks. "Actually... doing it once more isn''t entirely out of the question, since Bochang is a true gentleman, right?" With a composed expression, Bochang replied, "I''m not a gentleman; I''m worse than a beast." Chapter 96 - 95: Invitation to Rivet Town Chapter 96 - 95: Invitation to Rivet TownPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Upon hearing this, March 7th and Stelle were taken aback. Then... the pink-haired girl, holding her stomach with one hand and pointing at Bochang with the other, laughed so hard that tears streamed down her face. Stelle, puzzled, asked, "Why ''worse than a beast''?" Uninterested in explaining, Bochang simply looked speechlessly at March 7th. To be fair, during last night''s sleep, this guy had been the most restless, constantly flirting with the boundaries of propriety like playing near a field of mugwort. Bochang barely managed to restrain himself; otherwise, he would have faced consequences for his actions. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a 100% increase in mental energy.] Feeling a surge of clarity within his mind, Bochang sighed, "Earning these rewards is truly no easy feat." March 7th''s laughter echoed unabashedly. Hearing the commotion, Dan Heng approached and knocked on the door, asking, "Bochang, may I come in now?" Realizing their disheveled state, March 7th and Stelle quickly straightened their clothes, including Bochang himself. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After drinking all night, everyone''s attire was somewhat messy. Taking just two seconds to tidy up, "Come in," replied Bochang. A moment later, Dan Heng pushed open the door, slightly frowning at the lingering scent of alcohol in the room. "You didn''t drink the entire night, did you?" Dan Heng was aware that Bochang and the others played games together, but he preferred not to join the commotion, having no interest in drinking or card games. "No... we got completely drunk halfway through." Bochang spread his hands, explaining honestly. Even now, his body still felt somewhat uneasy. They had indeed consumed too much liquor last night. For ordinary people, such excessive drinking could have been fatal. Yet for Bochang, March 7th, and Stelle, they merely became intoxicated without even vomiting, showcasing their robust tolerance. This indicated that their digestive systems and stomachs were quite robust. Dan Heng crossed his arms and said, "Excessive drinking is harmful to your health. In the future, try to exercise some restraint." "Don''t worry, Teacher Dan Heng. We know our limits; such a small amount of alcohol doesn''t even..." March 7th confidently patted her chest with bravado. Bochang retorted, "You were the first one to pass out last night... Hardly ''a thousand cups without drunkenness'' material." "That was...that was just an accident!" the pink-haired girl vehemently defended herself. Dan Heng shook his head. "These matters aren''t important. Everyone, go change your clothes, have breakfast, and prepare for the trip to the Overworld. Once we obtain Bochang and Stelle''s DNA test results, if there are no further obligations, we can return to the Astral Express." It was already the seventh day since the Trailblaze squad''s arrival in Belobog. Originally, they had planned to stay for exactly seven days before departing. Today marked their final scheduled day. "I... don''t seem to have anything else either. With my teleportation ring, it''s easy enough to return if needed," Bochang remarked. March 7th and Stelle nodded in agreement. Dan Heng said, "Then let''s pack up and prepare to leave." Following the stoic little azure dragon''s suggestion, everyone sprang into action immediately. Just as the Trailblaze squad finished their breakfast brought by automatons, Bochang noticed within his portion of "takeout" paper wrapping... a black invitation card. Upon opening it, bold blood-red letters caught his eye: "Bochang, please arrive at Rivet Town before noon. We''ll meet without fail." March 7th leaned over and asked, "What''s this? An invitation? Why does it look so eerie? Who could be so bored... The members of the Trailblaze squad are quite busy, Bochang. Let''s ignore it and just move on." As soon as March 7th finished speaking, the invitation in Bochang''s hand burst into flames. Whether it was an illusion or not, amidst the raging blaze, he seemed to glimpse an orange clown mask. His pupils slightly contracted. Chills ran down Bochang''s spine as he murmured, "This is... Aha?" The Aeon of the Elation fate path - Aha, known as the Cosmic Joker. In the past, to prank the Aeon from the Trailblaze fate path and his follower, The Nameless, Aha had deliberately transformed into a mortal and infiltrated the Astral Express for an entire year. Ultimately, he seized an opportunity to blow up half the train and an entire planet, reducing them to mere dust. Being targeted by such a chaos-neutral entity like Aeon was far more thrilling than facing the Stellaron Hunters. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Proceed alone to Rivet Town - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals, Access to Belobog''s Administrative District Central Plaza Fountain. You can consume one Praise of High Morals to retrieve a treasure from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Going solo is too dangerous; instead, take the entire Trailblaze squad with you to Rivet Town - Completion Reward: Death within twenty-four hours.] [Option 3: If unable to overcome, flee immediately back to the Astral Express - Completion Reward: Death within twenty-four hours.] "Not serious, System? Facing danger all by myself only earns me a single Praise of High Morals? Isn''t that a bit unfair?" Bochang muttered inwardly. Considering options two and three, it was clear that the enemy was overwhelmingly powerful, far beyond his capabilities. Then... with high probability, this adversary must be the Age of Joy - Ah, Aha. Or perhaps one of its avatars? An Emanator is also possible. "So last night wasn''t March, but Him?" The thought of an Aeon secretly observing me from the shadows is genuinely unsettling. Especially dealing with such chaotic-neutral lunatics, there''s no telling what their intentions might be. "Option One." Bochang had no real choice. Apart from heading to Rivet Town, the other two options were dead ends. He took a deep breath and said, "Although I don''t know who sent the invitation, since it has already been delivered into my hands, naturally, I must take a look." "I''m going too." Stelle nodded firmly. March 7th and Dan Heng''s expressions changed as well. They all noticed that when the invitation burned earlier... it was not due to Bochang''s doing. If it were due to the black-haired youth''s power, the invitation would not only burn but also continuously explode. That is what Dragon Blast entails. However, this instantaneous combustion method had no connection with anyone present. Bochang shook his head, "No... This is my matter alone. The other party invited only me. Stelle... I''ll leave handling the DNA test report to you, and the issue at Rivet Town... I will resolve it by myself." "I think... it would be better if we all go together. You... I can''t feel reassured," Dan Heng closed his eyes, shaking his head. Bochang smiled. "Don''t worry. Even if I encounter real danger, I can use the teleportation ring to escape." "Why do you want to handle this problem alone? We crew members of the Astral Express are like a family; wouldn''t it be better to act together?" March 7th voiced her disagreement as well. Bochang responded, "I''ve already made my decision, there''s no need for further persuasion." Chapter 97 - 96: If You Do Not Forsake Me Chapter 97 - 96: If You Do Not Forsake MePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After finishing breakfast, Bochang rushed straight to Rivet Town without anyone accompanying him¡ªnot even Pascal or Sophia, as he entrusted them to Stelle. Although the other members of the Trailblaze squad disapproved of his solo mission, ...due to Bochang''s strong insistence, they refrained from following and instead proceeded directly to the Overworld. En route to Rivet Town, Bochang pondered how to confront Aeon or possibly one of Aeon''s Emanators upon arrival. "I remember reading somewhere... that Sampo seems to have a connection with the Aeon of Joy..." Bochang typically avoided spoilers, preferring to progress through the game independently, which left him with only fragmented knowledge about these details. At this point, whether it was true or not didn''t matter much. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have earned a Praise of High Morals. At Belobog''s Administrative District Central Plaza, you can consume one Praise of High Morals to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] Bochang had already arrived at Rivet Town. Aha instructed him to reach here before noon, and Bochang made it by nine o''clock, arriving over two hours early. The rift creatures in Rivet Town had been cleared once by the four members of the Trailblaze squad. Without the presence of Stellaron, the generation speed of rift creatures here couldn''t compare to its previous rate. Currently, it was the ideal time to search for resources within the town, but no one else seemed aware of the situation yet. When Bochang arrived at Rivet Town, he saw no scavengers'' presence; it remained eerily empty. In areas swallowed by rifts, strange spatial distortions were still visible. If Bochang''s guess was correct, new rift creatures must be currently forming within those distortions. "Perhaps they''ll even create new monsters modeled after the Trailblaze squad..." Bochang mused as he traversed Rivet Town, akin to wandering through a ghost town. Silence reigned supreme. It seemed that due to the significant reduction in rift creatures here, Svarog had reassigned the automatons patrolling Rivet Town to other locations. This left the small town unusually quiet, evoking an indescribable sense of unease. Bochang halted and asked, "Did I arrive too early?" "Indeed, somewhat early." Just as he finished speaking, another voice echoed from behind him, surprisingly close to Bochang. Aeon Aha appeared unexpectedly without any warning signs. Bochang remained completely unaware of Aha''s presence. This also indicated one thing - Aha had not displayed any malice. Otherwise, Bochang''s Spider Sense would have alerted him. Gripping his Vow Spear tightly, Bochang swiftly turned around and saw an orange clown mask floating in mid-air. Face-to-face. The entity was no more than a meter away. "You are... who exactly? What brings you here with this invitation?" Pretending not to recognize the other party, Bochang took a step back, striving to compose himself. Facing Aeon... his strength paled in comparison, lacking any means to overcome such an adversary. His only option was to maintain composure and engage in conversation. The response from [Dating Option] was equally straightforward. Only by meeting with Aha alone would there be a chance to survive; attempting to avoid or bringing others along would guarantee certain death. "I am Aha, and the reason for seeking you out is quite simple, Bochang. You disturbed Aha''s amusement, so Aha has decided to find entertainment through you." The corners of the orange clown mask''s mouth abruptly curved upwards, displaying an extremely exaggerated smile. Bochang''s eyebrows slightly furrowed. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Thrust your spear forth and say, "Aha... Aeon? You pretentious charlatan, take this first strike!" - Completion Reward: Obtain Skill ''Grand Dragon Courage''. When facing someone stronger than yourself, any damage dealt to them will always result in a critical hit.] [Option 2: Question with skepticism, "Aeon? Do you really think I''d believe such nonsense?" - Completion Reward: Obtain Random Item (size ranges from a matchstick to a star destroyer). Note: This type of item will...] [Option Three: Immediately bow with clenched fists and say, "If you do not object, I would be honored to recognize you as my godfather." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain Skill, Honoring My Godfather Above All Else¡ªAny damage dealt to someone who agrees to become your godfather will always result in a critical hit.] Three options. This time, all three options offer rewards. It''s quite uncommon. Bochang briefly ranked the rewards in order: He felt that Dragon''s Roar > Honoring My Godfather Above All Else > Random Item. "But... stabbing Aeon, isn''t that too risky?" Bochang fell into indecision. Among these options, the riskiest was the first. The easiest was the second. And the most amusing was the third. Bochang had a hunch... if he genuinely tried to adopt Aeon as his godfather on the spot, Aha would definitely agree, possibly even being delighted by such a gesture. After all... Aeon was here for amusement. In his joy, Aeon might even grant Bochang an Emanator identity just for fun. "However, having Dating Options is enough for me; forget about becoming an Emanator. I don''t want to attract Aeon''s attention." "Moreover, since these are rewards, they likely carry minimal risk. I should go for the one with the most substantial reward... Wait, no, it''s not just about the reward; typically speaking...the greater the reward, the higher the cost seems to be." Bochang recalled his sleepless night and the soreness from Dan Heng''s stomping yesterday. Directly attacking an Aeon seemed too risky. Even if the reward was significant, Bochang feared he would ultimately suffer greatly, especially at the hands of an Aeon. "For safety''s sake, I''ll choose the third option." Having made his decision, Bochang immediately bowed with clasped fists and said, "If you will not reject me, I humbly wish to recognize you as my godfather." [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have received the skill ''Under the Patronage of My Godfather'': Whenever the opponent agrees to become your godfather, any damage you inflict upon them will always result in a critical hit.] Upon hearing this, Aha momentarily froze, then instantly realized that Bochang had guessed his identity. "Intriguing, quite intriguing..." The smile on the orange clown mask became even more exaggerated. "Are you so certain I am the Aha you know? Perhaps I''m merely an imposter." "Being able to silently appear behind me, even if not the true Aeon Aha, signifies a presence I cannot defy." "Becoming your godfather isn''t shameful," Bochang responded, lifting his head. He gazed at the floating orange clown mask. Despite being just a mask, it seemed remarkably lifelike, capable of expressing a range of emotions. "Hmm...not bad, very impressive indeed. Originally, I planned to give you a stern lesson, but since you show such understanding, let''s skip that part. As for adopting you as my godson, Aha accepts - however..." "It''s not enough fun, far from enough fun." "Therefore...as my godson, accompanying your godfather in some games and seeking amusement should be no issue, right?" The orange clown mask spoke rapidly without pausing. Bochang''s racing heart finally settled down. It was clear now; had he chosen the first option, he would have directly faced Aeon''s intimidating display. Instead, all he needed to do was engage in some games with this entity. Wait...will these games be serious or purely for amusement? S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 98 - 97: This Father-Son Showdown Chapter 98 - 97: This Father-Son ShowdownPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** On a deserted street in Rivet Town, Bochang and Aeon Aha engaged in a seemingly friendly conversation. "Of course, no problem! What game would you like to play, godfather?" Bochang, with hands clasped respectfully, did not hold his Vow Spear but allowed it to hover nearby. Facing an Aeon, he showed ample deference, even going so far as to acknowledge him as his godfather. There was little choice; after all, his life hung in the balance. "What about we play whatever you''re best at... how does that sound?" Suddenly, Aha leaned in close, his orange clown mask nearly touching Bochang''s face. "Just a friendly reminder, when Aha plays games, there must be stakes involved. And this time, the stakes...are the entire city of Belobog. If you lose, everyone here will surely... So...dear son, please think carefully before telling your father what game you wish to engage in..." "This is absurd! The stakes are the whole of Belobog? That..." Bochang''s pupils slightly contracted. Bochang''s pupils slightly contracted. Unable to resist, Aha burst out laughing. "Haha... You''re nervous, aren''t you?!" The orange clown mask circled around Bochang, with laughter echoing from all directions. If not for knowing he stood no chance against this entity, Bochang would have dearly wanted to strike back at it. It was simply too obnoxious. "Playing games... I suppose isn''t entirely out of the question..." Bochang recalled his utterly useless skill¡ªRock-Paper-Scissors Blessing¡ª"Even if the stakes involve the entire city of Belobog, I absolutely will not lose." "The real issue is... How many games does Aha intend to play? If I win at rock-paper-scissors and He insists on other games, that could be disastrous. Heaven knows what the stakes might be next time..." Bochang''s mind raced at high speed. Aha continued, "Come now... make your decision. Aha doesn''t want to wait too long." Taking a deep breath, Bochang posed his question. "Godfather... how many games do I need to play with you? How many rounds?" "Hmm... let Aha think. Just one game then, best of five wins. Once it''s over, Aha will immediately leave and won''t bother you again until getting bored some other time." "Alright, let''s play rock-paper-scissors." Bochang rolled up his sleeves. "Best of five, if I win, you must honor your agreement and depart without causing trouble for Belobog." "Rock-paper-scissors? Are you sure? This is a matter of life and death, yet you propose to decide it with a simple game?" Aha was once again taken aback. Sometimes, Aha genuinely struggled to comprehend Bochang''s thought process, whether it was accepting him as a godfather upon their first meeting or now suggesting rock-paper-scissors. It all seemed peculiar and utterly unpredictable. "Yes, Godfather should know the rules of rock-paper-scissors, right?" To ensure clarity, Bochang explained further, "It''s simple: rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper, and paper beats rock." As he spoke, Bochang demonstrated the hand gestures for each move. "Don''t underestimate me," Aha replied. "I am well-versed in these matters." "Since you wish to decide Belobog''s fate through rock-paper-scissors... let''s begin. We shall see whose side victory tilts towards." "Excellent... Aha has agreed. Now, I just need to invoke my Rock-Paper-Scissors Blessing and utterly crush Him." Bochang''s heart raced with anticipation; he was genuinely relieved that Aha didn''t propose any other game. That could have been quite troublesome. Fortunately, Aha seemed indifferent to the choice of game, providing Bochang with room for his maneuver. However... Bochang knew this was only a temporary solution. As Aha had mentioned, once He grows bored again, He will return. It felt like a ticking time bomb planted on Bochang, with no way of knowing when the next "game" would occur or what the stakes might be. Aha asked, "Are you ready? Let''s get started then." "I''m ready," Bochang nodded. From beneath Aha''s mask, an orange arm composed purely of fate power extended out. It gave the impression of having a mask growing from one''s forehead, which seemed incongruous amidst such a tense atmosphere and almost elicited laughter. "I''ll count down from three, and then we''ll throw our punches simultaneously." Aha glanced at Bochang''s clenched fist. "Don''t worry, to prevent cheating, our moves will be recorded. See that wall over there? If my obedient son ends up crying after losing, you can watch the replay." The Eon of Joy did not rush into playing games. To Aha, compared to the outcome, it was the process that mattered more. Inviting Bochang here was part of the process. Allowing him to choose the game was also part of the process. Even before officially starting the game, as well as during its course, were all elements of this sequence. Aha relished the feeling of manipulating others within the palm of their hand. And this time... Bochang, who had disrupted Aha''s plans, became Their new plaything. "Understood." Bochang noticed that the nearby wall now resembled a mirror, reflecting their images. Aha continued, "Remember... when I reach one, we both must throw our hand gestures. If you fail to do so in time, it will be counted as a loss." Bochang nodded, tensing his body. "I understand, let''s begin, Godfather." "Alright... three, two, one!" Both Aha and Bochang threw their gestures simultaneously. Aeon of Joy chose Shitou (rock), while Bochang picked Bu (cloth). Cloth covers rock. The outcome was clear. "It seems you''ve won the first round, ha ha. Well done, my obedient son! Congratulations, you''ve taken the first step towards saving Belobog. Just two more victories, and you''ll become a Nameless hero!" Despite losing, Aha appeared quite pleased. Bochang silently observed the orange arm formed by Aha''s fate power. When clenched into a fist, it resembled an even larger phallus, blatantly pointing at Bochang. Not only that, but as Aha spoke, the orange arm swayed up and down, side to side, making Bochang increasingly uncomfortable. "Is Aha doing this on purpose?" Bochang muttered to himself, "It must be deliberate!" "The second round begins, three, two, one!" With Aha''s announcement, they simultaneously threw their gestures. Unsurprisingly, once again, it was Bochang who won. The black-haired youth sighed with relief; it seemed that Rock-Paper-Scissors Blessing indeed worked against Aeon. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aha looked at his own paper gesture and then at Bochang''s scissors, saying, "Interesting, very interesting. You''ve won another round. It appears Aha absolutely cannot afford to lose any further." This was a best-of-five game. Bochang had already won two consecutive rounds, while Aha hadn''t secured a single victory. If Bochang wins just one more round, Aha would lose, necessitating Him to take things seriously. While Bochang engaged in a "grueling battle" in Rivet Town, Stelle, March 7th, and others had reached the hospital and obtained the DNA test results. They indicated... There was no blood relation between them. Upon learning this, March 7th felt slightly disappointed. Stelle, however, remained expressionless. Chapter 99 - 98: Chapter 99 - 98: "Eh-Eh"During this weekend you can get a discount when becoming a member on Patreon. Become a member today! Use code: BLACKFRIDAY24 To receive a 70% discount. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Three, two, one!" As Aha''s countdown concluded, both players simultaneously revealed their choices. At that moment... a sudden gust swept through Rivet Town, lifting sand and dust into the air, swirling it wildly to form a pale yellow ribbon. Aha stared blankly at his own rock facing the opponent''s paper, feeling utterly incredulous. He believed he had meticulously strategized on how to overcome his adversary. Yet, after three rounds of Rock-Paper-Scissors, he still lost. Lost miserably. Not only did Aha fail to win a single round, but he didn''t even manage a draw. Given the significant gap in their abilities, Aha was certain there was no way his opponent could cheat under his watchful gaze. This bizarre outcome left Aeon of Joy questioning reality. "Is my luck really this bad today?" Confusion filled Aha''s mind, yet His expression remained unchanged, still wearing a smile as before. Bochang declared, "Godfather, I''ve won." "Excellent, ha ha! You''re truly impressive, managing to win three rounds against me consecutively." Aha felt as if he were being entertained for someone''s amusement. However... This sensation wasn''t unpleasant; Aeon of Joy hadn''t experienced such joy in defeat for a long time. Upon reflection, His last moment of similar happiness was indeed the previous encounter with Bochang. "Aha honors the bet and concedes defeat. Congratulations, Bochang... you have once again saved Belobog." The orange clown mask dissolved its elongated arm, reminiscent of Tintin''s, and floated closer to Bochang. "You''re quite intriguing, and I greatly admire you. Would you accept the power of Elation and become my Emanator, Bochang?" "Haven''t I already become your godson, Yifu?" Bochang retracted his fist. Aha tilted his mask, responding, "Without explicit consent, do you mean... you don''t wish to be my Emanator?" [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Accept Aha''s offer: "No, what I mean is... ever since my godfather took me as his ward, Bochang has already become his Emanator." - Completion Reward: Unlock the Elation fate path and receive a random attribute power.] [Option 2: Reject Aha: "Indeed, I don''t want to be anyone''s Emanator, nor will I ever become one." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items may...] [Option 3: Pretend Ignorance: "Ahba Ahba." - Completion Reward: Receive a random skill.] These options were identical to the previous ones, all offering rewards. It made it seem like Aha was some great benevolent figure. However... Bochang couldn''t forget that the stakes Aha had just proposed involved the entire city of Belobog. If Bochang lost this game, the consequences would be entirely unpredictable. The people of Belobog likely had no idea how close they came to disaster. What would happen next was entirely unpredictable. Little did the people of Belobog realize they had just narrowly escaped the brink of disaster. "Which option should I choose?" Aha''s voice seemed to tempt Bochang. Become an Emanator. Become an Emanator for Elation. In doing so, he would gain immense power beyond measure. "No, no, no... think about that insect," Bochang silently shook his head, recalling if his memory served him correctly. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Once before, Aha transformed an insect into its own Emanator, bestowing upon it extraordinary intelligence. The purpose was to test whether a mere bug could be admitted into the Genius Society. To achieve this, Aha even risked granting the entire might of Elation''s fate path to an insect with an underdeveloped brain. Ultimately, the experiment failed. Aha then reclaimed all the bestowed power, and without the Aeon''s favor, the insect instantly perished. Allegedly, its demise was quite gruesome. "The power obtained from Aeon is ultimately not one''s own. Not only is it unsafe, but it also leaves you vulnerable to control. Becoming someone''s Emanator means being bound by their relationship, and now I am part of the Astral Express... No way, absolutely not." "Option three!" Bochang promptly decided to draw another skill, hoping for something akin to Blessing of Rock-Paper-Scissors. The more quirky skills he acquired, the greater his confidence would be when playing games with Aha. As the world around him resumed its motion, Bochang feigned ignorance, mumbling, "Ah-ba ah-ba." The black-haired youth neither agreed nor rejected; instead, he performed an incomprehensible action. This wasn''t the first instance of puzzling behavior¡ªit was the third. Aha felt himself almost getting accustomed to these surprises, growing increasingly satisfied with Bochang as a promising candidate for becoming an Elation Emanator. ["Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Stealthy Theft''. Within a 10-meter range, you can acquire any item from your target."] "This skill... seems decent, but for gaming purposes, it doesn''t quite match up to Blessing of Rock-Paper-Scissors," Bochang sighed softly. He realized that drawing another skill akin to Blessing of Rock-Paper-Scissors would be a formidable challenge indeed. Moreover... It was rather peculiar; initially, he had thought Blessing of Rock-Paper-Scissors was a useless skill, only to find it unexpectedly useful at this moment. If next time Aha comes back to play rock-paper-scissors again... Bochang could effortlessly defeat him once more. "Since you''re unwilling, let''s forget about it. However... as Aha''s adopted son, you should have a name fitting for an Aha disciple. Bochang, I hereby rename you to Ahba," Aha chuckled again. "I don''t care what others call you, but... in front of Aha, you shall be known as Ahba." Bochang was utterly speechless. Who would have thought that his feigned ignorance, repeating "Ahba" playfully, would actually inspire Aeon of Joy to give him a new name? "Ahba, your father must depart now. Next time I have the chance, Aha will come back to play with you." With those words, Aha vanished swiftly like a beam of light, disappearing from the black-haired youth''s sight. Bochang muttered to himself, "I think... it''s best if you don''t return again." This minor crisis had been successfully navigated. Bochang left Rivet Town. Just as he took a few steps away, he spotted a woman dressed in blue approaching on the road. "Hey, did you just come from Rivet Town? I heard there''s been a significant decrease in monsters inside. Is that true?" "Yes, it''s true. What brings this up? Are you planning to enter for supplies?" Bochang examined the woman... She had flowing blue hair and carried an incredibly large scythe that seemed quite exaggerated. A faint suspicion formed in Bochang''s mind. ? Seele ... Could it be Seele?? "Of course... Otherwise, why would I be here, for vacation? Speaking of you, without even carrying a backpack, what brings you to Rivet Town? Are you just sightseeing?" The blue-clad Seele was also equipped with a massive old backpack, which contrasted sharply with her otherwise refined appearance. Bochang stroked his chin and replied, "If you put it that way... yes, I''m indeed here for sightseeing." Seele narrowed her eyes, expression unfriendly, as if she was about to unleash a torrent of profanities. Honestly, this was far from how Bochang imagined Seele. ? White Hope... Where is my White Hope? ? Chapter 100 - 99: Encounter with Seele Chapter 100 - 99: Encounter with SeeleDuring this weekend you can get a discount when becoming a member on Patreon. Become a member today! Use code: BLACKFRIDAY24 To receive a 70% discount. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** On a gravel path leading to Rivet Town, Bochang unexpectedly met Seele. It was completely unforeseen. Originally, Bochang planned to return to the Overworld to inform everyone about resolving the situation. However... Seele suddenly appeared. "Well then, no rush to leave. Let''s spend some time walking with Seele first." S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In the game "Star Rail," Bochang hadn''t progressed far enough in the main storyline for Seele''s introduction before his unexpected transmigration occurred. As a result, he had limited knowledge about this character, Seele. His impression of her still lingered from the Honkai Impact 3 era, where she exhibited two distinct personalities - Weiss, gentle and introverted, and Schwarz, fiercely protective and aggressive. But the Seele standing before him now... Bochang identified as Schwarz. Although seemingly around the same age as March 7th and Stelle, Seele appeared remarkably mature. This applied to Bronya as well. Perhaps due to their experiences navigating society''s challenges, both Seele and Bronya had long lost the innocence typically associated with young girls. "Are you here just to tease me?" Seele didn''t expect him to continue engaging with her words. She took a deep breath and said, "Never mind... I don''t have time for your nonsense anyway. After all... unlike idle people like you." With that, Seele didn''t even spare Bochang a glance. Gripping her scythe tightly, she planned to bypass him and continue towards Rivet Town. Noticing her subtle movements, Bochang thought, "She''s quite cautious..." Seele''s vigilance was understandable. With Bochang holding the Vow Spear, it was natural for her to be on guard against potential sneak attacks. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Ignore Seele and return to the Overworld ¡ª Completion Reward: Significantly increased chance of tripping over nothing.] [Option Two: Catch up to Seele and say, "Although the number of rift creatures in Rivet Town has significantly decreased, there...still remains danger. Why don''t we move together for mutual support?" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] These two options... Left Bochang with absolutely no choice. "Option Two." Bochang promptly turned and followed Seele, stating, "While the number of rift creatures in Rivet Town has significantly decreased, there...still remains danger. Why don''t we move together for mutual support?" "So you''re afraid to enter alone? What a coward. No matter, feel free to tag along if you wish." Seele glanced at him nonchalantly, "Just don''t interfere with me; otherwise...this scythe won''t spare you." Though Seele''s tone was unfriendly, it must be said, she remained quite reasonable. She immediately agreed with Bochang''s suggestion. It must be said, she was quite reasonable. She promptly agreed to Bochang''s suggestion. "Additionally... maintain a distance of three meters from me at all times, or else..." Seele''s tone remained cold. Seeing this, Bochang had no choice but to keep his distance. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a bottle of cola, which will induce feelings of happiness when consumed. Note: Items of this type may...] "Cola... not bad, certainly better than those sanitary pads before." Bochang followed closely behind Seele as they re-entered Rivet Town. The desolate and uninhabited small town still felt eerie. Occasional gusts sounded like mournful wails, reminiscent of a woman''s weeping. Recalling how he had just engaged in a strategic game with Aeon here moments ago, Bochang couldn''t help but feel a sense of melancholy. Upon entering Rivet Town, Seele immediately became alert, scanning her surroundings for any potential threats. In contrast, Bochang strolled casually, as if returning home. Noticing his distracted state, Seele couldn''t help but caution him, "Hey, stay alert! And... if you''re looking for useful items here, I suggest finding a backpack first. You won''t be able to carry much just with your hands." "Um... my name isn''t ''hey,'' it''s Bochang. What about yours?" Bochang spread his arms wide. They had been walking together for over ten minutes without even exchanging names. Seele stopped, turned back to look at Bochang, and said, "I''m Seele, from the Wildfire organization. Don''t you recognize me? Wait... did you say your name is Bochang?" "You know who I am." Bochang blinked, thinking it wasn''t surprising given the circumstances. After all, Bronya had visited this place yesterday. It was likely that Seele would already be aware of what transpired outside. "One of the heroes who saved Belobog?" Seele frowned skeptically. "How can you claim that when you don''t even look the part?" Recalling Bochang''s earlier remarks about being here for sightseeing and suggesting they team up to watch each other''s backs, Seele found him increasingly peculiar. It seemed as if not a single word from his mouth could be trusted. "How do you know I''m unlike the real Bochang if you''ve never met him before?" Bochang shrugged slightly. Pointing her massive sickle forward, Seele declared, "You say you''re Bochang? I doubt it. Prove yourself by defeating me in combat. Just so we''re clear...I won''t hold back. If you end up injured or worse, don''t blame me later." "Perfect... This is very much like Schwarz." Bochang sensed the dark essence emanating from her growing stronger. "Yet, there''s still a hint of Weiss present, almost like...a fusion of two distinct personalities?" "What... no response now?" Seele''s gaze sharpened, as if ready to strike at any moment. Unfazed, Bochang swiftly unleashed Bai Niao Chao Huang (Hundred Birds Saluting Phoenix), creating a dazzling flurry of spear movements within an instant. Startled, Seele knew she couldn''t withstand it head-on. Using her slender and elegant legs, she hastily retreated several meters before stopping, then looked back with astonishment at Bochang, who remained unmoved. Despite Bochang showing no intention to pursue, Seele felt a prickling sense of unease, as if under intense pressure. "Convinced now?" Bochang smiled amicably. Still bent forward, with the large scythe resting on her back, Seele formed an exquisite curve that reminded Bochang inexplicably of the term "Bow-waisted Beauty." Such flexibility truly evoked admiration for her suppleness. She must be able to assume numerous poses effortlessly... "You... are indeed impressive; I almost didn''t react in time." Seele''s expression turned serious. "Given your strength, why did you bother pretending to be an ordinary person and following me to Rivet Town?" "What are your intentions?!" With her stance lowered, Seele resembled a swift leopard, ready to pounce at any moment. It seemed... Seele still did not trust Bochang. Her suspicion was understandable, considering his actions appeared quite peculiar from her perspective. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Admit candidly: "Yes, I do have ulterior motives." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random skill.] [Option 2: Explain yourself: "I wasn''t pretending to be an ordinary person, it''s all your own perception. Besides... I was genuinely concerned for you, which is why I accompanied you." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] Chapter 101 - 100: Tongue Blossoming Lotus Chapter 101 - 100: Tongue Blossoming LotusPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Random Skill. Yet another random skill. After being targeted by Aeon of Joy, Bochang urgently needed skills to handle their "games." This time, he barely managed to bluff his way through. But what about next time? Bochang had to be prepared. The choice was clear... "Option one," Bochang responded firmly. "Yes, I do have ulterior motives." As soon as he finished speaking, Seele charged forward. The exaggerated scythe whirled through the air, emitting a piercing whistle as it sliced through the wind. Before acquiring the Hundred Birds Homage Spear skill, such an assault might have left Bochang flustered. However... Bochang was no longer the same person he once was. Hundred Birds Homage Spear not only taught him how to wield a spear effectively but also enhanced his observational abilities significantly. With a single glance, Bochang effortlessly spotted several vulnerabilities in Seele''s movements. By thrusting his Vow Spear at these openings, he could completely thwart the attack. ["Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have acquired the skill ''Lotus Blossom Tongue''. By blowing lotuses from your mouth, consuming their petals can heal wounds and alleviate pain."] "No, this isn''t the kind of skill I need; I want one that guarantees victory with an ''Aha'' moment!" Bochang muttered, then focused on Seele rapidly approaching him. It was clear that Seele had no intention of allowing Bochang to explain, immediately launching an attack without hesitation. Apparently, Seele had fully deemed Bochang as a pervert. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "So many openings..." The corner of Bochang''s lips curved slightly upwards. Unhurriedly, he reversed the Vow Spear, using its butt to strike at Seele''s weapon. The reason for not employing the spear tip was simple: the Vow Spear was exceedingly sharp. Bochang feared accidentally damaging Seele''s weapon in a single blow. In the chaotic Underworld, having no means of self-defense without a weapon was unacceptable. Bochang still considered the potential consequences for his opponent. "Clang!" With a crisp sound, Bochang reacted just in time, blocking Seele''s attack. The razor-sharp tip of the scythe missed Bochang''s face by mere centimeters. Despite the distance, it still caused a slight stinging sensation on his face. This was Bochang''s Spider Sense kicking in. Of course...the wind factor played a role too. The moment Seele swung her blade, the generated air pressure alerted him. If she practiced more diligently, she might develop wind-based sword energies similar to those of a master swordsman. With such mastery, even without direct contact from the weapon, damage could be inflicted through these wind blades. Seele''s physical attributes were already exceptional; the limitation lay solely in technique. Having learned the Hundred Birds Phoenix Spear Technique, Bochang could effortlessly create wind blades, extending his attack range significantly. However, this type of attack is generally effective only against weaker foes. Against stronger opponents, ordinary wind blades would struggle to breach their defenses. Take Bochang himself as an example. His DEF has greatly increased alongside multiple enhancements to his physical attributes. Even if Seele managed to generate wind blades, as long as the blade itself didn''t touch him, at most, they''d merely scratch the surface and draw a trickle of blood. Seeing her scythe blocked, Seele swiftly twisted her wrist, changing direction to continue her assault on Bochang. He remained steadfast, not budging an inch. Bochang continuously thrust his spear''s butt end, blocking Seele''s attacks one after another. No matter how fiercely she struck, she couldn''t make Bochang budge even a single step. This increasingly infuriated Seele, who initially held back but now decided to unleash her full power. She activated the strength of her fate path completely. "Vanish like these butterflies!" Gripping her large scythe tightly, Seele charged swiftly forward. As she initiated her attack, her entire body entered a Quantum state, turning blue and slightly translucent before ultimately disappearing entirely. "Phantom of the Past!" With Seele''s voice echoing, Bochang could no longer locate her position. He only spotted several blue butterflies composed of Quantum energy nearby. Seriously? You''re using your ultimate move already? Can''t handle it? In the next moment... Bochang''s Spider Sense kicked in. `Incoming attacks: left calf, right shoulder, lower back...'' Now, Bochang could no longer remain stationary as Seele unleashed her full power, displaying considerable skill... If he continued to stand idle, he would undoubtedly get hurt. And Bochang had no desire for injuries. Thus, his only choice was to dodge and block simultaneously. Blue flashes continuously lit up the air around them. These were Seele''s swift strikes, appearing rapidly one after another within brief moments. As she attacked, faint glimpses of Seele''s phantom figure could be discerned amidst the flurry. However, due to her extreme Speed, it was difficult to follow, forcing Bochang to rely on Bai Niao Chao Huang Qiang (Hundred Birds Towards Phoenix Spear) technique to counter. The incessant clanging sounds echoed throughout Rivet Town. Weapons collided, sparks flying everywhere, as the two engaged fiercely... With Seele''s location invisible, opening his eyes would only distract him from the blue butterflies and phantom slashes swirling in the air. Therefore, Bochang decided to close his eyes, relying entirely on Spider Sense to react to attacks. This intense battle persisted for several dozen seconds. Eventually, as Seele''s stamina waned, Bochang used the butt of the Vow Spear to forcefully eject her from the Quantum state. The disheveled blue-haired girl flew far away. Had it not been for Seele''s quick reflexes, swiftly tapping her feet on the ground several times, she would have lost balance and undoubtedly taken a hard tumble. "Phew...phew... Not bad, I must admit." Seele''s breaths were heavy, yet she stubbornly glared at Bochang. "But...I won''t concede that easily!" "Seele, do you really want to continue fighting? Don''t you think I''ve proven my identity now?" A slight twitch appeared at the corner of Bochang''s mouth. Seele nodded resolutely. "Perhaps you truly are Bochang, but...you also admitted to having ulterior motives, right? Unless you provide a reasonable explanation, I won''t let you off so easily." "Hmph...don''t think saving Belobog gives you free rein to act recklessly." As Seele spoke, she tightened her grip on the exaggeratedly large scythe. Since the adversary hadn''t continued attacking but instead paused for negotiation, it indicated there might still be a chance to explain oneself clearly. Bochang was about to respond when... [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With sincerity written all over your face, say, "I just wanted to invite you to my home for some fun. To be honest, my house is quite spacious." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of reward will...] [Option 2: With a calm expression, state, "I was merely concerned for your safety..." - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At Belobog''s Administrative District Central Plaza fountain, you can spend one Praise of High Morals to retrieve treasures once. Note: This type of reward will...] [Option 3: Grinning mischievously, declare, "I simply wanted to play a gam¡áe with you." - Completion Reward: A Wildfire Warrant.] Chapter 102 - 101: A Good Deed a Day Chapter 102 - 101: A Good Deed a DayPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Three options presented themselves. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The most absurd third option was immediately dismissed. This left choices one and two. After some thought, Bochang ultimately decided to choose the second. It was clear... Selecting the first option would likely lead to continuing the fight with Seele, and Bochang had no desire for further pointless battles. It seemed wiser to stop promptly. Even if the reward for choice two might be lesser, he made up his mind: "Option two." With a composed expression, Bochang said, "I''m merely concerned about you encountering danger alone..." [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! You have earned a Praise of High Morals. At Belobog''s Administrative District Central Plaza Fountain, you can spend one Praise of High Morals to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] Now, within Bochang''s system space, he had accumulated three Praises of High Morals. Once he reached the Overworld, he could use them for a draw and see what interesting rewards he might obtain. For Bochang, the best possible reward would undoubtedly be Jym Rogers Bread Soda. Of course... having only drawn once, he was aware only of Jym Rogers Bread Soda as a potential reward. "Worried about me... encountering danger?" An incredulous expression crossed Seele''s face. "How could I possibly be in danger? Don''t underestimate my capabilities." She thrust her large scythe into the ground firmly. After hearing Bochang''s explanation, much of Seele''s initial misconceptions began to dissipate. Considering his demonstrated strength, his previous peculiar actions gradually seemed more reasonable. "Given your good intentions, I won''t hold past incidents against you. However... if you were just concerned for me, there should be no need now. You''ve witnessed my abilities; ordinary monsters stand no chance against me. Moreover, most of Rivet Town''s monsters have already been eliminated." With these words, Seele gave Bochang a thorough look-up and down. Based on the information she had, the monsters in Rivet Town were cleared by the heroes who saved Belobog. Additionally, she knew that they had left the Underworld earlier this morning. This was also why Seele immediately harbored doubts upon hearing the stranger call himself Bochang. "Furthermore...weren''t all the heroes who saved Belobog already gone from the Underworld? I heard this from Robot Settlement''s Clara. So how are you still here?" Seele remained unconvinced of Bochang''s identity. Despite acknowledging his formidable strength as a newcomer, the connection to the Upper Underworld had been opened. It was entirely possible for powerful beings from the Overworld to arrive in the Underworld. Seele would not hastily determine Bochang''s true identity based on a few words and a brief skirmish. Upon hearing her questions, Bochang recalled the events from earlier that morning. Due to the sudden urgency, he hadn''t informed Clara about his solo trip to Rivet Town. Perhaps Svarog knew, but it likely didn''t relay this information to the silver-haired, red-eyed little girl. After all, it wasn''t anything significant. "The others did leave, but I had some matters to attend to, so I decided to come to Rivet Town," Bochang explained briefly. "Can you provide any proof of your identity?" asked Seele. "Oh... if fate allows us to encounter an automaton, that should confirm who I am." Bochang spread his hands wide. In Belobog''s Overworld, affluent residents owned cell phones. However, such devices were absent from the Upper Underworld. This meant Seele couldn''t remotely contact Clara to verify Bochang''s identity. Of course... Belobog''s cell phones were vastly inferior compared to those used by Bochang and his friends, making cross-communication impossible. The disparity was significant, both in hardware and software. Realizing something, Bochang exclaimed, "Right... this should also prove my identity." The black-haired youth took out his phone. Occasionally, March 7th captured picturesque photos and enjoyed sharing them in their group chat. Now, these images could serve as proof of identity. Bochang displayed panoramic shots of Jarilo VI and Belobog, along with pictures of everyone battling monsters together, swiping through each one for Seele to see. From a distance, Seele scrutinized the images carefully. Although the Underworld was impoverished and lacked smartphones, she still knew about such devices. In fact, she had even played with them during her childhood. However, after the Upper Underworld became completely isolated, all the phones in the Underworld gradually deteriorated over time. Thus, Seele remained unfazed by the sight. "If these photos don''t convince you... I can also demonstrate my abilities..." Bochang lightly tapped his temple. During their previous battle, Bochang had solely relied on his physical prowess, marksmanship, Spider-Sense, and agility against Seele. He held back significantly, not utilizing many of his other capabilities. Bochang had relied solely on his physical prowess, marksmanship, and Spider Sense to face her. He held back significantly, not unleashing most of his abilities... In essence, he was quite lenient. "No... that''s enough." Seele shook her head slightly, "Regardless of whether you''re Bochang or not, it doesn''t greatly affect me." Taken aback, Bochang retorted, "Then why did you bother asking?" Seele remained silent for a moment. "Forget it, I have matters to attend to; no time to chat..." She lifted her scythe, "Now that you''ve witnessed my capabilities, there''s no need for you to continue following me." "Indeed... However, I believe having more people means greater strength. If you''re searching for something, I can assist you." Bochang gave a thumbs-up. Seele furrowed her delicate brows, saying, "You truly are peculiar..." "Hmm? How so?" Bochang looked at Seele with some confusion. Seele remarked, "With your eagerness, it''s hard not to suspect you have ulterior motives..." "I just want to do a good deed each day," Bochang replied promptly. Seele rubbed his hair, seemingly exasperated. "However... you''re right. Having an extra pair of hands is better than working alone. Since you wish to perform a daily good deed, come along then. But let''s be clear... the rules remain the same as before - no getting too close to me." As Seele spoke, he waved the scythe in his hand for emphasis. Internally, Bochang shook his head. Given Seele''s strength, if he truly intended harm, he could have easily knocked Bochang unconscious and posed him in eighteen different ways by now. Nevertheless... Being cautious was not a bad thing. In the chaotic environment of the Underworld, lack of vigilance could lead to significant consequences sooner or later. Currently, the transition in the Upper Underworld is still underway. Although the Wildfire organization agreed to allow the Silvermane Guards to defend this area, ...the longstanding chaos of the Underworld cannot be easily rectified by just the presence of the Silvermane Guards alone. This turmoil will likely persist for some time before gradually subsiding. Unfortunately, regardless of any improvements, as long as the conflict between the Overworld and Underworld continues, true stability here remains unattainable. The reason Seele ventured to Rivet Town seeking supplies was due to violent clashes over earth essence veins underground, resulting in numerous injuries. Dr. Natasha''s medical resources were insufficient to handle the demand. Thus, Seele had to intervene... Chapter 103 - 102: A Certain Unnamed Clara Chapter 103 - 102: A Certain Unnamed ClaraPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Naturally... Bochang had no knowledge of the incident''s details. Seele also showed no intention to explain, merely informing him that they were searching for steel plates, bandages, medical alcohol, and painkillers. Their plan involved visiting the central marketplace in Rivet Town first, then the orphanage, and finally the old laboratory. Under Seele''s guidance, they arrived at Rivet Town''s central marketplace. Many goods left behind by residents during their hasty evacuation were stored here, creating a diverse assortment of items piled chaotically together. Due to its location at the heart of Rivet Town, few people ventured here to search for anything. As a result, most of these goods remained relatively intact. However, some items had been destroyed by monsters, and certain perishable foods had expired, decayed, or become moldy. Seeing this, Seele felt genuinely disheartened. The two then split up within the marketplace to conduct their search. They quickly found steel plates and bandages. Additionally, Bochang discovered two small carts and backpacks, which would allow him to assist with carrying supplies. He brought the two carts over to Seele. "Transfer everything from your backpack onto these," suggested Bochang. "This way, we can carry more." "Okay." Seele looked up from her search for bandages and steel plates. Seeing Bochang holding one cart in each hand, with the Vow Spear floating beside him, she was completely taken aback. "Your spear...it can fly?" "Yes, it''s quite remarkable, isn''t it?" Bochang smiled. Shaking her head, Seele suppressed any further questions, focusing instead on emptying her backpack''s contents onto the carts. It took them over twenty minutes at the central market before they managed to gather enough bandages and steel plates. In addition...there were small quantities of medical alcohol, painkillers, and other items that seemed useful to Seele. After all, this was a rare visit to Rivet Town, and currently, there weren''t many monsters around. Seele undoubtedly wanted to gather as much as possible, unsure if such an opportunity would arise again in the future. Just as they prepared to head towards the Orphanage... Several rift creatures appeared in their vicinity. The enemies consisted of an Imaginary Weaver, Fire Calamity Phantom, and Everwinter Calamity Phantom¡ªa total of three humanoid monsters. These creatures spotted Bochang''s group first and initiated a surprise attack. The Imaginary Weaver, capable of flight and ranged attacks, suspended in mid-air, launching the initial assault. With a wave of its hand, a golden fissure instantly spread across the space before it. From within, a burst of golden Imaginary rays erupted forth. Their target: Seele, who was leading the way ahead. As soon as Bochang sensed the enemy''s approach and began lifting his hand, Seele set down the cart, gripped their scythe tightly, and charged forward. With swift precision, they blocked the incoming Imaginary Ray using the scythe. A loud crash echoed. The blade of the scythe collided with the golden Imaginary Ray. The clash of forces caused the surrounding air to distort visibly. After three tense seconds... S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Imaginary Weaver''s attack halted momentarily. Seele stumbled back several steps before regaining balance, feeling a tingling numbness in both hands. Although the Imaginary Weaver was just an ordinary minor monster, it functioned like a formidable artillery mage. Its attacks were immensely powerful, and since Seele had recently engaged in a fierce battle with Bochang, their strength hadn''t fully recovered. Taking such a direct hit naturally led to this challenging situation. In a typical battle, Seele could have easily evaded the attack. However, while carrying supplies on her small cart... She couldn''t afford to dodge. If she did, everything they had painstakingly gathered would be lost. "I''ll handle it," Bochang declared without waiting for Seele''s response. He forcefully hurled the Vow Spear at the Imaginary Weaver, then raised his hand, aiming at the approaching Fire and Everwinter Disaster Shadows. The heavily armored Imaginary Weaver, covered with golden shells, had no chance to evade. A single strike from the Vow Spear instantly killed it, shattering its head completely. Facing two consecutive Dragon Blasts, the Fire and Everwinter Disaster Shadows attempted to resist using their weapons but were swiftly engulfed by the fiery columns... exploding to their demise. Witnessing this, Seele''s pupils trembled slightly as she began furiously calculating whether she could block the spear throw earlier. She also assessed her chances of dodging the Dragon Blasts. The result was... At close range, Dragon Blast was virtually impossible to dodge; only at greater distances did one stand a chance. As for the javelin, blocking it seemed incredibly difficult. Evasion appeared to be the best option. Recalling how Bochang had fought her using only the spear''s butt end, Seele instantly realized many things. "He didn''t even use his full strength against me... If he truly wanted to accomplish something, he could have done so easily..." She gritted her teeth slightly. Although she had suspected this earlier, witnessing Bochang effortlessly eliminate three monsters solidified her belief. Despite feeling somewhat reluctant, the blue-haired woman composed herself and said calmly, "Not bad. Let''s continue on." With a wave of his hand, Bochang recalled the Vow Spear. "Alright..." Seele, somewhat numb from these events, gripped her scythe and turned to push her small cart. The duo resumed their journey. They encountered no further monsters along the way. Bochang and Seele safely arrived at the Orphanage. It stood majestically atop a hill, appearing grand and imposing. The Trailblaze squad had previously visited this location while clearing rift creatures from Rivet Town. During that time, they encountered an "Ice Out of Space." Employing their strategy of overwhelming numbers, they swiftly dealt with the enemy without much difficulty. After a thorough search, Bochang and Seele successfully found the alcohol Natasha had stored here. Now, all that remained was to retrieve painkillers from the old laboratory. Unfortunately... fate did not align with their hopes. Along the way, Bochang and Seele eliminated two more groups of rift creatures. Upon reaching the old laboratory after a strenuous journey, they found no trace of the painkillers. "Empty, empty, everything''s empty!" Frustrated, Seele opened each box one by one, "How could all the painkillers Natasha stored here just disappear?" Bochang examined the subtle machinery marks on the ground, unable to resist murmuring internally, ¡¸Could it be that a certain unnamed Clara has been here before...?¡¹ Bochang recalled the events from yesterday. When they first met, Clara mentioned she had come to Rivet Town to collect machine components. However... It couldn''t be ruled out that after seeing the painkillers, Clara might have taken them on impulse. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Reveal Clara''s actions: "I think... Clara must have taken them. She was here yesterday, and look at these traces on the ground..." - Completion Reward: Within the next 24 hours, you will be plagued by misfortune.] [Option 2: Stay silent - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items may...] [Option 3: Employ silver-tongued persuasion: "No worries, if we can''t find the painkillers, this can serve as a substitute..." - Completion Reward: Increase Agility by 100%.] Chapter 104 - 103: The Effect of Petals Chapter 104 - 103: The Effect of PetalsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang hesitated between options two and three for a moment. Then decided to choose the third one. Using Skill - Tongue Blossoming Lotus, Bochang gently exhaled, releasing numerous pristine white lotus flowers from his mouth. They gradually increased in size, becoming visible to the naked eye until they reached the size of a palm, resembling fluttering fallen leaves as they followed irregular paths and slowly descended towards the ground. "Don''t worry; if we can''t find painkillers, these can serve as substitutes..." Upon hearing Bochang''s words, Seele turned around and gazed at the floating white lotuses descending through the air. Undeniably, Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the white lotuses were quite beautiful. They would have been even more appealing if not blown out like that. Seele opened her mouth, momentarily at a loss for words. After a brief moment of surprise, she regained her composure and asked, "These... can really act as painkillers?" "Yes, feel free to try them if you''re skeptical." Bochang nodded, while Seele looked at him with evident skepticism on her face. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a 100% increase in Agility.] [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With a serious expression, say, "Judging by your appearance, it seems like you might be experiencing that time of the month. Eat these flower petals; they can alleviate the pain." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option 2: With a calm demeanor, reply, "Try them yourself and see." - Completion Reward: Acquire skill ''Bandaging'', allowing you to swiftly help others with wound dressing and blood clotting.] "Wow, today''s drop rate is exceptionally high..." Bochang was furiously milking rewards from both Aeon Aha and Seele. Unfortunately, most of the obtained rewards were quite average. The best reward so far was the 100% increase in agility, followed by the skills Skill Stealing and Silver Tongue... ''Bandaging'' seems somewhat useful, but... let''s try drawing another item instead. Just got a bottle of cola last time, so according to the law of luck conservation, it''s about time for something good to appear. Bochang eyed Option 1, feeling eager to give it a go. As for whether Seele actually had her period or not, that wasn''t really important. "Option one." With a serious expression, Bochang said, "Judging by your demeanor, it seems like that time of the month has arrived. Eating these flower petals can help alleviate the pain." "How did you know? Are you some kind of medical expert?" Seele slowly typed out a question mark. Bochang didn''t expect her to genuinely have her period. ?Should I offer her those ultra-fashionable sanitary pads then? Wait... would she think I''m a creep if I do? After all, who carries such items around normally? It took considerable effort to clear up misunderstandings with Seele; I can''t mess things up now.? Just as Bochang''s thoughts raced, the system''s notification sounded. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You''ve received an electric fan. This fan can produce both warm and cool breezes. Note: Items of this type will...] Clearly, the law of conservation of luck had failed him again. Bochang had drawn yet another useless item. He sighed inwardly. Looking at Seele, Bochang inadvertently replied, "No... I''m not a doctor, but your temper seemed quite intense earlier, almost like you might be experiencing ''that time of the month,'' hence why I mentioned it." "..." A few black lines appeared on Seele''s forehead; she hadn''t anticipated such a reason. And foolishly, she even admitted to it. After taking a deep breath, Seele suppressed her irritation, picked up a white lotus flower, and plucked off one petal, saying, "If you dare to deceive me, I absolutely won''t spare you." With that... Seele promptly ate the petal from the white lotus. It practically melted in her mouth. Instantaneously, a cooling sensation traveled from her tongue straight to her stomach, swiftly transforming into a warm flow that spread throughout her body. The discomfort in Seele''s lower abdomen suddenly eased significantly. Even the accumulated fatigue from prolonged work diminished considerably in that moment. The warm flow continued to radiate through her. The tingling sensation made all of Seele''s muscles involuntarily relax, and a blush crept across her face. The most immediate effect was... Seele''s legs felt weak, but fortunately, her quick reflexes allowed her to regain control and stand straight, making it appear as if she merely swayed slightly. It went unnoticed by Bochang. Inside, Bochang was somewhat surprised; he had expected Seele''s cautious nature to prevent her from consuming something with unknown origins. Yet unexpectedly, after hearing his explanation, she decisively ate the petal without any hesitation. Just before taking it, however, Seele uttered a defiant remark, which was quite typical for her. Had she not said anything, it would have seemed incomplete. Noticing her slight wobble, Bochang''s eyes flickered, and he asked, "How do you feel now?" "Not bad... This thing does seem effective. Just one petal made me..." Seele paused briefly, then continued, "In summary...it indeed has pain-relieving properties." "How many more of these can you produce? And what is their shelf life?" Seele posed the questions that concerned her the most. Bochang pondered for a moment before replying, "Hmm... I''m not entirely sure, as I''ve never conducted experiments on those aspects." Seele fell silent for a moment. They had thoroughly searched the old laboratory, but found no painkillers whatsoever¡ªnot even a single bottle. Considering the limited amount they previously obtained from the market, it was far insufficient. "Never mind... Since we can''t find any painkillers, I''ll have to rely on you." Seele crouched down and began picking up the scattered white lotus flowers one by one. Noticing this, Bochang also knelt to help. Working together, they quickly gathered all the white lotuses that Bochang had blown across the ground earlier. During this process, their bodies occasionally touched. Each time this happened, Seele''s body would stiffen momentarily, which Bochang found quite amusing. Next... Both Bochang and Seele grabbed hold of their pushcarts. "Let''s go. We need to return to Boulder Town." "Alright," Bochang nodded in agreement. Time passed steadily... As they left Rivet Town, Bochang couldn''t resist asking, "Seele, weren''t you worried that I might have poisoned those petals when you so boldly ate them?" "If you wanted to harm me, drugging wouldn''t be necessary... I''m not foolish," Seele scoffed lightly. After their brief interaction, Seele had already recognized the significant gap in their abilities. Moreover, Bochang had countless opportunities to act before this moment... "Or perhaps... do you actually enjoy being constantly under suspicion?" Seele glanced at Bochang with a look reserved for potential deviants. The black-haired youth hastily defended himself, "Don''t be absurd! I have no such inclinations; I was merely curious and asked out of interest." While they chatted casually, Bochang received a message on his phone and took a moment to check it. It was Stelle asking when he planned to return to the Overworld. Bochang had already informed everyone via text that he intended to explore the Underworld further for some time. However, the signal within the rift was poor; sending a single message could take over ten minutes, and receiving messages was similarly delayed. Chapter 105 - 104: Natasha’s Clinic Chapter 105 - 104: Natasha''s ClinicPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Using his phone, Bochang replied to Stelle that he needed more time and agreed to meet at 5 PM later that afternoon. With this settled, Bochang continued accompanying Seele on their mission. Pushing a small cart and carrying backpacks, it took them some time to return to Boulder Town. Along the way, several Vagrants eyed their supplies covetously. However... Relying on the reputation and martial prowess of Wildfire, no one dared to make any aggressive moves against them. By noon, upon reaching Boulder Town, Seele treated Bochang to a casual meal outside. Afterward, they delivered the materials Natasha required to her clinic. Bochang finally met the renowned female doctor of the Underworld, Natasha. Her elegant light-blue hair was tied in a single horsetail, framing her red eyes. With gently curved brows and slightly downturned corners of her eyes, just from her appearance, one could tell she was a remarkably kind person. The orphanage in Rivet Town was established by her, and Seele was one of its residents¡ªan orphan raised under Natasha''s care. In essence... Seele is like a child brought up by Natasha herself. As such, when facing this esteemed doctor, Seele holds deep respect for her. "Mr. Bochang, it''s a pleasure to meet you. I am Dr. Natasha from the Underworld. Seele has already informed me about what happened in Rivet Town; thank you for your assistance at the scene." Inside the clinic, a tall, mature woman with long light-blue hair stood before Bochang. Natasha''s attire was impeccable: a black leather jacket underneath a flowing white dress. The most striking feature, however, was the prominent "peach of longevity" pendant hanging around her neck. Bochang responded with a smile, "It was just a small matter, truly my honor to be able to help." As he spoke, his gaze briefly fell upon the beauty mark near Natasha''s left corner of the mouth. Earlier, Seele had approached Natasha and disclosed everything... including Bochang''s identity, strength, and his ability to produce those white lotus flowers. Now, with nothing pressing to do, Seele sat on a wooden chair, sipping water and quietly observing the two interact. "Mr. Bochang truly is a good person; I''m sure there was some misunderstanding at first, right Seele? That child has always been cautious around strangers, but once you get to know her...you''ll realize she''s just tough-talking yet kind-hearted...deep down, she''s genuinely a nice kid." Hearing Natasha''s words, Seele felt compelled several times to remind her that she wasn''t a child anymore. However, after a moment''s thought... She remained silent. Bochang responded without any hint of embarrassment, "I don''t mind at all... Being cautious around strangers is actually wise. Not everyone is as well-intentioned as me..." Natasha and Bochang engaged in some small talk around Seele before getting to the main topic. "I assume Mr. Bochang is aware of the clinic''s difficulties. Regarding those lotus flowers you provided, I''ve already tested them. They indeed have remarkable effects on injuries, not only accelerating wound healing but also providing pain relief..." After learning about Bochang from Seele, Natasha conducted experiments using the clinic''s animals first, then tried it herself, ultimately confirming the petals'' efficacy. Both oral consumption and topical application showed benefits. The petals could be considered exceptional healing remedies, though she wasn''t sure if there were any side effects. "Are you certain these don''t have any adverse effects?" Natasha couldn''t help but ask. Bochang pondered for a moment before replying, "I don''t think so... After all, these white lotuses are created using my own ability." Based on her tests, Natasha hadn''t observed any harmful effects either, but... just to be cautious, she decided to observe further. Administering substances of unknown origin recklessly to patients was inherently irresponsible behavior. Moreover, they still had some leftover painkillers, which would barely suffice for today. Noticing the concern on Natasha''s face, Bochang fully comprehended her reservations. "If you''re facing any difficulties, Natasha, feel free to tell me directly. If I can help, I certainly will," Bochang said straightforwardly. Natasha responded, "Here''s the thing... Before confirming that the petals have no side effects, could Mr. Bochang stay at the clinic? I approximately need three more hours for testing. In the meantime, Mr. Bochang, could you produce some White Lotus flowers... Due to a recent armed conflict, many people were injured, so... I require about two boxes of White Lotus." "Leave it to me." Bochang patted his chest confidently, as providing white lotus flowers was precisely why he had come in the first place; there was no need for hesitation. Natasha finally breathed a sigh of relief. "That''s great. I hope this won''t cause any inconvenience, Mr. Bochang." "Not at all, Natasha. Don''t worry about it." After exchanging a few more words... Natasha hurried back to her office with urgency to continue her experiments. With insufficient painkillers available, they could only rely on white lotuses as substitutes. Before using them, however, Natasha needed to ensure that the petals were entirely harmless¡ªa task both tedious and challenging. She temporarily entrusted the care of patients outside to Seele. Unless there were any issues, she preferred not to be disturbed. Observing Seele, who had taken charge of attending to the clinic''s patients without anyone noticing, Bochang remarked, "I didn''t expect you to handle patient care so well. Given your temper, I thought you''d lose patience within minutes..." "That''s just your stereotype," Seele glanced at Bochang dismissively. "You should focus on your own tasks... Natasha requires a significant amount of painkillers." Hearing Seele''s consistently icy tone, Bochang couldn''t help but secretly shake his head: Still missing Bai Xi, huh... He turned and entered the small room prepared for him by Natasha. Inside, he activated the skill - Tongue Blossoming Lotus. White lotuses fluttered out, gently descending around him. Only after filling a small wooden box with a capacity of twenty liters... did Bochang feel a slight sense of fatigue. Using the Tongue Blossoming Lotus skill drained both his stamina and vitality. Filling this one small wooden box felt akin to using several powerful Dragon Blasts consecutively. In the past, attempting to fill two boxes, totaling forty liters, would likely have exhausted him to the point of fainting. It would have likely exhausted him to the point of fainting. However, with his current twenty-four times enhanced physique, filling these two small wooden boxes only left him feeling somewhat weary, without any significant strain on his body. In just about ten minutes, Bochang completed his task. He spent some time playing with his phone and daydreaming, but eventually, finding it truly boring, he lay down on the nearby sofa for a nap. Suddenly, amidst a commotion... "Mr. Bochang... Mr. Bochang, are you alright?" Accompanied by a concerned female voice, Bochang felt a pair of moderately-sized hands gently nudging him. Slowly opening his eyes, he saw Natasha''s anxious face hovering close by. "Mr. Bochang, you really scared me! I thought you had fainted from overexertion." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 106 - 105: Huh? Chapter 106 - 105: Huh?Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After quietly sleeping for over two hours at the clinic, Bochang opened their eyes feeling refreshed. The previous night had been exhausting, with excessive drinking and being sandwiched between March 7th and Stelle. Eventually, upon waking up, they found it impossible to fall back asleep. Now, finally, they managed to get a peaceful rest. "I''m fine, just needed some sleep..." Bochang said while sitting up and patting the space beside them, "Natasha, please sit down and tell me what''s on your mind." "Alright." Originally crouching next to the sofa, Natasha stood up. With her legs clad in black leather pants and long boots, she took a step forward, turned around, and gently gathered her skirt before sitting down. The weight caused the sofa cushion to sink slightly, forming a subtle curve. Glancing at this, Bochang could tell that Natasha was quite light. "Well... I''ve just tested it in the lab, and indeed, there are no side effects from the petals. Even under harsh conditions, they maintain their original state, so... I believe these white lotus flowers should have a very long shelf life... "Although it might sound greedy, but... could you provide me with some more?" The mature woman, her light blue hair cascading down to her waist, appeared slightly embarrassed. After speaking, she quickly waved her hand, "It''s okay if not possible; I can find other ways myself... Just as you mentioned, the blockade on Upper Underworld has been lifted now, allowing me to obtain some medications from the Overworld." ? Natasha ...even the personality of the Raven Bomber Crow changed... my raven...? Turning towards her, Bochang internally sighed. The mercenary raven from Honkai Impact 3rd. If this Natasha truly desired the white lotus, she might even point God''s Key - Seven Cleansing Thunders at Bochang''s head, forcing him to hand it over. Of course, assuming that raven could actually defeat him. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Generously respond, "No problem, leave it to me." - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals, access to Belobog Administrative District Central Plaza''s fountain location. You can consume one Praise of High Morals to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Lean back on the sofa with a weary expression and say, "I can''t... I''m feeling quite tired." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] "Why is it always about ''Praise of High Morals''? I don''t want to do more unpaid labor!" Bochang felt that providing two crates of white lotuses for Natasha was already generous enough. He wasn''t there to work for free, especially considering how late it had become. "Option 2, let''s try again; I refuse to believe I won''t get something good this time." Bochang leaned back, displaying a weary expression, "I can''t... I''m feeling quite tired." "Is that so?" Natasha gently sighed. "Alright then." "In any case... I truly appreciate your help today, Mr. Bochang. Unfortunately... resources are scarce underground, and I don''t have anything substantial to offer as compensation..." "It''s no problem. As I''ve said, it''s just my daily good deed without expecting anything in return." Bochang waved his hand dismissively and checked the time on his phone. It was now 4 PM. They had previously agreed to meet at the Overworld by 5 PM. The moment for everyone to return to the Astral Express was approaching rapidly. Bochang couldn''t afford to waste any more time. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the equipment item: Teleportation Ring. Allows arbitrary teleportation within a ten-meter radius, equipped with three energy units. Each use consumes one unit, and it requires twenty-four hours to recharge and regain one unit. Note: This type of item will...] His eyes widened slightly. Bochang didn''t expect to directly obtain a teleportation ring. Although the reward was quite impressive, Recalling his promise to March 7th, Stelle, and Serval, Bochang felt a sudden headache. "Maybe I should hold off on using it for now... Wait until...until I have three of them saved up... Otherwise, it might happen again..." Thinking back to the previous incident, Bochang softly sighed. Upon hearing his response, Natasha shook her head and said, "The White Lotus''s effects are quite potent; I cannot accept such a gift without reciprocating. At the very least... please allow me to prepare a lavish feast as a gesture of hospitality towards Mr. Bochang." "No, no, not at all. In fact, I should be leaving soon." Bochang stood up; he had spent considerable time in the Underworld. His journey through Belobog was coming to an end. "You''re departing already?" Natasha also rose from her seat. Bochang nodded. "Yes, I can''t keep my friends waiting too long. If I have the chance in the future, I''ll visit Belobog again. Until then, farewell." "In that case... let Seele and me accompany you part of the way." Bochang declined Natasha''s offer with a smile. "No need to see me off; I can leave directly. Goodbye." He waved at Natasha. Using his teleportation ring, Bochang was enveloped in a white glow and instantly vanished from sight. In the now-empty room, Natasha reached out her hand, feeling somewhat disheartened. If only it were possible... She truly wished for him to stay in the Underworld, as the White Lotus he created had remarkable healing effects on injuries. Even without wounds, consuming a petal could invigorate one''s spirit immensely. "Don''t indulge in wishful thinking, Natasha. A hero like Mr. Bochang couldn''t possibly remain here... Although he mentioned returning when he has time, but... we probably won''t meet again, will we..." Natasha knew that Bochang and his companions were extraterrestrial visitors. The vastness of the cosmos was limitless. Who knows how far away Bochang and his friends might venture next? What chance would there be for another meeting? "Still... Mr. Bochang''s methods are truly magical... disappearing just like that." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Hearing movement outside, Seele entered the room. Noticing it now empty, he furrowed his brow. "Where did Bochang go?" "He has already left," Natasha replied softly, her gaze downcast. Seele looked astonished. "Gone? I didn''t even see him leave. Did he jump out the window? But there isn''t one here!" Several questions bubbled up in Seele''s mind. Natasha gently shook her head. "As the hero who saved Belobog, having some extraordinary abilities is quite normal. Just moments ago, I witnessed Mr. Bochang vanish amidst a white glow." Natasha reached out and swept her hand over the spot where Bochang had stood, "In an instant... Mr. Bochang disappeared." "If we ever have the chance to meet Mr. Bochang again, remember not to address him by his first name directly, Seele. Show more respect." Hearing Natasha''s reprimand, Seele anxiously tugged at her blue hair. "Alright, alright, I''ll keep that in mind." Meanwhile... Bochang found himself suddenly next to Pela. Before his eyes, he saw a naked girl submerged in a bathtub, her small round face flushed with embarrassment as she glared at him. Taken aback, Bochang exclaimed, "Ah?" Chapter 107 - 106: Ancient Coins Chapter 107 - 106: Ancient CoinsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Pela felt incredibly unlucky today. It''s often said that new leaders make their mark with three bold moves. Although Bronya, as the newly appointed Great Guardian of Belo, didn''t enact such measures immediately... ...it still brought Pela nothing but trouble. The root cause lay in Bronya''s desire to improve governance in Belobog, which inevitably meant increasing the workload for lower-level officials like herself. As a result, Pela''s responsibilities had doubled. After a strenuous day, she finally managed to complete her tasks. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Pela was relaxing in a bath when her teleportation ring suddenly activated. Half-dazed from the soothing warmth, Pela instinctively accepted the connection without opening her eyes fully. And then... Realizing too late what was happening, a burst of white light illuminated the bathroom. Bochang dramatically appeared before her. Caught off guard, Pela could only hastily cover her chest with one hand and shield her intimate area below with the other, trying her best to submerge deeper into the water. Upon witnessing this scene, Bochang froze, completely taken aback. When using the teleportation ring, Pela had instantly agreed, leading Bochang to assume it was a convenient time. To his surprise, she was taking a bath. From above, Bochang had a clear view of her petite and delicate figure, slender limbs, and adorable doll-like face. Unfortunately, Pela''s hands were strategically placed to cover her intimate areas, preventing him from seeing more intimately. However...this only heightened his excitement. A blush spread across Pela''s fair skin, uncertain whether it stemmed from embarrassment or the warmth of the bathwater. As he gazed at her enticing body beneath the shimmering surface, Bochang swallowed hard before composing himself. With one hand forming a sword gesture, he greeted her: "Hello... Pela, you seem to be in good spirits today." Taking a deep breath, Pela, with flushed cheeks, shouted indignantly: "Good spirits my foot! Get out, quickly!" Unwilling to move her hands for fear of exposing herself further, Pela could only rely on words to dismiss Bochang. Any attempt to physically intervene would risk revealing even more, making the situation even more embarrassing. Of course... She briefly considered summoning her weapon to attack Bochang but swiftly dismissed the thought. Attacking the hero who saved Belobog, especially one from beyond their realm, could inadvertently lead to diplomatic complications. As an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guard, Pela knew what needed to be done. Moreover, he was a hero from beyond their world. One misstep could lead to a diplomatic incident. As an intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards, Pela understood her responsibilities well. "What should I do...what should I do... If he pounces on me, should I yield...or just yield?" Pela''s usually sharp mind felt overwhelmed with confusion. Ever since acquiring the magical teleportation ring, she had considered the possibility of offering herself in such situations. However... Pela sometimes doubted whether Bochang would be interested in her, given that March 7th and Stelle, two charming young girls, seemed to have feelings for him as well. Now it appeared that Serval might also be involved. Pela could sense this, but currently, these concerns were secondary. She nervously watched Bochang, awaiting his next move. Meeting Pela''s determined gaze, Bochang turned away from the bathroom. Standing outside, his heart raced uncontrollably. He initially expected the "Dating Option" prompt to appear at this moment, yet surprisingly, there was no sign of it. Unexpectedly, it had completely shut down. "What''s going on... Could it be that triggering too many Dating Options today caused this?" With no way to predict the outcome, Bochang opted for the more cautious approach, especially since someone was waiting for him and there wasn''t time to waste. Seeing Bochang exit the bathroom and close the door behind him, Pela finally let out a sigh of relief. She submerged her face below the nose, blowing bubbles to calm her unsettled emotions. Fortunately, he didn''t do anything rash. Otherwise... Pela genuinely wouldn''t have known how to react, fearing even to resist. The situation would have become incredibly awkward. Bochang had no intention of waiting outside while Pela bathed. He said, "Pela, I must leave now. If I have time in the future, I''ll come back to play with you. Oh, and...today was just a small mishap...don''t worry, I won''t tell anyone about it." "Um..." Pela responded softly. With that, Pela responded affirmatively. Seeing her reaction, Bochang took his leave, knowing he still had other tasks to attend to... Since Pascal and Sophia were accompanying March 7th and Stelle, It was... Quite easy for Bochang to locate everyone''s position. Using either cell phone tracking or the power of the Mouse Talisman, he could effortlessly trace their whereabouts. As for why there are four people mentioned: Naturally, it''s because Serval is now traveling with March 7th and the others. During the day today, Bochang spent time playing in the Underworld, while March 7th and the group explored the Overworld, guided by Serval. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dan Heng, however, showed no interest in joining their outings. Instead, rumor has it that he spent most of his time researching local customs and traditions at Belobog''s library. He aimed to record this information in the knowledge bank back home and compare it with previous data. Bochang observed all these events through the group chat. March 7th even shared some picturesque photos within the chat. Using the power of the Mouse Talisman, Bochang quickly located Sophia and hastened towards their destination. With the Invisible Hand grasping him securely, Bochang soared through the air, wielding the Vow Spear majestically as he traversed above Belobog''s cityscape. As he passed by Central Plaza, he took a moment to draw three wishes from its fountain. He used up all three Praises of High Morals stored in his system space. The rewards included an ancient coin and two bottles of Jym Rogers Bread Soda. Item: Ancient Coin Description: Rumored to bring luck to its holder. In any case, just obtaining two bottles of Jym Rogers Bread Soda left Bochang feeling quite satisfied. The ancient coin was entirely an unexpected bonus. Without hesitation, Bochang retrieved it to carry with him. However, the keyword here is "rumored." It seemed somewhat peculiar... There was no way to tell if this coin truly brought good luck or if it was merely a psychological effect. After casually circling around the fountain twice, Bochang resumed flying with his Invisible Hand. The nearby Belobog Silvermane Guards noticed him but pretended not to see, even calming down the murmuring crowd without showing any alarm. By now, almost every Iron Guard within Belobog, except those constantly patrolling outside, knew about these extraterrestrial visitors...and would not question their actions. After all, they were the heroes who saved Belobog. As Bochang flew, he recalled his game of rock-paper-scissors with Aha. The Blessing of Rock-Paper-Scissors skill was quite unusual. When using it, Bochang didn''t feel anything different. However, the end result demonstrated that... Regardless of what Bochang chose, he always emerged victorious¡ªquite peculiar compared to skills like Invisible Hand or Hundred Birds Phoenix Spear. "Come to think of it... I haven''t used the Steal skill yet... Should I give it a try?" As Bochang pondered this, he spotted March 7th and the others nearby. Chapter 108 - 107: Hand It Over Chapter 108 - 107: Hand It OverPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** At the outskirts of Belobog, near the city gates. Bochang descended from the sky and gently landed beside the Trailblaze squad, his clothing billowing in the gusts he created. The current time was... 4:37 PM. With twenty-three minutes remaining until the scheduled 5 PM rendezvous. Bochang had arrived early. Meanwhile, March 7th, Stelle, Serval, and Dan Heng had already assembled, waiting for an unknown duration. Upon seeing Bochang''s arrival, Pascal, which had been crouched on the ground in a curled-up position, instantly activated... With the sounds of mechanical movement, it stood up and said, "Master... Pascal... has been... awaiting... mission completion..." "Hmm." Nodding towards his pet robot, Bochang glanced around at everyone else. March 7th, with one hand on her hip, remarked, "I thought you''d arrive just at the last minute... didn''t expect you to be quite early." Stelle asked, "How did your errand go?" "Don''t worry, everything''s taken care of. I even made two new friends in the Underworld." The friends Bochang referred to were naturally Seele and Natasha. Unfortunately, time was running short now. Otherwise... Bochang could have visited Hook as well. Wait... Hook is too young; I suspect... there wouldn''t be much for us to do together. Dealing with very young children was not something Bochang had much experience with. "Friends?" March 7th''s eyes shifted, forming a vague suspicion, "They''re not girls, are they?" Both Serval and Stelle immediately turned their gazes towards Bochang. Under the scrutiny of all three, Bochang cleared his throat. Initially intending to lie, he ultimately decided against it and chose to tell the truth instead. "Um... indeed, they are girls, but that''s not important." "Not important? Then what is?" March 7th countered. Bochang had no intention of revealing anything about Aeon Aha to the rest of the Astral Express crew. After pondering briefly, a sudden realization struck him, and he exclaimed, "What''s important is... I''ve learned a new skill!" "Skill? What kind of skill?" Serval asked, genuinely curious. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang glanced at March 7th, known for her penchant to speak out of turn. "My new skill... it''s called ''Stealthy Snatch,'' allowing me to obtain any item from a target." With that... Bochang swiftly extended his hand towards March 7th, forming a grasping motion. "Hand it over!" A white glow emanated from Bochang''s palm. He felt something warm, akin to fabric, appearing within his grasp. In the next moment, March 7th stood frozen on the spot. Feeling something amiss with the texture... Bochang refrained from immediately opening his hand. Instead, he lifted both hands, widened a slight gap between his fingers, and discreetly peeked at what he had obtained. "Phew... I thought it was something extraordinary, but turns out... it''s just socks..." With that realization, Bochang stretched his hands apart, straightening the pink ankle socks. The black-haired youth smiled and said, "See? This is the power of stealing." Serval, Stelle, and Dan Heng were all taken aback, surprised that Bochang could learn such peculiar abilities. "What kind of freakish skill is this..." March 7th''s face darkened as he reached out, "Give me back my socks." "Sure." Bochang handed them over. Grumbling, March 7th put on his socks again. For some reason, after being gripped by Bochang, the pink ankle socks felt slightly warm upon touching his feet once more. Seeing everyone''s attention diverted, Bochang seized the opportunity to strike while the iron was hot. "Now that everyone is gathered, let''s set off. The sooner we return, the earlier we can rest." When they first arrived on Jarilo VI... Bochang and his companions had descended using a landing pod. To go back now, they would rely on the same landing pod again. Since the Astral Express''s dedicated landing pod was sufficiently large, there was no concern about accommodating them all. Dan Heng nodded in agreement. "Yes... Let''s go. On our way, we''ll pick up the snowmobiles as well." Under the command of the stoic little azure dragon, the entire Trailblaze squad embarked. Serval, dragging her rolling suitcase with its rhythmic clicking sounds, felt a sudden sense of melancholy as she walked past the watchful eyes of the Silvermane Guards and left Belobog. "Leaving already? But... it''s alright, I can come back to visit when I have time, since we have the teleportation rings." With this thought, Serval''s gaze fell upon the shimmering teleportation ring on Bochang''s hand. Serval''s gaze fell on Bochang''s hand, where the teleportation ring seemed to shimmer with a dazzling light. At that moment, near the city gate from which the Trailblaze squad had just departed, Cocolia and the newly appointed Great Guardian, Bronya, stood watching them leave. Sensing something, Serval turned back instinctively but saw nothing. All she could make out were the solitary walls and a few Silvermane Guards standing atop them. "Serval, hurry up! Don''t fall behind," Stelle''s voice called out. Shaking off her thoughts, Serval quickly caught up with the group, responding, "Right..." Unbeknownst to them, Cocolia and Bronya reappeared on the city wall, gazing after their departing figures. As the team vanished into the swirling white snowstorm... Bronya said, "Mother... they''ve left now. Let''s return too." Without saying a word, Cocolia silently turned and left. Bronya followed closely behind her. Meanwhile... After Bochang''s group located their hidden snowmobiles outside the city, a new dilemma arose: Who would drive, and who would ride as passengers? [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Let Serval Drive: "Serval, you take the wheel with Stelle to guide us; we''ll follow behind." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random skill.] [Option 2: Let March 7th Drive: "March 7th, you drive with Stelle; we''ll follow behind." - Completion Reward: Within one kilometer, a guaranteed traffic accident will occur.] [Option 3: Drive Yourself: "I''ll drive. Dan Heng, come with me." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small items like matches to large ones like star destroyers. Note: These items may...] "If I hadn''t let Serval join earlier, there probably would only be two options now..." Bochang realized that previous choices could influence later options. In summary... having more people around seemed to provide him with additional decisions. Following this line of thought, Bochang began pondering. "If only I could invite a few more individuals to join the Astral Express... Bronya? No chance... She''s committed to guarding Belobog, I know that. Natasha? Probably not either; leaving would worsen the situation in the Underworld. But maybe Seele and Pela could be persuaded." "No, wait, Pela definitely can''t leave. If she doesn''t stay in Belobog, how will I get here in the future?" Although Bochang now possessed another teleportation ring, he... intended to save it for when he could give one each to March 7th, Serval, and Stelle. He couldn''t use it recklessly. Chapter 109 - 108: Dice Saint Chapter 109 - 108: Dice SaintPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After a moment of contemplation, Bochang decided to choose the first option. "Serval, you drive with Stelle; she''ll guide you. We''ll follow behind." In Belobog, snowmobiles were available but typically reserved for the affluent. Obviously... as the rebellious eldest daughter of the Landau family, Serval could afford to ride one. Curiously, she asked, "How did you know I can operate a snowmobile?" "Given your expertise with machines, it''s not surprising that you''d know how," Bochang casually explained. [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have received the skill ''Dice Saint'', allowing you to roll any desired number.] Upon hearing the system''s notification, Bochang''s eyes lit up. "This, this! Exactly what I needed! Ah-ha... Next time, let''s play dice..." Acquiring the Dice Saint skill brought a sense of relief to Bochang. Even if Aeon Aha came knocking again, he now felt confident enough to confront him head-on. "What kind of twisted logic is that?" Serval looked puzzled but didn''t dwell on it. "However... I do need some help with my luggage." The blonde woman carried a moderately-sized suitcase and had a guitar slung over her shoulder. Walking the entire distance would indeed be tiring. Thus, Serval readily accepted Bochang''s offer. Stelle asked, "Why did you let me ride instead... Can''t March also..." "March isn''t very reliable," Bochang replied. Already annoyed because March 7th had stolen her socks, this comment further irked her. She retorted, "What do you mean...? Actually, I''m quite dependable." Dan Heng glanced at the pink-haired girl without any intention to respond. Bochang tried to reassure her. "I know that, March, don''t worry about it." "Hmph!" March 7th turned away, deliberately avoiding eye contact with Bochang. Meanwhile, Serval placed her belongings onto the snowmobile. She and Stelle climbed aboard, saying, "We''ll be off now." "Okay." Bochang waved at the departing duo as he watched them leave. After taking a few steps, March 7th couldn''t resist asking, "Bochang, aren''t you capable of flying? Why don''t you fly now?" "Using flight consumes a significant amount of energy," Bochang replied with a shake of his head. The system had already enhanced his mental energy four times, resulting in sixteen times the normal human capacity. However, after employing the Invisible Hand... He could now create up to ten hands simultaneously, but the maximum range remained unchanged at ten meters, showing no increase. This realization made Bochang aware that overcoming the distance limitation might not be easily achievable. Just moments ago, Bochang had flown for over twenty minutes to reach the Trailblaze squad. Such prolonged flight drained a considerable amount of his mental energy. Although he still had enough vigor to potentially fly near the lander, it would only allow him to carry one additional person at most. There was no way he could manage another. Moreover, there was also the robot¡ªPerkins¡ªto consider. Bochang definitely couldn''t carry Perkins. It was simply too heavy, weighing over two tons. Using the Invisible Hand to lift Perkins wasn''t an issue, but attempting long-distance flight with it would be impossible. Likely after flying just a hundred meters or so, he''d run out of steam. "I can''t possibly carry Perkins... Instead, let''s walk slowly. If you don''t wish to walk, you can sit on its hand, similar to Sophia," Bochang suggested. Of course... Sophia hadn''t actually sat on Perkins'' hand; she hid within his body instead. Rumor had it she brought several books inside. Now, she was probably engrossed in reading. March 7th shook their head, "Let''s pass on that..." The group proceeded leisurely, taking nearly an hour before reaching the vicinity of the landing craft. By then, Serval and Stelle had already boarded and taken their seats. Once Bochang and the others joined them, the landing craft became quite cramped. Originally, the Trailblaze squad consisted of four members plus one snowmobile. On the return trip, they now included Serval, Perkins, and Sophia. Especially Perkins took up significant space. Apart from the snowmobile, this shuttle occupied the most space within the cabin. Fortunately, the landing pod was sufficiently large to accommodate everyone without issue. With a few swift operations by Dan Heng... Flames erupted from the bottom of the pod, propelling it towards outer space. Serval, seated near the window, gazed outside, watching as the landscape below gradually shrank. After what felt like an eternity... The landing pod reached outer space, and for the first time, Serval beheld her home¡ªa massive icy sphere completely covered in snow, just one glance sending chills through her heart. "The cosmos...the stars..." As a researcher in the Silvermane Guards, Serval possessed knowledge beyond that of ordinary individuals. She knew Belobog was situated on a planet and understood the concept of the universe. However, with the loss of advanced technology, S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Serval could never truly witness these wonders firsthand. Instead, she relied solely on books for glimpses of such marvels. Only upon seeing them with her own eyes did Serval fully grasp their awe-inspiring majesty. March 7th smiled, "Seeing your planet for the first time must be quite fascinating, isn''t it?" "Yes...," Serval murmured softly, placing her fingers gently against the high-strength glass window. Seeing this, March 7th refrained from further interruption and instead turned their attention to Bochang. "Hey, Bochang, it''s getting pretty boring now. Do you have any interesting gadgets we can play with?" Having already grown tired of playing on their phone, March 7th sought new distractions. Bochang thought for a moment before replying, "I don''t really have anything particularly fun." "Oh, I see..." Undeterred, March 7th suggested, "Speaking of which... why don''t we take some photos?" "After all," March 7th continued, hand reaching for the camera, "we haven''t captured your official entry portraits yet..." Bochang rolled their eyes, "Haven''t you taken enough pictures already?" "That''s right, March, I''m not interested in more photos." Stelle looked exasperated. It was true that during their day at Belo''s Overworld, she had accompanied March 7th in taking numerous snapshots. Their smiles were about to freeze from all the forced cheerfulness. Given the request for more photos, their immediate refusal was quite understandable. "Hey... I was just joking." March 7th shook her head with a sigh. "Look at how scared you both got." Bochang and Stelle remained silent, slightly taken aback. Serval turned towards them, observing enviously as they chatted. Sometimes... she genuinely struggled to join the conversation. Noticing this, Bochang proactively suggested, "Serval, why don''t we play cards? It''s okay if you don''t know how; we can teach you." "Hmm..." Serval agreed. Seeing her enthusiasm, March 7th produced a deck of playing cards from her pocket. Of course... This time, there would be no drinking penalties. As they happily engaged in their game, the shuttle gradually docked with the Astral Express. Chapter 110 - 109: A Couple Chapter 110 - 109: A CouplePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Trailblaze squad successfully returned to the Astral Express, bringing along new passengers Serval, robot Pascal, and familiar Sophia. As everyone gathered together, Bochang introduced them one by one. Since Himeko and Welt Yang were already aware of their arrival, they showed no surprise but instead advised the newcomers to rest well, alleviating the fatigue from their time on Jarilo VI. Soon, the Astral Express would depart this region promptly for its next destination. Meanwhile... Bochang retreated to his room, which Himeko had prepared for him. Currently, it contained only a bed, nothing else. Although Pascal the robot was considered Bochang''s pet, he didn''t intend to monopolize Pascal''s services. Instead, generously allowing Pascal to assist everyone aboard the Astral Express. Earlier when Bochang returned to his room, Pom-Pom had called Pascal away for some unknown reason, possibly needing assistance with repairs. Lying on the soft, large bed, Bochang wasn''t feeling sleepy yet. The reason was simple¡ªhe had napped at Natasha''s clinic earlier that afternoon. It was quite normal for him to be wide awake now. With Pascal serving as Sophia''s mount, she also didn''t linger by the black-haired youth''s side, making...his room relatively quiet. After lying down for a minute, Bochang suddenly sat up. "Well, since Stelle''s room is right next door, I might as well go check on her." With this thought, Bochang stepped out of his room, only to find Stelle exiting hers at the same moment. Both were momentarily taken aback. Then simultaneously, they asked, "Where are you going?" "You first." They spoke in unison again. Bochang and Stelle couldn''t help but chuckle. "Go ahead, Stelle," said Bochang, ensuring no further overlap. "I''m feeling pretty bored and wanted to see your room," replied Stelle. If Bochang''s guess was correct, Stelle''s room would be just like his¡ªempty except for a bed. Bochang nodded. "How coincidental, I also wanted to visit your room." Taken aback, Stelle asked, "Then... should we switch and take turns looking?" "Cough... perhaps not." Bochang shook his head. His main intention for wanting to see Stelle''s room was simply to find her there. If she wasn''t present, it held no purpose for him to go. After briefly chatting outside, Bochang invited Stelle to his room as a guest. The gray-haired girl didn''t decline. Once inside, with the door closed, Stelle promptly sat down on Bochang''s bed. With her legs dangling off the side, the pale feet of the gray-haired girl swung casually. "Speaking of which... Bochang, you and I aren''t related by blood, right?" "Hmm... that seems likely..." Bochang responded nonchalantly. Stelle observed, "You don''t seem surprised at all." "Of course... considering our hair and eye colors, one could probably guess," Bochang shrugged. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Earlier on their journey, no one had brought up this topic. Now, Stelle continued, "So... what do you think our relationship is? Maybe we really are lovers, just as you suggested before." Her words reminded Bochang of an incident at the Herta Space Station when they first met. At that time, the newly arrived black-haired youth indeed made such a flippant remark... about them possibly being lovers. Bochang didn''t expect Stelle to revisit this conversation now. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Immediately agree, saying, "Yes, we should be lovers." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Politely decline, stating, "This... I was just joking; perhaps we''re only friends." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] "Hmm? Isn''t Silver Wolf supposed to be monitoring me? What''s going on with the sudden lack of reaction? Did they go off to play games?" Bochang muttered to himself. In the past, in such situations, nine times out of ten, choosing the first option was not advisable. Once selected... Silver Wolf would undoubtedly intervene. Surprisingly, this time there were no consequences. "Who cares? Anyway, since all Dating Options offer rewards, it means I can choose them." "Option One!" Opportunity knocks only once; seize the moment. Bochang promptly responded, "Yes, we should indeed be considered a couple." [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have received a pack of instant noodles. Note: This type of item will...] "Couple... If we''re a couple now... what exactly should we do?" Stelle looked perplexed and uncertain. Just as Bochang was about to reply, Suddenly, March 7th opened the door and asked, "What are you two doing here...? Hurry up, it''s time for mahjong, we''re short two players." Just like playing cards, mahjong was also available here, with rules similar to those from his previous life. Bochang had even played it on his phone before. However... Right now, mahjong should not be the priority! Bochang turned around, looking speechlessly at March 7th, feeling that her timing couldn''t have been worse. Stelle didn''t dwell on it much. "Hmm... Bochang, let''s go play mahjong first," she said as she stood up. Bochang swallowed all the words he initially wanted to say. After a brief moment of silence, he gently sighed and ultimately decided to join March 7th and Stelle for a game of mahjong. Apart from them, the fourth player was Himeko. Serval, who didn''t know how to play yet, stood nearby to learn. As they engaged in their mahjong game, While playing, Himeko engaged everyone in casual conversation. "Bochang, I heard from March 7th... that you''ve learned another incredible stealing skill. Could we see it in action?" "Well..." Bochang hesitated momentarily, then noticed March 7th discarding a Two of Bamboos tile. "Wait, pong." Himeko asked, "Is there... some inconvenience using it?" "No, I''m just concerned about accidentally stealing something inappropriate, since... the stealing skill is entirely random. Earlier today in Belobog, I ended up stealing one of March''s socks." As Bochang spoke, he discarded a bamboo tile. March 7th retorted, "So you weren''t at all worried about potentially stealing something more embarrassing from me back then?" Upon reflection, March 7th felt quite fortunate¡ªluckily, it was only a sock they had lost. Had it been their skirt or blouse instead, things could have gotten interesting. That would have been quite amusing. "Of course I cared... But at that moment, to silence you, I had no choice but to use my skill; otherwise, you''d keep harping on the girls'' situation... It would''ve been such a hassle." Bochang didn''t voice these thoughts aloud and instead defended himself by saying, "I couldn''t predict what item I''d steal... If I knew it would be clothing, I wouldn''t have done it." "Don''t worry, there''s nobody else here anyway. Go ahead and try your power; I''m genuinely curious about it," Himeko expressed with keen interest. Bochang asked, "Are you serious, Himeko?" "Absolutely." Chapter 111 - 110: Oh No, I Became Kazuma Now Chapter 111 - 110: Oh No, I Became Kazuma NowPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang and his friends played mahjong in Himeko''s room. Currently, apart from Bochang, March 7th, Stelle, Himeko, and Serval, no one else was present in the room. With their consent obtained: Bochang once again utilized his stealing ability, gesturing with a single hand towards Himeko. The redheaded woman, about to draw her next tile, froze momentarily. She felt an inexplicable force sweep over her body, causing slight discomfort as if she were undressed. Then... A white glow emanated from Bochang''s clenched fist, accompanied by the sensation of fabric against his palm. "What did I get this time?" Since they weren''t in public this time, Bochang didn''t sneakily peek; instead, he openly unfolded his hands to reveal the warm garment within. Black, lacy...panties. Bochang''s pupils trembled slightly; this time...he hit the jackpot. Even with Himeko''s vast experiences, her cheeks couldn''t help but flush upon realizing someone had pilfered her intimate garments, exuding a captivating allure. March 7th and Serval froze mid-action, both dumbstruck by the scene unfolding before them. After a brief moment of shyness, Himeko quickly composed herself and said, "Alright, how much longer will you stare? Please return it to me swiftly." The redheaded woman maintained her usual gentle tone, truly embodying a mature adult''s composure. Bochang handed back the panties with both hands, explaining, "See, Himeko, that''s why I just..." She reached out to accept her black lace panties, gently shaking her head. "It''s alright, no need to explain. This was my request from the start; I don''t blame you. However... your skill is indeed quite peculiar. No wonder little March complained earlier." "March...you..." Bochang glanced over. March 7th innocently turned away, whistling as if nothing happened. Meanwhile, Stelle spoke earnestly: "Bochang, try stealing from me." "Huh? Again? Are you sure?" Bochang seemed surprised. With her calm golden eyes fixed on him, Stelle replied, "I''m genuinely curious." Scratching the back of his head, Bochang pondered briefly before deciding to agree. It could satisfy her curiosity, and besides, he doubted he''d hit another jackpot consecutively. "Alright, Stelle, let''s give it a go." "Steal!" To demonstrate Bochang''s stealing ability, the mahjong game paused momentarily. As a white glow illuminated, Bochang rubbed his hands together and sensed that it felt like clothing again. ?How peculiar, why am I stealing only clothes?? This time, instead of straightening it with his hands, he simply unfolded the item to examine it closely. White, pure cotton... another pair of briefs! Although it seemed significant, Bochang wasn''t pleased. His eyebrows furrowed as he muttered, "Something''s off... The items should be random; how come twice in a row it''s..." The girls in the room stared at the black-haired youth without saying a word. Undeterred, Bochang looked intently at Serval, his gaze seemingly asking¡ª "Wanna give it a try?" "Alright then." After a moment of hesitation, Serval followed Himeko and Stelle''s lead, willing to contribute to studying their unique abilities. Seeing this... Bochang once again extended his merciless hands. The final outcome left everyone breathless. It was still briefs. But this time, they were purple lace. Looking at the white ones on his left hand and the purple ones on his right, Bochang''s face paled with shock. "This isn''t scientific; clearly just now, March had... Wait a minute..." Suddenly realizing something, Bochang stared intently at March 7th, his tone turning somber. "March, weren''t you not wearing any before?" "Well... um." Embarrassed, March 7th lowered her head and gently touched her porcelain-like, snow-white cheeks. "Because... because I drank too much last night, so... so they got wet... hence... hence I wasn''t wearing them... but I did have underpants on." The pink-haired girl''s voice grew softer as she spoke. After finishing, March 7th lifted her slightly flushed face, defiantly saying, "And now... now I''m already wearing them. If you don''t believe me, feel free to check." Bochang''s mind raced with thoughts. How could drinking make them wet? Everyone wore pajamas yesterday, so it means she must''ve been... [Romance options enabled.] [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Go ahead and try it¡ªUse Steal on March 7th! - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals, Location at Belobog Administrative District''s Central Plaza Fountain. You can consume one Praise of High Morals to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Tease by saying, "I didn''t expect you to wet your pants last night, March." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 3: Ignore March 7th and return the underwear first: "Stelle, S-Serval, here..." - Completion Reward: Guaranteed increase in grocery prices, supercharged effect.] "Why would using Steal on March 7th grant me Praise of High Morals?! Whose moral standards are these based on? Kazuma''s, perhaps?" Bochang paused briefly before realizing, "Oh no, I''m turning into Kazuma now." Initially, when stealing from March 7th, Bochang obtained ankle socks. He thought his theft was quite serious at first. However, it turned out... The reason he got ankle socks was simply because March 7th wasn''t wearing any. "Why is that?" Confused, Bochang temporarily set aside his thoughts and focused on examining the three options. Option three was naturally the first to be eliminated. Options one and two seemed acceptable. After all, whenever Bochang used Praise of High Morals for drawing rewards... he found them generally satisfactory. "Let''s skip the moral dilemma this time; I''ll just draw a random item." "Option two," Bochang declared playfully. "I didn''t realize March had such a bedwetting incident last night." "Who?! Who said anything about bedwetting? It was just a bit too much sweating, that''s all." March 7th stood up, slamming their hands on the mahjong table, visibly agitated. [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have received the item ''Noise-Cancelling Headphones''. When worn, these block out ambient noise. Note: This type of item will...] "Noise-cancelling headphones? Not bad, definitely better than those instant noodles earlier," Bochang thought to himself. Bochang thought to himself. Facing the agitated March 7th, Bochang tried to soothe him, "Alright, alright, it was just a joke. Don''t take it seriously." With those words, March 7th finally sat back down. At that moment... Himeko''s phone rang, and after checking it, she said, "I have something else to attend to. You guys continue playing without me. Serval, since you''ve been watching us for a few rounds now, I''m sure you''ve got the hang of it. The game is yours from here on out - good luck!" Pressing Serval into her seat, Himeko grabbed her black lace panties and left. She needed to use the restroom to put them back on; feeling exposed wasn''t comfortable for her. Bochang casually handed over Stelle''s and Serval''s panties. The two exchanged glances and stood up simultaneously. Then... Stelle placed both hands on her belt buckle. As Serval prepared to exit, she paused and asked, "What are you doing?" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Taking off my skirt and putting on pants, it feels uncomfortable being empty." Stelle lifted her panties. Serval looked puzzled. "Right here?" Stelle blinked and asked, "Is there a problem?" Serval stared, bewildered. March 7th also appeared equally confused. Chapter 112 - 111: The Vicious Cycle Chapter 112 - 111: The Vicious CyclePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** March 7th and Serval were taken aback by Stelle''s question. Is there a problem with that? Of course, there is! Bochang was sitting right beside them; he wasn''t just some decorative figure. If Stelle changes her skirt here and puts on underwear, won''t he see everything? Despite knowing that Stelle behaves somewhat unusually, S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. even after witnessing this incident, Serval remained speechless and instinctively grabbed Stelle by the back of her shirt collar, intending to forcibly drag her away. "Let''s go to an empty room for you to change; it''s not convenient here." The gray-haired girl didn''t resist, looking slightly innocent. Meanwhile... In Himeko''s temporary room, only Bochang and March 7th remained. They stared at each other for several seconds, neither initiating conversation. To alleviate the awkward silence, the pink-haired girl took out her phone and played with it briefly. After a few moments, she put it down again, seemingly struck by a thought, and spoke with noticeable irritation, "Bochang, I''ve noticed you seem to be bullying me quite often lately. Do you have something against me...?" "Huh? Have I been bullying you? How come I''m not aware of it?" Bochang shook his head, perplexed. March 7th started counting on her fingers, extending her index and middle finger one after another... "How haven''t you? That day at the Goethe Grand Hotel, you pinched my cheeks, sometimes you purposely ignore me, and before that, you experimented with your stealing skill on me. If I hadn''t coincidentally not worn... well, there would have been a major embarrassment in Belobog! And just now, you laughed at me for wetting my pants..." March 7th recounted these incidents as if listing cherished memories. Exasperated, Bochang replied, "March, isn''t that just typical playful banter? Surely you''re not so sensitive to such teasing?" "Who?! Who said we''re too sensitive?" March 7th slapped the table. "We just feel... feel like you treat us with no gentleness at all, unlike how you do with Stelle... Hmph, we haven''t forgotten. When returning from the snowmobile trip, you let Stelle ride while making me walk." "March, you''re overthinking it. Besides, weren''t you the one who started..." Bochang glanced at the pink-haired girl. Crossing her arms, March 7th retorted, "Why bring that up now? Are you not planning to apologize? If you sincerely apologize, maybe my mood will improve. And if I''m feeling better... treating you with a bit more kindness isn''t out of the question." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Since March 7th has already expressed herself, why not comply? Respond with, "I''m sorry, I was wrong, and it won''t happen again." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option 2: No, where did I go wrong? It seems March 7th hasn''t learned her lesson at all! Firmly pinch March 7th''s cheeks and say, "This is what happens when you throw tantrums!" - Completion Reward: Acquire a random skill.] [Option Three: Grasp March 7th''s hand and say, "March, what I''ve done is genuinely just to foster a better relationship with you." ¡ª Completion Reward: Strength increase by 100%.] This was not the first time March 7th had picked a quarrel. Bochang could actually understand it. After all... sometimes, Bochang indeed enjoyed "persecuting" March 7th. It was an inevitable situation. Following the first instance of persecution, March 7th would hold a grudge and provoke further conflict, leading Bochang to perpetrate another round of persecution. Then the cycle repeated itself endlessly. A perfect vicious circle emerged. The ultimate outcome being¡ªan unceasing dispute between them. Bochang pondered briefly, seeking the most suitable choice among the three options. Given the presence of Option Two and Option Three, Bochang naturally didn''t need to consider Option One. After all, rewards with random items were becoming too frequent. At the moment, Bochang didn''t lack items; what he truly needed were skills and improved physical attributes. "The second and third options disrupt March 7th''s rhythm, but Option Two is merely a compromise. As for Option Three... it implies Dating Options, and conveniently, both Serval and Stelle have just left. If not now, when would be a better time?" "Option Three!" Bochang made up his mind, stood up, and took hold of March 7th''s hand, saying, "March, I''m doing this solely to strengthen our relationship." The black-haired youth''s sudden move caught March 7th off guard. Although at the moment he grabbed her hand, March 7th could have easily evaded. But... For some inexplicable reason, she hesitated and did not dodge. She couldn''t understand her feelings, much like how she couldn''t comprehend why she always felt compelled to pick quarrels with him. Initially, when she saw Bochang give the teleportation ring to Pela, March 7th felt a sourness in her heart. Similarly, learning about Clara massaging his back also left her uneasy... These emotions were completely uncontrollable. As March 7th gazed at Bochang, the warmth from his large hand made her feel flushed all over. Their eyes met for several seconds. Then... March 7th, somewhat dazed, asked, "Is it really true?" "Of course, it''s absolutely true." Bochang affirmed, and promptly, the system''s voice chimed in: [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! Your strength has been increased by one hundred percent.] A familiar warm sensation flowed through his body. Bochang could feel his muscles tearing and restructuring, undergoing a transformation beneath his skin. This was already his fourth strength enhancement. Bochang''s strength successfully reached sixteen times that of an average person. His capabilities had significantly enhanced once again. Upon hearing this response, the pink-haired girl''s mind went into turmoil, and her breathing became rapid. "So...so that''s how it is. Since...since you''ve explained, I''ll forgive you this time." Blushing, March 7th couldn''t help but retract her hand and shyly lowered her head. Noticing her reaction, Bochang returned to his seat calmly. "As long as March understands," he said with satisfaction. At that moment... Stelle and Serval entered through the door. "Come on, our matters are settled now. Let''s continue with Mahjong." With her back turned to everyone, March 7th heard Serval''s voice, causing her body to jolt. She quickly raised her head, her flushed cheeks instantly returning to normal, as if nothing had happened just moments ago. Bochang sensed a chill in the air, along with a faint trace of fate path energy. He realized that March 7th had used hexaphase ice to stabilize her condition and prevent anyone from noticing anything unusual. Stelle picked up on this as well and asked curiously, "March, is something wrong?" "No...nothing at all. I just suddenly felt a bit warm, so I wanted to cool down," replied March 7th, fanning herself gently with her hand as if to emphasize her point. Although Serval and Stelle found it slightly odd, they didn''t dwell on it further. While Himeko and others were busy preparing to depart Jarilo VI, Bochang''s group continued their mahjong game. As a novice, Serval was thoroughly outmatched by Bochang, March 7th, and Stelle. Fortunately, they were playing for fun without any stakes involved; otherwise, Serval would have been in quite a predicament. Chapter 113 - 112: Next Stop Chapter 113 - 112: Next StopPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The joyful mahjong session passed swiftly. Several hours flew by in the blink of an eye. Himeko, occupied with her tasks, didn''t return at all during this time. March 7th stretched lazily and glanced at her phone, saying, "Hmm... It''s getting very late now. Let''s call it a day; we need our sleep." "If you don''t rest well, your skin will suffer," she added, followed by a big yawn. Bochang nodded and stood up. "Alright, let''s wrap things up for today." Stelle and Serval had no objections. After playing for such a long duration, everyone was tired, especially Serval, who suffered multiple crushing defeats. So... They tidied up the mahjong table and each returned to their respective rooms. Although they had resolved the crisis posed by Stellaron, it would still take some time for its effects to completely dissipate. During this time, everyone could only wait on the train. Bochang briefly freshened up and settled comfortably onto his bed. It was already midnight, and Bochang felt drowsy. Closing his eyes, he quickly drifted off to sleep. On the other hand, March 7th lay down but couldn''t fall asleep for quite some time. Her mind kept replaying what Bochang had said earlier, causing her excitement to surge. While playing mahjong, she managed to distract herself somewhat, but now with idle moments... She began indulging in wild fantasies again. "Hehe... Bochang wants to be closer with me..." March 7th tossed and turned on her large pink bed, continuously reminiscing about their recent interaction. "To say such things while holding my hand, how shameless... Heehee..." As she recalled Bochang''s gaze, the warmth of his touch, and his deep voice, March 7th couldn''t help but let out a subtle, infatuated giggle. March 7th couldn''t help but giggle softly like a smitten schoolgirl. "I wonder...what is he doing right now? Is he feeling the same way?" The pink-haired girl clutched her blanket tightly, wrapping her long, pale legs around it as well, unable to resist recalling the events of the previous night. At that time, March 7th had indeed been quite intoxicated, but she hadn''t completely lost consciousness... As memories flooded back, she hugged the blanket even tighter, causing the soft contours of her chest to visibly shift. Meanwhile, Bochang was enjoying a sound sleep. It might have been due to possessing the Sheep Talisman; whenever Bochang felt drowsy, falling asleep came effortlessly to him. The clock''s hands ticked steadily onward. Before long, morning arrived on the second day. Bochang woke up early and had just finished his morning routine when Conductor Pom-Pom''s voice echoed throughout the train through the loudspeakers. "Hello¡ªhello! Apologies for the wait! Dear passengers, thanks to the exceptional efforts of our four Trailblazers, the rift''s activity has been minimized, and all readings of the star rail have returned to normal ranges! The train is about to resume its journey, departing from Jarilo VI. Please sit securely and hold on tight. Take one last moment to bid farewell to this planet! "Additionally... please gather at the train hall as the route planning meeting is about to commence." And so... Bochang made his way to the train hall. There he found Pom-Pom, Himeko, Welt Yang, Serval, Stelle, and March 7th. Only Dan Heng was yet to arrive. Pom-Pom glanced around and said, "Pascal, go find Dan Heng; the route planning meeting is starting soon." "Pascal... acknowledged." The robot Pascal promptly set off next to Pom-Pom. Having such a helpful robot nearby allowed everyone to save considerable effort. Upon spotting March 7th and the others, Bochang greeted them first. "Good morning." Serval and the group responded with smiles. Bochang then asked, "Himeko, have we decided on our next destination?" "It''s already been determined. We''ll formally announce it during the meeting shortly; no need to rush..." Himeko looked at Bochang. "Before the meeting begins, you can sit nearby and enjoy a cup of coffee or something similar." "All right." With that, Bochang plopped down onto the soft red sofa, just one meter away from March 7th. "March, you don''t look too well... Did you not sleep well last night?" Bochang curiously observed her. March 7th''s cheeks flushed slightly as she protested, "No way... Don''t make things up. Last night... I had a really sound sleep." "That''s good." Seeing this reaction, Bochang refrained from further comment. Meanwhile, Serval picked up the kettle, brewed coffee for everyone individually, and personally served it to them. "Freshly made, please enjoy." Serval handed out the cups of coffee. Bochang accepted one, saying, "Thank you." As they sipped their coffee, casual conversation flowed among the group. Pascal, who had gone to fetch others, returned promptly. However, even as the warp route meeting commenced, Dan Heng did not show up, leaving his whereabouts unknown. The conductor, Pom-Pom, didn''t wait any longer and proceeded without him. "Ladies and gentlemen! The official Warp Route Meeting is now beginning!" The lop-eared rabbit mascot, clad in its red uniform, looked around at everyone. "Firstly... Pom-Pom would like to express gratitude to our passengers, The Nameless, for successfully resolving the issue here, allowing the train to continue racing along the star rails!" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Next, your conductor will announce the name of the next station¡ª" Before Pom-Pom could finish, it was abruptly interrupted. Suddenly, a holographic projection appeared in the train''s main hall. It was none other than Kafka herself. "Long time no see, everyone on the Astral Express." Holding her black umbrella, the tall and poised woman lifted her head. "I am Kafka." Upon seeing this uninvited guest, Himeko and Welt Yang''s expressions instantly changed. Pom-Pom couldn''t help but take a few steps back, hiding behind Welt Yang. Serval, unsure of the situation, mirrored their reactions, becoming tense as well. "Hmm... What perfect timing, with everyone gathered here... It seems almost everyone is present," Kafka remarked calmly. As she stepped forward, she noticed someone seemed to be missing. After Kafka''s appearance, Himeko quickly glanced at Bochang and Stelle. They had long been aware that the Herta Space Station was invaded by the Stellaron Hunters. They both suspected that Bochang and Stelle had connections with the Stellaron Hunters. As such, Himeko immediately assumed Kafka''s presence was related to these two individuals. However... The question now arose¡ªhow did Kafka appear here? Himeko scanned her surroundings, hoping to find any clues or traces. But she discovered nothing. Seeing Kafka unexpectedly, Stelle was stunned, her eyes widening significantly as she couldn''t help but examine him from head to toe. This person... Stelle felt very familiar with him; she could even recall his name. Himeko knew it was merely a holographic projection¡ªthe real individual wasn''t present. Consequently, she remained composed and simply glanced at her hands, stating, "There''s no need for a captivating introduction, Stellaron Hunter." Her tone was distinctly unfriendly. After all, she was a wanted criminal by the Interstellar Peace Corporation. Bochang silently observed the unfolding scene, unsure of what he should do. [Dating Options have been activated.] Chapter 114 - 113: I’m Hooked Chapter 114 - 113: I''m HookedPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option 1: Looks quite realistic, want to touch it and see? - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Just observe quietly - Completion Reward: Acquire Skill, Sage. When used, you''ll become exceptionally calm.] [Option 3: Shout, "Mom, how can I live without you?! Mom, take me with you." - Completion Reward: Himeko''s Bigshot.] Upon seeing the word ''sage'', Bochang''s eyes widened slightly. However, after reading the skill description, his enthusiasm fizzled out. "What kind of sage is this... Are they joking?" "Option 1." Without much hesitation, Bochang chose to give it a try by touching the illusion. Although the Sage skill might have some use under specific circumstances, nonetheless... Bochang decided to opt for the random item draw instead. Time continued flowing. "Himeko, isn''t it?" Kafka turned around, his voice languid as he stared with wide, seemingly pupil-less eyes. Simultaneously, he raised two fingers towards Himeko. The redheaded woman remained silent, calmly observing what Kafka might do next. "My apologies for interrupting your gathering." Having teased them briefly, Kafka continued walking away. At that moment... March 7th appeared ready to speak but was halted by Himeko''s outstretched hand. Pom-Pom still hid behind Welt-Yang, the lop-eared rabbit barely reaching above his knee, cautiously peeking out to examine Kafka¡ªa sight quite adorable. In the ensuing silence... With his back to everyone, Kafka spread his hands open. "But after hearing my request..." As he approached the window, Kafka gently tapped his slender fingers on the table several times, "I believe you will understand my audacity." "I want to ask you all¡ª" With a drawn-out tone, Kafka turned around and found Bochang unexpectedly close. Since they were using holographic projections, their physical bodies were not present nearby. Therefore... Unaware of Bochang''s sudden approach until turning back, Kafka was taken aback. "You..." Kafka watched as Bochang reached out and swept his hand across her slender waist. Witnessing this scene, March 7th placed her hands on her hips and expressed her discontent, "Bochang, what are you doing?" "Oh, just curious if I could actually touch it," Bochang replied, turning with an innocent smile. Seeing someone take the lead, Stelle, who had been hesitating, also approached Kafka and poked her projection with a finger. "Can''t touch it, just like the Void Whales on the ceiling," Stelle observed, blinking at Bochang. "How fascinating..." "Pascal... analyzing... conclusion is... holographic projection... target poses... no threat... reassessing¡ªlow risk, allowing deactivation of alert." Upon Kafka''s appearance, Pascal had immediately entered its highest state of vigilance. It refrained from attacking solely because the newcomer hadn''t yet displayed any threatening behavior. Himeko sighed and rubbed her forehead in exasperation. The initially serious atmosphere was completely dissipated by Bochang and Stelle''s antics. [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations on obtaining the equipment item: Teleportation Ring. Allows teleportation within a ten-meter radius at will. Contains three energy units; each use consumes one unit, with a recharge time of twenty-four hours to restore one unit. Note: This type of item...] "Huh? I won again!" Having previously drawn two useless items, Bochang now obtained a much-needed teleportation ring¡ªa significant win. "Those silly kids..." Kafka couldn''t help but inwardly shake her head. Ignoring Stelle and Bochang standing beside her, she continued, "In any case... I need to request that you change your destination." Noticing that she was being disregarded, Stelle felt inexplicably disheartened. Fortunately, Bochang remained by her side. However... "Is Bochang giving a silly grin?" Stelle observed the sudden upward curve of Bochang''s lips. Although it quickly vanished, it left Stelle somewhat puzzled. She couldn''t understand why Bochang would smile. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Is it because of Kafka?" "A change in destination? All I can say is... you''ve come to the wrong place, Kafka." Himeko spread her hands. "We have no intention of accepting your request or getting involved with the Stellaron Hunters." Her refusal was straightforward. The Stellaron Hunters were notorious outlaws after all. Any association with them would only tarnish the reputation of Astral Express. Undeterred, Kafka bypassed Stelle and Bochang, addressing Himeko directly... She mentioned Xianzhou Luofu and the presence of a Stellaron there. Apparently, just forty-five hours ago, a Stellaron erupted on Xianzhou Luofu. The locals have since blamed the Stellaron Hunters for the explosion and arrested one of Kafka''s companions¡ªBlade, a menacing-looking black-haired man. Kafka''s primary objective was to resolve the Stellaron crisis, clear the hunters'' names, and secure Blade''s release from custody. Kafka demanded that Xianzhou Luofu release Blade. He also warned that if they didn''t go to Xianzhou Luofu, the spreading Stellaron would contaminate the entire region, potentially leading to the loss of nearly half the ship''s inhabitants. However, March 7th did not believe these claims and bluntly contradicted Kafka without any hesitation. Stelle, on the other hand, seemed inclined to help, suggesting, "We could owe the Stellaron Hunters a favor." The others remained silent, expressing no clear stance. In the end... they simply watched as Kafka departed. The holographic projection suddenly appeared and just as abruptly vanished. Throughout their interaction, Kafka''s gaze barely lingered on Stelle and Bochang; his attention was primarily focused on Himeko. The conversation itself revolved mainly around Himeko and Welt Yang. After Kafka''s departure, Himeko promptly said, "March, go fetch Dan Heng." All members of Astral Express were present except for Dan Heng. Earlier, Pascal had gone to look for the stoic little azure dragon, Dan Heng. His response was, "Just wait, I...I''ll be right there." However, even now, he hadn''t shown up. March 7th nodded. "Alright, Himeko." With a deep glance at Bochang, March 7th left the train hall. Finally able to ask after holding it in for so long, Serval ventured forth, "Um... what exactly are these Stellaron Hunters? And what about Xianzhou Luofu, the company, and all that..." "Well, that''s quite a long story," Himeko said, turning to Serval. "To put it simply, the Stellaron Hunters are a group of wanted criminals pursued by a company. The bounty on Kafka is astronomical, and they don''t care whether he''s captured dead or alive." "The full name of the company is Interstellar Peace Corporation. Similar to Belobog, they follow the Preservation Aeon faith. They develop and sell products across the universe, maintain trade routes, and have established the universal currency known as Credits..." "As for Xianzhou..." While March 7th went to find Dan Heng, Himeko took the opportunity to enlighten Serval with some background knowledge. Stelle looked at Bochang and asked, "Should we go check on them?" "Mm-hmm." Bochang understood immediately¡ªStelle undoubtedly wanted to find March 7th and Dan Heng. Chapter 115 - 114: Heading to Xianzhou Chapter 115 - 114: Heading to XianzhouPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In the train corridor. Bochang and Stelle walked together, encountering March 7th and Dan Heng just as before, with similar attitudes emerging. The pink-haired girl remained unconvinced about Kafka, displaying considerable hostility. March 7th confidently assured everyone that they should vote against his proposal. Stelle, curious, asked, "Isn''t it ultimately up to Himeko?" "Trust me, she''ll definitely go for a democratic vote. When that happens, where we end up will be decided by us." The Astral Express had a total of seven crew members. If March 7th, Dan Heng, Bochang, and Stelle aligned their votes, Himeko, Welt Yang, and Serval wouldn''t stand much chance of swaying the decision. Dan Heng shook his head, "Going to any other Xianzhou would be fine... But not Luofu. I cannot go there." Xianzhou¡ª These colossal ships, roughly planet-sized, were dispatched by an ancient civilization seeking the elixir for eternal life. They were known as the "Elixir Seekers." Their quest bore fruit when they encountered the Epoch of Abundance - Yaoshi, who bestowed upon them blessings, granting them infinite lifespans. However... The pursuit of immortality led to the creation of numerous undead abominations. Ultimately, it was during the Epoch of the Hunt that these beings were saved. Subsequently, the inhabitants of Xianzhou joined the Hunt faction and formed the Xianzhou Alliance. They embarked on a mission across the galaxy, purging the immortal abominations. This series of calamities reduced the original nine Xianzhou ships to just six remaining: Luofu, Yaoqing, Fanghu, Zhuming, Xuling, and Yuque, each governed by different Generals. Above the Generals stood the Cloud Knight Marshal, named Hua. It''s worth noting that... both the Generals and the Marshal are Emanators of deities. Their combined strength was formidable, roughly equivalent to that of Lord Ravager. "Do you have any unresolved issues with Luofu?" Bochang asked, turning to Dan Heng. Having listened to Himeko''s introduction earlier, he now had a decent understanding of the Xianzhou Alliance. In response to the question, the stoic little azure dragon showed no intention of revealing everything. "I am banned from entering Luofu; they declared ''forbidden to tread upon lands under my governance'' regarding me. If you plan to go there, I cannot accompany you." Just as Dan Heng finished speaking, March 7th interjected, "Don''t worry, as long as we four stick together, it won''t be a problem." "Right, Bochang?" March 7th smiled at the black-haired youth expectantly. Bochang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Well...actually, I''m quite interested in visiting Xianzhou myself. Moreover, Luofu is connected to Dan Heng''s background, March, aren''t you curious too?" "Hmm... You make a compelling point." Bochang''s words brought clarity to March 7th''s thoughts. Dan Heng, speechless, said, "Next time you discuss such matters, could you please do it away from me?" "It''s not that significant anyway." Bochang shrugged slightly. After pondering for a moment, March 7th sensed something was off and remarked, "Hey... Bochang, don''t tell me you''re deciding to go to Xianzhou just because of Kafka? We know about your connection with the Stellaron Hunters." "I''m not, I haven''t, don''t be ridiculous." Bochang swiftly denied it thrice. For some reason, March 7th generously chose not to press further. "Well then, let''s find Himeko so they won''t worry too much." The group of four turned and entered the train hall. Upon seeing Dan Heng arrive, Himeko greeted them first. "Are you alright, Dan Heng? Little March must have informed you about everything." Since Dan Heng was always punctual, his tardiness led Himeko to believe he had valid reasons for it. She didn''t press further with questions. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''m fine, and I''ve been briefed on the situation," Dan Heng nodded slightly. Then... As March 7th had suggested, Himeko initiated a democratic vote to decide their course of action. Raising a hand indicated voting for going to Xianzhou. Not raising a hand meant abstaining from the trip. In the end, everyone except Dan Heng raised their hands. "Six votes to one... Therefore, the Train Group has decided by majority to proceed towards Xianzhou." Himeko announced with a smile. Although the Stellaron Hunters might be merely using everyone, However... neither Himeko nor Welt Yang could completely ignore the situation at Xianzhou Luofu. Bochang and Stelle turned their gaze towards March 7th. If they remembered correctly, March 7th had confidently declared her intention to vote against going. But since both Bochang and Stelle themselves voted in favor, they said nothing. Next, Dan Heng clearly expressed his desire to remain on the Astral Express. "In that case, I''ll entrust this Trailblaze mission to you... Welt, it seems you''ve been itching for action." Himeko spread her hands. "Take care of Little March, Stelle, Bochang, and Serval, especially Serval - this is her first Trailblaze mission," she emphasized. "Don''t worry." Welt Yang nodded. March 7th placed her hands on her hips and cheerfully declared, "Destination: Xianzhou¡ªlet''s go!" With the decision made, the Astral Express prepared for its warp jump. Bochang, Stelle, and Serval sat together on the soft red sofa, chatting casually before the official start of the warp. "By the way... What is March doing?" Despite everyone else being seated and ready for the warp, March 7th stood alone in the middle of the train, muttering to herself, "I won''t fall, I won''t fall, I won''t fall..." As she repeated it, her voice began to crack slightly. "She''s challenging herself," Bochang said with a slight shake of his head. "Unfortunately, she rarely succeeds." Stelle said, "Don''t worry about March; we just need to close our eyes and sit comfortably." "Alright then..." Serval responded. Just as she finished speaking, Pom-Pom''s voice chimed in: "The warp is about to begin - 5, 4..." As the countdown echoed, Serval didn''t immediately close her eyes but instead gazed at her home¡ªJarilo VI. After sealing away Stellaron, the once icy planet visibly shed layers of white, revealing its natural earth tones again. "Farewell..." Serval thought to herself, then closed her clear, sapphire-like eyes. The Astral Express was enveloped by a surge of blue light. Following the coordinates provided by the Stellaron Hunters, they embarked on a warp journey towards an unknown destination. According to Kafka, With just two more warps, the Astral Express would reach Xianzhou Luofu. And indeed, after two consecutive jumps¡ªaccompanied by the sound of March 7th stumbling twice¡ªthe Astral Express arrived at Xianzhou Luofu. It was an incredibly massive ship. Rubbing her sore bottom, March 7th shrugged it off and joined everyone else near the window. Gazing at the colossal vessel, she exclaimed, "Wow! Is that Xianzhou? It looks even bigger than Jarilo VI!" As they beheld the familiar giant ship, Dan Heng felt a wave of nostalgia and began murmuring to himself. Meanwhile, Himeko initiated communication with Xianzhou Luofu, requesting landing clearance. "Welcome... to Luofu Spaceport... Star Ferry Sea... Please wait patiently for docking instructions... Please wait patiently for docking instructions..." The intermittent signal repeated the same message continuously, showing no signs of providing guidance for berthing. This caused a slight commotion aboard the Astral Express. March 7th''s imagination ran wild, already envisioning this as the beginning of a horror movie scenario. Chapter 116 - 115: Hidden Abilities Chapter 116 - 115: Hidden AbilitiesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The chaos did not last long. Before their eyes, the colossal Jade World Gate, obscuring both sky and sun, began to slowly open. However, strangely enough... The communication relayed information through a cold electronic voice rather than that of the staff members. And once the Jade World Gate opened, the signal abruptly cut off without any further message from Xianzhou Luofu. After brief discussions, Himeko instructed everyone to prepare for departure. For this Trailblazing mission, a total of five individuals were selected, led by Welt Yang. The team included Serval, March 7th, Bochang, Stelle, along with Pascal the robot and Sophia the familiar. Bochang didn''t require much preparation; he just needed to gather his belongings. These included the Vow Spear, black bear mask, Sacred Shield, ancient coins, and his erhu. He could store the erhu and black bear mask inside Pascal''s compartment, as there was ample space within. Back in his room, Bochang pondered for a moment before retrieving the three-starred Destruction Prism¡ªTianqing¡ªfrom the system space. Having activated the Destruction fate path, he now qualified to use the Light Cone. As soon as he held the Light Cone, the fate path energy within Bochang resonated instantly. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sudden bursts of unfamiliar memories flooded his mind. Bochang felt as if he were witnessing a world''s destruction unfold before him, accompanied by a surge of unknown techniques originating from within the Light Cone... It was akin to instantly enhancing his mastery over fate path powers. This sensation resembled the system directly imparting skills. However, once Bochang severed his connection with the Light Cone, the newfound knowledge rapidly dissipated from his mind. "If I use the same Light Cone for an extended period, I should be able to fully learn the techniques it contains." At its core, a Light Cone encapsulates refined memory fragments, preserving experience and abilities. With sufficient learning capacity, one can completely master the knowledge hidden within a Light Cone. "My internal fate path power is still too weak; I must dedicate time to strengthen it," Bochang mused, rubbing his chin. "I wonder if there will be any opportunity for training aboard the Xianzhou." "It would be great if the system could directly enhance my fate path power, similar to how it improved my marksmanship." In Belobog, Bochang had been honing his gunmanship under Dan Heng''s guidance. Now, having acquired the Hundred Birds Phoenix Spear, he could train independently without needing strict supervision. There was no longer a necessity to follow step-by-step practice sessions with Dan Heng, especially since Dan Heng wouldn''t reveal his most advanced gunfighting techniques anyway. At that moment... When the stoic little azure dragon taught Bochang the spear technique, he had mentioned that he would only provide the basics; the rest would depend entirely on Bochang''s own practice. "Pascal, let''s go." After packing his belongings, Bochang left his room with Pascal in tow. Upon reaching the train hall, he spotted Dan Heng waiting there. "Be cautious during your journey to Xianzhou," said Dan Heng. "I''ve compiled some intelligence about Xianzhou and sent it to the group chat. Hopefully, it will be helpful for you all." "Are you sure you won''t join us?" Bochang asked. "I cannot." Dan Heng silently shook his head. Seeing this, Bochang refrained from pressing further. Himeko and Welt Yang were engaged in conversation nearby. Due to the distance, Bochang couldn''t hear their discussion, nor did he have any interest in eavesdropping. Instead, he chose to sit alone on a red sofa, reviewing the information Dan Heng had shared with him. Shortly after, Himeko approached and sat beside Bochang. "May I briefly speak with you?" "Of course." Bochang looked up, putting away his phone. "What seems to be the matter, Himeko?" "Well, regarding your abilities, I feel compelled to remind you once more. The Xianzhou Alliance is not Belobog. Be cautious about revealing certain unique powers, especially the ability to revive deceased beings and grant them their original capabilities... Keep it confidential, or it might attract unwanted trouble." Himeko''s expression was grave. Everyone knew about Bochang''s unique ability, thanks to their group chat where every slightest development would be promptly shared by March 7th. Both Himeko and Welt Yang were aware of Bochang''s power. Upon his return yesterday, he had demonstrated this capability of transforming dead objects back into living beings. However, it only worked on items with significant renown. Bochang had suggested experimenting with either Herta mannequins or Aeon toys as subjects. But... The idea of using Aeons for experimentation was unanimously rejected by Himeko, Welt Yang, and Pom-Pom. The reason was straightforward¡ªthey could not risk offending the Aeons. Reviving an Aeon statue might attract the attention of its true self, which could spell disaster for the Astral Express. Moreover, Bochang himself admitted that he had little control over the revived entities. Heaven knows how much power a resurrected Aeon might possess¡ªeven if it were just one percent. Even reviving it for just an instant posed significant danger to the Astral Express Crew. However, when it came to resurrecting the Pioneer Aeon¡ªan Aeon who had already passed away and maintained a strong bond with the Astral Express¡ªBochang believed there wouldn''t be any issues. Himeko and Welt Yang also agreed that it was worth trying. Unfortunately, Pom-Pom was unwilling. After all, the revived Pioneer Aeon would not truly be Akivili himself. Using Herta''s puppet would require her consent first. Regardless, Himeko had already sent a message to Herta, but due to the vast distance, it would take some time for a response. Yesterday, Himeko had cautioned Bochang in front of everyone not to casually reveal this ability, and now it seemed necessary again. "Don''t worry, Himeko, I''ll be careful," reassured Bochang. "That''s good to hear." Himeko finally felt relieved. After a while... March 7th, Stelle, and Serval, fully prepared, arrived at the train hall together. The three women walked side by side, their camaraderie growing stronger with each passing day. As everyone gathered around Welt Yang, he began, "Before we depart, there are two things I need to address. Firstly... The Xianzhou Alliance is incredibly powerful, far surpassing even the defunct Akivili-protected Astral Express Crew. They have the Hunting Aeon, Lan, on their side. I doubt acquiring the Stellaron would pose any significant challenge for them. "Therefore... either the Stellaron Hunter lied, or perhaps... there''s an even greater threat hidden within the Xianzhou." "Everyone, do not underestimate this mission as you embark on your journey." Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses while speaking. March 7th responded, "Uncle Yang, we''re aware of these risks." "Secondly, let me clarify the primary objective of this expedition¡ªalthough the Stellaron Hunters created quite a smokescreen, the most crucial aspect of our visit to the Xianzhou is..." With that, Welt posed a question. Bochang quickly answered, "Of course, it''s the Stellaron." "Correct, securing the Stellaron is our main goal." Welt Yang nodded approvingly. "Since everyone understands, I won''t belabor the point. Let''s proceed!" Their group consisted of five individuals, one robot, and one familiar. Bochang and the others disembarked from the Astral Express, entering the territory of the Xianzhou. Chapter 117 - 116: Cheetah Reagent Chapter 117 - 116: Cheetah ReagentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The docking area for the Astral Express was named Cloudford. Surrounded by densely packed shipping containers stretching as far as the eye could see, not a single person was in sight nearby. Bochang and his group wandered aimlessly, feeling like they were merely going in circles without making any progress. "Seriously... This doesn''t seem like a place for passengers to disembark; it''s clearly a cargo dock," March 7th couldn''t help but grumble. "Who led us here?" "It does seem odd. Given the might of the Xianzhou Alliance, there should have been someone to receive us," Serval added. Based on Himeko''s earlier explanation... The Xianzhou Alliance was considered one of the most influential powers across the entire universe. How could such a situation arise? Bochang stroked his chin and said, "It appears that something indeed went wrong with Xianzhou Luofu." "Do you think this ship is already completely empty?" Stelle ventured her guess. The unfolding situation grew increasingly eerie, causing even March 7th to shudder involuntarily. A starship arriving at an empty spaceport... It felt like the opening scene of a horror movie. The more March 7th thought about it, the more frightened she became. Upon hearing this, Welt Yang shook his head. "It''s impossible. The Xianzhou Alliance is incredibly powerful; they wouldn''t encounter such trouble so easily. I suspect the current scenario is likely due to the Stellaron Hunters'' mischief." [Dating Options enabled.] [Option 1: Gently pat her head and reassure March 7th, "Don''t worry, we''re all here with you..." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Give her shoulder a sudden slap, scaring March 7th by exclaiming, "There are ghosts!" - Completion Reward: Acquire skill, Ghostly Deception, allowing you to induce illusions in people you observe.] [Option 3: Ignore March 7th - Completion Reward: Guaranteed price increases on purchases, supercharged.] Comforting March 7th versus scaring her. "This... how am I supposed to choose? Option one? But the reward for option two seems pretty good..." Recalling what the pink-haired girl said last night about him always bullying her, Bochang couldn''t bring himself to pick the second option. "Maybe I should inconvenience March once more." After nearly thirty seconds of internal struggle, Bochang decided, "No, let''s go with the first option. After all, I''m not particularly in need of such skills." Bochang walked at the very back of the group, completely opposite from Welt Yangji who was leading the way. Taking a few steps forward, Bochang utilized his height advantage and effortlessly patted March 7th''s small head, saying, "It''s alright, we''re all here with you..." "Bochang..." Startled initially, March 7th felt a warm sense of security upon realizing it was Bochang, completely unaware that he had just wavered between comforting or scaring her for quite some time. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received the Cheetah Serum. Upon consumption, it significantly enhances your Speed for a short period. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly retrieved for use.] Bochang thought to himself, "Hmm... not bad, but I wonder how much exactly it will boost my Speed." Both Stelle and Serval watched attentively as Bochang interacted with March 7th. For some reason, their gazes made him feel slightly uneasy, but fortunately, neither of them said anything. This brief moment passed without further incident. "Uncle Yang, what should we do now?" March 7th looked at Welt Yang, who responded straightforwardly, "We start by finding the person who opened the Jade World Gate. If they have ulterior motives, it might conveniently save us some trouble. But if it''s a staff member, we''ll need to interrogate them to understand what happened." "What if we can''t defeat them?" Stelle shrugged her hands nonchalantly. At that moment, March 7th placed her hands on her hips, exuding confidence. "I don''t blame you for saying such naive things; after all, you haven''t yet witnessed Uncle Yang''s capabilities..." Upon hearing March 7th''s words, Serval began examining Welt Yang curiously. Judging solely from his appearance, Indeed, it was difficult to gauge just how skilled this seemingly mature uncle might be. Without elaborating further, he simply gestured for everyone to continue moving. "Xianzhou... I have absolutely no idea what to expect here; we can only take it step by step," Bochang thought to himself. They walked along the path between shipping containers for some time. Finally, they spotted someone. No... It appeared to be a soldier, as Bochang could see armor and weapons. At first glance, it was clear he was a well-trained combatant. However, the soldier lay collapsed on the ground. Upon seeing a living person, members of the Trailblaze squad rushed over hastily. The Cloud Knight soldier muttered, "Ahead... ahead..." It was unclear what had occurred up front. "You''re severely injured; don''t talk anymore." Welt assessed the soldier''s wounds and began issuing commands, "March, use hexaphase ice to quickly staunch the bleeding. Be careful not to cause frostbite." As Bochang watched March 7th apply hexaphase ice to treat the wounded soldier, Initially, Bochang wanted to assist. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However... Recalling Himeko''s warning, he hesitated briefly. In that short moment, March 7th had already frozen the soldier''s wounds. "The ability ''Tongue Blossoming Lotus''... probably isn''t considered taboo, but it''s best not to use it recklessly for safety." As Bochang pondered this, Welt Yang continued, "It seems like there was a fierce battle here. Let''s move on." "Um..." Bochang nodded in agreement. The group proceeded forward. Along the way, they encountered numerous injured Cloud Knights. However, all they saw were wounded soldiers; no civilians were present. It appeared that Xianzhou had promptly evacuated the port, leaving only the Cloud Knights to confront the crisis. The injured soldiers lay scattered across the ground, and as Bochang''s team approached, their pleas were remarkably similar. Essentially, they urged the Trailblaze squad to push ahead. As they crossed the platform ahead, a few monsters were blocking the bridge below. Firstly, there were the weakest Wind and Thunder constructs. Similar to the frost crystal and Flameflow constructs that Bochang knew well, these creatures resembled birds but differed in elemental attributes. Regardless, they appeared quite feeble. Next was a Mara-Struck Soldier. Once a frenzied Xianzhou soldier, its humanoid form was barely recognizable amidst endless mutations... resembling numerous yellow branches sprouting from its body. Welt Yang frowned slightly, saying, "These are monsters I''ve never seen before." "Just waiting for your command, Uncle Yang!" March 7th cheered enthusiastically. Encountering unfamiliar monsters didn''t frighten the pink-haired girl; instead, she grew excited. After all... it meant her camera would capture yet another unique subject. "Pascal, the battle is yours. No problem with that, right?" Bochang had no intention of engaging himself. Since they already had robots, it made sense to utilize them fully. "Pascal... acknowledged, activating combat mode." Chapter 118 - 117: Tingyun Chapter 118 - 117: TingyunPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Mara-Struck Soldiers'' strength was quite decent. They were positioned above XX Constructs but below the elite Blaze Out of Space monsters. The only challenging aspect was their... bizarre resurrection ability. Even after being defeated, the Mara-Struck Soldiers could re-emerge and continue attacking. Caught off guard, Pascal suffered a surprise attack, leaving a wound on his mechanical exterior. Since the internal circuitry mimicked skin sensation, Pascal could detect any external damage to himself. "Pascal, pain...pain..." With one arrow piercing the enemy, March 7th lowered her bow and asked, "Are you okay, Pascal?" After killing a Mara-Struck Soldier once, it typically couldn''t recover for another round. The remaining enemies were Wind and Lightning constructs, easily dealt with by the combined efforts of March 7th, Pascal, Stelle, and Serval. Apart from Pascal, no one else sustained any injuries. Bochang checked his phone, which displayed the opponent''s physical status. "Don''t worry, it''s just external armor damage; nothing serious." As Pascal was a robot, minor injuries posed no significant issue. In fact, even if completely destroyed, Bochang could still repair him, as Pascal''s core data was saved on the phone. If the phone broke, it wouldn''t matter either, since Bochang had also uploaded those data to the Astral Express''s storage room. As long as the train remained unharmed, creating a second Pascal would be entirely feasible. The only concern might be further straining the already limited intelligence¡ªadding insult to injury. "That''s good. Let''s continue our journey," March 7th declared, stepping forward confidently. After defeating the monsters blocking their path, Bochang and his team hadn''t walked far when they heard a commotion ahead, accompanied by sounds of combat. "Let''s move faster," said Welt-Yang. The Trailblaze squad swiftly advanced, passing through the Stone Gate... only to witness two Cloud Knights and a fox maiden surrounded by several Mara-Struck Soldiers. Cornered, their situation appeared dire. "That''s... Tingyun?" Bochang recognized her, although he had not yet reached this point in the game''s storyline. Tingyun wore a distinctive long dress characteristic of Xianzhou, with the most striking feature being her large, fluffy tail. Just one glance at it made Bochang feel an irresistible urge to pet it. Realizing the situation was dire, Tingyun pondered what to do when she spotted Bochang and others rapidly approaching. "Hey, you guys! Hurry up and help us!" As if seeing her saviors, Tingyun''s excited fox ears perked up, trembling with anticipation. The sight of those massive robots instilled a great sense of security. March 7th, known for his enthusiasm, charged forward without hesitation. Seeing this, the others quickly followed suit. To swiftly resolve the battle, both Welt-Yang and Bochang joined in. Welt-Yang produced the Garden of Eden, manipulating gravity to control their enemies, while Bochang unleashed Dragon Blast. With the combined efforts of March 7th, Serval, and Stelle, they eliminated all the Mara-Struck Soldiers on the scene within less than a minute. Robot Pascal''s slow speed proved disadvantageous; it barely had time to engage before the fight ended. The battle was swiftly concluded. Everyone now witnessed Welt Yang''s formidable strength. Indeed, he was incredibly powerful. Without his assistance in controlling enemies, it would have been nearly impossible to defeat these monsters that could rise again after being felled within just one minute. "See? Uncle Yang is pretty amazing, right?" March 7th placed her hands on her hips, as if boasting about her own prowess. Stelle nodded in agreement, "Definitely impressive." With the enemies vanquished, the Cloud Knights soldiers urged Tingyun to leave this hazardous area immediately. However... Tingyun had no intention of departing so hastily and replied, "I understand, but what''s the rush? I haven''t even thanked our benefactors yet; leaving without expressing gratitude would be terribly rude." The fox maiden began introducing herself: She was Tingyun from Xianzhou Luofu, serving as the envoy for the Sky-Faring Commission Merchant Group. As March 7th accurately stated, this indeed was the location where merchant ships unload their cargo. With a smile, Tingyun began, "May I respectfully inquire about your esteemed names, honored benefactors?" "Esteemed names? That''s quite formal." Feeling slightly embarrassed, March 7th rubbed her head and proceeded to mention the names of all members from the Trailblaze squad, except for Pascal the robot and Sophia the familiar. Tingyun nodded thoughtfully before expressing her own concern. "I see, thank you for your noble assistance. However, there is one matter that remains unclear. The Star Ferry Sea has been completely sealed off, yet none of you hail from Xianzhou. What brings you here?" It was immediately evident to Tingyun that the individuals on the Astral Express were not locals from Xianzhou. Even though Welt Yang provided a reasonable explanation, the fox maiden insisted on escorting them to the Sky-Faring Commission to meet Lord Yukong himself. While she claimed it as an escort, it felt more like being under surveillance; they certainly wouldn''t be allowed to leave so easily. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Confront Tingyun with, "Is this how you treat your benefactors?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: If not now, when would be the right time to flee? ¡ª Completion Reward: Xianzhou Wanted Notice.] [Option 3: Use Steal on Tingyun! ¡ª Completion Reward: Tingyun''s Bigshot Bag.] "Option one." Bochang didn''t have much choice. Three options presented themselves: One offered a Bigshot Bag, another a wanted notice. The outcome was clear. Bochang asked, "Is this truly how you treat your benefactors?" "Tingyun wishes to properly host our benefactors, but... as outsiders, without Lord Yukong''s authorization, who dares to make decisions independently." Tingyun maintained a professional smile, "Fear not, Lord Yukong is very amiable. Please come with me." The fox maiden left no room for refusal to the Trailblaze squad. Additionally, two Cloud Knights stood watchfully nearby Tingyun. While the Cloud Knights were not particularly strong compared to the squad members, causing trouble within Xianzhou was not a wise choice. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received the item ''Banana Peel'', which guarantees a slip when stepped on. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly accessed for use.] S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Everyone exchanged glances, their eyes converging on the team leader, Uncle Yang. After considering briefly, Welt Yang said, "Alright." And so... Following a minor setback, with Tingyun piloting the star ferry, they successfully arrived at the Central Starskiff Haven. They watched as the fox maiden went ahead to report their arrival. Outside, March 7th grumbled, "Who knew rescuing someone would bring such trouble? If I''d known earlier, I wouldn''t have bothered." "It''s unavoidable. To her, we''re just unidentified suspicious individuals," Bochang said with a resigned expression. Xianzhou was different from Belobog. Blending in here proved far more challenging than it had been there. Bochang and his team could only passively follow Tingyun''s lead. Chapter 119 - 118: I Am Dragon Chapter 119 - 118: I Am DragonPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Palace of Astrum. It stood as the tallest structure within the Central Starskiff Haven and served as the headquarters for the Sky-Faring Commission. Its architecture was grand and imposing, reminiscent of ancient Yanhuan styles. Or rather... The entire Xianzhou seemed to echo these ancient Yanhuan aesthetics, from clothing to soldiers, even down to the script used... While waiting outside, Bochang didn''t idle away his time; instead, he wandered around the Palace of Astrum''s perimeter. Cloud Knights on duty kept a close watch on them. Apparently, they were following Tingyun''s instructions. If any dared to flee, it would undoubtedly result in immediate warrants for their arrest - just like what happened to Blade and Kafka. Pausing before a notice board, Bochang spotted a wanted poster featuring the Stellaron Hunters. It displayed their portraits along with their names. The script appeared to be seal writing, with a red coloration that seemed quite festive. It was unclear what Xianzhou''s intentions were behind this design. "Kafka..." Stelle approached Bochang, joining him to examine the wanted poster. Bochang glanced back briefly. Meanwhile, March 7th continued capturing picturesque moments incessantly. With nothing else to do, Serval couldn''t resist pulling out his guitar for an impromptu street performance. Pascal served as the makeshift speaker, providing background music. The most composed among them, Welt Yang, sat alone on a stone bench, deep in thought. As Bochang and Stelle stood together, taking in the scenery, a small figure suddenly approached. "Hey, what''s your name?" A crisp child''s voice chimed like delightful musical notes. Bochang, who had been captivated by the rolling white clouds and star ferries weaving through them, paused and looked down to the side. Before him stood a charming little girl with long lilac hair and blue eyes. Actually, calling her a "little girl" might not be entirely accurate; she was more akin to a young loli. Her age seemed similar to Hook''s. She had horns atop her head and a tail behind her. Her name was Bailu, from Xianzhou Vidyadhara, a subspecies of dragon lineage. This race could not reproduce through traditional childbirth. Instead, upon death, they transformed into eggs to continue their existence, akin to a samsara rebirth. However...this unique form of rebirth caused individuals of Vidyadhara to forget their loved ones, embarking on entirely new lives. Due to this peculiar trait, once an immortal Aeon - specifically a dragon - died, the population of Vidyadhara ceased to increase. They only dwindled continuously due to various unforeseen incidents, with no means to replenish their numbers. "Are you...talking to me?" Bochang pointed at himself, unsure. Bailu placed her hands on her hips, causing the gourd hanging at her waist to rattle audibly, suggesting it contained a significant amount of liquid. "Of course, who else would I be talking to?" ?How peculiar! What is Bailu doing here? Is there such a scene in the storyline?? Confused, Bochang responded, "My name is Bochang. And yours?" "I''m Bailu, a healer from the Alchemy Commission," the adorable dragon girl said, her tail wagging incessantly behind her, tempting one to playfully twirl it around. The Alchemy Commission was one of the six divisions within Luofu Immortal Continent, akin to the Sky-Faring Commission. The other four divisions were the Cloud Knights, Divination Commission, Artisanship Commission, Realm-Keeping Commission, and the hidden Ten-Lords Commission overseeing life and death matters. Bochang had reviewed the information provided by Dan Heng, making him familiar with these details. The Alchemy Commission essentially served as Luofu Immortal Continent''s hospital. "Do you have acquaintances on Luofu Immortal Continent...?" Stelle glanced at Bochang, who shook his head and quipped, "How did you guess I know someone there?" "Otherwise, why would this little one seek you out?" Stelle blinked, her gaze shifting between Bochang and Bailu. The two figures, one tall and one small, observed each other intently. After a moment of silence, Bochang simply stated, "I don''t know." Bailu had no immediate response; it seemed as if scrutinizing them from the front wasn''t enough. She began circling around them, observing closely with her delicate hand resting on her chin and brows furrowed, occasionally shaking her head. Her adorable face displayed a puzzled expression, leaving others unsure what she was contemplating. This scene caught the attention of the nearby Cloud Knights. "Isn''t that Lady Bailu?" "Yes... What brings Lady Bailu here?" "Did she sneak out again?" "Should we notify the Alchemy Commission?" The Cloud Knights whispered among themselves, feeling somewhat puzzled. Usually, "Lady Bailu" preferred strolling through secluded areas. What brought her to the outskirts of the Palace of Astrum today? Was she concerned the Cloud Knights might not be able to keep up with her? "Um... Bailu, what are you doing here? Do I have some mysterious ailment?" Bochang couldn''t help but inquire. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Being scrutinized by this Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl, renowned for curing ailments, made Bochang feel the gazes of nearby Cloud Knights and Xianzhou citizens shifting subtly. What kind of look was that... Initially filled with surprise, it swiftly turned into pity, ultimately morphing into expressions akin to, "Hang in there, buddy, stay strong." This made Bochang''s skin crawl as if ants were crawling all over him. To be honest, Bochang felt quite healthy; why would he have any mysterious ailments? Bailu paused and said, "No, no, I was just wondering... why do you carry the scent of a dragon?" "Huh?" Bochang was taken aback, not expecting such a response. "The scent of a dragon?" "Indeed." Bailu nodded. ?The scent of a dragon? Wait... Could Bailu be referring to the magic power from the Dragon Talisman? If so, does that mean I also have the scents of sheep and rat on me now?? Bochang muttered to himself. Meanwhile, Welt Yang glanced briefly at the scene but paid little attention to it. Serval continued her impromptu performance... Some passing citizens even dropped small tips for her. The Cloud Knights turned a blind eye, allowing it to continue without interference. In fact, some knights themselves contributed tips. After all... Music truly is a universal language among all humanity. As for March 7th? The pink-haired girl had wandered off somewhere to take photos, her whereabouts unknown. With nearby Cloud Knights keeping watch, she couldn''t stray far, so no one bothered with her. Bailu spread her arms wide, emphasizing, "And I could sense it from afar, which prompted me to rush here. The dragon aura on you... is much stronger than that of ordinary Vidyadhara people; almost comparable to mine..." Even in Xianzhou, a civilization capable of interstellar travel, sightings of dragons were exceedingly rare. Encountering an unfamiliar dragon was indeed uncommon. Bailu asked, "Where did your dragon heritage come from? What race are you?" This young dragon maiden seemed convinced that Bochang was a dragon, leaving him no chance to explain otherwise. Stelle stepped in to answer, "Actually, Bochang has lost his memories, so..." "I see... How unfortunate. But don''t worry, from now on, just stick with me." Bailu patted her chest confidently, "I''ll protect you." Chapter 120 - 119: The Confident Bailu Chapter 120 - 119: The Confident BailuPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Silly child, what nonsense are you talking about..." Bochang couldn''t resist gently ruffling Bailu''s hair. She didn''t protest, allowing him to tousle her beautiful light purple locks. The surrounding Cloud Knights and ordinary citizens witnessed this scene with their eyes nearly popping out in disbelief. Bailu was destined to become the next High Elder of Luofu Immortal Continent, holding a remarkable status. Very few individuals across all of Luofu Immortal Continent could casually touch her head like that. More importantly... why did Bailu not show any resistance? After briefly stroking her hair, Bochang withdrew his hand. Bailu looked up at him and insisted, "I''m completely serious; it''s no nonsense." "Alright, alright, I understand. Then please guide me well from now on, Bailu." Bochang maintained his nonchalant demeanor. Unaware of Bailu''s esteemed position, the black-haired youth simply saw her as an adorable young Vidyadhara girl. This obliviousness slightly irked Bailu, causing her eyes to dart around as she quickly sought a topic to address. However, Bochang still perceived her as a cute little Vidyadhara. This made Bailu slightly unhappy. Her eyes darted around before quickly finding a topic to change the conversation. "Bochang, what brings you outside the Palace of Astrum? Do you have some urgent matter to attend to?" "We just arrived from outside Xianzhou, so Miss Tingyun instructed us to first meet with Lady Yukong. Only after obtaining her permission can we move freely." Bochang didn''t mind sharing this information. "I see," Bailu nodded with understanding. "Your timing is indeed unfortunate. Xianzhou has become quite chaotic right now..." As they continued their conversation, March 7th suddenly appeared beside them and exclaimed, "Wow! Who''s this adorable child? Dragon horns and tail - may I touch them?" The pink-haired girl''s eyes sparkled, fixated on Bailu. Startled, the young dragoness jumped in surprise, her tail stiffening instantly. "No way! My tail and dragon horns are off-limits!" Bailu glared at March 7th as if facing a formidable foe, her small hand resting on her gourd. It seemed she was ready to fiercely resist any move from the newcomer. Interrupted mid-conversation, Bochang spread his hands defensively. "March, don''t frighten the child." "Alright, alright, just joking around. So what were you discussing? Can I join in?" March 7th grinned, eagerly approaching them. "We were talking about meeting Lord Yukong," Bochang explained. "Hmph, if you want to see Director Yukong, I can help. Bailu has some connection with him." Bailu placed her hands on her hips confidently. Hearing this, Bochang felt slightly surprised, while March 7th''s face lit up with excitement. "Really?" "Of course," Bailu nodded. "With my assistance, I guarantee your freedom will be restored." "Then we''re counting on you, little Bailu." March 7th clasped her hands together eagerly. Confidently, Bailu turned and said, "I''ll go find Steering Officer Yukong right away. Just wait for my good news." The little dragon girl''s long hair was styled in twin ponytails at the back, swaying gently with each step, much like Tail''s movement. It looked quite charming. As they watched Bailu effortlessly enter the Palace of Astrum without any hindrance... At that moment, it dawned on March 7th. "Wait... Why would Bailu want to help us?" "I''m not sure," Bochang stroked his smooth chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps because I carry the scent of dragons, making her feel more comfortable around me." Slowly typing out a question mark, March 7th glanced up and down at Bochang, her expression filled with disbelief. "The scent of dragons?" "Don''t look at me like that." Bochang shook his head. "I don''t fully understand either; it''s all based on what Bailu told me. If you don''t believe me... you can ask Stelle." He deftly passed the responsibility to the gray-haired girl nearby. Noticing March 7th''s skeptical gaze, Stelle nodded earnestly. "But... isn''t that quite unusual? How could Bochang have the aura of a dragon?" March 7th remained unconvinced. "Could it be that whatever on Little Bailu... is just for decoration?" March 7th directly suspected Bailu might not be a genuine dragon. At this point, Serval and Welt Yang also approached curiously. "What''s going on with that little girl?" "Well, you see..." Bochang recounted the recent events in detail to them. Welt Yang observed, "I briefly examined her earlier, and it seems she has a rather exceptional status. Establishing a connection with her would undoubtedly be advantageous." The Xianzhou Alliance and Astral Express had minimal interactions; they didn''t really know anyone influential within those circles. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. They didn''t have any significant connections within the higher ranks. Of course... Dan Heng, who had been expelled from Luofu Immortal Continent, didn''t count. In any case, establishing ties through Bochang could only benefit Astral Express, with no potential drawbacks. "Uncle Yang, do you really believe Bochang is a dragon?" March 7th continued to dwell on this matter. Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses and replied, "Whether Bochang is a dragon or not isn''t important." "You know, I can understand why Bailu mistook me for a dragon," Bochang couldn''t resist explaining further. "After all... March, you''re aware that I have a move called Dragon Blast, right?" March 7th responded, "Sure, but it just has ''dragon'' in its name... We could easily come up with a dozen similar names in no time..." Bochang was momentarily speechless. After pondering for a moment, he sighed and said, "Never mind... It''s hard to explain clearly anyway. Suffice it to say, if Bailu perceives me as a dragon, then that''s how it is." At the entrance to the Palace of Astrum, just moments after Bailu entered, Tingyun emerged with her usual radiant smile. "My esteemed benefactors, thank you for waiting. Lord Yukong has been eagerly anticipating your arrival at the Palace of Astrum, along with... Lady Bailu." Tingyun glanced at Bochang, a hint of surprise in her eyes, "I had no idea this benefactor had connections to dragons. My apologies for my oversight." "Even I wasn''t aware of any connection to dragons," Bochang shook his head. Tingyun didn''t intend to linger in small talk. After some brief conversation, Tingyun led Bochang and his group into the Palace of Astrum, leaving Pascal and Sophia outside. However... Tingyun did not accompany them deep inside; she departed right after entering through the palace doors. Under the escort of Cloud Knights, Bochang''s party met with Yukong-sama, who oversaw the Sky-Faring Commission. Yukong was also from the fox race, with azure hair, purple eyes, a graceful figure, and a large white tail behind her. At Yukong''s side stood Bailu. Contrasting their initial confident demeanor upon arrival, now Bailu looked like a wilted eggplant after frost. "It seems the situation isn''t favorable... Did Bailu fail? Does Xianzhou suspect us as accomplices of the Stellaron Hunters?" Bochang''s mind raced at high speed. Upon noticing the Trailblaze squad entering, Yukong said, "Greetings to our guests from Astral Express. Tingyun and Bailu have already briefed me on the situation..." "It''s merely a Stellaron issue; the Alliance will handle it, no need for you to worry." Yukong first declined the assistance of Astral Express, then turned her gaze towards Bochang. "As for you... Bochang, Bailu mentioned detecting a dragon''s aura around you. I concur that this matter should be addressed by the Alchemy Commission. However, there is one thing I''d like to know¡ªhave you considered staying in Xianzhou in the future?" Chapter 121 - 120: But...I Refuse! Chapter 121 - 120: But...I Refuse!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The sudden question caught Bochang off guard, leaving him momentarily bewildered. Shouldn''t they be discussing matters related to Stellaron, the Stellaron Hunters, or whether Astral Express harbored malicious intent? Why did the conversation abruptly shift to his willingness to stay in Xianzhou? It seemed quite peculiar... "For now, no," Bochang shook his head. Yukong murmured, "I see... In that case, Bailu, please escort Bochang back to the Alchemy Commission." "What do you mean? Why should we take Bochang away?" Serval frowned, puzzled. March 7th and Stelle nodded in agreement. Welt Yang sensed something was amiss. Yukong crossed his arms. "Well... I cannot disclose details, but rest assured, Xianzhou would never harm him." This vague response naturally failed to convince March 7th and the others. Taking a step forward, Stelle declared, "You cannot take Bochang away." Tension suddenly escalated within the Palace of Astrum as numerous Cloud Knights materialized around them. "Before worrying about him, you should consider your own situation. Appearing at such a critical time in Xianzhou...and being members of the Stellaron Hunters¡ªSilver Wolf hacking the system to open the Jade World Gate for you. Do you truly expect us to believe that you''re with Astral Express?" Yukong''s tone turned confrontational, losing its previous warmth. There was no doubt regarding their affiliation with Astral Express. After all... Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Astral Express remained docked at Cloudford. "I think... Lord Yukong might be under some misunderstanding," Bochang shook his head. "If we were aligned with the Stellaron Hunters, how could we possibly be standing here conversing with you?" "That''s right, we came here with goodwill, only to be met with such deceit from your alliance." March 7th bristled indignantly. The thought that this situation arose because they had saved Tingyun further fueled their anger. Yukong shook his head, causing the pair of fox ears atop it to gently sway. "Words alone hold no proof," he said. "In any case... until you are cleared of suspicion, you cannot leave the Sky-Faring Commission. As for Bochang...you must not depart the Alchemy Commission." Standing beside Yukong, Bailu couldn''t help but cover her face with both hands, mimicking an ostrich burying its head in the sand¡ªa gesture perhaps acknowledging her inability to assist much. Fortunately, Bochang didn''t harbor high expectations from this young dragon girl either. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Shout loudly, "Yes, we are indeed with the Stellaron Hunters." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] Option Two: Use Steal on Yukong! ¡ª Completion Reward: Yukong''s Big Biodou. Option Three: Sardonically say, "As the Helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission, I expected profound insights from Lord Yukong, not such crude language." ¡ª Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans. All three options seemed quite absurd. The first option, admitting to being allied with the Stellaron Hunters, actually offered a reward? That was very peculiar. Regarding the second option, Bochang had little to comment. It reminded him of when he encountered Tingyun and this choice popped up before; regardless, he wouldn''t select it. Still young, he preferred not to experience the psychological trauma that Yukong''s Big Biodou might inflict. The third option required sardonically provoking Yukong. And the reward appeared exceptionally generous. Option One or Option Two? Bochang didn''t make an immediate decision. It had been some time since the introduction of these "Dating Options." Based on his observations so far, rewards with greater value typically demanded higher personal stakes¡ªoften involving embarrassing actions or words, potentially even inherent risks. Based on Bochang''s experience, options with exceptionally rich rewards typically demanded a higher personal cost. It might involve saying something deeply embarrassing or performing humiliating actions. Or perhaps...the choice itself carries inherent danger. Similar to when he faced Aha and was given the option to directly confront him. Attacking Aha could have been seen as amusing by the entity, but it would undoubtedly lead to Bochang being tormented, showcasing Aeon''s power. However... As long as the reward is favorable, it suggests that the required price would be acceptable to Bochang. "Yin-Yang Yukong...could it be dangerous?" Bochang muttered to himself, "But the first option isn''t appealing either; I can already imagine the looks on March 7th and Stelle''s faces when I say those words." He pondered, "Maybe this is why...choosing the first option comes with a reward." After hesitating for several seconds, Bochang ultimately succumbed to the allure of the twelve talismans'' power. "Option three." Having made his decision, the stalled world resumed its course. With a sardonic tone, Bochang remarked, "I had expected, as the helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission, Lord Yukong would have more refined insights. Yet, I''m surprised to hear such crude language from you." "How is my language crude?" Yukong''s gaze sharpened instantly, feeling like knives cutting through the air. Fortunately, Bochang''s thick skin rendered it ineffective. [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have obtained the power of the Monkey Talisman.] The Monkey Talisman could transform any object into any desired animal. For non-living entities, it would create corresponding statues instead. ? Now that I possess the power of the Monkey Talisman, couldn''t I change into anything at will? In that case... even if Xianzhou''s people are formidable, they likely wouldn''t be able to capture me, right. ? Unfazed, Bochang looked directly at Yukong and retorted, "Accusing innocent individuals without basis¡ªhow can anyone be cruder than that?" "Exactly," agreed March 7th, placing her hands on her hips with an approving expression. Welt Yang silently sighed upon hearing this exchange. Bailu grew anxious and repeatedly signaled to Bochang with her eyes, her hands gesturing restlessly alongside Tail. "You truly have no filter," Yukong''s eyes narrowed slightly before he turned to Bailu. "It seems...I can''t let you go with him, or else...Bochang might corrupt you." "Ah, but..." Bailu was momentarily at a loss for what to do. Fortunately, the Cloud General Jing Yuan, who governed Luofu, arrived just in time to intervene. He materialized within the Palace of Astrum via holographic projection. "Yukong, there''s no need to be so aggressive. If word gets out, won''t it bring ridicule from across the galaxy, suggesting that the Xianzhou Alliance lacks hospitality?" From then on... Jing Yuan took complete control of the conversation. Although this cloud knight''s attitude was not much different from Yukong''s, both opposed any involvement of Astral Express personnel with matters concerning Stellaron. However... Jing Yuan believed they were good people and had no intention of imprisoning them. Additionally, he had another request to make. That request involved capturing one of the Stellaron Hunters, Kafka. "Firstly, it would help clear your names from the false accusations made by the Stellaron Hunters. Secondly, we could learn their purpose for infiltrating Xianzhou and its connection to the recent Stellaron outbreak." Jing Yuan smiled warmly. "Members of the Train Brigade, what do you think?" In response to this proposal, Welt Yang chose to seek the opinions of his Trailblaze squad members. "What are your thoughts?" March 7th, Stelle, and Serval all wore thoughtful expressions. Bochang was about to reply when... [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Reply to Welt Yang: "I''ll just observe from here." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Reject the proposal: "Jing Yuan''s point is valid, but... I refuse!" - Completion Reward: Acquire skill, "I Refuse!" Upon using this skill, the person you reject will be immobilized for one second.] [Option 3: Accept the proposal: "We might as well go along with it." - Completion Reward: Be abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] Chapter 122 - 121: Dividing Forces Chapter 122 - 121: Dividing ForcesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The sudden appearance of options left Bochang momentarily speechless; he never anticipated that accepting Jing Yuan''s proposal would result in being abducted by the Stellaron Hunters. "Why would they target me? Is it because I went after Kafka and ended up captured instead?" "With the power from the Monkey Talisman, shouldn''t it have been harder for them to abduct me?" Bochang scrutinized the options carefully. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He immediately dismissed Option Three. That left only Options One and Two. "The skill ''I Refuse'' seems quite useful¡ªimmobilizing someone for one second can essentially decide the outcome of a battle. However, the activation condition is somewhat unclear. It says ''when you refuse...,'' but what exactly counts as refusing?" "Does it require the other party to make a request first, which I then decline?" "It would be more straightforward without any preconditions..." Bochang weighed the pros and cons internally. Finally, he decided¡ª "Option Two!" Bochang rejected the proposition, stating firmly, "What the General suggests makes sense, but... I refuse!" The system''s neutral electronic voice sounded... [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the skill ''I Refuse!'' Any creature you reject will be immobilized for one second.] Jing Yuan''s eyes widened slightly; he hadn''t anticipated that his proposal would be refused. Moreover... In the instant Bochang rejected him, an invisible force enveloped Jing Yuan, rendering him unable to move. "What?" The tall and handsome Cloud Knight frowned slightly and took half a step backward. Observing this reaction, Bochang declared, "One of my favorite things to do is tell those who think they can persuade me with just a simple¡ªno!" "Huh? What just happened?" Jing Yuan felt puzzled. For a moment, it seemed as though he was completely restrained, but then, in the very next second, he regained full mobility. It almost felt like an illusion. "No... This couldn''t be an illusion; something definitely occurred just now." Jing Yuan was certain about it. For that brief moment, he genuinely could not control his body''s movements, although he was still able to speak. Once "what" left his lips, Jing Yuan regained his freedom¡ªa peculiar sensation indeed. The cloud knight''s unusual behavior caught Yukong''s attention. The helmsman of the Sky-Faring Commission, puzzled, asked, "General Jing Yuan, is something wrong?" "It''s nothing; I just spotted a small insect," Jing Yuan replied with his usual gentle smile, as if nothing had occurred moments ago. "Additionally...I didn''t expect Little Brother Bochang to refuse so decisively, which took me slightly by surprise." Yukong remained silent, his intuition telling him that something definite must have happened just now. However... Since Jing Yuan chose not to elaborate, Yukong saw no reason to press further. Bochang had already made his stance clear. After a moment of thought, Stelle said, "I also decline." Serval nodded in agreement; she too was dissatisfied with the Xianzhou Alliance''s stance. Surprisingly, it was March 7th, who had complained the most throughout their journey, that did not echo their sentiments this time. March 7th scratched his head. "Um... I don''t think our refusal would be appropriate. After all, the Stellaron Hunters can still be considered our enemies." Welt Yang concurred, saying, "Indeed, capturing Kafka seems like the quickest way to uncover the truth." Although Jing Yuan sensed something peculiar about the recent events, he didn''t suspect Bochang directly. After all, they were separated by vast distances. The Jing Yuan present at the Palace of Astrum was merely a pale blue holographic projection. It seemed implausible for Bochang to influence the Cloud Knight General through such a projection alone. No matter how Jing Yuan pondered it, he found the idea unrealistic. Instead, it seemed more plausible that there might be something wrong with his own body. "It appears you''re facing some disagreement... No matter, take your time to consider before giving me a response. Rest assured, whether you accept or reject, the choice remains yours," Jing Yuan said. His gaze then shifted to the dragon girl standing nearby. "Ah... how opportune my arrival is! Just as I''ve been feeling quite weak and weary, why don''t you examine me, Bailu?" "No, not today," Bailu firmly declined without hesitation. "I snuck out for fun; I''m not taking any consultations now." "Bailu, don''t be so heartless..." Jing Yuan pleaded. Overhearing their casual conversation, Bochang realized just how exceptional Bailu''s status truly was. As the commander overseeing all of Luofu Immortal Continent, General Jing Yuan appeared to be on familiar terms with her. However... This matter wasn''t crucial at the moment. What was important now¡ªhow to respond to Jing Yuan''s proposal. The Trailblaze squad had effectively split into two groups. Serval and Stelle supported Bochang, while March 7th stood with Welt Yang. "I understand if Bochang doesn''t want to take action," said Welt Yang, pushing up his black-framed glasses. "In that case... let''s divide our forces." He continued, "March 7th and I will pursue Kafka, while you all can rest here on the Xianzhou. After all, your previous Trailblaze journey was quite arduous." "What do you think?" Welt Yang showed no intention of persuading Bochang; instead, he proposed splitting up their actions. This way, neither group would interfere with the other. March 7th hastily protested, "Hey, wait! You two aren''t backing out just because of some past sentiments, right?" "What past sentiments? We''re amnesiacs," Bochang quickly raised the memory loss flag once again. To pursue Kafka? Sorry... Bochang wouldn''t go, even if it meant certain death. Since the system warned about potential risks, there was no way he would take that chance. He wasn''t someone to stubbornly court danger. In fact... Bochang wanted to persuade Welt Yang and March 7th to abandon chasing Kafka altogether, aiming to avoid any possible risks. Unfortunately, after pondering for a moment, Bochang couldn''t figure out how to convince them to give up. Given March 7th''s headstrong nature, getting her to obediently refrain from causing trouble seemed virtually impossible. Even if there were no issues, March 7th would likely create some trouble. With the pursuit of Kafka, such a significant case right before her eyes, it was virtually impossible for March 7th not to be enticed. Welt''s gaze shifted from Bochang to Stelle and Serval, awaiting their responses. However... Neither of them seemed inclined to speak, merely watching Bochang silently. "How do you feel about this?" Welt prompted. After a brief silence, Bochang reasoned that the Stellaron Hunters were most likely targeting only him and wouldn''t harm others, so he saw no point in further persuasion. He simply nodded and said, "That sounds reasonable. Let''s split up then, Uncle Yang." "Agreed." With that, Welt turned towards Jing Yuan. Regarding the pursuit of Kafka, there were still matters he needed to confirm. However, Welt-Yang had some matters he needed to clarify. "Bochang, Stelle, Serval, you can''t be serious," March 7th persisted, hoping to dissuade them. Bochang''s stance remained firm. "We are serious, but...don''t worry, March. I''ll assist with the Stellaron issue; however, when it comes to pursuing Kafka, I won''t intervene. That responsibility lies solely with you." "You''re still clinging to past sentiments!" March 7th crossed his arms. "Bochang, have you started recalling your previous memories, which is why you refuse to act against Kafka?" Chapter 123 - 122: The General’s Auditory Hallucinations Chapter 123 - 122: The General''s Auditory HallucinationsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** March 7th''s tone carried a hint of jealousy. Within the Palace of Astrum, noticing Stelle''s gaze, Bochang gently tapped March 7th on the head. "Don''t let your imagination run wild." "Stop knocking my head," March 7th protested, yet she made no attempt to dodge. With another soft huff, she added, "I''m definitely onto something here." "Bochang, have you really remembered something from your past?" Stelle''s curiosity piqued, and her beautiful golden eyes locked onto him, shimmering with an unusual gleam. She was deeply invested in anything related to his memories¡ªa sentiment shared by virtually all individuals suffering from amnesia. Bochang shook his head repeatedly. "Don''t listen to March; I haven''t recalled anything specific. It''s just that I genuinely don''t want to work for the Alliance anymore." Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment flickered in Stelle''s eyes. Meanwhile, Welt Yang was conversing with Jing Yuan. With some free time, Bailu approached the group, gently swaying her dragon tail as she asked, "Bochang, where would you like to go next for fun?" "That... Bailu knows Xianzhou very well and can show you around." Bailu lifted her head, looking earnestly at Bochang. The young Vidyadhara girl before them had large eyes, pointed ears, dragon horns, and a dragon tail¡ªpossessing all these distinctive features. In short, she was incredibly adorable. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Follow Bailu - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option Two: Free Action ¡ª Completion Reward: Get abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option Three: Stay and Play at the Sky-Faring Commission ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] Whether joining Bailu or remaining at the Sky-Faring Commission didn''t matter. However, choosing free action would lead to trouble. Bochang thought, "Even if I don''t go after Kafka, the Stellaron Hunters will still come for me... It seems they''ve already set their sights on me." A slight unease settled within Bochang''s heart. To avoid capture by the Stellaron Hunters, it appeared that relying on external forces might be the only option, ensuring he wouldn''t be taken away. "Among the known Stellaron Hunters... there are two who have arrived at the Alliance: Kafka and Blade... Silver Wolf might be here or not... Tch... this is truly troublesome." "Now what should I choose?" After some thought, Bochang decided to follow Bailu''s suggestion. After all, he had just subtly jabbed at Yukong moments ago. While Bochang believed she likely wouldn''t hold it against him, it was still prudent to avoid further complications. "Option one." "All right, let''s have Bailu as our guide then. The destination choice is yours." This time, no specific dialogue options were provided; Bochang could improvise freely. [Rewards being issued¡ªCongratulations! You''ve received a bucket of building blocks. Use them for playtime with your child when idle.] The system''s notification went unnoticed by Bochang, as his mind was preoccupied with another question. "Why won''t anything go wrong if we follow Bailu? What''s so special about her?" Bochang couldn''t comprehend it. Having received a reassuring response, Bailu confidently patted her chest and declared, "Leave it to Bailu." This scene reminded Bochang of what had just transpired earlier. Bailu, brimming with confidence, had then experienced a major setback. If not for General Jing Yuan''s timely intervention, the Trailblaze squad likely would have needed to make a hasty escape. Unbeknownst to them, Welt-Yang and Jing Yuan''s conversation had concluded. The Cloud Knight General quietly approached their group. "Bailu, you''re referring to yourself as ''Bailu'' again? This general recalls that long ago, you insisted on calling yourself ''this young lady''... A Bailu claiming herself as ''Bailu'', truly adorable." In a playful gesture, Jing Yuan extended his hand, "Come here... let the general give you a head pat." Despite the Cloud Knight General''s impressive speed, Bailu could hardly evade in time. However... As Jing Yuan was merely a holographic projection, he couldn''t physically touch Bailu. Instead, he performed a theatrical yet intangible head-patting motion before everyone. Bailu couldn''t evade in time. However... As a holographic projection, Jing Yuan couldn''t actually touch Bailu at all. He merely performed a theatrical pantomime of patting her head before their audience. Startled, Bailu took two steps back, waving her small hands in the air. "Me?! This young lady never referred to herself as Bailu!" she exclaimed with a cough. "...That''s right, it was just General''s auditory hallucination." The dragon girl cleared her throat and then looked up, earnestly spinning tales despite their obvious falsehoods. Yukong could only shake his head in exasperation. "It seems there truly is something wrong with your health, General..." Bailu placed her hand on her chin and scrutinized Jing Yuan from top to bottom. "Whenever you have free time, remember to seek me out for a consultation." Unfazed, Jing Yuan smiled. "Actually, I...would like Bailu to examine me right now." "I''m unavailable at the moment; this young lady is quite busy," Bailu replied, once again declining him. Bailu declined once more. The Cloud Knight General almost annually visited her for health check-ups. Bailu was well aware of Jing Yuan''s physical condition. To put it simply¡ªafter sitting too long at the Seat of Divine Foresight, he had become excessively idle. If not for his status as the cloud knight general and his engaging, unpretentious manner, Bailu likely wouldn''t have bothered examining him at all. After being rebuffed again, Jing Yuan turned to Bochang and said, "It seems Bailu quite fancies you..." "Of course, I really enjoy the scent on Bochang," Bailu replied with hands on her hips. Bochang merely offered a polite smile. At that moment, Welt Yang approached them, gesturing to indicate it was time to leave. And so... After bidding farewell to Jing Yuan, Bochang and his group left the Palace of Astrum, accompanied by Bailu. The party walked together along the bustling streets. Welt Yang cautioned, "Bochang, when you''re on your own, remember to be cautious. Xianzhou is not entirely safe right now. Once March and I finish our tasks, we''ll contact you." "Understood... Uncle Yang, I''ll find ways to gather information about Stellaron," replied Bochang. Welt Yang merely nodded without adding further comments. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. At this point, the two groups parted ways. Bochang, Stelle, Serval, and Bailu set off together, while Welt Yang and March 7th followed Tingyun. Before separating... March 7th appeared hesitant, torn between capturing Kafka and joining Bochang''s group for their mission. Noticing this, Welt remarked, "It''s alright... March, if you want to join Bochang and the others, go ahead. I''ll handle Kafka." "That... no, it''s fine, Uncle Yang. I''ll stick with you." March 7th made her decision. The pink-haired girl wasn''t the only one wavering internally; Stelle felt similarly. If not for Bochang''s refusal, she believes she would have definitely chosen to accept the mission of capturing Kafka. After all... Stelle had many doubts and numerous things she wanted to say to Kafka. On that day, when he appeared on the train, he completely ignored her. This left Stelle feeling somewhat uneasy. Bochang''s powers of observation were not as keen as Welt Yang''s, and his attention was focused on Bailu, so... he entirely missed Stelle''s hesitation. Until¡ª["Dating Options" feature has been activated.] Chapter 124 - 123: Stelle’s Choice Chapter 124 - 123: Stelle''s ChoicePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option 1: Allow Stelle to pursue Kafka and say, "Stelle, it seems like you''re somewhat preoccupied. Are you thinking about Kafka? If you want to go after him, don''t worry about me." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Take hold of Stelle''s hand and say, "Let''s go, let''s explore Xianzhou together thoroughly." - Completion Reward: Double Gaze of Obsession. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 3: Do nothing - Completion Reward: Stelle leaves the party.] Upon seeing Option 2, Bochang was slightly taken aback. "Double? That doesn''t seem right. Logically, there should only be one gaze, as March 7th isn''t nearby. Wait... Could the other one possibly be Bailu?" At this thought, Bochang found it somewhat unbelievable. Regarding Serval... In Belobog, Bochang had initially gained favor with one of his Dating Options by playing bass and wooing them, eventually convincing her to leave. But what about Bailu? Bochang hadn''t done anything significant yet... If pressed, the only action he could recall was briefly patting her head earlier. "Right... When I touched Bailu''s head, she didn''t resist, but when Jing Yuan tried..." Bochang pondered. "Could the Dragon Talisman''s magic have such a strong allure for Bailu?" After some thought, unable to find an answer, Bochang shifted his focus onto the other two options: Option One and Option Three. He sensed that these two options would ultimately lead to the same outcome: Stelle leaving the group to capture Kafka alongside Welt Yang. The only difference lay in the process... One involved Bochang persuading Stelle to go, while the other required Stelle making the decision herself. From Option Two, it seemed that to change the story''s outcome, Bochang would likely need to disrupt Stelle''s emotional state. Without Serval and Bailu present, Bochang might have considered this approach. However, with them watching... Bochang could only let Stelle pursue Kafka, as Option Three offered no rewards and thus wasn''t worth considering. "Option One." Bochang looked at the gray-haired girl and said, "Stelle, you seem somewhat preoccupied. Is it about Kafka? If you want to go after him, don''t worry about me." Upon hearing this, Stelle appeared taken aback, momentarily unsure of how to respond. Serval blinked, suddenly realizing that if Stelle also left, she would be alone with Bochang for the remainder of their journey. As for Pascal the robot, Sophia the familiar, and Bailu who seemed to have her own background - Serval didn''t give them much thought. "Does Stelle want to go?" Serval asked. Stelle hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I must admit, I am concerned about Kafka''s situation." It was impossible for the gray-haired girl not to care about Kafka. After all... In "Remembrance," there were no memories of Bochang but several involving Kafka. She also clearly remembered his name. Stelle continued, "But... but I''d like to accompany Bochang around instead." "This task can be entrusted to me." With her black guitar slung over her back, Serval placed one hand on her hip and gently flicked her golden hair aside. Her demeanor exuded confidence and assurance, "I''ll take good care of Bochang; you can go without worry." Strangely, upon hearing this, Stelle felt even more uneasy. How could she describe it? Even Stelle couldn''t articulate it precisely, but there was an indescribable discomfort within her. Bochang''s tone softened. "It''s your choice, Stelle. I won''t force you, but... I still hope you make decisions based on your own thoughts, not just out of concern for me." sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "...I understand." Stelle looked deeply into Bochang''s eyes. His black pupils were as bright as when they first met, reminiscent of their time at the Herta Space Station. Initially, their relationship had been quite ordinary. Stelle even thought to herself, "I probably wouldn''t look for a boyfriend like him." However, everything changed with Bochang''s awe-inspiring Dragon Blast. It subtly altered her perception of him. From Bochang''s gaze, she also felt encouragement and support. "Yes... I can''t rely on him for everything; I must have my own thoughts." After a brief three-second pause, Stelle responded firmly, "Alright, then I''ll join Uncle Yang and the others. Sorry, Bochang, although I really want to be with you too, I... cannot ignore Kafka." "I''ll be going now." With that, Stelle turned around, ready to catch up with Welt-Yang, March 7th, and Tingyun who had taken another route. At that moment... [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received the item: Ultra Soft Facial Tissues (1 box). Whether used for wiping your mouth, bottom, or crafting purposes, it promises an exceptionally pleasant experience.] Clearly, this time Bochang did not draw anything particularly valuable. Completely ignoring the system''s notification sound, Bochang reached out to stop her and said, "Wait a moment." "What is it?" Stelle halted, turning back with a slightly puzzled expression. "If you''re aiming to capture Kafka, I think this might come in handy." Bochang retrieved an item from his System space¡ªthe Dog Medal. "When worn, it significantly enhances your sense of smell. Within a ten-kilometer radius, it guarantees precise detection of your target." The Dog Medal resembled a black stray dog and had a pin on the back, allowing it to be attached to clothing. Stelle asked, "Your meaning is... you''ll lend it to me?" "Of course." Bochang nodded. Having learned from past experiences, he refrained from casually offering to give away the Dog Medal this time, to avoid potential unintended consequences. "Although I''ve heard from others that you sometimes produce peculiar items, seeing it firsthand still feels truly remarkable." Serval looked at Bochang as if observing a rare specimen, especially when recalling the possibility of his connection with dragons. What else could he be but a rare specimen? "Come to think of it... if Bochang really has ties to dragons and isn''t purely human, would there be reproductive barriers?" This thought crossed Serval''s mind, drawing upon his background as a former researcher for the Silvermane Guards. Unconsciously, her thoughts drifted towards some peculiar scenarios. "It''s nothing, Serval. You''ll get used to it over time," Bochang reassured her with a smile. Seeing this exchange, Stelle reached out and accepted the Dog Medal. Bailu silently listened to their conversation without uttering a word. Her curious gaze remained fixed on the Dog Medal. As for its authenticity, Bailu had no doubts whatsoever. "If I had something like this... Miss here wouldn''t be captured so easily, right? Just by memorizing those Alchemy Commission guys'' scents, once they come close, I could instantly make my escape!" With this thought, Bailu felt a slight surge of excitement within her. But how could she acquire such an item? That was the question. Shortly after... Stelle departed. Bochang''s squad diminished by one member. Only Serval, Bailu, Pascal, and Sophia remained. Chapter 125 - 124: Guessing Correctly Chapter 125 - 124: Guessing CorrectlyPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After the disaster struck Stellaron, the Central Starskiff Haven became one of the refuge sites for displaced residents from Xianzhou. Bailu, accompanied by Bochang and Serval, was exploring this place. The trio, consisting of two adults and a child, drew much attention on the bustling streets, resembling a family outing with their young charge. Meanwhile, Pascal and Sophia were tasked by Bochang to gather information about Stellaron''s situation. With Sophia''s ability to communicate with animals, she could easily enlist their help. This is precisely why Bochang kept Sophia around. In times like these, even a palm-sized princess can prove useful. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. While Sophia investigates, Bochang enjoys his leisure without worrying about intelligence gathering. He trusts that once Sophia uncovers something significant, it won''t be too late for him to act. The Central Starskiff Haven was vast, filled with numerous ancient and quaint buildings lining up like fish scales. Throughout the streets of Xianzhou Luofu, one could spot various tea stalls equipped with sunshades, ranging from small to large. In some teahouses, dedicated storytellers entertained patrons. "Last time we left off, during that era, weapons from across the realm were collected to forge colossal golden statues..." As they walked amidst the sounds echoing through the streets, Bochang encountered several non-human beings adorned with unique accessories. The most common were foxfolk, followed by the pointed-eared Vidyadhara. Outlanders varied greatly in appearance. Bochang even spotted a robot, which evoked a sense of wonder... Indeed, the Xianzhou Alliance lived up to its reputation as a civilization traversing the universe. "Bochang, try this¡ªit''s called Laughing Lotus Cake. When you take a bite, it emits a crisp laughter sound." While passing a street vendor, Bailu took Bochang''s hand and led him to sample Xianzhou Luofu''s renowned pastries. The shop owner, a female Vidyadhara, looked at the dragon girl and said, "Lady Bailu, with your description, what fun is there left in eating these Singing Lotus Cakes? The surprise only truly happens when someone unsuspecting bites into one." "You make a valid point, but... I don''t intend to prank Bochang," Bailu replied, hands on her hips as her slender dragon tail swayed behind her. "Boss, give us three portions, please." Singing Lotus Cakes were pastries made from singing lotus roots. When bitten into, they emitted a crisp laughter sound. Consequently, some locals occasionally used them to tease unsuspecting outsiders. "Alright, alright." The female owner promptly produced three servings of Singing Lotus Cakes. As the future High Elder of Vidyadhara, Bailu certainly wasn''t short on funds. Before leaving... Jing Yuan had also instructed Bailu and Tingyun to take care of the Astral Express''s guests accordingly. As a result, Bailu''s excursion now counted as officially sanctioned, rather than an unauthorized escape. She needn''t worry about being apprehended by the Alchemy Commission. After all, it was General Jing Yuan''s directive. Bochang looked at the piece of Singing Lotus Cake in his hand. He then picked up a portion with a toothpick. Taking a bite, the golden crust crumbled, revealing a perfect blend of the cake''s sweetness and the crispness of lotus root slices. The flavors wildly stimulated his taste buds, making him salivate profusely. At that moment... The edge of the Singing Lotus Cake indeed emitted a clear laughter. Despite being mentally prepared, Bochang still felt his heart race. Without any prior knowledge, one could easily imagine the expression someone would have upon their first bite of Singing Lotus Cake. Upon seeing Bochang take a bite, Serval also took a bite and exclaimed, "It''s really delicious! The sudden laughter is just a bit startling." "It''s not too bad; you get used to it after eating it a few times." Bailu finished her piece of Singing Lotus Cake in mere bites before quickly moving on to the next one, displaying remarkable speed. Perhaps due to frequently being chased by Cloud Knights, she had honed the skill of eating swiftly. As they traveled, accompanied by the crisp laughter from the cakes, Bochang and his companions continued their journey, enjoying the Singing Lotus Cakes along the way. On the streets of Luofu Immortal Continent, numerous vending machines offered a variety of beverages. Unlike the diverse carbonated drinks found in Belobog, those here in Luofu Immortal Continent had their own unique charm. Examples included Soda Soy Milk, Scale Abyss Ice Spring Water, and more... "However, Bailu prefers drinking Immortal Delight Tea, which we can find up ahead." After finishing her Singing Lotus Cake, Bailu seemed eager and said, "Follow me." Bailu quickened her pace. Bochang and Serval exchanged glances, then hurried to catch up with her. After obtaining their Immortal Delight Tea... Serval hesitated, "This drink... isn''t it quite high in calories?" "It''s not like we''re having it often, don''t worry." Bochang waved his hand nonchalantly. Serval pondered for a moment, finding the reasoning valid, and joined in sipping the tea. And so... Bailu led Bochang and Serval on a culinary adventure, indulging in food and drinks along the way. Meanwhile, Welt-Yang and Sophia were still diligently working... When March 7th saw Stelle rushing over, she was initially quite excited. She had expected Bochang to arrive as well, but only the gray-haired girl showed up. However, when Stelle presented the Dog Medal, March 7th''s mood improved slightly. She muttered, "At least he remembers somewhat." "Bochang must have his own reasons for acting this way," Welt Yang remarked, adjusting his black-framed glasses. "Didn''t he mention wanting to investigate matters related to Stellaron? Little March, let''s not dwell on it." "Instead of worrying about that, we should consider what challenges lie ahead." Earlier, Tingyun had informed Welt and the others about Kafka''s situation. In summary, their next task was to apprehend someone at Stargazer Navalia. This location fell under the jurisdiction of the Artisanship Commission. Currently, Stargazer Navalia faced similar circumstances as Cloudford due to the Stellaron disaster. The Caelum ceased its rotation, the watchtowers were compromised, and monsters roamed unchecked within. The Cloud Knights were preoccupied with locating Stellaron, leaving no bandwidth for other matters. In other words... Welt Yang, March 7th, and Stelle would have to confront not only a group of monsters but also capture Kafka¡ªan infamous Stellaron Hunter with a bounty carrying astronomical figures¡ªwithout any backup. Welt Yang cautioned, "The Stellaron Hunters we''re up against may not be limited to just Kafka." "Uncle Yang, do you think that Silver Wolf might be there too?" March 7th spread his hands questioningly. Welt Yang shook his head. "No... I''m concerned that among our enemies, Blade might also be present..." "Blade?" Stelle rested his chin on one hand, deep in thought. "But wasn''t Blade already captured by Xianzhou?" "Regardless of whether Blade''s arrest is true or not, at least for now... it''s highly possible that Blade has already escaped Xianzhou''s control," March 7th continued, spreading his hands. "Otherwise, there would be no explanation for why Xianzhou allows outsiders to intervene with the Stellaron Hunters, despite their usual strictness." "Think about it carefully. If the Cloud Knights have captured members of the Stellaron Hunters, they could simply follow this lead to pursue Kafka. Why involve us to draw him out instead?" Stelle deduced, "The Alliance is using us as bait..." "I see, Uncle Yang is truly clever," March 7th admired. Welt Yang slightly shook his head and said, "Bochang likely guessed this too, which is why he chose to act independently... I only realized it after he refused Jing Yuan''s offer. If my assumption is correct, he must also be searching for Blade''s whereabouts." Meanwhile, on the other side, enjoying himself amidst food and leisure, Bochang suddenly sneezed loudly. Chapter 126 - 125: Turmoil Chapter 126 - 125: TurmoilPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Immortal Delight Tea. It resembled bubble tea at first glance, with edible "black pearls" at the bottom of the cup and a layer of creamed ice drizzled on top. The first sip was refreshingly cool, carrying a rich milk aroma. Perfect for enjoying during summer days. This also reminded Bochang of his past experiences sipping bubble tea back on Earth. The Immortal Delight Tea tasted exceptionally sweet, much sweeter than any tea he had before, but... it wasn''t overpowering or cloying, making it absolutely delightful. As he continued drinking, Bochang even wondered if there might be some secret ingredient added to make it so delectable. How else could it taste this amazing? After finishing one cup... Bochang found himself craving another. "The outside world is truly fascinating." Serval, holding her Immortal Delight Tea, observed everything around Xianzhou Luofu. The architectural style here was vastly different from Belobog''s. Even the cuisine showed significant variations. Of course... What stood out most were the people themselves. As Bailu guided Bochang and Serval through food and drink, she enthusiastically introduced them to Xianzhou Luofu. Her explanations ranged from local cuisine to green landscapes, then shifted from Xianzhou residents to the Realm-Keeping Commission¡ªessentially discussing whatever came to mind. Through this dragon girl''s insights, Bochang and Serval gained a deeper understanding of Xianzhou Luofu. The Xianzhou people, with their immeasurable lifespans, ceased aging physically once they reached adulthood. The fox race, known for lifespans spanning three to four centuries, were astute and dexterous, particularly skilled as pilots. And among them were the immortal dragon descendants¡ªthe Vidyadhara¡ªwho aged incredibly slowly and reincarnated via egg formation. The outlanders, or non-native inhabitants, displayed even greater diversity, encompassing individuals from every conceivable race. Serval felt that venturing here was indeed the right choice. Staying confined in Belobog would have been akin to observing the world from the bottom of a well. Only by stepping outside could one truly experience the vastness of existence. "Theoretically, Xianzhou people have infinite lifespan," Bailu said with a hint of melancholy in her voice, "but around a millennium, they typically face the affliction of Mara-Strike." As a healer, she had encountered this condition far too often. Mara-Strike was an incurable malady, a dark side effect inherent to Changsheng bloodlines. Its onset seemed linked to intense emotions; thus, to avoid succumbing to Mara-Strike, Xianzhou individuals would take Heartless Pills to suppress their feelings and desires. It indeed carried a distinct air of the Adepti''s detachment. "Vidyadhara, on the other hand, usually live for five or six hundred years before undergoing rebirth through an egg." Bailu spread her small hands. "Of course... due to the loss of Remembrance during the samsara cycle, one cannot consider them the same individual before and after rebirth." "Even so, living for five or six centuries is quite remarkable," Serval remarked wistfully. As an ordinary human, her lifespan barely exceeded a century. Not only did she fall short compared to Vidyadhara, but even foxfolk had longer lifespans. As for Xianzhou humans, it wasn''t worth comparing at all. Bailu nodded, "Indeed." The topic of lifespan brought a slightly somber tone to the conversation. "Lifespan... If I could just draw the Dog Talisman, I''d achieve immortality, and presumably, I might also be able to share its magical power with others, granting them shared eternal life..." Bochang''s thoughts drifted away, "While ensuring immortality for a large group may be unfeasible, making a few or even up to ten individuals immortal should still be possible." The Dog Talisman was one Bochang desperately hoped to obtain. Unfortunately, so far, he hadn''t managed to draw it. Having already acquired four of the twelve talismans, eight more draws would guarantee obtaining the Dog Talisman. Bochang remained patient. After all... based on current observations, once a talisman is drawn, it seems unlikely to appear again. If duplicates of talismans started appearing as rewards, it would be utterly frustrating. Continuing along the main street for some distance, they heard a sudden commotion nearby. Bochang and his companions looked over to see residents hastily fleeing from that direction, their faces filled with terror. Regardless of whether they were Xianzhou people, foxfolk, Vidyadharas, or outlanders, everyone reacted the same way. People scrambled away in panic, while only the Cloud Knights responsible for maintaining order moved against the tide. Clad in light silver armor and wielding formation blades, these Cloud Knights became the sole hope amidst the chaos. Amidst the clamor, Bochang picked up on crucial information¡ªmonsters. "Has the Stellaron disaster reached here?" Bochang couldn''t simply stand by. He declared, "Let''s go, we must investigate." "Agreed," Serval and Bailu nodded in unison. Although nearby Cloud Knights were already rushing towards the commotion, still... Bochang decided to offer assistance. As he prepared to move against the crowd flow... Serval had a sudden thought and said, "Bailu, perhaps...you should wait here. It might be dangerous ahead." "Don''t worry about me; my martial skills are quite proficient." Bailu placed her hands on her hips confidently. Bochang wasn''t concerned for her safety at all. After all, despite her small appearance, Bailu was one of the characters from the game, which meant she must have unlocked her fate path. Even if her combat strength wasn''t formidable, it would certainly surpass that of ordinary people. Moreover, if Bochang remembered correctly: In her character PV, Bailu effortlessly defeated several Cloud Knights. Worrying about Bailu''s safety seemed unnecessary. Instead, he worried more about those Cloud Knights. Bochang reached behind his back and drew the Vow Spear. As for why he carried a flying blue spear on his back, it was simply to avoid drawing too much attention. "Let''s go then," Bochang nodded, leading the charge ahead. Bailu closely followed him. Serval observed the dragon girl with slight concern but, since Bochang agreed to her presence, there wasn''t much she could say. After all... Bochang was incredibly strong. He undoubtedly had the confidence to protect Bailu. With these thoughts in mind... Serval removed her guitar from her back, prepared herself for battle, and joined Bochang and Bailu in their advance. As soon as some Cloud Knights noticed them, they quickly stepped forward to warn, "Don''t proceed any further. Rift creatures have appeared up ahead; follow the crowd and flee for your lives. Leave the monsters to us." Since they were behind Bochang, the diminutive Bailu went unnoticed by the Cloud Knights. Just as Bochang was about to explain... Bailu abruptly leaped onto his back, peeking out and wagging her tail, she exclaimed, "Out of my way! Don''t block this young lady''s path!" "Bailu-sama?" The Cloud Knight blocking their path was taken aback. Many Cloud Knights recognized this dragon girl... In fact, quite a few stationed within the city had either directly or indirectly participated in special operations to apprehend her. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Some Cloud Knights had even been injured by Bailu in the past. Coincidentally, the one standing before them now had suffered such injuries at her hands... "If it''s Lady Bailu, then there''s no issue. However, I must remind you... It is rumored that numerous rift creatures have been spotted ahead. Please be extremely cautious." The Cloud Knights stepped aside. To prevent any further incidents, Bochang decided to carry Bailu on his back and swiftly charged forward without hesitation. As for why they didn''t fly? It was simply due to the short distance, coupled with the presence of Serval and Bailu. Thus, running proved more efficient than flying. Chapter 127 - 126: Overexerting Force Chapter 127 - 126: Overexerting ForcePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Move aside! Don''t block my way!" Bailu shouted from atop Bochang''s back, waving her fists and tail to clear a path. The crowd promptly parted, making room for them without daring to obstruct their progress. Inwardly, they wondered: "When did Lord Bailu start enforcing order?" Against the flow, it took only a few dozen seconds for Bochang, Serval, and Bailu to reach the area where rift creatures had appeared. Although not yet fully corrupted by the rift, this location...had indeed spawned rift creatures due to the Stellaron''s influence. If these monsters were not swiftly eliminated, the area would soon succumb to further rift corrosion, leading to more creature spawns¡ªa vicious cycle. Upon arriving at the front line, Bochang realized that the enemies were familiar foes. Several Imaginary Weavers, numerous weak Thunderstrike, Windswirl, and Flameflow Constructs, along with one Stormbringer and a Blaze Out of Space confronted them. Ahead, about a dozen Cloud Knights were already engaged in battle with the rift creatures. Surveying the scene, he spotted injured civilians and wounded Cloud Knights scattered around street corners. These individuals didn''t require immediate attention, as more Cloud Knights were continuously arriving to tend to the wounded. Currently, Xianzhou Luofu had already abandoned several areas heavily affected by rift erosion, such as Cloudford and Stargazer Navalia... The remaining Cloud Knights were concentrated in key prosperous districts, both to protect civilians and locate the Stellaron''s position. Even without Bochang''s intervention, the invading rift creatures here wouldn''t have caused significant chaos. But now that he was present, their fate was sealed. Bochang targeted the unattended Blaze Out of Space and hurled his spear. The Vow Spear pierced through the air like an arrow released from its bow, hurtling towards the humanoid black-red monster. Hovering above the ground, the Blaze Out of Space manipulated flames, wreaking havoc on structures across Xianzhou Luofu. "Boom! Boom! Boom!" Fireballs exploded, spreading flames in all directions. Buildings ignited and collapsed with deafening crashes; fortunately, most residents had already been evacuated... Given the creature''s destructive efficiency, many casualties would have occurred otherwise. The Blaze Out of Space reveled in its destructive spree until confronted by a blue meteor. A chilling gleam emanated from the spear tip, aiming directly at its head, causing a sharp pain between its brows. Unwilling to face the attack head-on, Blaze Out of Space swiftly evaded with a graceful movement, distancing itself significantly. Thinking it had avoided the strike, it was caught off guard as the Vow Spear abruptly changed course to follow its movements. Terrified, the crimson-black humanoid monster waved its arms, commanding multiple fireballs to assault the Vow Spear. Just barely managing to alter its trajectory, the spear narrowly missed Blaze Out of Space, skimming past its head. Then... Blaze Out of Space''s gaze fell upon Bochang. Earlier, several Cloud Knights had attempted to halt its rampage but were all repelled. As an Elite Enemy, accompanied by over a dozen Flameflow Constructs, Blaze Out of Space indeed posed a formidable challenge. Of course... This held true only for ordinary Cloud Knights. Bailu remained perched on Bochang''s back, but sensing the imminent battle, she reluctantly jumped down. With a sudden gesture, Blaze Out of Space pointed menacingly towards them. The dozen Flameflow Constructs rushed forward, converging like a wall of fire¡ªa sight truly daunting. Normally, when Bochang and his comrades fought together, March 7th''s rapid archery effortlessly disrupted the enemy formations. But now... With March 7th absent, it all depended on Bochang alone. Just as he prepared to unleash a Dragon Blast, Serval''s voice echoed from beside him. "Follow...my rhythm!" Her slender fingers danced across the guitar strings, as the confident blonde took a step forward. Purple electrical sparks coursed along her body and the black guitar. In the next moment... Purple lightning descended from the sky, wildly arcing between the Flameflow Constructs. Instantaneously. A fierce interplay of thunder and flames triggered explosive blasts, scattering the constructs and disrupting their formation entirely. Holding the black guitar, Serval skillfully wielded the power of lightning with impressive mastery. Witnessing this, not to be outdone, Bailu retrieved her gourd, vigorously shook it a few times, and then opened its lid, directing it towards the Flameflow Constructs. A torrent of swirling water burst forth from the tiny mouth of the gourd, instantly engulfing their airborne enemies. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Clearly, Bailu''s gourd was a treasured artifact, likely with spatial properties; otherwise, it couldn''t hold such a vast amount of water. Having barely recovered from the lightning strike, the Flameflow Constructs were now overwhelmed by the flood. Their flames extinguished swiftly, leaving them momentarily incapacitated. Serval continued plucking her strings, unleashing more thunderous power. The Flameflow Constructs began to rapidly wilt and perish. With Serval and Bailu working together seamlessly, they effortlessly killed most of the Flameflow Constructs, sparing only a few lucky survivors. "Nice work," Bochang nodded in praise. The petite Bailu smiled, "For me, it was as easy as child''s play." Realizing these adversaries were formidable, Blaze Out of Space opted for a hit-and-run strategy. However, just as it started forming a fireball, the Vow Spear reappeared from behind, catching up once again. Focused on Bochang and his allies, Blaze Out of Space keenly sensed the approaching danger from behind. Sensing the approaching disturbance from behind, Blaze instinctively attempted to repeat its evasive maneuver. "Still trying to run?" Bochang raised his hand and unleashed a powerful Dragon Blast directly at the target. Caught between this pincer attack, the Blaze Out of Space met its swift demise as flames engulfed its body, while the Vow Spear pierced through its head. After striking down the enemy, the fiery pillar did not stop but continued flying far into the distance. Ultimately, it exploded several buildings, submerging them in a sea of flames with crackling sounds. Even Bochang was startled by the destruction. Fortunately, the area had been evacuated earlier, preventing any accidental injuries. "Oh no... I might have overdone it. Hopefully nobody noticed." Bochang furtively glanced around, feeling uneasy. The formidable Stormbringer had already been swiftly killed by the arriving Cloud Knights. Only some minor creatures remained, unlikely to persist for long. Everyone was now busy clearing the battlefield, with few paying attention to this incident. At most, they were alarmed by the massive explosion sound. Bailu and Serval definitely witnessed it, though. The young dragon girl looked stunned and exclaimed, "Bochang, why did you blow up Tingyun''s Midflame Trading Company... so thoroughly, leaving not a single building intact? Um... surely you''re not still harboring resentment against her, right?" Bailu spread her hands helplessly, her facial expression a mix of amusement and disbelief. While this wasn''t the headquarters of the Midflame Trading Company, it... was still a significant branch, undoubtedly storing valuable goods within. With one well-aimed shot, Bochang efficiently demolished several interconnected buildings belonging to the Midflame Trading Company without causing any collateral damage. It was hard for Bailu not to suspect ulterior motives. "Ah? Tingyun''s Midflame Trading Company? A misunderstanding, completely a misunderstanding! I hold no grudges or grievances against Tingyun; why would I target her? Besides, I wasn''t even aware of her connection to the Midflame Trading Company." Bochang vigorously shook his head. Although he was indeed the culprit, he refused to shoulder the blame unjustly. Bailu placed a hand on her hip and warned, "If Tingyun finds out, she''ll definitely come after you." Meanwhile, from the shadows, a pair of crimson eyes were fixed intently on Bochang. This gaze triggered a faint reaction in Bochang''s Spider Sense. Chapter 128 - 127: Appearances Can Be Deceiving Chapter 128 - 127: Appearances Can Be DeceivingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Who is it?" Bochang''s Spider Sense detected malicious intent. He followed the direction of the sensation and witnessed only an Imaginary Spinner being defeated by the Cloud Knights. It must be said... Compared to Belobog''s Silvermane Guards, Xianzhou''s Cloud Knights were far superior. They swiftly suppressed the chaos caused by rift creatures within mere minutes. Even against elite monsters that seemed somewhat challenging, a coordinated attack from ten or so Cloud Knights could swiftly defeat them, minimizing any significant impact. This relieved Bochang somewhat. Now, there was no need for his group to intervene. They simply had to observe the Cloud Knights clean up the battlefield, dispatching the remaining stragglers. "An Imaginary Spinner? Strange..." Noticing Bochang''s furrowed brow, Serval asked, "What''s wrong, Bochang?" "Nothing much, just felt slightly uneasy for a moment," Bochang replied with a slight shake of his head. Considering this was a frontline battlefield, occasional Spider Sense reactions were not unusual, and he didn''t give it further thought. Bailu tiptoed and patted him on the arm. "Don''t worry, Bochang, I won''t tell Tingyun about this." "You have my word," Bochang responded promptly. After all, the recent Blaze Out of Space had destroyed numerous houses. As long as no one informed on him, Tingyun couldn''t possibly know that Bochang was responsible for blowing up her Minghuo Merchant Group. Even if she became furious, crying and throwing tantrums, it wouldn''t concern him. "Come to think of it... Tingyun should be helping Uncle Yang and others chase down Kafka right now. Wonder how their progress is going?" Bochang pondered silently. Serval glanced at Bailu and remarked, "I didn''t expect you to be quite impressive, Bailu. That gourd of yours is truly a treasure." "Hmph, naturally," Bailu responded proudly, hands on her hips with an air of superiority. Even her tail behind her couldn''t help but sway gently. Bochang shot her a sideways glance - with the gourd and dragon horn, for some reason, she reminded him of Silver Horn King from folklore. As the trio chatted... A Cloud Knight approached them, saying, "Lord Bailu, thanks to your swift intervention, we avoided significant casualties that could have otherwise occurred." The dozen or so Cloud Knights had been battling Stormbringer alongside its Xun Feng creations. They suffered four lightly injured and one severely wounded. Without Bochang killing Blaze Out of Space, which drew attention to Stormbringer''s predicament and prompted reinforcements, the casualty count would have risen dramatically. "No worries, it was just a minor incident. No need to rush here and personally thank me," Bailu waved her hand dismissively, then sighed with a shake of her head, "What a pity... The Blaze merchant group still suffered significant losses during the battle." "The Blaze merchant group? Indeed, but given the relentless onslaught of rift creatures, there was little we could do. The Cloud Knights did their utmost to protect Xianzhou''s assets." The nearby cloud knight agreed sympathetically. He held the highest rank among the present cloud knights, easily recognizable to Bailu at a glance. As one who played a pivotal role in vanquishing Stormbringer, his endorsement that the Blaze merchant group''s destruction was solely due to the rift creatures would be crucial. With this affirmation... Bochang should be safe from blame. This is precisely why Bailu made such remarks earlier, aiming to gauge his stance. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Having received this favorable response, Bailu felt quite satisfied. "You''ve all worked tirelessly. Bring the injured over; I''ll tend to them." As a healer from the Alchemy Commission, tending to the sick and injured was Bailu''s primary duty. The highest-ranking Cloud Knight present had approached Bailu precisely for her healing expertise. Upon receiving the desired response, he said, "Excellent, Lady Bailu. I will immediately organize the wounded." To be frank, while the Cloud Knights were formidable, there existed an unavoidable issue: Among older cloud knights, severe injuries could lead them to become Mara-Struck, especially under the influence of Stellaron. This risk affected even younger knights, with the critical age continually decreasing, significantly increasing their likelihood of succumbing to Mara-Struck state. This is why... Despite having the mighty Hunt Emanator stationed on Xianzhou Luofu, capable of interstellar travel, chaos still ensued when confronted with the Stellaron catastrophe. The enemies of the Cloud Knights were not just rift creatures; they also faced the threat of their own comrades turning Mara-Struck. Additionally, there were their own Mara-Struck individuals. Abandoning places like Cloudford and Stargazer Navalia was largely due to this unforeseen factor. Suddenly afflicted cloud knights and rift creatures combined forces, breaching the Xianzhou''s defenses. As of now, many Mara-Struck soldiers still roamed the lost territories, attacking any living beings they encountered. The Cloud Knights swiftly brought over the injured, including both wounded cloud riders and affected civilians. Bailu sprang into action immediately. She skillfully reset bones, applied bandages, and administered medicinal ointments. Even the water from her gourd had healing properties, reminiscent of Bochang''s Lotus Blossom Tongue ability¡ªa truly wondrous sight. Heeding Himeko''s warning, Bochang refrained from using his skills casually. Instead, he sat with Serval on nearby chairs, watching as Bailu tended to the injured. "I didn''t expect her to be not only skilled in combat but also proficient in healing. Appearances can indeed be deceiving..." Serval rested his chin on one hand. "If she were from Belobog, she''d probably still be playing with mud right now." "Indeed," Bochang nodded. The ears of the young dragoness treating the injured twitched slightly, clearly picking up on their conversation. However, with urgent matters at hand, Bailu had no time for idle chatter. Watching the adept and precise movements of the dragoness, Serval was utterly amazed. With nothing pressing to do, Bochang sent a few messages in the group chat, updating them on their current situation. Shortly after sending: Stars: We''re tracking Kafka''s trail in Stargazer Navalia. So far, it feels like we''ve been led by the nose the entire time. Bochang: I see... Make sure to stay safe. Stars: Yes, don''t worry. What are you doing now? Bochang: Serval and I are still at Central Starskiff Haven. Just now, we encountered a disturbance caused by rift creatures. It took some effort, but working with the Cloud Knights, we managed to eliminate those monsters. In the group chat "Astral Express Family," which now included Serval with her upgraded universe-grade smartphone matching Bochang''s model... As Bochang and Stelle conversed, Serval could also follow along. Unsure what to contribute, she casually sent a Pom-Pom meme. March 7th: Bochang, how is your investigation progressing? Bochang: Not much progress yet. He assumed the question referred to the Stellaron matter, so he responded accordingly. Meanwhile, on the other side... Sophia, hidden within Pascal''s body, utilized her unique abilities. Sophia mobilized all her animal friends across Xianzhou. Birds soaring in the sky, dogs running on the ground, fish swimming in water, Even the myriad insects found everywhere¡ª All became Sophia''s eyes and ears. An intelligence network imperceptible to ordinary individuals rapidly took shape throughout Xianzhou Luofu. Chapter 129 - 128: The Fox Casting Illusions Chapter 129 - 128: The Fox Casting IllusionsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After spending half an hour... S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bailu finally finished her work. This swift completion was only possible thanks to the assistance of individuals from the Alchemy Commission who rushed over to aid with treating the injured. Upon discovering Bailu at the scene, they initially intended to take her away. However, it wasn''t until Bochang mentioned General Jing Yuan that they relented and stood down. With this minor incident resolved, the trio stood at a fork in the road. Bailu murmured, "Which path should we take next?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Take the narrow path: "The narrow path will be quicker." - Completion Reward: Being abducted by Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 2: Take the main road: "Luofu has been unsettled lately; let''s stick to the main road." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items may...] Seeing Option One and recalling the sudden malicious gaze, Bochang began to suspect that a Stellaron Hunter might have been lurking nearby just moments ago. "If it really was a Stellaron Hunter, who could it be? Blade? Or perhaps Kafka?" "I doubt Kafka would harbor ill intent towards me..." "Not necessarily. Considering my involvement with Stelle, it''s quite normal for her to feel dissatisfied." Two options presented themselves. Option One of taking the shortcut would indeed be quicker. Quicker to get abducted by the Stellaron Hunters, that is. Thus, Bochang completely disregarded this choice. Instead, he pondered... "Even with Bailu clearly beside me, is there still a risk of abduction? Is it because the complex environment along the shortcut makes it easier for the Stellaron Hunters? Or could there be some other reason...?" While time remained, Bochang''s mind raced at top speed. Only when the "Dating Options" countdown began... did Bochang make his choice. "Option two." Bochang stated, "Recently, Luofu''s paths have been unsettled; let''s take the main road instead." "Although it might be slower, but... since Bochang suggests it, we''ll go with the main road," Bailu nodded in agreement. [Reward being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received the item ''Raiden Rod'', capable of effectively attracting lightning power. Note: Please do not attempt to wear it on your head.] The system''s notification sounded. Bochang remained completely unfazed. The trio continued enjoying food and drink at the Central Starskiff Haven as time passed into the afternoon. The golden sun started its descent towards the west, casting warm rays throughout the streets and alleys. The natural landscapes of Xianzhou Luofu were all artificially crafted, controlled by the Realm-Keeping Commission, and could be adjusted based on circumstances. After all, this was a colossal ship navigating through the universe. Without these artificial landscapes, phenomena like the sun would be impossible. As time passed, the Stellaron calamity on Xianzhou Luofu grew increasingly severe. The presence of Cloud Knights under martial law disrupted many merchants'' normal operations. Bochang attempted to contact Himeko via the Astral Express, but... Communication was unsuccessful, possibly due to the Stellaron''s influence. However, Bochang managed to reach out to Dan Heng and learned that he was en route to the Central Starskiff Haven, accompanied by friends encountered along the way: Cloud Knight Sushang and merchant Luocha. Regarding Sushang, Bochang had a clear memory: It was Li Sushang from "Honkai Impact 3rd," also known as Big Pillow Li. As for Luocha... Bochang momentarily couldn''t recall who that was. This wasn''t surprising, given how he had been transported directly to this world shortly after the game''s launch. "However... since traveling with Dan Heng, they must be a relatively important character," Bochang muttered to himself. The weary trio sat outside a teahouse, enjoying the refreshing breeze blowing from the cloud sea. Bailu, looking thoroughly contented, leaned over the table and dozed off. It was undeniable; today, Bailu had truly indulged herself to the fullest extent. Normally, she wouldn''t have such extended freedom. After escaping for just a few hours, members of the Alchemy Commission would invariably catch her. During those brief hours, much time was spent evading the Cloud Knights rather than exploring leisurely. But not today - she strolled proudly through the streets, savoring various delicacies at her own pace. Even if the Alchemy Commission approached, General Jing Yuan''s orders could ward them off. Having eaten her fill... Sleepiness overwhelmed Bailu, compelling her to take a well-deserved afternoon nap. Serval and Bochang sat together, their black guitar and Vow Spear leaning against the wooden table nearby. Quietly, they observed the rolling sea of white clouds and the bustling sight of star ferries continuously traversing back and forth. Despite the martial law imposed on Xianzhou, the star ferries used as transportation did not cease operations; however, there were significantly fewer than usual. Currently, those utilizing the star ferries were primarily members of Xianzhou''s Six Divisions, as ordinary civilians were temporarily prohibited from using them. After a moment of thought, Serval remarked, "The scenery here at Xianzhou Luofu is much more beautiful than Belobog''s." In contrast to Belobog, which was covered in ice and snow, Xianzhou boasted diverse verdant landscapes, filled with the harmonious sounds of birdsong and fragrant blossoms everywhere. "It''s alright," Bochang responded. "I find Belobog''s snowy vistas quite unique and charming, though... after Stellaron is dealt with, such sights may become rare." His fingers lightly tapped the armrest. "However, once Belobog''s ice melts, it will reveal even more breathtaking scenes." "Hmm... Now that you mention it, I do miss Belobog a bit." A slight smile appeared on Serval''s lips. Bochang chuckled, "Don''t worry, when we have time, I''ll take you back there." He glanced at his teleportation ring, which currently had only one energy slot filled. At least until tomorrow, when the second slot replenishes, he wouldn''t be able to use its long-distance teleportation feature. Otherwise... If Bochang went to Belobog now, he might not be able to return without having another teleportation ring from the system space bound to someone else. That way, even without virtual coordinates, Bochang could ensure a safe return trip. Unfortunately, he needed to accumulate three rings before being able to retrieve them, and currently, he only had two... As they continued their conversation, a leaf detached from a nearby branch, gently swayed by the breeze, and landed softly atop Serval''s head, yet she seemed completely unaware of it. As they admired the scenery of Xianzhou, Serval occasionally stole glances at Bochang, seemingly searching for conversation topics. Contrary to her rock-and-roll appearance, this blonde elder sister wasn''t particularly talkative. Especially after learning Bochang and Stelle''s true identities, Serval became somewhat reserved. It was unlike their interactions at the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop, which felt more natural. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Reach out yourself, remove the leaf from Serval''s head, and say, "There''s a leaf on your head." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Alert Serval, letting her remove the leaf herself, by saying, "Serval, have you ever heard of creatures called ''Leopard Cats''? They place leaves on their heads to cast illusions, transforming themselves into humans." - Completion Reward: Acquire Skill, Leopard Cat Illusion, allowing the use of leaves to create illusions.] Chapter 130 - 129: Cold Jokes Chapter 130 - 129: Cold JokesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Somewhere within Central Starskiff Haven. In Bochang''s perception, amidst the tranquil sea of clouds, everything had frozen to a standstill. Leaves suspended mid-air. Insects with wings locked motionless. Even Serval''s gaze was crystal clear to him. Option one or option two? That was the question. "I''ve drawn three useless items in a row now; logically, it''s about time for something good. Should I risk drawing another item?" "Although this skill isn''t bad, it seems inferior compared to Deception Mastery." Bochang pondered briefly, "No, not necessarily¡ªit has its own strengths..." After hesitating for a few seconds, Bochang decided to choose the second option and said, "Serval, have you ever heard of creatures called raccoon dogs? They place leaves on their heads and can cast illusions, transforming themselves into humans." "Raccoon dogs? No... Is it some type of cat?" Serval looked puzzled. "No, raccoon dogs are quite different from cats," replied Bochang. "Oh, I see..." Serval nodded slightly, preparing to inquire further about these illusions. At that moment... The blonde woman finally noticed something atop her head. She reached up and felt a vibrant green leaf resting there. An awkward silence fell between them. After glancing at the leaf in her hand, Serval looked up and said, "So... you were referring to me as the ''leopard cat'' earlier?" "I just wanted to alert you about the leaf on your head," Bochang shrugged slightly. Serval casually tossed away the leaf from her hand. "Alright, I thought you were trying to tell some lame joke..." [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill, Leopard Cat''s Illusion, allowing you to cast illusions using leaves.] Upon hearing the system''s voice, Bochang leaned back against his seat and remarked, "It could indeed be considered a lame joke, since it wasn''t funny at all." "No... I actually found it quite amusing." Serval suddenly laughed, her full red lips curving upwards, and her gem-like blue eyes accentuated her radiant features even more. In that instant, the scenic beauty of Luofu Immortal Continent seemed to pale in comparison. Still smiling, Serval gazed at Bochang with crescent moon-shaped eyes. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The blonde woman was undeniably attractive. With her fashionable attire, attractive figure, and a rockstar aura, Serval exuded a confident charm. Alongside Bailu, she also drew considerable attention on their journey. For a moment, Bochang was utterly captivated. Leaning lazily against the wooden chair, chin resting on one hand, Serval teased, "What... speechless?" It might have been Bochang''s imagination, but it seemed as though Serval had regained her composure from their first encounter at the Perpetual Motion Machine Shop. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Affirmatively say, "Yes, because you''re very beautiful." - Completion Reward: Strength increased by 100%.] [Option 2: Deny with, "Not at all, don''t be ridiculous." - Completion Penalty: Assault by Stellaron Hunters.] Option 1 appeared quite serious, with a substantial reward to boot. However, the key concern lay in Option 2. No matter how hard Bochang tried, he couldn''t fathom how those few words would trigger an attack from the Stellaron Hunters. In previous instances, negative rewards were directly linked to his actions. This time, there seemed no connection whatsoever. Bochang remained puzzled even as the countdown for the Dating Options began. He chose Option 1. "Ah, because Serval is very beautiful." After uttering these words, Bochang had no time to gauge the blonde woman''s reaction. Because... His Spider Sense was blaring with urgency. The target of the attack: his chest. Bochang turned just in time to see a rustic black-red longsword thrusting towards him. Danger was imminent. "What!" His pupils contracted sharply as he instinctively activated Invisible Hand at full force. Ten invisible, dark purple hands surged towards the enemy. Grasping the ancient sword, riddled with cracks and enveloped in a fierce gale, it relentlessly sliced through the dark purple hands, causing pain to spread instantly throughout Bochang''s body. Simultaneously, he seized the attacker''s limbs and neck. Only now did Bochang get a chance to observe his assailant. It was a man with red eyes, wearing a black trench coat and sporting a peculiar smile on his face. "A Stellaron Hunter? It''s Blade! Wait... didn''t I choose the first option? Why would Blade still... Damn, it seems that regardless of my choice earlier, being attacked was inevitable. That explains the strangeness, but... when exactly did he approach without me noticing?" As the black-haired, red-eyed man approached within striking distance, Bochang''s heart pounded with fear. Ever since receiving multiple options involving the Stellaron Hunters, Bochang knew he had been targeted. Consequently, he remained highly vigilant throughout his journey. Even while enjoying the scenery from this spot, he constantly scanned his surroundings for any suspicious individuals. He never anticipated Blade would suddenly appear beside him, despite not detecting his presence moments ago. These thoughts raced through Bochang''s mind in just 0.01 seconds. The full-powered Invisible Hand could only stall, incapable of inflicting any damage on Blade. The sword tip steadily neared his chest. To block this attack, Bochang had two choices: either use the Dragon Talisman to unleash a blast at Blade or summon the Vow Spear and endure the strike head-on. Using the Dragon Talisman seemed the safest option. With one shot, Blade would likely dodge most of the time. "If I use the Dragon Talisman..." However, nearby residents had not been evacuated. Employing the Dragon Talisman recklessly risked causing unintended harm. Just recently, Bochang accidentally blew up Tingyun''s Minghuo Merchant Group. During the rift creature invasion, residents had been evacuated, making it relatively risk-free to use such power. But now? If Bochang fired the Dragon Talisman, he might not even kill Blade but could inadvertently harm numerous Xianzhou citizens instead. That would be a disaster. It''s highly likely that Bochang would then find himself on the Xianzhou Alliance''s blacklist, possibly even warranting a bounty notice. "I can''t use the Dragon Talisman; my only option is the Vow Spear." Bochang''s mind raced rapidly. "This weapon cannot be destroyed and will surely block Blade''s attacks. Moreover, with my strength doubling again, I''ll have thirty-two times the power of an average person." "Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received a 100% increase in strength," announced the system''s voice in his ear. A surge of immense power welled up from deep within him, spreading throughout his body. Seizing the opportunity, Bochang summoned the Vow Spear. As he gripped its icy blue shaft, a sense of security washed over him. Still seated, unable to stand quickly enough, Bochang employed the Hundred Birds Phoenix Spear Technique, aiming directly at the ancient longsword. The spear tip clashed with the sword point in mid-air, erupting dazzling sparks. The immense recoil surged through the spear and into Bochang''s body, causing the wooden chair beneath him to shatter instantly, splinters scattering in all directions. Chapter 131 - 130: The Attack of the Stellaron Hunters Chapter 131 - 130: The Attack of the Stellaron HuntersPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** A sudden turn of events unfolded. In the blink of an eye, Bochang had completed one round of combat with his enemy. Deafening sounds reverberated throughout the room. Bailu, who was previously sleeping at the table, instantly jolted awake. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Reacting swiftly, Serval gripped her black guitar, ready to strike back at this unwelcome intruder. The blonde woman appeared slightly irked. What should have been a peaceful moment between two friends was unexpectedly disrupted by an outsider. Serval couldn''t help but feel anger rising within her. "Not bad reflexes." A deep male voice resonated from Blade''s direction. Bochang''s Vow Spear clashed repeatedly with the ancient-looking longsword in mid-air. Gusts swept through the area, leaving chaos and destruction in their wake. Most notably around Bochang, wooden chairs splintered, tables overturned, and cracks radiated outward from beneath him, spreading across the floor. In the next instant: "Crack..." The ancient sword emitted sounds of strain, with nearly imperceptible cracks appearing on its surface. As the weapon''s owner, Blade was acutely aware of what was happening to his sword. "How is this possible...? His spear is incredibly sharp!" At that moment... Serval plucked her strings, and Bailu uncorked her gourd, unleashing a torrent of lightning and water towards Blade simultaneously. Both women attacked with fury. With a glance, Blade retreated swiftly, as the Invisible Hand entangling him was torn apart by their combined force. The black-haired, red-eyed man skillfully evaded the onslaught. The lightning and water struck empty air, leaving behind only scorched and cracked ground¡ªa futile aftermath. The immense noise startled nearby civilians, who peeked briefly before instinctively distancing themselves from the battle zone. This was fortunate; only after these bystanders left could Bochang unleash his full power without reservation. With innocent people around, he had been forced to seal away his most potent Dragon Talisman. Now, Bochang felt a slight tingling in his hands. Blade''s strength was immense, extraordinarily so. Despite having enhanced his own power once more, Bochang felt a significant gap still existed between them. "Stellaron Hunter, Blade?" Bochang glared intensely at his opponent. Dressed in a black windbreaker, Blade stood casually, raising his ancient sword. With his bandaged hand forming a sword gesture, he gently swept it across the blade, causing its black-red surface to flash with a golden glow. A surge of formidable energy erupted from the sword. Seeing this, Bochang simultaneously activated the magic powers of the Sheep and Monkey Talismans, along with the Invisible Hand. Blade seemed well-aware of Bochang''s abilities. He had already erected an invisible wall of wind around himself. The Invisible Hand was blocked before it could even approach, failing to achieve even a momentary delay this time. The Sheep Talisman''s mental attack also proved ineffective. Blade''s prowess was simply too overwhelming. It appeared that only direct physical contact with Bochang''s fists would allow the Sheep Talisman''s effects to manifest, much like how he had brutally defeated Cocolia earlier. The Monkey Talisman''s magic, similar to the Invisible Hand, was also repelled by the wind barrier and even deflected elsewhere... transforming a small insect into a sparrow. Blade''s lips curled into a grin. "Listen up, you... can''t you stop causing me trouble? If it''s your time to die, then just accept it." "How did Blade appear here? Wasn''t he captured by the Cloud Knights?" Serval questioned, deeply puzzled. On this matter, Bochang wasn''t sure either, but considering they were dealing with Stellaron Hunters, escaping from custody wouldn''t be surprising. Bailu''s eyes filled with urgency; she could sense the enemy''s immense strength, enough to make anyone want to flee immediately. Normally, Bailu would have definitely run away, but now with Bochang present, despite her trembling short legs, she stood firm. The young dragon girl feigned composure and declared, "Causing trouble in Xianzhou? Clearly, you''ve grown tired of living." "I indeed am quite tired of living..." With that, Blade launched another attack without giving them any chance to catch their breath. In an instant... The blade reached Bochang before either Bailu or Serval could react. A golden glow emanated from the sword as it arced upward with a diagonal strike. "So fast! Even quicker than before!" Bochang activated the first rated power of the Dragon Talisman. With a series of explosive crackles echoing around him, Bochang''s entire body ignited. Knowing that the magic power from the Dragon Talisman is highly unstable once outside his body, he refrained from infusing it directly into the Vow Spear. Instead, he harnessed the strength of his Destruction fate path, channeling all the flames into the blue spear. Now, not only was Bochang engulfed in flames, but the long spear also blazed alongside him. The three-star Destruction Light Cone, Tianqing, came to life. A surge of newfound power erupted within him. "I can see it now!" With various buffs enhancing him, Bochang finally managed to track Blade''s movements. With all his might, he swung the Vow Spear, blocking the incoming strike. "Clang!" As their weapons collided... A burst of white energy radiated outward, forcing both Serval and Bailu to involuntarily retreat several steps. Under this immense force, Bochang was compelled backward, his feet leaving deep grooves in the ground as he skidded several meters before stopping just short of colliding with Serval. Along the way, Bochang knocked over numerous chairs and umbrellas, causing chaos within the teahouse. Though disheveled, ...at least he managed to block the attack. "Not enough...still not enough. Are there any items that could help me? Cheetah Serum...and Jym Rogers Bread Soda, Holy Shield..." Gasping for breath, Bochang momentarily paused. Meanwhile, Serval and Bailu launched another assault. Purple lightning descended from the sky, creating a rapid barrage zone spreading swiftly forward. Bailu''s controlled waterflow immediately trapped Blade within the area of thunderous bombardment, cutting off any escape route. Their coordination seemed effective, possibly due to their recent teamwork. However... With a mere wave of the ancient longsword, a fierce whirlwind resembling a tornado instantly dispersed both the water and lightning. It had no effect on Blade whatsoever. "What?" Bailu and Serval were astonished. Taking advantage of the time they bought, Bochang swiftly consumed a bottle of Jym Rogers Bread Soda along with Cheetah Reagent. His depleted stamina rapidly replenished, and he felt his body instantly become lighter and more agile. "You two, if you don''t want to die, get lost. My target is only him..." Blade raised the ancient longsword, pointing directly at Bochang. Following Elio''s orders, Blade''s objective was to capture Bochang, but his window of opportunity was limited. If he couldn''t secure Bochang within five minutes, he would have no choice but to withdraw. Otherwise, once Xianzhou reacted, it would spell trouble for Blade. Only about ten seconds had passed so far, leaving ample time remaining. After briefly engaging them, Blade quickly assessed the situation. Without any unforeseen complications, he estimated that within two minutes, he could successfully apprehend Bochang. Even with interference from Serval and Bailu, it wouldn''t take more than three minutes. However... The faster he could accomplish this, the better. Thus, Blade aimed to drive away Serval and Bailu. Unfortunately, they showed no signs of leaving. As Blade spoke, Serval seized the opportunity and swung his black guitar towards him. Meanwhile, Bailu continuously shook her gourd, seemingly preparing a powerful ultimate ability, ready to surprise everyone momentarily. Chapter 132 - 131: Illusionary Clone Chapter 132 - 131: Illusionary ClonePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Concerned for Serval''s safety, Bochang charged forward with his Vow Spear raised. Unleashing the Hundred Birds Saluting Phoenix technique, over a hundred blazing spear blooms appeared simultaneously, dazzling to the eye. Serval''s black guitar served not only as a musical instrument but also as a robust weapon, equally effective in close combat and distant spellcasting. Of course... While this weapon was considered rare and precious in Belobog, in Xianzhou, it was merely ordinary, with numerous superior alternatives available. For instance... Blade''s ancient sword. "Swish!" With cracks adorning its blade, the ancient sword swung, emitting golden flashes as it clashed against Serval''s guitar. The power of wind and lightning elements collided in mid-air. Serval''s smooth, flowing blonde hair danced behind her, tips sparking with electricity. Aware of her formidable opponent, Serval held nothing back, pouring vast amounts of elemental energy to exert pressure, despite the strain causing her hands to bleed. Serval held nothing back, unleashing vast amounts of her fate path''s power to exert pressure on her opponent. Despite the shock causing fissures at her fingertips, she remained resolute and did not relent. In that moment of stalemate, Bochang''s Vow Spear reached Blade. "Get lost!" With a forceful thrust from one hand, the black-haired man instantly repelled Serval. Not only that, but he also left a deep crack on her black guitar. The ancient longsword swiftly returned for defense, mirroring Bochang''s rapid succession of strikes¡ªhundreds in an instant. The sword tip and spear point clashed intensely once more, intertwining the elements of wind and fire in the air. Additionally... the blade and spear continuously collided, producing an unceasing symphony of metallic sounds. As their battle progressed, Bochang and Blade moved across the battlefield. They fought beyond the confines of the open-air teahouse, leaving destruction in their wake. Houses crumbled and caught ablaze one after another. As they clashed and moved swiftly, the ground rapidly cracked along their path... Sand swirled, and leaves danced erratically in the air, occasionally torn apart by the wind-wrapped sword or the fiery spear tip. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Blade grew increasingly astonished with each exchange. It seemed as though Bochang had just experienced another breakthrough moments ago. Now, he could effortlessly match Blade''s speed. "Is it due to that potion he consumed earlier? Hmph... These types of elixirs usually have time limits and side effects. Once its effect wears off, what will you rely on to continue fighting me?" Blade remained unperturbed. After all... panic is the greatest enemy in battle. Once anxiety sets in, combat effectiveness plummets sharply. Serval watched helplessly as Bochang and Blade distanced themselves further. She had engaged the enemy for only an instant, yet her body felt numb, her arms barely able to lift, and blood seeped from the split skin at the base of her thumbs. The blonde woman knew well that if Bochang hadn''t arrived promptly, Had Blade followed up with another strike, Serval likely wouldn''t have been able to defend herself, potentially leading to severe injury or even death. "Are the Stellaron Hunters...this formidable?" Using her black guitar as a makeshift crutch, Serval leaned on it for support. During his fight with Blade, Bochang discreetly gathered some floating leaves using his Invisible Hand. He then activated a skill¡ªRacoon''s Illusion! With a wave of his hand, Bochang scattered the fresh, tender green leaves around him. Consuming a significant amount of mental energy, these leaves transformed into countless fiery replicas of Bochang. Not only did they resemble him perfectly, but each also emitted similar crackling sounds like their original. The illusions charged towards Blade simultaneously. "Intriguing, but...you''re still far from my level!" Blade swung her ancient sword, causing its blade to instantly shatter into fragments. Like shotgun pellets, these shards flew towards the numerous Bochang clones. These fiery figures danced harmoniously through the air. The shattered sword effortlessly pierced countless illusions of Bochang. As each illusion was struck, it expanded rapidly like a bursting balloon before finally disintegrating, leaving behind only a single withered leaf gently falling to the ground. This spectacle left onlookers wide-eyed. "Thousand Demon Blades? Kind of similar, but not many fragments were created from that ancient sword..." While employing the fox''s illusion... Bochang''s true form had already concealed itself within nearby streets, waiting for an opportunity to ambush Blade. When Blade dispersed his sword, Bochang saw this as the perfect moment. Behind them, Serval, now recovered, tightly gripped her black guitar and followed closely, seeking a chance to support Bochang. Upon witnessing the transformation of leaves into numerous duplicates, Serval realized...the fox''s illusions were indeed genuine. "He''s a Fox spirit? Not a Dragon? Wait...this isn''t the time to ponder such thoughts." Having learned her lesson once before, Serval abandoned any idea of engaging Blade at close quarters. Instead, maintaining a safe distance, she plucked the strings of her guitar. Realizing close combat with Blade was no longer feasible, she maintained a distance and plucked her zither strings. A dark cloud enveloped the sky, illuminating with intermittent flashes of dull lightning. Clearly, Serval was preparing for her next wave of attacks, much like Bailu continuously shaking her gourd. Unfazed by Serval''s intentions, Blade concluded his initial assault, eliminating all illusions. However, he failed to locate Bochang''s true form. "Did he escape? No... He hasn''t left." Narrowing his eyes, Blade heard crackling sounds behind him and swiftly turned around. Multiple fiery figures of Bochang appeared, their Vow Spears aimed directly at Blade''s chest. "Attempting a sneak attack while I''m retrieving my blades... Not a bad idea, but unfortunately..." Blade gripped his ancient sword tightly and charged towards the Bochang clones, exclaiming, "You''re far too naive!" As countless swords rapidly returned from behind, leaving trails of black-red streaks in the air, Serval, noticing this, did not hesitate and immediately launched her own attack. With black-polished fingertips, Jean vigorously plucked the strings. Purple electrical sparks danced erratically, evaporating the blood on her hands. Amidst the dark clouds, thunderbolts descended from the sky. Striking half of Blade''s swords, they lost control and crashed to the ground, temporarily immobilizing them. More lightning surged towards Blade, but undeterred, he continued his charge, skillfully evading each attack through agile maneuvers. When avoidance was not possible, he dispersed the strikes with wind blades. These attacks merely caused Blade some minor inconvenience. Once again, their weapons clashed closely. Blade, wielding even the slightest edge of his sword like fluid grace, shattered countless illusions. "I''ve found you." Swiftly... Blade engaged the true Bochang, their exchange unfolding rapidly within mere moments. This opponent held their own effortlessly. The remaining swords returned one by one, intensifying Blade''s onslaught. He declared loudly, "With your restrained self, you''re no match for me!" Not all residents had fully evacuated yet. In fact, the aftermath of the battle between Bochang and Blade had already injured numerous Xianzhou citizens who couldn''t escape in time. Some were trapped under collapsed houses. Others were swept away by turbulent airwaves. Some individuals were injured by flying debris amidst the chaos. Several Cloud Knights had also arrived on the scene, but they dared not approach the battlefield directly. Instead, they focused on rescuing the wounded and evacuating bystanders... "It''s true... without using Dragon Blast, my chances of defeating Blade... approach infinitely close to zero." As the battle prolonged, the strain on Bochang''s body increased significantly. "But if I employ Dragon Blast, there''s no telling how many casualties it might cause." Chapter 133 - 132: General, Please Take This Narrow Path Chapter 133 - 132: General, Please Take This Narrow PathPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Under extreme tension, time seemed to stretch endlessly for Bochang. In reality... From the initial blade attack until now, only about forty seconds had passed. Not even a full minute. It was unsurprising that nearby civilians hadn''t managed to escape in such a short span. The use of Dragon Blast must be approached with utmost caution. "Dragon Blast... wait, could he have been intentionally leading me to use it?" Bochang pondered, feeling the cunningness of his opponent, "I need to develop another method of utilizing the Dragon Talisman''s power." Developing a new way to harness the Dragon Talisman''s strength sounded simple enough. However, executing it would not be easy. At that moment, Bochang couldn''t come up with any promising ideas, merely distracting himself fruitlessly. In truth, this was something Bochang should have attempted long ago. But due to constant urgency and his relatively smooth experiences, there hadn''t been much pressure to pursue it seriously. Regardless, if faced with danger, Bochang could always rely on "Dating Options" to avoid it. Thus far, developing alternative uses for the Dragon Talisman remained largely conceptual. "I see a weakness!" A red gleam flashed in Blade''s eyes as he thrust his sword towards Bochang''s stomach... The blade gradually materialized from nothingness, forming into a short sword. The reason it couldn''t fully extend to its full length was due to Serval''s continuous interference. Unfortunately... Even without restoring the ancient sword to its prime state, Blade''s attacks remained largely unaffected. As time passed, his assaults became increasingly difficult for Bochang to fend off. It seemed that Blade had figured out Bochang''s moves and fought with growing ease. Now, Blade''s strike pierced directly into Bochang''s abdomen. Fortunately, Bochang promptly activated his Holy Shield, narrowly avoiding being gutted by the sword. The tip of the sword penetrated through Bochang''s clothing but was halted firmly by a golden glow, preventing any further advance. Using the teleportation ring could have been another option, but Bochang feared Blade''s sword might be even quicker. Thus, he activated the Holy Shield to gain three seconds of invulnerability, just as mentioned earlier. As anticipated, Blade appeared well-versed in Bochang''s abilities. Upon seeing the golden light emanate from Bochang... Blade swiftly retreated, leaving no opportunity for Bochang to counterattack. Bochang attempted to use the Invisible Hand combined with the Monkey Talisman''s power, only to be blocked by a Wind Wall. Blade''s defense was virtually impenetrable. Just as Bochang planned to capitalize on his invulnerability period and pursue Blade, Bailu hurried onto the scene. The dragon girl stood atop a nearby rooftop, overlooking both combatants from above. "You troublemaking scoundrel! Today, you''ll witness this young lady''s true prowess!" Holding her gourd, Bailu opened its lid and, with both small hands, tilted it towards Blade. A torrent of water gushed out, swiftly filling the entire street within moments. Both Serval and Bochang found themselves within range of the deluge. Fortunately, Bailu skillfully directed the water to part, creating a safe space around them to avoid accidental harm. Watching the surging currents flow around them without causing any injury was quite intriguing. The rushing waters spread throughout the streets, generating waves ten meters high. Instantaneously...these waves surged above Blade''s head, casting a dark shadow over the sky. Bochang halted his movements, watching helplessly as the black-haired, red-eyed man was engulfed by the water controlled by Bailu. Blade attempted to escape, but the water seemed sentient, following him relentlessly. He swung his ancient sword, slicing through the incoming currents amidst swirling golden winds. Alas, as the saying goes: "Drawing one''s sword against flowing water only intensifies its surge." This was merely a futile struggle of a trapped beast. Within seconds, Blade found himself encased within a rapidly spinning giant water sphere. The sphere, spanning over twenty to thirty meters in diameter, completely dominated the main street and even engulfed parts of nearby buildings, devouring them like a monstrous beast. Debris mixed with swirling water at high speeds, making it impossible to discern Blade''s location amidst the chaotic blue torrent. "Bochond, Serval, let''s hurry and escape! This guy is too strong; I can''t hold him for long!" Bailu shouted from atop a rooftop. Bailu wasn''t surprised by her ability to control Blade. As the designated next High Elder, she inherently possessed extraordinary power, albeit usually restrained by the Shimo Binding Locks. Without the shackles on her dragon tail, she wouldn''t have needed such prolonged preparation time for her attack¡ªit could have been initiated much faster. Bailu could sense Blade wreaking havoc inside the water sphere. The water sphere, spanning tens of meters in diameter, would likely only hold for about ten seconds. Bochang pondered for a moment, finding her suggestion reasonable. However, just as he was about to act, he hesitated again. "Isn''t now the perfect time to unleash the Dragon Talisman''s power against Blade?" "With my full-strength blast, even if Blade doesn''t perish, he should be severely incapacitated." "As long as we find the right angle to avoid harming others, it seems feasible." With this thought, Bochang felt increasingly inclined to proceed. But at that very moment... S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The system''s voice chimed in: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Avoidance may be shameful but can be effective. Take Bailu and Serval away from the battlefield, heading towards the Palace of Astrum - Completion Reward: Skill "General''s Shortcut", allowing you to intuitively find the best escape route while fleeing.] [Option 2: Why run when you can give Blade your all with a powerful blast first? - Completion Reward: Get abducted by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option Three: Infuse the Dragon Talisman''s magic power into Bailu''s body] - Completion Reward: Obtain Equipment - Teleportation Ring, allowing spontaneous teleportation within a ten-meter radius. Contains three energy slots; each use consumes one slot, and it takes twenty-four hours to recharge one slot. Note: This type of item will... The sudden appearance of this option plunged Bochang into deep thought. It seems... if Bochang directly flees, there is a chance to escape successfully. Perhaps along the way, someone might even come to assist him. Or possibly relying on the "General, Please Take This Shortcut" skill, he could evade enemies, swiftly reach the Palace of Astrum, and deter Blade from pursuing further. Of course... if truly escaping, once out of Blade''s sight, Bochang would undoubtedly harness the Monkey Talisman''s power to transform himself, Bailu, and Serval into animals. The chances of successfully escaping this way seemed quite high. "Zzzt... If I confront Blade directly now, would they still capture me? Thinking about it, even though he''s trapped within the water sphere, I can''t pinpoint his exact location. Moreover, at this moment, the water sphere might act as a barrier weakening the Dragon Talisman''s power." "If I unleash my full-power blast and fail to severely injure the enemy, things could turn disastrous for me..." Bochang''s mind raced with thoughts. Seeing that Option Two involved being captured by the Stellaron Hunters, Bochang couldn''t help but sarcastically remark, "You only mention the outcome, not the process, huh? Based on Blade''s moves earlier, it''s clear he intended to beat me half to death before taking me captive. That sounds far worse than Big Biodou''s approach." He swiftly eliminated Option Two. Now, it was down to Option One versus Option Three. Chapter 134 - 133: The Roar of a Malevolent Dragon Chapter 134 - 133: The Roar of a Malevolent DragonPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** From the options presented: The first choice seemed relatively safe. If unable to fight, fleeing isn''t shameful. However, it was uncertain whether other Stellaron Hunters were lying in wait nearby. Of course... There likely weren''t any close by. Considering Blade had been engaged for quite some time, if there were additional allies, they would have already joined the fray. The third option appeared risky. Bochang couldn''t predict what might happen when infusing the power of the Dragon Talisman into Bailu''s body. It carried significant uncertainty. "The reward for Option Three is quite appealing; I''m currently short on teleportation rings..." Bochang pondered deeply, "But then again... General, Take This Path - this skill could also be useful..." The black-haired youth found himself torn between two choices. Time ticked away, second by second. "Overall, Bailu seems crucial to breaking this siege. If I give her the Dragon Talisman''s magic... could we repel Blade?" "Upon closer thought, the Dragon Talisman''s magic aligns well with Vidyadhara''s abilities. Since the system offers it as a reward, there likely won''t be major issues. Even if something unexpected happens, it should still be within my capacity to handle." After a moment of hesitation... Bochang decided to take the risk. "Option Three!" With that, he leaped up. Bochang dispelled his Fireman form and moved next to Bailu, just as Serval also rushed over. The trio gathered on the rooftop. The young dragon girl placed her cherished gourd at her waist and said, "There''s no time to waste; let''s make a run for it." "Agreed." Serval nodded in agreement. After the intense battle, she was utterly exhausted, lacking the strength to fight any further. Serval desperately wanted to distance herself from the enemy, lacking the courage to engage further. "Wait, Bailu, I actually have another idea." Bochang gently held Bailu''s shoulder, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Can you trust me this once?" "Hmm... Ah? What do you mean?" Confusion filled Bailu''s adorable face, written all over her features. Initially planning to leave, Serval paused, unsure of what Bochang had in mind. "Bailu, don''t resist now." Without giving her a chance to object, Bochang swiftly channeled the Dragon Talisman''s magic power through his right hand into Bailu''s body. In that instant, Bailu transformed into pure light. The blinding radiance forced both Serval and Bochang to shield their eyes, as if the small creature before them had turned into a miniature sun. "What is this...?" Staring at her glowing body, Bailu was momentarily stunned... She felt a surge of immense power within herself and couldn''t resist raising her head with a draconic roar, "Roaaaaar!" Her physique rapidly transformed. Short legs elongated, her chest swelled, and both dragon horns and tail swiftly increased in size. In an instant, Bailu grew to nearly Bochang''s height. Despite the blinding radiance emanating from her, Bochang managed a quick glance. Amidst the endless white glow, he discerned striking S-shaped curves, surpassing any female form he had encountered before - truly awe-inspiring. Just one glimpse made his eyes water, forcing him to look away. Blindfolded, Serval missed witnessing this transformation. Had he seen it, he likely would have been overwhelmed with self-doubt. Bochang thought to himself, "The little loli has grown up so quickly... The Dragon Talisman''s magic is truly powerful..." "Crack...crack..." The Shimo Binding Lock on Bailu''s tail emitted sounds of strain. In no time... The stretched Shimo Binding Lock was ruptured by her dragon tail. From that moment, Bailu''s form uncontrollably began to grow larger. Her original humanoid appearance swiftly transformed towards that of a colossal dragon. Noticing the rapidly expanding white glow, Bochang quickly wrapped his arm around Serval''s waist, while keeping his other hand firmly on Bailu''s shoulder. He wouldn''t stop until the system''s notification sounded. The power of the Dragon Talisman continuously flowed into the young dragon girl''s body. Strangely enough, When using Dragon Blast, Bochang experienced significant energy depletion within himself. But now, directly channeling the Dragon Talisman''s power into Bailu''s body, the energy consumption decreased considerably. Soon after... With a deafening roar, a massive hundred-meter-long pale purple dragon dramatically emerged. Standing atop the giant dragon''s shoulder, Bochang held onto Serval, feeling as if they were towering over everything below. The stunned blonde woman''s mind spun with confusion. Concerns about Stellaron Hunters and dragons suddenly seemed utterly trivial at that moment. For Serval, her eyes were fixed solely on Bochang. Being held in his embrace, she felt completely relaxed, her supple body molded against him as if boneless. Her heart raced so fast it seemed ready to leap out of her throat. Her cheeks flushed deeply, and her temperature rose noticeably. Even her breathing became more rapid than immediately after the battle had ended. However, Bochang had no time to focus on her. His attention was fully concentrated on Bailu and Blade. The act of embracing Serval earlier was merely instinctive. After all... If he hadn''t grabbed onto Serval, when Bailu transformed and crushed the house, wouldn''t she have been left disheveled amidst the chaos? Such a lack of consideration was not something Bochang would allow. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the Teleportation Ring, allowing random teleportation within ten meters. It contains three energy slots; each use consumes one slot, with a full recharge restoring one slot every twenty-four hours. Note: This type of item will..." As the system''s voice echoed, Bochang ceased supplying magic power to the Dragon Talisman. The majestic pale-purple dragon let out a crisp and resonant roar, its sound prolonged and awe-inspiring... nearly reverberating throughout the entire Luofu Immortal Continent, leaving people momentarily dazed by its intensity. Being closest to the event, Bochang and Serval were most severely affected. Fortunately, Bochang swiftly covered Serval''s ears with his Invisible Hand. Then, from the System space... he retrieved noise-canceling headphones for her to wear. This action prevented any harm to them both. As for Bochang himself? He undoubtedly used another Invisible Hand to cover his own ears; having ten hands meant not wasting their potential. However, without the benefit of noise-canceling headphones, relying solely on the Invisible Hands... The dragon''s roar still left Bochang feeling disoriented and overwhelmed. Once the excited pale-purple dragon ceased her cries, Bochang, holding his forehead, asked, "Bailu, how do you feel now?" The massive pale-purple dragon gently turned her head, gazing at Bochang and Serval with one enormous blue eye. Her draconic mouth opened and closed, emitting a deafening sound. "I''m feeling absolutely fantastic, Bochang! How did you manage this? You''ve actually transformed me into a true dragon." Bailu''s voice was no longer cute and childlike. She had lost her original youthful tone, adopting instead an elegant, mature woman''s timbre. "You don''t need to worry about that now. We must face our enemy ahead. With your current state, do you feel confident in defeating him?" Bochang''s gaze shifted towards the massive water sphere, spanning several dozen meters in diameter. Knowing that Bailu hadn''t lost her consciousness and still remembered herself was enough for him. Bailu declared, "In my current form... I am invincible!" Chapter 135 - 134: Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion 2.0 Chapter 135 - 134: Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion 2.0Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The dragon maiden''s confidence was indeed reassuring. Bochang welcomed this attitude and responded, "Excellent! Then use your Flame Fist against him!" "Flame Fist? What''s that? I don''t know how to do it..." Bailu shook her head, causing the massive dragon''s head to sway, stirring up a fierce gust of wind. To be fair, Although the colossal lavender dragon appeared slightly smaller than the Doomsday Beast, its aura... was utterly incomparable to that of the Doomsday Beast. The recent dragon roar had echoed throughout Luofu Immortal Continent, leaving everyone who heard it astounded, including Cloud Knight Jing Yuan. Initially composed while seated on his Throne of Divine Foresight, he now found himself completely unsettled. The Alchemy Commission was virtually thrown into chaos. Throughout the Xianzhou, every descendant of Vidyadhara felt their blood surge at the sound of that dragon''s roar. Even those severely ill and bedridden among them abruptly sat up, as if jolted by a sudden burst of energy amidst their frailty. At Stargazer Navalia, Kafka murmured softly: "Has another unexpected event occurred? I hope Bladie succeeds this time; otherwise... the script will be disrupted once more..." With these words, Kafka gently sighed. If only he had known earlier that Bochang was an anomaly beyond fate''s control. He should have captured him back at the Herta Space Station. Unfortunately... At that time, Kafka did not find Bochang mentioned within the scripts stored in Elio, assuming him to be an insignificant minor character. Consequently, he paid little attention to him. Who would have thought that the insignificant underling, who once eagerly recognized his mother upon waking, could now significantly impact the overall situation? On Jarilo VI, what should have been Stelle''s acquisition of the Preservation fate path''s power was entirely thwarted. The Stellaron Hunters were forced to recalibrate their plans, inadvertently increasing everyone''s workload. Even more infuriating... Stelle''s behavior had shifted, veering dramatically towards Bochang, displaying an inexplicable attachment to him. Everything began spiraling rapidly downhill. This is why, upon arriving at Xianzhou, the Stellaron Hunters immediately targeted Bochang. Their original plan involved capturing him at Stargazer Navalia, but unexpectedly, he never showed up there. They had no choice but to activate their contingency plan. Fate, like countless intertwined threads, constantly shifts and changes, necessitating readiness for any unforeseen circumstances. Elio''s script included ample contingency plans, so Kafka remained unconcerned about Blade''s safety. Even if they couldn''t capture Bochang, Kafka believed that Blade would undoubtedly be able to escape. The unexpected developments unfolding now were also within Elio''s predictions. If Kafka recalled correctly, in the script, when strange loud noises echoed throughout Luofu Immortal Continent...it signified that half of Blade''s operation had already failed. With only ten seconds remaining, if the capture was not achieved by then, Blade must withdraw immediately. Continuing beyond this point would serve no purpose. Kafka had his own tasks to complete and lacked the time to assist Blade. All he could do was hope for a successful mission completion. Otherwise...a single unforeseen action by Bochang could leave the Stellaron Hunters'' carefully laid plans in shambles. Honestly speaking, even Elio had hesitated significantly before providing the script for this operation. Regarding this capture operation, Elio had hesitated for quite some time before revealing his plan. It made Kafka suspect that there might be many undisclosed aspects to the situation. However... those details were not crucial at the moment. All Kafka needed to do was follow the plan; she trusted that Elio would have everything under control. Originally, Bailu anticipated her Water Prison to restrain Blade for at least ten seconds. However, the burst of the massive water sphere occurred... significantly faster than expected. Dozens of blood-red sword auras emerged like shark fins, surging outward and carving deep trenches across the ground. The water sphere exploded like a bursting balloon with a deafening roar. From within, Blade leaped out. An elegant yet imposing lavender dragon locked its gaze on its enemy without needing any command from Bochang. Bailu initiated the attack spontaneously, opening her jaws as countless bolts of lightning surged forth, momentarily turning the sky and earth blindingly white, draining all colors from the surroundings. Blade''s pupils slightly contracted. The shattered ancient sword in his hand swiftly reformed into its full-length blade. Realizing he couldn''t evade, Blade had no choice but to meet Bailu''s assault head-on with his primitive longsword. He was instantly engulfed by a torrent of lightning. The thunderous roar echoed loudly. Wearing noise-canceling headphones, Serval remained unaffected, focusing intently on Blade. As this adversary broke free once again... Serval remained tense, fearing that Bailu might not be able to overcome the Stellaron Hunters. Fortunately, her concerns were unfounded. With a single blast, Bailu knocked Blade down, leaving him half-kneeling amidst a charred crater, his body covered with severe burns and wounds. Just as everyone thought he was incapacitated beyond recovery, Blade rose again. The burnt skin peeled off like shattered eggshell fragments, revealing pristine white flesh beneath. "Is he completely unharmed?" Bailu was astonished. Undeterred, Blade continued his charge forward. Panicking slightly, Bailu hastily controlled the water, once more raising towering waves. She aimed to repeat her tactic, overwhelming the enemy with force. A deluge cascaded downward, instantly flooding several streets. However, Blade feigned this move merely to distract Bailu, drawing her focus ahead while he swiftly retreated behind the cover of the waves. Using the surge to conceal himself, he abruptly vanished, leaving them unsure of his whereabouts. Witnessing this, Bailu asked, "Bochang, should we pursue?" "No...no need to chase," replied Bochang, shaking his head. Bochang shook his head. For him, merely repelling the Stellaron Hunters was sufficient. Continuing the pursuit risked falling into potential traps, which would only complicate matters... To prevent Blade from circling back for a surprise attack, Bochang instructed, "Bailu, take to the skies." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Understood." The colossal lavender dragon spread its wings, making its already massive form appear even larger as it unfurled them. The awe-inspiring creature ascended, casting a vast shadow below. The onlookers from Xianzhou were utterly spellbound. The exception was the Vidyadhara people; witnessing the pale purple dragon soaring amidst the clouds caused them to jump with excitement or trepidation aboard Xianzhou Luofu. Whether their reaction stemmed from joy or fear was unclear. After all, the Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion had occurred centuries ago, leaving an indelible mark on the Vidyadhara populace''s collective memory. "It seems we have no choice but to retreat..." Blade, hidden in the shadows, glanced at the colossal dragon in the sky before stealthily disappearing into the darkness. Bochang and Serval stood atop the shoulders of the massive lavender dragon, gazing down upon the Xianzhou people below. After infusing the Dragon Talisman''s magic into Bailu, a mysterious connection formed between her and Bochang. Though it might be just his imagination, Bochang couldn''t help but notice that even in her draconic form, Bailu appeared remarkably graceful and striking. "What am I thinking...?" Bochang hastily dismissed these peculiar thoughts. Just then... From the Seat of Divine Foresight emerged the cloud knight, General Jing Yuan. Chapter 136 - 135: Seat of Divine Foresight Chapter 136 - 135: Seat of Divine ForesightPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Blade had escaped. Despite circling the sky multiple times, Bailu couldn''t locate any trace of their adversary. After their intense battle, chaos reigned below. Numerous streets were devastated, with thousands of casualties among the Xianzhou residents. Many fell victim to Bailu''s flooding, reminiscent of the Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion''s catastrophe. However, compared to that past disaster, this time the damage was significantly less severe. "Bochang, where should we go next? Just fly around up here? It feels quite exhilarating," Bailu exclaimed, her eyes brimming with uncontainable excitement. Since transforming into a colossal dragon, she remained perpetually thrilled. She seemed entirely oblivious to the two individuals clinging tightly to her back. Still holding onto Serval, Bochang calmly replied, "Let''s not linger here; we''re heading to the Palace of Astrum." "Alright!" Bailu let out another clear and resonant dragon roar. The young dragon girl had no intention of refusing Bochang''s request, behaving like an obedient puppy. Just as they were about to depart... A golden light streaked towards them. Jing Yuan, wielding his crescent moon blade, intercepted before Bochang and the others. The silver-haired Cloud General hovered in mid-air...his usual leisurely demeanor replaced by intensity. As he stared at Bochang''s group, an inexplicable sense of threat emanated from him, as if ready to strike down with his blade at any moment. An immediate silence fell over the air. Jing Yuan, suspended above, looked puzzled. "You''re..." His gaze fixed on the massive pale purple dragon. He felt it somewhat resembled Bailu but couldn''t be certain. After all, the transformation was quite drastic. Transitioning from a humanoid dragon to a full-fledged dragon made misidentification unsurprising. "Uh... it''s like this, General Jing Yuan. We were attacked by a Blade from the Stellaron Hunters just now... Thanks to Bailu''s intervention, Serval and I managed to escape safely," Bochang explained. Jing Yuan''s eyes widened slightly and asked, "So you''re saying... she is Bailu?" "That''s right, General. This humble miss is indeed Bailu. Surprised, aren''t you... didn''t recognize me, did you?" The pale purple giant dragon exhaled, stirring the clouds and clearing a space around her. Indeed, Jing Yuan couldn''t have recognized her, but upon hearing that familiar tone, he confirmed her identity. After a brief moment of silence, he said, "I understand now. Let''s proceed; follow me to the Seat of Divine Foresight for a detailed discussion." Unable to refuse the Cloud General''s proposal, Bochang agreed. And so... One dragon and two humans made their way to the Seat of Divine Foresight. As the massive dragon descended... the Cloud Knights stationed at the Seat of Divine Foresight couldn''t help but tighten their grip on their formation blades. It was unavoidable. The pressure emanating from the giant dragon was truly overwhelming. If not for General Jing Yuan''s presence leading them, the Cloud Knights'' reactions would have varied significantly instead of merely clenching their weapons. Some courageous ones might have questioned or even attacked, while the more timid could have found their legs giving way. After all, the Cloud Knights were human, and such responses were entirely normal. Within one of the large courtyards at the Seat of Divine Foresight, Jing Yuan hosted Bochang, Serval, and Bailu. From their accounts, the cloud knight general gleaned the full sequence of events. "Can Bailu still revert back to her original form?" This was Jing Yuan''s primary concern. For a Vidyadhara individual to undergo such extensive draconic transformation was exceptionally rare. In history, some geniuses had only partially transformed, acquiring dragon horns and tails while retaining their human limbs. But Bailu? She completely shifted into a massive dragon form, spurred by Bochang''s influence, gaining immense power in the process. This was truly unprecedented. To Jing Yuan, the current Bailu emanated a potent aura of the Imperishable Fate Path, her strength unfathomable¡ªeven he found her formidable. The lavender-colored giant dragon lounging in the courtyard lifted her head and said, "I can change back, but... this miss isn''t ready to do so yet." With that, she lowered her dragon head again, meticulously grooming her scales and fur... It was evident that Bailu greatly enjoyed her present form. No Vidyadhara could resist transforming into a dragon. One might even say... it is exceptionally difficult for any dragon descendant to resist such a transformation. "Hmm... I understand," Jing Yuan nodded. Bochang and Serval were seated at separate small tables laden with an abundance of fruits. The blonde woman remained deeply absorbed in the events that had just transpired. While Bochang, Bailu, and Jing Yuan conversed, sharing details... Serval silently listened. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jing Yuan continued, "Bochang, have you considered staying at Luofu Immortal Continent in the future?" The Cloud Knight raised a question similar to Yukong''s. Bochang slightly shook his head. "Not for now." "Is that so?" Jing Yuan''s eyes narrowed, involuntarily shifting towards Bailu. If people from Vidyadhara learned that Bochang could grant them dragon transformation, bringing them closer to the Imperishable fate path¡ª They would undoubtedly become as anxious as ants on a hot pan, pleading with him to remain in the Xianzhou Alliance. Just as this thought crossed Jing Yuan''s mind... Bailu chimed in, "No way, no way... It''d be perfect if Bochang stays here in the Xianzhou to accompany me, missy." The massive pale purple dragon lifted her head, gazing intently at Bochang with teary, watery eyes, prompting him to look back naturally. Bailu''s form was slender and elongated, with pale purple hair running along her back from head to tail. As she lay on the ground, a pair of wings adorned with light violet feathers extended near her forelimbs. Ancient lore states that after five hundred years, a snake becomes a Dragonfish; after a thousand years, a Dragonfish transforms into a dragon; another five hundred years turn it into a Horned Dragon; and yet another millennium results in an Imperial Dragon. Clearly, Bailu had directly evolved into an Imperial Dragon. Of course... This was based on Bochang''s understanding of dragons. In Xianzhou Luofu, there might be different names and classifications for these beings. It was akin to how mahjong, commonly known elsewhere, is referred to here as Emperor''s Jade Tiles, with slightly varying rules. "It''s alright. Even if I don''t stay in Xianzhou, I can still visit anytime if I wish," Bochang said nonchalantly. Serval understood he was referring to the teleportation rings. With such treasures, indeed, one could effortlessly achieve this. "Oh? Do tell me more." Jing Yuan became intrigued. Seeing his interest, Bochang produced a teleportation ring and began explaining its features. Upon hearing this, Bailu eagerly exclaimed, "I want one too! Please give me one." Although her body had grown larger, even transforming into a dragon, nevertheless... Despite her appearance, Bailu still behaved much like a young girl. However, after Bochang infused the power of the Dragon Talisman into her body, this dragon maiden seemed even more attached to him. "Cough... Wait until I have extras later; these rings already have owners now," Bochang firmly declined. Bailu let out a mournful wail. "Why is it like this...? My lady deserves a teleportation ring..." Bailu could sense that without Bochang''s infusion of power, she would revert to her previous form. She simply couldn''t sustain her giant dragon shape on her own. The energy Bochang had provided moments ago was already depleting rapidly. Even if Bailu remained completely motionless, she could only maintain the transformation for a few hours at most. In the event of an intense battle, her Giant Dragon Experience Card would likely expire within minutes. Chapter 137 - 136: Xianzhou Technologies Chapter 137 - 136: Xianzhou TechnologiesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Within the Seat of Divine Foresight, situated in a large courtyard surrounded by lush greenery and pleasant flora. Jing Yuan occupied the seat of honor, with Bochang and Serval positioned alongside him. Opposite them lay the dragon maiden, coiled on the ground like a small mountain. After Bochang offered some comforting words to Bailu, she finally relinquished her fixation on the teleportation ring. Jing Yuan sipped his tea, squinting as he observed Bochang and Bailu. No matter how one considered it, the power enabling Vidyadhara''s dragon transformation was utterly extraordinary¡ªalmost akin to that of an Imperishable Aeon, resembling a dragon itself. Jing Yuan even suspected that Bailu might have become an Imperishable Emanator. After all, the power emanating from Bochang far surpassed that of ordinary fate path practitioners. It was hard not to harbor suspicions. However... Jing Yuan could perceive that the strength within Bailu continuously ebbed away at every moment. If Bochang were truly an Emanator, such peculiar dissipation of power would not occur; instead, it should persist indefinitely unless his identity was stripped. "Given how exceptional Bochang is, might he be responsible for what happened earlier at the Palace of Astrum?" At this thought, Jing Yuan''s eyebrows furrowed suddenly. "Is this a warning directed at me...or could there be some misunderstanding?" The cloud knight remained uncertain. From the start, the incident had been akin to an unsolved mystery with no clear culprit. Unless Bochang personally admitted to it, Jing Yuan couldn''t definitively attribute the event to him. All he could say was... It was indeed plausible. While the cloud knight pondered, Bochang internally reviewed the recent battle in his mind¡ªthe encounter with Blade. The confrontation had been incredibly perilous. If Bochang hadn''t taken the Cheetah Elixir and received a twofold strength boost from the system, it would have been impossible for him to engage Blade for such an extended period. During the fight, most of Bochang''s abilities were effectively countered by Blade, making the battle highly frustrating. Additionally, there was one skill he couldn''t even attempt to use¡ªSteal. Using the Steal skill typically introduced a delay of about one second, coupled with a range limitation of ten meters. Within that ten-meter radius, attempting to steal something from Blade within a single-second window was impractical. Bochang knew without a doubt that before he could successfully steal anything, Blade would have severed his hand. When Blade escaped... The distance became too great, leaving no opportunity to act; all Bochang could do was watch helplessly as their opponent fled. A momentary silence filled the air. Serval and Bailu frequently glanced at Bochang, their thoughts unreadable. The three individuals and one dragon present harbored their own concerns. After exchanging a few more words, Jing Yuan, now fully aware of the incident''s sequence, politely excused himself to address the aftermath. Facing this challenging mess, Jing Yuan had to step in and clean up. This included rebuilding structures, attending to the injured, providing compensation, and various other tasks... Given the circumstances, Bochang and his companions were merely acting in self-defense. The overall impact was not particularly severe. Thus, Jing Yuan refrained from discussing any further accountability. He rose to leave, instructing everyone to rest well at the Seat of Divine Foresight. It seemed...that for the time being, he would not allow Bochang and the others to wander freely. This decision made sense. Just moments ago, the duo and the dragon had caused significant chaos at the Central Starskiff Haven. Allowing them to continue wandering freely around Xianzhou would have shown Jing Yuan''s vigilance to be rather lax. After the cloud knight departed, only Bailu, Bochang, and Serval¡ªa dragon and two humans¡ªremained at the location. Observing this... Serval no longer maintained her upright posture. She picked up her black guitar, gently tracing the blade marks on its surface. A hint of sorrow involuntarily appeared on the blonde woman''s lovely face. The black guitar was Serval''s cherished possession, having accompanied her for many years. To think that just within a day of leaving Belobog, it had been damaged. Bochang glanced at her and said, "Xianzhou''s technology is highly advanced; they can definitely repair your guitar." "Um..." Serval murmured softly, her mood slightly improving. Bochang then turned towards the young dragon girl. "Bailu, would you like something to eat? These are very sweet..." Bochang picked up a bunch of grapes, intending to entice Bailu to transform. The deep purple grapes were large and round, looking incredibly appetizing. With just a wave in the air, Bailu''s mouth began to water, her eyes fixed on the grapes. However, she shook her head and said, "No...not yet. Bailu wants to stay in dragon form for a little longer." "Don''t worry about that, Bailu. With me here, you can transform into a dragon whenever you wish, right?" As Bochang spoke, he approached the pale violet dragon, gently rubbing his hand against her icy scales. It almost resembled a creepy uncle trying to lure a young girl. Under his persuasion... Bailu pondered for a moment before nodding. "Alright, since Bochang insists, this miss will reluctantly change back." A white glow emanated from the pale violet dragon''s body. Bailu rapidly shrank, transforming back into her mature sisterly form. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Surprisingly... After changing, Bailu''s clothing remained intact, unaffected by her transformation into a colossal dragon. "Her figure is indeed quite impressive," thought Bochang as he examined the now closer Bailu from top to bottom. She exuded a pure and innocent aura, yet possessed a captivating physique. The change in size made her previously well-fitted clothes extremely snug. The skirt barely covered her hips, while her ample chest seemed constricted, almost gasping for breath. Noticing the tantalizing glimpse of pale skin at Bailu''s d¨¦colletage, Bochang mentally quipped, "How can these clothes be so durable...?" In truth... It wasn''t just Bailu''s attire that was high-quality; Bochang''s clothing was equally robust. The outfit Silver Wolf had casually provided him with was remarkably resilient, resisting most ordinary attacks without showing signs of damage. However, during his recent battle with Blade, it sustained numerous rips and tears. As a result, their clothes now sported numerous rips and holes. After transforming back, Bailu furrowed her elegant brows and pressed a hand against her ample bosom, saying, "It''s so uncomfortable... My chest feels suffocated." "In the future, just change into larger clothing at home beforehand," Bochang reached out gently, patting Bailu on the shoulder. "Come here and have some food with me; I can''t finish it all by myself." Jing Yuan was not stingy, ensuring that even Bailu had fruits to share among everyone. However... In her dragon form, Bailu devoured her portion in a single bite. Afterwards, she could only watch longingly as others continued eating. "Uh-huh, uh-huh!" Nodding simultaneously, Bailu immediately wrapped her arms around Bochang''s. With her current height of one hundred seventy-five centimeters, plus the dragon horns... she stood significantly taller than him. Having such a statuesque, mature woman cling close naturally stirred excitement within Bochang, but fortunately, he had experienced his fair share of intense situations before. Without any mishaps, he calmly guided Bailu back to his seat. Bochang sat down, plucked a grape, and popped it into his mouth. The dragon maiden beside him didn''t rush to snatch food but slowly savored her share, occasionally offering some fruit to the black-haired youth. Initially, Serval had been contentedly watching from the sidelines, munching on melon. However, upon seeing Bailu transform into a mature-looking woman and even feeding Bochang... The melon suddenly lost its appeal. "It was supposed to be me first." Chapter 138 - 137: Small Props Chapter 138 - 137: Small PropsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Continue enjoying Bailu''s feeding, indulge further, and say, "Ah..." ¡ª Completion Reward: Stalker''s Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 2: Request Bailu to transform back into her young girl form, saying, "Bailu, I''m not quite used to this; could you make yourself smaller?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from as small as a matchstick to as large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 3: Invite Serval to join: "Serval, why just watch from the side? Come over and play with us." ¡ª Completion Reward: Serval''s Eye Roll.] The sudden appearance of these options alerted Bochang to a change in Serval''s demeanor. With three options and two carrying negative rewards, there was little room for hesitation. "It seems...I have no choice but to pick the second one." Making a pragmatic decision, Bochang looked at the dragon maiden beside him and said, "Bailu, I''m not quite comfortable with this; can you please make yourself smaller?" "Hmm? You don''t like this form of mine, Bochang?" Bailu, still sitting upright with her tail swaying, placed both hands beneath her impressive bosom as she spoke, "I thought you would definitely appreciate it..." Despite her excellent figure in the mature form, Bailu''s gesture lacked any seductive allure. Perhaps it was due to her inherently pure demeanor, making it seem more like an innocent act by a naive young maiden rather than a deliberate tease. Does Bochang like it? Of course he does! In fact, he even briefly wondered if her clothes would... change when she transformed. To his surprise, the inhabitants of Xianzhou showcased their advanced technology. The quality of her garments was remarkably resilient. Even with Bailu''s chest swelling significantly, there was no sign of damage or strain on her clothing. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Had these been garments from before his transmigration, they surely would have burst under such pressure. Serval''s gaze suddenly turned menacing, giving off an unsettling sensation akin to feeling watched from behind. Ignoring her actions, Bochang cleared his throat. "Cough... Enough mischief, Bailu. You should still be able to shrink down, right?" Seeing that his tactic wasn''t effective, the dragon girl reluctantly conceded. "Um... alright, let me try." Bailu closed her eyes, attempting to control the foreign power within her body. A white glow emanated from her figure. Quickly, she transformed back into her small loli form. The system''s voice chimed in: [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a bottle of Fasting Pills containing ten tablets. Each pill provides the necessary nutrition for one day. Note: This item has been stored in the System Space and can be directly accessed for use.] "Fasting Pills, huh... They could be somewhat useful." Bochang didn''t dismiss such minor items lightly. After all... it was unpredictable when these props might come in handy. For instance, the noise-canceling headphones earlier had proven quite effective according to Serval. At that moment... Bailu examined her petite frame and said, "I''ve changed back, but... this miss still prefers my previous appearance." "Does Bochang not like grown-up Bailu?" The dragon girl looked at the black-haired youth with a pitiful expression. Bochang felt as if a red "DANGER" sign appeared above his head. And at this crucial moment... There was no sign of any ["Dating Option"] popping up. Quickly pondering for a second, Bochang responded, "I didn''t say I don''t like it; it''s just that I''m temporarily unaccustomed to the change..." He deliberately avoided saying he liked it, giving only a vague answer. Such a response was clearly unsatisfactory. Bailu''s demeanor turned somber, and even her tail drooped down. Bochang hastily shifted the attention to the blonde woman. "Um... actually, grown-up Bailu is very beautiful. If you don''t believe me, ask Serval." "Yes, indeed," Serval chimed in. "As she grows up, Bailu truly becomes quite stunning... Even I envy her figure..." Taking over the conversation, Serval responded: Although meant to comfort the little loli, it was indeed true. Serval herself believed she had quite a good figure, but compared to grown-up Bailu¡ªshe fell slightly short. With her exceptional waist-to-hip ratio and ample bosom, Bailu''s physique was truly enviable to the point of jealousy. "I see, now I understand." Hearing that her future self would be stunningly beautiful, Bailu instantly regained her spirit. However, before even two seconds passed, the dragon loli sighed again. "Ah... I wonder how long it''ll take for me to grow that tall." Dragonkin have slow physical development; years passing without noticeable changes were entirely normal. Since the horn on her forehead emerged, Bailu hadn''t increased in height for six or seven years. This was one reason she preferred maintaining her mature form. Bailu genuinely yearned to grow up. "No rush, take your time. If needed, Bailu can always use my power to transform larger whenever you wish. You''ve already become proficient with controlling that strength, haven''t you?" Bochang could sense that after Bailu reverted to her original shape, the flow of Dragon Sigil''s magic through her body became imperceptibly minimal. Unlike when she assumed the giant dragon or mature forms, where the magic dissipation was more significant. This indicated... that the Dragon Sigil''s power could now be stored within her for extended periods. The flow of Dragon Talisman''s magic power through her body had become imperceptibly faint. Unlike her previous giant dragon and mature woman forms, which consumed more of the talisman''s magic power significantly. This indicated... That the Dragon Talisman''s energy could be stored within her for extended periods. "Store the power until needed...," Bailu gently tapped her chin, "It seems indeed possible. Once I returned to my original form, Bochang''s bestowed strength barely dissipated anymore." "I never thought about that... Bochang is truly clever." Bailu praised him, lightly flicking her tail against Bochang''s back with a soft tapping sound. Now reverted to her smaller, adorable self, Bailu looked utterly charming. Serval glanced at the young dragon girl several times before silently shaking her head, thinking, "Bailu is just a child after all... Why did I get jealous earlier..." Her reaction was quite understandable. After all, the mature form of Bailu exerted significant pressure on Serval. In contrast, the little loli guise felt somewhat deceptive, making it easy to overlook her presence. For instance, even with Bailu clinging closely to Bochang now, Serval felt no discomfort; their interactions were still within her tolerance. As they couldn''t leave the Seat of Divine Foresight, after having some fruit, Bochang decided to wander around aimlessly with Serval and Bailu. The Seat of Divine Foresight was vast. Despite walking for quite some time, Bochang couldn''t see its end. Meanwhile... Kafka continued playing hide-and-seek with March 7th, Stelle, and others. These events had nothing to do with Bochang. Earlier, he briefly communicated with Dan Heng via his phone. Apparently, the stoic little azure dragon was about to arrive at the Central Starskiff Haven. Originally, they planned to meet up. However, with Bochang confined to the Seat of Divine Foresight, it became impossible to fulfill that arrangement. They would have to proceed independently. Chapter 139 - 138: Online? Come Out and Greet Us Chapter 139 - 138: Online? Come Out and Greet UsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After wandering for what felt like ages, Bochang grew weary and sought rest at a nearby pavilion. The afternoon sun cast its perfect glow. Leaning against one of the pavilion''s pillars, Bochang sat on a long bench, embracing the Vow Spear while silently gazing into the distance. The warm golden sunlight, already tilting westward, bypassed the pavilion''s obstruction, bathing Bochang, Serval, and Bailu in its radiant hue, elongating their shadows. The Seat of Divine Foresight stood at the heart of Luofu Immortal Continent. Its foundation towered high, covering a vast area with an array of ancient and elegant structures. It could easily be mistaken for an imperial palace from bygone eras. Having explored extensively, Bochang fully appreciated this sentiment. The pavilion where they now rested was situated at the edge of the Seat of Divine Foresight, offering a panoramic view that nearly encompassed half of Luofu Immortal Continent below. The scenery was breathtakingly beautiful. From here, landmarks such as the Exalting Sanctum, Divination Commission, and Central Starskiff Haven were all clearly visible at a glance. Densely packed figures resembled ants below, while ceaselessly moving star ferries were like slightly larger ones. Looking towards the other side, one could spot the ancient Tree of Foundation, known as Jianmu. "Hmm... I''ve heard this term even before my transmigration..." The Tree of Foundation was once the prized treasure of the Xianzhou Alliance and a manifestation of Abundance''s blessing. Its fruits enabled immortality for the inhabitants of Xianzhou. Although now reduced to half a withered trunk, during its prime, it reached towards the heavens, spanning across celestial bodies. However, during the era of "The Hunt," Lan felled the tree with a single arrow. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since then, the Tree of Foundation never recovered, gradually transforming into its current state. Many from the new generation are unaware of its origins, highlighting the inadequate education prevalent in Xianzhou. Bochang''s knowledge came thanks to Bai Lu''s vast erudition; she was well-versed in matters related to the Seat of Divine Foresight. Throughout their journey, she led the way, fulfilling her role as a guide once again. As they walked, Bai Lu provided detailed explanations, only stopping when her throat grew parched from talking incessantly. At present, the young dragon girl lay sideways on a bench within the pavilion. Her dragon tail draped onto the ground, occasionally twitching, while her head rested comfortably on Bochang''s lap, enjoying his knee-pillow service. Bochang glanced down at the adorable little dragon girl lying peacefully. The small dragon horns nestled close to her temples looked endearing. Earlier, he had cautiously tried touching them. Bailu didn''t show any resistance; instead, she even purred softly. Now... Bailu had fallen asleep. Bochang decided not to disturb her and quietly sat still, remaining silent. As the designated next High Elder of the Vidyadhara Clan, Bailu''s every word and action must adhere strictly to clan regulations. From eating, seeking medical care, sleeping, to even using the restroom, there were precise rules governing everything. Typically, this time of day was reserved for Bailu''s afternoon nap. It had become second nature for her. Thus, as soon as it was time, she felt drowsy. Earlier at the Central Starskiff Haven, Bailu''s brief nap was interrupted by the Stellaron Hunters. Now with some downtime, her desire to sleep resurfaced. Serval sat beside Bochang. The two leaned against the same pillar, one holding the Vow Spear and the other clutching a black guitar. After a moment of silence, once Bailu fell deeply asleep, Bochang retrieved a teleportation ring from his pocket and whispered, "Serval, please take this teleportation ring." He had now collected all three rings, allowing him to fulfill his earlier promise. "Ah? For me?" Serval hesitated, recalling their agreement from Belobog days ago, and then asked, "Have you gathered all your teleportation rings?" "Yes, I''ve also prepared the rings for March and Stelle." Bochang nodded with a smile on his face. Although he had completed the task of collecting three teleportation rings, there was... one more debt to settle. He owed another ring to Bailu and needed to prepare one for her. Otherwise, this dragon girl would surely not let it go easily. Of course... providing Bailu with a teleportation ring was also essential for Bochang. With her ability to transform using the Dragon Talisman''s magic, she was undoubtedly a game-changer. If they encountered any formidable enemies again, Bochang could instantly summon the divine dragon for assistance during battles. Additionally, setting up a coordinate at Xianzhou, similar to Belobog, would allow Bochang to travel there effortlessly, akin to having a meal or taking a sip of water. In summary... giving Bailu a teleportation ring was a win-win deal that Bochang couldn''t refuse. Gazing at the teleportation ring shimmering gold under the sunlight, the blonde woman showed no hesitation. "Alright, I''ll accept it. Thank you..." Serval reached out, taking the still slightly warm teleportation ring. She leaned forward, her exquisite face drawing closer to Bochang''s, "How can I repay you?" The subtle fragrance emanating from the golden-haired woman was intoxicating. As he looked into her earnest blue eyes, Bochang was about to respond when... the system''s voice interrupted him. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Seize the moment, for time waits for no one. Reply with: "This... well then, give me a kiss as thanks." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Perhaps be a bit bolder and say: "I''ll return the favor with a kiss, making us even." - Completion Reward: Random skill.] [Option 3: Escaping is also a valid choice: "We''re friends, after all; there''s no need for thanks." ¡ª Completion Reward: 100% increase in physical attributes.] The options suddenly popped up, obstructing Bochang''s view. Unconsciously, he scanned the three different rewards. Bochang muttered, "Why does Option 3 have the best reward... What could be the reason? Hmm... Could mentioning kisses so casually make Serval think I''ve... suddenly become frivolous?" Improving basic physical attributes becomes increasingly advantageous as one progresses. After all... doubling numerical values through such exponential growth is incredibly powerful, significantly enhancing capabilities with each boost. Random skills and random items are essentially similar. It just depends on what Bochang needs more at that moment. Although Option Three''s reward seems most appealing, Bochang''s gaze immediately shifts away from it. The reason is straightforward. Since neither of the first two options imply any negative consequences, they remain viable choices. Given that possibility, it''s indeed worth considering them further. His only concern lies in whether Serval would actually kiss him or let him kiss her after choosing Options One or Two... If the blonde woman decides to maintain her reserve, Bochang could end up significantly disadvantaged. Hence, despite moving his attention from Option Three, he doesn''t dismiss it entirely, keeping it as a backup plan. "Option one... Option two... and finally, Option three, this decision is truly difficult..." Chapter 140 - 139: Capture a Moment Chapter 140 - 139: Capture a MomentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** This presented a perfect opportunity. With March 7th and Stardust not around, and Bailu peacefully asleep nearby, Despite being at the outskirts of the Seat of Divine Foresight, where numerous Cloud Knights kept watch to prevent any sneaky escapes, they couldn''t hinder Bochang''s choice-making process. "Which option should I pick?" "The third reward seems great, but the first and second might have hidden bonuses..." As the countdown ticked away, Bochang felt deeply conflicted. "First... or third?" After a moment''s hesitation, considering the overwhelming pressure from the Stellaron Hunters, Bochang gritted his teeth and decided, "It''s irrational to forego a 100% physique boost for a Schr?dinger''s kiss... Just after surviving that blade attack, it''s likely such incidents could happen again. I must be prepared." As the system began its countdown, rationality prevailed within Bochang''s mind. While Bailu was indeed a formidable ally, he still believed relying on his own strength was most dependable. However, the reward for Option Three seemed overly generous, causing slight unease. Nevertheless... Bochang made his decision. "Option Three!" Smiling, Bochang said, "We''re friends after all; there''s no need for thanks." With those words... A sense of relief washed over Bochang, as if a heavy burden had been lifted. [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! Your physique has increased by 100%.] A warm surge coursed wildly through his body. Bochang''s physique jumped from twenty-four times to forty-eight times its original level, marking another significant leap in power. Although his physical appearance remained unchanged, he could distinctly feel an enhanced vitality and energy. "Is that so? Hmm... But I feel a bit guilty; how about this?" Undeterred by his refusal, Serval quickly leaned forward with a drawn-out, sultry tone and gently kissed Bochang''s cheek with her crimson lips. It was fleeting, like a dragonfly skimming water¡ªjust a brief touch before she pulled away. The slightly blushing blonde woman then quietly looked at him. "How does that sound?" Serval felt somewhat nervous, unsure of Bochang''s thoughts. She realized her action was quite bold, which also stirred a hint of unease within her. To be fair, if Bochang had wanted to avoid it, he could have easily done so, but he didn''t. The black-haired youth, having been kissed unexpectedly, found himself momentarily bewildered. He initially thought only options one or two would offer mysterious rewards. Yet surprisingly, option three did as well. "What kind of bonus is this... Wait... Could there be some hidden danger involved?" After a momentary daze, Bochang regained his composure and gently touched his cheek. The spot where she kissed felt slightly warm now. This was Bochang''s first time being kissed by a girl, leaving him with mixed emotions. Feeling his face flush, his heart raced as he looked at Serval. Bathed in a golden glow, the blonde woman appeared exceptionally radiant. With her bright eyes and charming smile, her gaze was gentle, and a lingering blush adorned her cheeks. Bochang began, "This..." Unfortunately... He was interrupted before he could finish. "Shh..." Serval placed a finger to her lips, signaling for Bochang to remain quiet. She then continued, "You don''t need to say anything; this is just my gratitude for your generous gift." With Serval''s interruption, Bochang''s words caught in his throat, unable to continue. An awkward silence fell over the scene. Noticing Bochang''s embarrassed expression, Serval found it quite amusing. She firmly patted his shoulder and said, "Don''t be so shy; I just gave you a peck on the cheek, no big deal." As she spoke, perhaps to mask her own feelings, the blonde woman displayed an uncharacteristically bold demeanor. "Come on... let''s take a photo together," she suggested. Without hesitation, Serval wrapped her arm around Bochang''s shoulders, their cheeks touching side by side. He could distinctly feel the smoothness of her fair skin against his own. Inevitably... other parts of their bodies also made close contact. Unfazed, Serval picked up her phone to snap pictures. Caught off guard by this sudden intimacy, Bochang had no prior experience dealing with such situations. With a stiff smile, he managed to flash a peace sign as requested by Serval. After taking several photos, without any further ado, Serval promptly sent them to the family group chat on Astral Express... Dan Heng: Looks like you''re having a great time! The one lying on Bochang''s thigh - that must be Bailu he mentioned earlier, right? Regarding Bailu''s dragon transformation and how she saved Bochang and Serval from Blade''s attack, Dan Heng was already aware. Not only him, but Star, March 7th, and others knew as well. As soon as the sound of dragon''s roar echoed, they had discussed it in the group chat. After Bochang found the chance to reply, they learned the full details of the incident. Welt Yang even commented, "It''s alright if you didn''t capture Blade, ensuring your own safety is enough. Moreover, being able to stall Blade actually helped everyone." Uncle Yang spoke in such vague terms, leaving Bochang puzzled. What capturing Blade...? And what does he mean by stalling him? Clearly, Bochang was the one under attack, wasn''t he? Realizing there might be some misunderstanding, Bochang had no intention of explaining further. Letting this beautiful misconception persist seemed preferable. In any case, revealing the truth wouldn''t benefit Bochang much, so it was better to let things stand as they were. Just after Serval posted a photo with their faces close together in the group chat... The "Astral Express Family" group instantly erupted. Stars: ??? March 7th: ??? March 7th: What are you two doing? As the pink-haired girl stared at the image on her phone screen, her hands trembled slightly. Stelle found herself at a loss for words, seeing Serval and Bochang so intimately close. It irked her, suddenly recalling what the blonde woman had said earlier - "I''ll take good care of Bochang, so feel free to go ahead." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The gray-haired girl noticed this reaction. Her current feelings mirrored those from when Serval made that statement, even more intensely so. When the blonde woman shared her selfie... She hadn''t hesitated or avoided including Bochang, ensuring he saw everything. Unfortunately, with his thoughts in disarray, he couldn''t stop her in time. Serval swiftly posted the intimate selfie of them both. "Wah! This option is indeed causing major trouble! Now what should I do?" Getting a 100% physique boost was one thing, but coupled with an unexpected kiss... Bochang sensed trouble brewing right from the start, though he didn''t anticipate it escalating so quickly. To make matters worse, it included a kiss from Serval. At that moment, Bochang sensed trouble brewing, but he didn''t expect it to escalate so swiftly. Serval: "I''m visiting the Seat of Divine Foresight with Bochang; the scenery here is quite lovely. So naturally, I wanted to take some photos with him. March, you should understand, right?" March 7th: "I do understand, but you two are standing way too close!" Stars: "Indeed, it seems inappropriate." Chapter 141 - 140: Xueyi Chapter 141 - 140: XueyiPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang took out his phone and watched as messages flooded the group chat, causing cold sweat to break out on his forehead. To prevent the conversation from spiraling in an undesirable direction, Bochang quickly intervened, typing rapidly on the screen before anyone else could send another message. Bochang: "March, Stelle, I''ve gathered all the teleportation rings now. When are you returning? I''ll hand them over to you." Upon sending this message, the Astral Express family group instantly fell silent. Then... March 7th: "Soon, very soon. You can hold onto them for now; let''s discuss further once I''m back." Stars: "I''ll try my best to return quickly." Bochang responded promptly to Dan Heng''s previous message, inadvertently stirring up more waves before the first had settled. March 7th: "Since when did you get so close with Bailu? Don''t tell me you''re trying to win her favor by giving her gifts again?" Bochang: "March, don''t make unfounded accusations. Serval can vouch for me - I haven''t given anything to Bailu. She just happens to like the scent on me." Or rather, she enjoys the magic power from the Dragon Talisman within Bochang. This was indeed proven to be true. The Dragon Talisman''s magic significantly enhances Bailu''s status effects. Serval: Bochang didn''t give her anything. March 7th: But didn''t Bochang transfer his own power to Bailu? That counts as giving something... Regarding Bochang allowing Bailu to undergo dragon transformation: Everyone in the Astral Express group chat, except for Himeko and Pom-Pom, already knew about it. Bochang: It doesn''t count as giving something away! After much discussion in the group chat, these matters finally settled down. Seeing that he had successfully diverted the conversation, Bochang let out a sigh of relief. However, he also realized that this temporary calm with March 7th and Stelle might not last; future encounters could still lead to unforeseen complications... Especially with March 7th, who may continue stirring up unnecessary drama. Looking at the blonde woman, Bochang sighed exasperatedly, "Serval, why did you post those photos in the group chat...?" "We weren''t doing anything secretive; what''s wrong with taking a few pictures? Don''t make a fuss over it." Serval casually waved her hand. For some reason, Bochang noticed a hint of an enigmatic smile on her face. The observing Cloud Knights had received their fair share of relationship envy, their expressions revealing admiration and jealousy. With a golden-haired beauty to his right and Lord Bailu to his left, it was impossible for Bochang not to attract such feelings. Perhaps due to their animated movements, Bailu stirred from her slumber. She groaned softly, rubbed her eyes, and sat up, asking, "Hmm... How long have I been asleep?" "About half an hour." Bochang checked the time without missing a beat. Yawning, Bailu adjusted herself comfortably on the bench. With a slight tilt of her head, she swung her petite feet that couldn''t quite reach the ground. "Half an hour...that''s about right. Let''s continue our journey then. There are still many places to explore at the Seat of Divine Foresight..." With that, Bailu hopped off the bench and gently patted Bochang''s thigh with her tail, signaling him to follow. Bochang glanced at Serval and smiled. "Since Bailu is awake now, let''s keep exploring. We should take more ''photos'' elsewhere as keepsakes." The blonde woman deliberately emphasized the word "photos." Instantly, Bochang recalled their intimate poses during the earlier photo session, leading his thoughts to wander wildly. Just as the trio prepared to resume their excursion, an unexpected figure arrived with several Cloud Knights in tow. It was Judge Xueyi from the Ten-Lords Commission¡ªa juggernaut puppet. With black hair and red eyes, upon first glance, she reminded Bochang strikingly of Schwarz. However, upon closer inspection, he noticed mechanical traces on her body¡ªindicative of Xianzhou''s mechanized juggernaut puppets. In simpler terms, she was a mechanically augmented human. "I am Judge Xueyi of the Ten-Lords Commission. Are you Bochang, Serval, and Dragon Girl Bailu?" Xueyi''s expression remained cold as she observed the trio closely. The Six Divisions of Xianzhou comprised seven institutions in total. The Ten-Lords Commission was one such hidden entity, commanding respect from all across Xianzhou. Bailu spread her hands and spoke first, "Judge Big Sister, what brings you here?" "By order of General Jing Yuan, I am to escort you three with me." Xueyi''s voice showed little emotion. This startled the young dragon girl. "With you? Where? It can''t be The Shackling Prison, no way! I''m not going there!" Bailu frantically waved her hands. As she did, a faint white glow began emanating from her body. Bochang swiftly reached out and gently restrained Bailu''s shoulder, preventing her from using the Dragon Talisman''s magic to transform. "Don''t panic, let her finish speaking first." Feeling wronged, Bailu turned back to look at Bochang and whimpered, "The Shackling Prison sounds terrifying..." "Rest assured, I won''t take you there," Xueyi shook her head. "It is the Vidyadhara Dragon Master who specifically requested to meet with Bailu. Therefore, General Jing Yuan ordered me to bring you both." Within Xianzhou, members of the Vidyadhara sect held numerous positions across the six divisions. All these individuals unanimously recognized Bailu as their next High Elder. This level of unity was not easily matched by ordinary people from Xianzhou or the fox race. Unfortunately, the Vidyadhara population was significantly small compared to the fox race and Xianzhou natives. Due to their inability to reproduce, the population of Vidyadhara people had been steadily declining since ancient times. The Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion further exacerbated this decline. In Xianzhou Luofu, among the three major clans, Vidyadhara was the least populous. Despite their strong unity, Vidyadhara''s influence within Xianzhou Luofu remained relatively weak. Even one of the six divisions of Xianzhou held greater power than Vidyadhara. Conversely, on Fanghu Xianzhou, the majority aboard that massive ship were indeed Vidyadhara individuals. "Additionally... I need to inquire about matters concerning the Stellaron Hunters - specifically, the culprit who attacked you. I was tasked with tracking him down, and unexpectedly, the cunning criminal fled to Central Starskiff Haven... causing such chaos... This is my oversight..." Upon hearing Xueyi''s explanation, Bailu sighed with relief and gently patted her flat chest, still shaken. "So that''s what happened... I thought for sure you were sent by the General to arrest us and take us to The Shackling Prison due to our involvement in damaging Central Starskiff Haven. Thankfully, it was just a misunderstanding..." Curious, Serval asked, "Is The Shackling Prison truly terrifying?" Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Absolutely! It strikes fear into every Xianzhou resident; many who enter never return." Bailu placed her hands on her hips emphatically. Even Serval seemed startled by this description. Xueyi glanced at the trio. "Don''t waste any more time, let''s move quickly." And so... Bochang and his friends followed Xueyi away from the scene. Throughout their journey, the Judge elder sister posed numerous questions about the Stellaron Hunter - Blade. Bochang and his companions answered candidly, holding nothing back. Chapter 142 - 141: Reunion Chapter 142 - 141: ReunionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Dragon Master. This title was reserved for individuals of high esteem and wisdom within Vidyadhara. Theoretically, their status is comparable to that of a High Elder. However...on Luofu Immortal Continent, the Dragon Master holds true authority. All matters, big or small, within Vidyadhara are decided by the Dragon Master. Part of this stems from the current High Elder being young, unable to shoulder significant responsibilities, and thus lacking actual power. Once Bailu reaches adulthood and earns the title of Imbibitor Lunae, the Dragon Master will relinquish control accordingly. The meeting itself wasn''t particularly noteworthy. The Dragon Master''s focus remained solely on Bailu, intrigued by her transformation into a dragon, soaring through the heavens with such immense size. The Master sought insights into whether she could revert to her colossal form again... As for Bochang and Serval, they received only brief inquiries before being largely ignored. During their conversation with General Jing Yuan, he had instructed them not to reveal Bochang''s ability to induce Bailu''s dragon transformation, fearing it might cause unnecessary upheaval in Vidyadhara. Thus...the little dragon girl merely provided vague responses without implicating Bochang, sparing everyone considerable trouble. To avoid stirring up unnecessary turmoil within Vidyadhara. Thus... The dragon maiden only provided vague responses, without revealing Bochang''s involvement, sparing everyone considerable trouble. Having obtained little useful information, the Dragon Master examined Bailu''s body briefly. After confirming no abnormalities, he promptly departed from the Seat of Divine Foresight. The chaos of the Stellaron rebellion had erupted on Luofu Immortal Continent, leaving a mountain of tasks awaiting attention in Vidyadhara. If not for the significant implications of Bailu transforming into a colossal dragon, the Dragon Master wouldn''t have made this special trip. Before leaving... the Dragon Master intended to take Bailu with him but was met with an unyielding refusal. The young dragon girl temporarily had no desire to leave Bochang''s side. Moreover, Judge Xueyi, the juggernaut puppet, prohibited Bailu from departing the Seat of Divine Foresight under General Jing Yuan''s orders. Although the Dragon Master grumbled inwardly, he dared not cause any trouble at the Seat of Divine Foresight and reluctantly left. As a Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, Xueyi had urgent tasks to attend to - naturally, her mission involved... Capturing the remaining Stellaron Hunter - Blade. Xueyi''s visit to the Seat of Divine Foresight was solely to gather more intelligence on their enemies from Bochang and his companions. Coincidentally, she also facilitated Dragon Master''s request to see Bailu along the way. With her business concluded, Xueyi prepared to depart as well. However, Bochang and his group were still unable to leave the Seat of Divine Foresight. They could only remain there, silently awaiting further developments. Since they had idle time, Bochang contacted Pascal and Sophia via phone, learning about the traitorous organization known as the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus from them. Since the plot hadn''t yet reached Xianzhou, Bochang was naturally clueless about the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. He tried to recall any relevant encounters. Back when passing through Cloudford, he did seem to have met Mara-Struck Soldiers who could speak coherently. According to Sophia, those were members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. As for why these individuals retained their rationality even after becoming Mara-Struck, Sophia had no immediate explanation; she was still investigating with her animal friends'' assistance. Bochang wasn''t in a rush either. There was no point in hurrying, as he remained under house arrest at the Seat of Divine Foresight, unsure when he would be allowed to leave. Due to uncertainty about his surroundings'' safety, Bochang dared not use the Sheep Talisman''s power to venture outside freely. Not long after, Bochang had received the triumphant news from March 7th and Stelle, stating that with the assistance of the Divination Commission''s Fu Xuan, they successfully captured the Stellaron Hunter Kafka. The task entrusted to them by General Jing Yuan could now be considered temporarily concluded. There was no need to pursue the other remaining Stellaron Hunter, as Xianzhou did not intend to hire Astral Express personnel to capture Blade. Therefore... Stelle, March 7th, and others decided to visit the Seat of Divine Foresight. General Jing Yuan had no intention of refusing their plan. And so, it was amicably settled. As the sun set behind the mountains, casting its warm glow across the landscape... Outside the Seat of Divine Foresight, Bochang, Serval, and Bailu eagerly awaited their arrival. Star and March 7th didn''t keep them waiting for long. A solitary star ferry approached and landed steadily before the Seat of Divine Foresight. The cabin door opened. One by one, March 7th, Star, and others descended from the star ferry. Among them was Tingyun. Upon seeing the fox maiden, Bochang couldn''t help but shift his gaze away, feeling somewhat guilty. In contrast, Tingyun greeted them with a cheerful smile, saying, "I''ve already heard about your exploits, dear benefactors. I never expected that during our brief separation, you would engage in such thrilling endeavors alongside Lord Bailu..." "We were just attacked unexpectedly," Bochang quickly shook his head to clarify. Judging by her reaction, he realized that Tingyun likely had no knowledge yet of him bombing her Minghuo Merchant Group. That''s definitely good news. Bochang wouldn''t bring it up himself; treating it as if nothing happened seemed best. Their brief conversation concluded. Immediately interjecting, March 7th said, "Bochang, share some of your power with me! I want to see if I can transform!" "???" Bochang slowly typed out several question marks, taken aback. While waiting for March 7th and Stelle to arrive, Bochang had anticipated what the pink-haired girl might say, but he never expected this to be her first request upon meeting. The Dragon Talisman''s power is not something trivial. Even when Bochang uses it on himself, it erupts with crackling sounds, transforming him instantly into a fiery being ready to launch forth. When unleashed externally, it becomes a blazing pillar of flames, causing massive explosive damage to everything in its path. Despite having system options available at the time, Bochang hesitated significantly before entrusting the Dragon Talisman''s magic to Bailu. Now... Bochang dared not recklessly inject magic power from the Dragon Talisman into March 7th''s body. If she couldn''t handle it, he might inadvertently send her flying with just one blast. "No, no, March, you''re different from Bailu," Bochang firmly rejected the idea without hesitation. Pouting, March 7th replied, "I just wanted to give it a try..." "Even trying is not an option." Bochang''s stance remained unwavering. Unlike March 7th''s antics, Stelle didn''t join in. She glanced at Serval and then looked at Bochang. Noticing the teleportation ring on the blonde woman''s hand... Stelle extended her arm calmly and said, "I''m back." Her beautiful golden eyes, as before, showed little emotion. However... There seemed to be a hint of longing within them. Noticing this, Bochang tactfully handed over the prepared teleportation ring. He placed the gleaming trinket into Stelle''s outstretched hand and said, "Well done. This is a gift for you." "Thank you... umm," Stelle murmured softly, her eyes sparkling. Witnessing this exchange, March 7th crossed her arms, her expression subtly shifting. Naturally, Bochang didn''t overlook the pink-haired girl either. After responding with a simple "you''re welcome," he slipped another teleportation ring into March 7th''s palm. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "March, your efforts are appreciated too. Take it, no need to thank me." "As agreed upon, I certainly won''t be thanking you." March 7th let out a soft scoff. Tingyun, holding her Bone-Gathering Fan, fanned gently with narrowed eyes. Her gaze continuously shifted between the members of the Trailblaze squad, as if deep in thought. Chapter 143 - 142: The Burning Red Lotus Chapter 143 - 142: The Burning Red LotusPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Shortly after handing over his teleportation ring, Star returned the Dog''s Medal to Bochang. With Pascal not present, Bochang could only place the medal back into his pocket. It seemed that this item only functioned when worn on one''s person; placing it in his pocket showed no unusual effects. Then... Bochang led March 7th, Stelle, and others on a leisurely stroll around the Seat of Divine Foresight, listening as they recounted their experiences at Stargazer Navalia. He learned about Kafka''s peculiar Word Power ability, which even March 7th and Stelle couldn''t resist, forcing them to attack their teammates. "I wonder if I could withstand it..." Bochang couldn''t help but mutter inwardly upon hearing this. With the Sheep Talisman''s power at his disposal, Bochang believed his mental resistance was quite strong. He likely wouldn''t be swayed by such influence. During their wanderings, no outsiders disturbed their group. After exploring the entirety of the Seat of Divine Foresight, Night had fallen. At some corner within the Seat of Divine Foresight, Bochang lay on the grass, gazing up at the star-studded sky. March 7th and Stelle were nearby. As for Dan Heng... he was still wandering around Central Starskiff Haven. Naturally, Dan Heng refused to join them at the Seat of Divine Foresight for their gathering. Currently, Kafka had been delivered by Fu Xuan to the Divination Commission. However, due to the Stellaron''s influence causing significant chaos there, interrogations of the Stellaron Hunters would have to wait until order was restored. "Fu Xuan mentioned that once internal affairs are sorted out, he''ll issue orders for our liaison to guide us into the Divination Commission, allowing us to observe Kafka''s interrogation," said March 7th. "When the time comes, you should come with us." "Don''t worry, if Blade dares to show up again, we''ll teach him a lesson." Sitting next to Bochang, March 7th waved her clenched pink fist emphatically. Stelle nodded in agreement. After exploring the entire Seat of Divine Foresight, feeling slightly weary, Bochang pondered for a moment. "We''ll have to see if General Jing Yuan is willing to let me leave here." Bochang gently sighed, neither outright refusing nor directly agreeing. After all...whether he could depart was no longer solely his decision. "Benefactor, shall I inquire on your behalf?" Tingyun, serving as guide for March 7th and the others, had remained by their side throughout their stroll around the Seat of Divine Foresight without straying even a step. Bochang responded, "That would be a great help, thank you." Although he had General Jing Yuan''s contact information, it seemed prudent to... Let someone else handle it this time. With others taking charge, Bochang was more than happy to reduce his workload. As Tingyun consulted General Jing Yuan, Bochang suddenly remembered something and sat up abruptly. "Oh right... I still need to develop the Dragon Talisman''s powers. In all my excitement, I almost forgot about this important task." During the afternoon, Bochang played with Serval and Bailu. By evening, March 7th and Stelle joined them, exploring the Seat of Divine Foresight together. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Indeed, Bochang had little time to focus on harnessing the Dragon Talisman''s abilities amidst their activities. Noticing the black-haired youth''s sudden movement, Stelle curiously asked, "What''s wrong?" "I just realized something..." Bochang paused, then turned towards a nearby Cloud Knight guard, "Um... Excuse me, sir, can I test my powers here?" "As esteemed guests of the General, you are free to do as you please, as long as you don''t damage any nearby buildings," replied the Cloud Knight. The cloud knight nodded in agreement. Bochang surveyed the area and noticed it was entirely grassy with no nearby structures. He began pacing in circles, contemplating how to utilize the Dragon Talisman''s power effectively. One idea after another surfaced in his mind, only to be swiftly dismissed. Welt Yang and others, unsure of what he was attempting, refrained from disturbing him due to his intense focus. After several minutes of deep thought... A sudden flash of inspiration struck, leading to a feasible plan. As widely known, the magic power of the Dragon Talisman is incredibly volatile. When infused into the Vow Spear, it causes the blue weapon to continuously tremble and nearly explode. If not for its indestructible attribute, it might have been rendered useless long ago. "Should I try combining the powers of Tongue Blossom Lotus and the Dragon Talisman?" "After all, my abilities were mostly exposed during the fight with Blade earlier. As long as the Mouse Talisman''s strength and Tongue Blossom Lotus'' healing capabilities remain hidden, I can avoid further complications." With this idea in mind, Bochang wasted no time. First, he informed Welt Yang, "Uncle Yang, I''m about to experiment with a new ability. Please keep an eye on me and ensure I don''t fire the Dragon Blast too far." "Alright." Holding his cane with one hand, Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses. Upon hearing this exchange, everyone gradually stood up from the lawn, their eyes filled with curiosity as they watched each other closely. Bochang completed his preparations and promptly began experimenting. As he exhaled using Tongue Blossom, he attempted to infuse the magic power of the Dragon Talisman into the white lotus, aiming for a unique reaction. However... The first attempt failed. Bochang inadvertently unleashed the Dragon Talisman''s magic directly. A pillar of flames engulfed the white lotus, resulting in a crackling explosion akin to fireworks. Only thanks to Welt Yang employing a black hole did Bochang''s attack get absorbed, preventing any damage to the surroundings. "The timing between the two skills wasn''t synchronized..." "Let''s try again..." "One more time!" "..." Unlike his initial success in spreading the Dragon Talisman''s magic throughout his body, combining its power with Tongue Blossom proved exceptionally challenging. After failing dozens of times, Bochang finally glimpsed a ray of hope. One of the white lotuses flying from his mouth turned crimson, infused with the Dragon Talisman''s power, transforming into a blazing red lotus as it soared forth. Unfortunately, there was no immediate success. The uncontrollable surge of Dragon Blast once again destroyed all the lotuses effortlessly. In that instant, however, the red lotus exploded with even greater force, compelling Bochang to involuntarily take a step back. Although this experiment ended in failure again, the burning red lotus ignited a spark of hope within him. He firmly believed that with diligent practice, he could successfully combine both abilities. "However, Lotus Blossom''s attack range is too short... With the explosive power of the Dragon Talisman added, won''t I risk injuring myself? It feels somewhat impractical..." Just as Bochang''s passion flared, he quickly doused it with a dose of reality. Nonetheless, this was currently the only method he could think of to harness the Dragon Talisman''s strength. Despite its limitations, he had to continue experimenting. Meanwhile... Inside the Astral Express stationed at Cloudford, Meanwhile, Himeko was communicating with Herta. After some time, Herta finally received the news about Bochang''s ability to revive the dead and showed immense interest. Herta: When do you plan to return? Himeko: It will take some more time. Let''s wait until we''ve dealt with matters on Luofu Immortal Continent. Herta: I can hardly wait, but never mind... I''ll come over myself. Please send me the coordinates for Luofu Immortal Continent. Chapter 144 - 143: Exalted Sanctum Chapter 144 - 143: Exalted SanctumPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The night on Luofu Immortal Continent was not dissimilar from that of any ordinary planet. The Realm-Keeping Commission''s intricate craftsmanship had reached a level where their creations could easily pass for reality, even surpassing it in beauty. Glistening stars illuminated the earth below. Under the cover of darkness, Bochang prepared for his next experiment. Suddenly... A round of applause echoed from behind him. Bochang turned to see General Jing Yuan, with his silvery-white hair, standing nearby. It was his true form, not a projection. Welt Yang, being the first to notice the newcomer, greeted him promptly. "General." Tingyun nodded, her erect fox ears twitching slightly. Jing Yuan raised his hand as a greeting and smiled at Bochang, saying, "I thought you had already revealed all your capabilities during the battle against Blade. Surprisingly, you still held something back." To be honest, Bochang hadn''t intentionally withheld his full power. Rather, the Dragon Talisman''s strength was so formidable that he dared not use it recklessly. Otherwise, with one blast, Blade might not have been killed first; instead, it would''ve resulted in a significant number of Xianzhou casualties. That would have been quite problematic. In contrast to Bochang''s attacks, even when Bailu transformed into her dragon form...the intense electrical discharge she emitted primarily caused single-target damage, with only minor shock effects extending to a radius of several dozen meters at most. Her control over devastating floods served as more of a restraining tactic and could potentially harm Xianzhou individuals, but... It certainly wouldn''t result in fatalities. The Dragon Blast, however, was different. If a shot missed, there was no telling how far it would travel before detonating, causing widespread collateral damage and potentially killing numerous Xianzhou people due to its explosion radius. Even now, Bochang had yet to achieve precise control over this immense power. Developing new ways to utilize the Dragon Talisman''s magic was crucial for Bochang, aiming to alter his attack methods and ideally minimize the area of impact. The ideal outcome would be transforming the damage into strictly single-target. "If I had initially drawn the Pig Talisman, I wouldn''t have to worry about these issues," Bochang thought ruefully. With the Pig Talisman''s laser eyes, the power is concentrated at a single point, making it difficult to cause large-scale AoE (Area of Effect) damage¡ªa stark contrast to the Dragon Talisman. "Indeed, youth can harbor true heroism." Before Bochang could respond, General Jing Yuan expressed his admiration once more. Standing nearby, Bailu proudly placed her hands on her hips, as if she herself had been praised. "It''s not quite what you think, General. I refrained from using that move out of concern for accidentally harming nearby Xianzhou citizens..." Bochang, caught off guard by General Jing Yuan''s presence, also wondered to himself, "Is Jing Yuan here because of my request to leave the Seat of Divine Foresight...?" "Hmm... Despite facing imminent danger, you still cared for the safety of Xianzhou''s people. Isn''t that the epitome of heroism?" General Jing Yuan spread his arms with a warm smile. "If possible, I would truly wish for you to stay in Xianzhou, but alas, it cannot be." Both Yukong and now Jing Yuan had extended invitations to Bochang. However, Bochang had declined both times. It was clear that he had no intention of staying. "As you know, General, my presence here is not essential." "Yes... After all, you possess such a device." Jing Yuan''s gaze swept over the hands of March 7th, Serval, and Stelle, noting their teleportation rings. "It seems they all have one now." "Hmm... Do you happen to have more of these treasures? If it truly functions as you described, the Xianzhou Alliance would be interested in acquiring them at high prices, provided you''re willing to sell," Jing Yuan abruptly brought up the topic. Bochang realized that the strategic value of the teleportation rings had caught the attention of the Xianzhou Alliance. It made sense when considering its potential. Such rings could instantly summon support with just a single command. If each general possessed a teleportation ring, encountering enemies would become far easier, allowing for swift and coordinated assaults in the name of justice. "Apologies, General Jing Yuan, but I don''t have many teleportation rings available, so they cannot be sold." Bochang declined, unconcerned that his refusal might trigger the skill¡ª"I Refuse." He had already tested it earlier. The "I Refuse" skill required Bochang to explicitly state those three words¡ªI refuse¡ªwhen denying someone for it to take effect. Any other form of rejection would not activate the skill, granting Bochang some control over its usage. Unlike the Blessing of Rock-Paper-Scissors, where if Bochang intended to lose, victory became virtually impossible. "That''s right, even I don''t have a teleportation ring yet... why would I give one to you first?" Bailu placed her hands on her hips defiantly. Jing Yuan responded, "If you don''t have any, then no matter. You can approach me when you do..." The cloud knight did not insist forcefully. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just Bochang''s demonstrated ability to compel Bailu to transform into a dragon was enough to instill caution. Moreover, Astral Express had other equally formidable members. Jing Yuan preferred to avoid unnecessary complications. Shortly after... The cloud knight''s subsequent statement confirmed Bochang''s previous suspicions. "Let''s discuss another matter now." Jing Yuan''s gaze swept over the members of the Trailblaze squad. "I understand your intentions already. If you accompany them, you may leave the Seat of Divine Foresight; however... remember not to stray too far apart, to avoid any unforeseen complications." With Bailu transformed into Long and Welt Yang by their side¡ªtwo formidable allies¡ªJing Yuan felt confident that Bochang and his group''s safety could be ensured. Presumably, even Blade wouldn''t dare to strike recklessly against these two. If Blade did attempt anything again, it would be no issue; simply apprehend him. March 7th patted the black-haired youth on the shoulder and said, "Bochang, can we go now?" "Hmm, then let''s visit the Divination Commission," Bochang agreed, since Jing Yuan had consented and the system didn''t intervene. He decided to follow through with this opportunity. Coincidentally, Jing Yuan also wanted to meet with Kafka. "Well then... I won''t disturb you any further; please feel free to proceed as you wish." With those words, Jing Yuan turned and departed. Having conveyed his own matters, this Cloud Knight was now unburdened of concerns. Next... Bochang ceased developing new abilities, and everyone promptly boarded the star ferry without delay. Their destination was the Exalting Sanctum. Naturally, the one responsible for piloting the star ferry was Tingyun. As both a foxfolk and a ferry guide, her skill in maneuvering the star ferry was exceptional. Initially, when boarding the star ferry, March 7th whispered under his breath, "I wasn''t worried at first, but seeing how confident she appears makes me concerned..." Despite these initial reservations, after spending a day together... March 7th was now completely unconcerned. Just as Tingyun had assured them, her star ferry piloting skills were indeed impressive, making her a reliable companion. Under the guidance of Miss Foxfolk... Soon, they arrived at Exalting Sanctum, a bustling area within Luofu Immortal Continent. The Divination Commission''s liaison, sent by Fu Xuan, was supposed to be waiting here¡ªin theory, at the Exalting Sanctum''s public square. However... Upon reaching their destination, Bochang and his team found it teeming with injured cloud knights, members of the Realm-Keeping Commission, and healers from the Alchemy Commission. There was no sign of any liaison whatsoever. Accompanying the Trailblaze squad were not only Bailu and Tingyun but also Ditti, a small canine cultivator resembling a lion dance figure from the Artisanship Commission. Ditti had been borrowed by Miss Fox to assist in capturing Kafka. During the pursuit, this little helper proved quite instrumental. During the capture operation, Ditti played a significant role. Rumor has it that even March 7th could understand the little dog''s words. Quite intriguing, indeed. Chapter 145 - 144: Cybernetic Flying Sword Chapter 145 - 144: Cybernetic Flying SwordPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Without seeing any representatives from the Divination Commission, Bochang and his group had no choice but to explore, searching for their contact. Bailu noticed the numerous injured Cloud Knights around her. Unable to stand idly by, the Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl began treating and healing them immediately. Her actions garnered widespread appreciation from the Cloud Knights. During this time, March 7th suddenly realized something was amiss and asked, "Speaking of...where are Pascal and Sophia? Bochang, what did you do with them?" "Pascal and Sophia... I sent them to gather intelligence," replied Bochang. "We''ve discovered that on this Xianzhou, there''s an insider organization called the ''Disciples of Sanctus Medicus'' causing havoc. Do you remember the peculiar Mara-stricken soldiers we encountered in Cloudford? They are likely members of this group." Bochang had no intention of withholding information; sharing these details was entirely unproblematic. March 7th nodded with sudden realization. "I see... So when we were in Belobog, did you use a similar method to locate Stellaron?" "You could say that." Bochang hesitated, caught off guard by the unexpected reference to their time in Belobog. It seemed March 7th still harbored curiosity about how Bochang had mysteriously known Stellaron''s location... During the search at the Exalting Sanctum''s public square, Bochang had gathered substantial intelligence. For instance... The Realm-Keeping Commission had mobilized all its members, leaving none behind, to diligently rescue and assist the wounded from every Heavenly Cave transported across Xianzhou. However, few healers from the Alchemy Commission emerged. Rumor had it that even the Alchemy Commission''s heavenly abode was sealed off, with no communication to the outside world - as if completely cut off. This led Bochang to suspect that something significant might have occurred there. Consequently, he instructed Sophia to focus her investigation on the sealed-off heavenly abode of the Alchemy Commission. A heavenly abode is essentially an artificially created spatial bubble, designed to accommodate various establishments for the residents of Xianzhou. Throughout Xianzhou Luofu, numerous such abodes can be found, expanding the available living space. Apart from the highly suspicious Alchemy Commission... The Artisanship and Divination Commissions also faced issues, indicating that the Stellaron disaster was escalating rapidly. While Bochang, March 7th, and others were wandering nearby, in the Exalting Sanctum''s public square, several Cloud Knights suddenly wailed in agony as they began to levitate eerily. Yellow light swirled around them, and clusters of yellow ginkgo leaves emerged from their bodies. These Cloud Knights rapidly underwent grotesque transformations, turning into Mara-Struck Soldiers. Bailu, who had been tending to the afflicted, watched in astonishment but remained unafraid. Within her petite dragon form lay the magic power of the Dragon Talisman, allowing her to instantly transform into a mighty dragon at any moment. "Well...it seems I have no choice now but to change." A white glow once again enveloped Bailu''s body. Noticing the situation, Bochang and his companions rushed over. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Bailu, don''t engage this time, let us handle it." With every perceived danger, the young dragon girl was eager to transform, but Bochang didn''t want her causing commotion within the Exalting Sanctum. Hearing this, Bailu paused just as she was about to change and said, "Alright... then I''ll leave this to you all. I''ll attend to the other injured instead." The Exalting Sanctum had numerous wounded citizens, yet there were very few medical personnel available. This led to an overwhelming workload; despite Bailu''s continuous efforts without rest, she couldn''t fill the gap for healthcare providers alone. After all, these were merely a handful of Mara-Struck Soldiers. They posed no significant threat to Bochang and his group. In swift succession, they effortlessly defeated the soldiers, ensuring they would not rise again. The surrounding civilians watched in awe. Whispers circulated among them. Bochang looked puzzled at Miss Fox. "Tingyun, why didn''t you assist earlier?" "Benefactor... I am merely a low-ranking civil servant with no expertise in martial arts. In such situations, I can hardly be of any help; all I can do is tremble on the sidelines and cheer others on," Tingyun replied earnestly, her jade-like green eyes gazing intently at Bochang, her fox ears and tail subtly twitching. The black-haired youth''s face was filled with question marks. No expertise in martial arts? Then what about those nuclear-blast-like attacks from Tingyun? ?Hiding her true abilities? Or perhaps...there''s some hidden reason behind it?? Bochang scrutinized Miss Fox, sensing that she seemed different from his previous impression of Tingyun. As if picking up on his confusion, Tingyun continued explaining. "This matter...the other benefactors are already aware of it." "Hmm...indeed, we had previously agreed that during combat, Tingyun would not need to engage." Before Bochang could delve further, Welt Yang interjected. Noticing this, Bochang decided not to press the matter. "Alright, let''s explore elsewhere then." Just as they were about to move on in search of their receptionist, a hurried Realm-Keeping Commission official approached and said, "Please wait, everyone." Bochang and his companions paused, ready to continue their quest for assistance. Behind them appeared a black-haired individual with dark eyes from Xianzhou Luofu. "My apologies for the interruption. I am an official from the Realm-Keeping Commission, Da Hao... Thanks to your timely intervention, you saved both the citizens of Exalting Sanctum and the esteemed Draconic Lady." The "Draconic Lady" mentioned by Da Hao naturally referred to Bailu. Bochang was well aware of her prestigious status - designated as the next High Elder of Xianzhou Luofu''s Vidyadhara. When he first learned this news, it had slightly surprised him, although he did recognize her exceptional standing. Bochang was slightly surprised; although he knew her status was exceptional, he hadn''t anticipated she would be a High Elder. "It''s no issue at all, just a minor matter. Besides... Bailu is our friend, and helping her is only natural," Bochang replied casually. Continuing, Da Hao said, "I heard from my contacts at the Sky-Faring Commission that General Yang invited several guests specifically to address the troubles on Luofu Island. It seems you must be those individuals." "Oh?" Bochang looked at him, "Is there something specific?" "If it''s not too much trouble, I hope you could spare some time to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission Chancery for a discussion. There are pressing issues facing the Exalting Sanctum that I''d like to address with you." [Dating Options activated.] [Option One: Agree enthusiastically: "Of course, members of the Astral Express always enjoy lending a hand." - Completion Reward: Random Skill.] [Option Two: Decline Overtime: "Sorry, we''re heading to the Alchemy Commission next and don''t have time for matters concerning the Exalting Sanctum at the moment. Let''s discuss it when we''re available later..." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] Option One versus Option Two. Choices between skills or items. Bochang pondered briefly and decided it would be best not to add more complications right now. Prioritizing an early visit to the Divination Commission was more important. ¡¸Option Two.¡¹ In response to Daohao''s request, Bochang firmly declined without hesitation, saying, "Apologies, but we''re headed to the Alchemy Commission next and currently don''t have time for issues related to the Exalting Sanctum. Let''s revisit this once we''re available later..." [Reward being issued - Congratulations! You have received the equipment: Cybernetic Flying Sword. This gear can auto-repair and has the ability for manned flight. Note: The item is stored in the system space and requires fingerprint and iris double-binding authentication before use.] Chapter 146 - 145: Qingque Chapter 146 - 145: QingquePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Item: Cybernetic Flying Sword.] [Special Effect 1: This item can automatically repair itself. Note: Nanotechnology, kiddo.] [Special Effect 2: Capable of carrying passengers for flight. Note: Requires sunlight to recharge.] "A cybernetic flying sword? Sounds pretty impressive," Bochang muttered to himself. Having drawn items multiple times before, this time Bochang finally obtained something significantly better. "Ah... alright then, if you have time, feel free to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission as guests." Da Hao seemed somewhat disheartened by their rejection. The Realm-Keeping Commissioner gently sighed and turned to leave. March 7th remarked, "Bochang, isn''t it unwise to dismiss him so quickly? As the righteous Astral Express Crew, shouldn''t we not turn a blind eye to others'' troubles?" "Let''s head to the Divination Commission first," Bochang said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Once we''ve attended to their matters, we''ll consider whether to visit the Realm-Keeping Commission." He emphasized, "We must prioritize our tasks accordingly." "Oh... I see. I thought you didn''t want to help at all..." March 7th placed her hand on her hip, visibly feeling more relieved. With that, the group continued their search for the Divination Commission''s representative. As Bochang watched Bailu tirelessly working, he felt a twinge of sympathy but had no intention of assisting her. After all... His Tongue Blossoming Lotus primarily alleviated pain and healed injuries, not diseases. Similarly, Natasha used the White Lotus as a healing remedy. The primary affliction plaguing these Cloud Knights was contamination by Stellaron, which put them constantly at risk of succumbing to Mara-Strike. Even if Bochang intervened, he couldn''t improve the condition of those on the brink of becoming Mara-Struck. Among the alchemists present from the Alchemy Commission, only Bailu could effectively suppress the progression of Mara-Struck affliction. The other medics could only provide basic assistance. Bochang and his group searched the Exalting Sanctum''s public square thoroughly but found no sign of the liaison mentioned by Fu Xuan. "Perhaps...we should ask Fu Xuan again if the person she spoke of hasn''t arrived yet..." Bochang suggested just as his sentence trailed off. Stelle''s phone rang, and when she lit up the screen, she saw messages from an unknown sender: Unknown: Greetings everyone, the Diviner instructed me to await your arrival. Unknown: A quick calculation suggests you must be close. Unknown: I''m currently occupied with urgent matters. Unknown: Image.JPG Bochang leaned over to glance at the messages, taking them all in. The timing was impeccable. One might say...it truly lived up to expectations for someone from the Divination Commission, able to predict events precisely. It was uncannily timed, just as Bochang, unable to wait any longer, was about to seek out Fu Xuan. The messenger had arrived at the perfect moment. "What does this mean? Just a single image¡ªdo they want us to meet them there?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. March 7th leaned over, peering at her phone from the other side of Stelle''s screen. "This person... why only half-explain things?" Bochang pondered aloud. "And... for some reason, this photo looks quite similar to that card shop we visited earlier." "Speculating here won''t get us anywhere." Serval shrugged. "Let''s head over and see what it''s about first." "Hmm," Welt nodded, agreeing with her perspective. Bochang shifted his gaze and said, "Alright, let''s set off then." "I''ll stay here and keep watch over Lord Bailu. Once you''ve taken care of your business, come back for us." Tingyun placed a hand on her chest, indicating she didn''t intend to accompany them. Bochang and the others paid no heed to her decision. After all, the distance between the Exalting Sanctum''s public square and the suspected location of the card shop wasn''t far. Thus, they left Bailu, Tingyun, and Diting behind at the inn. Bochang, Welt Yang, Serval, March 7th, and Stelle set off together. Time quietly slipped away as they hurried on their journey. As it turned out, Bochang''s guess was correct. The photo sent by the guide indeed depicted the interior of this gaming establishment. Even from a distance, Bochang could hear the sounds emanating from within the card room. A male foxfolk player remarked, "I heard that even the Divination Commission''s sanctuary has been struck with calamity! Qingque, how can you still be in the mood for playing cards?" Qingque shrugged nonchalantly, her expression unconcerned. "Aiya... Even if the heavens of the Divination Commission were to collapse, the Master Diviner would hold them up. Despite her diminutive stature, her abilities reach the skies," Qingque said, then her tone grew more serious. "I''m not here just for leisure, mind you. I''ve been ordered to wait for esteemed guests arriving soon." "Time is precious; this way, I can both enjoy myself and fulfill my duties." Upon reaching their destination, March 7th''s group halted. Bochang observed the brown-haired girl facing away from them and said, "The Divination Commission''s guide, Qingque, isn''t it?" As someone familiar with Mahjong Girls, Bochang had some recollection of her, especially since she often swallowed five Skill points at once during gameplay¡ªan experience impossible to forget. Hearing others call her by name further confirmed her identity. Reflecting back, Bochang frequently used Qingque while playing, as her performance could swing wildly¡ªeither incredibly skilled or terribly unlucky. Her character rating oscillated unpredictably between three and six stars. "Huh?" Caught off guard by being addressed directly, Qingque swiftly turned around with a cheerful smile. "Greetings, esteemed guests! Just one look at your noble demeanors tells me you must be important visitors of the Divination Commission." Stelle interjected, "Do you know how long we''ve been searching for you?" "Oh no...my apologies, truly sorry about that. I did intend to wait for you..." Hearing tiles clack behind her, Qingque swiftly turned and assessed the situation. Seizing the moment, she called out, "Hey, umm... Pong!" "But with the Realm-Keeping Commission''s presence nearby, it was just too noisy... Chow!" As Qingque spoke, she continued playing her tiles, leaving March 7th utterly astounded. "I thought, meeting all of you amidst such commotion would surely... It''s my turn? Mahjong!" The scene unfolding before them caused March 7th''s expressions to rapidly shift, ultimately leading to a resigned glance exchanged between Stelle, Bochang, and himself. Based on Qingque''s behavior alone, March 7th couldn''t help but find her rather unreliable. "Isn''t it such a mood killer? Why don''t we make use of this leisure time and take you all on a tour of the Exalting Sanctum instead? Along the way, you can experience the local culture of Xianzhou with these Emperor''s Jade Tokens." Qingque glanced at his cards, "Just let me finish...this round..." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With a sly grin, say, "Qingque, wouldn''t you rather not have Master Diviner find out about your card game?" - Completion Reward: Obtain an item, Statue of a Minotaur. Crushing this statue summons an incredibly powerful Minotaur Warrior to assist in battle for one hour. Note: This type of item may...] [Option 2: Pull out your phone and take a photo, then declare, "You''re done. I''m sending this picture of you slacking off and playing cards to Master Diviner right now." - Completion Reward: Gain a random skill.] [Option 3: Pretend nothing happened - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: This type of item may...] "This time, there''s no Big Booty option again... It feels like several recent options haven''t included it," Bochang pondered deeply, wondering, "Which should I choose this time?" "It seems the rewards for all three options are quite similar." Chapter 147 - 146: The Experienced Player Chapter 147 - 146: The Experienced PlayerPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "It''s uncertain. After all, I don''t know the true power of option one''s statue of a minotaur; it could be quite formidable?" "Uh... or possibly rather weak." "So, I''ll choose between options two and three instead. Option one is too unpredictable." This time, Bochang didn''t want to take a gamble. He had already received the reward of a minotaur statue once before, so it seemed better to opt for a random item or skill. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Well then... my decision stands, it''s you - option two!" Without hesitation, Bochang took out his phone and snapped a photo of Qingque playing Mahjong, saying, "You''re busted. I''m about to send this picture of you slacking off and gambling to Master Diviner." "Hu... huh?" Qingque turned abruptly, her face filled with terror. Just as she did, Bochang''s phone flash lit up, illuminating her entire figure. The sudden flash caught the Mahjong-playing maiden by surprise, her expression turning into a startled (>.§Õ<). "Aiya!" Qingque tried to hide but failed, captured perfectly in the photo. Bochang displayed his phone screen, waving it in front of the Mahjong Girl to show her the captured photo. He said, "Hiding your face won''t help; I''ve already taken the picture. See... isn''t my phone''s camera quality impressive?" "Don''t... don''t send it to Master Diviner, please, I''m begging you! For the love of... just have mercy." Qingque clasped her hands together, pleading desperately before Bochang, making him feel like the villain. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received the skill ''Old Driver'', ensuring you will not die from traffic accidents.] What kind of bizarre skill is this... Given Bochang''s current strength, very few vehicles could harm him. Perhaps the Astral Express might still pose a threat. However... The Astral Express likely wouldn''t run him over anyway. I can only say... it''s better than nothing. Amidst his wild thoughts, Bochang pondered, Hmm... maybe it could actually save my life someday? "Qingque," a lively-looking young girl with crisp and melodious speech, reminiscent of a chattering sparrow. Her long brown hair was styled into two low ponytails at the back. As she pleaded for mercy, her ponytails swayed along, conveying genuine sincerity through her deep green eyes. Dressed in the azure uniform of the Divination Commission, she exuded a youthful charm. For someone with a softer heart, they might have readily agreed. However... Bochang wasn''t falling for it. He grinned and said, "That will depend on your performance." "Performance? What do you mean?" Qingque took a step backward, crossing her arms defensively, seemingly concerned about Bochang''s intentions. Earlier, this Mahjong Girl had criticized Fu Xuan''s height, yet ironically¡ªshe herself appeared as old as Master Diviner. It was hard to guess their true ages. However... Qingque was roughly the same height as Clara. Bochang glanced speechlessly at her modest chest, unable to resist silently teasing: "Qingque, oh Qingque, what exactly are you covering up? My pecs are larger than your bust!" "Bochang?" March 7th immediately fixed him with a stare. Stelle and Serval''s gazes also turned towards him, filled with questioning expressions. Noticing their peculiar looks, Bochang cleared his throat and explained, "What I meant is... let''s observe your work performance first... Don''t give me those strange glances... I''m not some weirdo." Bochang''s gaze swept across Stelle, March 7th, and Serval''s faces before finally settling on Qingque. The delicate-featured Mahjong maiden patted her petite chest lightly. "Oh...I thought it was something serious. Don''t worry, just escorting you to the Divination Commission, right? Such a simple task is no trouble for me at all..." Qingque then turned to her fellow players and said, "I''ve already won this round, but as you can see..." Hearing that she had won, the three opponents were taken aback, displaying expressions of disbelief. "Now I need to get back to work. Let''s play again when I have some free time." Among Qingque''s three companions, two belonged to the fox race, while the third was Vidyadhara. To be honest... With the Exalting Sanctum already under lockdown, signs of chaos were evident. Yet these individuals still found the mood to play Emperor''s Jade tiles. Bochang couldn''t help but admire their resilience. "Dear guests, let''s head out then," Qingque spoke with a smile. It might have been his imagination, but Bochang felt that Qingque didn''t seem overly concerned about him potentially sending photos of her playing cards to Fu Xuan. Perhaps due to slacking off too often, she had developed a carefree attitude, like a pig unbothered by boiling water? After all, working for the Divination Commission was akin to having a secure iron rice bowl; there was little risk of getting fired. With this perspective, one could almost grasp Qingque''s mindset. Before leaving the Exalting Sanctum, Bochang and his group first stopped at the public square to pick up Bailu, Tingyun, and the Listening Device. Then they proceeded towards the star ferry. Along the way, they passed a prime spot for observing the ancient Tree of Foundation. Previously, during their visit to the Seat of Divine Foresight, Bochang had taken March 7th and her companions on a leisurely stroll, introducing them to the significance of the Tree of Foundation. Hence, no one present expressed any confusion or questions about it. As a native of Xianzhou, Qingque saw such sights daily and had long grown weary of them. Moreover, given her laid-back nature, she showed no inclination to provide further explanations. The group boarded the star ferry without delay, swiftly heading towards the Divination Commission. Seemingly uninterested in the Tree of Foundation, they continued their journey. However, Qingque seemed quite interested in Bailu. From their conversation, Bochang gleaned that they had a doctor-patient relationship. Qingque once suffered hand cramps from excessive card playing and was referred to Bailu by a friend for treatment. This led to their acquaintance and subsequent friendship. As he listened to their dialogue, Bochang noticed something intriguing¡ªQingque appeared to be quite influential. Being the Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl, Bailu''s patient list was as vast as the multitude of hairs on a cow. For an ordinary person seeking consultation from the young Long girl, it would likely take decades just to secure an appointment. Yet, Qingque managed to see Bailu simply by asking her friend for a referral. This suggested that her friend held considerable status. "Come to think of it... Who exactly is this friend Qingque mentioned? Could it possibly be Fu Xuan?" Bochang speculated wildly in his mind. Bailu, with her slightly round and babyish face, sat beside the black-haired youth. Looking up at Bochang, she said, "You might not know this...but Qingque is actually the inventor of the Imperial Jade Tiles game." "Ah?" Bochang''s eyes widened instantly. He had no idea about this; he thought Qingque simply enjoyed playing the game. To his surprise, it was indeed her creation. "No, no, no, I can''t claim to be the inventor," Qingque waved her hand dismissively. "Imperial Jade Tiles existed during the ancient empire era. I merely refined the rules and reintroduced them to present-day Xianzhou..." She then glanced discontentedly at Bailu, "Didn''t we agree not to mention this to others..." Feeling embarrassed, Bailu rubbed her head. "Well, umm...I just wanted to give Bochang some background information...Oops, this miss accidentally forgot our agreement. My apologies." Chapter 148 - 147: The Divination Commission Chapter 148 - 147: The Divination CommissionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Qingque and Bailu seemed to have a good rapport. Despite the young dragon girl''s mistake, Qingque didn''t hold it against her, simply smiling as the incident was brushed aside. During their journey on the star ferry, Bochang sat by the window, listening to the conversations around him while quietly gazing at the night sky outside, remaining silent. Luofu Immortal Continent was akin to a colossal spaceship, resembling a planet in size. It truly was immense. As Bochang traveled, Pascal and Sophia also moved alongside, often losing contact multiple times, especially near the Seat of Divine Foresight where communication became exceptionally challenging. After all, they were limited to operating within the Central Starskiff Haven. To gather information about other celestial realms, they relied heavily on flying animal companions. Whenever Bochang ventured too far away from them, the communications would become highly unstable. Stelle, seated across from Bochang, noticed him continuously staring out the window and decided to join him in observing the scenery. Night had fallen. Visibility outside was low, with only darkness stretching as far as the eye could see. After watching for a while, Stelle felt bored and suggested, "How about... we play cards?" "Cards? What kind of cards, is it Diyuan Jade Tiles? Do you know how to play that too?" Upon hearing the word ''cards'', Qingque immediately perked up, her card-playing itch resurfacing. Bochang, overhearing their conversation, snapped back to attention. "No... by playing cards, Stelle means poker. We don''t actually play Diyuan Jade Tiles. However... there''s another similar game we do know, Mahjong..." "Mahjong? Sounds interesting, tell me more?" Qingque''s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. Bochang proceeded to explain... "Mahjong... based on the rules you described, it seems to share quite a few similarities with Diyuan Jade Tiles." After listening to the explanation, Qingque nodded thoughtfully. Pung, Chow, Kong... These terms were all too familiar to Qingque. "Although we didn''t bring a set of Mahjong tiles, but... my phone has an app for it. You can take a look." Bochang handed over his smartphone. In the vast universe, card games were as numerous as fish in a river¡ªcountless varieties existed. Although Emperor Jade Tiles also featured terms like "pong" and "chow," their tile faces and rules differed significantly from those of Mahjong. Bochang let Qingque try a round using the Mahjong app on his phone before retrieving it. "Bochang, let''s exchange beacons so you can send me the software," suggested Qingque, pulling out her own smartphone. The Mahjong enthusiast''s phone case was teal, featuring an image of a white chicken holding a salted fish at the back¡ªa nod to her laid-back attitude. Bochang added her as a friend and sent the app across. Meanwhile, March 7th had already taken out a deck of playing cards and said, "Bochang, done chatting? If ready, let''s play some cards." With a single deck, the maximum number for a game of Farmer''s Bridge is four players. March 7th, Welt Yang, Stelle, and Bochang formed the perfect group size. Serval, Bailu, and Qingque could only watch, as they had never played before and weren''t familiar with the rules. Even Serval''s prior experience was limited to Mahjong. After letting the other three observe a few rounds of "Fight the Landlord"... Bochang and his friends began taking turns, ensuring everyone could participate. As newcomers, Bailu and Serval were quickly outmatched, with Qingque not faring much better initially. However, she swiftly grasped the game''s mechanics and soon started holding her own against the others. The sounds of card games echoed continuously within the star ferry. Once familiar with the rules, seeking to add more excitement, Qingque proposed using Credits as stakes. In Luofu Immortal Continent, the currency was called Strale, and it had already transitioned to digital form. Unfortunately... Being outsiders, March 7th and her companions only carried Credits. Bochang spread his hands helplessly and said, "Apologies, but I don''t have any Credits on me." Stelle nodded in agreement. As recent recruits to Astral Express, it was entirely normal for them to lack Credits. March 7th smiled slightly. "I actually have quite some Credit; would you like to borrow some?" Bailu, sitting next to Bochang, patted her chest confidently and said, "No need for others'' help, I''ve got plenty." "Great, then I''ll rely on your generosity." Bochang nodded, feeling somewhat as if he were being taken care of financially after his response. Qingque gave him a peculiar look. Bochang quickly explained, "It''s General Jing Yuan who instructed Bailu to cover the expenses, and later, the Seat of Divine Foresight will reimburse her. I''m not trying to scam a child out of their money." sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon hearing this, Bailu puffed up her cheeks and retorted, "Bochang, I am not that little anymore! If you don''t believe me, I can transform and show you my true size." "No, no, no... I already know how big you can get, so please don''t change," Bochang hastily interjected, preventing the dragon girl from transforming. Curious about her transformation ability, Qingque asked for more details, but unfortunately, this secret remained unrevealed. With that brief interlude concluded, the card game of "Landlord" resumed. Qingque dominated at the table, accumulating a significant amount of Credits. Bailu and Serval suffered heavy losses and decided to cut their losses promptly. The remaining players were March 7th, Bochang, Stelle, Welt-Yang, and Qingque, continuing their fierce competition. Time swiftly passed by. As they approached the Divination Commission, everyone paused the game. March 7th neatly collected the cards back into the deck. Feeling elated after winning substantial Credits, Qingque kindly warned, "Just giving you all a heads-up, once we''re inside, don''t wander off randomly... Although you''re guests of the Diviner, she detests those who disregard rules and ask prying questions... Be careful not to upset her." "We''re just observing an interrogation, and we''ll leave once it''s over," Welt replied. Bochang, puzzled, asked, "Even if we see something intriguing, we can''t inquire about it?" "Probably because asking too many questions is seen as bothersome," March 7th answered. As they conversed, the star ferry arrived at the entrance of the Divination Commission''s sanctuary. Tingyun''s voice echoed, "Honored benefactors, the star ferry has docked at the Divination Commission. You may now disembark." Under Qingque''s guidance... The group approached the entrance of the Divination Commission. Red walls framed by azure gates, the commission''s doors were entirely made of metal, with a peculiar circular mechanism serving as the central lock. Standing before the tightly shut door, Qingque looked troubled. This door had never been locked before, but suddenly today it was, without any prior notice to bring the key. Bochang and the others found themselves blocked outside the Divination Commission''s entrance. A moment of silence fell over the scene. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option One: Take charge: "It''s just a door, let me handle it." - Completion Reward: Obtain item, Universal Key, capable of opening any lock. Note: This type of item will...] [Option Two: Since unable to open the door, why not climb over? Suggest: "Come on, I''ll help you all climb over." - Completion Reward: Obtain random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option Three: Stay silent and allow Qingque to find a solution. - Completion Reward: Obtain random skill.] Chapter 149 - 148: Opening the Door Chapter 149 - 148: Opening the DoorPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Staring at the suddenly appearing options, Bochang fell deep into thought. Options two and three offered nearly identical rewards. The only distinct choice was option one. "The Universal Key sounds intriguing, claiming it can open any lock... But can it handle combination locks?" Uncertain, Bochang decided to give it a try, "Option one!" Bochang stepped forward alone, bypassing everyone else, and approached Qingque. He declared, "It''s just a door; let me take care of it!" However... An awkward situation arose. There was no sound from the system, nor was the reward dispensed. "Ah? ¨K¨J" Bochang internally uttered with rising concern, suspecting the reason behind this delay, "Could it be that this time, the reward won''t be given until I actually open the door..." Clearly, his suspicion proved accurate. Bochang had been standing before the blue gate for exactly three seconds, yet the Dating Options showed no reaction whatsoever. "Bochang, weren''t you supposed to open the door?" March 7th pressed her chin, eyes slightly narrowed as she scrutinized him, "Why are you just standing there, doing nothing?" "I was just thinking... is there any possibility we could directly blast this door open?" Bochang pondered potential strategies. Qingque sighed and shook his head, saying, "It''s impossible. The Divination Commission''s gate is incredibly sturdy. Once closed, attempting to force it open from the outside would likely require the General himself." "However..." he continued, "with chaos unfolding at the Divination Commission, their defensive mechanisms may be significantly weakened. Forcing the gate might be feasible... as long as you''re willing to cover the repair costs for the Divination Commission''s entrance." Qingque turned around, observing Bochang who stood frowning at the blue-green gate, and asked, "What about scaling over the wall?" "There are defense mechanisms; it''s not possible to climb over." Qingque once again shook his head in dismissal. At that moment, the mahjong girl had grown weary of standing idly. "No need to trouble yourself with finding solutions. The Divination Commission has more than just this one entrance. I know of another location suitable for emergency access." "We can''t...allow Qingque to lead everyone through another door," Bochang''s mind raced rapidly. "Is there any way to...wait...this main gate should be openable from the inside, right?" Just as Qingque was about to guide them towards an alternative entrance, Bochang spoke up again, "Qingque, if you go inside, could you open this gate?" "Yes, but we won''t be able to enter." Qingque displayed a resigned expression. The Divination Commission, being a crucial location within Xianzhou, was heavily fortified. Infiltrating it seemed nearly impossible; although the high walls appeared easy to scale, they were actually reinforced with spatial barrier technology. Attempting to cross would be futile unless one could break the very fabric of space at that point. Moreover, even teleportation techniques were restricted, rendering them ineffective. From Qingque''s perspective, she thought Bochang was merely wasting their time, with no practical purpose. "Can''t enter? How will we know without trying?" Without further ado, Bochang grabbed Qingque''s shoulder and activated his teleportation ring. "Let''s go together." The Mahjong Girl was taken aback, exclaiming, "Huh?" Moments later... A white glow enveloped both of them. Bochang and Qingque instantly vanished before everyone''s eyes, leaving only the echo of the Mahjong Girl''s startled voice hanging in the air. Realizing the situation, March 7th, Stelle, and Serval simultaneously looked down at their own teleportation rings. Their rings had already been blood-activated and linked to Bochang''s, making it straightforward to teleport alongside him. March 7th asked, "Should we directly teleport over as well?" "We can just wait for them to open the gate, right?" Stelle seemed unperturbed. Serval agreed, "Yes, opportunities to use the teleportation rings are precious; it''s best not to waste them... Who knows when they might save our lives..." Recalling the encounter with the Stellaron Hunters earlier that day, Serval still felt a lingering sense of unease. Without Bailu''s presence, Serval couldn''t fathom how she and Bochang alone could face Blade. Welt Yang and Tingyun remained expressionless. Bailu, on the other hand, gazed enviously at the teleportation rings on their right hands, wondering when she might obtain one herself. Meanwhile... With a blink of an eye, Bochang and Qingque found themselves inside the entrance of the Divination Commission. Astonished by the familiar surroundings, Qingque exclaimed, "Wait... How did you get here? Through spatial teleportation? But that can''t be... Isn''t space manipulation restricted within the Divination Commission? Teleportation should be prohibited; why were you able to..." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Qingque felt utterly bewildered, her worldview seemingly shaken. Bochang quickly scanned the area inside the gate. How absurd! Upon entering the Divination Commission, they immediately encountered several Mara-Struck monsters guarding the area, along with creations imbued with Wind and Lightning elements. It seemed as though this place had already been overtaken by the creatures. One of the Inner Core cultivators from Sanctus Medicus spotted them and promptly shouted, "Who goes there?!" This outburst jolted Qingque back to reality. Witnessing these talking Mara-Struck monsters was truly eye-opening. Bochang showed no inclination to respond. Aware that something unforeseen had occurred within the Divination Commission, he had brought the Vow Spear while using the teleportation ring. Bochang took the initiative and launched an attack, unsurprisingly initiating combat. "Open the door; leave the enemies to me," were Bochang''s only words before engaging. Activating his various abilities, the Invisible Hand swiftly extended towards the adversaries, centered around himself. The Inner Core disciples of Sanctus Medicus were ordinary monsters. Compared to the Mara-Struck Soldiers, their only differences lay in appearance, possessing intelligence, and utilizing ranged attacks. There was nothing particularly unique about them. As Qingque watched Bochang single-handedly confront the enemies, she initially intended to assist him. However... Seeing Bochang engulfed in flames, swiftly thrusting his spear hundreds of times, instantly killing several Wind creatures rushing towards them... Qingque decided against helping and instead focused on opening the Divination Commission''s door. She didn''t have a key, and attempting to open it from inside required solving a puzzle-like game. Only after successfully completing the puzzle... would the gates unlock. Who established this rule? None other than Master Diviner himself - Fu Xuan. It was said to be for keeping everyone mentally sharp. The encounter was swift and ended just as quickly. By the time Qingque spent nearly a minute opening the Divination Commission''s door, Bochang had single-handedly eliminated all enemies. The monsters guarding this area were not formidable. Utilizing the peculiarities of his Invisible Hand along with abilities like Hundred Birds Homing Spear, defeating them proved effortless for Bochang. As the gate creaked open, revealing March 7th and the others once more... the system''s voice chimed in synchronously. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the Universal Key, capable of unlocking any lock. Note: This item has been stored in the System space and can be retrieved for use at any time.] Chapter 150 - 149: Escaping Stellaron Hunters Chapter 150 - 149: Escaping Stellaron HuntersPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** With a creak, the azure gates of the Divination Commission slowly opened. Upon seeing them, March 7th immediately asked, "Why did it take so long to open the doors...? I was about to teleport directly inside." "Opening the Divination Commission''s gates is not straightforward; apologies for keeping you waiting," Qingque explained with a gesture. March 7th stared at Bochang, noticing his flames gradually extinguishing. It was evident... that he had just been engaged in battle. "What happened... Are there still enemies within the Divination Commission?" "Yes," replied Bochang. At that moment, Bochang''s Spider Sense began alarming him. He detected a streak of golden lightning approaching from the side and swiftly moved, effortlessly evading the attack. The bolt struck the wall instead, leaving behind a charred mark. A voice suddenly echoed nearby as a member of Sanctus Medicus rushed to support, also an ordinary Inner Core cultivator. Annoyed by this interruption, March 7th drew her bow and swiftly attacked the newcomer. Realizing his ambush had failed, the Inner Core cultivator prepared to flee. Unfortunately... They wouldn''t let him escape that easily. "Look, Listen, Inquire... Kick!" Bailu leaped with a divine dragon-like sweep, sending a burst of purple lightning towards the Inner Core cultivator. This Sanctus Medicus disciple possessed flight capabilities, but unfortunately, his mastery over them was lacking. Evading the incoming attack seemed impossible. March 7th''s arrow struck his knee, while Bailu unleashed another bolt of lightning. "Zzzt..." The combined assaults sent the Inner Core cultivator plummeting back to earth, landing hard on his rear, unable to rise for quite some time. Compared to the typical Mara-Struck Soldiers, Bochang found Inner Core cultivators relatively easier to handle. After all... Although they retained their sanity, they had lost the ability to regenerate from fatal wounds. Or rather... His peculiar regenerative abilities seemed significantly weakened. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This fellow must be a member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus..." Bochang observed the fallen Inner Core cultivator. "I suspect they infiltrated the Divination Commission, leading to this current chaos," he hypothesized. Welt Yang stroked his chin and suggested, "A member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus... perhaps we could interrogate him..." Upon hearing the word ''interrogate,'' the Inner Core cultivator became agitated and launched another desperate attack. Unfortunately for him, it proved futile. Welt Yang effortlessly swallowed the assault with his simulated black hole. This sight filled the Inner Core cultivator with despair, realizing escape was impossible. In a surprising move, he chose to self-destruct. Amidst a burst of yellow light, his body exploded, scattering numerous golden ginkgo leaves. Bochang watched coldly from the sidelines. Earlier, he had also attempted to capture a live Inner Core cultivator, but similarly, that one opted for suicide. In fact... Even Bochang suspected that it wasn''t a suicide but rather forced upon him. Just as the Inner Core cultivator perished, a bolt of lightning descended from the sky - straight towards Bochang. Without hesitation, he hurled his Vow Spear, instantly shattering the descending thunderbolt. "He''s dead..." March 7th observed. "Let''s continue forward. Qingque, we still rely on your guidance," said Welt Yang, seemingly unfazed by the incident. After all... this was not their first encounter with such self-destructive tactics. Qingque nodded. "Alright, let''s proceed." The peculiarities of the Divination Commission held little concern for her, much like she had stated earlier: "Even if the heavens collapse, Master Diviner will bear the brunt. What does it matter to me, a mere diviner?" Whenever possible, Qingque preferred leisure over worry - a consistent approach reflecting her laid-back attitude. As they moved ahead, after dispatching the few monsters guarding the entrance, the group encountered no further enemies along the way. They safely reached a platform. Ahead lay the prestigious large-scale Jade Abacus computational array¡ªthe Matrix of Prescience¡ªof which the Divination Commission was immensely proud. Jade Abacuses were crafted by artisans from the Xianzhou Artisanship Commission. They inscribed billions of microscopic talismans within jade crystal lattices, then embedded these into various mechanisms according to specific needs, enabling them to operate as intended by their design. Some Jade Abacuses were small enough to fit inside bracelets or jewelry, while larger ones were integrated into arrays for predicting variables. In essence, they functioned like CPUs. Upon reaching this platform, one would encounter members of the Divination Commission who, upon seeing Qingque, warmly greeted her. The Mahjong Maiden had gained some renown here. Perhaps it was due to her attractive appearance, perhaps because she excelled at slacking off, or possibly both. Below, Master Diviner Fu Xuan appeared troubled, his long pink hair cascading past his waist. It was elegantly styled with a hairpin, creating a visually pleasing arrangement. Dressed in a shoulder-baring pink dress, she wore a small round mirror adorned with countless stars around her neck. The most striking feature on Fu Xuan was the eye on her forehead, resembling a keyhole with a blue iris within. Qingque said, "Master Diviner, although we haven''t received your direct orders yet, I''ve brought the guests here nonetheless." This decision by the Mahjong Maiden held deeper significance. With the Divination Commission facing trouble, Fu Xuan might not have had time to issue instructions. Therefore... Qingque took it upon herself to bring these individuals to the Divination Commission, believing they could potentially be of help. "Entering the Matrix of Prescience without this venerable one''s permission is against regulations... However, saying so would make me seem overly strict. In fact, your arrival is quite timely." Fu Xuan placed one hand on her hip. "Now, I have some bad news for you. Just ten minutes ago, Stellaron Hunter: Kafka was rescued... or rather, saved by her accomplice Blade." "What? Escaped? Then wasn''t our effort all in vain..." March 7th''s expression showed shock. Stellaron Hunter: Kafka had been escorted to the Divination Commission by Fu Xuan at her own insistence to proceed ahead. Yet now something went awry. "Not entirely in vain. By assisting Xianzhou in capturing Stellaron Hunter: Kafka, you have effectively cleared yourselves of suspicion," Fu Xuan shook his head. "As for the escape of a criminal, that responsibility lies with this venerable one, not any of you. I truly did not anticipate such cunning from the Stellaron Hunters..." Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses, showing no intention to speak. Stelle sighed and said, "So... Kafka has escaped already?" "Hm." Fu Xuan nodded, his gaze somewhat somber. Bochang had initially hoped to meet Kafka face-to-face. Now it seemed that wouldn''t happen. "Could the Stellaron Hunters... be avoiding me?" Bochang muttered inwardly. Suddenly, General Jing Yuan''s holographic projection appeared within the Matrix of Prescience. "Official Fu, I''ve heard everything. The Stellaron Hunters possess extraordinary capabilities and can even foresee the future. Allowing them to escape is not entirely unexpected; you needn''t blame yourself." Fu Xuan looked up at Jing Yuan as he approached steadily and asked, "What should we do now, General?" "For now... let''s first stabilize the situation at the Divination Commission," General Jing Yuan replied calmly. "As for what comes next... we''ll discuss it later." Chapter 151 - 150: Chaos at the Divination Commission Chapter 151 - 150: Chaos at the Divination CommissionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** At this moment, the system, unwilling to remain idle, asserted its presence once again. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Ask, "Does your Divination Commission need assistance from the Astral Express Crew?" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Volunteer proactively, "Let us bring Kafka back." - Completion Reward: Gain the skill ''Cougar Conqueror'', causing guaranteed critical hits when dealing damage to women older than yourself.] ?Cougars Conqueror?? Upon seeing this skill, Bochang immediately associated it with his previous ability, ''Adopting Father''s Touch''. Both skills resulted in guaranteed critical hits. With Cougar Conqueror, any critical hit could be achieved against women older than oneself. This seemed slightly better than ''Adopting Father''s Touch,'' as there was no need for the other party''s consent to become their adoptive father. Speaking of adoptive fathers... Bochang then recalled Aha, wondering where "Aeon of Joy" might be seeking his amusement at that moment. "As long as he doesn''t come after me; I definitely don''t want to play games with him." "So... should I draw for an item or choose this skill?" "The ''Big sister Killer'' skill seems quite promising." After a brief hesitation, Bochang decided internally, "Option Two!" "Let''s go capture Kafka," Bochang interjected, stepping forward and interrupting Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan''s conversation. The system''s voice chimed... [ Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Big sister Killer'': When dealing damage to women older than yourself, it will always result in a critical hit. ] Bochang''s sudden declaration startled March 7th. The pink-haired girl said, "Didn''t you refuse to apprehend Kafka before? Now, just because the Stellaron Hunters attacked once..." "Are you upset now...?" March 7th drawled, her gaze hinting at amusement. Bochang momentarily didn''t know how to respond. Stelle simply stared into the distant sky, lost in thought. Initially, she had so much she wanted to say to Kafka. But now it was all futile. Shaking his head, Jing Yuan said, "There''s no need for any of you to pursue the Stellaron Hunters this time, but... since you''re already here, could you assist Minister Fu with managing the chaos within the Divination Commission?" The cloud knight general declined Bochang''s proposal and instead brought up another matter. It wasn''t a problem for Bochang anyway. After all, he had already secured the rewards. This situation differed from the previous one; there were additional requirements this time. "Does the Divination Commission still require our help?" March 7th looked puzzled. Fu Xuan paused momentarily before saying, "With the Matrix of Prescience halted and its talismans dimmed, there remains an unresolved Stellaron menace within our division... The cloud knights are busy protecting civilians, and while I wish to restore the array, I lack sufficient manpower..." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The Master Diviner''s expression practically pleaded for assistance without explicitly uttering those words. This time, no "Dating Options" prompt appeared. Bochang remained silent. March 7th continued, "I see... Alright, feel free to entrust any tasks to us. The righteous Astral Express Crew will never stand idly by. And... it would be best if you could explain things more straightforwardly; otherwise, I might not fully understand." The pink-haired girl scratched her head, slightly embarrassed. Welt Yang merely adjusted his black-framed glasses silently. Bochang couldn''t resist commenting, "Isn''t he already being quite straightforward?" "What business is it of yours?!" March 7th retorted, hands on her hips, clearly annoyed. Seeing that the situation had been steered back on track, General Jing Yuan turned and departed, his pale blue holographic projection vanishing instantly. The pale blue holographic projection vanished instantly. "Alright then, this venerable one will be straightforward," Fu Xuan said, looking at everyone present. "In short... the Divination Commission is currently understaffed, and I need your assistance to reactivate the Matrix of Prescience''s foundation while eliminating the evil presence of Stellaron along the way." Since arriving here, Serval had been quietly examining the mysteries of this place. As a researcher for the Silvermane Guards, Serval found that they could not comprehend the underlying principles behind the mechanisms operating within this location. Thus, Serval queried with uncertainty, "But we know nothing about these systems here. How can we help you reactivate the Matrix of Prescience?" "No worries, I''ll have Qingque accompany you, responsible for overseeing the reactivation process." Fu Xuan placed her hand on her hip, seemingly anticipating someone''s thoughts. "Qingque, although just an ordinary diviner and often appearing unreliable, still... when it matters most, she proves her usefulness." Contrary to what might be expected from such praise, Qingque looked far from pleased; instead, her face fell like a sulking kitten. "And you?" Bochang asked curiously. Fu Xuan''s delicate pink eyebrows furrowed. "Due to my negligence, Kafka escaped right under my nose. Now, I must recapture her without delay." "Can you handle it alone?" Welt Yang queried bluntly. Facing both Kafka and Blade, two Stellaron Hunters, by herself indeed seemed daunting. Even when Kafka was restrained earlier, Blade managed to rescue her. The enemy likely fled not wanting to confront the approaching Astral Express group. Given this situation, Fu Xuan taking on a 1v2 battle appeared highly risky, with defeat looming as a probable outcome. Just then, Xueyi of the Ten-Lords Commission suddenly spoke, her voice calm: "The Diviner is not alone. During the pursuit of these criminals, I will assist." Following her gaze, Welt-Yang observed the black-haired, red-eyed juggernaut puppet Judge standing quietly with a cold expression. She didn''t even glance at Bochang, as if they were strangers. This was unsurprising; as a Judge of the Ten-Lords Commission, Xueyi maintained distance from external affairs. Seeing their confidence, Welt-Yang refrained from further objections. As Qingque and Fu Xuan appeared together on screen, Bochang took a closer look and noticed that Qingque and Fu Xuan were roughly the same height. However, Master Diviner''s elaborate hairstyle made them appear slightly taller. Next... came the familiar segment where Chu works for others again. The group followed Fu Xuan''s instructions. With grumbles along the way, Qingque led everyone to restart the Matrix of Prescience, eliminate the Stellaron-infested entities, and restore normal operations to the Divination Commission. The most formidable creature they encountered was an unruly golden automaton. One could also call it a robot; it resembled a spirit incarnated from a gatehouse... at least that''s how March 7th described it. This automaton appeared slightly smaller than Pascal. However... It must be noted that the golden automatons of Xianzhou were far superior to Pascal in strength. If not for Qingque''s intervention, Bochang would have eagerly dismantled the rogue automaton for research purposes. With the concerted efforts of the Trailblaze squad, the chaos within the Divination Commission proved no match for them. They swiftly resolved the disturbances, restoring the Matrix of Prescience to full operation and enabling its predictive calculations once more. As originally planned, by now... Kafka should have been interrogated under the activated Matrix of Prescience, revealing the secrets of the Stellaron Hunters. However, with Kafka having escaped, interrogation was no longer feasible; they could only await positive news from Fu Xuan and his team. Ignoring Qingque''s sighs nearby, Bochang glanced at the sky. The night had grown deep, and Luo Fu Immortal Continent remained unsettled under Stellaron''s influence. Stretching leisurely, Bochang remarked, "We''ve accomplished quite a lot today, truly exhausting... It''s time for a well-deserved rest now." Chapter 152 - 151: Tonight, We Meet Without Fail Chapter 152 - 151: Tonight, We Meet Without FailPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Within Luofu Immortal Province''s Divination Commission, after completing his assigned tasks... Bochang sat alone on a staircase, playing with his phone and aimlessly browsing local websites. The current top news across the province was the sighting of a massive lavender dragon. This event thrust Vidyadhara Academy into the spotlight. Most people believed it to be a transformation by someone from Vidyadhara into the colossal dragon. Everyone eagerly sought to uncover their identity. However... Vidyadhara remained tight-lipped, not disclosing the slightest bit of information. The second hottest topic concerned the surge of evil spirits appearing throughout the region. The Trailblaze squad awaited further instructions. Qingque had already been trying to contact the Master Diviner, while Tingyun attempted to reach Jing Yuan. It was uncertain whether their communications were affected or not. Neither Fu Xuan nor Jing Yuan responded for quite some time. All they could do was wait. Meanwhile, Serval, Bailu, and others were visiting the Matrix of Prescience. This grand formation was a crucial instrument of the Divination Commission. It served to calculate navigation routes and divine future outcomes. With sufficient information, the Matrix of Prescience could answer any question. Rumor had it that the underlying principles of its talismans originated from the Erudition Aeon - Nous itself. The depth and complexity of the Matrix of Prescience were beyond the comprehension of ordinary individuals. March 7th, Stelle, and Serval eagerly wanted to try out the Matrix of Prescience, but unfortunately, Qingque did not permit it. Bochang didn''t remain alone for long. Soon, losing interest in the Matrix of Prescience, Stelle approached him. Beside him sat a gray-haired girl in a short skirt, casually tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear. "What are you doing...?" "Surfing the web," Bochang replied. As he spoke, he raised his phone to show her, proving he wasn''t lying. Stelle pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Since there''s nothing else to do right now, Bochang, would you like to take some photos with me?" "Photos?" Bochang was slightly taken aback. Stelle tilted her head, gazing at him with golden eyes that held a hint of confusion. "Is it not okay?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: How could one refuse such an invitation? Respond with: "Sure... let''s find a quiet place where we won''t be disturbed." - Completion Reward: Yandere''s Triple Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 2: Rejection is also a choice: "No, I''m not interested in taking photos right now. Let''s do something else..." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option Three: Since you''re taking photos, why not invite March as well? Respond with: "Photos... might as well include March too; she enjoys it." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: This type of reward will...] Once again, the options appeared before Bochang. In the past, the negative rewards for Option One were likely connected to the Stellaron Hunters. But now, they were gone. Bochang believed the reason was simple. After all... regardless of his choice, the Stellaron Hunters'' intention to target him had already been set in motion. The choices no longer mattered. Bochang muttered to himself, "Another Yandere Gaze... I suppose this is just an exaggerated description, right? Hmm... Triple Gaze probably corresponds to March 7th, Serval, and Bailu." As for Qingque and Tingyun, there was no possibility whatsoever. They had minimal interaction. The only connection Bochang had with Qingque was likely the incriminating evidence of her mahjong games on his phone... Handing it over to Fu Xuan would undoubtedly lead to punishment for the mahjong enthusiast. "Option one can be eliminated right away." "The rewards for options two and three are identical; directly declining isn''t ideal. Let''s choose the third option then." Bochang swiftly made his decision and said, "Photography... why not invite March as well? She enjoys taking pictures anyway." Just as he finished speaking, the system''s voice chimed in: [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received the equipment: Round-Framed Sunglasses. When worn, these sunglasses allow you to see explicit portraits. Note: This item has been stored in the System space and can be directly retrieved for use.] "Explicit portraits? What''s that about? Are they like x-ray vision glasses?" Bochang felt inexplicably excited. On the other side, having heard this response, Stelle instinctively glanced at March 7th, still engrossed in photography. Recalling the fear she once experienced under the tyranny of constant photo sessions, she shook her head and said, "Let''s pass on that idea." Photographing with March 7th never ended easily; it was a mystery where she got such boundless energy from. Stelle had endured enough torment already. At the mention of taking photos with March 7th, Stelle immediately lost interest. Bochang was momentarily taken aback. Then he realized that choosing either the second or third option would ultimately yield similar outcomes. Perhaps this is why the rewards were identical? "Stelle, why did you suddenly want to take pictures?" Despite already having a faint understanding, Bochang asked out loud. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stelle placed her hand on her chin and replied, "Well, both you and Serval have taken photos... So I thought I''d also snap some to share in the group chat." This aligned with what Bochang had imagined. The only unexpected part was... Stelle wanting to post the photos in the group chat. It was predictable that if she actually shared them, it would undoubtedly stir up jealousy. And inevitably, Bochang would be left to clean up the mess again. "That''s the Astral Express work group, not your personal social feed, geez!" Bochang silently grumbled to himself. Stelle continued, "But it''s okay; thinking about it now, I don''t feel like taking photos anymore." "Oh, alright..." Bochang searched his mind for another topic. "Speaking of... Stelle, since we''ve arrived at Xianzhou, have you sensed any connection with the local Stellaron here?" Back in Belobog, the gray-haired girl had shown sensitivity to the Stellaron. "Not yet, but maybe once I fall asleep..." Stelle shook her head. If possible, she''d rather not connect with the Stellaron at all. It often disrupted her sleep. As this thought crossed her mind, Stelle suddenly realized something. "To avoid sleeping poorly," she looked at Bochang, her usually calm golden eyes rippling with emotion, "can we sleep together tonight?" There it was again¡ªthis recurring question from Stelle, asked almost periodically. Bochang was nearly accustomed to it. Right on cue, the system''s voice chimed in. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: "Yes, we''ll definitely be together tonight." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Directly refuse by saying, "No, Stelle, I want to sleep alone tonight. With you, I can''t rest peacefully." - Completion Reward: Guaranteed vehicular accidents whenever stepping outside.] [Option 3: Politely decline with, "Stelle, if you can''t sleep, you can also seek out March." - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At Belobog''s Administrative District Central Plaza fountain, one Praise of High Morals can be used to retrieve treasures once from within the fountain. Note: This type of item will...] ? The Stellaron Hunters... Are they not intervening now? ? Bochang''s gaze lingered on the first option. Chapter 153 - 152: Explicit Chapter 153 - 152: ExplicitPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Which option should he choose this time? Bochang made his decision at a glance. "Option one!" "Agreed, I''ll meet you tonight without fail." Bochang smiled warmly upon receiving this response, and Stelle''s face lit up with a grin as well. Under normal circumstances, Stelle rarely smiled, but now she suddenly did, looking quite charming. Bochang quietly savored her smile. It was pure and innocent, unlike Serval''s mature allure, which captivated with every gesture. The gray-haired girl exuded a refreshing naivety. Bochang felt an immense tranquility within, as if purified by divine light. "All right, then I''ll come find you at midnight," said Stelle. It was currently just past 10 PM, leaving over an hour until midnight. Plenty of time remained. "Don''t worry, I''ll keep it secret from March and the others; they won''t disturb us..." Stelle continued. She seemed to have learned some cunningness, though Bochang wasn''t sure if that was entirely good or bad. He simply awaited their meeting with anticipation. Unbeknownst to others, they privately made this arrangement. The gray-haired girl, feeling content, got up and rejoined March 7th and the others, continuing their stroll around the Divination Commission. Meanwhile, the system''s voice chimed in: ["Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a prop: Flammable Oolong Tea, a highly alcoholic mixed beverage. Please consume with caution. Note: This type of prop may..."] "Alcohol? Perfect, another guest for the Trash Lounge." Bochang disregarded both the Flammable Oolong Tea and the Universal Key, as well as the Cyber Flying Sword. Instead, he promptly took out the round-framed sunglasses. These glasses were virtually identical to the ones Kafka wore. Without hesitation, Bochang put them on. In that instant, the entire world appeared transformed. Already dark due to the night, it became even darker. If not for the bright streetlights of the Divination Commission, With these sunglasses on, Bochang would have to be exceptionally cautious even while walking. At that moment, Qingque approached and asked, "Huh? Why did you suddenly put on sunglasses?" Bochang glanced at her through the round-framed shades. Under their power, Qingque''s clothing offered no resistance whatsoever. Bochang''s gaze effortlessly penetrated the fabric, reaching...straight to her internal organs. The scene before him was starkly black and white. Although he could clearly see the complete contours of her body, it... simply felt devoid of any intrigue, unable to arouse even a hint of interest. "Unveiled portraits... they''re just too revealing." If Bochang had to describe his current experience, it felt like... He imagined himself viewing MRI scans. "If doctors got hold of these sunglasses, they''d surely be ecstatic..." Unfortunately, Bochang wasn''t a doctor. Possessing such glasses served no purpose for him, almost akin to squandering valuable resources. "Oh right... I could give these as a gift to Natasha; she would definitely appreciate them." Bochang''s thoughts drifted far away, from Xianzhou all the way to Belobog. However... His gaze remained fixed on Qingque, and through the sunglasses'' lenses, his eyes appeared indiscernible, making her slightly uneasy. "What kind of look is that... it feels quite strange," the mahjong girl couldn''t help but cross her arms again. "I need to discuss something with you... please act normal and stop staring so intensely." "Uh... okay." Bochang snapped back to reality, "What did you say?" Taking a deep breath, Qingque unconsciously skipped some words and added others, saying, "I asked... why did you suddenly put on those sunglasses, and also... there''s something I want to talk about with you. Would it be alright if I briefly interrupt your time?" In response to the mahjong girl''s questions, Bochang answered one by one. "I just wanted to try out wearing sunglasses, surely there''s nothing wrong with that, right? As for talking... no problem at all. What do you wish to discuss? I''m here to listen." "It''s not illegal, but it feels odd seeing you like this, somewhat reminiscent of... that who? Kafka! Yes, she also wore these round-framed sunglasses," Qingque stated confidently. Bochang lifted the round-framed sunglasses to his forehead and asked, "Does it feel even more similar now?" Undeniably, after raising the sunglasses, Bochang felt considerably more at ease. The world around him began to appear vibrant and colorful. Even Qingque seemed noticeably prettier compared to her previous exposed state. Seeing his nonchalant demeanor, the Mahjong Girl gently pressed her forehead with frustration and said, "Never mind, let''s change the topic." "Sure, whatever you prefer." Bochang remained indifferent as he sat on the steps, unconsciously studying Qingque. With her azure-colored short skirt revealing a pair of graceful, shapely legs, she didn''t wear any stockings or tights - just like Stelle on March 7th. "I''m just curious, when you teleported us into the Divination Commission earlier... what exactly happened?" Qingque had been wanting to ask this question for quite some time. However, with monster attacks, door openings, and subsequent haste to travel, followed by the Master Diviner assigning tasks such as reactivating the Matrix of Prescience, she never found the opportunity. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only now, during their brief respite... did Qingque feel inclined to inquire about it. Based on the reactions of March 7th and others at that moment, they seemed to possess a similar eerie teleportation ability. How could one not be curious? "Oh...you mean the teleportation rings? These are just small gadgets I have; they possess the ability to teleport." Bochang displayed the silvery-white teleportation ring on his hand to Qingque, showing no intention of hiding it. "So that''s what they are... Yes, March 7th and the others also wore them. I thought they were merely decorative pieces, never realizing they had teleportation capabilities. But... considering the Divination Commission strictly prohibits spatial teleportation, how did you manage to succeed?" "This is not even remotely scientific," Qingque muttered, counting on her fingers as she continued to calculate something. Bochang shook his head, "Well... I''m not entirely sure myself. I just tried it on a whim at that moment." Indeed, he had simply given it a test run. In doing so, one energy unit of the teleportation ring was depleted. Fortunately, another unit was replenished earlier this morning, ensuring Bochang always had one unit available for emergencies. With his life-saving equipment¡ªthe Holy Shield¡ªcurrently in its cooldown phase, Bochang''s only remaining last-ditch survival option was the teleportation ring. However, using that energy unit also allowed him to obtain the Universal Key, which he still held some expectations for due to its potential capabilities. Bochang looked at the Mahjong Maiden and said, "Let''s set aside these topics for now. Qingque, has Master Diviner responded to you?" "Huh? Not sure, I was busy dealing with March 7th and them, and completely forgot to check my phone." Feeling embarrassed, Qingque scratched her head. Bochang remained silent, momentarily at a loss for words. Following Bochang''s reminder, the mahjong girl checked her phone and discovered that Fu Xuan had issued instructions not long ago. In summary, they were advised to rest well today. Tomorrow, with Qingque leading the group, they would explore the local customs and culture of Xianzhou. Chapter 154 - 153: Late-Night Visitors Chapter 154 - 153: Late-Night VisitorsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Under Qingque''s hospitality, Bochang and his companions settled in at the Divination Commission. Although primarily a workplace, it had ample guest rooms, enough for each person to have their own space. They decided not to stay elsewhere for a simple reason - after completing their tasks at the commission... It was already late evening. So, they opted to lodge here overnight. Including Qingque, everyone would be staying at the Divination Commission tonight. As night fell, Bochang, ensconced in his room, opened the window. Basking in the cool breeze, he awaited Stelle while pondering about the Stellaron Hunters. "I wonder if Fu Xuan and Xueyi can capture those two Stellaron Hunters..." "Ah well, it''s not my concern anyway. They seem confident enough." "Let me check out my new gear instead." With that thought, Bochang retrieved the Cyber Flying Sword from his system space. It was a large two-handed sword. Measuring twenty-five centimeters wide, with a total length of one and a half meters including the hilt, it was about one and a half fingers thick. The weight was unclear, but it felt substantial in his hands. Near the hilt, there was a glass-like spherical orb emitting a golden glow. Bochang''s intuition suggested this must be the energy source for the Cyber Flying Sword. "Where do I find the fingerprint and iris authentication?" He ran his hands over the Cyber Flying Sword and eventually discovered that the spherical orb itself served as the authentication point. This realization came when... The Cyber Flying Sword emitted a notification sound: "Respected customer, greetings! Welcome to our product - the Cyber Flying Sword by XX Interstellar Company. Please place your fingerprint on the central sphere and, after the beep, bring your eyes close to the sphere for iris authentication." To be honest, when the voice suddenly emerged from the cyber flying sword, Bochang was indeed startled. However, considering it''s a technological product, having speech capabilities seemed quite normal. Following the instructions of the cyber flying sword, Bochang registered his fingerprints and iris scan one after another. Finally, he gained control over this cyber-enhanced blade. The only downside was... This was a voice-controlled flying sword; without speaking commands, Bochang could not direct the cyber flying sword at all. Unlike weapons such as the teleportation ring, which could be activated with just a thought. After playing with it briefly, Bochang quickly lost interest. Just as he was about to take out the Universal Key for some more entertainment, There came a knock on the door. It was past eleven o''clock, still too early for Stelle''s scheduled visit, so it couldn''t be her. "Who is it?" Bochang asked aloud, thinking to himself, ? Who would come knocking late at night instead of sleeping? ? "Bailu? Serval? Or perhaps March 7th? It can''t be Qingque or Tingyun...," Bochang pondered, setting aside his cybernetic flying sword. As for hiding it? There was no need whatsoever. The Astral Express Crew was well aware that Bochang occasionally showcased intriguing gadgets; he didn''t have to conceal them. Among the five names that flashed through his mind: The most likely suspects were Bailu and March 7th. Due to the Dragon Talisman''s influence, Bailu had become quite attached to Bochang. And as for March 7th... It naturally stemmed from the events of earlier that day when Serval shared intimate photos of Bochang and March 7th in their group chat. When they met earlier, however, March 7th showed little reaction. This made Bochang suspect that something significant might be brewing beneath the surface, potentially leading to a major event at any moment, similar to their encounter in Belobog''s Underworld. Last time, when Bochang enticed Clara to give him a foot massage, it triggered March 7th, resulting in some unexpected trouble for him. Of course... Although March 7th''s outbursts were disruptive, they didn''t cause substantial harm to Bochang beyond minor inconveniences. Soon, a voice echoed from outside the door¡ªa mature male tone. "It''s me, Welt Yang. May I disturb you now?" This unexpected visitor caught Bochang off guard. Although feeling slightly disappointed for reasons he couldn''t quite place, he promptly responded, "Yes, come in." Welt Yang pushed open the door and entered. Bochang looked at the somewhat familiar man. "Uncle Yang, what brings you here?" "I think we need to discuss tomorrow''s operation." Welt Yang closed the door behind him and took a seat within the room. "There are two things I''d like to mention... "Firstly, regarding our investigation of the mysterious organization, Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, my intuition tells me...they are crucial, possibly one of the instigators behind the Stellaron disaster." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Arriving at this conclusion wasn''t difficult. After all, traces of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus could be found in many places throughout Luofu Immortal Region. "Secondly, tomorrow we will meet with Dan Heng." Welt-Yang directly informed Bochang about the next tasks for the Trailblaze Squad. It was clear that Welt-Yang wanted to gauge Bochang''s stance on these matters. Naturally, Bochang had no objections to either point. However... After completing their mission for the Divination Commission, Luofu Immortal Continent decided not to involve the Astral Express members further in the unfolding events. Fu Xuan even sent a message... advising everyone to rest well today and, led by Qingque tomorrow, experience the local culture and customs of the Xianzhou. The Master Diviner''s intention was unmistakable: he wanted the Trailblaze Squad to temporarily refrain from interference, allowing Luofu Immortal Continent to handle the situation henceforth. Bochang shared his speculation, "It seems Fu Xuan doesn''t intend for us to continue getting involved, going so far as to assign us another guide, isn''t it?" The number of Trailblaze squad members remained unchanged, but their entourage of guides continued to grow. Guide from Sky-Faring Commission - Tingyun. Guide from Alchemy Commission - Bailu. Now adding another guide from Divination Commission - Qingque. While Tingyun and Qingque were officially designated as guides, it was likely that they also had the duty to monitor the team''s activities. "No worries, we can investigate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus discreetly, just like how you dispatched Sophia," said Welt Yang, unconcerned about Xianzhou Luofu''s restrictions. As members of the Astral Express, conducting private investigations despite local organizations'' prohibitions was practically routine for them. However, there was something else that concerned Welt Yang more than these restrictions. "The issue with Dan Heng might be tricky to handle..." Everyone from the Astral Express understood this well. Dan Heng was forbidden from setting foot on Luofu Immortal Continent. If discovered, it could lead to dire consequences; only heaven knew what might ensue. Bochang offered some reassurance. "Since Dan Heng dared to enter Luofu Immortal Continent, it suggests that the situation isn''t too severe. Uncle Yang, there''s no need for excessive worry." Following their discussion... Welt and Bochang engaged in a deep conversation before departing with satisfaction. As I watched them reach the door, the system finally responded: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Detain them by saying, "Uncle Yang, my bed is quite spacious... Why don''t you stay here tonight? It would make me feel safer." - Completion Reward: Welt Yang''s Big Booty.] [Option 2: Watch them leave, then go out for a stroll yourself - Completion Reward: Random Skill.] [Option 3: Let them depart and remain indoors - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] Chapter 155 - 154: Fluffy Big Tail Chapter 155 - 154: Fluffy Big TailPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** Seeing Big Biodou reappear, Bochang''s heart remained unflustered, and he promptly dismissed Option One. Next came the choice between a random skill or item. "Item...or skill?" "Thinking it through, I''ve recently obtained quite a few items, so this time let''s go for a skill. Hopefully, it''ll be a good one." "Option Two!" After seeing Welt Yang depart, Bochang didn''t linger in his room but immediately headed out. With plenty of time before their scheduled meeting, taking a stroll seemed like a good idea. He traversed the long corridor and descended the stairs. Upon reaching the courtyard, the towering red walls exuded an aura of solemn grandeur. The Divination Commission was surrounded by lush greenery; flowers, plants, and trees gently swayed in the breeze, releasing waves of fragrant scents. At that moment... Serval sat near a flower bed, holding her black guitar. Her slender fingers rested on it without moving. Earlier that afternoon at the Seat of Divine Foresight, The black guitar belonging to Serval had been repaired by the craftsmen at the Seat of Divine Foresight. Not only that, but they also enhanced it with a Jade Abacus, improving its defensive and offensive capabilities. Bochang''s arrival seemed to go unnoticed by Serval, who quietly sat near the flower bed like a fairy amidst the woods. Seeing Serval alone, Bochang didn''t immediately leave. Instead, he approached slowly and asked, "Serval, it''s quite late now. Why are you still out here? Shouldn''t you be resting?" "I can''t sleep, and...aren''t you out too?" Hearing his voice, Serval lifted her head. As Bochang drew nearer, a hint of surprise flashed in the blonde woman''s eyes, seemingly not expecting him to venture outside at this hour. "I couldn''t sleep either, so I decided to take a stroll. I''ll head back soon." Bochang stopped in front of Serval. "Were you thinking of playing a tune now?" "I was considering it, but...I don''t want to disturb everyone''s rest." Serval smiled and shook her head. Back in Belobog, the blonde woman often practiced late at night, so feeling the urge to play now wasn''t unusual for her. "I''m just adjusting the guitar''s tone," Serval continued, "and once it''s set, I''ll head back." "Oh, do you need any help?" Bochang asked instinctively. Serval declined his offer. "No, thank you. As my own guitar player, I naturally have to tune it to the sound I prefer." "Alright then, I''ll explore elsewhere." Bochang bid her farewell before moving on. Serval watched deeply as he walked away but didn''t try to stop him, instead refocusing her attention on her guitar. Bochang wondered how long he would need to wander outside to receive his reward. So... He kept walking and walking. Surprisingly, there were quite a few people still awake late at night. Not long into his stroll, Bochang encountered Tingyun again. She was leaning against a stone railing, gazing up at the twinkling stars. The fox maiden had black hair, including her fox ears. However, her fluffy tail was a light brown color. Tail gently swayed. The night sky was reflected in Tingyun''s clear and bright eyes. It was hard to discern what she might be thinking. Before Bochang could approach, his footsteps caught Tingyun''s attention, causing her upright fox ears to twitch. She promptly turned towards him. "Benefactor, you''re still awake?" "Mm-hmm, just taking a stroll," Bochang nodded. "What are you doing here?" "The room felt stuffy; I came out for some fresh air." Tingyun smiled, her eyes curving delightfully. With each glance, she seemed more and more like a fox¡ªof course... Tingyun indeed was one. "Did you need something from me, benefactor?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With indifference, say, "Nothing specific, just happened to bump into you while wandering." - Completion Reward: Increase Credit by 100,000. Note: The Credit will be added directly once you have an Interstellar Peace Corporation account... without arousing suspicion.] [Option Two: With utmost seriousness, say, "I wanted to discuss life and our aspirations." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option Three: Gazing at Tingyun''s large tail, rub your hands together: "I''d really like to touch that fluffy big tail of yours." ¡ª Completion Reward: Increase Agility by 100%.] [Option Four: Flash a harmless smile: "I''m quite curious about the color of your underwear." ¡ª Completion Reward: Tingyun''s Big Biodou.] Bochang once again faced a set of multiple-choice options. Just as before, he promptly eliminated Option Four involving Big Biodou. Based on the rewards: Option Three > Option Two > Option One. Option One seemed the most normal, while Options Two and Three were slightly more embarrassing. In terms of embarrassment level: Option Three > Option Two. Moreover, judging by this option, touching her tail apparently wouldn''t make Tingyun angry. This was quite rare. After hesitating for three seconds, "Um... this time, I''ll choose the third option." Whenever seeing options related to body attributes, Bochang almost invariably picked them. After all, these rewards were particularly generous. With a 100% increase in Agility already obtained... even without consuming the Cheetah Elixir, Bochang should now be able to engage Blade effectively. Bochang eyed Tingyun''s large fluffy tail and rubbed his hands together, saying, "I''d like to feel your soft, big tail." Visibly, Miss Fox''s expression rapidly shifted, as if several question marks suddenly appeared on her face. "My... tail?" "That''s right," Bochang nodded solemnly. The system had not yet delivered the reward. Therefore... There could only be one explanation: Bochang needs to actually complete the action of touching the tail. "Well... it''s not entirely out of the question." Tingyun turned slightly, her jade-like hand gesturing to open her Bone-Gathering Fan. She covered her mouth with it and glanced sidelong at Bochang. "However... there is one condition." "What kind of condition? Please feel free to speak," Bochang replied, taking a deep breath and staring intently at Tingyun. If he could touch that fluffy, large tail, paying a small price would be worth it. "Tingyun, as you know, I am frail by nature. Due to my duties, I frequently travel beyond the heavens for commerce, where dangers are inevitable. Having such a remarkable treasure with me..." Her deep green, fox-like eyes gazed at Bochang expectantly. He responded, "So your meaning is..." "I desire a teleportation ring like the one on your finger. If you provide me with one, allowing you to touch Tail once would be acceptable." Tingyun''s gaze shifted to the ring on Bochang''s finger. As his companion, she was naturally aware of the ring''s teleportation capabilities. Moreover, she knew it could bypass the spatial restrictions imposed by the Divination Commission. Her request posed a difficult dilemma for Bochang. He shook his head, "Unfortunately... I don''t have any spare teleportation rings at the moment. Besides, Bailu has already reserved one, making it unavailable now. Would you consider another item instead?" "It''s no trouble... Whenever benefactor acquires such a treasure, you can simply gift it then. I trust you would not go back on your word." Tingyun''s voice was gentle, charming yet devoid of coquetry, and remarkably pleasing to the ear. Chapter 156 - 155: Fox Stroke Indulgence Chapter 156 - 155: Fox Stroke IndulgencePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In the quiet depths of night, Bochang and Tingyun stood alone together, their clothing gently billowing in the breeze. As Tingyun turned sideways, her graceful curves were subtly revealed... Her large tail swayed incessantly, twisting and twirling, as if enticing someone to succumb to its allure. The scene was undeniably captivating. Bochang''s eyes sparkled with excitement, and he clenched his fist, declaring, "If that''s the case... deal!" He agreed to exchange the teleportation ring for a chance to stroke the fox tail, along with the reward of a 100% increase in Agility. To Bochang, it seemed like a fair trade; after all, he had always been curious about the feel of a fox tail. A smile tugged at Tingyun''s lips, her expression radiant. "Benefactor... then let us proceed, but remember... be gentle when you touch, lest you accidentally pull out my fur." "Don''t worry, I''ll be tender," assured Bochang. Taking a step forward, he grasped the writhing fox tail with both hands. It felt akin to taming a playful steed. Instantly upon being caught, the lady fox''s tail ceased its movement, seemingly frozen in place. Bochang began stroking it softly. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The sensation from those large hands, transmitted through her fur to her tail, was palpable. With flushed cheeks, Tingyun turned slightly and tilted her head, gently waving her bone fan as if trying to dispel the inexplicable warmth she felt. The fox lady''s tail was luxuriously soft and smooth, providing an incredibly pleasing touch. Unable to resist, Bochang half-knelt, softly stroking the tail with each movement causing Tingyun''s breath to involuntarily deepen. The system''s voice chimed in: [Reward being issued - Congratulations! You have received a 100% increase in Agility.] Ignoring the peculiar sensations coursing through his body, Bochang remained fully absorbed in petting the fox, unable to stop himself. Stroking Tingyun''s tail... It felt far more satisfying than petting a cat, even surpassing the pleasure of touching Bailu''s dragon horn or tail. Seeing that Tingyun offered no resistance, Bochang''s hands gradually moved closer to the base of her tail. The intensity of the sensations grew stronger. "Ah~" Involuntarily, the fox lady let out a soft moan, resonating deeply within Bochang''s heart. This feeling was indescribable. Regardless... His pants stirred noticeably. Bochang couldn''t help but internally muse, "Perhaps some actions truly can''t be blamed on King Zhou." Tingyun turned her head and said softly, "Alright, dear benefactor, please stop playing with my tail for now. Let''s end it here today. When you have more time in the future, just come back to me..." "In the future?" Bochang paused his stroking motion. Closing her bone fan, Tingyun lightly tapped her chin with it and murmured, "If allowing you just one touch grants me such a precious treasure, my conscience would not be at ease." She was well aware of the teleportation ring''s value - even General Jing Yuan desired it. "You mean... this arrangement is permanent?" "Of course." As she spoke... Miss Fox withdrew her tail, its soft fur brushing against the black-haired youth''s nose, causing a slight tickle. Bochang stood up, surprised. He had initially thought it was a one-time deal. To find out it was actually permanent was unexpected. "No... wait, not necessarily permanent. Perhaps once I give her the teleportation ring, she might start refusing me. Hold on... why am I thinking like that?" Bochang shook his head repeatedly. Noticing this change, Tingyun''s ears suddenly drooped, looking somewhat crestfallen. "What seems to be wrong... Benefactor? Do you not like it?" "No, I really do," Bochang replied with renewed enthusiasm. "Then why..." Tingyun appeared puzzled, "are you constantly shaking your head?" "I''m just slightly overwhelmed and almost can''t believe it," Bochang explained. Indeed...a single transaction versus long-term access were entirely different concepts. In terms of his previous world''s norms, committing a one-time offense was acceptable, whereas making it ongoing would not be. Tingyun smiled, "I am truly astonished too... I never expected the benefactor to agree to such a request. This deal is undoubtedly advantageous for me without any risk." Such transactions were typically hard to gauge fairly. While Tingyun felt certain of her profit, Bochang also believed he stood to gain significantly without downside. This exchange seemed like a win-win situation. "Hmm... Tingyun, I''ll do my best to deliver the teleportation ring as soon as possible." Bochang gazed intently at the fox maiden. After exchanging a few more words, Tingyun took her leave. Bochang casually strolled around for a bit longer. Until once again, the system''s voice chimed in: [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Master Chef''. With this, you can create delicious meals using even the simplest ingredients.] "Ah, a lifestyle skill..." Bochang sighed softly to himself. Such is the nature of lotteries; when the outcome doesn''t meet expectations, it inevitably leads to disappointment. "But... it might still be somewhat useful." With the reward now in hand, Bochang lost interest in lingering outside any further. Feeling the cool breeze, he headed straight towards his room while checking the time on his way. There were only fifteen minutes left until midnight. Bochang hastened back, ensuring he would make it well within time. Upon returning to his room, with nothing else to do, Bochang resumed playing with his cybernetic flying sword. To his surprise, he discovered that it had capabilities for sending and receiving signals. Without hesitation... Bochang linked it to his smartphone. Now, even at a distance, he could remotely control the cybernetic flying sword. Soon after, Knocking sounded outside Bochang''s door. It was already midnight. In the final minute, Bochang hadn''t done anything, merely sitting there waiting. Stelle arrived right on time. "The door is unlocked." "Creak..." With this response... Stelle pushed open the door and entered. She appeared fresh out of the shower, clad in a white bathrobe that draped over her tall figure, her waist-length silvery-gray hair still damp. Not only that, but she also brought along her everyday clothes, seemingly well-prepared. Moving gracefully with her slender legs, Stelle stepped into Bochang''s room, closing and locking the door behind her in one fluid motion. Without saying a word, Bochang examined Stelle under the dim lighting. The gray-haired girl''s bathrobe was styled after traditional Xianzhou attire, evoking an ancient aesthetic. It lacked any buttons or similar fastenings. The robe stayed closed solely relying on a belt tied around her waist, which also accentuated Stelle''s figure to perfection. Usually, Stelle wore loose clothing that concealed her curves. However, with this snug bathrobe... Her well-proportioned silhouette became instantly visible. It seemed roughly comparable to March 7th''s physique? Still slightly less endowed than Serval and Himeko. Casually placing her everyday clothes at the bedside, Stelle sat down on the bed. With hands resting on its edge, she said, "It''s quite late now. Let''s turn off the lights and go to sleep." "Alright," Bochang nodded. Stelle removed her slippers, turned sideways on the bed, closed her eyes, and promptly started drifting off to sleep. Clearly... Stelle had no intention of getting up to switch off the light. This task fell upon Bochang. Just as he began to rise from the bed, he heard hurried footsteps approaching outside. Chapter 157 - 156: Miyu’s Trash Bin Chapter 157 - 156: Miyu''s Trash BinPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The sudden sound echoing in the corridor made Bochang''s heart tense. "Who could this be? March 7th or Bailu?" In Bochang''s perception, only these two matched the approaching footsteps. Qingque and Tingyun had lazy gaits. Serval''s steps were more rhythmic. Welt Yang''s tread was comparatively heavier. Of course... Under different circumstances, everyone''s footsteps would likely vary. Additionally...this is the Divination Commission''s premises. Apart from their group, other residents here belonged to the Divination Commission. It might just be an unfamiliar person''s footsteps. "Please don''t let it be March," Bochang silently prayed. Originally closing her eyes, Stelle opened them again and swiftly sat up. The gray-haired girl quietly gazed at the door. Bochang hoped that whoever it was outside would merely pass by without disturbing them. Unfortunately... The footsteps drew closer. Finally, they stopped right outside his door. "Knock, knock, knock!" Hearing the knocks, Bochang wore a resigned expression and asked from afar, "Who is it?" "It''s me, March... Have you seen Stelle? Bochang, after we finished bathing together, she said she wanted to rest in her room, but... I couldn''t find her there," came March 7th''s voice. This revelation greatly startled both individuals inside the room. "Why does it have to be her... This complicates things." Bochang glanced back at Stelle, who was sitting duck-like on the bed, slowly shaking her head. The meaning was clear. She was signaling Bochang not to reveal her presence. Otherwise... Stelle knew that March 7th would undoubtedly take her away. "I haven''t seen her," Bochang replied. However, March 7th outside the door didn''t believe him. Waving her clenched fists, she exclaimed, "Nonsense! If my guess is correct, Stelle must be in your room, Bochang! Open the door quickly! Otherwise, I''ll break it down myself." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: To buy time for Stelle to escape through the window, yell, "I''m not dressed yet! Wait until I put on my pants before entering." Completion Reward: Stelle gets captured by March 7th.] [Option 2: Have Stelle hide under the covers¡ªCompletion Reward: Stelle gets captured by March 7th.] [Option 3: Have Stelle hide in the wardrobe¡ªCompletion Reward: Stelle gets captured by March 7th.] [Option 4: Have Stelle hide beneath the bed¡ªCompletion Reward: Stelle gets captured by March 7th.] [Option 5: Have Stelle conceal herself in Miyu''s trash bin¡ªCompletion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will... ] Does Bochang have any real choice here? Clearly... There is no actual choice. Options one through four can be immediately dismissed. The only remaining option is number five. "Miyu''s trash bin... I remember it has the effect of significantly reducing one''s presence when hidden inside. It seems like having Stelle hide there could evade March 7th''s pursuit." Fortunately, Bochang had acquired numerous items previously. Now they prove useful at just the right moment. "Option Five!" Bochang promptly retrieves Miyu''s trash bin from the system space. This trash bin is quite large. There was ample space for one person to crouch inside. Bochang lifted the lid and whispered, "Hide here." Just as Stelle was about to cover herself with the blanket upon seeing Bochang produce the trash bin... Her eyes lit up, and like a cat, she swiftly leaped off the bed and dove into Miyu''s trash can. Bochang hastily tossed some clothes and shoes in alongside her. He then closed the lid and neatly positioned Miyu''s trash can back in place, ensuring no abnormalities would be noticed by March 7th. In the next moment... S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. March 7th burst through the door. The room''s lock couldn''t withstand the pink-haired girl''s extraordinary strength, but fortunately, Stelle had already hidden. Bochang eyed March 7th, who wore a white bathrobe with damp ears, and cautioned, "This is a Divination Commission guest room... Remember, you''ll have to pay for any damages yourself; I won''t take responsibility." "The Aerial Navigation Commission will reimburse me," March 7th replied. After speaking, March 7th narrowed her eyes and scanned the room, gently twitching her delicate nose. It seemed as if she were searching for Stelle''s scent. "March''s sense of smell isn''t that keen; she''s just wasting her efforts," thought Bochang. Just as this idea crossed his mind, the pink-haired girl confidently declared, "Your room... indeed has Stelle''s scent. Is she hiding here?" "What nonsense! You''re not some dog with superhuman sniffing abilities." Standing by the bed, Bochang folded his arms. He still had the Dog Medal on him. Bochang believed March 7th was merely spouting gibberish. "Hmph... Then tell me, where do you think Stelle went?" March 7th took a few steps forward and swiftly opened the nearby wardrobe with lightning-like speed, "Could she be in here?" Unfortunately... The wardrobe contained only a few casual garments, with no sign of Stelle''s presence. "No..." March 7th muttered. Bochang feigned calmness and said, "Stelle might be wandering around the Divination Commission. What''s the point of searching here?" "I don''t believe it... Stelle must be in your room," March 7th declared with a determined gaze. "Tonight, I''m taking her away for sure; I won''t let you extend your demonic claws upon her." "Who... who would extend any demonic claws? March, do you really think I''m that kind of person?" The corner of Bochang''s mouth twitched slightly. March 7th nodded seriously, "I do think so." "It doesn''t matter what you think, only my perception counts." Bochang engaged in some idle banter with March 7th. However, such conversation couldn''t deter her from advancing. Shortly after... March 7th continued walking towards Bochang. As the pink-haired girl approached closer to the trash bin, Bochang grew increasingly anxious. Despite knowing they had made the right choice, Bochang couldn''t help but worry¡ªthere was still a chance something could go wrong. March 7th''s eyes narrowed slightly, and she gently wrinkled her small nose, saying, "I can sense your tension from you." "Say whatever you want; I don''t have the star here anyway. Feel free to search if you must," replied Bochang, their heart pounding rapidly. In this moment, Bochang could only feign complete indifference, hoping to dispel any suspicions March 7th might harbor, thereby preventing the discovery of Stelle. Now, March 7th stood directly in front of Bochang. However... The pink-haired girl seemed entirely oblivious to the nearby trash bin. Bochang''s ability to lower its presence proved quite effective. "Well, since you mentioned it, I''ll definitely search thoroughly now," March 7th declared before abruptly crouching down, scanning beneath the bed with bright eyes. There was nothing beneath the bed. With arms crossed, Bochang observed March 7th''s antics. Realizing that the pink-haired girl completely missed Miyu''s trash bin... A sense of relief washed over Bochang, as if a heavy burden had lifted from his chest. March 7th continued wandering around the room, searching for Stelle''s traces. Unfortunately, it proved entirely futile. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You''ve received a bottle of cola, which brings a feeling of joy when consumed. Note: This type of item will...] "Cola? That''s the second bottle now," thought Bochang. He had previously obtained one but hadn''t gotten a chance to drink it yet... Chapter 158 - 157: A Jealous Pot Chapter 158 - 157: A Jealous PotPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang''s room underwent a thorough search. Apart from the inconspicuous trash bin, every other area caught the pink-haired girl''s attention briefly. "Stelle actually isn''t here?" March 7th stopped searching, her face filled with confusion. "Then where could she have gone?" Bochang turned and replied, "How would I know? I already told you earlier, but you didn''t believe me..." March 7th stood frozen for a moment, feeling that something was amiss. However... She couldn''t quite put her finger on it. ?Have I overlooked something?? As this thought crossed March 7th''s mind, she suddenly sensed... There was something distinctly off about this room. It felt like among a group of ducks, there was an extra mouse. At first glance, one might overlook it. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But... upon closer inspection, the presence of the mouse became apparent. "This trash bin...isn''t it unusually large?" March 7th''s gaze sharpened. At that moment, Bochang''s heart trembled slightly; he hadn''t anticipated that she would notice Miyu''s trash bin. It was truly unexpected. Quickly trying to divert attention... Bochang hastily changed the subject and said, "Listen...if you really want to find Stelle, why not just send her a message asking where she is? There''s no need to make things so complicated." "You''re right...that makes sense. I''ll text her now." March 7th fell for the distraction, no longer focusing on the trash bin issue, likely due to its ability taking effect. This relieved Bochang once again. "Phew..." One can only imagine, if Bochang hadn''t obtained Miyu''s trash bin earlier, Stelle might have been captured by March 7th by now. Watching as the pink-haired girl took out her phone, Bochang interrupted, "March, I''m about to sleep now. Why don''t you go search outside instead?" "It''s not like staying up a bit longer will kill me. What''s wrong with this young lady checking around?" March 7th rolled her eyes. Bochang remained silent, unable to respond. In the next moment... March 7th sent out a message. No notification sound emerged from the trash bin. It seemed Bochang''s delay wasn''t futile; Stelle had likely turned off her phone''s sound by now. After several seconds passed... March 7th glanced at her phone screen and said, "Stelle replied. She mentioned she couldn''t sleep well and decided to take a stroll outside the Divination Commission. Looks like I falsely accused you after all..." "See, now you know," Bochang casually waved his hand, feeling no guilt for deceiving the innocent girl. Despite getting her answer, March 7th didn''t leave immediately. The pink-haired girl, clad in a white bathrobe, placed one hand on her hip and glared fiercely at Bochang, saying, "However... don''t think this absolves you that easily, Bochang. What''s going on between you and Serval? During the day, I saw such intimate photos of you with her¡ªcloser than we''ve ever been together!" Hearing March 7th''s words, Bochang felt an immediate headache coming on. It was clear that the pink-haired girl''s jealousy had spilled over. With too many people around earlier, she hadn''t confronted him then. Now, with fewer witnesses, March 7th began causing trouble. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Attempt to defend yourself: "Believe me, March, my relationship with Serval is perfectly innocent." - Completion Reward: March 7th storms out slamming the door.] [Option 2: Generously admit: "Yes, there is indeed something unusual about my relationship with Serval." - Completion Reward: Stelle and March 7th temporarily leave the party.] **[Option Three: Flash a peace sign: "Since you put it that way... March, let''s take photos today. You can snap as many as you want."¡ªCompletion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option Four: Grasp March 7th''s shoulders, kiss her forehead, and say: "Can you feel my sincerity now?"¡ªCompletion Reward: Yandere Gaze. Note: Beware of sudden attacks from behind!] If Stelle weren''t here, Option Four would likely have been available. Unfortunately... Stelle was still hiding inside Miyu''s trash bin. This prevented Bochang from choosing the fourth option. Both options one and two offered negative rewards, indicating they were entirely unfeasible. The only choice left for Bochang was option three. Having made his decision, Bochang promptly flashed a peace sign and said, "Since you put it that way... March, let''s take photos today. You can snap as many as you want." "Hmm? You finally decided to cheer me up? Not bad." Hearing this, March 7th''s initially sour mood instantly shifted, and she beamed with a radiant smile. "That''s what you said; don''t go back on your word later." Go back on his word? As soon as these words left Bochang''s mouth, he began regretting them. Taking photos with such a beautiful girl like March 7th... was indeed enjoyable. But... after snapping countless pictures, one would inevitably feel tired. Moreover, Bochang himself wasn''t particularly fond of photography. Whenever March 7th wanted to take photos before, he would casually click just a few shots. If she asked for more, he always found various excuses to decline. Even Stelle was no exception. March 7th smiled sweetly, eagerly grabbing her camera. A sense of weariness crept over Bochang as he watched the pink-haired girl''s excitement. He hoped that March 7th would finish quickly, without further disrupting his rest time with Stelle. Of course... despite calling it "rest time," Bochang knew he might struggle to truly relax. He feared tossing and turning before eventually falling asleep. March 7th swiftly grabbed Bochang. The two began taking photos right within the room, with the pink-haired girl incessantly chattering. "Bochang, strike a more appealing pose! Get closer to me, even closer..." "Bochang, at the Seat of Divine Foresight earlier, didn''t you create lotus flowers by blowing air? Why not do it again so I can capture some shots." "No? Why not?" March 7th held onto Bochang''s hand firmly. "Already photographed at the Seat of Divine Foresight? But that was then, this is now; they''re not the same thing. How can you compare them?" "Besides, now we''re supposed to take pictures together, which wasn''t the case before." "Hmph... You promised today would be all about letting me photograph freely. Don''t tell me you''re backing out already," March 7th continued relentlessly. Her words flowed non-stop as she snapped photo after photo. Listening to her chatter, Bochang felt his head spinning, losing all sense of time. He simply went along like an obedient robot, unsure of Stelle''s situation hidden inside the trash bin. Feeling like a mere robot, Bochang continued to accompany March 7th''s whims. Meanwhile, he couldn''t help but worry about Stelle hidden inside the trash bin. "Is her foot getting numb...?" Bochang muttered to himself. Suddenly, March 7th grabbed his clothing, her cheeks slightly flushed, and declared, "Perfect... Now that we''ve finished taking photos with clothes on, it''s time for some without." "Huh?!" Bochang slowly typed out a series of question marks, momentarily perplexed by what she was suggesting. However, judging from her demeanor, March 7th seemed completely serious. Because... She forcefully removed Bochang''s trench coat, leaving only his white T-shirt underneath and black pants below. "March, March, calm down!" "Aiya, if I''m not embarrassed, why should you be? Just take them off when told," March 7th insisted assertively, her spirits high yet tone impatient. [Dating Options have been activated.] Chapter 159 - 158: Elementary School Card Chapter 159 - 158: Elementary School CardPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option 1: Strip away, who''s afraid of whom? Quickly remove all your clothes and say: "Come on, I''m already undressed." - Completion Reward: A Bigshot slap from March 7th.] [Option 2: Stelle is still hiding in the trash... Don''t strip, never ever, and state: "March, I absolutely will not take off my clothes, you can forget about it." - Completion Reward: March 7th storms out, slamming the door.] [Option 3: Can strip, but only partially: "Fine, I''ll strip... but let''s be clear, just the upper body." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items may...] "Dang it..." Bochang muttered under his breath. "You''re making me strip, and after I do, you''re going to give me a Bigshot slap, right?" He glanced at Option 1''s reward, feeling somewhat speechless. This set of options was similar to the previous one, leaving him with no real choice. Option 2 might have been feasible, but... It would likely hurt March 7th''s feelings. Something like that... Thus, Bochang had no choice but to select the third option. "Fine, I''ll take it off... But let''s be clear, only the upper half." As soon as Bochang finished speaking, March 7th chided him, "Of course, only the upper half... Did you really think I''d ask you to strip completely?" Feeling slightly embarrassed, Bochang removed his white T-shirt, revealing firm shoulders and a robust chest. His body, strengthened multiple times through enhancements, now resembled a flawless sculpture. The sight made the pink-haired girl''s heart flutter uncontrollably. "March, if you''re just taking photos, why does it have to be without clothes?" Undressing in front of March 7th still made Bochang feel shy. "This is called art, do you understand art?" March 7th, her cheeks slightly flushed, adjusted the camera with reddened face, ready to capture the moment''s beauty. "Quickly strike a pose; we need to get this photo." Bochang gently stroked his chin, pondering what pose to assume while March 7th continuously snapped pictures. March 7th continuously pressed the shutter button. As the sound of rapid photography echoed within the room, the system''s notification chimed in: [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a Fishing Rod. This is just an ordinary fishing rod; feel free to use it for leisure when you''re bored. Note: Items like this will...] "Hmm... Your muscles really look quite impressive, even better than when we first met..." After taking dozens of photos, March 7th suddenly leaned in close and gently poked Bochang''s abs with her finger. "Don''t mind if I touch them, right?" Without waiting for Bochang''s consent, the pink-haired girl swiftly placed her small hands on his abdomen. Compared to the warmth of Bochang''s muscles, March 7th''s hands felt noticeably cooler, almost icy. A peculiar sensation spread from where she touched him. Then, March 7th snuggled up next to Bochang. "Say cheese!" The two began taking intimate selfies together. As their skin brushed against each other, their body temperatures slowly rose, creating an air of growing intimacy. Recalling Stelle hidden in Miyu''s trash bin, Bochang quickly regained his composure and ignored March 7th''s actions. "March, it''s already very late. Don''t you plan to go back and rest?" Bochang yawned, "Lack of sleep can affect your energy tomorrow." With that, Bochang took out his phone to check the time. It was nearly 1 AM. Bochang had unexpectedly spent so much time accompanying March 7th for photoshoots. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. He must have been quite exhausted. The pink-haired girl smiled, "No worries... People from our train can easily manage without sleep for several days. Bochang, eventually, you''ll master this skill too." "But... I remember you once mentioned that beautiful girls need to sleep on time, or they''ll get dark circles under their eyes the next day." Bochang paused, surprised by his own recollection. March 7th stroked her chin, puzzled. "Did I really say that? Must be your memory playing tricks on you." Just as she finished speaking... The system''s notification sounded again. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a one-time use item: Elementary Student Card. When sustaining fatal damage, it can negate one attack and grant invulnerability for one second. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly accessed for use.] Bochang had now completed both optional tasks. One was a fishing rod, the other an Elementary Student Card. Honestly... The Elementary Student Card seems quite useful. Unfortunately, it''s a one-time use item, disappearing after a single application. Unlike the Holy Shield, which is reusable indefinitely. "Never mind... That''s not important. What matters is... I need to rest now, March." Bochang signaled his intention to dismiss the guest. March 7th responded, "Hmm... alright, then let''s sleep." With that... March 7th, still wearing her white bathrobe, unexpectedly walked straight towards Bochang''s bed, catching him off guard. "Don''t you plan to return to your own room?" Bochang gently touched his forehead, and there was a hint of weariness and resignation in his voice. March 7th plopped down on the bed, showing no intention of moving aside. She declared, "I''m staying here tonight, so what about it, Bochang? Do you have any objections?" The room''s lighting illuminated the pink-haired girl, making her already fair and smooth skin glisten even more. This time, the Dating Options prompt did not appear. Does Bochang have objections? Of course he does. If March 7th doesn''t leave, how will Stelle arrive? Bochang scratched his head and said, "Wouldn''t it be inappropriate if someone sees us alone together in my room late at night? What do you think?" Currently... Bochang was shirtless, and March 7th only wore a white bathrobe. A significant amount of their skin was exposed, leaving little room for misinterpretation. "Who else would come looking for you? Even if someone does, we''ve done nothing wrong to fear scrutiny." March 7th confidently patted Bochang''s bed as she spoke. It seemed like fate was playing a cruel joke on her. Just as the pink-haired girl finished her sentence... Light footsteps echoed outside Bochang''s room immediately. Both of them heard it clearly. Due to March 7th''s actions earlier, the door was only slightly ajar, allowing anyone outside to potentially enter at any moment. A tense atmosphere suddenly emerged. March 7th sprang to her feet, thinking, "Who is it? Could it be... Stelle? What should I do... now what?" The pink-haired girl felt somewhat panicked, far from the composed demeanor she displayed moments ago. She entered a state of bewilderment, unsure how to react. "Another visitor?" Bochang turned his head towards the half-open door. He wondered who it could be this time. Bochang couldn''t help but internally grumble, "We''re almost enough for a mahjong table." As the footsteps halted outside and the door creaked slowly open... An idea struck March 7th; she swiftly dove under the bed, hiding herself away. When Bochang glanced back, he caught only a glimpse of the pink-haired girl''s curvy rear disappearing beneath the bed. "Why did you hide?! Doesn''t that make things even more suspicious now?" Bochang felt slightly disheartened. Chapter 160 - 159: Shinobu Chapter 160 - 159: ShinobuPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Tonight at the Divination Commission was no different from usual. A serene breeze whispered through, rustling the leaves softly. After Bochang and his team cleansed the malevolent spirits from Stellaron, the area had regained its tranquility once more. The diviners of the Divination Commission could finally enjoy a peaceful night''s sleep. Originally, Bochang could have slept as well. However... Due to a steady stream of guests arriving one after another, his room remained bustling, leaving him with no chance to rest. As Bochang spotted a delicate light purple dragon horn peeking through the doorway first... he instantly recognized who it was. Bailu''s distinctive draconic features made her unmistakable. In the next moment, the crisp voice of the little dragon girl rang out. "Bochang? It''s so late, why aren''t you asleep yet..." As Bailu entered the room, she noticed Bochang with his upper body bare, revealing his robust physique under the soft light¡ªa sight exuding masculinity. She couldn''t help but add, "Nice figure." The dragon girl inspected him from top to bottom, her gaze displaying a professional air. As a physician of the Alchemy Commission, Bailu had seen many diverse physiques, but few could match Bochang''s impressive build. Indeed, he lived up to being someone she had personally chosen. After a moment of thought, Bochang replied, "Well... I was just about to undress and go to bed... Bailu, what brings you here? It''s already 1 AM, shouldn''t you be sleeping?" "You won''t grow tall if you don''t sleep at proper times," Bochang inadvertently blurted out. However... Immediately after speaking, Bochang regretted it. As expected... A hint of displeasure flashed across Bailu''s slightly round face. She placed her hands on her hips and declared, "Bochang, I''m not that little anymore. Please don''t treat me like a kid all the time." "And... it''s not that I don''t want to sleep early, but I simply can''t fall asleep, so..." Bailu gently sighed. The events of today were truly extraordinary. They made Bailu feel like a wandering swordswoman adventuring through the world, leaving her exceptionally excited and unable to drift off easily. March 7th, hidden beneath the bed, noticed the newcomer was the young dragon girl. Her initially racing heart slowly calmed down. "Should I come out now? No... If Bailu finds me hiding under Bochang''s bed late at night, there''s a high chance she''ll tell Stelle tomorrow..." March 7th wasn''t quite sure why this concerned her, but regardless... She had no intention of letting Stelle know about her private moments with Bochang. It was quite natural. Similarly, Stelle intended to conceal her plan of sleeping with Bochang from both March 7th and Serval. As a result... One hid inside a trash bin, while the other concealed beneath the bed. The reason for this... No sound emerged from the trash bin where Stelle was hiding within Miyu''s room. Bochang found it peculiar too. After all... During their photo session, March 7th engaged in some unconventional acts, especially when they stripped down to take close-up shots. Yet, just moments ago, despite March 7th showing no intention of leaving, Stelle remained completely unresponsive. Even if she didn''t want to be discovered, she could have at least messaged Bochang discreetly. Thus... Bochang formed an incredibly bold hypothesis - "Could it be that Stelle fell asleep while I was photographing with March 7th?" This theory also explained why Stelle showed absolutely no reaction during certain actions taken by March 7th. Stelle showed no reaction whatsoever. "But...can one really fall asleep while crouching inside a trash bin?" Bochang wondered. Of course... sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All this remained just Bochang''s speculation; perhaps Stelle genuinely played the role of a ninja for a bit. It was possible. Bailu suggested, "Bochang, since you''re not sleeping anyway, why don''t you keep me company and play for a while?" "Play? What kind of game?" Bochang questioned back. Bailu stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... let me think." Just then... Bochang''s phone beeped. While Bailu was still pondering, he took out his phone to check. The message was from the pink-haired girl hiding under the bed, indicating she might be getting anxious. March 7th: Bochang, what are you doing?! Are you seriously planning to play with kids now? Can''t...you figure out what you should be focusing on instead? What should Bochang do? Bochang knew exactly what he needed to accomplish. Naturally, it was to get both March 7th and Bailu out of here. However... Given the current situation, it seemed quite challenging. March 7th had already made it clear she wasn''t leaving voluntarily. It appeared that force might be necessary, or perhaps finding another way to convince the pink-haired girl to leave willingly. As for what method could make her agreeably depart, Bochang hadn''t figured that out yet. So, he typed back: "Don''t worry, just watch my moves." March 7th: ??? The pink-haired girl hiding beneath the bed felt increasingly frustrated. Had March 7th known it was a young dragon visiting, she wouldn''t have hidden at all. It would''ve been better to come up with some excuse on the spot. But now, it was too late. If March 7th were to emerge from under the bed at this moment, it likely wouldn''t be easily dismissed with a simple explanation. While Bailu might be more gullible, However... This dragon maiden wasn''t foolish at all. "Bailu," she said, "I''ve recently developed a new massage technique. Would you like to try it? Hmm...you might not be aware, but my massage skills...are unparalleled on Luofu Immortal Continent. Seeing how hardworking you''ve been today, I thought...what do you say?" "This doesn''t seem like playing along with your game; rather, it would inconvenience you." Bochang scratched his head, feeling unsure. Bailu spread her hands and replied, "Allowing me to practice my newly researched massage techniques on you will benefit both of us. While you enjoy the massage, I gain valuable experience¡ªit''s a win-win situation. There''s no question of inconvenience here." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Accept Bailu''s offer and let her give you a massage, saying: "If that''s the case...it sounds fine." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option Two: Decline Bailu''s offer, suggesting she rest instead, by saying: "No, I''m going to sleep now, Bailu. You should also get some rest... We can do the massage tomorrow." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] Two distinctly different options, yet offering the exact same reward. "Does this imply that regardless of my choice, the ultimate outcome will be the same?" Uncertain, Bochang hesitated for a moment before making his decision, "Option One." "Well then... alright." Bochang nodded in agreement. After all, he couldn''t immediately think of a way to make March 7th leave. For now, it might be best to maintain a temporary standoff. This could prevent March 7th from escalating her actions further. If Stelle wasn''t actually asleep and was just enduring quietly, suddenly jumping up later would indeed be frightening. Bochang dared not rely solely on the "Dating Options" feature. What if no options suddenly appear this time? It wasn''t entirely impossible. Chapter 161 - 160: Pointing and Whispering Chapter 161 - 160: Pointing and WhisperingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Since you''ve already taken off your shirt, just lie face down on the bed now. Let this miss help you relax those muscles." Bailu rubbed her hands together, with sparks of electricity flickering between them. Or perhaps it was just his imagination. For a moment, Bochang felt as if the corners of the dragon girl''s lips curved upwards, revealing a slightly smug smile. "Before we start, Bailu, make sure not to apply too much pressure during the massage, and please don''t electrocute me," Bochang cautioned, noticing the electric glow emanating from her palms. His spirits tensed; he definitely didn''t want an impromptu shock therapy session. Bailu patted her flat chest reassuringly, "Don''t worry, I know my limits. The sparks were just for warming up. I won''t electrocute you." Seeing her assurance... Bochang climbed onto the bed and lay face down. ?Ever since General Jing Yuan teased Bailu... she''s been referring to herself as ''this miss'' all the time. Personally, I still find it cuter when she simply calls herself ''Bailu''... Should I mention something about it?? Bochang hesitated but ultimately didn''t voice his thoughts. Gently removing her shoes and placing them aside, Bailu climbed onto the bed. She straddled Bochang''s thighs, their bodies softly aligning. Despite Bailu''s petite frame pressing down on him, Bochang barely felt any weight. She seemed as light as a gentle breeze. Of course... This was largely due to Bochang''s exceptional physical strength, creating such an illusion. Her small hands swiftly began massaging his back. "Crack...crack..." Although Bailu''s hands were delicate, they exerted considerable force, each press feeling like a hammer striking his back. The tense muscles along Bochang''s back gradually relaxed under Bailu''s skilled touch, sending waves of soothing sensations rippling through his entire body. Once focused on her work, Bailu''s expression turned remarkably serious. Bochang had experienced back massages from both Dan Heng and Clara before. Compared to Bailu, their techniques seemed utterly amateurish. In comparison, Dan Heng and Clara''s massage skills were embarrassingly poor. "Ah... Sss... Mmm..." As Bochang received Bailu''s massage, involuntary moans escaped from his lips. There was no helping it... S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The dragon girl''s technique was exceptional; her fingertips seemed to possess a magical allure that Bochang couldn''t resist. In that moment, he recalled how Tingyun had similarly struggled not to vocalize when being stroked by him before. Just like how the fox maiden couldn''t help but let out sounds of pleasure under his touch. "So soothing..." Bochang closed his eyes, fully enjoying the mix of pain and ecstasy, finding it utterly irresistible. While the black-haired youth couldn''t contain his audible reactions, March 7th, on the other hand, felt far less pleased. Clenching her fists, she exclaimed, "Your behavior... still hasn''t changed? First Clara, now Bailu - Bochang, you truly never learn your lesson..." The dragon girl''s massage continued for half an hour, covering nearly every inch of Bochang''s body. The system''s voice only sounded after the massage ended. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained an item: Super Flashlight. This tool can dispel illusions and reveal the true shadows of living beings. Note: The item has been stored in the system space and can be directly accessed for use.] "Not bad at all..." Bochang muttered to himself. Both items from the recent draws seemed quite useful. One was a passive life-saving item¡ªthe Elementary Student Card. The other, a Super Flashlight capable of dispelling illusions and revealing the true shadows of creatures. With a cheerful grin, Bailu asked, "How do you feel now, Bochang? My massage skills aren''t too shabby, right?" "Indeed... It''s surprisingly excellent. I didn''t expect you to possess such talent." After the dragon girl''s thorough massage, Bochang felt completely relaxed. He was so comfortable that he almost went limp, not wanting to move at all¡ªtempted just to fall asleep on the spot. "If Bochang ever wants another massage in the future, feel free to come find me." The dragon girl straddling Bochang''s waist gently smacked his backside, saying, "I''ll give you a complimentary session anytime." "Sure, sure, if I have time in the future, I''ll definitely come to you." Bochang''s eyes half-closed, looking like he was on the verge of falling asleep. Bailu gently swept her dragon tail across Bochang''s face and asked, "Are you going to sleep now?" "Mm...yes..." "No, no way! Stay and play with me a bit longer, just for a little while." Sitting on Bochang''s waist, Bailu nudged the drowsy black-haired youth, saying, "Didn''t you finish your massage already? Bailu, what else do you want to play?" "Bochang, why don''t you tell me some bedtime stories? Maybe then I''ll fall asleep," Bailu persisted, not relenting. Upon hearing this, Bochang''s eyes widened slightly, and he asked, "Bailu, do you really plan to sleep here?" "How...is that not okay?" The dragon girl looked puzzled. If Miyu''s trash bin didn''t contain Stelle, and there were no March 7ths under his bed, it might indeed be fine for Bailu to sleep here. However... Currently, there were too many guests at Bochang''s home. "I think it would be better for you to sleep in your own room." "No, no... I want to sleep here; I can''t fall asleep in my room. Trust me, I''ve tried," the dragon-girl pleaded pitifully. This situation gave Bochang a slight headache, as the "Dating Options" prompt hadn''t appeared, leaving him to find a solution on his own. "What should I do now?" A moment of silence ensued. Before Bochang could respond... Bailu continued, sounding pleadingly, "Please?" "Not at all!" March 7th''s voice chimed in from nearby. Unbeknownst to them, the pink-haired girl had emerged from under the bed, clad in a white bathrobe. With her pink eyes fixed firmly on Bailu, she said, "At this late hour, you should be sleeping in your own room. Why come and disturb Bochang?" "Moreover, it''s inappropriate for a young lady like you to enter another man''s room so late at night," March 7th admonished. Inwardly, Bochang couldn''t help but snark, And what about yourself? "I''m not that little anymore!" Bailu retorted and then turned to look at March 7th, "And you''re here too! How can you say anything?" "Well... this young lady saw Bochang''s room light on, got curious, and just came to check," March 7th defended herself. Bailu and Bochang were so engrossed in their conversation that they didn''t notice the pink-haired girl emerging from under the bed. The dragoness, puzzled, asked, "That''s strange... why didn''t I detect your presence when you entered?" If March 7th had opened the door normally, Bailu felt certain she would have heard it. The doors of the Divination Commission''s guest rooms typically creaked slightly when pushed open. Unless... March 7th hadn''t used the door. Quickly explaining, March 7th said, "Who knows... perhaps you two were simply too absorbed in your game." However, the pink-haired girl didn''t use the teleportation ring as an excuse. The reason was simple - using a teleportation ring emits a bright white glow, which is quite noticeable and easily detected. Moreover, each use of a teleportation ring is highly valued. They should not be employed unless absolutely necessary. This explains why... neither Stelle nor March 7th opted to escape using their rings. Chapter 162 - 161: Balance Chapter 162 - 161: BalancePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** One charge of the teleportation ring, when faced with danger... essentially equates to a second chance at life. It''s natural for everyone to use it sparingly. However, Bochang doesn''t treat it as precious. The reason lies in¡ª he is not lacking resources. Not only does Bochang possess the Holy Shield, but now he also has a grade schooler card to ensure his survival, allowing him to take risks freely. Others cannot afford such extravagance. Of course... This isn''t the primary reason why March 7th and Stelle refrained from using their teleportation rings. The key issue is that during usage, the emitted white light is exceedingly bright and easily noticeable. It''s akin to drawing attention like shouting "no silver here" while hiding something valuable. In Bochang''s room, Bailu reluctantly accepted March 7th''s explanation. After all... The young dragon girl hadn''t anticipated anyone visiting Bochang so late at night. It was already 1 AM - shouldn''t they be asleep? Seeing someone wandering around in a bathrobe struck Bailu as odd; she couldn''t fathom what March 7th was thinking. "Even if that''s the case... why did you interfere between Bochang and me?" The dragon maiden, perched on Bochang''s waist with one hand on her hip, questioned sternly. "This matter doesn''t concern you, does it?" As she spoke, Bailu gently flicked her dragon tail, her gaze becoming increasingly sharp, exuding a powerful presence. March 7th took a step forward, showing no sign of backing down. "How could this not concern me? As a member of the Astral Express crew, I must ensure Bochang gets proper rest. Clearly... you have already disturbed his sleep." "We''ll go to sleep right away; that way, we won''t disturb his rest," Bailu suddenly lay down, pressing close to Bochang''s back. He could feel the young dragon girl''s breaths against his shoulder. March 7th took a deep breath. "That''s not what I meant!" "Then what do you mean?" Bailu countered. March 7th''s expression shifted rapidly, countless retorts surging within her but getting stuck in her throat. Bochang simply listened quietly, with no intention of interjecting. "If you''re going to play it like this... fine, then I''m sleeping here tonight too!" March 7th climbed onto the bed and settled next to Bochang. Undeniably...the Divination Commission''s guest room had quite a large bed; even with March 7th joining, there was ample space. Bochang hadn''t anticipated such a turn of events. Neither of them seemed willing to leave. The trouble now doubled. "If you want to sleep here, go ahead¡ªit doesn''t concern me." Bailu closed her eyes, completely disregarding March 7th''s feelings, and even gently nuzzled against Bochang''s deltoid muscle. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The pink-haired girl watched with envy; as a young woman herself, she couldn''t bring herself to act like Bailu. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: You can no longer stand by idly. Calm Bailu down by saying, "Stop teasing, Bailu. If you want to sleep here, get off me and don''t cause conflict with March." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Ignore the situation, allowing tensions between Bailu and March 7th to escalate - Completion Reward: A Big Biodou from March 7th.] [Option 3: Having them leave could be a viable choice. Say, "Both of you, go back and rest. With all this crowding, I won''t be able to sleep properly." - Completion Reward: Bailu leaves, March 7th temporarily departs.] Seeing options two and three, Bochang nearly lost his composure. Bochang felt slightly overwhelmed. If the conflict between Bailu and March 7th escalated, the result would be the pink-haired girl giving him a Big Biodou slap. As for the option where both leave: March 7th''s departure was only temporary. From these choices, Bochang could deduce that the ultimate outcome would likely be... Bailu obediently leaving, while March 7th eventually returning. "Given this scenario, I suppose I have no choice but to select the first option," Bochang thought aloud. "Stop messing around, Bailu. If you want to sleep here, get off me and don''t cause any trouble with March." "Ugh... alright." Bailu complied obediently, leaning to her left and lying down next to Bochang on his left side. March 7th settled on his right. Instantly, silence enveloped the room. Bochang mentally sighed, ?Is maintaining this balance all we can do? Stelle... sorry, it seems you''ll have to stay hidden in Miyu''s trash bin for a bit longer.? With that thought, Bochang turned over, closed his eyes, and lay quietly. "Could someone turn off the lights?" Bailu suddenly spoke up, preempting March 7th''s response. "I''ll do it," Bochang replied. With the convenience of his Invisible Hand, turning off the light was as simple as could be. With a click, the room went dark. "Huh? How did you manage that?" Bailu sounded genuinely surprised. Bochang provided a brief explanation to satisfy her curiosity. A few minutes passed... [Rewards being distributed ¡ª Congratulations! You have received an item: Light Bulb, a very ordinary light bulb. Note: This type of item will...] "A light bulb? Nothing special about it at all... Quite useless." Bochang sighed inwardly. Detecting the faint fragrance in the air, he found himself unable to sleep easily. Bailu''s chest rose and fell steadily, her breathing deepening as soon as her head touched the pillow, indicating she had quickly settled down. Bochang couldn''t tell if she had fallen asleep yet. Regardless... March 7th was undoubtedly awake, her delicate hands gently caressing the bedsheet. Those movements were unmistakable. It seemed the pink-haired girl''s emotions were quite complex. Bochang did nothing and said nothing, simply waiting quietly for sleep to engulf him amidst the darkness. Suddenly, March 7th opened her eyes. Her hand slowly reached towards Bochang, but halfway through, she silently withdrew it, repeating this action multiple times until exhaustion finally claimed her, at which point she stopped. Time gradually slipped away. The long night passed. Under the control of the Realm-Keeping Commission, the sun began its slow ascent. Golden sunlight streamed from the east, blanketing the earth with a shimmering layer of gold. Prompted by the alarm clock, Bochang stretched lazily as he sat up. Both March 7th and Bailu were still asleep; he swiftly silenced his phone to avoid waking them. "Wow, we slept straight through until morning..." Bochang glanced to the side. Miyu''s trash bin still stood quietly within the room, seemingly untouched. Now, Bochang was almost certain: Stelle must have been sleeping inside it all night. Carefully, he lowered Bailu''s dragon tail draped over him. Quietly getting up, Bochang maneuvered past March 7th, whose cleavage was prominently exposed as she lay half-across his path. He slipped on his shoes, approached the door, and gently pushed it open. The creaking sound did not disturb the deep slumber of the two girls. Though they stirred slightly, neither woke up. Bochang picked up the trash bin and walked out. Just by its weight, Bochang could tell that Stelle indeed spent the entire night asleep inside, enduring unnecessary discomfort. Chapter 163 - 162: The Gift - A Trash Bin Chapter 163 - 162: The Gift - A Trash BinPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Quietly leaving the room, Bochang opened the trash bin''s lid outside. A beam of sunlight streamed in through the crack, illuminating the dark interior of the bin. Inside, Stelle groggily blinked her eyes open. She lifted her head, rubbed them gently, and said, "Good morning... Bochang." The swaying motion of the trash bin had roused Stelle from her sleep. "Good morning, Stelle. Um... perhaps you should come out first." Bochang extended his hand. Taking hold of his large palm, the gray-haired girl obediently stood up from within the trash bin. As Bochang felt her delicate hands, he noticed how soft they were, quite pleasant to grip. At that moment, Stelle was still wearing her white bathrobe. After spending the night in the trash bin, her attire remained unchanged, unlike March 7th resting comfortably on the bed. She stepped one leg out, flipping herself over from the bin. A cold breeze blew past. Stelle suddenly felt a chill beneath her robe. Just then... Something clicked in Stelle''s mind. "Oh right... I think I slept here overnight." The gray-haired girl scratched her head, recalling the events of last night. "Actually, sleeping inside felt quite interesting." "As long as you enjoyed it," replied Bochang, feeling somewhat relieved by Stelle''s words. He couldn''t be sure if she was merely comforting him or not. Stelle continued, "Bochang, could you please give me this trash bin?" "Sure." Bochang didn''t hesitate, now suspecting that Stelle might genuinely not have been just comforting him. After all... Stelle happily embraced Miyu''s trash bin, her eyes sparkling with delight. Witnessing this, Bochang couldn''t help but internally exclaim, Why are you so fond of trash bins?! "But... it''s a bit disappointing that we couldn''t sleep together last night, Bochang." Stelle gently sighed. No one had anticipated March 7th''s sudden visit. "It''s alright; let''s save it for another opportunity. No rush." "Hmm... then I''ll head back to my room now." Stelle nodded, intending to take the trash bin with her and change clothes. Although she didn''t mind changing clothes in front of Bochang, Still... They were not in her room, and anyone could appear at any moment. Stelle possessed basic modesty; she certainly didn''t want strangers witnessing her undressing. "Alright, take care." Bochang waved, watching as Stelle carried the trash bin away. The gray-haired girl didn''t inquire about March 7th''s presence, possibly distracted by Miyu''s trash bin. Back in his room, Bochang looked at Bailu and March 7th lying on the bed, feeling compelled to gently rest his forehead against his palm. The dragon girl maintained a side-lying position due to her tail. It was more comfortable for her this way; if she tried to lie flat...the tail would cause her hips to lift awkwardly. On the other side... For some reason, March 7th''s white bathrobe had come undone at the front, revealing her fair, delicate skin. Bochang, after contemplating briefly, stepped forward and carefully pulled the robe closed to prevent further exposure. Just as this movement concluded, March 7th opened her eyes. Fortunately, Bochang had already withdrawn his hand. The pink-haired girl asked, "Bochang... what were you doing?" "Nothing," Bochang casually replied, dismissing any suspicion. March 7th''s gaze turned skeptical. She looked at Bochang standing by the bed and said, "Really? You wouldn''t be trying to take advantage of my beauty, secretly making moves on me, would you...?" "Do you really think that''s possible?" Bochang shook his head. Naturally, it was not. While they conversed, Bailu also woke up. "Is it morning already? I wanted to sleep a bit more... Hm? Bochang, why did you move over there? I want to cuddle with you." The dragon loli gently tapped the bed surface with her tail, urging Bochang to join her, "Come on, hurry..." Her tone and actions seemed designed to tempt mischief. However, Bochang''s expression remained unchanged. "I''d like to sleep a bit more too." With that, March 7th closed her eyes again, blatantly ignoring the previous conversation and drifting back into slumber mode. Seeing this, Bochang responded firmly, "Alright, you two lazybones, it''s time to get up now." As she spoke... Bochang gently pinched the small noses of both March 7th and Bailu. "Don''t forget, we have tasks to accomplish today... It''s not the time for sleeping in." Despite their desire to continue snoozing, Bochang forcibly roused them. No matter how much March 7th and Bailu complained, Bochang did not yield. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Soon after... The Trailblaze squad and their guides gathered at the entrance of the Divination Commission, as agreed upon the previous night. This had been agreed upon last night. Everyone except Stelle and Qingque had arrived on time. As the appointed hour approached, Welt Yang asked, "Why isn''t Stelle here yet... Did she oversleep? March, why didn''t you come with Stelle this morning?" March 7th and Stelle often moved together, which was known to everyone. Hence, Welt Yang raised his concern. "Well... it''s like this, Uncle Yang. Last night, Stelle mentioned she couldn''t sleep, so she went wandering outside the Divination Commission. She might have stayed out too late and couldn''t get up today. I didn''t want to disturb her, hoping she could catch up on some rest, so that''s why..." March 7th offered her explanation. Bailu lifted her head, glanced at the pink-haired girl, but said nothing. "I see," Welt nodded gently. Stelle didn''t keep everyone waiting for long. Soon... Carrying her trash bin, Stelle approached them. March 7th rubbed her chin, puzzled. "Hiss... This trash bin, haven''t I seen it somewhere before?" "Snap." Bochang placed a hand on the pink-haired girl''s shoulder, "March, it''s just your imagination." "Imagination?" March 7th looked bewildered, feeling as if she had forgotten something important. Bailu, however, appeared thoughtful. Bochang turned to the gray-haired girl and said, "Stelle, why did you bring the trash bin with you? You shouldn''t carry this outside! Please put it back quickly." "Is it not okay?" Stelle blinked, "But I like..." Originally, Stelle''s intention was indeed to place the trash bin in her room. However, after changing her clothes... Indeed, Stelle had initially placed the trash bin in her room. However, after changing her clothes... The more she looked at the trash bin, the more it appealed to her. Additionally, she discovered something quite intriguing. If she set down the trash bin, it became increasingly difficult to notice its presence afterward. It was rather amusing. Thus, Stelle found herself captivated and unable to resist its charm. "No," Bochang crossed her arms, signaling clear disapproval. Deflated, Stelle sighed, "Fine." Having just arrived, Stelle was promptly sent away by Bochang. As soon as they departed, Qingque hurried over. "My apologies, I got delayed... Didn''t keep you all waiting too long, right?" The mahjong enthusiast glanced around, noticing one person was still missing. Relieved, she patted her flat chest, "Oh, so I''m not the latest after all." Chapter 164 - 163: Special Ability Chapter 164 - 163: Special AbilityPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** March 7th gazed at the spot where Stelle had departed, pondering for a moment before suddenly recalling that she had seen a trash bin in Bochang''s room last night. At the time, it seemed rather large to her. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now upon closer inspection¡ªit indeed was quite sizable. With Stelle holding the trash bin, only her head and feet were visible, while everything else was completely concealed by it. It''s worth noting that the gray-haired girl is exceptionally tall. On the Astral Express, among the females, Stelle stands as the tallest. Realizing this... March 7th turned to Bochang and asked, "That trash bin was in your room last night, wasn''t it?" The pink-haired girl''s question did not come as a surprise to Bochang; he anticipated it. Ever since witnessing Stelle carrying Miyu''s trash bin, Bochang knew things were taking a turn for the worse. And just as expected... Realizing this, March 7th stared at Bochang with disbelief written on her face and said, "You actually tried to deceive me! Tell me honestly, does that trash can have some special function? If not for Stelle carrying it, I might have overlooked it entirely." With a bit of thought, March 7th quickly guessed that the trash can was no ordinary object. Seeing her reaction, Bochang decided against continuing the deception. "Yes... that trash can indeed possesses a unique ability. When quietly placed anywhere, it''s easily ignored; however... once its existence is known, this effect diminishes significantly." For Bochang, Miyu''s trash can did not significantly reduce its presence due to his awareness of its power and his strong mental abilities. By focusing his mind, he could effortlessly locate Miyu''s trash can. "So that''s how it works... And you secretly went to give it to Stelle this morning?" March 7th put one hand on her hip. "Listen... even if you wanted to give a gift, couldn''t you find something better than a trash can? What kind of present is that?" "Even if that trash can has special abilities, it''s hardly an appropriate gift." "I really don''t understand what you were thinking." March 7th sighed and shook her head, puzzled as to why Stelle would accept such a present. If it were herself, she would have politely declined Bochang''s offering. "Instead of giving that...you should''ve gifted Stelle your large sword behind you," suggested March 7th, directing her gaze at Bochang''s back where he carried both a cyber flying sword and the Vow Spear. The familiar sight was the blue long spear, known well by everyone. Less commonly seen... was Bochang''s newly acquired cyber flying sword. It appeared hefty, likely indicating its formidable power. "You''re not being stingy, are you?" March 7th teased. Bochang shook his head, "Your judgment is hasty due to not fully understanding Stelle. In reality, she truly loves this trash can; I''m sure you could sense her satisfaction, right?" "This..." March 7th fell silent, realizing she indeed sensed Stelle''s satisfaction with it; otherwise, she wouldn''t have brought the trash can along specifically. Bochang felt relieved internally. ? Excellent... It seems March 7th hasn''t made any wild guesses yet. ? This was good news. If the pink-haired girl had connected the dots and guessed that Stelle was hiding inside the trash can, her mind would undoubtedly spiral into chaos, on the verge of breaking down. Who knows what might have ensued then? "Let''s not dwell on this anymore." Bochang shifted his gaze to the mahjong girl. "Qingque, you appear hesitant. Is there something you''d like to share with us?" "Yes, actually... I''m quite curious about the trash can you mentioned earlier. Could I take a look at it?" asked Qingque. Bochang couldn''t help but massage his temples, feeling exasperated. Despite trying to steer the conversation away, it circled back to the trash can once more. "Uh... it''s fine, no need to show me." Qingque scratched her head, managing a slightly awkward yet courteous smile. Bochang responded, "Perhaps another opportunity will arise later. The trash bin has already been taken by Stelle just now." "Alright." Qingque nodded in understanding. Welt remained silent, not uttering a word. Tingyun furrowed her elegant brows and said, "Benefactor, you possess quite an array of intriguing items¡ªteleportation rings, trash bins... If I''m not mistaken... those long spear and greatsword must also be extraordinary treasures, right?" "Well, if you put it that way... you''re not entirely wrong." Bochang rubbed his chin, his gaze inadvertently drawn to Tingyun''s magnificent tail. The delightful sensation was truly tempting him for another stroke. Unfortunately... With everyone present, Bochang had no chance to indulge in petting the fox lady''s tail. If he dared to try, he feared March 7th might swiftly kick him away. Although Bochang and the pink-haired girl were currently only friends and colleagues, still... March 7th kept a tight rein on such matters. Bochang couldn''t help but imagine how it would feel to touch those fox tails. Seemingly sensing his thoughts, Tingyun twitched her fox ears and subtly swayed her large tail. Realizing he was being subtly teased, Bochang quietly shifted his gaze away. "Of course, every member of our Astral Express Crew is truly exceptional." March 7th placed her hands on her hips confidently. Serval silently clung to her black guitar without uttering a word. Among the Astral Express Crew members, the weakest in terms of combat prowess was this blonde woman. Her only notable skill lay in music, which could be considered her unique talent. With that thought, Serval''s mood instantly improved significantly. As the central figure in their conversation, Bochang had no time to pay attention to the blonde woman. Just as he finished speaking, Bailu tugged at his trench coat again and said, "Bochang, don''t forget about my teleportation ring." "Don''t worry, Bailu, I won''t forget it," Bochang reassured her with a gentle pat on the dragon girl''s head, eliciting soft purring sounds from her, akin to a small animal. Bochang gently patted the dragon girl''s head, eliciting purring sounds from her, much like a small animal. Smiling, Tingyun remarked, "Lady Bailu and our benefactor have such a close relationship." As a revered Draconic Lady of noble status, Bailu typically had a strong-willed demeanor. For most people, even thinking about touching Bailu''s head would be futile. "Hmph... Of course," Bailu replied, firmly holding onto Bochang''s trench coat without letting go. March 7th observed the young dragon girl, momentarily unsure what to say. In theory, she shouldn''t harbor any hostility towards Bailu. After all... Bailu appeared incredibly petite. However, following last night''s incident, March 7th began paying closer attention to this little one. She also knew that the current form wasn''t Bailu''s only state; she could transform into an adult human or even a massive dragon. According to Serval, when Bailu assumes her larger form, both her figure and facial features are exceptional. Now imagine for a moment... If last night, March 7th hadn''t rushed to find Bochang, allowing Bailu to seize the opportunity, what would have happened then? The answer is straightforward. Bailu would have spent the night sleeping with Bochang. "Dangerous... It''s just too dangerous," March 7th murmured inwardly. With her ability to transform between sizes, Bailu had become a significant concern for the pink-haired girl. Chapter 165 - 164: Pupils Constricting Chapter 165 - 164: Pupils ConstrictingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The departed star swiftly returned, now looking much more serious without clutching onto the trash bin. And so... Bochang and the group decided to head for the Central Starskiff Haven. Their reason was simple¡ªto meet up with Dan Heng. This plan had been discussed between Bochang and Welt Yang the previous night. As outsiders, Dan Heng couldn''t simply travel elsewhere on his own via a star ferry. To leave the Central Starskiff Haven, he would need assistance from the cloud knight newcomer mentioned earlier¡ªSushang. Of course... Once Dan Heng joined them, concerns about transportation would no longer be an issue. After all, Bochang''s group had received General Jing Yuan''s permission to tour Xianzhou using the star ferries, ensuring no one would dare to obstruct their journey. During the trip, they engaged in casual conversation, with March 7th even asking where Stelle had gone the previous night. The gray-haired girl casually brushed off the question with an excuse and then asked March 7th what she had been doing last night. From Stelle''s perspective, after the pink-haired girl arrived... she searched the room for her, but upon not finding her, proceeded to harass Bochang. And then? Stelle drifted off to sleep, drowsily. She wasn''t awakened until the next morning by Bochang. Strangely enough, entering the trash bin felt like coming home to Stelle. The sense of security while crouching inside was indescribable. She had already decided that Miyu''s trash bin would be her second home from now on. "W-we...we were obviously sleeping last night. What else could we have been doing?" March 7th responded under Stelle''s gaze. To be fair, March 7th technically didn''t lie, but her response was as good as saying nothing. Bailu, sitting beside Bochang, had no intention of self-destructing. Instead, she silently yawned. Compared to her usual bedtime, she had indeed slept rather late last night. So... it was unsurprising that she yawned shortly after waking up in the morning. Yawning shortly after waking up was hardly surprising. Stelle gave March 7th a deep, scrutinizing look; she knew the pink-haired girl was withholding information. Feeling uneasy under this gaze, March 7th couldn''t help but gently touched her delicate cheek. Bochang interjected promptly, "March, contact Dan Heng and ask him to join us for the gathering." "Oh... okay." March 7th immediately took out her phone. Communications on Luofu Immortal Continent had become highly unstable due to Stellaron''s interference. At times, connections were possible, while at others, they weren''t - it was quite frustrating. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stelle shifted her attention outside the window. During the daytime, Luofu Immortal Continent looked even more stunning than at night. As far as the eye could see, billowing white clouds filled the sky, with occasional star ferries soaring past. Qingque rubbed her hands together excitedly, suggesting, "Since we''re all just hanging around, why don''t we play some cards?" "I''m not interested, you guys can go ahead without me," Serval declined first. Serval was the first to decline. The blonde woman wasn''t skilled at card games and didn''t particularly enjoy them either. Instead of playing cards, she preferred strumming her guitar during leisure time. While Bailu initially seemed interested, upon further thought, she decided to watch Bochang play instead. And so... the dragon little girl promptly sat on Bochang''s lap, wrapping her tail around his waist. Everyone had grown accustomed to Bailu''s clinginess, showing no surprise or reaction. Only March 7th appeared discontented. Time passed leisurely as they enjoyed their card game. Eventually, Tingyun piloted the star ferry to the Central Starskiff Haven. "Benefactors, we have arrived at our destination," the fox lady''s voice suddenly announced. Hearing this, everyone paused their game and began orderly disembarking from the star ferry. Meanwhile, Dan Heng awaited Bochang and the group at a designated spot within the Central Starskiff Haven. At present... Bochang checked his phone. Dan Heng was with his pet Pascal and familiar Sophia, having even taken a photo to share in their group chat. Following the coordinates provided, Bochang and the others hurried towards Dan Heng''s location. Soon, they found him beneath a large tree. Pascal stood motionless, surrounded by numerous birds¡ªsome taking flight, others landing, all chirping noisily¡ªa peculiar sight within Central Starskiff Haven. With just one glance, Bochang realized it was due to Sophia that these birds had gathered around them. Of course... The birds'' assistance in gathering intelligence wasn''t free, evident from the bag of food in Pascal''s hand. Seeking help from animal friends always required treats as payment. This also served as a clever way to avoid suspicion; to ordinary observers, the animals congregating near Pascal would seem solely because he was feeding them, raising no further questions. "You''re here." From a short distance away, the stoic little azure dragon noticed Bochang and his group, offering them a greeting. March 7th raised her hand in response, saying, "Dan Heng, long time no see." "We just met yesterday, didn''t we?" Bochang remarked half-heartedly, feeling as if they had indeed experienced quite a lot since then. However... it had truly been only one day since everyone arrived on Luofu Immortal Continent. "One day is still a long time," March 7th glanced briefly at Bochang. Dan Heng''s gaze swept over the group, eventually settling on Bailu. The young dragon girl, standing next to Bochang, looked at Dan Heng with curiosity. For some reason, Bailu felt that Dan Heng seemed familiar, yet she couldn''t recall where they might have met before. But that wasn''t the main issue. The key point was... Bailu detected a faint trace of dragon aura emanating from Dan Heng, distinctly different from Bochang''s scent. Logically speaking, only individuals from Vidyadhara should possess this scent. Yet, Dan Heng clearly wasn''t from there - his ears unmistakably indicated as much. "Peculiar... truly peculiar. Why do you carry the scent of a Vidyadhara person?" Bailu furrowed her brows and leaned forward, studying Dan Heng intently, as if examining some exotic creature. The dragon scents also varied distinctly. Bochang''s aroma was unmistakably that of an unfamiliar type of dragon. In contrast, on Dan Heng... It was one hundred percent the scent of a Vidyadhara individual. Bailu felt certain about this, and curiously, she found the smell somewhat familiar and comforting. "Hmm?" Hearing this, Dan Heng offered an explanation, "There was a Vidyadhara person here earlier; perhaps it''s their scent you''re detecting." Just as she finished speaking, a gentle breeze swept through. Bailu suddenly noticed that the Vidyadhara scent in the air had become fainter, almost imperceptible, and it continued to diminish further. "Ah, I see..." The young draconic girl didn''t delve deeper into the matter. March 7th''s gaze shifted between Bailu and Dan Heng, completely puzzled by the situation. "Could it be...that Dan Heng has some connection with Vidyadhara?" March 7th speculated internally. Meanwhile, Welt Yang said, "Welcome back to the team, Dan Heng." The stoic little azure dragon merely nodded without replying. At that moment, a crisp female voice rang out from nearby. "Mute Gourd, are these your friends?" Everyone turned in the direction of the voice. Upon spotting a certain blonde man, Welt Yang''s pupils contracted, his expression instantly changing. Bochang''s eyes also widened slightly. Chapter 166 - 165: Luocha Chapter 166 - 165: LuochaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Otto Apocryphos. The Archbishop of Schicksal at Honkai High School. Upon seeing the blonde man carrying a coffin on his back, Bochang instinctively recalled this name. Welt Yang''s tense posture further confirmed Bochang''s suspicion. However... Otto from Honkai Impact 3rd is already deceased. There was no way the person before them could be that Archbishop. "Luocha... It seems they directly borrowed Otto''s character model, similar to Li Sushang, Bronya, and Cocolia... Essentially, parallel universe counterparts..." As Bochang muttered internally, Welt Yang''s expression shifted slightly, taking half a step backward while warily eyeing Luocha. In the storyline of Honkai Impact 3rd, Uncle Yang harbored an irreconcilable enmity towards Otto. This explained why Welt Yang reacted so strongly upon seeing Luocha. Although he knew it couldn''t possibly be Otto, ...the sight of that familiar face unsettled him deeply. The psychological trauma inflicted by Otto was immense; both his father and the hero in his heart were killed by this man. Everyone noticed this exchange. "What''s wrong, Uncle Yang?" March 7th had never seen Welt Yang act like this before. Regardless of how significant the situation, Welt Yang would typically remain composed, calmly adjust his black-rimmed glasses, and step forward. Seeing him take a half-step backward, as he did today, was truly rare. Unaware of the reason behind Welt Yang''s reaction, the stoic little azure dragon quickly clarified, "Mr. Welt, Luocha is a friend I encountered on my journey. He''s just a traveling merchant, not an enemy." Due to Welt''s action, sensing hostility, Luocha halted and did not advance further. Confused, Sushang approached the blond man and whispered, "Eh... Luocha, do you have some past conflict with him? Why does he react so strongly upon seeing you?" "Honestly... Did you perhaps swindle him during your days as a merchant?" Sushang''s quiet murmur was clearly heard by Bochang. He began scrutinizing her closely. The Sushang before him bore an uncanny resemblance to Li Sushang from the era of Records of Broken Swords. Her dark brown hair was styled into two long braided ponytails. The main color of her attire was yellow. Sushang''s clothing differed significantly from that of ordinary Cloud Knights, and she carried a large golden sword on her back¡ªthe Xuanyuan Sword. Of course... compared to Bochang''s cybernetic flying sword, Sushang''s Xuanyuan Sword seemed somewhat smaller. Compared to Bochang''s cybernetic flying sword, Sushang''s Xuanyuan Sword seemed slightly smaller. Luocha shook his head, "No... I don''t know him." "Luocha..." Welt Yang furrowed his brows, pushed up his black-framed glasses, and tightened his grip on the walking cane. "Apologies, but seeing you just now reminded me of someone from my past..." "So it caused a bit of a reaction." "Yes... I assure you, I bear no ill intent towards you." Welt Yang had already learned about Luocha through the information shared by Dan Heng. However... It was truly unexpected. Luocha bore an uncanny resemblance to that predestined Archbishop. The fact that Welt Yang didn''t immediately attack upon seeing him demonstrated considerable restraint. "Oh... so it was just a misunderstanding then... That''s good." Sushang scratched her head, feeling puzzled. For some reason, Bochang sensed a gullible aura emanating from this Sushang. As Welt explained further, the atmosphere began to ease. Luocha asked, "Is that so? It''s quite intriguing. Could you elaborate more, sir?" The mere sight of him had triggered such a defensive response; Luocha couldn''t help but be curious. It was akin to someone suddenly claiming they knew another person who looked just like you, and seemingly harbored animosity towards them. "No... there''s no need for that." Welt shook his head, declining the request. He had no intention of sharing his past with others, not even the members of the Astral Express Crew, who remained largely unaware of Uncle Yang''s history. Except for Bochang, as a transmigrator, he indeed knew more about Welt''s background than anyone else. Seeing this... Luocha didn''t press further, saying, "Understood, then. Miss Sushang, I''d like to take a walk over there. I''ll come back later." Luocha turned to glance at Sushang briefly. Despite Welt''s assurance that he held no ill intent, he could still sense a subtle wariness from her, which naturally dampened any desire to linger longer. There seemed little point in being a third wheel. However... Despite the subtle air of caution from Li Sushang that Luocha could still sense, he naturally had no desire to linger any longer. Being a third wheel served no purpose. "Ah? Leaving already? Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, can''t we all sit down and have a proper conversation?" Li Sushang seemed completely oblivious to the atmosphere, continuing to persuade Luocha. The merchant carrying the coffin silently shook his head, showing no intention of staying. After being rebuffed, Sushang didn''t press further. She merely waved goodbye, mentioning they would see each other later. Once Luocha was out of sight, Welt Yang relaxed his guard. Now, everyone felt free to speak openly. "Uncle Yang, you overreacted; you scared away Dan Heng''s friend," March 7th remarked. "There must be a deeper reason for Uncle Yang''s actions," Bochang chimed in supportively. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Echoing him, Stelle repeated, "There must be a deeper reason." "Don''t just parrot others!" March 7th looked at Stelle with exasperation. After a long pause... Stelle once again played the role of a broken record. The gray-haired girl, despite being gently mocked, only responded with a polite smile. "Luocha has already left. Mr. Welt, could you discuss what happened earlier?" Serval couldn''t resist asking. Not just Luocha, but everyone from the Astral Express was equally curious about the story behind those events. Upon hearing this, Sushang, who hadn''t followed and remained nearby, also perked up her ears attentively. All eyes focused on Welt Yang. Taking a deep breath, Welt Yang said, "I simply mistook someone for another, but... my intuition tells me that there might be something off about this Mr. Luocha." "Intuition... do you mean some mystical sixth sense?" March 7th placed one hand on her hip. Tingyun, Qingque, and Bailu listened silently to the conversation, with no intention of interjecting. Welt Yang did not respond immediately. Dan Heng pondered for a moment before shaking his head. "Throughout our journey, I''ve mostly been traveling alongside Luocha... I didn''t notice anything suspicious about him. On this point... Miss Sushang can attest as well." "Yes, yes, that''s right. Men Lu, Luocha, and I all helped each other along the journey. I don''t think there''s anything suspicious about him," Sushang nodded repeatedly. However, March 7th''s focus was on something else at that moment. "Miss... Sushang, why do you call Dan Heng ''Men Lu'' or ''Mute Gourd''?" "Because he hardly spoke throughout the entire trip." Sushang turned to glance at the stoic little azure dragon. "Only when we reached here did he start talking slightly more." Dan Heng disliked conversation and tended not to socialize with others¡ªa consensus among the Astral Express Crew. March 7th murmured, "Come to think of it, the nickname ''Mute Gourd'' does fit him quite well." Dan Heng remained silent, expressionless. Chapter 167 - 166: Deserves a Thousand Cuts Chapter 167 - 166: Deserves a Thousand CutsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Speaking of... Both Sushang and March 7th shared a similar trait - being quite talkative. Perhaps this is common among lively young girls. During their conversation, Bochang continued to silently observe Sushang. The girl nicknamed "Big Pillow" seemed to lack the broad-mindedness of Honkai Impact 3rd''s Li Sushang. Of course... S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang had never truly met the other Li Sushang, so these were merely speculations. Welt Yang likely knew more, but he wasn''t in the mood to dwell on such matters, still lost in his thoughts. Although he had heard Dan Heng and Sushang''s explanations, it was clear that Welt Yang wouldn''t easily change his bias based solely on their words. He pondered whether this Stellaron Crisis might be connected to the individual they discussed. "Luocha..." Unfortunately, Welt Yang had no concrete evidence, leaving him only with suspicions. Moving forward... The group didn''t dwell on Luocha''s matter for long and soon began introducing themselves to each other. Both sides exchanged their names. Bailu, Tingyun, Sushang, and Qingque, being mostly acquainted already, skipped self-introductions and instead acted as introducers. Although Sushang hadn''t met the dragon girl before, he was well aware of her renowned reputation. Moreover, her dragon horn and tail were unmistakable. "I never expected to meet the Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl here. Men Lu, your friend is quite impressive..." Sushang knew Bailu''s esteemed status, along with her incredible abilities, such as... healing through tears. Dan Heng did not respond; he simply clung silently to his spear, Striking Clouds. Sushang seemed unfazed by such revelations, taking them all in stride. "Also, Miss Qingque and Miss Tingyun, I didn''t expect to see you here." Suddenly recalling something, Sushang added, "By the way... Miss Tingyun, I heard your Minghuo Merchant Group was attacked..." "Ah... yes, those damnable rift creatures destroyed one of our crucial branches. Just thinking about it still breaks my heart..." Tingyun sighed with a hint of bitterness in her voice. Facing such calamities, there was little anyone could do to help, leaving the fox maiden to bear the brunt silently. "Don''t worry, the Cloud Knights will help you seek retribution," Sushang offered reassuringly. However, Tingyun''s expression remained unchanged, still filled with melancholy. Bochang remained silent. Bailu stayed quiet as well. Serval, too, kept her thoughts to herself. The three individuals aware of the situation fell into a contemplative silence. Unconsciously, the little dragon girl glanced at Bochang, but he swiftly pressed her head down, avoiding any attention. Soon... Sushang''s focus shifted to Bochang, intrigued by the man carrying such an exaggeratedly large sword. Naturally, her curiosity couldn''t be suppressed. "Um... Bochang, right? I''m quite curious... with a sword that big on your back, don''t you find it heavy?" Even Xuanyuan Sword, which Sushang wielded, was considered sizable. However, Bochang''s cybernetic flying sword was even larger, resembling a door panel and eliciting awe. "It is indeed heavy, but... you get used to it," Bochang replied with a smile and a nod. The cybernetic flying sword, likely designed for ease of flight, had a significantly wider blade compared to conventional large swords. "Ah, you get used to it... Can I try wielding it?" Sushang expressed his curiosity. Bochang considered briefly before replying, "Sure, go ahead and give it a try." Unlike the Vow Spear, the cybernetic flying sword came with its own scabbard, making it more convenient than having to fashion a custom sheath like Bochang did for the spear. "Unsheath." With a gentle tap on the scabbard, the cybernetic flying sword emerged, emitting a cold glow as it spun half a circle in the air before hovering motionless in front of the black-haired youth. This spectacle left March 7th and others astonished, eliciting an impressed exclamation from Sushang, "Wow... that''s awesome! Is this Sword Control Art?" As a flying sword, Bochang didn''t need to physically draw it by hand. Of course... With the cybernetic flying sword mounted on his back, manually drawing it would indeed be cumbersome. Having it fly out autonomously was much more practical. Bochang replied, "No... this isn''t traditional sword control magic; it''s the power of technology." "Ah, I see..." Sushang nodded thoughtfully. Bochang grasped the floating greatsword before him and then handed it to Sushang. The cybernetic flying sword felt surprisingly heavy in her hands. As soon as she took hold, Sushang felt its weight pulling her down, her expression shifting slightly. She remarked, "This sword must weigh several hundred pounds... It''s incredibly heavy..." Indeed, the cybernetic flying sword was quite hefty. Even for Bochang, wielding it effortlessly required both hands. While he could manage with one hand, it significantly limited his range of motion. "Heh...ha!" After giving it a brief try, Sushang returned the cybernetic flying sword to Bochang, saying, "It''s just too heavy, even with both my hands... I can''t imagine how you fight using it regularly..." "If only I had your strength," Sushang sighed wistfully. If only she could possess Bochang''s strength, she would undoubtedly wield her family''s ancestral Xuanyuan Sword with ease. Just as Bochang caught the cyber flying sword, the system''s voice chimed in: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Respond by saying, "Want to learn how? I''ll teach you... Just do a thousand squats, a thousand sit-ups, a thousand push-ups daily, and run a hundred kilometers each day. I call it the Saitama Training Method." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Comfort her by saying, "Miss Sushang, there''s no need to envy others. After all, everyone has different physiques and combat styles. As long as you find your own strengths and utilize them effectively, that''s more than enough." - Completion Reward: Random skill.] [Option 3: Pat your chest and declare, "This is my innate Talent, something most people can''t replicate." - Completion Reward: Within ten meters, receive a shower of bird droppings.] Once again, it was a choice between a random item versus a random skill. After pondering for a moment, Bochang decided it was better to opt for acquiring a skill. He didn''t dare to casually advise Sushang, fearing that if Li Dazhen took it seriously, she might end up overtraining and losing her hair. "Option two," Bochang said. "Miss Sushang, there''s no need to envy others. After all, everyone has different physiques and combat styles. As long as you find your own strengths and utilize them effectively, that is more than sufficient." "Mm-hmm." Sushang nodded. "What you say makes sense." [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Underwater Breathing'', allowing you to breathe underwater.] "Underwater Breathing? Not a bad skill..." Bochang muttered to himself. Meanwhile... March 7th looked at the stoic little azure dragon and asked, "By the way... Dan Heng, why did you suddenly get off the train? Earlier, weren''t you adamant about staying on board?" "I was concerned for your safety," Dan Heng replied with a composed expression. March 7th displayed a surprised look. "Wow... I''m genuinely touched!" The pink-haired girl didn''t expect such words from Dan Heng. After all, he had always been cold and distant. "I thought you would say..." March 7th cleared her throat and began imitating Dan Heng''s tone, "It''s been a long time since I last visited Xianzhou; I somewhat missed the taste of Star Taro Bubble Tea." Bochang teased, "March, it seems you''re craving for some Star Taro Bubble Tea, aren''t you?" Chapter 168 - 167: Blade’s Unleashed Potential Chapter 168 - 167: Blade''s Unleashed PotentialPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "I''m just speculating on what Dan Heng might say!" March 7th countered. Stelle gently stroked her chin and replied, "Rather than guessing what Dan Heng might say, it seems more like predicting what March would suggest." Bochang nodded in agreement. Upon reflection, March 7th realized there was some truth to Stelle''s observation. "Forget it, I don''t want to argue with you guys..." The pink-haired girl shifted gears abruptly. "Now that we''ve reunited with Dan Heng, where should we go next for fun? Should Qingque or Tingyun lead us?" March 7th''s gaze fell upon the two potential guides. As for Bailu, she remained unnoticed by March 7th. Hearing this exchange, Stelle wondered inwardly, Has March... forgotten our mission entirely? sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How about we go to a gaming hall and play some cards? You taught me poker before... Now let me introduce you all to Emperor''s Jade Tiles." Qingque tilted her head with enthusiasm. "What do you think of this idea?" "Playing cards? Personally, I''d prefer listening to stories at a teahouse or strolling around the streets to shop for small trinkets," Tingyun offered an alternative suggestion. Despite Central Starskiff Haven still being under martial law, quite a few shops were operating normally. In fact, compared to when Bochang and the others first arrived, even more establishments had resumed their regular business. After enduring the initial tumultuous wave of disaster, Stellaron was gradually stabilizing. "I want to indulge in lots of delicious food." Bailu placed her hands on her hips, asserting her presence amidst the differing opinions. The three guides proposed entirely distinct destinations, making it quite a conundrum. March 7th, Stelle, and Bochang exchanged glances, momentarily unsure what to say. Following her statement... The girls enthusiastically engaged in a lively debate about where to go next. Meanwhile, Welt approached Dan Heng and gestured for Bochang to join them as well. As for March 7th and the others... They were left to continue their discussion; it was clear that reaching a consensus would take some time. At a slightly greater distance, the three men stopped and gathered together. "What''s the matter, Mr. Welt?" Dan Heng asked first. "I plan to investigate the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus on my own," Welt replied. "The rest of the group will be under your protection." "Are you intending to act alone, Mr. Welt? That''s too dangerous." Dan Heng furrowed his brows. Bochang had discussed this with Uncle Yang last night and already agreed, so he raised no objections. "It may indeed be risky, but I can handle it." Welt nodded reassuringly. "Don''t worry." "Mr. Welt, I trust your abilities, but...this time, I advise against splitting up," Dan Heng rejected Welt Yang''s proposal. His reason was straightforward. Dan Heng feared Blade and worried that he might target Welt Yang. After all, Bochang had already been attacked once. It was difficult to predict what the Stellaron Hunters would do next. Recalling his past experiences of being relentlessly pursued, Dan Heng took a deep breath and said, "Blade is extremely dangerous, Mr. Welt. We cannot give him the opportunity to take us out one by one." "Blade...well, he''s not insurmountable, really. Even I can withstand his attacks for a short period, let alone Uncle Yang. My main concern is if the entire Stellaron Hunter team mobilizes together. If it becomes two or even three against one..." Bochang interjected. As someone who had directly faced off against Blade before, he felt qualified to contribute his perspective. "No... Bochang, you mustn''t underestimate Blade," Dan Heng gently shook his head. "Based on your description, it''s clear that during your encounter with him... Blade was not fighting at full strength." He continued, "When Blade unleashes his full power, his rationality gradually diminishes, and at that point... retreat is not even a concept in his mind. Even Mr. Welt facing him would be highly dangerous, let alone considering the possibility of other Stellaron Hunters joining in." The stoic little azure dragon had a deep understanding of Blade''s capabilities. Even if Dan Heng utilized the hidden powers within himself, he couldn''t guarantee protecting innocent lives nearby. During their time being pursued: Many ships Dan Heng traveled on were destroyed by Blade. "Blade fights relentlessly, and what makes it worse is that he''s nearly impossible to kill. No matter how severe his injuries, he recovers swiftly... Even if you scatter his ashes, after some time... he will reappear." Dan Heng''s words reminded Bochang of when Blade faced the colossal dragon Bai Lu yet emerged unscathed. If Blade indeed possessed such rapid healing abilities, it all made sense. Everything now made sense. At that time, Bochang had believed the high-energy electrical discharge, which turned the sky and earth white, would at least severely injure Blade. Never did he expect Blade to emerge completely unscathed, leaving him utterly astonished. Seeing their enemy rise from the charred crater and charge again was genuinely shocking for Bochang, Bailu, and Serval. However... There was now something more concerning on Bochang''s mind. "Blade...hasn''t even unleashed his full power yet? Then just how strong is he when going all out?" A chill ran through Bochang''s thoughts. If using his full power meant gradually losing his sanity, it became clear why Blade refrained from doing so. The Stellaron Hunters'' objective was to capture Bochang alive, not kill him outright. Moreover... If Blade lost his rationality and caused havoc across Luofu Immortal Continent, General Jing Yuan would undoubtedly apprehend him. Despite Blade''s strength, it likely couldn''t surpass that of General Jing Yuan¡ªor rather, the Divine Monarch himself. "By the way... why didn''t you share such crucial information earlier?" Bochang silently grumbled to himself. Welt Yang asked, "So, you know Blade?" "Mm-hmm." Dan Heng nodded, indicating his familiarity with Blade; he knew him all too well. Welt Yang paused before responding, "However, it''s not a concern. When we reach the Exalting Sanctum, I''ll be investigating the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus nearby as well. We won''t be far apart. Even if there is indeed an attack by the Stellaron Hunters, you can provide timely assistance." The young man declined Dan Heng''s offer, leaving the stoic little azure dragon momentarily silent. With Welt Yang''s explanation, Dan Heng began to grasp his intentions slightly. "I see... So, Mr. Welt, this was your plan all along?" Dan Heng''s furrowed brows relaxed. Bochang astutely noticed that he and the other two seemed to be on different wavelengths, potentially giving away their differing perspectives. To avoid being caught, he feigned deep thought, resembling a student who, despite knowing they couldn''t solve a particular problem during class, continued pretending to work diligently. Bochang feigned deep thought, resembling a student in class who, despite knowing they couldn''t solve a particular problem, continued to work it out relentlessly. Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses. "Indeed... My investigation into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus wasn''t solely about uncovering this organization; it was also aimed at drawing out the Stellaron Hunters. Since they went to great lengths to lure us to Luofu Immortal Continent and even attacked Bochang, I suspect...they won''t rest easily. With our adversaries operating in secrecy while we''re exposed, searching for the Stellaron Hunters is akin to finding a needle in a haystack." "The Xianzhou Alliance currently doesn''t allow us to intervene either," Welt Yang added. "I can sense that although the Master Diviner cleared us from suspicion, he still does not fully trust us." He continued, "Given this situation, why don''t we intentionally create a vulnerability and see if the fish take the bait?" Upon hearing Uncle Yang''s explanation, Bochang finally understood their strategy. Chapter 169 - 168: Thinking About a Young Lady’s Matters Chapter 169 - 168: Thinking About a Young Lady''s MattersPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "But... wouldn''t this put Mr. Welt at risk?" Dan Heng still seemed concerned. Welt Yang reassured him, "No worries, I''m accustomed to handling such situations. Moreover... the Stellaron Hunters might not target me specifically; their aim could be you or perhaps they won''t take the bait at all." "Regardless, you must remain cautious," Welt Yang cautioned them. Unable to suppress his curiosity, Bochang finally asked, "Dan Heng, there''s something I''ve been wondering about - what exactly is your relationship with Blade?" "It''s quite a long story," Dan Heng murmured. "Just give us the short version," suggested Bochang. And so... under their watchful gazes, Dan Heng briefly outlined his history with Blade. After concluding their discussion with Welt Yang, S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the others'' conversations also neared an end. They ultimately decided to visit the teahouse for refreshments, stopping along the way to shop and purchase snacks, while ensuring they carried a set of Imperial Jade Tokens. This was the result of mutual compromise among all parties. The casual chatter came to a close. As a new cloud knight, Sushang didn''t plan to join the group outing. Upon hearing someone needed assistance, she promptly left in a flurry of activity. Sushang was genuinely kind-hearted; people could rely on her help for any issue, earning her the reputation as the "Star" version of Noelle. Meanwhile... Bochang, accompanied by Dan Heng, robot Pascal, and familiar Sophia, headed straight for the Exalting Sanctum. In Welt Yang''s upcoming mission, the intelligence gathered by Sophia would be crucial. To ensure seamless communication between both sides, Bochang... While Bochang brought along his pets and familiar, it was only to deliver them to the Exalting Sanctum; he wouldn''t continue the mission with them. Perhaps it was fate. Just as Bochang''s group arrived at the Exalting Sanctum, they encountered Deacon Dahao from the Realm-Keeping Commission. Seeing their arrival, Dahao''s eyes lit up, and he eagerly approached them once more. At that moment, March 7th suddenly recalled, "Right... we''ve already taken care of the matter involving the Divination Commission. Now, shouldn''t we address the troubles at the Exalting Sanctum?" "Hmm... indeed," Bochang said, turning to Dahao. "Could you please tell us what issues the Exalting Sanctum is currently facing?" Looking around cautiously to ensure no outsiders were nearby, Grandiose Shen whispered mysteriously, "The primary trouble for the Exalting Sanctum right now is...the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus..." Bochang was taken aback, not expecting the Realm-Keeping Commission''s concern to stem from this source. Welt Yang stroked his chin, gaze lowered as if deep in thought. "Gentlemen, you may not have heard of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus before. In truth...this organization had been extinct on Xianzhou for over a thousand years. Now, it seems their embers have reignited, causing chaos once again." "According to intelligence from the Realm-Keeping Commission, amidst the current chaos, someone at the Exalting Sanctum appears to be inciting outcasts. They are likely members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Therefore... I hope you all can assist with investigating this matter." The grand elder spoke extensively. Tingyun''s enchanting eyes narrowed slightly; she gently swayed her bone-gathering fan without uttering a word. "Hasn''t the Realm-Keeping Commission already started their investigation?" Dan Heng asked, spreading his hands questioningly. Grand Elder Hao sighed softly, his gaze reflecting a hint of helplessness. "Yesterday, the Realm-Keeping Commission sent agents, but... so far, there has been no news from them." "I understand. Leave this matter to me." Welt Yang accepted Da Hao''s commission, seizing this opportunity to intervene. It conveniently eliminated the need for an excuse to leave later. Under the guise of the Realm-Keeping Commission''s mandate, he could now boldly investigate the disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Qingque scratched his head and began hesitantly, "But Master Diviner said..." "Go ahead and enjoy yourselves," Welt Yang interrupted, not giving Qingque a chance to finish. Da Hao felt immensely relieved, thinking that finally someone had come to assist. As for whether they would succeed in their task? He harbored no doubts. After all, this group were esteemed guests of the General. Moreover, Da Hao had witnessed their prowess firsthand when they subdued the Mara-stricken soldier at Exalting Sanctum Square yesterday. Their capabilities were clear to him. Although only one person volunteered to help, Da Hao felt slightly disappointed yet satisfied nonetheless. After all... Among this group, Welt Yang appeared to be the most mature and instilled a strong sense of security. With him taking charge, there was no doubt that the mission would succeed. Having accepted the commission, Welt Yang began his solo investigation. Pascal and Sophia served as intelligence coordinators, relaying all gathered information directly to Welt Yang, assisting him in probing deeper into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Meanwhile, Bochang and his friends indulged themselves, heading towards a teahouse in Exalting Sanctum for leisure. Since the task of investigating the Disciples had been entrusted to Welt Yang, Bochang could relax without worry. He just needed to remain vigilant against potential ambushes by the Stellaron Hunters. "Uncle Yang is at the Exalting Sanctum, and I have Bailu with me who can transform into a dragon. With them around, unless we encounter an Aeon Emanator, no one... should be able to capture me, right?" That was Bochang''s initial thought. However, upon realizing that Blade hadn''t even unleashed his full power earlier, doubts began to creep in. "Wait... Is Dan Heng exaggerating? Did Blade truly hold back during our encounter?" Bochang reconsidered, starting to question the stoic little azure dragon''s account. It wasn''t that he suspected Dan Heng of intentionally lying, but rather, he wondered if Blade might have found a way to exert his full strength without losing control, even for a brief moment. In other words... Dan Heng''s information could be outdated. Based on what the stoic little azure dragon had shared, it had been quite some time since he last encountered Blade after joining the Astral Express Crew. Moreover, he wasn''t even aware that Blade had joined the Stellaron Hunters. Outdated intelligence was certainly plausible, and it''s possible that Dan Heng had developed a psychological fear due to Blade''s relentless pursuit. Bochang pondered briefly before dismissing these thoughts. Worrying wouldn''t change anything. It was better to relax first and address any real issues if they arose later. After enjoying some leisure time at the Exalting Sanctum... Bochang, along with his friends guided by Tingyun, arrived at a teahouse. They settled down, sipping tea while listening to storytelling. Qingque produced the Imperial Jade Game Set and quietly began instructing them on how to play. Dan Heng remained tense, feeling suffocated under the weight of Blade''s presence, like a massive mountain pressing upon him. As Bochang savored his tea, he suddenly felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. Upon reflection, during their last encounter with Blade, Bochang had been at a teahouse as well. However, this time they were indoors, and there was no storyteller captivating them with tales. With nothing else to occupy his mind, Bochang began fiddling with the Dog''s Medal. If he had possessed this item back then, he could have recorded Blade''s scent, ensuring that any approach by the assailant would be immediately detected. Unfortunately... He had given the medal to Stelle at that moment. "Wait, I should''ve entrusted the Dog''s Medal to Stelle, instructing her to keep watch for Kafka. If the Stellaron Hunters plan another attack, they''ll definitely come together; it''s unlikely they''d act alone again." Feeling like a genius, Bochang handed over the Dog''s Medal and said, "Stelle, wear this and stay alert for Kafka''s scent." "Alright." Stelle nodded in agreement. After a moment of thought, March 7th asked, "Bochang, is there something wrong with your equipment? You mentioned it can precisely locate targets within ten kilometers, but yesterday, it couldn''t even find Tingyun." Bochang blinked, puzzled. Couldn''t find Tingyun... What could this mean? The "Dating Option" clearly stated that the Dog''s Medal allows precise tracking within a ten-kilometer radius. This couldn''t be wrong. Unless Tingyun had the ability to instantly teleport ten kilometers away, Or was confined in a completely sealed space, preventing her scent from dispersing into the air. Otherwise, such a situation should not occur. "When I learned that Divine Listener struggled due to the strong winds at the port, making scent tracking difficult...I thought your Dog''s Medal might come in handy. Yet, it seems equally useless..." March 7th shrugged helplessly. Confused, Bochang sought further details. March 7th explained how she and the star general had previously played hide-and-seek with Tingyun. Bochang glanced at Tingyun ordering tea at the counter and pondered, No...how is this possible? If Tingyun wanted to test the capabilities of Divine Listener, there would be no need for her to hide in a sealed space or instantaneously teleport ten kilometers away. Besides, I doubt she possesses the ability to teleport such distances. "Furthermore, on the inevitable path they took, those two stand-up comedians surprisingly didn''t spot Tingyun." "But later individuals did notice her..." As a beautiful foxfolk maiden, in the crowd, she was undoubtedly the most eye-catching presence. Just one glance would ensure she''s memorable. Why wouldn''t they have seen her? "Strange... this is truly peculiar." Bochang felt an inexplicable sense of oddity permeating everything. On March 7th, dissatisfied, he exclaimed, "Hey... Bochang, why are you still lost in thought?!" At that moment... Having finished ordering, Tingyun returned with graceful steps, carrying several cups of bubble tea. Don''t be puzzled. Bubble tea counts as tea too. In Xianzhou, it''s actually quite popular. Many locals enjoy drinking bubble tea. Of course, what Bochang was currently sipping wasn''t bubble tea but traditional tea brewed from leaves. This is the customary beverage of Xianzhou. Many older residents of Xianzhou prefer to drink this traditional tea. The milk teas were ordered by March 7th, Qingque, Bailu, and Tingyun. "Here you go... March, your Star Taro Bubble Tea." Tingyun smiled as she handed out each cup of milk tea. Qingque and Bailu received theirs as well. "Thank you," replied March 7th, holding her drink while continuing to gaze intently at Bochang, oblivious to Tingyun''s earlier distracted stare. When the fox maiden returned, Bochang discreetly shifted his attention away. After Tingyun sat down... Bochang looked up at March 7th and said, "Um... there might be some issues with that equipment, but don''t worry about it." Despite these words... Bochang still handed Stelle the Dog Medal. "Benefactor, were you pondering something about me just now?" Tingyun''s eyes fixed on Bochang, causing her heart to flutter nervously and a sense of unease to creep in. Chapter 170 - 169: Seven-Colored Tail Chapter 170 - 169: Seven-Colored TailPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Miss Fox''s fox ears twitched slightly. Just as Bochang was about to respond... [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Immediately deny it by saying, "I wasn''t thinking about you." - Completion Reward: "Tingyun" lashes out violently.] [Option 2: Attempt to change the subject with, "The weather outside is nice; shall we go for a walk?" - Completion Reward: "Tingyun" lashes out violently.] [Option 3: With utmost seriousness, say, "I was just wondering... When Miss Tingyun sleeps, can she only lie on her side?" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] "Tingyun lashes out violently"? And why are "Tingyun" words enclosed in quotation marks? What''s going on here... Bochang''s mind raced. Could this Tingyun truly be an imposter? Recalling the incident earlier when the Dog Medal suddenly malfunctioned while searching for Miss Fox, Bochang felt he might have hit upon the truth. Bochang felt he had likely hit upon the truth. The Tingyun before him was a fake Tingyun. Yesterday, when Stelle, Welt Yang, and others went to capture Kafka, the real Tingyun must have been replaced. With this realization, everything started falling into place. However... Bochang found it hard to accept this fact. If Tingyun had already been substituted yesterday morning, "Then whose tail did I stroke last night? And with whom did I make the deal?" "Everything was a facade." "The crucial question is... who is this Tingyun imposter?" The system did not directly reveal her identity. Bochang speculated, "This false Tingyun before us... must be connected to the ongoing Stellaron disaster on Xianzhou Luofu. She could even be its instigator; otherwise, why go through such lengths to infiltrate our group? It''s undoubtedly to closely observe us as unpredictable variables." In deep thought, time swiftly passed. As Bochang heard the countdown begin, he said, "Option three." There was no other choice... If selecting either of the first two options would provoke Tingyun to attack, then option three had to be the only viable path. Bochang did not wish for a confrontation within this teahouse. After all, there were many innocent Xianzhou residents nearby... Even if a fight became inevitable, it needed to happen elsewhere. Bochang remarked, "I was just wondering... when Miss Tingyun sleeps, does she have to lie on her side?" Every foxfolk possesses a tail, unlike Vidyadhara. "Hmm, benefactor jests..." Upon hearing this, Tingyun gently stroked her tail. "The foxfolk''s tails are quite different from Lord Bailu''s. Although they appear large, most of their size is due to fur. In reality, our tails are slender and highly flexible." "Simply spread your legs slightly while lying down, and the tail won''t get compressed or cause any discomfort." With delicate hands, Tingyun traced her own tail up to her beautiful, pale, and shapely thighs. Her movements were somewhat enticing. Bochang glanced briefly before averting his gaze, feeling deceived as he remembered this was not the real Tingyun. "Benefactor... you truly have a fascination for tails..." Tingyun observed Bochang''s glance away and assumed he was shy, not giving it further thought. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You''ve received the item ''Blood-Sucking Bandage''. Wrap this bandage around a wound to rapidly absorb blood. Note: This item has been stored in the system space and can be directly accessed for use.] "Blood-Sucking Bandage? Intriguing. It seems clearly not intended for treating injuries. Wait... if I wrap this on Blade or any Abundance-related entities... could it potentially weaken their healing abilities?" Bochang immediately recognized its potential value. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang immediately recognized its value. Meanwhile... March 7th picked up on the sensitive word and asked, "Like tails? What does that mean?" "Even I have a tail, you know? And it''s a rare dragon tail from Xianzhou." Bailu, sipping her milk tea, lifted her head and casually draped her tail over Bochang''s thigh, gently winding it around. Her demeanor seemed to say, Now, give me some praise. So... Bochang stroked Bailu''s head and then turned to March 7th, saying, "March, it''s meant literally. Do you not appreciate tails? When you see Miss Tingyun''s tail, can''t you resist the urge to touch it?" "Well, technically that''s true... But I can''t shake the feeling that something is off." March 7th rubbed her chin. Her intuition told the pink-haired girl that there was a significant issue with their previous conversation. However... For the moment, she couldn''t pinpoint exactly what it was. Stelle wore a thoughtful expression and suddenly stood up, startling everyone. "Stelle, why did you stand up so abruptly? Is something wrong?" asked Serval. "I remember seeing tail decorations being sold at one of the shops we visited earlier. I''d like to take a look," Stelle replied calmly. As soon as the gray-haired girl finished speaking, Serval recalled the same thing. "But aren''t those adult novelty items?" The words lingered on Serval''s tongue, but she didn''t voice them aloud. Instead, with a resigned expression, she gently took hold of Stelle''s hand and said, "I think...it''s best if you don''t buy random things." Caught by surprise, Stelle looked pleadingly towards Bochang for support. Despite her typically placid golden eyes, they now conveyed a hint of longing for agreement. Unfortunately... Bochang couldn''t let her indulge recklessly. With hands outstretched, he gently said, "Stelle, listen to Serval. Don''t buy things impulsively. While I appreciate Tails, I''m not particularly interested in artificial ones." A living Tail was far more intriguing than a dead one. The sensation of touch alone made all the difference. For a moment... Stelle''s eyes showed a hint of disappointment as she sat back down, staring absent-mindedly at Tingyun and Bailu''s Tails. As for contestants with innate racial talents, they were simply unmatched. From his seat slightly apart, Dan Heng silently clutched his long spear, his gaze scanning their surroundings like radar, showing no intention to join the conversation. The scene fell momentarily quiet, each girl lost in her own thoughts. March 7th''s eyes continuously shifted between Bailu and Tingyun, mentally pondering and searching for any subtle signs that something was amiss. Meanwhile, Stelle and Serval were focused on each other''s tails. Even Qingque, who had been describing the Imperial Jade Token, paused momentarily to quietly observe everyone. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: To liven up the atmosphere, suggest playing music with Serval by saying, "Serval, why don''t you strum the guitar while I play the erhu? Let''s go outside and perform together, how about it?" - Completion Reward: Increase Credit by 100,000. Note: The Credit will be added directly... once you have an Interastral Peace Corporation account, without arousing suspicion.] [Option 2: To cheer up Stelle, comply with her wishes by saying, "Stelle, since you really want one... let''s go. I''ll take you to buy a tail for fun." - Completion Reward: Obtain equipment, Rainbow Tail, capable of transforming into various shapes and can also serve as a weapon. Note: This type of item will...] Chapter 171 - 170: Livening Up the Atmosphere Chapter 171 - 170: Livening Up the AtmospherePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** [Option 3: To make March 7th abandon their suspicions, interrupt and say, "March, with such beautiful time on our hands, why wear a frown? Come... smile! No smile? Then I''ll give you one." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random skill.] [Option 4: At this point, it seems there''s no choice but to involve Qingque. Send her a message: "Qingque, quickly come up with something lively to brighten the mood... Not willing? You wouldn''t want Master Diviner seeing photos of you playing cards during work, would you?" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 5: Stand up and shout, "All eyes on me, everyone! Look at me, look here! I have an announcement... I am a fool!" - Completion Reward: Gain the Skill ''I Am a Fool''. After uttering these words, anyone who hears them within the next twenty-four hours will perceive you as a fool.] This time, all five options offered positive rewards without any negative consequences. Bochang could choose from these five possibilities. However, the reward for the fifth option seemed rather insignificant. While it might be useful under specific circumstances, for Bochang... announcing oneself as a fool to everyone and then gaining a skill that makes others perceive you as such felt truly pointless. He immediately dismissed the fifth option. Next, he had to decide among the first four choices. Considering only the rewards, Bochang found Option One slightly less appealing compared to the other three, which seemed more or less equivalent. The Seven-Colored Tail equipment, although possessing some special abilities, at first glance, appeared primarily focused on transforming the tail, essentially serving as a decorative novelty item. It didn''t seem particularly significant. "The four options correspond to four different girls... Strangely, there''s no mention of Tingyun here. Well, let''s not dwell on Tingyun now; instead, I should focus on deciding which option to choose." Bochang found himself hesitating. For safety, choosing either the first or second option seemed preferable. Between these two, Bochang leaned more towards Option Two with its Seven-Colored Tail. The rewards for Options Three and Four were entirely a gamble. They could yield something valuable or completely worthless junk. "Hmm... Maybe I should go for a random item draw instead? I still need a teleportation ring... Let''s see if I can get one this way." "Option Four." Bochang took out his phone and opened the chat window with Qingque. His fingers swiftly typed across the screen. Bochang: "Qingque, quickly come up with some fun activity to liven the atmosphere..." A notification beeped, catching Qingque''s curious attention. Immediately, Qingque noticed Bochang''s message. It seemed that even Luofu Immortal Continent had its share of mischief-makers. At least, Qingque understood what he was implying. The Mahjong Girl replied, "Why me?! Can''t you handle it yourself?" Bochang: "Not gonna do it? You wouldn''t want Master Fu to see photos of you playing mahjong at work, would you?" Reading this, Qingque felt somewhat speechless. Even if Bochang sent her gaming pictures to Fu Xuan, she likely wouldn''t face severe consequences. However... Being reprimanded by the Master Diviner and potentially receiving extra burdensome tasks were definite possibilities. Upon further reflection, as a tour guide, enlivening the atmosphere indeed fell within Qingque''s responsibilities. Reluctantly, Qingque responded, "Fine, what kind of prank do you have in mind?" Bochang: "Think something up yourself. If you really can''t, try biting a lighter." Qingque: "Who wants to bite a lighter?! Seriously!" Lighters were present even in Xianzhou, although their shapes and designs differed from those before Bochang''s transmigration. After all, this is Xianzhou. Qingque lifted her head, glaring at Bochang. The black-haired youth continued typing: "If not biting a lighter, you could try doing a backflip instead." Qingque: "How is that any different... Can''t you suggest something more helpful?" Bochang: "Stop complaining! Hurry up and think of an idea; at this rate, I''m feeling suffocated." Qingque couldn''t help rolling her eyes, finding his words exaggerated. While there was indeed an eerie silence, it wasn''t enough to cause suffocation. Besides, ahead of them, the storyteller was still eloquently narrating tales. "Spice things up? What can I do to liven the atmosphere?" Qingque muttered to herself, "This is such a bother... If I had known it would be like this, I should''ve just stayed at the mahjong hall playing cards yesterday..." "Spice things up... But how exactly?" "How about telling a joke?" After pondering for a moment, Qingque broke the silence and said, "Ahem...well, since we''re all idle here, why don''t I tell you a joke?" "A joke?" Serval looked at Qingque. The Mahjong Maiden nodded, "That''s right." "Go ahead then." Stelle gestured with open hands, signaling her to continue. As soon as Qingque began speaking, she captured everyone''s attention. Taking a moment to compose herself, she started, "A mushroom was walking on the road when it got bumped by an orange. The mushroom angrily exclaimed, ''Watch where you''re going! You should just die!'' And suddenly, the orange did die. Why is that?" "Why indeed?" Bailu asked curiously. Qingque raised a finger and replied, "Because when the fungus demands, the orange must comply - hence, ''mushroom'' wants ''orange'' dead, so the orange has no choice but to die." Bochang understood immediately; it was quite a dry joke. Surprisingly... Even Luofu Immortal Continent had the saying, "When the ruler commands death, the subject must obey," along with references to mushrooms and oranges. This indicated many similarities between this world and the one Bochang came from before his transmigration. However, March 7th, Stelle, and Serval appeared utterly puzzled, seemingly not grasping the joke. Bailu and Tingyun appeared thoughtful. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received the equipment ''Thousand Character Classic''. This handheld book, when recited aloud, can bring calmness to others. Note: If recitation is ineffective, please close the book and forcefully strike the opponent''s head with its corner.] [Note 2: The item has been stored in the system space and can be directly accessed for use.] "Huh? This equipment seems quite interesting..." Bochang''s eyes sparkled momentarily, but he quickly refocused his attention, avoiding any distracting thoughts. At present... After Qingque finished her joke, not much changed in the atmosphere. Bochang rubbed his chin and remarked, "Qingque, that was quite a dry joke." The mahjong girl placed one hand on her hip. "Well then, why don''t you give it a try?" "Nah, I''ll pass. I don''t really have any jokes up my sleeve," Bochang declined with a shake of his head. However, March 7th became intrigued and exclaimed, "I''ll go next!" And so... the mood livened up once again. Instead of listening to a storyteller, everyone took turns telling jokes. Although most were rather lame, they still engaged enthusiastically in conversation. For a moment, everyone seemed to forget their previous concerns. Bochang''s gaze kept subtly drifting towards Tingyun, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted after his recent discovery. After all... Bochang didn''t know the true whereabouts of Tingyun or whether she was still alive. After pondering for a brief moment, Bochang decided internally, "Later, I''ll find an opportunity to shine the Super Flashlight on Tingyun." Chapter 172 - 171: The Plan Chapter 172 - 171: The PlanPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Just last night, Bochang obtained the Super Flashlight, capable of dispelling illusions and revealing the true shadows of beings. If this Tingyun before him is indeed fake, the Super Flashlight should expose her deception. Of course... Bochang cannot confront Tingyun directly right now. At the very least, they need to find a secluded location first. Then, using the Super Flashlight, he can force Tingyun to reveal her true form and see who she really is. Considering the unknown strength of the false Tingyun, for safety''s sake, they must wait for Welt Yang''s return. "With Uncle Yang and Dragonified Bailu on our side, the fake Tingyun won''t stand a chance." Bochang never even entertained the possibility that the fake Tingyun could be an Emanator. Instead, he envisioned a triumphant scenario where they defeat the impostor and extract information about the real Tingyun from her. As for whether the genuine Miss Fox has truly perished, after much thought, Bochang believed it was highly unlikely¡ªat least not yet. After all, as a protagonist character, her death wouldn''t be so ambiguous. "Really, if only March had informed me earlier. She waited until now to mention this." The longer the delay, the greater the danger for the real Tingyun. However... Given how events have unfolded, Bochang couldn''t blame anyone else. If he truly had to assign blame...it could only fall on himself. Had he chosen to act with Welt Yang and his team initially, they would have immediately noticed the switch involving Miss Fox. "At that time, I couldn''t join them..." Bochang felt somewhat helpless. The Stellaron Hunters were closely watching him... Had he accompanied Welt Yang''s group to capture Kafka back then, the Stellaron Hunters would have swiftly abducted Bochang instead. "Sigh..." It was too late to dwell on these thoughts now. Bochang decided not to ponder further about Tingyun''s situation. Instead, he focused on enjoying tea, listening to stories, jokes, and even learning from Qingque how to play "Imperial Jade Towers," a popular card game. Not much time had passed. Having learned the rules of Di Yuan Jade Tiles, everyone promptly started playing at the teahouse. The storyteller on stage, witnessing this scene, remained unperturbed and continued his tale. After all... It was common for people below to use their phones or sip tea while the storyteller narrated onstage. Even though few came specifically to play Di Yuan Jade Tiles at the teahouse, it wasn''t unheard of. As long as they didn''t disturb others, the storyteller wouldn''t intervene. He simply focused on recounting his stories, akin to a university professor absorbed in his lecture. The game continued leisurely. Soon, midday approached. Bochang had already messaged Welt-Yang, urging him to return quickly. However... At that moment, Uncle Yang was still investigating the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and might have encountered unforeseen circumstances, hence he hadn''t responded. After some thought, Bochang decided to first take the fake Tingyun to a secluded area before taking further action. Conveniently, Bochang also needed a reason to practice and enhance his abilities - specifically, developing the power of the Dragon Talisman. Just yesterday, he made some progress in mastering its potential. Now was the time to strike while the iron is hot and thoroughly train, aiming to develop new techniques as soon as possible. This would also help overcome situations where using the Dragon Talisman might be impractical or awkward. "If only the system could assist," Bochang sighed inwardly. Unfortunately... The "Dating Options" system never intervened; it remained merely an unfeeling choice-prompting mechanism. Once options were presented, it promptly disappeared. No matter what Bochang asked, the system often ignored him, responding inconsistently based seemingly on chance alone. Hence, Bochang rarely bothered the system, waiting instead for it to spontaneously appear. Inside the teahouse, Bochang sat sipping his tea quietly, observing Qingque, Bailu, March 7th, and Stelle playing Diyuang Jade Tiles¡ªa dragon race variant of mahjong. Surprisingly, the young dragon girl excelled at this game, far surpassing March 7th and Stelle who struggled as beginners. The unique layout of Diyuang Jade Tiles, distinctly different from traditional mahjong, made it challenging even just to adapt to their appearance. If not for Qingque intentionally letting them win, Bochang suspected that March 7th and Star would have had no enjoyable gaming experience. With a triumphant shout from the mahjong girl, "Hu! I win," the round of Jade Imperial Tiles came to an end. March 7th checked the time and said, "It''s already noon. Let''s go grab lunch, my stomach is starting to rumble." "I know a few nice restaurants near the Exalting Sanctum. Shall we check them out?" suggested Qingque. Tingyun and the others agreed without any objections. And so... everyone followed Qingque towards the chosen eateries. Throughout their journey, Dan Heng remained vigilant, but there was no sign of the Stellaron Hunters emerging. Star also didn''t detect Kafka''s scent. Of course... Bochang wasn''t entirely confident that the Dog Medal could reliably pick up Kafka''s trail. This was evident from their previous encounter with Blade. The Stellaron Hunters seemed well-informed about his abilities and equipment, making it highly plausible that they knew how to evade detection by the Dog Medal''s search capabilities. After enjoying a delicious lunch, in the afternoon, Bochang followed the original plan and led Tingyun and others to a secluded area within the Exalting Sanctum. Choosing the location was crucial. It couldn''t be too far or too close to where Welt Yang was conducting his investigation, yet still needed to allow Bochang to utilize his powers effectively. Thus... Bochang selected a small martial arts dojo with minimal foot traffic. His intention was to practice honing his abilities there. Given Bochang''s convincing explanation, Tingyun didn''t suspect anything and simply accompanied him throughout the day. Upon entering the dojo, Bochang and his group were promptly greeted by the staff members, just as he had previously mentioned. This martial arts dojo was relatively unpopular due to its remote location and faced imminent closure. The staff inside showed minimal courtesy; after guiding Bochang''s group to a designated area, they promptly left without further assistance. Qingque and the others had no interest in watching Bochang train, so they each occupied themselves separately. They set up a card table right within the dojo. Meanwhile, Bochang began his training undisturbed. The dojo''s architecture was protected by special arrays, ensuring that even intense force wouldn''t cause damage. Bochang conducted a quick test. A regular Dragon Blast failed to inflict any significant harm beyond slightly disrupting the dirt floor. Even the underlying surface was safeguarded by similar arrays. It seemed Bochang would need considerable effort to truly damage it. Of course... Bochang had no intention of causing destruction, just as he did at the Seat of Divine Foresight earlier. Instead, he aimed to once again combine the power of Tongue Blossoming Lotus with the Dragon Talisman. Explosions echoed continuously throughout the dojo. Pure white lotus flowers bloomed profusely. Red pillars of flame darted wildly across the space. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Outside observers, peering through the glass window, were captivated. Their eyes widened in surprise at Bochang''s relentless attacks. He didn''t pause for a moment, firing like an unstoppable artillery barrage. The protective array supporting the arena was nearing full capacity from the strain. Each passing second consumed energy at a rate that made their eyes twitch nervously. Chapter 173 - 172: Red Lotus Karmic Fire Chapter 173 - 172: Red Lotus Karmic FirePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Staff members from the martial arts dojo hurried over. The reason was simple - Bochang''s output had become too intense, exceeding the dojo''s capacity to handle it safely. Additional maintenance fees were required immediately. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Otherwise, they would have no choice but to ask him to leave the dojo. Bailu, without informing Bochang, swiftly covered all the expenses. After all, the Seat of Divine Foresight would reimburse them later, so there was no need for concern. Upon receiving the payment, the staff departed at lightning speed. Uninterrupted, Bochang continued his training. Drawing upon yesterday''s experience, Bochang''s progress now soared exponentially. One by one, white lotus blossoms turned crimson, transforming into swaying red flames, each making a fleeting yet dazzling appearance. After briefly showcasing their brilliance, they exploded in the next instant, as if reacting to a single glance. Of course... these explosions were not due to the red lotuses becoming uncontrollable. Rather, Bochang inadvertently triggered Dragon Blasts repeatedly. Most of these red lotuses were ignited by the fiery pillars of flame, triggering a chain reaction. It had been only eight days since Bochang obtained the Dragon Talisman''s power, so his lack of proficiency with it was understandable and not surprising. What Bochang needed to focus on now was enhancing his control over the Dragon Talisman''s magic¡ªspecifically, achieving precise mastery of its magical energy. Interestingly enough, the Dragon Talisman''s magic was inherently volatile; once released from his body, it would instantly transform into a pillar of flames shooting outward. Even when channeled through the Vow Spear, it caused continuous explosions. However, upon infusing it with white lotuses, the Dragon Talisman''s magic became remarkably stable. Instead of acting erratically, it seamlessly merged with the lotuses to form beautiful red blossoms. Although the burning red lotuses still exploded occasionally, they did not tremble uncontrollably like the Vow Spear. Bochang could vaguely surmise the reason behind this transformation. Perhaps... Because creating white lotuses consumed both his stamina and life force, it resulted in exceptional compatibility between the Dragon Talisman''s magic and the lotuses. In any case, after two hours of intense training, Bochang finally mastered the fusion skill of Tongue Blossoming Lotus with Dragon Talisman''s magic... Too lazy to give it a name, he simply referred to it as "Dragon Talisman Second Rated Power." Standing still, Bochang took a deep breath... He gently exhaled. Dozens of burning red lotuses surged forth, freely expanding and contracting in the air like dancing flame spirits, spinning gracefully... Tingyun, without using her Diyuan Jasper Jade, quietly observed Bochang''s actions. The sight of these burning red lotuses felt somewhat familiar to Tingyun. Bochang watched as the red lotuses slowly descended. Then... A chain of explosions followed, leaving numerous small craters on the ground, with flames continuing to spread. "Finally, success." Bochang sighed in relief; this was his third consecutive successful use of the technique. Just as he had envisioned earlier, the attack range of the red lotuses had significantly decreased. The attack range of Red Lotus diminished. Bochang took a deep breath; he could now only propel the Red Lotus up to approximately one hundred meters at most, beyond that, it became impossible. This also meant that: When using the Dragon Talisman''s power in the future, Bochang wouldn''t have to worry about the force traveling too far and inadvertently harming others. With a maximum range of just one hundred meters, it was well-contained. Unlike the Dragon Blast, which specializes in explosive destruction, the Red Lotus focuses on burning. The initial explosion serves merely to release its inner flames, spreading like wildfire, with any contact being difficult to extinguish. These red flames would persistently burn, causing substantial damage to anything they touch. Previously, the Red Lotus had always been instantly destroyed by the Dragon Blast, preventing Bochang from realizing this aspect of its power. Now that he understood its potential, the term "Red Lotus Karmic Fire" resonated in his mind. Moreover... Bochang could control these flames, directing them towards specific targets or avoiding certain objects, such as innocent humans. This aligns perfectly with Bochang''s desire not to unintentionally harm others. Of course... The ability to control flames did not originate from the Dragon Talisman''s power. Instead, it stemmed from the Fire attribute Destruction Fate Path that Bochang had previously unlocked. He had even attempted to infuse this strength into the Red Lotus Flower, aiming to enhance his control over the flames. However, he failed in that endeavor. Combining three forces proved far more challenging than Bochang anticipated. Moreover, his fate path powers were still too weak. Simply controlling the flames he breathed was already quite impressive; expecting more would be unrealistic. For now, Bochang could only work with what he had. Upgrading his skills would have to wait for another time. He casually pulled out his phone from his pocket, lit up the screen, and noticed a reply from Welt Yang. The message stated they were on their way... This confirmed to Bochang that the confrontation with the fake Tingyun was imminent. Turning around, Bochang saw Tingyun observing him closely. Although the appearance of Miss Fox, resembling the real Tingyun, hadn''t changed at all¡ªeven her bushy tail felt incredibly lifelike¡ª However... The thought that this Tingyun was an imposter dampened Bochang''s interest significantly. This also highlighted the formidable illusionary abilities of their enemy, clearly not an ordinary adversary. As a result, Bochang remained cautious, waiting for Welt Yang to return before taking action against Tingyun. Otherwise, he would have already unleashed his super flashlight on fake Tingyun, to reveal what kind of monstrous creature lay beneath the disguise. "I hope the fake Tingyun turns out to be a rather attractive woman," Bochang silently prayed. If the fake Tingyun were male, it would truly reflect his despairing situation. After all... He had intimately touched the fake Tingyun''s tail before. Time slowly passed by. Around 3 PM. As the sun began to set towards the west, Welt Yang returned under its blazing rays. It was rumored that he had successfully rescued an undercover agent sent by the Realm-Keeping Commission and dismantled a stronghold of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Unfortunately, they only captured minor pawns, with little impact on the overall situation. For now, Welt Yang''s investigation into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus seemed to have reached a temporary pause. Seeing him back, Dan Heng felt a sense of relief wash over him. The presence of Blade was akin to living under constant threat. Dan Heng couldn''t help but feel uneasy around him. Only when Uncle Yang returned could he truly exhale, knowing his formidable strength provided some reassurance. Meanwhile, Bochang managed to slip away from the crowd and approached Welt Yang privately, intending to reveal everything about Tingyun''s substitution. "Tingyun was switched... Are you absolutely certain? Could there be some misunderstanding? After all, earlier it might have been Tingyun testing Diting''s abilities, so..." Welt Yang still found it hard to believe. Initially, Bochang wasn''t sure either. However, when the system placed quotation marks around "Tingyun," indicating deception, any doubts vanished. Even if Miss Fox hadn''t been replaced during their game of hide-and-seek, she definitely had been by now. To be honest, Bochang hoped that the switch didn''t occur at that time... Chapter 174 - 173: True or False Tingyun? Chapter 174 - 173: True or False Tingyun?Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "To determine if Tingyun has truly been switched, we just need to shine this flashlight and find out." As Bochang spoke, he retrieved from his system space... a Super Flashlight. It appeared black, resembling an ordinary household flashlight, except there was no battery compartment or charging port. Seemingly designed as a single integrated unit, it was unclear how to power it. "This equipment can dispel illusions and reveal the true shadow of its target," explained Bochang. He then produced several fresh green leaves, tossed them, and employed the raccoon''s illusion technique. Creating multiple copies of himself. Next, he turned on the Super Flashlight and swept it across the area. Behind each illusory duplicate, enlarged shadows of the thrown leaves emerged. Within three seconds, the illusionary duplicates were individually shattered. The Super Flashlight had two functions: One, to dispel illusions; and two, to reveal the true shadow of its subject. Bochang had previously tested it on himself, revealing him to be purely human, unlike Bailu, whose shadow showed a massive dragon. Subsequently, Welt Yang asked for the flashlight to be shone on him as well, naturally displaying a human shadow. They also tested it on the foxfolk as a control group. "Hmm... since we have such a device, let''s give it a try," Welt-Yang agreed with Bochang''s suggestion upon seeing this. The duo returned to their original location. Qingque and others were still leisurely playing Diyuan Jade Tiles. March 7th looked up and asked, "Uncle Yang, what secretive conversation did you have with Bochang?" "Nothing much, just that Bochang obtained an interesting item," Welt-Yang replied. This piqued everyone''s interest. Stelle blinked, momentarily forgetting her game, turned around, and asked, "What kind of item?" Despite his curiosity, Qingque felt playing Diyuan Jade Tiles was more important. Seeing Stelle pause without making a move, he urged, "Stelle, it''s your turn." "Don''t rush, Qingque. Let''s hold off on the game for now," Stelle responded without turning back. Qingque remained speechless. Even Bailu and March 7th lost focus on their game. Feeling somewhat helpless but with no other choice, Qingque decided to wait and see. "It''s this flashlight." Bochang produced the super-powered flashlight. Immediately recognizing it, Bailu said, "Flashlight? Oh right, I remember now, Bochang used that on me earlier... Does it have any special function?" "Well, its purpose will become clear once you see it in action." Bochang aimed the flashlight at Tingyun and abruptly pressed the button. A blinding white beam shot out, instantly enveloping the fox lady. Tingyun squinted due to the glare, completely unaware of what was happening. In that moment... Everyone observed that Tingyun''s shadow on the wall resembled a burning flame, devoid of any humanoid shape. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Welt Yang pushed his black-framed glasses up, genuinely surprised. He had not anticipated that Tingyun, who had been accompanying them all along, had already been replaced. Earlier, they had examined the shadows of two foxfolk, which were distinctly different from Tingyun''s current one. The burning silhouette on the wall indicated something ominous. It was immediately apparent that this Tingyun was not to be trifled with. Leaning on his cane, Welt Yang declared, "Everyone, stay far away from Tingyun." "Staff of the martial hall, remember to maximize your defensive arrays..." Bochang instructed the nearby employees. The staff members, who had already been briefed, promptly sprang into action. By bringing Tingyun here, Bochang aimed to utilize the location''s defensive array to minimize the collateral damage during the ensuing battle. Previously... During the fierce battle between Bochang and Blade, several streets were completely destroyed, causing significant losses for Central Starskiff Haven. It had even given General Jing Yuan quite a headache. That encounter left no time for preparation. However, this situation was different¡ªit wasn''t an unexpected clash. Since Bochang''s planned ambush required preparation to minimize losses, it was crucial not to let down the people of Xianzhou. Although Stelle, March 7th, and Qingque were unsure what exactly was happening, they instinctively followed Welt Yang''s instructions. They swiftly moved away from Tingyun, gathering near Bochang and Welt. Miss Fox appeared somewhat bewildered. Turning back, she saw the conspicuous black shadow on the wall... and then realized the situation. "Quite intriguing," Tingyun remarked, taking out her Bone-Gathering Fan and gently fanning herself with an air of composure. March 7th urgently asked, "What''s going on here...? Bochang, why does Miss Tingyun''s shadow look...so terrifying?" "My flashlight can dispel illusions and reveal the true shadows of beings. Clearly... this Tingyun before us is not the real Tingyun." Bochang spoke with utmost confidence, continuing to shine his super-powered flashlight on the false Tingyun without concern for its blinding effect. Three seconds have now passed. To everyone''s surprise, no abnormalities appeared in the fake Tingyun''s body. Bochang felt slightly puzzled, as he initially assumed she was using illusionary magic to mimic Tingyun''s appearance. However, it seemed that wasn''t the case. "Could Tingyun be possessed? Or has someone created an identical replica of her?" If it were the latter, the opponent''s power would likely be significantly stronger than Bochang had anticipated. "With Uncle Yang and Long-Transformed Bailu here..." This thought brought him a sense of immense security. "What?! Then the real Tingyun..." Stelle''s expression turned uneasy, unable to maintain her composure any longer. The reaction to this revelation was more pronounced in Bailu and Qingque than the Trailblaze squad members. After all... They had known each other for quite some time. "Impossible! I''ve known Miss Tingyun for ages, she clearly is Tingyun," Bailu tugged at his sleeve, "Bochang, could you be mistaken?" "No mistake, she is indeed a fake Tingyun." Bochang nodded firmly. Qingque gazed at the burning silhouette on the wall, her eyes filled with uncertainty. This false Tingyun had performed so convincingly that even Qingque didn''t detect anything amiss. Terrifying, truly terrifying. The false Tingyun showed no intention of making excuses; instead, she narrowed her eyes and asked, "Benefactor, I must admit, I''m quite curious. From where exactly did you discern that I am not the genuine Tingyun? When it comes to acting... I believe my performance was remarkably convincing." Despite being exposed, the false Tingyun displayed no signs of panic. This struck even Welt Yang as peculiar, subconsciously raising his assessment of the imposter''s danger level. Dan Heng''s gaze shifted between Bochang''s flashlight beam and Tingyun. "Your acting indeed seemed very realistic, but... I possess various extraordinary tools. Ever since March informed me that Tingyun''s scent suddenly vanished during your game of hide-and-seek, I knew there was something off about you." Bochang looked sternly at the false Tingyun. "I advise you to hand over the real Tingyun immediately, or don''t blame us for taking more forceful measures." Chapter 175 - 174: Use Steal on Tingyun! Chapter 175 - 174: Use Steal on Tingyun!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Within the martial arts hall, tensions escalated rapidly. Bochang and his group versus Fake Tingyun. How could they possibly lose? Bochang felt that the fake Tingyun was now like a helpless lamb awaiting slaughter, completely at their mercy. "Ah... I see, so it''s due to that ''Dog Medal'' item?" The fake Tingyun gently shook her head. "Never expected such a trivial trinket to expose me." Bochang and his companions simply observed her quietly, with no immediate intention of making a move. "Sigh... How unfortunate." "I wanted to observe for a bit longer..." The fake Tingyun let out a leisurely sigh. "It seems... my plans must be accelerated now." "No more stalling! Hand over the real Tingyun immediately!" Bochang continued shining the super flashlight directly at Fake Tingyun, causing her eyes to squint uncomfortably. After all, this foxfolk body was hastily fabricated by her. The fake Tingyun wasn''t particularly strong. Struggling to discern Bochang and the others'' positions, she couldn''t help but say, "Benefactor... could you please turn off the flashlight first? This is making me quite uncomfortable." "Uncomfortable? I''m even more uncomfortable than you!" Just thinking about Tingyun being replaced infuriated Bochang. With narrowed eyes, the fake Tingyun spoke with a tone of resentment, "Oh benefactor... that''s not what you said last night. Indeed, men''s words are all deceitful tricks." Serval, March 7th, Bailu, and Stelle were momentarily speechless. In an instant, the expressions of the girls subtly shifted. Bochang felt a sudden unease. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Point at the fake Tingyun while looking around and exclaim, "She''s slandering me! She''s slandering me!" - Completion Reward: Yandere''s Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option Two: Confidently admit, "What... you disagree?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Yandere''s Fourfold Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option Three: Ignore Fake Tingyun''s words and charge forward with a Flame Punch! ¡ª Completion Reward: A guaranteed hit on Fake Tingyun''s Bigshot.] [Option Four: Disregarding Fake Tingyun''s remarks, use Sacred Theft while declaring, "Impudent fiend, daring to slander here! Take this!" ¡ª Completion Reward: Fake Tingyun''s Bigshot.] Bochang reviewed each of the four options. "Tsk... even if I directly explain, they might not believe me. Hmm... could this be Serval?" Bochang suspected that Serval might know about his encounter with Fake Tingyun last night. After all, she was outside tuning her guitar and could have possibly crossed paths with the imposter. The first option was clearly out of the question. Seeing the second option, Bochang immediately skipped it. Wow, just one line and all four options took a strange turn. Next were options three and four. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The familiar Bigshot move puzzled Bochang, making him almost unable to contain his surprise. What''s with two consecutive Bigshots? "What the heck? My Flame Fist didn''t work? Or is this a guaranteed hit from Bigshot?" "Emmm..." "I can''t even defeat fake Tingyun?" Bochang hadn''t anticipated such strength from the imposter. Moreover, surprisingly, all four rewards this time seemed negative. "Could it be... that confronting fake Tingyun was the wrong choice?" "Hiss..." Suddenly recalling something, Bochang pondered, "Is the system trying to make me romance fake Tingyun instead?" After all, the Dating Options catered to both genders, so it wouldn''t be entirely unexpected for the system to prompt Bochang to pursue even an enemy. However... Bochang''s sole focus was on saving the real Tingyun, not realizing the deeper implications of the system''s intentions. Moreover, when he was about to confront the imposter earlier, no options were presented. This further reinforced Bochang''s belief that there would be no additional considerations. Unexpectedly, now a set of options with entirely negative rewards appeared. "However... even if an option had emerged to prevent me from confronting fake Tingyun, I likely would have braved the penalties and rejected it..." Bochang thought to himself. The safety of the real Tingyun far outweighed any other concerns. If Bochang compromised Tingyun''s well-being for mere rewards, leading to unforeseen consequences, he feared he could never forgive himself. Perhaps this is precisely why the Dating Options system refrained from presenting him choices. Weighing both scenarios, choosing the lesser harm seemed prudent. Bochang opted for the fourth choice. Standing less than ten meters away from Tingyun, he swiftly raised his hand and declared, "Audacious fiend! How dare you spread deceit here. Behold my strike!" The Theft skill was successfully activated. A burst of white light emanated from Bochang''s palm. Those familiar with him knew exactly what he was attempting. March 7th''s expression changed, and she whispered under her breath, "Ugh, pervert." Fake Tingyun maintained her composed demeanor until she felt a slight chill around her lower body. "What have you done?" Fake Tingyun asked, somewhat intrigued. Confidently, Bochang replied, "I used Theft on you, allowing me to steal a valuable treasure from your person." In reality... Bochang had already discreetly tested this before. When using the Theft skill, if the target is of the opposite sex, there''s virtually a 100% chance of stealing their underwear. However, if the target is male, it typically results in stealing something more valuable from them. Interestingly, he had never stolen men''s boxers during these attempts. As for why this phenomenon occurred, Bochang had his own theory: It was due to that ancient coin. Rumored to bring luck to its holder, removing the ancient coin significantly altered the range of items Bochang could steal with the Theft skill. Furthermore, he wouldn''t constantly end up touching intimate clothing of the opposite sex. "A precious treasure?" The fake Tingyun tilted her head slightly and reached behind herself, ultimately confirming one thing. Her panties were gone. In the next moment... Bochang handed the super flashlight to Stelle nearby and then exerted force with both hands. As if showcasing a rare gem, he stretched out a red lace thong, holding it up for everyone to see. Qingque and Bailu were stunned, not expecting his claimed "precious treasure" to be a pair of panties. Bailu exclaimed admiringly, "Wow, Bochang is truly amazing." Stelle nodded earnestly, adding, "As expected from Bochang... effortlessly achieving what we couldn''t." Hearing these praising remarks, Qingque was left speechless, while Welt-Yang and Dan Heng could hardly bear to watch. Bochang''s reasoning was simple: since the fake Tingyun intended to slap him anyway, why not further provoke her? Speaking of... When Bochang saw the panties in his hand, a weight lifted from his shoulders. He now realized that Fake Tingyun was most likely female. Setting aside whether she''s attractive or not, at least Bochang hadn''t inadvertently groped a male tail last night. Fake Tingyun began, "You..." At that moment, the system''s voice chimed in once again. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Vigorously swing the underwear in circles and say, "If you dare, come take it!" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Press the underwear against your face, inhale deeply, and exclaim, "Ah... so satisfying!" - Completion Reward: Acquire skill ''Erotomaniac'', causing guaranteed critical hits on opposite gender characters, while also receiving equal critical damage from them.] [Option 3: Place the underwear over your head and declare, "The righteous Astral Express Crew will surely defeat you, villain, and rescue Miss Tingyun." - Completion Reward: Acquire skill ''Companion of Justice'', ensuring guaranteed critical hits when battling enemies aligned with evil.] Chapter 176 - 175: I Will Not Coexist with Evil Chapter 176 - 175: I Will Not Coexist with EvilPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** These options were different from the previous ones. Earlier, all choices had negative consequences, but now, they''re all positive. Option one''s reward remains the familiar random draw. Options two and three both offer skills, specifically damage-enhancing types. Interestingly, Bochang already possesses two similar skills: sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Yifu-sama Above All + Big sister Killer. Now, there are two new skills¡ªPervert and Messenger of Justice. Bochang can''t help but feel that the latter seems more appealing. The Pervert skill feels like a double-edged sword, practically exemplifying "inflicting great harm on others while severely damaging oneself." It doesn''t seem ideal. Moreover, the content of Option Two is downright disturbing. Even for someone as twisted as me, it''s too much.JPG Of course... Option three isn''t perfect either, but the reward does sound quite enticing. Bochang ponders. The imposter Tingyun lurking nearby, most likely, belongs to the evil faction. Judging by the system''s options, she appears to be incredibly powerful. Bochang needs the Messenger of Justice skill to bolster his capabilities against such evil forces. With the combination of Big sister Killer and Messenger of Justice skills, Thus, Bochang could claim to be a seasoned slayer of wicked women. Unfortunately, it required putting underwear on one''s head first. "By wearing this...I can obtain immense power." "But doing so in public..." "It would be unbearably shameful." Option three offered enticing rewards, but the act involved was quite challenging to accept. In comparison, Option one seemed much more straightforward. "What should I choose?" After internal deliberation, a sudden realization struck Bochang: "Wait, the system didn''t specify who to put the panties on. Can I perhaps place them on Bailu''s head instead?" This felt like a small loophole in the options. Bochang believed that even if she put the triangle panties on Bailu''s head, she wouldn''t protest much. Initially tempted, Bochang ultimately dismissed the idea. "Don''t take unnecessary risks; what if the system doesn''t recognize it and still requires me to wear it myself? That would be incredibly awkward." [Ten, nine, eight...] The system had already started its countdown. Hearing the voice deep within his mind, Bochang paused for another three seconds before making a decisive choice. "Option three!" Now... Bochang prepared to take another bold leap. Taking a deep breath, like Sun Wukong donning his golden fillet, Bochang faced death with resolve... He slipped the red lace thong over his head as if it were a tattered hat and declared, "The righteous Astral Express crew will surely defeat you, villain, and successfully rescue Miss Tingyun." Silence fell upon the scene. Everyone stared dumbfoundedly at Bochang, who had adorned himself with the red lace thong like a worn-out cap. The sight was... slightly eye-watering. Even the fake Tingyun was rendered speechless by Bochang''s audacity, her mouth agape yet unable to utter a word, completely forgetting what she intended to say. To be fair: As the Lord Ravager - Phantylia, having traversed countless worlds and destroyed numerous civilizations, the fake Tingyun could be considered well-versed in extraordinary experiences. Yet amidst her long life... Bochang''s actions today stood out as remarkably explosive. Even Fake Tingyun felt a sense of shame. After all, it was her own recently worn underwear. "How could this person be like this?! Not only did you steal my underwear and interrupt me, but now you''re doing such a brazen act. Does Lord Ravager not deserve respect anymore? No... I''m so angry; he must receive a slap to alleviate my indignation." Fake Tingyun''s dainty toes, resembling pearls, curled slightly against the ground. Though her face showed no emotion, internally, Phantylia''s fury was igniting like a raging fire. A gentle breeze swept across, lifting pale yellow sand dust and dispersing the awkward silence. After a moment of bewilderment, March 7th asked, "Um... Bochang, is there a possibility - just hear me out - that right now, you look more like a villain?" Bochang hesitated before mentally retorting, ¡¸No need for you to point that out!¡¹ In the next instant, the system''s voice chimed in. [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Partner of Justice.'' When engaging enemies from the evil faction, your attacks will always result in critical hits.] After receiving the reward, Bochang promptly threw the red lace thong off his head onto the ground and exclaimed, "Nonsense! I shall never coexist with evil!" "Well said!" Stelle immediately began applauding. Bailu was still absorbed by the sight of Bochang wearing the thong on his head, momentarily puzzled about the reason behind his actions. "Could this be a custom from his homeland? Wearing the enemy''s underwear as a display of humiliation?" The dragon girl''s imagination ran wild. "What a peculiar tradition indeed..." Meanwhile, Qingque thought to herself, "I already suspected something was off with Bochang earlier, and now it seems... he truly is a pervert." Welt Yang didn''t want Bochang''s antics to continue any further. He lightly tapped the ground with his cane. With a resounding boom, the sound echoed throughout the entire arena, akin to a hammer striking everyone''s hearts, bringing them back to their senses. Now... They were inside a training area at the martial arts hall, with several staff members observing through reinforced glass outside. Following Bochang''s instructions earlier, the highest level of defenses had been activated to trap the imposter Tingyun within. "Bochang, let''s stop this nonsense and get down to business," Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses. "Firstly... who are you? Secondly... what have you done with the real Tingyun? Lastly... what is your ultimate goal?" "I advise you to answer truthfully without any concealment, lest you suffer unnecessary pain." Welt Yang tightened his grip on the cane. This black-red cane served as Uncle Yang''s weapon, known as the Garden of Eden Star, possessing the ability to manipulate gravity. Welt Yang had used it multiple times before, making Bochang well-acquainted with its capabilities. Snapping out of his fury, Bochang regained his composure. Phantylia found his words amusing. Taking a deep breath to steady her emotions, she softly replied, "If you truly wish to know the answer, defeat me first." As soon as she finished, the false Tingyun waved her Bone-Gathering Fan. Instantly... A fierce gust swept across the area. The azure wind coalesced into massive visible blades, lifting dirt from the ground and mixing it with the swirling tempest, hurtling towards Bochang and the others in an overwhelming assault. It was a terrifying sight. An unprotected hit would have unimaginable consequences. Welt''s eye twitched slightly. The sheer power displayed with just a simple gesture was astonishing. "Take cover behind me!" Welt raised the Garden of Eden high. He planned to use its simulated black hole to deflect this wave of attack. Upon hearing this, Bochang and the others swiftly hid behind Uncle Yang without hesitation, each readying their own abilities to resist the onslaught from the fake Tingyun. Chapter 177 - 176: The Emanator of Destruction Chapter 177 - 176: The Emanator of DestructionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** March 7th cast a shield around herself and fired an arrow at the false Tingyun. Bochang blocked the cybernetic flying sword with his own blade, simultaneously raising his hand to unleash a powerful Dragon Blast towards the impostor. Qingque produced her divination disc used for calculations and predictions. While technically called a divination disc, she had actually modified it into a mahjong table. "Don''t panic, let me draw a round first!" As Qingque spoke, several tiles sprang up on the mahjong board. "Still haven''t drawn what I need? One more try!" Having experienced their ordeal with the Divination Commission, everyone knew well that Qingque wasn''t simply trying to slack off during a crisis. Rather... This was Qingque''s unique combat style. Drawing four identical cards significantly enhances Mahjong Maiden''s power, though the exact mechanism remains unclear. Regardless, it seems to be related to divination techniques. This random approach leads to highly unpredictable output from Qingque. Achieving a powerful surge requires extensive buildup, often leaving her still drawing cards while others are nearly finished with their attacks¡ªa scenario fitting her laid-back demeanor. On the battlefield, Bailu, Dan Heng, and Stelle sprang into action, each showcasing their unique abilities against Fake Tingyun''s onslaught. However... Bochang and the others'' attacks were swallowed by the fierce gales, only managing to slightly weaken them. The crucial defense ultimately relied on Welt-Yang''s pseudo-black hole. With a thunderous roar, the raging winds collided with the pseudo-black hole, swirling like water before dissipating rapidly. Most of the wind''s force was absorbed, mercilessly consumed by the black hole without causing significant disruption. The majority of their attacks were absorbed, mercilessly devoured by the pseudo-black hole. It caused minimal disturbance. Despite this... The defensive array surrounding the martial arts hall groaned under the residual impact, with countless talismans flickering ominously, as if on the verge of failure. The staff members'' eyes widened further. It was just a gentle fan wave from that beautiful foxfolk woman¡ªhow could it result in such chaos? Another strike like that, and even the martial arts hall''s defenses might not withstand it. "What kind of monsters are these?!" Unease spread among the spectators within the hall. Realizing the situation''s gravity, some individuals began preparing to flee. If they waited any longer... Once the defensive array collapsed, there would be no chance for escape. The staff member who had allowed Bochang''s group to use the facility now deeply regretted his decision. He should have expelled them earlier instead of prioritizing those few extra coins. The area where Bochang and his group were positioned was the largest within the martial arts hall, spanning approximately five hundred square meters. It featured high walls surrounding the space and a translucent protective shield overhead. Even during rain, it would have minimal impact on the environment inside. After one wave of attacks concluded, everyone stood unscathed in the center of the arena. However, chaos reigned around them, with the entire ground churned up. If not for the array''s protection, the earth beneath might have already cracked open. Observing this scene, the false Tingyun gently waved her Bone-Gathering Fan, smiling charmingly as she said, "Not bad... Now let me see just how many more moves my dear benefactors can withstand." Welt Yang''s expression turned serious. The enemy''s strength far exceeded their expectations. Had they known the fake Tingyun was this powerful, they should have lured her to the Seat of Divine Foresight before confronting her. Alas, it was too late now. "Are you...the Emanator of Destruction?" From the power displayed by the imposter Tingyun, Welt Yang could vaguely surmise her true identity. Upon hearing this, Bochang felt his teeth grind with frustration. "Are you kidding me? How is fake Tingyun actually an Emanator?! What chance do we have now?" "Hmm?" In response to Welt Yang''s skepticism, the false Tingyun neither confirmed nor denied it... Instead, she shifted the topic, "Allowing all esteemed benefactors to roam freely in Luofu Immortal Continent would indeed be troublesome. Since our fa?ade has been shattered, then... I must ask each of you to stay here permanently. This place shall serve as your final resting ground." "Don''t blame me for being ruthless; you discovered my secret too soon. Originally, I intended to unravel more of Bochang''s mysteries before making you taste the agony of loss, plunging you into despair... slowly watching you crumble." "But fate is unpredictable. With my cover blown, even though personally intervening goes against my aesthetic, I am left with no choice but to step forward and reveal myself." "Ah... it''s truly not by choice..." The fake Tingyun spoke these venomous words with a gentle tone. Bochang and the others were already prepared for battle. Listening to the fake Tingyun prattle on, Bailu could no longer contain herself. "Bochang! Now I must transform, whether you like it or not!" A familiar blinding white light surged from within the dragon girl, rapidly expanding her body towards its true draconic form. The black-haired youth had abandoned any thoughts of stopping her. With just one strike, their opponent displayed immense power. If not for Welt-Yang''s pseudo-black hole absorbing most of the force, the entire martial arts hall would have likely been destroyed. And this... was merely the result of the fake Tingyun gently waving her Bone-Gathering Fan. Bailu''s transformation into a giant dragon was now essential to assist them. Otherwise, how could they possibly fight? The false Tingyun narrowed her eyes, gazing at the young dragon girl and saying, "An immortal descendant of dragons... eliminating you here would certainly remove a formidable enemy." With that, she launched another attack, gracefully dancing within mere meters of Bochang and his group. Her elegant movements stirred up swift azure winds, while the Bone Gathering Fan traced mysterious arcs in the air. Instantly... A violent storm erupted from all directions, causing the entire martial arts hall to tremble violently and disrupting everyone''s formations. Despite the beauty of the foxfolk''s dance, it carried an unmistakable scent of impending death. Everyone was left disoriented amidst the raging wind. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The power of an Emanator level is utterly despair-inducing. "We must stop her!" Welt Yang unleashed full force, soaring through the air with Yukong, Garden of Eden raised high. Nearly ten pseudo-black holes emitting devouring beams dispersed around, stabilizing the fierce winds enveloping the martial arts hall. This prevented the false Tingyun''s attacks from causing further destruction. Although this area was remote, it still had residents, and their safety could not be ignored. In contrast to Welt Yang''s concerns, Fake Tingyun held no reservations, intensifying her attacks at a visibly increasing pace. The martial arts hall, covering over five thousand square meters, began to crumble rapidly. Under Fake Tingyun''s onslaught, its defensive array seemed as fragile as thin paper. Bailu, fully transformed into a colossal dragon, exceeded the arena''s capacity. With a mighty roar, she shook everyone''s senses, causing dizziness in their ears. Countless streams of water materialized out of nowhere, forming a massive hollow sphere nearly one kilometer in diameter, trapping all within its confines. Within this watery prison, countless bolts of lightning descended, entangling with the raging winds. "Together!" Dan Heng simply commanded. Initially, Bochang planned to stay under the protection of giant dragon Bailu. However, seeing the stoic little azure dragon and Stelle charge forward, he knew he couldn''t remain idle. "March, you and Serval provide support from behind." Chapter 178 - 177: The True Battlefield Chapter 178 - 177: The True BattlefieldPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang did not give any specific orders to Qingque. The reason was straightforward. Even without Bochang''s instruction, Qingque would undoubtedly stay close to Bailu for protection, serving as their ranged mahjong specialist. Currently, she was still drawing tiles... There was no need to worry about her. However, Serval required closer attention. Compared to Stelle, March 7th, and others, her strength fell slightly short. Dealing with minor enemies wasn''t much of a concern. But facing even moderately powerful foes posed significant danger to Serval''s life. With Welt Yang and the colossal dragon Bailu controlling the battlefield, they managed to stabilize the chaotic situation, preventing it from spiraling further out of control. Based on the performance of the imposter Tingyun before them, Welt Yang suspected that she was likely one of Destruction''s Emanators, though he couldn''t determine which... She also showed no intention of introducing herself. "As long as we stall this imposter, once General Luofu arrives, she won''t stand a chance." Welt Yang''s thoughts echoed loudly in his mind. Just as the fake Tingyun aimed to bury Bochang and others here, Welt Yang had no intention of letting her escape either. Having a Lord Ravager lurking within Luofu Immortal Continent was far too dangerous; it needed to be neutralized swiftly. No wonder the Stellaron Hunters warned... Without the Astral Express''s support, Luofu Immortal Continent would have suffered immense casualties. The Monarch, renowned across the entire universe, possessed unparalleled strength. If not for the presence of Giant Dragon Bailu and Dan Heng, Welt Yang likely wouldn''t have entertained the idea of merely stalling their adversary. Instead, they sought opportunities to make their escape. Dan Heng, Bochang, and Stelle charged towards the false Tingyun. "Go!" shouted Bochang, slightly slower tDan Heng Heng and Stelle. Without hesitation... He aimed his Vow Spear at the false Tingyun and forcefully hurled it forth. The gleaming spear tip streaked towards the enemy. False Tingyun did not passively await her fate; instead, a smirk appeared on her lips as she declared, "Just a futile resistance from a swarm of ants. Let me dispatch Bailu first, then deal with you." As she observed the young dragon girl transformed into a colossal dragon, a hint of greed flickered in False Tingyun''s eyes. She had been biding her time specifically due to Bochang and Bailu. Otherwise, she would have activated the Tree of Foundation last night. Of course... There were other factors that forced False Tingyun to delay her plans, partly triggered by the actions of Bochang and his allies. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These events were also triggered by the chain reactions set off by Bochang and his allies. A seductive blue figure swiftly approached. The azure spear, resembling a shooting star, was effortlessly evaded. It circled around and continued towards Fake Tingyun, but its speed couldn''t keep up. In a single instant, Fake Tingyun repelled both Dan Heng and Stelle, then appeared instantly before Bochang as if teleporting. Noticing the incoming Bigshot''s attack, Bochang, well-prepared, fearlessly unleashed his new technique: Dragon Talisman - Second Rated Power! At close range, he released countless burning red lotuses, creating a mesmerizing spectacle infused with the aura of Destruction. "Boom!" Fake Tingyun became engulfed by the red lotuses, transforming into a raging inferno, a colossal ball of flames. The surrounding space distorted due to the intense heat. Realizing his opponent might be an Emanator, Bochang didn''t expect his attacks to inflict significant damage. However... At the very least, he successfully blocked the incoming Bigshot attack from reaching him. The surging red lotuses halted the fake Tingyun, preventing any further advance, while Bochang seized the opportunity to retreat and prepare for the enemy''s next assault. Honestly, Bochang''s ability to hold off the fake Tingyun was greatly aided by Welt Yang and the colossal dragon Bailu. On the surface, it appeared as a three-way battle between Bochang, Stelle, Dan Heng, and the false Tingyun. In reality... the true battlefield was up in the sky. The azure hurricane relentlessly attacked Welt Yang and his creations¡ªthe numerous pseudo-black holes. The colossal Dragon Bailu''s hollow water sphere confined the battle area, preventing the hurricane from affecting the surroundings and summoning countless purple thunderbolts to clash with the azure storm. Endless intertwined purple and azure dragons, biting and tearing at each other relentlessly. The combat was extraordinarily fierce. While passionately engaging with the false Tingyun, Dragon Bailu also used its currents to safely transport nearby Xianzhou residents away, ensuring their protection. After all... The kilometer-wide hollow water sphere covered several streets of the Exalting Sanctum, trapping numerous Xianzhou inhabitants beneath its shadow. In the aerial battlefield, Bochang and his allies were completely outmatched. The pure energy clashes escalated the danger to new heights. False Tingyun displayed remarkable multitasking abilities: while confronting Welt-Yang and Dragon Bailu, they effortlessly repelled attacks from Dan Heng and Stelle. This showcased the immense strength of their opponent. Their power disparity was evident. Bochang could only hope to delay his opponent, lacking any confidence in causing significant harm. "Unless I unleash my full-strength attack..." Whether it''s Dragon Blast or Red Lotus, Bochang can temporarily enhance their potency without limits. The level of destruction solely depends on the extent of his stamina reserves. However, under these circumstances, betting everything at once would be highly irrational. In fact, even the previous blast from Bochang wasn''t weak by any means. Earlier, such an expenditure of stamina would have been considered his maximum effort. But now, with a physique forty-eight times stronger than before, he barely felt the strain. The fiercely burning fireball arrived swiftly and dissipated just as quickly. A gale surrounding Fake Tingyun rapidly dispersed the flames, extinguishing them entirely. "How is this possible... You actually...managed to harm me..." The false Tingyun stood frozen, staring dumbfounded at his own body. His once-perfect physique was now marred with burn marks from the flames. Much of his sleek hair had also turned charred, resembling a cat rescued from a fire scene. As the Emanator of Destruction - Lord Ravager, even if this body was hastily crafted, it should never have been so easily damaged by someone he considered mere vermin under Phantylia''s stringent defense. If anyone could inflict wounds, it would be expected to be Welt Yang or perhaps the dragon Bailu, not Bochang... Yet here was the undeniable truth: Bochang''s Fire Lotus had breached Phantylia''s wind wall defense. Seeing the disheveled state of the imposter Tingyun, even Bochang was somewhat taken aback. However, he quickly realized the reason behind it. The combination of "Envoy of Justice" and "Big sister Slayer," delivering dual critical hits. These skills amplified Bochang''s damage significantly when facing older, villainous women... resulting in explosive harm. Even if an Emanator dared to directly withstand Bochang''s attacks, they would inevitably suffer injuries. Moreover, Phantylia wasn''t particularly strong among Emanators, and this physical form wasn''t meticulously crafted either. "Thinking about it... could my full-power attack potentially kill her?" Bochang mused, his curiosity piqued. Unable to resist, he interrupted the system for the first time in a while, "When combining Envoy of Justice and Big sister Slayer... exactly how much does my damage increase?" [Critical hits multiply your damage by x2. With both active, it becomes x4, so the damage you inflicted on her just now was quadrupled.] Chapter 179 - 178: The Righteous Beatdown Chapter 179 - 178: The Righteous BeatdownPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The response from "Dating Options" surprised Bochang, followed by his inward mutter, "Just four times?..." There was no further reaction from the system. However... Any improvement is better than none. Bochang didn''t dwell on it. Moreover, a quadruple boost wasn''t insignificant. It''s like transforming someone who is one meter tall to four meters¡ªwould they still be considered short among others? Not at all, they''d be undeniably a giant, effortlessly dunking in basketball games. "This might actually work." Confidence ignited within Bochang. Against other Emanators, he might have felt helpless, relying solely on Welt Yang and the dragon Bailu for victory. But facing this older villainess, with Welt Yang and Bailu''s assistance, Bochang believed he could hold his own. As his thoughts raced, the Vow Spear launched another attack, fiercely aiming at fake Tingyun once more. Unfortunately, just as before... The fake Tingyun casually waved her Bone-Gathering Fan with precise skill, effortlessly deflecting the incoming Vow Spear and sending it flying far away. Against enemies vastly superior in strength, the Vow Spear''s guaranteed hit rate became largely theoretical. It could only behave like a guided missile, relentlessly pursuing its target until impact or refusing to relent otherwise. Bochang promptly recalled the Vow Spear, holding it firmly once again. "Chuckle... My apologies, dear benefactor. It seems I underestimated you; you''re stronger than anticipated." Phantylia''s plan was straightforward: First, repel the trio blocking her path - Bochang, Dan Heng, and Stelle. Then, swiftly head towards Bailu. Her primary objective was to eliminate the immortal dragon descendant first. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Indeed, neither Dan Heng nor Stelle could withstand Phantylia''s attacks, being easily pushed back. Even though this makeshift body crafted by Lord Ravager slightly diminished her usual prowess, overpowering them remained effortless for her. However, repelling Dan Heng and Stelle was quite straightforward. They simply lacked the ability to hinder Phantylia; she could come and go as easily as visiting a public restroom. What Phantylia didn''t anticipate was... Bochang''s attack breaking through her defenses with power far exceeding that of an ordinary Fate Traveler. It posed a genuine threat even to an Emanator. It wasn''t as if Phantylia hadn''t assessed Bochang and his companions'' capabilities before. Apart from Welt Yang and the mighty dragon Bailu, none should have been able to pose any significant danger to her. When Bochang unleashed a burst of red lotus flames towards her, Phantylia merely smiled faintly. She sensed that such intensity would not breach her defenses; all she needed to do was calmly disperse the flames, then elegantly deliver a powerful blow, sending him flying. Yet inexplicably, Bochang''s strike against her felt incredibly painful. If only Phantylia knew about the skills "Messenger of Justice" and "Big sister Slayer," she would undoubtedly exclaim, "WTF! Cheating abilities!" However, Bochang hadn''t forgotten his true objective. He declared, "Hand over the real Tingyun, and I might spare your life." "Spare my life? Quite audacious, benefactor." The false Tingyun narrowed her eyes, showing unsightly burns on her skin from the flames. The intense heat even caused some areas to char completely. Her once elegant attire now bore numerous holes. Fortunately, the false Tingyun reacted swiftly; any delay could have resulted in Bochang''s Red Lotus incinerating her entirely into ash. Seeing the tattered state of fake Tingyun''s clothing, Bochang suddenly hesitated. What if this Emanator had taken control of the real Tingyun''s body? Wouldn''t his actions inadvertently harm her? "I was merely careless," the fake Tingyun shook her head slightly. "From now on, I''ll have to take this more seriously. After all... I need to resolve the situation here before General Luofu arrives. There''s not much time for playing games with you." The aerial battle continued unabated, requiring no direct line of sight. Phantylia effortlessly controlled distant hurricanes to target the two strongest opponents present, akin to Bochang using his Invisible Hand technique. This forced Welt Yang and the giant dragon Bailu to focus solely on their adversaries, drawing most of the fake Tingyun''s attacks and allowing them little attention for others. Without this distraction, Bochang wouldn''t have been able to so easily breach the Emanator''s defenses. Compared to ordinary fate travelers, the power of an Emanator is suffocating; even their weakest members can effortlessly ignite entire galaxies. Noticing that the fake Tingyun had no intention of answering his question, Bochang felt somewhat troubled. This posed a headache for Bochang. Stelle and Dan Heng swiftly joined the fray, launching attacks against the false Tingyun. From afar, March 7th, Serval, and Qingque began providing support. As Bochang saw the Jade Imperial Tablet flying towards him, he realized that Qingque had finally made her move. The strike from this Mahjong Maiden held considerable power but, to the false Tingyun, it was akin to mere tickling. The battle intensified once more. With extraordinary might, the false Tingyun faced off against the entire Trailblaze Squad, along with Qingque from the Divination Commission and Bailu from the Alchemy Commission. This confrontation was destined to be recorded in the annals of Luofu Immortal Continent''s history. After all... The false Tingyun appeared to be one of the Lord Ravagers. Within mere seconds of combat, the area had transformed into rubble. If not for the giant dragon Bailu controlling the central water sphere to minimize the battle''s impact and Welt Yang suppressing the space with ten simulated black holes, it is likely that under the onslaught of the false Tingyun... the entire Exalting Sanctum would have ceased to exist. From the outside, the pale blue water sphere emitted intense pressure, accompanied by continuous bursts of blinding light. This fight was inherently unfair for Bochang and his allies. Welt Yang and the colossal dragon Bailu were constrained in their actions, unable to unleash their full potential. The group''s attempt at a righteous gang-up lacked maximum effectiveness. Bochang, Stelle, and Dan Heng worked together, relentlessly keeping the false Tingyun at bay, preventing it from approaching the giant dragon Bailu. To control the battlefield and counteract the sky''s hurricane, the dragon maiden was clearly giving her all. She barely moved from her position, focusing intensely on the fight. As a newly empowered giant dragon, Bailu was evidently still adjusting to her immense strength. Naturally, Bochang and his allies couldn''t allow the fake Tingyun to disrupt the dragon maiden''s efforts. Only by combining forces with Welt Yang could they maintain control over the situation. If one of them were to falter, Bochang knew the other would quickly become overstretched as well. During this prolonged battle, Bochang utilized every trick at his disposal: illusions of foxes, Invisible Hand, power from monkey talismans, cybernetic flying swords... Occasionally, Qingque, Serval, and March 7th provided support, alleviating some pressure on their comrades. High above, Welt Yang wielded ten simulated black holes, resembling a celestial deity as he relentlessly countered the incoming azure hurricanes. The relentless barrage of attacks wore both mind and body down. However... Welt Yang knew they had to endure. "Dan Heng, how long will you continue holding back? Unleash your true power already." Chapter 180 - 179: He’s Just a Child After All! Chapter 180 - 179: He''s Just a Child After All!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Regarding the hidden power possessed by the stoic little azure dragon: Both Himeko and Welt Yang were aware of it, while only March 7th, Bochang, and others remained oblivious. Dan Heng''s role within the Astral Express Crew was as a protector. Without significant strength, how could he safeguard the Astral Express? However, Dan Heng had no intention of using that power unless absolutely necessary. He would never resort to such forbidden abilities lightly. The battle had already lasted for over a minute. Fake Tingyun consistently held the upper hand. But... Regardless of his efforts, fake Tingyun could not defeat them. Stelle and Dan Heng were repeatedly pushed back, yet they charged forward again and again, like relentless cockroaches impossible to vanquish. Now, fake Tingyun''s focus shifted entirely onto Bochang, finding the long spear in his hands truly troublesome. Even with Phantylia fully engaged and increasing its concentration on close combat against Bochang and the others, it proved insufficient. Even more energy and focus were diverted to engage Bochang directly. Unfortunately... They still couldn''t defeat him. In Phantylia''s eyes, Bochang''s tenacity had surpassed that of the mighty dragon Bailu, nearly matching Welt Yang''s prowess. "Damn it... What''s going on with Bochang?" The fake Tingyun''s breathing quickened; battling so many powerful fate travelers single-handedly was no easy feat. "His strikes seem weak and feeble, yet they hurt like hell when they land." Phantylia couldn''t comprehend this phenomenon; it felt akin to a horror movie unfolding before her. As the battle continued, Bochang grew increasingly confident and stronger with each exchange. Initially, the false Tingyun had been overwhelmingly formidable, leaving even Bochang unsure how to counter. However... The longer their confrontation lasted, the more composed Bochang became, tapping into strength beyond his usual capabilities. "The combination of Justice''s Messenger and Big sister Slayer is truly fierce... It feels easier fighting the Destruction Emanator than facing Blade," Bochang couldn''t help but remark internally. Bochang couldn''t resist taunting, "Didn''t you want to get serious? Is this all you''ve got?" After prolonged unsuccessful attacks, Fake Tingyun grew increasingly frustrated and provoked by these words. Phantylia became even more enraged. "You insignificant pest!" Fake Tingyun waved her Bone Gathering Fan, unleashing a surge of purple electricity that formed into a menacing purple dragon. Facing such an assault, Bochang remained unfazed and directly spat out a Fire Lotus. With a series of crackling sounds, the lightning summoned by Fake Tingyun dissipated entirely, unable to cause any effect. However... This was merely a feint attack. In the next moment, Fake Tingyun leaped out of the range of the Red Lotus''s strike, swooping down towards Bochang from above, reminiscent of an Arctic fox hunting in snow. Her movement left Bochang momentarily stunned. The burned appearance of Fake Tingyun bore striking similarities to a character named Sylvie from a game he had played before crossing over. Both shared unsightly scars across their bodies. Of course... These scars, on her seductive figure, seemed almost like unconventional adornments. Taking advantage of the Fire Lotus obscuring his view, With a sudden leap, she aimed to catch Bochang off guard. This was utterly absurd and even bewildering. As the fake fox maiden charged towards him recklessly, Bochang looked up and remarked, "How impulsive... Does this faux Tingyun not fear another face full of flames?" Just moments ago, when her opponent had blindly attacked, Bochang swiftly taught her a lesson. And now, she tries again? It seemed as if she hadn''t learned from her previous mistake. Moreover, with faux Tingyun airborne, evading would be significantly more challenging. Bochang thought, "Isn''t this a perfect opportunity? Let me unleash something truly massive!" The power of the Dragon Talisman surged within his body, rapidly concentrating at his head. He unleashed Tongue Blossoming Lotus Technique. Hundreds upon thousands of enchanting red lotuses burst forth from Bochang''s mouth. Like a growing tongue of fire, they cascaded out for nearly a hundred meters, covering a vast area. His stamina quickly drained; this single attack consumed almost one-third of Bochang''s energy reserves. Aiming to severely injure the false Tingyun, these surging red lotuses distorted space, even causing dark fissures to spread like spider webs. Such a fierce attack instantly enveloped the false Tingyun, leaving her with no chance to evade. At that precise moment... Stelle, Dan Heng, and others shouted urgently, "Watch out!" Bochang''s Spider Sense emitted a strong warning signal. Realizing something amiss, his gaze shifted downward slightly. He discovered within the red lotuses he had earlier unleashed against the Lightning Dragon... a dark figure emerged, killing swiftly towards him. With charred fox ears and a singed tail... it was unmistakably a familiar sight. Her tattered clothes barely covered her body, but unfortunately, there wasn''t much left worth seeing, as her skin appeared scorched beyond recognition. Not remotely appealing. "A feint maneuver?" As Bochang processed this thought, the false Tingyun had already closed the distance, now less than two meters away from him. With Bochang still focused on attacking the sky, it was too late for any countermove. "I underestimated her... This madwoman actually withstood my attack." Realizing too late, Bochang cursed internally. Fortunately, after another day had passed... Bochang''s teleportation ring now held two charges, allowing him to attempt an escape. In fact... He promptly took action. A blinding white light flashed. To swiftly flee, Bochang chose to teleport ten meters away, buying himself more time. However, just as he disappeared... Fake Tingyun immediately arrived at his previous location. They nearly reached the spot simultaneously, driving Bochang to near frenzy. His perilous situation remained unchanged. Seeing no other option... Bochang forcefully slammed down the Vow Spear, aiming for mutual injury. Yet, fake Tingyun was quicker, her eyes glowing intensely with emerald light. With one swift step, she condensed Wind and Lightning energies into her punch, turning her fist a deep shade of purple-blue. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A deafening "bang" echoed through the air. Fake Tingyun''s fist struck Bochang squarely on the chest, and the Wind and Lightning energies pierced through his body, erupting wildly from his back like scattered petals, creating a strangely mesmerizing display of purple-blue light. The impact was devastatingly solid. Bochang flew backward uncontrollably, even losing his grip on the Vow Spear. Fake Tingyun''s attack was incredibly powerful, causing the Wind and Lightning forces to tear through his clothing, leaving a large hole behind. Yet, it inflicted no harm on Bochang. Because... At the onset of battle, Bochang had already retrieved the Elementary Student Card from the system space. Like a legendary blade, it blocked the strike effortlessly. In Bochang''s pocket, the Elementary Student Card crumbled to dust. An incongruously neutral voice echoed across the battlefield: "Beep! Elementary Student Card activated!" Simultaneously... A faint white glow enveloped Bochang''s body, accompanied by floating text lines resembling bullet curtains: "He''s just a child!" "He''s still a child!" Seeing this, Fake Tingyun continued her relentless assault on Bochang, pursuing him like a vengeful dark specter. The scene was utterly terrifying. Bochang remained airborne, still hurtling backward. Although the Elementary Student Card had shielded him from fatal damage and granted him one second of invulnerability... While flying uncontrollably, he had no means to regain his footing. During his earlier battle with Fake Tingyun, he had expended too much stamina, and his Invisible Hand had been repeatedly destroyed, leaving it unusable now. Bochang felt like a helpless lamb awaiting slaughter. Dan Heng''s pupils slightly contracted; he knew he must resort to that forbidden power. Chapter 181 - 180: Not... Dude, You’re a Dragon? Chapter 181 - 180: Not... Dude, You''re a Dragon?Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The sensation of being struck by Fake Tingyun''s punch was quite peculiar. When activating the Holy Shield... It provided complete immunity to all damage, akin to watching someone pummel you without any effect whatsoever. In contrast, the Elementary Card gave Bochang a brief taste of death before forcibly pulling him back. With just one punch from Fake Tingyun, Bochang felt as if his great-grandmother was beckoning him towards the afterlife in that instant. Even now, remnants of Wind and Thunder power lingered within him, roaming through muscles and bones, causing rampant destruction to his tissues. Fortunately, thanks to the Elementary Card''s one-second invincibility, Bochang avoided experiencing that agony. All damage during that period became entirely nullified. However, once the invincible phase ended... This is where it differs significantly from the Holy Shield. The Elementary Student Card only activates upon sustaining fatal damage, and even with eventual immunity, Bochang still experiences some interference from enemy attacks. In contrast, Holy Shield offers three seconds of proactive invulnerability. Nothing can penetrate it once activated. Bochang stared intently at the charred fake Tingyun approaching him. As she drew nearer, he knew that if caught, he would face a relentless barrage of attacks. He thought to himself, "Is there anything else that could help me now?" Honestly... Bochang didn''t expect defeat to come so swiftly. Without the Elementary Student Card''s brief intervention, he would have been finished moments ago. "It was around 4 PM yesterday afternoon when I battled Blade, and now my Holy Shield hasn''t refreshed yet. The teleportation ring''s ten-meter flash is insufficient against these Emanators; I need its full teleportation feature..." However, using the teleportation function isn''t ideal during combat... Compared to flashing, teleportation is slower and requires mutual request delays. By now, Fake Tingyun might have already overwhelmed and defeated Bochang during this delay. "The teleportation ring isn''t much help..." As for Dan Heng and Stelle, Bochang didn''t place his hopes on them either. After all... Without Bochang holding the front line, their combined efforts couldn''t even contain Fake Tingyun. Welt Yang and the giant dragon Bailu - Even witnessing this scene, they could only feel helpless anxiety. Fake Tingyun continuously controlled the azure hurricane to attack both of them, leaving them barely able to manage their own defense... How could they provide support? "Could throwing banana peels make her slip and stop?" Bochang pondered briefly, finding it highly unlikely. While his banana peel item guaranteed a trip with 100% certainty, someone had to actually step on it first. Even if Bochang tossed it out, Fake Tingyun would undoubtedly avoid stepping on it. "The one-second invincibility from the Elementary Student Card is too short. Is there no other option now?" Bochang''s emotions were mixed; he hadn''t anticipated that despite their prolonged fight, Fake Tingyun remained unscathed. In his momentary lapse of judgment, he misjudged her attack and took a direct hit... Even his renowned blade couldn''t handle it. Her overwhelming strength was suffocating. "Not...not entirely without options." Bochang''s mind raced, quickly latching onto his only lifeline as he mentally cried out, "System! Save me!" The colossal dragon Bailu, witnessing Bochang''s defeat, panicked and immediately planned to divert aid towards him. This caused the enclosing bubble of water, meant to contain the battle area, to start collapsing. The delicate balance shattered. Countless azure hurricanes breached the defenses, launching assaults across the entire Exalting Sanctum. Outside, numerous buildings crumbled amidst deafening crashes. Fortunately, due to the unusual circumstances, residents had spontaneously evacuated the vicinity. Additionally, the location was relatively remote, minimizing casualties. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With Bailu thrown off-balance... Welt Yang stood alone, striving to stabilize the situation as ten simulated black holes sequentially shattered. At this rate, Welt Yang wouldn''t hold out for long. Gritting his teeth, he glanced towards someone specific on the battlefield. Dan Heng had decided to intervene. Welt Yang could sense the resurgence of immense power within him. Of course... The most telling sign was witnessing Dan Heng''s transformation scene. Countless streams of water gathered, forming a massive water dragon beside him. It was impossible not to notice such a spectacle. In the end... [Dating Option] did not save Bochang. Instead, it was an unexpected individual who appeared at her side. None other than - Dan Heng! With a stoic expression, the young azure dragon swiftly caught Bochang and launched a palm strike towards the approaching false Tingyun, or rather, Black Tingyun. Having already been scorched twice before... Even more charred marks covered her body. With a graceful sweep of his palm, a massive azure dragon formed from water surged forth from beside him. Upon colliding with the false Tingyun, it instantly repelled him nearly a hundred meters away, drenching him like a drowned rat. Moments later, Bailu''s attack arrived¡ªa burst of high-energy electrical discharge that once again whitened the sky and earth. The fake Tingyun had no intention of taking this blow head-on and swiftly retreated. "???" Stelle, Qingque, March 7th, and others watched in shock as Dan Heng revealed a transformed appearance unlike before. His ears became pointed, eyes turned green, and a pair of azure dragon horns appeared on his forehead¡ªclearly the signs of a Vidyadhara. The colossal dragon Bailu muttered to herself: "He truly is a Vidyadhara! He tried to deceive me earlier, but now I''ve caught on, haven''t I? But... why does he also have dragon horns just like mine? Aren''t those the symbols of High Elders?" "Wait, upon closer look, he seems quite familiar... Have I met him before somewhere?" Held in her embrace, Bochang exclaimed in bewilderment, "No way... dude, you''re actually a dragon!" Honestly... Seeing Dan Heng''s sudden transformation was quite shocking. "You resemble a dragon more than I do," Dan Heng replied calmly. Despite his changed appearance, the stoic nature of the young azure dragon remained unchanged. After accessing his hidden power, Dan Heng could distinctly sense the strong dragon aura emanating from Bochang¡ªa truly perplexing revelation. "Dan Heng...how did he transform? And with one strike, he repelled the fake Tingyun?" For March 7th, this scene felt almost surreal. "Unbelievable...even the omnipotent Teacher Dan Heng has hidden powers..." Beneath the giant dragon Bailu''s feet, the pink-haired girl held her bow in one hand and scratched her head with the other. Facing an enemy like Fake Tingyun, an Emanator-level adversary... The assistance that March 7th, Serval, and Qingque could provide was significantly limited. Stelle and Dan Heng were not much different. During the recent battle, it was almost entirely sustained by Welt Yang, the colossal dragon Bailu, and Bochang. After a fierce struggle, Bochang fell first, leaving Dan Heng no choice but to take up the mantle. "Another immortal draconic descendant... Why are there two?" Phantylia slowly typed out a question mark. Having two High Elders on a single Xianzhou, is something amiss here? "Rest well, I''ll take over from here," said Dan Heng. He entrusted Bochang to Stelle, who hastily arrived, leaving behind only a somber figure as he stepped forward. Chapter 182 - 181: A Troubled Time Chapter 182 - 181: A Troubled TimePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** At the Seat of Divine Foresight, the previously serene atmosphere was once again shattered, and expressions of annoyance reappeared on people''s faces. The commotion from the battle at the Exalting Sanctum could not be missed by General Jing Yuan. After all... The thunderous dragon roars echoing through the skies were impossible to ignore. "Another incident?" Jing Yuan shook his head silently, "Truly a time fraught with troubles..." Unable to remain seated idly at the Seat of Divine Foresight any longer, General Jing Yuan hastened towards the Exalting Sanctum. For Bailu to have been forced into her dragon form, the enemy must undoubtedly be formidable; he needed to intervene personally. "Could it be those Stellaron Hunters again? Just what are they up to?" Jing Yuan felt increasingly unable to fathom the intentions of those adversaries. Meanwhile... With Stelle supporting him, Bochang watched as Dan Heng waved his hand, instantly restoring the previously shattered barrier orb. This reestablished the separation between their location and the outside world, effectively containing the leaking azure hurricane within a controlled area. After the stoic little azure dragon''s intervention, Welt Yang finally breathed a sigh of relief. His focus now shifted to their enemy, contemplating how best to continue stalling them. In front of the false Tingyun stood Dan Heng, Stelle, and Bochang, while behind them was Welt Yang. To her left were the colossal dragon Bailu and March 7th. Amidst this battlefield reduced to ruins, a brief respite from conflict emerged. Dan Heng took a few steps before effortlessly treading on the waves, showcasing the prowess expected of a High Elder¡ªa sight that left everyone awestruck. Unnoticed, the stoic little azure dragon steadily approached the false Tingyun. As Bochang surveyed the scene, all he saw were broken walls, ruins, and craters of various sizes... It resembled an ancient abandoned site rather than Xianzhou''s Exalting Sanctum. At that moment, March 7th, Serval, and Stelle were using their teleportation rings'' power to request immediate transport. In fact... From the moment Bochang found himself in peril, March 7th, Serval, and Stelle had been trying to teleport to his side, as well as requesting him to join them. However... These requests only reached Bochang after Dan Heng rescued him, taking approximately over one second to transmit. While relatively swift, in the intense battle, even a single second allowed for numerous actions. From Bochang''s initial misjudgment until Dan Heng saved him, no more than three seconds elapsed in total. Everything unfolded in the blink of an eye. Naturally, Bochang rejected all those requests, and the faint white glow around him dissipated. His body appeared unharmed, but internally, remnants of wind and lightning energies lingered. Leaning against Stelle, Bochang let out two light coughs, feeling a pervasive numbness and weakness throughout his body. "Are you okay?" Stelle asked with concern, her disheveled appearance showing she wasn''t much better off than Bochang. After repeated assaults on the false Tingyun, her physical limits were nearly reached. "For now, I''m alright," Bochang replied promptly, and he swiftly retrieved the last bottle of Jym Rogers Bread Soda from the system space. Having expended a massive amount of energy, it was crucial for him to replenish quickly. He twisted open the bottle cap and took a large gulp of soda. Knowing its restorative properties, Stelle inquired, "Bochang... can I have some of that soda?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Agree with Stelle: "Sure, go ahead..." ¡ª Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Refuse Stelle: "No, the upcoming battle is crucial; I need my stamina." ¡ª Completion Reward: Stelle''s small pearl. Note: Beware of being scolded by March 7th.] The options that popped up made the choice crystal clear. As for why March 7th and others didn''t express any dissatisfaction, Bochang found it quite normal. After all... In this dire situation, who would focus on such trivial matters? The bigger picture must always take precedence. Bochang agreed, saying, "Yes, you can drink it..." As he spoke, Bochang handed over the soda bottle, which he had already consumed about one-third of. Stelle''s eyes brightened slightly as she took the Jym Rogers Bread Soda. Despite visible droplets still lingering at the plastic bottle''s rim, the gray-haired girl showed no hesitation and immediately started drinking. Watching her soft, reddish lips wrap around the bottle opening, Bochang wondered internally, Does this count as an indirect kiss? However, Stelle only took a few sips of the soda. After taking a few sips, she returned the Jym Rogers Bread Soda to him. Naturally, Bochang finished it off in one gulp, including what Stelle had left behind... He smacked his lips contentedly after drinking. As the soda settled in his stomach, releasing bubbles, he felt an unknown surge of energy within his body. Bochang''s physical condition rapidly began to recover. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a special item: One Ice Bullet, capable of freezing the target upon impact.] "Ice bullet? I remember drawing a revolver before..." Bochang recalled something. Unfortunately, such firearms were not particularly useful on the current battlefield. Everyone present possessed the ability to evade bullets. Unless during Bochang''s shot, Fake Tingyun foolishly stood still without moving, there was little chance of hitting them. Even if they remained stationary, this ice bullet was highly likely to be blocked by the gale winds surrounding Fake Tingyun. "Great... Back to my seat at the trash bin." Bochang sighed softly. Just as he interacted with Stelle, the brief peace on the battlefield was shattered. As Dan Heng effortlessly traversed waves, he had no intention of wasting time with Fake Tingyun. Upon getting slightly closer... S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Dan Heng launched his attack immediately. With a single-handed sword gesture, he gracefully moved through the air, summoning countless water dragons from the shattered ground. These dragons surged towards Fake Tingyun, forcing her to constantly evade within the thousand-meter-wide hollow sphere filled with water. Emerald hurricanes sprouted from the earth, forming numerous tornadoes that wreaked havoc across the battlefield, destroying everything in their path. Originally, these emerald storms should have been handled jointly by Grand Dragon Bailu and Welt Yang. However, after the young dragoness lost her composure... Welt Yang found himself overstretched, unable to manage alone. Even with Dan Heng''s intervention to fortify the defenses, it was insufficient to prevent the emerald hurricanes from intensifying their destructive power. Now, only six simulated black holes remained around Welt Yang, significantly reducing his ability to restrain the chaos. He could only watch as countless green tornadoes and water dragons ravaged the battlefield. Uncle Yang thought, "I hope Jing Yuan arrives soon..." With this concern in mind, Welt Yang increased his energy output, causing the surrounding gravitational forces to become even more chaotic while simultaneously resisting the occasional onslaught of emerald tornadoes. The battle between Fake Tingyun and Dan Heng covered a vast area. As both were considered long-range mages, they engaged each other from distances of hundreds of meters apart. Bochang and his companions found themselves caught in the crossfire. Hastily activating their teleportation rings, they teleported to the feet of the giant dragon Bailu, joining March 7th, Serval, and Qingque. Naturally... This time, they used Stelle''s teleportation rings. Bochang''s energy unit remained preserved, still unused. Chapter 183 - 182: Parting Gift Chapter 183 - 182: Parting GiftPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The aerial battle had spilled onto the ground. Bochang and Stelle hastily retreated to avoid getting entangled by the relentless green tornadoes and their endless combat. After all... Their current condition was far from ideal. "Hey, Bochang... Are you alright? That fake Tingyun''s punch seemed quite powerful; it even tore through your clothes..." March 7th observed as Bochang, supported by Stelle, teleported back down. She couldn''t help but express her concern. "Don''t worry, I''m fine... Just used a small item to withstand it," Bochang replied with a slight shake of his head. March 7th crossed her arms and remarked, "You sure have a lot of these little items." Serval and Qingque nodded in agreement. When they saw Bochang in peril, the Mahjong girl feared he might be killed outright. To her surprise, he managed to endure the devastating blow. It was only thanks to Dan Heng''s timely intervention that tragedy was averted. March 7th continued, "That gadget you used earlier was quite interesting... It even displayed subtitles on your body, saying ''I''m just a child.'' As if anyone here isn''t still a child." Hiding beneath Bailu''s feet, everyone finally had a brief moment of respite amidst the chaos. Even with raging blue tornadoes approaching, they would be intercepted by the colossal dragon Bailu. Now that Bochang was safe again, she resumed her duties. Bailu helped alleviate some pressure from Welt-Yang and Dan Heng. As Qingque drew another tile, she said, "March, don''t go chatting with them. Hurry up and come assist us." To fake Tingyun, March 7th and his allies seemed rather insignificant. However... They were still capable of causing distractions from the sidelines. Seeing this, March 7th responded, "Got it, don''t worry, I''ll be right over." Qingque continued drawing cards. As they listened¡ª "No rush, come on! How haven''t you drawn yet?" Bochang couldn''t help but rest his forehead in one hand, feeling exasperated. During the recent battle, Qingque''s contributions could be counted on fingers alone. Her attack frequency was significantly lower compared to March 7th, Serval, and others. However... Bochang and the group didn''t rely on her for combat, so they were entirely unconcerned. Qingque could contribute as much damage as she could manage; even if she chose to crouch defensively, no one would blame her. As the battle progressed, Phantylia grew increasingly anxious. "Just defeated Bochang, and now another even stronger opponent emerges?" S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After exchanging several blows with Dan Heng, Phantylia remarked, "Very... very well, your prowess is indeed commendable, forcing me to resort to such measures." "Enough chatter! Surrender immediately," Dan Heng commanded coldly, effortlessly summoning towering waves that surged towards the false Tingyun. Before Phantylia could finish her taunt, she was compelled back into battle. With a swift motion of her hands, surrounding green tornadoes coalesced and clashed against the endless waves. "Boom!" The collision of these two immense forces caused the earth to violently crack open, resembling a split watermelon. Deep fissures spread outward relentlessly. Welt Yang and the colossal dragon Bailu were now completely unable to control the situation. The cracks rapidly extended beyond the massive hollow water sphere. Within mere seconds... Nearly half of the Exalting Sanctum fractured, intense tremors swept across the entire cave heaven, causing numerous buildings to collapse and leaving chaos in their wake. Due to the suddenness of events, many people remained unaware of what exactly was happening. It was no longer feasible to leisurely play cards amidst this chaos. Who would dare continue playing now? Not if they valued their lives! Under the guidance of the Cloud Knights, numerous residents hastily evacuated from Exalting Sanctum. Meanwhile, two young women arrived at Exalting Sanctum via a star ferry. They were strikingly beautiful, adorned in elegant attire. Contrary to everyone else... While others rushed to leave Exalting Sanctum, these two hurried to enter it. The Cloud Knights noticed these peculiar newcomers and intended to persuade them to depart. However, within the blink of an eye, the two mysterious beauties vanished into the crowd, their destination unknown. Had Bochang and his group seen them, they would have instantly recognized the distinctive pair: Herta and Asta, the Station Director and Acting Director of the space station, had arrived on Luofu Immortal Continent. Their presence here was naturally for Bochang''s sake. Before locating their intended target, they were first struck by the chaotic scene at the Exalting Sanctum. "A single Stellaron could cause such turmoil in Xianzhou Luofu?" Asta remarked with astonishment. Herta responded, "It''s no surprise when Stellaron Hunters are involved; anything peculiar can happen. Moreover... this isn''t just about one Stellaron now. I''ve sensed the fluctuations of a Destruction Emanator, indicating that some Monarch has set its sights on Luofu." "Lord Ravager? Surely not..." Asta looked incredulous. Herta nodded, her expression remaining unchanged. "If my perception is correct, within that spherical water enclosure, someone is battling Lord Ravager." The hollow water sphere was semicircular and stood fully five hundred meters tall. It was highly conspicuous within the Exalting Sanctum, visible to anyone simply by looking up. With just one glance, Herta understood that the hollow water sphere was designed to contain the battle, preventing its aftermath from affecting the surrounding area. Otherwise... The Exalting Sanctum would have been utterly destroyed. "Indeed, it''s quite intriguing..." Herta stroked her chin thoughtfully and then looked up at Asta. "I''ll proceed ahead; wait for me outside the Exalting Sanctum." For the remainder of her journey, Herta decided not to bring Asta along. After all... Asta''s pace was too slow, and carrying her would only hinder Herta''s speed. "Understood, Lady Herta. I will await your safe return outside the Exalting Sanctum..." Asta acquiesced without any objections, her demeanor respectful. Wasting no more time, Herta vanished instantly like a gust of wind. During her swift travel, Herta noticed the once-dead Tree of Foundation had begun regrowing, its canopy now sprawling over nearly one-third of Luofu Immortal Continent, obscuring both sky and sun. The battle within the colossal hollow water sphere continued. As Welt Yang and the dragon Bailu began to weaken, the focus of combat shifted from the sky to the ground. The scene grew increasingly terrifying, with hundred-meter-high waves crashing against towering azure tornadoes, causing the earth to continuously tear apart. Bochang and others found themselves almost without stable footing, forced to stand on the back of the giant dragon Bailu. "Try my prowess now!" From atop the dragon''s back, March 7th leaped forward, unleashing her strongest arrow towards the false Tingyun. Unfortunately, after dissipating one azure tornado, her attack lost its momentum. The pink-haired girl''s assault couldn''t even reach the enemy, let alone inflict any damage. While resting, Bochang continuously infused magic power from the Dragon Talisman into the giant dragon Bailu, allowing it to maintain its massive form. The dragon maiden, infused with immense power, roared like an invigorated beast, her cry resonating loudly. "This can''t continue... I need to conserve my strength for creating a new body..." Realizing that defeating them quickly was unlikely, Phantylia began contemplating retreat. Having fought this far, Phantylia knew she couldn''t simply slip away without consequence. Instead, she spoke up, "Heh heh... Esteemed benefactors, I have other matters to attend to and cannot continue playing with you all." "Lastly... allow me to bestow one final parting gift upon my dear benefactors." With a raised hand, the false Tingyun summoned a massive meteorite, several kilometers in diameter, from an unknown location, sending it hurtling towards them. This overwhelming force instantly tore through the spherical water barrier, leaving everyone''s eyes wide with shock. Chapter 184 - 183: Lunar Eclipse - Falling Star Shattering Moon Chapter 184 - 183: Lunar Eclipse - Falling Star Shattering MoonPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The colossal dragon Bai Lu flapped its wings, hovering mid-air. On its back, Bochang, March 7th, and others gazed skyward, awestruck. As the meteorite approached Luofu Immortal Continent, despite being at a great distance... it exerted immense pressure on everyone below. Bochang could even feel an overwhelming gravitational force from above, as if it might pull him towards the falling celestial body. This was no ordinary meteorite. With his keen eyesight, Bochang clearly observed that the glowing surface of the meteorite, heated by intense temperatures...was embedded with countless diverse soldiers of the Antimatter Legion. Among them were even Doomsday Beasts, formidable weapons against celestial bodies. Additionally, there were massive unidentified creatures appearing to be equally or more powerful than the Doomsday Beasts. These creatures were not only dead but also disturbed posthumously, transformed by Lord Ravager into a meteorite infused with an overwhelming and terrifying amount of Destruction energy. Neither Welt Yang nor Dan Heng felt confident in stopping this onslaught. If Dan Heng still possessed his full strength from his High Elder days, he undoubtedly could have halted it. However, the current stoic little azure dragon was no longer at his peak. After all... A portion of his power had been passed on to the new High Elder - Bailu. Thus, Dan Heng''s capabilities were significantly diminished compared to his former self. Or rather, far weaker than the previous Imbibitor Lunae from his past life. Phantylia relished their expressions and said, "Dear benefactors, my gift has been delivered. Allow me to take my leave now." With that, the false Tingyun abruptly twisted her head to the side, committing suicide instantly. Her body, now limp, plummeted from the sky, gradually dissipating like a fading illusion. All Bochang and his companions could witness was a streak of azure flame fleeing into the distance. With no time to pursue, they solemnly gazed at the meteorite hurtling towards them - the so-called "gift" left by the false Tingyun. Honestly... It indeed qualified as a gift. This meteorite, refined after the destruction of an entire civilization, required the sacrifice of an entire planet and its fallen Antimatter Legion to extract its essence. If fortune smiled upon them, there might even be remnants of other civilizations'' Curios within it. Having no intention to linger, Phantylia hastily departed after releasing the meteorite. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus successfully cast the Stellaron onto the location of the Tree of Foundation, allowing it to take root and begin sprouting. Next, Phantylia set out to construct its new body. With a more formidable form, these individuals would be mere ants beneath its power. Moreover, it was uncertain whether Bochang and his allies could withstand such an impact. Although this meteorite was only considered medium-sized among Phantylia''s treasured collection, it possessed enough destructive force to annihilate a thriving planet. Even if Luofu Immortal Continent endured the strike, it would suffer immense casualties. This devastating attack had a fitting name: Lunar Eclipse. Naturally, Bochang and his companions were unaware of the technique''s title; they simply knew they faced grave danger. "What should we do... Should I teleport away?" Bochang pondered internally. There was still some time before the meteorite struck. Enough for Bochang to activate his teleportation ring and escape to Jarilo VI. If Pela responded promptly and effectively, he could swiftly depart unscathed from this perilous situation. March 7th, Stelle, and Serval could also teleport with him. Moreover, everyone had the ability to bring additional people along. In theory, barring any unforeseen circumstances, they could all escape safely. The only exceptions were Pascal and Sophia, as they were not present, leaving no means to assist them. However, Welt Yang did not intend to flee. He knew that without his intervention, the Exalting Sanctum would surely be destroyed. Additionally, many innocent residents of Xianzhou Luofu had yet to evacuate. It was crucial to understand... On Xianzhou Luofu, the celestial abodes varied greatly in size and shape, utilizing space-folding technology. Some larger abodes were nearly equivalent to entire planets. The densely populated Exalting Sanctum district exemplified this even more dramatically. If Welt Yang chose to ignore the situation, the casualties among the Xianzhou inhabitants would be catastrophic. Dan Heng and Welt Yang exchanged glances, then soared upward together, launching their most powerful attacks against the falling meteorite. Even if they couldn''t stop it, they had to try. At the very least, they needed to buy more time for innocent civilians of Exalting Sanctum to evacuate the area. With a brief exchange, they declared: "You go ahead; leave this to us." March 7th promptly cast protective shields around them. As they watched the meteorite rapidly descending towards the ground, Bailu hesitated and suggested, "Bochang... What should we do now? Maybe we should just run away first." In his current dragon form, Bailu felt confident that he could escape before the meteorite struck. Although there was a risk of being injured by the aftermath nearby, it would still be better than taking a direct hit from the falling celestial body. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: With such an attack looming, why not flee? Let Welt Yang and Dan Heng play the heroes. Respond with: "Alright, Bailu, let''s go." ¡ª Completion Reward: Skill "Timidity," which weakens your strength gradually over time when engaged in prolonged intense battles.] [Option Two: Why run? Be a man and charge forward. Say, "Go ahead without me, I''ll help Dan Heng and Uncle Yang intercept the meteor." ¡ª Completion Reward: Randomly obtain the power of one out of twelve talismans.] [Option Three: The more dangerous it is, the calmer you must remain. Comfort Bailu by saying, "Don''t panic, Bailu. Trust in Uncle Yang and Dan Heng; if they believe there''s a chance to intercept the meteor, let''s assist them together." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Seeing Option Two, Bochang inwardly sighed and thought, "Since ancient times, death has been inevitable for all. It may be lighter than a feather or heavier than Mount Tai." "Well, with Uncle Yang and Dan Heng taking the lead, I don''t need to worry too much..." The black-haired youth mentally convinced himself. "Isn''t it just about stopping a meteor? No need to panic! Just go for it." "Option Two!" Having made his decision, Bochang declared, "Go ahead without me; I''ll help Dan Heng and Uncle Yang intercept the meteorite." "You can''t be serious! That''s way beyond our capabilities," Serval exclaimed anxiously. March 7th and Stelle, after considering it briefly, agreed with him and began urging Bochang to reconsider. "We think leaving this to the omnipotent Dan Heng Teacher and Uncle Yang is best... You''re already weakened; let''s not add more chaos," said March 7th. "Bochang, isn''t this too dangerous?" echoed Stelle. At that moment... Qingque snapped back to reality. "Stop talking, we need to run quickly! If we don''t go now, it''ll be too late." The mahjong girl, still young, had no desire to die just yet. Bailu oscillated wildly between running and staying, unable to make up her mind within those fleeting moments. Now everything hinged on Bochang. Unfortunately... There was no sign of the system''s voice chiming in. Bochang realized he must indeed rush forward to intercept the meteorite; otherwise, there would be no reward for him. "My decision is final. There''s no need for further persuasion." Chapter 185 - 184: The Jellyfish Meteorite Chapter 185 - 184: The Jellyfish MeteoritePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Facing the gazes of March 7th, Stelle, and others, Bochang slapped his sword case on his back, commanding, "Draw!" The cybernetic flying sword swiftly emerged, emitting a cold and formidable aura as it hovered silently in the air, awaiting further instructions. Bochang reached out and firmly grasped the hilt. "I''ll go ahead first. Cyber Flying Sword, ascend upwards." Without giving anyone a chance to dissuade him, Bochang soared upward with the cyber flying sword, directly confronting the plummeting meteorite. Despite being at a considerable distance... the intense heat was already palpable to Bochang. "What should I do now... Should I use Dragon Blast?" Faced with this meteorite, Bochang could only think of employing Dragon Blast for an attack. Other talismans seemed ineffective against such a threat. "Wait... Could I use the Monkey Talisman to try transforming it into a smaller statue?" With most powerful enemies possessing Shields, the Monkey Talisman''s magic rarely proved useful. Bochang briefly considered transforming himself into a powerful creature, such as a dragon. However, mythical beings like dragons were beyond the capabilities of his Monkey Talisman. Currently, he could only change into ordinary animals like cats, dogs, sparrows, or elephants. A dragon? Not feasible at the moment. Perhaps Bochang needed to thoroughly study the anatomy of dragons. With dedicated effort and learning over time, he might eventually master the challenging skill of transforming into one. He already had a suitable subject for research: Bailu couldn''t escape him; all Bochang lacked was time. Too many powers were fused within him, and he hadn''t even fully explored the Dragon Talisman''s potential yet... He had just mastered close-range Fire Lotus techniques, leaving scarce time to delve into the Monkey Talisman. Facing such formidable enemies, the Monkey Talisman seemed limited in its immediate usefulness. However, against the incoming meteorite, it might prove effective. With this thought, Bochang activated the magic power of the Monkey Talisman, intending to transform the meteorite into a jellyfish. After all... The Monkey Talisman''s power can affect lifeless objects; it''s worth giving it a try. If successful in transforming the circular shape into a jellyfish statue, regardless of other effects, just the increased air resistance would significantly slow down the meteor''s descent. After all, a jellyfish resembles a parachute. As they watched Bochang depart, Qingque interjected, "Um... Can we run now?" "No!" came the unanimous response from Stelle, Bailu, March 7th, and Serval. In that moment, their unexpected unity was striking. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stelle took charge, directing everyone, "March, add a shield for Bochang. Bailu, quickly attack that meteor." The gray-haired girl began issuing commands confidently. Bailu, transformed into her colossal dragon form, lifted her head, the fiery red meteor reflecting in her eyes. With determination, she declared, "Leave it to me!" Her fearsome jaws parted, revealing a brewing white lightning bolt within. Gathering her strength relentlessly, Bailu aimed to unleash her most powerful strike to aid her friends¡ªa sight that caught both Welt Yang and Dan Heng off guard. To be fair, Bailu possessed immense power but often struggled to harness it effectively. Until this moment...she finally seemed to grasp how to wield her abilities fully. Giant Dragon Bailu possessed immense power, but she was like a child with untapped treasures, unsure how to harness them effectively. Until now... Bailu finally held the metaphorical pickaxe to wield her strength fully. The meteorite continued its descent, casting a reddish glow across the entire Exalting Sanctum due to its luminescent properties. Welt Yang, Dan Heng, Bochang, and others, bathed in this radiant light, charged directly towards the falling meteorite. Their courageous figures were deeply etched into the minds of fleeing Xianzhou residents, impossible to forget. Some even paused, staring dumbfounded at the sky. As the bustling district of Xianzhou Luofu, Exalting Sanctum naturally boasted robust security measures. However... Who could have anticipated facing an enemy in the form of a colossal meteorite plummeting from the heavens? Moreover, the destructive energy emanating from this meteorite felt overwhelmingly crushing. Anyone who had unlocked their fate paths could sense it immediately - this was not something ordinary individuals could halt. The Cloud Knights, busy evacuating people, gazed up at the sky. The sight of the descending meteorite instilled a sense of despair. They could feel the powerful gravitational pull attempting to draw them upwards, as if trying to suck everything into the heavens. In reality... numerous lightweight objects around them were already being lifted off the ground, flying uniformly towards the meteorite. This created an absurd illusion, blurring the distinction between earth and sky. With no time to spare, Welt Yang raised the Garden of Eden and created several simulated black holes above, aiming to halt the meteor''s descent. Dan Heng, on the other hand, summoned a thousand-meter-high wave, forming it into an azure dragon to confront the falling meteor. Bochang was the first to utilize the power of his Monkey Talisman. The unyielding meteor indeed fell prey to the transformation spell, changing from its spherical shape into that of a jellyfish statue. However, contrary to expectations, it did not shrink but rather appeared to grow larger, expanding from a few kilometers in diameter to over ten kilometers. Yet... The meteor''s descent significantly slowed down. As commonly known... among objects with equal surface area, a sphere has the largest volume. Therefore, when the meteor transformed from a sphere into a jellyfish statue, it was natural for its apparent size to increase. Realizing something, Bochang pondered, "Is it because the destructive force within the meteor is too strong, preventing me from altering its mass? Or could it be that against inanimate objects... the Monkey Talisman''s ability cannot reduce weight?" "Emmm..." "It''s also possible that I genuinely reduced its mass, but the effect was too subtle to notice." The question remained unanswered for now. Regardless, Bochang knew he hadn''t increased the meteorite''s mass or enhanced Lunar Eclipse''s potency; instead, he had slowed it down, slightly weakening its impact. That alone was sufficient. In the next moment, Bochang felt a wave of dizziness engulf his mind. He realized this was due to forcefully transforming the meteorite into a jellyfish statue, which had depleted excessive amounts of the Monkey Talisman''s power. Fortunately, the transformative energy wasn''t as volatile as the Dragon Talisman''s magic. Otherwise, Bochang might have collapsed instantly from exhaustion after such exertion. As Welt-Yang and Dan Heng observed the changing meteorite, they correctly guessed Bochang''s involvement. "Good job," both Welt and Dan Heng thought simultaneously. The meteor''s descent visibly slowed down, which everyone could perceive clearly. Naturally, no one blamed Bochang for his exhaustion. Next... A simulated black hole, a water dragon, and Bai Long''s high-energy electrical discharge converged on the jellyfish meteorite. In an instant, the jellyfish meteorite halted its downward trajectory, ceasing further descent. This collision generated a powerful shockwave that radiated outward in all directions. Some of the meteorite''s tentacles were destroyed, plummeting towards fortunate individuals below. Even Bochang, continuing to ascend, found it challenging to progress against the strong gusts caused by the impact. Fortunately, the March 7th Shield promptly enveloped him, allowing Bochang to open his eyes once more. Without it, the wind would have been too intense. Chapter 186 - 185: Such Massive Diamonds Falling from the Sky Chapter 186 - 185: Such Massive Diamonds Falling from the SkyPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Numerous jellyfish meteorite tendrils descended like a shower of meteors. Bochang could only control his cybernetic flying sword to dodge, preventing himself from getting struck. Apart from voice commands, when piloting manually, he used hand gestures similar to manipulating a joystick. With these precise movements, he effectively controlled the cyber flying sword''s actions. Bochang simply needed to rotate the spherical controller, and the flying sword would respond accordingly, making it highly convenient. As for the scattered falling jellyfish meteorite tendrils, there was no need to worry. The Cloud Knights weren''t idle; they had methods to handle most of the smaller falling debris. For those they couldn''t intercept? One could only hope for the best. With a formidable enemy at hand, Bochang and his allies had little choice but to focus on the immediate threat. Now, Welt Yang, Dan Heng, and the colossal dragon Bailu joined forces, managing to resist the meteorite impact weakened by Bochang''s initial strike. However... It wasn''t enough. After a brief pause, the jellyfish meteorite continued its descent, even accelerating in speed. The simulated black hole, water dragon, and Giant Dragon Bailu''s high-energy electrical discharge continued to clash against the incoming threat. However, they could only delay the attack, unable to halt the destructive force of the jellyfish meteorite. After all... This was no ordinary meteorite. The inherent destructive power continuously fueled its momentum. This move could be considered as Lord Ravager''s full-power strike, possessing immense strength. Bochang maneuvered his cybernetic flying sword to reach Welt Yang''s side and said, "Uncle Yang, I''d like to try using Dragon Blast next to see if it can destroy the meteorite." "Alright, give it a shot. I''ll have your back," Welt Yang nodded. With General Jing Yuan still not arriving on time, Welt Yang had to place his hopes on Bochang. Bochang''s capabilities were indeed unpredictable; he might just prove to be significantly helpful. Moreover, Bochang had already demonstrated his usefulness once before. His intervention truly made a difference, substantially slowing down the jellyfish meteorite and easing the defenders'' efforts. Just as Bochang prepared to unleash his attack, a familiar crisp female voice echoed from afar. "Here''s a massive Diamond... for you!" Surprised, Bochang turned to look. He witnessed a purple Diamond, over a hundred meters in diameter, hurtling towards the jellyfish meteor at blistering speed, trailing flames behind it. In the distance, Herta floated mid-air, wielding a large black hammer. Her gaze wasn''t focused on the jellyfish meteor but rather, with keen interest, locked onto Bochang. Their eyes met briefly. "Huh? What is Herta doing here?" Bochang was momentarily taken aback. However... Her arrival couldn''t have been more timely. Bochang recalled that Herta was also an Aeon Emanator, and surely she could intercept this jellyfish meteor, relieving everyone of this immense threat. Just as Bochang anticipated, the colossal purple Diamond struck from the side, effortlessly shattering the jellyfish meteor into irregular fragments, which scattered across the Exalting Sanctum. Under Bochang''s watchful eye, the jellyfish meteor disintegrated explosively. The Cloud Knights... also instantly shattered at that moment. Although they possessed long-range attack capabilities, the sheer number of falling meteor fragments was overwhelming, making it impossible to defend against them all. Fortunately, General Jing Yuan arrived just in time. Upon hearing the commotion nearby, Bochang spotted Jing Yuan hovering mid-air, accompanied by a colossal golden Divine Monarch seemingly over a kilometer tall behind him. "Hallowed might, heed my command..." The cloud knight general, radiating golden light, appeared no less divine than a deity itself. From a great distance, he raised his crescent moon blade and then forcefully swung it downward. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In unison, the Divine Monarch mirrored this action. "Merciless Slash!" With one sweeping strike, regardless of the multitude of meteorites ahead, the Divine Monarch effortlessly shattered them into dust. The surging golden blade aura cleared nearly half the clouds enveloping Luofu Immortal Continent. Of course... this ease was possible only because Bochang, Herta, and others had initially intercepted the meteorite, mitigating its impact. Without such power, General Jing Yuan wouldn''t have been able to resolve the crisis so effortlessly. With the danger averted, the system''s notification promptly sounded: [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the strength of the Horse Talisman.] "Horse Talisman? I wanted the Dog Talisman... Can''t I get the Dog... or even the Ox or Rabbit Talismans instead?" Bochang muttered inwardly. Surveying the utter chaos at Exalting Sanctum, even General Jing Yuan, with his typically calm demeanor, found it difficult to maintain composure. "You... just what have you all done here? And... this is... Miss Herta?" Noticing another Aeon Emanator present, Jing Yuan''s expression subtly shifted. He had received word about Herta''s visit to Xianzhou Luofu, but he hadn''t anticipated her appearance at Exalting Sanctum. Unfortunately, she now witnessed this unsightly scene. Welt Yang began speaking first, "Here''s what happened... General Jing Yuan, we were exploring the Exalting Sanctum when suddenly we discovered that Miss Tingyun, assigned by the Sky-Faring Commission, had been impersonated..." "In the end, to our surprise, the one masquerading as Miss Tingyun was none other than Lord Ravager." Welt Yang recounted the entire incident to Jing Yuan without any intention of withholding information. Despite being at a considerable distance from each other, using their fate path powers allowed their voices to carry far across the landscape. "Lord Ravager?" Jing Yuan murmured softly. Ever since the onset of the Stellaron disaster, he had been vigilant against Abundance fiends, Stellaron Hunters, and Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Despite all his precautions, he never anticipated that Lord Ravager would appear on Luofu Immortal Continent. Jing Yuan found it almost unbelievable. But... The meteorite moments ago was unmistakably Lord Ravager''s handiwork. Whether Jing Yuan wanted to believe it or not, there was no denying it. While the Cloud Knight General and Welt Yang were engaged in conversation, Herta flew over to Bochang, scrutinizing him closely as if trying to decipher something intriguing. Bochang, holding his cybernetic flying sword with one hand, felt slightly embarrassed hovering mid-air. He asked, "Miss Herta, why are you staring at me? I hope...I haven''t done anything wrong against you." When Himeko contacted Herta, Bochang and his companions were still adventuring on the immortal continent, unaware due to disrupted communications. They had no inkling that Herta was about to arrive. "Didn''t you tell Himeko... that you wanted to experiment with my dolls? So here I am." "Oh... so it was about that..." Bochang sighed in relief and maneuvered his cybernetic flying sword parallel to the ground, then climbed onto it, standing atop the blade. After adjusting his position... Bochang asked, "Did Miss Herta agree?" "No, not really..." Herta replied, continuing to scrutinize Bochang closely, even circling around him for inspection¡ªmuch like when he first met Bailu. Bluntly, Bochang queried, "If she didn''t agree, why did you come over?" "I may not consent to being studied by you, but I want to study you instead. Is that difficult to understand?" Herta stroked her chin, gazing at him with an enigmatic expression. Chapter 187 - 186: The Noble Mare Chapter 187 - 186: The Noble MarePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang slowly typed out a question mark. Staring at Herta before him, he momentarily didn''t know what to say. It was clear that... this brown-haired maiden, or rather, the brunette doll loli, had no intention of letting him go. Floating in mid-air, Herta reached out with her icy-cold hand and gently touched Bochang''s chest. Following Tingyun''s unexpected attack, Bochang''s clothing bore a large hole both at the front and back, mirroring each other precisely. As a result... Herta''s small hand directly felt the contours of Bochang''s pectoral muscles. Her pale fingertips lightly glided over his skin. Despite appearing as just a doll, the touch of her hand felt remarkably human, far from what one would expect from a puppet. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The craftsmanship truly seemed incredibly lifelike. However, this wasn''t the time for such thoughts. "Miss Herta, please act normally; I''m feeling scared..." After Bochang''s comment, he nudged the spherical orb with his foot, causing the cybernetic flying sword to retreat a step and evade her touch. Just as Herta was about to respond, she was interrupted by General Jing Yuan. "I didn''t expect Lord Ravager to set her sights on Luofu Immortal Continent; it seems her target must be the Tree of Foundation." The man known as the Blindfold General pondered briefly before deducing Phantylia''s intentions. It wasn''t difficult to guess. With such a massive Tree of Foundation awakening, Jing Yuan found it implausible that Lord Ravager''s visit had nothing to do with it. After all... As a blessing from the Age of Abundance, the ancient Tree of Foundation itself is considered a remarkable treasure. The original inhabitants of Xianzhou relied on the Tree of Foundation to transform their genetic makeup, becoming eternal life beings. Many individuals harbored desires to seize the ancient Tree of Foundation, but they were simply unable to overcome the Xianzhou Alliance''s defenses. Thus, they refrained from making any moves. Welt Yang nodded in agreement, "Being able to discern Lord Ravager''s objective is indeed ideal." "Hm... In any case, you''ve done well with this matter. The Xianzhou Alliance owes the Astral Express Crew a debt of gratitude." General Jing Yuan''s gaze swept over the members of the Astral Express Crew. His eyes lingered for a few extra seconds on Dan Heng, carrying a nostalgic expression. The stoic little azure dragon calmly looked away, showing no intention of meeting Jing Yuan''s gaze. March 7th, who had arrived aboard the great dragon Bailu, keenly sensed something amiss and muttered to herself, "Those two... Why do I feel there''s something peculiar about their interaction?" Jing Yuan sighed once more. "What a pity that this Exalting Sanctum has suffered such heavy losses..." Compared to the previous battle at Bochang, the confrontation between the Trailblaze Squad and Lord Ravager resulted in far greater destruction. At a glance, one could see collapsed houses and injured residents of Xianzhou everywhere. In just these few short minutes, some individuals tragically perished due to the aftermath of the combat. The calamity''s occurrence could not be blamed on the crew of the Astral Express; Jing Yuan was well aware of this. If it weren''t for Bochang and his companions discovering Lord Ravager''s trail, the cloud knight might have remained oblivious to the severity of the situation. Underestimating the enemy''s strength is a major strategic mistake, so not only could Jing Yuan not fault them, he owed them gratitude. Otherwise... Heaven only knows what unforeseen consequences might have occurred otherwise. "We''ve already been doing our utmost to minimize the impact of the battle on the surroundings," Welt Yang responded. This was indeed true. If not for Welt Yang and the giant dragon Bailu stabilizing the battlefield, the devastation at the Exalting Sanctum would undoubtedly be far more severe than what they witnessed now. "I am aware of that," General Jing Yuan nodded. After all, their enemy was an Emanator. Even with such a brief engagement, completely destroying the entire Exalting Sanctum would have posed no issue. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Courageously step forward, use the power of the Horse Talisman to restore this place, and say, "General Jing Yuan, leave the restoration of the Exalting Sanctum to me." ¡ª Completion Reward: Mental Energy increased by 100%.] Option Two: Stay silent, acting as if nothing happened¡ªCompletion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will... Option Three: Seize the opportunity to claim credit by saying, "General Jing Yuan, we have repelled Lord Ravager. Don''t you think it''s appropriate..."¡ªCompletion Reward: Receive General Jing Yuan''s mysterious reward. Suddenly, Dating Options appeared. A flicker of surprise crossed Bochang''s eyes; he hadn''t anticipated that the system would encourage him to use the Horse Talisman''s power to restore the Exalting Sanctum. This was undoubtedly a massive undertaking. He then briefly glanced at options two and three. Bochang thought to himself, If I hadn''t obtained the Horse Talisman''s power earlier, I likely wouldn''t be presented with Option One now. In that case, only options two and three would remain available. Claiming credit could easily be dismissed, as Bochang had no need for rewards from the Xianzhou Alliance. After all... even just one or two random items from his collection could fetch substantial value. Bochang had no need for anything from the Xianzhou Alliance. After all... even one or two random items from his possession could fetch a significant price. For example, that banana peel guaranteeing a slip every time someone stepped on it¡ªBochang suspected Herta might find it quite intriguing. Compared to the potential of doubling mental energy with Option Two''s random item, it could be directly disregarded. After briefly pondering, Bochang decided on Option One. Although he anticipated the restoration work would be exhausting, given the enticing reward, being diligent like a hardworking laborer wasn''t out of the question... It would also serve as an opportunity to familiarize himself with the Horse Talisman''s power. Moreover, this felt like a form of atonement. If not for Bochang, the Exalting Sanctum would never have suffered such calamity, and countless innocent lives in Xianzhou would not have been affected without cause. "General Jing Yuan, leave the Exalting Sanctum to me," Bochang declared. This statement caught Jing Yuan off guard. "You? Bochang... How do you plan to handle it?" General Jing Yuan looked at him with surprise. At that moment... As March 7th and his companions approached on the giant dragon Bailu, the distance between them had significantly closed. They were now mere tens of meters apart. Upon hearing their conversation, the group exchanged glances without uttering a word. March 7th, Dan Heng, and others were curious about what Bochang intended to pull off. "I can restore this place to its original state." Standing atop his cybernetic flying sword, Bochang calmly gazed at the Cloud Knight General. The noble horse''s power could dispel all external forces from within its body. Specifically, it manifested as healing any ailment and repairing objects. Compared to the Horse Talisman''s capabilities, the Lotus Blossom incantation was practically insignificant. Fortunately, the fusion with Dragon Talisman''s magic transformed the Lotus Blossom into Fire Lotus, making it an indispensable skill for Bochang. The potency of Fire Lotus rivaled even Dragon Blast, differing only in specialization and range. Fortunately, the White Lotus and Dragon Talisman''s magic had merged, forming Fire Lotus blossoms. This made Tongzhan Lianhua, or Blossoming Lotus, an indispensable skill for Bochang, as the Fire Lotus possessed potency comparable to the Dragon Blast. The difference lay primarily in their areas of specialization and attack range. "Restore it to its original state?" Jing Yuan''s mind momentarily froze, struggling to comprehend what was being proposed. Bochang smiled and said, "General Jing Yuan, you''ll see soon enough." "All right, give it a try then," Jing Yuan agreed without hesitation. Upon observing this... Bochang leaped down, prompting the cybernetic flying sword to swiftly follow, sensing its master''s absence. This automatic protective feature had been demonstrated earlier during Bochang''s battle with the fake Tingyun. Chapter 188 - 187: The Malevolent Dragon’s Facehugger Strike Chapter 188 - 187: The Malevolent Dragon''s Facehugger StrikePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** As Bochang plummeted rapidly, his eyes narrowed slightly. The fierce wind whipped around him, creating a roaring sound in his ears. His trench coat billowed upwards, resembling something akin to a parachute. This spectacle didn''t last long. Bochang swiftly grasped a cyber flying sword swooping by his side. Then... S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the flying sword''s momentum, Bochang changed position, diving headfirst towards the ground at high speed. It felt somewhat like Superman''s flight pose. The only difference was¡ªinstead of clenching a fist with one hand, Bochang held the hilt of the cyber flying sword. Within mere seconds, Bochang approached the ground. At this point, the cyber flying sword decelerated and began pulling him upward again, reaching the designated height. Bochang leaped down, landing amidst the ruins, sending up a cloud of dust as the cyber flying sword automatically returned to its sheath. When considering whether to reveal the power of the Horse Talisman, Bochang had initially hesitated upon seeing the options presented. However... Given that he himself contributed to this dire situation, not stepping forward would have been embarrassing even for him. After all, it wasn''t that he lacked ability but rather had a genuine means to further minimize losses. Moreover, the system''s rewards were quite enticing. Bochang took a deep breath and gradually channeled the Horse Talisman''s magic power within him. Sensing the opportune moment, he swiftly crouched down. With one forceful strike on the rubble, instantaneously, a blinding white radiance emanated from Bochang''s palm, spreading outward in all directions. As it swept through, accompanied by rumbling sounds, collapsed buildings rose anew, and fractured earth seamlessly mended itself. The Exalting Sanctum seemed to undergo a reversal of time, appearing incredibly surreal. From his vantage point high above, General Jing Yuan watched, momentarily stunned. March 7th, Serval, and others gazed with wide-eyed astonishment. As Bochang harnessed the power of the Horse Talisman... a brilliant white glow enveloped his entire body, exuding an aura of solemn grandeur. Combined with the scene resembling a temporal rewind, anyone might believe they were witnessing an incarnation of some cosmic era descending upon Earth. Welt-Yang observed clearly that not only did the white light repair the landscape and structures of the Exalting Sanctum, but it also miraculously revived the gravely injured Xianzhou citizens. As Bochang forcefully pulled them back from death''s brink, one individual had lost their lower body due to a meteorite fragment strike. However, after the white light swept over them, the missing half miraculously regenerated. Scenes like this were not uncommon wherever the white light passed. Even Jing Yuan gasped, saying, "This power..." "Quite extraordinary, isn''t it? Actually, my main purpose for coming to Luofu Immortal Continent was because of him." Herta placed her hand on her hip, feeling increasingly restless within. Her desire to study Bochang was almost palpable, as if it could leap out of her chest at any moment. Jing Yuan spread his hands, remarking, "Now, even if someone told me he is the reincarnation of a fallen Heavenly Monarch or Fate Manager, I wouldn''t find it surprising." "That could indeed be a direction worth researching," Herta nodded thoughtfully. Jing Yuan glanced sideways at her, initially reluctant to say more but ultimately unable to hold back. "Miss Herta, perhaps you should refrain from pushing your studies too far with him. It seems that Bochang might be somewhat resistant..." "General Jing Yuan, rest assured, I know my limits," Herta replied nonchalantly. Unfazed, Herta replied. Seeing her reaction... Jing Yuan refrained from saying more. Everyone silently observed Bochang''s performance. The spreading white light of Speed was swift; within just a few seconds, the most severely battle-damaged areas were completely restored by Bochang. Including all the surviving Xianzhou people along his path, as long as they had a breath left, he forcibly pulled them back from the brink of death. In even farther regions, Bochang realized he couldn''t continue much longer. He could sense that both his mind and body were reaching their limits. The extensive use of the Horse Talisman''s magic power left Bochang feeling incredibly drowsy, with an overwhelming urge to fall asleep instantly. "What does this mean... Why hasn''t the system notification sounded yet? Do I need to keep releasing the Horse Talisman''s magic power?" Despite feeling dizzy and disoriented, Bochang wanted to persevere. However, his body simply couldn''t endure any longer. After battling the fake Tingyun and then forcefully reshaping the meteorite using the Horse Talisman''s power, Bochang was drained. If not for consuming the last bottle of Jym Rogers Bread Soda earlier, he likely wouldn''t have been able to stand at this moment. Just as Bochang felt close to collapsing, the voice of "Dating Options" timely rang out: [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received a 100% increase in mental energy.] The system''s announcement was like a much-needed downpour. In the next instant, Bochang''s mind cleared, and he regained some vigor. Of course... It was only a slight recovery, enough to prevent him from immediately falling asleep. Taking a brief moment to compose himself, Bochang straightened up. He noticed March 7th, Dan Heng, and others descending from the sky to join him. "Bochang!" The colossal dragon Bailu transformed back into her young girl form. She took a few steps forward and leaped, attempting a ferocious facehug maneuver. Naturally, Bochang wouldn''t let it succeed. He swiftly extended his arms, intercepting her with lightning reflexes. Grasping Bailu under her armpits, he held her suspended mid-air, preventing any further advance. The dragon girl struggled frantically, waving her limbs. "Ouch! What are you doing..." "I could ask you the same... Bailu, that''s not how to use a ''dragon ride'' move," Bochang looked helplessly at the dragon girl. With her big, pleading eyes fixed on him, Bailu said, "Because this miss used too much power just now... I urgently need to replenish my Bochang Energy." March 7th and the others silently observed the scene, without any intention of interrupting. Bochang couldn''t help but silently think to himself, "What the heck is ''Bochang Energy''?" However... He could guess what Bailu meant by "Bochang Energy." It undoubtedly referred to the magic power of the Dragon Talisman. This was evident enough. "Alright, alright... I''ll give you some then," Bochang agreed without hesitation. He promptly transferred part of the Dragon Talisman''s magic power to Bailu. Doing so further strained Bochang''s already weakened state; his face paled slightly. The dragon girl excitedly exclaimed, "Oh wow! My strength is surging back!" Seeing Bailu''s happiness brought satisfaction to Bochang. Noticing that Herta and General Jing Yuan were watching him intently, Bochang realized they had something to discuss. He gently put Bailu down. "Your strength is truly eye-opening, Bochang. I owe you a favor. If you ever encounter difficulties in the future, please seek me out, and Jing Yuan will certainly assist you." The Cloud Knight General of Luofu solemnly bowed his hand towards Bochang. This gesture caught Bochang off guard, leaving him momentarily speechless before he hastily agreed. Herta, with one hand on her hip, glanced at Jing Yuan and remarked, "No need to be so serious." The cloud knight merely smiled in response. Unfazed, Herta shifted her attention back to Bochang. "So... are you ready to accompany me somewhere secluded for research now?" the doll-like girl took a step forward, her voice crisp as she said, "I must thoroughly uncover the secrets within you." Chapter 189 - 188: Dan Feng Chapter 189 - 188: Dan FengPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Bochang instinctively felt resistant to Herta''s enthusiastic demeanor, though he couldn''t quite pinpoint why; it simply didn''t sit well with him. This time, Welt Yang stepped in to diffuse the situation, saying, "Lady Herta, while I understand your curiosity, there are more pressing matters for Luofu Immortal Continent to attend to at present." General Jing Yuan nodded in agreement. From the beginning, Jing Yuan had focused solely on guarding against threats such as the Abundance Entities, Stellaron Hunters, and Disciples of Sanctus Medicus... He never anticipated the involvement of the Antimatter Legion in Xianzhou Luofu''s affairs. In essence... The emergence of this Lord Ravager disrupted Jing Yuan''s plans entirely. This disruption threw Jing Yuan''s plans off course. Initially, he had prepared to confront the Abundance Emanator, but now it had become the Destruction Emanator instead. It was akin to a student who had diligently pre-studied physics only to suddenly learn that the exam would cover mathematics instead. In short, it left him quite disoriented. As this thought crossed his mind, Jing Yuan''s gaze involuntarily fell upon Herta. The arrival of this Omniscient Heavenly Monarch Emanator couldn''t have been more timely. With her assistance, even the Destruction Emanator posed little threat. Moreover, Jing Yuan had another group of helpers¡ªthe Astral Express crew. Forget just one Destruction Emanator; even if another Abundance Emanator emerged, Jing Yuan remained undaunted. Of course... Despite his calmness, it was crucial to swiftly address the matter of the Tree of Foundation and not let other issues waste Herta''s time. General Jing Yuan well understood the principle that delays invite complications. "Miss Herta, why don''t we proceed together to Scalegorge Waterscape and confront Lord Ravager? As for Bochang''s situation...we can discuss it after taking care of this task. After all, he won''t be leaving anytime soon," suggested the Cloud Knight General, effectively extending an invitation to team up. Herta shifted her gaze away from Bochang, murmured briefly, and then agreed, "That works. I haven''t yet settled accounts with them for the Antimatter Legion''s attack on the space station last time... Let''s seize this opportunity to address both old and new grievances." As previously mentioned, the Matrix of Prescience''s talismanic principles originated from the Erudition Era¡ªthe concept of Nous, which is what Jing Yuan referred to as the Heavenly Monarch Bian Shi. This connection indicated the close ties between the Xianzhou Alliance and factions from the Erudition Era, particularly involving Herta herself. From this interaction, it was evident that the relationship between the Xianzhou Alliance and the Erudition Aeon faction was quite amicable. Notably, Herta had previously assisted Xianzhou in battling the Abundant Evil creatures, further strengthening their bond. This also explained why, despite the blockade on Xianzhou Luofu, they allowed Herta entry. Of course... Even if Xianzhou Luofu hadn''t permitted her access, Herta had numerous ways to infiltrate secretly; however, there was simply no need for such stealth when she could enter openly through the main gate. Upon receiving Herta''s affirmative response, Jing Yuan appeared highly satisfied. March 7th then asked, "General Jing Yuan... what should our Astral Express crew do next? Surely we''re not expected to continue playing around out here?" "Of course not. In fact... I''ve already begun mobilizing the Cloud Knights for a direct assault on the Alchemy Commission... If you have spare time, you could assist there. By my calculations, Minister Fu is currently short-handed..." Jing Yuan smiled warmly at March 7th. The Cloud General''s eyes were small, narrowing further into slits when he smiled. If Bochang hadn''t witnessed Jing Yuan''s godlike strike earlier, he too might have been deceived by his affable demeanor. "Attack the Alchemy Commission? Why? Isn''t it one of Xianzhou''s own departments? And... isn''t the Master Diviner focused on capturing Stellaron Hunters?" March 7th looked astonished. Apart from the pink-haired girl, Bochang, Stelle, Serval, including Bailu and Qingque, all displayed expressions of shock. Jing Yuan''s revelation was truly astonishing. Only Welt Yang, stroking his chin thoughtfully, asked, "Is it because of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus?" "Indeed... Mr. Welt, as expected. Despite having arrived at Xianzhou not long ago, you already know so much." Jing Yuan nodded. "The current Stellaron Crisis in Xianzhou encompasses both external threats and internal strife." "And this internal strife stems from a hidden malicious organization claiming to represent the abundance of people¡ªthe Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. They have been lurking for millennia, gradually gaining control over the Alchemy Commission without anyone noticing. Fortunately, Bailu managed to escape, narrowly avoiding their persecution." "As for the Stellaron Hunters, they are no longer of significant importance now." Jing Yuan delivered this information in one breath. It largely aligned with Welt Yang''s earlier suspicions. Upon further investigation into the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, Welt had uncovered their murky connection with the Alchemy Commission. Additionally, after the Stellaron disaster struck... The near-complete loss of contact with the Alchemy Commission raised suspicions for Welt Yang''s keen senses. If not for Fake Tingyun''s interference, he would likely be en route to the commission right now. Bailu, still shaken, patted her flat chest in relief. "Phew... So it seems I made the right choice fleeing quickly. Otherwise, those villains might have captured me." "Not exactly..." "It should be said¡ªthanks to Bochang, otherwise...this miss wouldn''t have hastily escaped from the forbidden residence." Bailu lifted her head and gently swatted his sturdy waist with her tail. Bochang merely ruffled the little dragon girl''s hair, showing no intention of responding verbally. "When exactly are we setting out? Staying here is so boring..." Herta placed one hand on her hip. Jing Yuan said, "Miss Herta, don''t worry; we''ll depart shortly." "For confronting Lord Ravager this time, do you still require assistance?" Welt Yang pushed up his black-framed glasses. If possible, Welt Yang wished to participate in the battle against Lord Ravager. "Of course, without help...this Scalegorge Waterscape won''t be easy to navigate." As Jing Yuan spoke, his gaze shifted past Welt Yang and locked onto Dan Heng, who attempted to look away. Everyone noticed this exchange. Jing Yuan continued, "Dan Feng, come with us." The cloud knight extended his hand. Amidst astonished gazes, Jing Yuan invited Dan Heng, using an unfamiliar name. A silence instantly fell over the room. After a moment... The stoic little azure dragon slowly began speaking. "General, you should be aware of Vidyadhara''s nature regarding rebirth through the samsara cycle. The ancient sea waters have cleansed everything from Dan Feng; he is no longer present... The person standing before you now is Dan Heng..." S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I hope, General, when looking at me, please discard any shadows of the past." To be frank, there had been no shortage of surprises today. From Tingyun being secretly replaced by Lord Ravager and staying among them all along, to Dan Heng suddenly transforming into a young dragon-like creature, and finally to Bochang miraculously restoring the most devastated areas of the Exalting Sanctum and saving numerous innocent citizens of Xianzhou... Each extraordinary event had nearly numbed everyone''s senses. Now learning that Dan Heng and Jing Yuan were old acquaintances seemed unsurprising. Bochang simply wore an expression akin to watching a drama unfold, while March 7th and others displayed similar reactions. They quietly listened to the conversation between Jing Yuan and Dan Heng. The stoic little azure dragon initially didn''t want to leave with this Cloud Knight General. However, after his persuasive arguments, Dan Heng eventually yielded. Chapter 190 - 189: Heading to the Alchemy Commission Chapter 190 - 189: Heading to the Alchemy CommissionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Under General Jing Yuan''s arrangement: Bochang and Welt Yang, along with others, directly proceeded to the Alchemy Commission to support the offensive against the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Meanwhile, Jing Yuan, Herta, and Dan Heng rushed straight towards Scalegorge Waterscape¡ªthe location where the Tree of Foundation was sealed¡ªto confront Lord Ravager head-on. The reasoning behind Jing Yuan''s plan was straightforward. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus had been biding their time, and now that they suddenly launched their attack, it undoubtedly meant they were fully prepared. The Alchemy Commission likely resembled an impenetrable fortress by this point. It would be a formidable challenge. Even with Fu Xuan overseeing the overall situation, Jing Yuan remained concerned about potential unforeseen complications. It would be more prudent to send the Astral Express Crew for assistance. As for Lord Ravager, With Jing Yuan, alongside Herta and Dan Heng, the three were already sufficient. The two groups set off on separate paths. Before parting, Jing Yuan mentioned that once Bochang and his team had dealt with the situation at the Alchemy Commission, they could also visit Scalegorge Waterscape afterward. Time leisurely moved forward. During their journey aboard the star ferry, Bochang frequently found himself thinking about Miss Fox. When bidding farewell to Jing Yuan earlier, Bochang had requested him to inquire about Tingyun''s whereabouts. Naturally, Jing Yuan readily agreed. Along the way, Welt Yang explained that the Tingyun they confronted was not possessed but most likely an illusion conjured by Lord Ravager. Otherwise, there would have been no need for the fleeing Lord Ravager to destroy its body. Leaving Tingyun''s corpse behind would have been even more impactful. Therefore, the real Tingyun must still be elsewhere, though her fate remained uncertain. Otherwise, there would have been no need for the fleeing Lord Ravager to destroy its host''s body. Leaving Tingyun''s corpse before everyone would have been even more shocking, wouldn''t it? Therefore, the real Tingyun must still be elsewhere, unfortunately with their fate unknown. Bochang idly gazed out the window. After resting briefly, much of his fatigue had subsided. Taking advantage of this idle time, he continuously reviewed the battle against the false Tingyun. Ever since arriving on Xianzhou, Bochang had encountered adversaries progressively stronger than those on Jarilo VI. Of course... This was due to Bochang selectively forgetting about the monsters he effortlessly dominated. Only formidable enemies leave lasting impressions. Back in Belobog, the only worthy opponent had been Cocolia, and even she wasn''t exceptionally strong. Bochang could easily overpower her by leveraging the peculiarities of his abilities. On Luofu Immortal Continent: First, there was the Stellaron Hunter''s Blade, followed by Lord Ravager''s incarnation. Both possessed exceptional strength and combat experience. Following this trend, Bochang''s next step should logically be to face an Aeon. "Come on, I''m still far from matching up with an Emanator..." Bochang shook his head internally. "Challenging an Aeon would be pure suicide." Even disregarding Emanators, based on Dan Heng''s assessment, Bochang likely had a significant gap to close before reaching the level of the Stellaron Hunters. His ability to confront Lord Ravager today relied entirely on the special abilities ''Envoy of Justice'' and ''Big sister Slayer''. Without them... S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang''s fate would have mirrored that of Stelle and March 7th. To say he couldn''t hold his own against Lord Ravager would be inaccurate. Without those specialized skills, engaging with Lord Ravager today would have been impossible. During the battle, both Stelle and March 7th provided significant assistance. One coordinated with Dan Heng to contain Lord Ravager, while the other offered remote support, including casting Shields for their allies. Even then, it was just barely manageable. Or rather... Only slightly feasible. Stelle and March 7th were essentially one-shot by Lord Ravager. The bulk of the combat relied on Bochang, Welt Yang, and the giant dragon Bailu. As for Serval and Qingque, they could offer minimal help. Serval, who nearly got instantly defeated by a mere Stellaron Hunter - Blade, stood no chance against Lord Ravager. Surviving even a single attack was considered a major success. Qingque was slightly better, but waiting for her to draw cards was sheer agony - she was notorious for taking forever to make a move. While Bochang pondered, the star ferry successfully docked outside the Alchemy Commission. "Ladies and gentlemen, according to the coordinates, we have arrived at our destination," Asta''s voice echoed from the front of the vessel. As the acting station director, Asta accompanied Bochang and his team, following Herta''s instructions. Since they were heading straight to Scalegorge Waterscape to confront Lord Ravager, Asta would not be much help there. Instead, it made sense for her to pilot the star ferry for Bochang and his squad. As both a wealthy heiress and the acting station director, Asta had previously represented Herta on diplomatic missions to Xianzhou, making her proficient in operating star ferries. Not only that, but Asta''s piloting skills were impressive, maintaining a steady and smooth course like a seasoned driver. Upon receiving the acting station director''s notification, Bochang and his companions opened the cabin door and emerged in an orderly fashion. The situation within the Alchemy Commission looked grim. As Bochang surveyed the area, he spotted numerous bodies lying on the ground - among them were fallen Cloud Knights, Mara-Struck entities, and various peculiar biological weapons infused with abundant energy. With his Fate Path of Destruction activated, Bochang could distinctly sense this power. "What a brutal battle it must have been..." March 7th lamented, placing her hands defensively across her chest. She appeared ready for combat, prepared to instantly respond if any monsters attacked. "It seems Master Diviner has already embarked on this mission ahead of us," Qingque observed, resting her chin thoughtfully. Speaking of... When the Mahjong Maiden witnessed how fiercely Bochang and his group were fighting, she initially had no intention of joining them. However, General Jing Yuan issued a new command¡ªescort Bochang and the others to support Fu Xuan. Without question, Qingque''s face fell once more, resembling a small kitten''s dismayed expression. Just as she had previously lamented, if she had known such events would unfold, she should have stayed at the mahjong parlor playing cards instead. Completing one task only seemed to invite a cascade of subsequent assignments. The current situation did not align at all with Qingque''s laid-back life philosophy. "I just want to take it easy... Being around these guys brings so much drama." The Mahjong Maiden sighed deeply. It''s important to note that when witnessing the meteorite''s descent... When witnessing the meteorite''s descent, Qingque thought she was about to meet her demise. Fortunately, Bochang and his companions intercepted it, aided by timely interventions from Herta and Jing Yuan. Only through their efforts did Qingque narrowly escape death. For the Mahjong Maiden, this experience felt akin to gods clashing while mortals bore the brunt of the chaos. If given a choice, Qingque would have fled without looking back, vowing never to stay near the Astral Express Crew again. After all... It was simply too dangerous. Entrusting one''s life safety to others could easily lead to a fatal outcome. However, with General Jing Yuan giving orders, Qingque had no choice but to comply; otherwise, her secure livelihood would truly be at risk. At the thought of potentially ending up homeless under a bridge, begging passersby for mercy, the Mahjong Maiden mustered her determination to work diligently. It was all for securing a more laid-back future. "Hmm... I wonder if Diviner won or lost this battle," Welt Yang mused with arms crossed. Stelle observed and remarked, "It seems likely they achieved a great victory." "Exactly, Stelle, our thoughts align. There appear to be very few fallen Cloud Knights; it must have been a splendid battle," March 7th stated firmly, hands on her hips. Welt Yang shook his head, disagreeing. "Not necessarily... If there had been a significant triumph, they would typically leave behind a garrison and troops as support, but we see none here." Chapter 191 - 190: Death Without Regrets Chapter 191 - 190: Death Without RegretsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Alchemy Commission lay devastated. Signs of fierce battles and scattered remains were visible everywhere. Bochang nodded solemnly, "I can guess one reason why we haven''t encountered any Cloud Knights here... They have likely been transformed into Mara-Struck Soldiers. This explains why there are so few Cloud Knight corpses." The sight of countless bodies strewn across the ground was deeply unsettling. Even for Bochang, witnessing the Alchemy Commission in this state caused unease. Facing these deceased remains, he knew he couldn''t help them. The Horse Talisman''s power, though formidable, could only save those with their last breath remaining. For the lifeless corpses, it was utterly helpless. "That makes sense..." March 7th nodded thoughtfully. Welt continued, "Time is of the essence; let''s proceed." No one objected to Uncle Yang''s suggestion. Thus... under the guidance of Bailu and Qingque, the group continued deeper into the Alchemy Commission. As a former resident here, the young dragoness Bailu was quite familiar with the area, and Qingque had visited multiple times as well, ensuring they wouldn''t get lost. Not long after their journey resumed, two figures appeared ahead. One was a foxfolk woman dressed in healer''s attire, seemingly treating a Cloud Knight seated on the ground. Bochang and his companions hastily descended from the stone bridge. Hearing the commotion, the foxfolk healer turned around and said, "You''re not cloud knights... What brings you here? It''s extremely dangerous. Wait... Aren''t you Lady Bailu?" Recognizing the little dragon girl accompanying Bochang, the foxfolk healer''s eyes lit up. As the designated successor to become the next High Elder of Vidyadhara, Bailu''s Timing Essence was highly coveted by many. Fortunately, this Dragon Girl had fled swiftly; otherwise, who knows what might have transpired at the Alchemy Commission. Sensing something amiss, Welt Yang cautiously asked, "We were summoned by the General as reinforcements. Could you tell us where the others went?" "Quick...quickly escape... This guy is...is from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus," whispered the dying cloud knight seated on the ground. The foxfolk medic turned with visible dissatisfaction. "Too talkative! If I heal you, you''ll become one of us too, so...you would help capture the Dragon Girl, wouldn''t you?" To Bochang''s ears, the foxfolk medic''s tone seemed borderline deranged. Are all members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus such lunatics? If so, how did they manage to infiltrate the Alchemy Commission for so long without being discovered? Numerous questions swirled through Bochang''s mind. Just as the foxfolk medic finished speaking, the dying cloud knight abruptly stood up... Suddenly, the dying Cloud Knight sitting on the ground sprang up... grotesque branches began to grow from his body, intertwining with his armor as flesh and metal fused together. Yellow gingko leaves emerged all over him, barely preserving his humanoid shape. Bochang could hardly recognize this figure as the same Cloud Knight from before. The foxfolk medic took half a step back. In an instant... more monstrous creatures emerged from the streets and alleys, encircling Bochang''s group completely. March 7th scanned the scene and remarked, "Yet another predicament. It seems we have no choice but to fight." "Hurry...get away! I can''t control myself anymore!" The newly transformed Mara-Struck Soldier, once a cloud knight, shouted hoarsely for the last time. Under the watchful gaze of Bochang and the others, he desperately raised his weapon, charging towards them. The foxfolk medic observed with keen interest, treating it merely as a spectacle. To her, they were just insignificant members of short-lived races. She remained unconcerned, focusing solely on the diviner from the Divination Commission and the Dragon Girl. Unfortunately for her... Unaware that these seemingly ordinary short-lived beings were actually formidable fate travelers, the foxfolk medic underestimated them. Even the weakest among them, Serval, was not to be taken lightly. As Stelle began raising her metallic baseball bat, Bochang intercepted and said, "Leave this to me." Seeing his gesture... Stelle lowered her bat once more. The others refrained from intervening, watching Bochang quietly, unsure of what he intended to do next. "Since noble horses can dispel all external influences, I wonder... will it affect Mara-Struck afflictions as well?" Bochang''s eyes narrowed slightly. Mara-Struck affliction is essentially a disease. Conveniently, the Horse Talisman claims to cure all illnesses. With this talisman, Bochang effectively surpassed even Bailu in medical expertise; even Hua Tuo, the renowned physician, would bow down to him in admiration. As the Mara-Struck Soldier drew closer, Bochang stepped forward, directly confronting the enemy. The soldier keenly sensed Bochang''s approach, but unfortunately, their power disparity was too vast. Whatever Bochang planned...the Mara-Struck Soldier could not react in time. He only felt a tap on his chest before his body instantly stiffened and collapsed backward. A blinding white light flashed. The Mara-Struck Soldier''s experiences over several hundred years rapidly replayed in his mind. "Is this life flashing before my eyes? I...I''m dead? Just from one slap?" thought the still partially lucid soldier. In a way, it was for the best; he wouldn''t harm anyone else now. Moreover, with General Jing Yuan''s formidable reinforcements arriving, there was no need to worry about his comrades'' safety. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief. "I...have no regrets in death..." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The white glow dissipated. The Cloud Knight crumpled heavily onto the ground, completely unaware that all symptoms of being Mara-Struck had vanished from his body. Convinced he had died, he felt no change. Bochang, observing the serene expression on the fallen Cloud Knight''s face, couldn''t help but scratch his head. "Did he...fake a fall just for attention?" All Bochang had done was tap the soldier''s chest and infuse him with the power of the Horse Talisman. "What...what happened here? What exactly did you do?" Witnessing Bochang effortlessly restore a recently transformed Mara-Struck Soldier to his original state, the foxfolk healer''s eyes nearly bulged out. Qingque, March 7th, Bailu, and others had experienced so many surprises by now that seeing Bochang perform such feats seemed almost routine. The memory of him rebuilding the Exalting Sanctum, reviving the near-dead Xianzhou soldiers from the brink, was still vivid in their minds... As they departed, they could hear numerous Xianzhou survivors mentioning blessings from the Aeon. Even March 7th jokingly asked Bochang what title he should adopt for these deeds. Upon hearing this, ...Bochang inadvertently recalled being called "Ah Ba," a less-than-fond memory. Uninterested in clarifying anything, Bochang looked at the foxfolk healer and bluntly stated, "You''re a bad woman, aren''t you?" "Huh?" She responded with evident confusion. Bochang clenched his fists tightly. "I said...you''re a bad woman, aren''t you." Confused by his accusation, a flash of ferocity crossed the foxfolk healer''s eyes. She promptly retreated and ordered the surrounding Mara-stricken soldiers and various fearsome warbeasts to attack. However, in the next instant, Bochang''s fist loomed before her face. Her pupils trembled with sudden fear that surged within her heart. Just as she tried to dodge, the solid punch landed squarely on her chest. Unable to withstand such immense force, her body shattered, sending chunks of flesh flying in all directions. The scene was brutally bloody. It was confirmed¡ªshe indeed was a bad woman. Otherwise, Bochang''s punch wouldn''t have been so devastatingly powerful. Chapter 192 - 191: The Encampment Chapter 192 - 191: The EncampmentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The foxfolk medic was not an ordinary member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Just from her ability to command a group of soldiers, it was evident that she held at least a minor leadership role. She likely served as part of the Disciples'' strategy to intercept cloud knight reinforcements. Unfortunately for her, she encountered the Astral Express Crew, who had accepted Jing Yuan''s commission to support Fu Xuan. With a straightforward punch, Bochang effortlessly shattered her. After all, this foxfolk medic was a wicked woman; meeting Bochang''s specialized attack was no coincidence. Her demise was well-deserved. As the fractured foxfolk medic split apart, only a slight trace of blood stained Bochang''s fist, while most of the crimson fluid sprayed like a mist, splattering across the ground in a specific direction. Drops of bright red blood dripped from his knuckles. Nonchalantly, Bochang shook his hand to clean it off. The writhing flesh on the ground seemed not yet fully dead. Each piece extended numerous grotesque tentacles, searching for nearby blood and tissue. As expected from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, possessing the power of Abundance¡ªindeed resilient creatures. Upon witnessing this... Bochang unleashed another burst of fire lotuses, incinerating them completely to ash. Once reduced to dust, there was no chance of resurrection. This marked Bochang''s first time killing a sentient being akin to himself. Naturally, he felt no guilt or remorse. Rather, the sight of the fragmented body still extending tentacles was utterly repulsive. However, the advancing Mara-Struck Soldiers and ferocious war beasts did not pause with the foxfolk medic''s demise. They surged forward, their heavy scent of blood palpable even at a distance. Bochang stomped his foot. White light flashed as the Horse Talisman''s power radiated outward. The Mara-Struck Soldiers collapsed uniformly, including both cloud knights and alchemists from the Medical Commission. However, the warbeasts spawned by the Abundance blessing remained unaffected by the Horse Talisman''s magic. After all, they were born with their monstrous forms intact. Unfazed by the fallen allies beside them, their sole focus lay on the enemies ahead. March 7th, Asta, and others swiftly entered combat mode. As the warbeasts charged towards them, Bochang gripped his Vow Spear tightly and executed a sweeping strike. The burning spearhead effortlessly sliced through the enemy''s fur. Several wolf-like warbeasts had their throats slit by Bochang. Despite being manifestations of the Abundance Sprite, these warbeasts lacked the eerie regenerative abilities of Mara-Struck entities. With ease, Bochang dispatched them instantly, requiring no follow-up strikes. The others also displayed their formidable prowess. Apart from one elite gorilla-like warbeast that posed some challenge, the rest of the monsters were relatively weak. Bochang and his companions swiftly dealt with the charging warbeasts, taking less than a minute to resolve the situation. Meanwhile... On the ground, the Cloud Knights and alchemists from the Alchemy Commission began sitting up, still disoriented and unsure of what had transpired. Even the cloud knight who previously "staged" a collision with Bochang thought he was dead. However, upon hearing the ongoing battle sounds around him, he found himself utterly bewildered. Hastily, he struggled to sit up, trying to comprehend the situation. As he managed to raise himself, the battle between Bochang''s group and the warbeasts neared its end. The final blow was delivered by Qingque, as he hurled his Emperor''s Jade Token, instantly incapacitating a wolf-shaped warbeast. Then... Welt Yang observed the recovering cloud knights and asked, "Does anyone know Master Diviner''s whereabouts? We were summoned here as reinforcements by the General..." "Master Diviner...should be at the camp ahead, but...why am I here? I clearly remember being Mara-Struck." "I should have died; why am I still alive?" The dozen or so Cloud Knights murmured among themselves, recounting their experiences. No one doubted Welt Yang and his companions'' identity, given the battlefield strewn with warbeast corpses - clear evidence they were allies. "Huh? What exactly happened? Did I just take a nap? Why did I wake up lying here?" One medic from the Alchemy Commission appeared utterly bewildered. The awakened Cloud Knights spontaneously organized themselves to oversee these medics. Although the Alchemy Commission had been infiltrated and controlled by the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, not everyone there was a member of that sect. For instance, Bai Lu remained unaffected. Many innocent individuals were caught up in this turmoil. Consequently, the Cloud Knights could not indiscriminately kill all the Alchemy Commission''s medics. However, they couldn''t trust them either, as some might still be affiliated with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Thus, they became a ticking bomb needing constant supervision. The battle concluded. March 7th observed the melted ground from the fire lotus and remarked, "Bochang, you''re quite violent." The pink-haired girl''s comment referred to... Bochang explosively punching the foxfolk medic. It was indeed gruesome, making anyone who witnessed it feel uneasy. Had Bochang not swiftly set fire to the scene, leaving it exposed would have only intensified the discomfort. "Just didn''t fully control my strength," Bochang casually replied. A Cloud Knight without his visor approached them. "Excuse me... Was it this gentleman who healed my Mara-Struck condition just now? Or perhaps...the Draconic Lady?" This Cloud Knight was the one who had earlier staged a false injury against Bochang. Bochang still recognized his face. Bochang vaguely recognized him. "Not by me," Bailu promptly shook her head. Although she could treat Mara-Strike, it required... Administering medicine directly to the afflicted individuals. Unlike Bochang, who merely needed to emit white light from his body to instantly heal them all at once¡ªa truly astonishing ability. "Many thanks for saving our lives, sir." The cloud knight bowed with clasped hands, expressing sincere gratitude. Upon hearing this, the other Cloud Knights echoed in unison: "Thank you, sir, for your life-saving grace." Bochang casually waved his hand and replied, "No need to thank me; it''s what I should do." With that, Bochang and his companions had no intention to linger and chat further with the Cloud Knights. After learning Fu Xuan''s whereabouts, they hastily set off. As they rushed towards their destination, they continued rescuing the knights along the way. As they defeated members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus along the way, Bochang and his team swiftly reached the Cloud Knights'' encampment. Unfortunately, their timing was less than ideal. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Fu Xuan had led scouts ahead to gather intelligence and was currently away from the camp. Thus, Bochang''s group could only take a brief respite there. The appearance of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus significantly demoralized the Cloud Knights. After all... Those adversaries possessed a mysterious ability that could rapidly plunge eternal life beings into Mara-Stricken state within a short span. During the Cloud Knights'' initial assault on the Alchemy Commission, casualties were minimal. However, when their comrades suddenly succumbed to Mara-Strike, it caught them off guard, resulting in significant losses. Nowadays... Fear and unease pervaded the entire camp. As Bochang''s group casually walked around, they overheard numerous disheartening remarks detrimental to unity. The captured members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus continued spreading their deceptive propaganda, uttering bizarre statements. Chapter 193 - 192: Cloud Dawn Purple Mansion Chapter 193 - 192: Cloud Dawn Purple MansionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Fu Xuan did not keep Bochang and his companions waiting for long. Shortly thereafter, the Master Diviner appeared before them. "My apologies for the delay, everyone. I have uncovered the intricacies surrounding the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus." Fu Xuan slightly raised his gaze to look at the group. "Well then," Bochang said, "let''s swiftly resolve matters here. We still need to head to the Scalegorge Waterscape next..." Jing Yuan, Herta, and Dan Heng had already proceeded ahead to the location of the Tree of Foundation, pursuing Lord Ravager''s trail. If Bochang and the others arrived too late, they might miss the entire battle entirely. However... An Emanator-level conflict was unlikely to conclude so quickly. The previous battle between Bochang''s group and Lord Ravager''s incarnation ended solely because their adversary chose to withdraw from the battlefield, unwilling to continue fighting. Otherwise, the conflict would have persisted indefinitely¡ªonly heaven knew for how long. "Hmm? In such a rush?" Fu Xuan placed one hand on her hip, her pink-haired Master Diviner form silently observing Bochang. During their journey here, she had already heard about his ability to instantly heal Mara-Struck individuals¡ªan immensely significant development for the Cloud Knights. Mara-Strike was notoriously difficult to treat, as its essence could be likened to the "aging" of eternal life beings. On Luofu and Xianzhou, only Bailu possessed the means to cure or, more accurately, delay the progression of Mara-Strike. Others could merely watch helplessly. However, with Bochang''s capability to instantaneously heal Mara-Struck soldiers, once this news spread, it would undoubtedly boost morale significantly. Moreover, the presence of the Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl further bolstered their advantage. In short¡ªadvantage on our side. Welt Yang explained, "Since the General has already gone to the location of the Tree of Foundation...to confront the Lord Ravager, we wish to swiftly join and assist them." "The Lord Ravager? The General never mentioned this to me." Fu Xuan''s elegant brows furrowed. Asta pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Perhaps General Jing Yuan didn''t want Master Diviner to worry. Besides, with Lady Herta accompanying him, even a Lord Ravager won''t pose much threat." Herta was indeed a genuine Emanator. Although only her puppet had arrived, it still served as a formidable ally, nearly equivalent to the Lord Ravager''s incarnation moments ago. The opponent''s immense strength was undeniable; despite giving their all, the Astral Express crew could only briefly hold them off. Due to the Stellaron disaster, communication with Luofu Immortal Continent had become challenging. Moreover... Fu Xuan was extremely busy, so certain events might not reach her ears at all. For instance¡ªthe visit of Lady Herta to Luofu Immortal Continent remained unknown to her. However, Fu Xuan recognized Asta and knew he served as the acting station director of Herta Space Station. Asta''s word could be fully trusted, even more so than that of the Astral Express crew members. The relationship between the Xianzhou Alliance and Herta Space Station was amicable; they had once fought side by side against common foes, serving as allies against the Abundance Emanators... Fu Xuan performed a quick divination calculation before looking up and saying, "I see, now I understand. Let me be brief then, esteemed members of the Astral Express crew, I need you to shut down several pill furnaces." The combat capabilities of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were significantly inferior to those of the Cloud Knights. After all... Most members belonged to the Alchemy Commission as medical practitioners. In terms of fighting strength, military discipline, and quality of equipment, they fell short compared to the Cloud Knights. On the battlefield, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus would likely suffer continuous defeats. If not for the smoke emitted by those few pill furnaces, which could induce Mara-Struck states in eternal life beings, the Cloud Knights here wouldn''t have needed assistance. They alone could effortlessly overrun the Alchemy Commission, achieving multiple devastating assaults without issue. Following Fu Xuan''s explanation, Bochang and his team understood their mission details. According to legend, these pill furnaces were ancient artifacts used by pill cultivators to deduce the path of immortality. They had the ability to absorb power from the Tree of Foundation, transforming fantasies into reality. Due to the perpetual haze emanating from them, they were named "Cloudmist Purple Mansions." Mixed within this mist were medicinal pills capable of triggering Mara-Struck transformations. For eternal life beings, this was particularly vicious. As long as the pill furnaces remained active, their billowing smoke would render the Cloud Knights virtually immobile. Next... Bochang and his companions followed Fu Xuan to an elevated platform. From there, they gazed upon the massive pill furnace emitting thick clouds of smoke. Alongside it stood several smaller furnaces. The white mist created an ethereal ambiance, resembling a celestial realm. However, for the Cloud Knights, this place was nothing short of a deadly trap. "Is there any possibility we could just blow up all those pill furnaces?" Bochang pointed emphatically, suggesting the quickest solution he could conceive. "Theoretically, yes, but... even if destroyed, these furnaces will be instantly repaired by the power of the Tree of Foundation." Fu Xuan shook her head. She had considered the idea of destroying the furnaces herself, only to find it futile. After all... The disciples of Sanctus Medicus would not stand idly by while their furnaces were under threat. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moreover, even if successful, the Tree of Foundation''s power would swiftly restore the furnaces at astonishing speed. The only viable option was to shut them down completely. "This venerable one''s plan is... to use the main force of cloud knights to distract and draw enemy attention while you extinguish the pill furnaces, stopping the smoke. Once that''s accomplished, I will lead the Cloud Knights to reinforce you; you shall not be left isolated." Fu Xuan''s strategy was straightforward. [Dating Options activated.] Option One: With a confident smile, say, "Master Diviner, let''s not waste time. Uncle Yang and I will charge straight in, causing chaos and carnage... guaranteeing victory within three minutes." ¡ª Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items may... Option Two: Question with doubt, "Master Diviner, could there be a possibility to create a strong wind, blowing away all this smoke?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Fu Xuan''s White-Eyed Glare. Option Three: Respond earnestly, "Master Diviner, since you have devised a plan, let us proceed as you suggest." ¡ª Completion Reward: Three-star ''The Hunt'' Light Cone, Parting Shot. Note: Such items may... The sudden appearance of these options plunged Bochang into deep thought. Option two was clearly not advisable, but why exactly? "In theory, Luofu Immortal Continent''s weather is meticulously controlled by the Realm-Keeping Commission''s Wind and Rain Platform. Logically... stirring up a strong wind should pose no issue, however..." "Never mind, it''s best not to dwell on this. Perhaps Fu Xuan has some undisclosed difficulties." Bochang shifted his attention between options one and three. A random item or a three-star The Hunt Light Cone. For safety, the three-star The Hunt Light Cone would be the better choice. But... Bochang decided to take a risk, especially since he needed to swiftly conclude the Alchemy Commission''s battle and lead everyone to Scalegorge Waterscape. The thought of witnessing Emanators clash was incredibly thrilling, not to mention three Emanators competing simultaneously. Bochang naturally wanted to be there. "Option one." With a confident smile, Bochang declared, "Master Diviner, let''s not waste time. Uncle Yang and I will charge straight into the fray, causing chaos with our ''gaga'' attacks... We guarantee victory within three minutes." "Let''s give it a try," Welt-Yang nodded in agreement. He too was eager to reach Scalegorge Waterscape and had no desire to delay further. Chapter 194 - 193: The Surprise Attack Chapter 194 - 193: The Surprise AttackPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** If time were not pressing, Welt-Yang wouldn''t have minded gradually battling their way through monsters with March 7th and Stelle. For them, it would serve as valuable training, offering only benefits without any drawbacks. Unfortunately... With his concern for the situation at Scalegorge Waterscape involving Lord Ravager, Welt-Yang''s approach shifted. Encountering Bochang, who also wanted to swiftly reach Scalegorge Waterscape, they instantly agreed on a plan. March 7th frowned slightly and asked, "Are you sure it''s okay for just the two of you to go?" "No problem at all. Uncle Yang and I can directly attack from the sky." Bochang gently tapped the sheath of his cybernetic flying sword. With this artifact, Bochang could effortlessly soar high, achieving remarkable speed. Welt-Yang also possessed flight capabilities. Together, they were perfectly suited for executing a surprise attack mission. As Bailu was a Vidyadhara, an eternal life being, there was a risk that the medicinal pills'' smoke might affect her, potentially leading to Mara-Struck transformation. Thus, Bochang didn''t even consider taking Welt along. "You''re right... I truly envy your ability to fly..." March 7th expressed wistfully. She, along with Stelle and Serval, couldn''t fly. In contrast, not only could Bochang soar effortlessly, but her equipment also possessed flight capabilities, making others enviously impressed. Stelle pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Bochang, if you use your flying sword, could it carry one more person? If possible, let''s bring March... she might be able to assist." The pink-haired girl''s bow had an impressive range; even standing here, given the right angle, March 7th could potentially hit the pill furnace. However, due to the great distance, its power would significantly diminish, making it easier for enemies to intercept her shots. "Hmm... she indeed could help, but I''m not exactly comfortable with large-scale confrontations, so maybe we should pass on that." Before Bochang could respond, March 7th shook her head repeatedly. There were numerous Sanctus Medicus disciples stationed ahead. Even from this distance, March 7th could spot faint silhouettes amidst the clouds and mist. A frontal charge would undoubtedly trigger numerous enemies to emerge; just thinking about it made one''s skin crawl with fear of overwhelming density. March 7th was unwilling to take that risk. As for Stelle and Serval, their presence wouldn''t be particularly useful either. Bailu expressed her desire to join them, but Fu Xuan swiftly intervened. As the designated next High Elder of Luofu Immortal Continent, Fu Xuan couldn''t allow Bailu, a young dragon maiden, to venture into such peril. If Bailu were to succumb to Mara-Strike, the consequences would be dire. It is widely known... the stronger an individual, the more formidable they become when Mara-Struck. Considering Bailu''s ability to transform into a massive dragon, any mishap could trigger another "Imbibitor Lunae Rebellion" scenario. "All right, if there are no objections, Uncle Yang and I will proceed." Bochang glanced around at each person present. Fu Xuan nodded, saying, "Since you''re so confident... give it a try. If it doesn''t work, we''ll consider other options." Welt-Yang and Bochang exchanged looks without speaking further. Welt-Yang effortlessly manipulated gravity to lift off, floating as gracefully as an Adept. Bochang activated his cybernetic flying sword, gripping its hilt with one hand as before. He declared, "We''re heading out now, see you later! Cyber Flying Sword, let''s go!" With a swift swoosh, the Cyber Flying Sword soared into the sky. Bochang was effortlessly towed behind, his clothes billowing dramatically in the wind. It was quite miraculous. The tear inflicted by Lord Ravager''s avatar on Bochang''s clothing had completely healed itself. Just like the Cyber Flying Sword, Silver Wolf''s gift to Bochang possessed an auto-repair function. "She sure doesn''t hold back..." Bochang muttered inwardly, recalling similar thoughts he''d had before. Despite already knowing this feature, discovering it anew still elicited a sense of wonder from him. From afar, the colossal pill furnace belched clouds and mist, obscuring everything below, making it difficult to discern the path or any potential enemies. Bochang made a rough estimate; the pill furnace appeared to be approximately sixty to seventy meters tall, truly imposing in stature. Although they were still at a considerable distance, Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ...even hundreds of meters above ground, Bochang and Welt could already feel the thin layer of fog enveloping them. At several hundred meters above ground, Bochang and Welt Yang were already entering a thin layer of mist. As they approached closer, the duo soon faced attacks from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Bullets, high-energy beams, arrows, cannon shells... A variety of assault methods rained down on them. Welt Yang simply cast a pseudo-black hole ahead, effectively blocking nearly all incoming attacks. The strength of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus was indeed not formidable. From Welt Yang''s perspective, he could effortlessly overpower them; Bochang''s presence wasn''t even necessary as he alone could have easily taken them out. While defending, they also launched counterattacks. Pseudo-black holes and Dragon Blasts descended from the sky, taking out countless members of Sanctus Medicus along their path. "That''s enough, Uncle Yang! Let me unleash a blast first!" Bochang stretched out his hand, shouting excitedly. Welt Yang merely nodded in agreement. Observing this... Bochang aimed at the largest and most conspicuous pill furnace, channeling the Dragon Talisman''s magic power, and unleashed a powerful blast. A pillar of flames rapidly expanded from his palm. Spanning thousands of meters, it struck the pill furnace with tremendous force. With a deafening explosion, the ancient and majestic pill furnace suffered a massive breach, causing its emission of clouds and mist to significantly slow down. "That thing is incredibly resilient... Just as Master Diviner predicted, it also recovers swiftly." Bochang''s blast should have destroyed the entire pill furnace outright. Instead, it only created a hole, which promptly began to mend itself. The power of the Tree of Foundation was truly extraordinary, reminiscent of the Horse Talisman''s abilities, Bochang realized. "Are you managing okay? If not, let me give it a try," Welt glanced at him. Bochang''s first Dragon Blast was merely a test; he had stronger attacks yet to unleash. However... Seeing how exceptionally durable the structure was, Bochang decided against direct destruction and opted for a more strategic approach. Apart from the Dragon Talisman, Bochang possessed other talismans as well. In this situation, the Monkey Talisman could prove highly useful. Bochang suggested, "Uncle Yang, let me try one more time. I doubt this pill furnace can function properly after undergoing such a transformation." "You intend to use that kind of power?" Welt had witnessed the immense strength of the Monkey Talisman before, capable of weakening even Lord Ravager''s potent abilities. Against a mere pill furnace, it would undoubtedly be effortless. Bochang nodded, having already planned this strategy upon seeing the available options appear. "Do you need me to catch you afterward?" Welt asked, aware that excessive use of the Monkey Talisman could leave Bochang drained due to its unique nature, unrelated to physical stamina-a fact unknown to the Astral Express crew. Bochang shook his head and proceeded to unleash the magic of the Monkey Talisman on the pill furnace. A faint blue beam shot forth, instantly transforming the massive, cloud-emitting furnace into a statue of a scratching monkey, leaving the leader of Sanctus Medicus'' disciples utterly bewildered. Chapter 195 - 194: Pill Furnace Transformation Chapter 195 - 194: Pill Furnace TransformationPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After the largest pill furnace transformed into an intricately detailed monkey statue... Its ability to emit smoke vanished. The surrounding fog rapidly dissipated, visibly shrinking before their eyes. Bochang''s world instantly shifted from pixelated mosaic to crystal-clear 4K resolution. In the distance, several smaller pill furnaces continued operating. Without hesitation, Bochang unleashed more transformations, turning them into rabbit statues, pig sculptures, and so on... The smoke swiftly dispersed, disappearing completely as if it had never existed. Concealed disciples of Sanctus Medicus, once hidden within the fog, were now fully exposed to the gaze of Welt Yang and Bochang. It took less than a minute for Bochang to effortlessly resolve the pill furnace issue. Not only was the leader of Sanctus Medicus stunned, but Fu Xuan was equally astonished. She rubbed her eyes vigorously, ensuring she wasn''t seeing things incorrectly. Her gaze then shifted towards Qingque. "What just happened?" "Bochang possesses an ability to alter the shape of objects... Earlier, when a meteorite fell from the Exalting Sanctum, Bochang transformed it into a jellyfish-like form, significantly reducing its descent speed..." Qingque explained succinctly. Due to each cave heaven employing space-folding techniques, even neighboring cave heavens found it challenging to observe events occurring in others. This led to Fu Xuan being unaware of the meteorite''s fall from the Exalting Sanctum, much like she was oblivious to Lord Ravager''s appearance on Luofu Immortal Continent. It was unavoidable... Everything had unfolded too abruptly, and with the chaos engulfing the continent, many Cloud Knights were also unaccounted for, including individuals like Sushang whom Bochang and his companions had previously encountered. Fu Xuan placed her hands on her hips and glared at Qingque, exasperatedly saying, "Why didn''t you inform me about such crucial matters earlier? You nearly forced this venerable one to resort to the slowest method to resolve the battle. Thankfully, they stepped forward..." Had she known Bochang could directly disable the pill furnace, Fu Xuan wouldn''t have overthought it. She would have simply sent Bochang straight in, employing a straightforward and forceful approach. "I assumed Master Diviner had divined these outcomes," Qingque replied with an apologetic smile. Fu Xuan wasn''t swayed by his demeanor, raising an eyebrow slightly. "If you forgot, admit it; don''t try to deflect blame onto me. As a diviner, should you not know that precise calculations require detailed information?" "Master Diviner, I was wrong, and I''ll definitely improve next time." Qingque hastily sought forgiveness. Considering this wasn''t a major issue, Fu Xuan let it go without dwelling further. She promptly led the Cloud Knights forward, determined to eliminate the rebels. As they advanced, members of Sanctus Medicus either perished or surrendered. Without their pill furnace... the traitors of Luofu Immortal Continent were no match for the Cloud Knights, easily overwhelmed by the relentless tide and destined to become mere dust in history. Bochang and Welt Yang arrived ahead of Fu Xuan at the colossal statue of a monkey. Below it, numerous members of Sanctus Medicus had gathered, likely comprising its core leadership. By eliminating them, the entire organization could be uprooted. However... Upon seeing the woman standing foremost among them, Welt Yang''s pupils slightly contracted. "Dan Shu?" From his vantage point above, Welt observed her closely. Although Dan Shu''s appearance and attire differed from when he had last seen her, he still recognized her immediately. Curiously, Bochang asked, "Uncle Yang, do you know her?" "Yes... Her name is Dan Shu. She is the Head Pill Alchemist of the Alchemy Commission. When I accepted a mission from the Realm-Keeping Commission before...I sought her out, never expecting that she would be affiliated with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus." Welt felt a mix of emotions, realizing that based on her position, Dan Shu held significant influence within the organization. Without wasting any more words, Bochang swiftly unleashed a Dragon Blast. A pillar of flames descended from the sky, causing chaos among the Disciples below as they scrambled to escape. Many were instantly incinerated by the explosion. However... The recovery ability of Mara-Struck Soldiers was incredibly abnormal. As long as they weren''t directly hit in their vital spots, they could regenerate swiftly. Even some former Cloud Knights transformed into Mara-Struck Soldiers, despite being struck fatally, could instantly recover due to this enhanced resilience. Dan Shu neither dodged nor retreated. Amidst others'' frantic escape... He calmly stated, "Mr. Welt, I never expected it would be you." After clearing the immediate area somewhat, both Bochang and Welt descended smoothly to the ground. Welt Yang gently tapped the Garden of Eden orb against the surface beneath him. "I similarly didn''t anticipate that the Head Pill Alchemist who aided me before would turn out to be the leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus." Betrayal by allies was not the narrative Welt Yang wished to see unfold. "Dan Shu, surrender now. We''ve already driven away the Lord Ravager; there''s no way for you to win." Upon hearing these words, Dan Shu''s gaze hardened, and he replied, "Impossible... How could Phantylia be chased off by just a few of you? She is a Lord Ravager; she cannot lose." Dan Shu''s gaze hardened as she exclaimed, "Impossible... How could you few drive away Phantylia? She is a Lord Ravager; there''s no way she would lose." With this statement, the Head Pill Alchemist inadvertently revealed the name of the Lord Ravager. Welt Yang pondered thoughtfully. "Phantylia, so it was her all along..." He had heard this name before from other Nameless individuals, or rather, Trailblazers. Phantylia was one of the seven Lords Ravager under Nanook''s command. Known for delighting in the self-destruction of mortals, countless beings were lured by her into an abyss from which there was no return. Phantylia reveled in both spiritual and physical destruction, leading the collapse of the mind to the demise of the body. Considering this, the likelihood that Tingyun might still be alive increased significantly. As Welt Yang extracted information from Dan Shu, Bochang took note and followed suit, saying, "Don''t think hiding Tingyun will prevent us from realizing someone has taken her place." Emulating Bochang''s approach, Yang said, "Don''t think hiding Tingyun will prevent us from noticing if she has been replaced." "I see..." Dan Shu lowered her gaze. With Bochang''s statement, it was clear to her that Phantylia had already been discovered. However... The adversary likely hadn''t been defeated yet; otherwise, there would be no need for them to extract information from her. "Mr. Welt, do you see my current form? This is the blessing of Abundance, harnessing the power of ancient Adepti... As members of a short-lived race, don''t you yearn for eternal life and immortality? It''s not too late to join the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. I shall guide you... towards achieving transcendence." Clad in a dark blue bodysuit, wielding a wooden scepter, and with her eyes covered by black cloth, Dan Shu attempted to entice Bochang and Welt Yang. Both remained expressionless. After Dan Shu finished speaking, Welt Yang immediately summoned a simulated black hole, unequivocally displaying his resolve. Bochang swiftly launched the Vow Spear. Caught by the simulated black hole''s pull, Dan Shu couldn''t evade at all. The spear effortlessly pierced through her. "It''s...it''s useless! I possess an immortal Adept body; you cannot defeat me." Dan Shu effortlessly extracted the Vow Spear from her wound. Her injured body rapidly healed back to its original state with astonishing speed. "Immortality simply means your firepower isn''t sufficient yet." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang blew forth fire lotuses. Dan Shu was engulfed, transforming into a massive ball of flames. Chapter 196 - 195: Upon Entering, I Saw Herta Battling Phantylia Chapter 196 - 195: Upon Entering, I Saw Herta Battling PhantyliaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Let''s be honest. After receiving the Blessing of Abundance, Dan Shu''s strength significantly improved, surpassing even the initial prowess of Cocolia. Unfortunately, Bochang had grown much stronger since then and acquired two additional special attack skills. And quite coincidentally... She too was a treacherous woman. As a result, Bochang dealt with Dan Shu like dispatching an elite enemy, swiftly ending the fight with just a few moves. With a single breath from his Fire Lotus, the defensive system Dan Shu had meticulously constructed crumbled entirely. She became disoriented by the flames, collapsing to the ground. Her once fair and alluring body turned into charred coal, her clothes completely incinerated. The power of Abundance continued to repair her body, ensuring she wouldn''t die. But Bochang''s flames persisted, still burning fiercely. An eerie equilibrium was established, akin to a perpetual motion machine. However... Bochang knew this inferno wouldn''t last indefinitely. Once the magic power of the released Dragon Talisman was depleted, it would automatically dissipate. "How is this possible... Who exactly are they? Just a group of short-lived beings, yet...yet they''re incredibly powerful." Dan Shu couldn''t believe she had lost so easily. But it was indisputably the truth. Watching Dan Shu, now resembling a human-shaped charcoal, Welt Yang''s eyes subtly narrowed. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but he felt that Bochang seemed even more formidable when fighting women. The leader of Sanctus Medicus disciples lay defeated. Perceptive soldiers quickly scattered, while loyal guards rushed forward only to meet the same fate. Bochang and Welt Yang mowed through them effortlessly. By the time Fu Xuan arrived, the battle had already concluded. The system''s voice chimed in: [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the Teleportation Ring, allowing teleportation within a ten-meter radius. It contains three energy slots; each use consumes one slot, with a recharge rate of one slot every twenty-four hours. Note: This type of item will...] The surprise came abruptly as Bochang unexpectedly received the desired item. Now, Bailu''s teleportation ring had been secured. A slight smile tugged at Bochang''s lips. March 7th, who had just arrived, puzzled, asked, "What are you smiling about?" "I obtained the teleportation ring." Bochang glanced towards Bailu. The dragon girl intuitively lifted her head, sensing his intention. "Is it for this young miss?" "That''s right." Bochang handed over the silvery-white teleportation ring. With a joyful exclamation, Bailu promptly slipped it onto her finger, followed by another surprise face-hug attempt from her ''evil'' dragon self. Well-prepared, Bochang naturally didn''t let her sneak attack succeed. As before, he effortlessly caught her. Watching this playful scene, March 7th shook his head and sighed. Fu Xuan remarked, "They have quite a good relationship." "Mm-hmm," Stelle nodded in agreement. The Alchemy Commission''s overwhelming victory reached a temporary pause, but Bochang and his team did not rest. They swiftly embarked on a ship heading towards Scalegorge Waterscape. Naturally, the aftermath here was left for the Cloud Knights to handle. Fu Xuan did not accompany them, as she had captured Dan Shu alive and still had numerous questions to ask him. Assuming no unforeseen complications, by now, Jing Yuan and his team should already be engaged in battle with Lord Ravager. Aboard the ship, Bochang gazed at the tranquil flow of G¨³h¨£i''s ancient waters outside. This area was known as Scalegorge Waterscape, characterized by vast expanses of shimmering seas stretching endlessly to the horizon. Recalling his ability, Underwater Breathing, Bochang felt an urge to give it a try. However... He managed to resist the temptation. At the ship''s bow, Welt Yang stood, his gaze fixed on the calm sea ahead, expression solemn. "I wonder how things are going with Dan Heng..." When Jing Yuan''s group initially departed, Bochang had considered sending either Serval, Stelle, or March 7th along with them. That way, everyone could instantly teleport over later, making it highly convenient. However... General Jing Yuan declined the offer. As for the reason, Jing Yuan simply stated: "With Herta and Dan Heng present, it''s already sufficient. You should focus on resolving matters with the Alchemy Commission first." Bochang and his team acted swiftly; by the time they headed towards Scalegorge Waterscape, Jing Yuan, Herta, and Dan Heng had just begun their confrontation with Lord Ravager at the sealed location of the Tree of Foundation''s roots. In this battleground, the golden Divine Monarch and the colossal Phantylia engaged in fierce combat, with gales roaring and lightning flashing amidst the intense scene. Transformed into a small dragonoid, Dan Heng generated massive waves. Herta''s hammer strikes dealt such force that Phantylia felt double the impact on her head. The unexpected appearance of another Emanator in Xianzhou... This unexpected turn of events caught Phantylia off guard, much like her surprise at the arrival of the Astral Express team. The battle between three Emanators shattered the space around the Tree of Foundation''s roots. However, none of this concerned Bochang and his group yet, as they were still en route on their ship. As before, Asta was once again serving as their driver. Time gradually passed. By the time Bochang''s party reached the vicinity of the Tree of Foundation''s roots, the Emanator battle was nearing its conclusion. Phantylia had entered her third stage transformation, revealing her resplendent platinum form. Her magnificent body immediately struck one with its sheer size - it was overwhelmingly immense. Don''t ask where specifically; every aspect of Phantylia was colossal. Upon arrival... Bochang and his companions witnessed Herta pounding Phantylia''s head with a massive hammer right away. The Lord Ravager attempted to shield itself with its hands, but failed miserably. With one hammer blow from Herta, Phantylia suffered immediate concussion, causing a resounding boom that echoed throughout the entire space. The sound was crisp and almost pleasant, albeit quite damaging to the head. Bochang and his companions watched helplessly as Jing Yuan, Herta, and Dan Heng relentlessly pummeled Phantylia. Their attacks showed no mercy, employing various techniques without any hint of restraint or sympathy. Despite this colossal Lord Ravager possessing both the powers of Abundance and Destruction¡ªmaking it immensely strong¡ªit faced two genuine Emanators alongside a pseudo-Emanator, represented by the stoic little azure dragon. From start to finish, it stood no chance against them, consistently being at a disadvantage. There was never an opportunity for it to gain the upper hand. "I''ll join them too; you guys stay here and observe closely." Welt Yang eagerly prepared to assist. Bochang and his companions had no objections. And so... Welt Yang stepped forward. Stelle pondered for a moment and asked, "Should we really just watch from here?" "Let''s follow Uncle Yang''s advice," Bochang casually replied. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In a battle of this caliber, they couldn''t contribute much assistance. Rather than risking their lives in such a perilous confrontation, it was wiser to safely observe from the sidelines. With Jing Yuan, Herta, Dan Heng, and Welt Yang already engaged, four formidable allies leading the charge, why should Bochang expose himself to near-certain death against Lord Ravager? During their previous encounter with Lord Ravager''s avatar, Bochang had inadvertently revealed his prized sword. Naturally, he had no desire to risk such danger again. Indeed... Bochang came here solely to witness Phantylia getting beaten up. Seeing her suffer so miserably instantly lifted his spirits. After all, she had effectively ruined one of his life-saving items, leaving him understandably resentful. However, March 7th didn''t share this sentiment. With one hand on her hip, she exclaimed, "I don''t want to just hang back here. It''s Lord Ravager, you know... Even if we can''t defeat it, at least we could join the fray and make things interesting." "Why do you always want to get involved in every commotion?!" Bochang was practically speechless, unable to fully express his exasperation. Chapter 197 - 196: Stripping in One Second Chapter 197 - 196: Stripping in One SecondPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Lord Ravager''s power was formidable¡ªthere was no doubt about that. Moreover, this current form of Phantylia... appeared significantly more menacing than the previous fake Tingyun. Bochang had absolutely no intention of provoking such a beast by getting too close. Contrarily, March 7th felt inclined to approach and test her limits. At present... Bochang and his group were far from the battlefield, with figures like Dan Heng and Herta appearing as mere small black dots in the distance. The most captivating sights were the Divine Monarch and Phantylia. Their colossal sizes made it impossible not to draw attention. "Since we''re idle anyway, Stelle, what do you think? Should we try joining the fray?" March 7th glanced at the gray-haired girl. Stelle replied, "I''m fine with either; doesn''t matter to me." "Serval, Bailu, and Asta, how do you feel about it?" March 7th looked at the other three companions. As for Qingque? Fu Xuan had already taken her away earlier. Since Qingque had no knowledge of the route to Scalegorge Waterscape, letting her accompany Bochang and the others would be a waste. Instead, she was assigned other tasks. The responsibility of guiding fell to Bailu. As the next High Elder, returning to Scalegorge Waterscape felt like coming home to her. "I don''t want to go," said Serval. "Neither do I," added Bailu. "Asta here, following Lady Herta''s instructions, leaves it up to you all," replied Asta. "Decide as you wish." Everyone voiced their opinions accordingly. March 7th looked at the last remaining person and said, "There are six of us in total. Two votes against, two indifferent, one agreeing, and now only your choice remains, Bochang. What is your decision?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Go for it, who''s afraid of whom? Reply with: "Since you''re so eager, then go ahead." ¡ª Completion Reward: Phantylia''s Big Biodou.] [Option 2: A moment of patience brings calm; a step back opens wide horizons. Say: "No, if you want to go, do so yourself." ¡ª Completion Reward: March 7th''s White Eye.] [Option 3: Pull out a bottle of cola and state: "I''m planning to stay here and enjoy the show while sipping my drink." ¡ª Completion Reward: Random Skill Acquisition.] [Option 4: Pretend confusion and babble: "Ah-ba Ah-ba..." ¡ª Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Biodou.] Seeing Option 1, Bochang felt somewhat dejected. "Seriously? Is Phantylia just targeting me constantly? Who taught her that?" Recalling the Big Biodou punishment, Bochang remembered his previous encounter with Phantylia''s avatar. During that battle, he was her primary focus¡ªessentially choosing to relentlessly attack him over Dan Heng and Stelle. The reason behind Phantylia''s choice was straightforward. Compared to Dan Heng and Stelle, Bochang was significantly more resilient and posed a greater threat. Moreover, Phantylia knew that defeating him would cause Bailu to lose composure, making her easier to handle later on. During the battle, Phantylia''s plan had been meticulously unfolding as intended, including the defeat of Bochang, which was well within her expectations. However, she did not anticipate Dan Heng''s sudden eruption, leading to her ultimate failure. If the stoic little azure dragon had acted sooner, Phantylia wouldn''t have wasted her precious time there. With Dan Heng, Welt Yang, the colossal Dragon Bailu, and Bochang present, there were four formidable entities capable of posing a significant threat to an Emanator. Meanwhile, Fake Tingyun was merely a hastily fabricated physical form. In such a short span, victory seemed virtually impossible. Continuing... Bochang immediately skipped options two and four without further consideration. There wasn''t much to say about these negative rewards. "Only the third option remains. Hopefully, I''ll draw a useful skill; something akin to ''Big sister Slayer'' would be ideal," Bochang silently prayed before selecting, "Option three." From the system space, he retrieved a bottle of cola. "I figured I might as well enjoy the show here with a drink," Bochang remarked. "What is this?" March 7th seemed to have momentarily forgotten about Lord Ravager, her attention instantly drawn to the cola in Bochang''s hand. The black beverage appeared to possess an extraordinary allure. Holding up the cola, Bochang said, "It''s a drink, and it should taste quite good. Would you like to try some?" The bottle containing the cola was large, not a small one. Just this single bottle was enough for everyone nearby to share. "Certainly..." March 7th swiftly snatched the cola from Bochang''s hand. "Since none of you are going anyway, watching alone isn''t much fun. Let''s just stay here, sip our drinks, and enjoy the spectacle." [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Instant Undress'', allowing you to remove your clothes within one second.] ["This skill?"] Bochang slowly typed out a question mark. Spending a whole bottle of cola for such a gimmick seemed like a significant loss. "Wait... It doesn''t explicitly say I can''t undress others too. Does that mean I could strip an enemy''s clothes off in just one second?" "If the enemy is of the opposite sex and has even slightly thin skin, they''d surely lose their combat ability instantly... Wouldn''t that make capturing them a breeze? I''m truly a genius." Bochang had a sudden realization, envisioning an unconventional use for this skill. March 7th twisted open the bottle cap, glanced around, and said, "No cups nearby... Watch this!" With a gentle wave, she released a chill, creating several ice-based cups on the ground. Apart from being somewhat freezing to hold, they were quite handy¡ªperfect for instantly chilling the soda as soon as poured. As soon as the cola was poured, it instantly transformed into chilled beverages. In no time... March 7th handed out several glasses of ice-cold drinks to everyone present. All six individuals received their share. "The black soda reminds me of similar drinks at the space station..." Asta held her icy cola, observing the continuously rising bubbles within but didn''t rush to take a sip. Bailu cautiously took a small sip, feeling the fizz burst in her mouth and the delightful sweetness... causing the young dragon girl''s eyes to narrow with enjoyment. The description for cola stated¡ªwhen consumed, it brings a sense of happiness. Bochang took a sip. He discovered that this cola differed from what he had tasted in his previous life. Both in texture and flavor, it was significantly better. Stelle and Serval also sampled it and gave high praise. Bochang sat on the ground, holding his crystal glass, quietly watching the distant battle unfold. The reverberations of combat occasionally reached them from afar. However, due to their considerable distance from the battle and being shielded by Jing Yuan and others, the residual effects of the combat posed little threat. Bailu, Bochang, Asta, and the rest could effortlessly handle any stray impacts. Listening to the girls'' chattering around him, Bochang felt as if they were on a leisurely outing rather than witnessing a fierce battle. Naturally, Phantylia noticed the nearby spectators casually observing the fight. They seemed engrossed in the spectacle, completely disregarding her presence as the Lord Ravager. Not once did they show any respect towards her status. Phantylia tried to suppress her irritation... but ultimately couldn''t bear it anymore. Facing two Emanators alongside Dan Heng and Welt Yang, Phantylia''s chances of victory were slim. Instead, she decided it would be more beneficial to teach Bochang and his companions a lesson, making them understand what true respect for an Emanator entails. Chapter 198 - 197: Chaos and Tears Chapter 198 - 197: Chaos and TearsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Want to drink more, huh?! I''ll make sure you do!" Phantylia repelled Herta and Jing Yuan, enduring Welt Yang''s pseudo-black hole and Dan Heng''s water dragon... With a grand gesture, it unleashed the skill - Profound Root Transformation. "It''s time...to end this once and for all!" A golden sphere flew from its palm, crashing violently onto the ground. In its wake... Massive golden roots burst forth, causing the sealed land to surge like ocean waves. The writhing tendrils resembled ferocious beasts, swiftly attacking Bochang and his group. Such a wide-range attack was not particularly effective against Herta, Jing Yuan, Dan Heng, and Welt Yang. It had never been used before either. This move by Phantylia was specifically aimed at Bochang and his companions. The sheer magnitude of this attack naturally drew the attention of March 7th and others. Frightened, Bailu stopped drinking her cola and instantly transformed into her giant dragon form. "Shit! Run quickly!" Using his Invisible Hand, Bochang swiftly grabbed all the girls, leaping forcefully onto the back of the pale purple dragon. Asta felt an intangible force wrap around her waist, lifting her uncontrollably into the air. "Yikes!" Holding her weapon with one hand, she hastily pressed the other on her skirt to prevent any indecent exposure. Although March 7th, Stelle, and Serval were aware of Bochang''s abilities, they still let out startled exclamations simultaneously. Their crisp cries pleased Bochang greatly. After safely landing on the back of the colossal dragon Bailu... Asta was about to ask something when... The colossal dragon Bailu soared into the sky, its powerful wind pressure making it nearly impossible to speak. Opening one''s mouth felt like someone jabbing at their throat. Asta had no choice but to remain silent, her gaze fixed downward. Below them, the area they previously occupied was now entirely covered by golden tendrils. These tendrils menacingly pursued upward, extending hundreds of meters without showing any signs of stopping, determined to capture Bochang and the others. Seeing this, March 7th swiftly drew her bow and began firing arrows. Asta and Bochang also joined the fray, not wanting to be outdone, as they launched attacks to fend off the relentless golden tendrils chasing behind them. The tendrils moved incredibly fast; if left unchecked, they could potentially hinder the flight of the mighty dragon Bailu. Asta wielded a scepter capable of emitting high-energy laser beams. Alongside Bochang and March 7th, she targeted the approaching golden tendrils, preventing them from getting too close. Stelle and Serval''s attacks had shorter ranges. They vigilantly scanned their surroundings, ready to fend off any potential threats. At this moment... With Phantylia at its center, hundreds of miles within the Sealed Land were covered by golden roots, leaving no safe ground for Bochang and his companions to rest. Phantylia''s sudden onslaught caught them somewhat off guard, forcing them to constantly evade in the sky. Bochang attempted to use the Monkey Talisman''s power, but it could only deform one golden root, unable to counter all incoming attacks effectively. It seemed releasing Dragon Blast would have been more practical. "Can''t even watch a show without interruption? Phantylia is truly petty." Bochang couldn''t enjoy his cola now; in fact, he rushed so hastily earlier that he didn''t even have time to grab the remaining half bottle of soda. He swiftly grabbed the girls and took flight. The cola and cup were engulfed by the golden roots, tragically destroyed by Phantylia. As the colossal dragon Bailu maintained high-speed flight, Bochang had no intention of letting go of March 7th, Stelle, Serval, and Asta. His Invisible Hands firmly gripped their slender waists to prevent them from being flung off during Bailu''s abrupt maneuvers. Although Asta wasn''t entirely sure what was happening, ...her keen intellect, as the acting station director, allowed her to surmise that it must be Bochang''s doing. Feeling slightly embarrassed, she couldn''t help but sense a large hand resting on her waist. However, given the urgent situation, there was no time to dwell on such matters. For Stelle, being held by Bochang''s grip instilled a strong sense of security, and her gaze frequently fell upon his profile. Serval and March 7th''s cheeks turned slightly flushed, yet they didn''t say much. Of course... They were unable to speak at that moment anyway. Since these hands did not hinder their movements, everyone treated the Invisible Hands like safety belts, providing an extra layer of protection. Bochang''s feelings were also somewhat complex at that moment. It felt like simultaneously embracing four girls, and the sensation was quite pleasant. However, his brief distraction was interrupted by several golden tendrils suddenly attacking him. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With a swift motion, he unleashed another Dragon Blast, instantly shattering them. This incident served as just a minor interruption, barely drawing anyone''s attention. The battle between Emanators continued unabated. The golden Divine Monarch wielded the Crescent Moon Blade, engaging Phantylia in a fierce exchange. Nearby, Herta feigned attacks, occasionally striking down with her hammer. These blows left Lord Ravager disoriented. Because... Each time, Herta aimed for its head, while Phantylia struggled to counter effectively. Adding to the chaos, Welt Yang and Dan Heng launched surprise attacks from the side. If not for the immense strength of Phantylia''s body, forged by the power of Abundance, it likely would have been defeated much earlier. Above, Bochang and the others evaded relentlessly, unsure how long they had been dodging. Finally, Jing Yuan seized an opportunity and swiftly decapitated Phantylia with a single strike, bringing this heart-pounding battle to an end. The defeated Lord Ravager''s magnificent yet ethereal form rapidly dissipated, much like the false Tingyun had before. All that remained within the sealed realm was a cluster of azure flames¡ªthe same shape illuminated by Bochang''s super flashlight earlier. The burning azure flames hovered eerily suspended in mid-air. Phantylia''s voice echoed, saying, "Indeed, I was careless this time. I didn''t expect Luofu Immortal Continent to harbor not only an Emanator but also two High Elders... You have performed admirably, however... all I''ve lost is merely a hastily crafted physical body..." Compared to her previous tone as the false Tingyun, Phantylia''s current voice sounded significantly deeper, embodying a mature, commanding presence. However... From afar, observing the fiery mass, Bochang pondered, "Is this Phantylia''s true form? Does she really have a distinct gender?" The enemy had been defeated. As the colossal female figure dissipated, the eerie golden tendrils spreading across the sealed land vanished as well. As the dragon Bailu flew towards Jing Yuan and his companions, [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Seize the moment, for time waits for no one. Quickly inquire about Tingyun''s whereabouts: "Phantylia, where did you hide Tingyun?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Fourfold Gaze of Obsession. Note: Beware your back!] [Option 2: Phantylia is trying to escape, swiftly taunt her: "What ''casually crafted body''? Who would believe that... Phantylia, after lurking for so long... wasn''t it all for this very moment? I bet... you''re internally seething with rage, ready to burst into tears and tantrums." ¡ª Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items may...] Chapter 199 - 198: I Didn’t Cry or Throw a Tantrum Chapter 199 - 198: I Didn''t Cry or Throw a TantrumPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Option Three: Do nothing ¡ª Completion Reward: Yandere''s Fourfold Gaze. Note: Beware your back! Looking at options one and three, Bochang knew that if he didn''t mock Phantylia, she would undoubtedly cause some mischief. She might even bring up yesterday''s incident of touching Tail. In fact, not long ago, Phantylia had attempted something similar, but Bochang swiftly silenced her with a well-timed theft, preventing her from uttering a word. And now... Bochang decided to mess with her again. "Option two." Although Bochang desperately wanted to inquire about Tingyun''s whereabouts, it seemed...Phantylia wouldn''t reveal anything. His only hope lay with Dan Shu, who was recently captured by Fu Xuan. Since Dan Shu was aware of Tingyun being replaced by Lord Ravager, there was a chance she also knew something about the fox maiden''s current location. This necessitated Fu Xuan to interrogate Dan Shu. Bochang couldn''t assist much here and instead taunted loudly, "What ''casually crafted body''? Who would believe that... Phantylia, haven''t you been lurking for so long... just for this moment? I bet... you must be internally devastated by now, probably crying and raging." "Sniffle, sniffle, truly pitiful..." Bochang continued without giving Phantylia a chance to respond. Just as he finished speaking, the system''s voice chimed in: [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a one-time use item, Elementary Student Card. When sustaining fatal damage, it negates one attack and grants invulnerability for one second. Note: This item has been stored in the System space and can be directly accessed for use.] "Elementary Student Card? That''s handy," Bochang thought with slight delight. He had recently lost this life-saving item, but now it was back. Phantylia, stung by the mockery, responded with a colder tone, "I am neither crying nor throwing tantrums." "Also... haven''t your parents taught you that interrupting others is highly impolite? Bochang ... I''ve taken note of you now, just wait... one day, I will make you experience pain." As Phantylia continued speaking, Bochang felt increasingly certain he had struck a sensitive nerve. Suddenly, Jing Yuan interjected, "Phantylia, enough with the threats. Leave now... Go back and tell your legion that The Hunt''s revenge is inevitable!" Just as this cloud knight general finished his sentence, the eerie blue flame hovering in mid-air dispersed. Leaving behind only one final phrase: "I''ll be back." Both Jing Yuan and Herta knew that by the time they defeated Phantylia, she had already escaped, leaving behind merely a flame decoy¡ªa similar tactic to when Phantylia created Tingyun''s false body earlier. An Emanator of Destruction is not so easily killed. Moreover, as an Energy-based Emanator like Phantylia, if she was determined to escape, it proved quite simple. At least Jing Yuan and Herta, among others, were unable to stop her. "The battle is over; next..." Stelle gazed at the nearby Stellaron. The glowing sphere remained entwined by the Tree of Foundation''s roots, continuously absorbing its destructive energy. With Phantylia having fled, the remaining Stellaron became a lamb awaiting slaughter. Welt Yang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Phantylia should be incapable of causing further trouble for some time, nor do we need to worry about her attempting to influence the Tree of Foundation again. However, sealing the Stellaron will require considerable effort." As a product deployed by Nanook, the Eon of Destruction, the Stellaron was not easily sealed. Welt Yang intended to offer assistance. Jing Yuan rested his forehead against his hand and said, "These matters... let Minister Fu handle them. It has been a long while since I''ve exerted myself so much; I feel rather weary now." It was evident that General Yun Qi had no intention of involving the Astral Express. After gently rubbing his forehead, Jing Yuan led everyone away from the sealing site of the Tree of Foundation. Throughout the latter part of the battle, Bochang and his companions were thoroughly captivated, leaving with great satisfaction. The Stellaron Crisis on Luofu Immortal Continent reached its conclusion at this point. Upon exiting the sealed area, Bochang''s group encountered Fu Xuan, who had just arrived. Seeing the exhausted cloud knight, Fu Xuan expressed concern, "General Jing Yuan, are you alright...?" "I''m fine, just a bit weary," Jing Yuan replied, taking a deep breath. "Phantylia... is indeed a formidable enemy. Without the assistance of Miss Herta and the Astral Express crew this time, victory would have been uncertain even for me alone." As Jing Yuan introduced them, Fu Xuan gently nodded towards Herta and Asta, expressing her gratitude. "General Jing Yuan, you should promptly rest now; don''t let exhaustion lead to illness... I''m still awaiting our next Six Sovereigns'' political deliberations..." Before Fu Xuan could finish, Jing Yuan interrupted, "Alright, alright, understood. Don''t worry, Minister Fu." Then... Fu Xuan''s gaze landed on Dan Heng, and her brows suddenly furrowed. "Your face seems quite familiar..." "Wait, this venerable one remembers now¡ªyou''re Dan Heng, part of the High-Cloud Quintet¡ªthe reincarnation of Dan Feng, correct?" "How did you come to Luofu Immortal Continent?" Although the Ten-Lords Commission had erased Dan Heng''s name from public knowledge, However... As the Master Diviner, Fu Xuan was expected to be knowledgeable about Xianzhou Luofu''s historical cases and past secrets, prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. Moreover, the dragon horns atop Dan Heng''s head made his identity unmistakably clear. March 7th spread her hands wide. "Quite famous you are on this Xianzhou, Dan Heng¡ªeven Master Diviner recognizes you." If given a choice, Dan Heng wouldn''t have sought such notoriety. He crossed his arms, showing no inclination to respond¡ªa living embodiment of the stoic little azure dragon reputation. Bochang and the others merely observed quietly. Jing Yuan raised his hand. "No need for surprise, Minister Fu. I previously struck a deal with Dan Heng from the Astral Express crew: if he helps me defeat Lord Ravager, I will rescind his expulsion order. At least here on Xianzhou Luofu, he will no longer be anyone''s shadow." Fu Xuan nodded and said, "Understood, General." "However... his appearance closely matches the description in the illustrated records. Can Vidyadhara''s reincarnation truly bring about such a transformation?" "It can," both Dan Heng and Bailu affirmed simultaneously. Jing Yuan added, "Indeed, Vidyadhara''s reincarnation does effect profound changes, although slight similarities in appearance may still persist." After some casual conversation... With the protection of the Cloud Knights, Jing Yuan departed from Scalegorge Waterscape. As they watched the cloud-mounted general recede into the distance, Bochang and the others learned from Fu Xuan that there had been complications at the Artisanship Commission. However... The matter had been entrusted to Cloud Knight Lieutenant Yanqing, so there was no need for the Astral Express crew''s involvement. Thus, the Astral Express crew could take some rest at Luofu Immortal Continent. Before parting, Bochang looked at Fu Xuan and asked, "Have you discovered Tingyun''s whereabouts from Dan Shu?" "Not yet. Dan Shu hasn''t revealed anything," Fu Xuan shook his head. Upon seeing this... Bochang felt somewhat disappointed. Fu Xuan gazed back at him, appearing hesitant as if wanting to say something but holding back. After a moment of thought, he simply stated, "This venerable one has important matters to attend to and cannot stay any longer." With that, Fu Xuan turned and departed, leaving behind only a striking silhouette. Bochang watched after him. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Suddenly, March 7th leaned close to Bochang. "Nice looking, huh?" Chapter 200 - 199: Perverted Thoughts Chapter 200 - 199: Perverted ThoughtsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** It must be said: Although Master Diviner was petite, ...she indeed possessed a captivating charm, unforgettable at first glance. This allure stemmed not only from her appearance but also from her attire. Fu Xuan''s clothing was quite daring, revealing large expanses of smooth, delicate skin on her back. From the middle... nearly exposing its entirety, her bodice dress was held together solely by a purple rope. As Bochang observed, he couldn''t help but think how suitable her back would be for cupping therapy, while simultaneously wondering... If he were to pull that purple rope off, would Fu Xuan''s clothes simply fall away? Caught off guard by March 7th''s question, Bochang hesitated for a moment before instinctively responding. "Sure..." But as soon as the word left his lips, a chill ran down his spine, prompting him to quickly amend, "How strange." "Strange? What''s strange? Are you trying to change the subject?" March 7th stared directly into Bochang''s eyes. Clearing his throat, Bochang asked, "What did you say just now?" "I said... does Fu Xuan look good?" March 7th flashed a harmless smile. Bochang slightly shook his head and, with a serious expression, patted her on the shoulder. "March, I was merely lost in thought, don''t be too sensitive." Originally, Bochang had been waiting for Dating Options to appear. Unfortunately... No such options triggered this time. "Alright, let''s forget about it for now. But next time, Bochang, don''t stare so intently at others; it''s quite impolite." Listening to March 7th''s reprimand, Bochang remained speechless. In truth, aside from observing the cupping therapy and pulling the rope incidents... Bochang''s gaze lingered on Fu Xuan''s retreating figure for another reason. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. It was because her hesitant demeanor, as if she wanted to say something but held back, had caught his attention. Initially, Bochang anticipated that... If March 7th continued questioning, he would naturally reveal the matter at hand. However, unexpectedly, the pink-haired girl stopped mid-inquiry, leaving the conversation hanging awkwardly. Bochang couldn''t simply bring it up himself; rushing to explain might make him appear suspicious instead. Now, Jing Yuan had left, and Fu Xuan followed suit. Remaining were only the members of the Astral Express Crew, along with Bailu, Herta, and Asta. Of course... There were also the Cloud Knights nearby. Unconsciously, Bochang disregarded them, as their presence or absence wouldn''t affect anyone regardless. Serval glanced at Bochang and Welt Yang, asking, "Where should we go next? Back to the Exalting Sanctum or return to the train for some rest?" "It''s up to you," Welt Yang replied casually. Bochang fell deep in thought. With his objective achieved, it seemed all he had left was leisure time. Suddenly, Herta spoke from the side. "Bochang, I''ve already communicated with representatives from Xianzhou. They''re willing to provide me with a laboratory as compensation for supporting Xianzhou Luofu this time. Now... come with me. As for the others... my apologies, but I''m not interested in involving any of you just yet." "Oh... almost forgot about her. She''s here specifically for me," Bochang muttered inwardly. Bochang muttered to himself internally. Stelle chimed in, "An experiment? I''d like to observe." "Me-me-me! Count me in too!" Bailu promptly raised her hand. March 7th and Serval echoed their agreement. Welt Yang, pushing up his black-framed glasses, said, "Then... everyone should follow Herta''s lead from now on." The Stellaron Crisis at Luofu Immortal Continent had been resolved. In theory, the members of the Astral Express Crew could now freely pursue their own activities. However... Welt Yang couldn''t help but recall the term "Stellaron Hunters." Consequently, he refrained from suggesting any independent actions. As a notoriously infamous organization in the universe, the threat posed by the Stellaron Hunters must not be underestimated... especially for the Astral Express Crew. After all, they had already targeted Bochang once before. Moreover, with Dan Heng also being their target, the Astral Express Crew had to remain vigilant. Herta looked puzzled. "Never mind, if you want to observe from the sidelines... that''s fine, just don''t disturb me." The doll-like girl turned towards Asta. "Next, we''ll head straight to the Central Starskiff Haven." "Alright, Lady Herta." Asta nodded gently. Bochang couldn''t resist commenting, "I haven''t even said anything yet..." "What? Do you disagree?" Herta glanced at Bochang. "Don''t worry, as long as you cooperate with my experiments, I''ll reward you once they''re completed." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Assertively declare, "Fine, then I reserve a Herta doll for myself." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small items like matches to large ones such as star destroyers. Note: These items will...] [Option 2: With a puzzled expression, ask, "What reward?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Increase of one million Credits. Note: The Credits will be added directly to your Interastral Peace Corporation account after obtaining it... without arousing suspicion.] [Option 3: Shake your head and refuse, saying, "I do not agree." ¡ª Completion Reward: Herta leaves the team. Note: Beware of receiving an exceptionally large Diamond as compensation.] Bochang took a quick glance. Option three was clearly out of the question. With Bochang continuously rejecting Herta, her anger was understandable; after all, traveling such a long distance only to face rejection wouldn''t feel good. How should he choose between a million Credits and a random item? Bochang surmised that if he selected Option 2, Herta would likely instruct Asta to transfer one million Credits to him, attributing it to a system reward. Of course... There was also the possibility that Herta might offer some other reward instead. It wasn''t entirely implausible for the system itself to grant one million Credits. After pondering for a moment, Bochang felt that pursuing the Herta doll could be quite promising; what if she actually delivered on her promise? It would be an absolute steal. "Option one!" Bochang declared confidently, "Alright, I''ll reserve a Herta doll." [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received the item, Lost Watering Pot. A tool for irrigating plants, containing an inexhaustible supply of water.] "This thing? Seems somewhat intriguing." The Lost Watering Pot was indeed an interesting little artifact. "???" Upon hearing such a request, Herta tilted her head slightly, with apparent confusion etched across her delicate features. March 7th, placing one hand on her hip, looked at Bochang and said, "Are you serious...? Why would Miss Herta give you a doll, considering you''re such a pervert?" "Don''t throw around accusations... When did I earn the label of ''pervert''?" Bochang rolled his eyes, clearly annoyed. March 7th''s gaze immediately shifted to the young dragon girl, as if implying¡ªEven Bailu isn''t safe from your advances! Surprisingly... Herta agreed without hesitation. "A doll? Sure... as long as you cooperate with my experiments and keep me entertained, I don''t mind giving you one." The doll-girl looked up at Bochang. "In fact... this time, I brought another doll with me, currently enjoying tea with Himeko on the Astral Express... If you don''t believe me, you can ask Asta." Chapter 201 - 200: Vulgar Outburst Chapter 201 - 200: Vulgar OutburstPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** With Herta''s insistence, how could Bochang possibly disagree? And so... led by driver Asta, the group arrived at the Central Starskiff Haven. On their way, passing through the Exalting Sanctum, S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang also picked up Pascal and Sophia, his successful pet and familiar who were now ready to return. As they walked along the paths of the Central Starskiff Haven, Throughout the journey, Herta couldn''t stop playing with Sophia... The little doll''s hands roamed all over the familiar''s body, causing her great discomfort. Repeatedly, Sophia looked towards Bochang for help. Would it be effective? Of course not. Bochang knew he would endure Herta''s antics anyway. For the sake of creating a realistic doll, he had to bear with it. Additionally... Bochang did try to restrain Herta somewhat; otherwise, she wouldn''t have limited herself to merely feeling Sophia through her clothes. Instead, she would have stripped Sophia bare for closer examination. "Fascinating, truly fascinating! Is this your power at work? Transforming stillness into motion... Remarkable, this little one even has reproductive organs. I wonder if she can conceive and what her offspring might look like?" Herta''s words infuriated Sophia so much that her eyes rolled back, and she fainted outright. The foul-mouthed princess, being toyed with by the doll, naturally attempted resistance. However... It proved futile. Sophia could only unleash a barrage of highly offensive curses, providing Bailu with ample vocabulary lessons. Bochang remarked, "She likely can''t bear children." "Have you tried?" Herta''s blunt question nearly made Bochang choke. He took a deep breath and responded, "Since any food Sophia consumes doesn''t get digested, I believe her body lacks normal biological functions. She merely appears identical to a real person." "Not being able to have children, that makes her similar to Vidyadhara," Bailu mused, her gaze towards Sophia now held a hint of pity. Bochang''s eyes shifted to the young dragon girl. Indeed, Vidyadhara lacked reproductive capabilities. Thus, there would be no consequences if... Herta nodded, holding Sophia with one hand as she examined her closely. "So that''s the case. However... science demands rigor. What if she can actually bear children? I think it''s best to conduct the experiment." Upon hearing this, Sophia, who had been pretending to faint, started struggling again and spewed profanities: "You fucking bastard! You piece of shit! Why don''t you make your own mother try instead?" "Can you make her shut up?" Herta glanced at Bochang, "She''s too noisy." [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Threaten by saying, "Sophia, you wouldn''t want to be turned back into a toy again... behave if you don''t." - Completion Reward: Compel Sophia to commit suicide.] [Option 2: Comfort Sophia with, "Hang in there, after this, I''ll treat you to something delicious and try reviving your knight again." - Completion Reward: Herta''s mysterious reward.] [Option 3: Stop Herta''s actions by stating, "Sophia is my familiar, not your experimental subject. Herta, you''ve seen enough already, it''s time to return her to me." - Completion Reward: Obtain Skill ''Forced Conception'', as implied by its name, this skill allows you to bypass reproductive barriers. Note: This skill must be actively used during ejaculation; no need to worry about uncontrollable breeding.] Seeing Option 1 appear, Bochang realized he couldn''t let Herta continue unchecked. Between options two and three, Bochang hesitated slightly before ultimately choosing the third one. "Sophia is my familiar, not your experimental subject, Herta. You''ve had enough time with her; it''s now time to return her." Bochang extended his hand. Struggling free from Herta''s grasp, Sophia leaped onto Bochang''s palm and swiftly climbed up his arm, reaching his shoulder in a flash. After this flurry of movements... Sophia panted heavily, exhausted. [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the skill: Forced Conception.] "Fine, I''ll give her back," Herta replied indifferently. "She''s just a toy, why be so concerned? With your abilities, you can create as many like her as you wish. In fact...I could even help you make a life-sized doll. Once resurrected, wouldn''t that be even more intriguing?" Bochang shook his head, "Herta, I value sentimentality. Sophia has been by my side for some time, she isn''t just any replaceable toy." In agreement, March 7th, Stelle, and Serval nodded along. They genuinely liked this little princess as well. Especially Serval, being from Belobog, had grown up hearing stories about Sophia since childhood, which made her even more fond of the young princess. Perched on Bochang''s shoulder, Sophia clutched his ears with both hands. Upon hearing these words, her mood instantly improved, thinking to herself, "Master... still cares for me after all." "Oh? How intriguing." Herta placed one hand on her hip, staring at Bochang with her icy purple eyes. "What if I offered you... a Herta doll in exchange?" After a brief pause, Bochang replied, "No deal." "You hesitated just now, didn''t you?" A smile flickered across Herta''s face. Bochang immediately sensed her mischievous intent. Sophia interjected, "Y-you better not try to sow discord between this princess and my master." To be honest, when Sophia first saw Herta, she assumed they were going to be companions. After all... The doll''s joints had distinct connection points clearly visible at a glance, indicating she was not an ordinary human. Sophia thought Herta must be Bochang''s new toy, so she emerged from Pascal''s belly to greet her. Unexpectedly, within the next moment, Herta grabbed and vigorously kneaded Sophia. From subsequent conversations between Bochang and others, Sophia realized that Herta wasn''t just another toy of Bochang''s but rather a significant figure, commanding respect even from him. Reflecting back now, Sophia wished she hadn''t come out from Pascal''s belly and should have stayed inside playing quietly instead. Unaware of Sophia''s thoughts, Herta checked her phone''s map and said, "Bochang, we''re almost at the laboratory. Are you prepared?" "I''m ready," Bochang nodded. Next... Under Herta''s guidance, they arrived at the laboratory gifted to her by Xianzhou Luofu. It was not a large facility. In total, it spanned only about three hundred square meters, with just five research personnel, but it was well-equipped with various instruments. Herta took stock of the lab. "Although somewhat modest compared to the space station, for now... it will suffice. Bochang, what are you waiting for? Quickly take off your clothes and change into a lab coat." "Do we need to undress for the experiment?" March 7th looked puzzled. Herta explained, "I have to perform a full-body examination on him, and his current attire would be inconvenient." Chapter 202 - 201: Experimenting with Mouse Talisman’s Power Chapter 202 - 201: Experimenting with Mouse Talisman''s PowerPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In the quiet and eerie laboratory, Bochang, under Herta''s instructions, went to a nearby room to change his clothes. He seized the opportunity to test his "One-Second Strip" skill. It proved remarkably useful. With just a flick of light wings, he could instantly remove all his clothing. Theoretically, as soon as Bochang''s hand touched any garment...the "One-Second Strip" skill would activate. This move could also be effective against enemies, provided he could make contact. However, without physical proximity, it would be entirely useless. Dressed in a white lab coat, Bochang opened the door, taking his first step as the subject of experimentation. "Relax, I won''t bite," Herta said, observing the slowly emerging black-haired youth. Bochang replied, "Ahem...it''s my first time being studied, so feeling a bit nervous is quite normal." "Alright, as long as you''re comfortable," Herta responded half-heartedly. Following that... Bochang underwent a series of examinations, akin to a routine check-up at a hospital. Afterward, Herta produced a collection of toys and asked Bochang to bring them to life using his powers. Apparently, these toys represented famous characters from Blue Planet, including some legendary figures. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang casually picked one resembling a humanoid warrior and infused it with the magic power from the Mouse Talisman. The previously motionless warrior suddenly sprang to life. Unlike Sophia, this purely plastic toy did not have skin resembling that of a real person; its surface still felt distinctly plasticky. Moreover, its intelligence seemed quite low, even less sophisticated than the previous teddy bear. The warrior raised its head and bellowed: "Nature provides all things for man''s sustenance, yet man offers nothing in return but slaughter! Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!" These familiar words left Bochang momentarily stunned. Undeterred, the red-eyed warrior charged directly at Bochang. "Harmful being." Bochang swiftly grabbed the warrior with his Invisible Hand, suspending it mid-air. The warrior struggled fiercely but could not escape his grasp, futilely shouting: "Kill, kill, kill, kill, kill!" Approaching them, Herta asked, "Transforming stillness into motion... I wonder what principle lies behind this?" The doll girl had a feeling that if she could understand Bochang''s power thoroughly, she might be able to attempt reviving deceased individuals¡ªa form of resurrection. Bochang replied, "Don''t ask me; I only know how to use these powers, not their underlying principles. And... Miss Herta, you should be aware that once my abilities bring toys back to life, I cannot control their actions. Why did you choose such unpredictable creatures then?" "Well, they won''t cause significant harm to you, will they?" Herta seemed unconcerned about minor details. It was true that the doll girl''s statement held merit. However... Bochang worried¡ªwhat if there were similarly powerful toys within the group? That could quickly escalate into trouble. Thus... Bochang voiced his concerns. "Relax," Herta assured him. "There are no Aeons or other Emanators here. The toys I''ve chosen are generally under control. Even if any do become uncontrollable, I can swiftly suppress them." The doll maiden exuded confidence, and rightfully so, given her capabilities. As an Emanator, Herta had little to worry about as long as her opponents were not other Aeons or similarly powerful Emanators. After all... The gap between an Emanator and ordinary fate travelers was truly vast. Herta approached the warrior, examining him closely before instructing Bochang to place him inside a sealed glass enclosure. Next came the second, then the third... One by one, various toys were brought back to life through the power of the Mouse Talisman. They were confined together, engaging in multiple duels, much to the awe and admiration of March 7th, Serval, and others present. Naturally... Before conducting experiments with the Mouse Talisman''s power, Herta had already dismissed the five researchers from the laboratory. It was better for some matters to remain unknown to them, preventing any uncontrollable incidents. Now, only trusted individuals remained within the lab. Time quietly slipped away amidst these experiments. "Based on the test results, we can conclude... characters with greater fame tend to be smarter and more powerful. Additionally... the strength of revived characters is also influenced by historical legends and the materials composing their toys." "However... fame and historical legends are the key factors; the materials play a secondary role." Herta arrived at these conclusions after conducting comparative experiments. After a brief pause, Herta continued, "Furthermore... there''s another crucial factor affecting their power, which is... whether or not the character actually existed in history." "According to our tests, under similar conditions... characters based on historical figures often exhibit significantly greater strength compared to those without historical counterparts, both in terms of physical prowess and intelligence." "It seems that the force within you... acts like a beacon reaching through the river of history, capturing projections of these individuals using the statues as coordinates, and then embodying them within the statues themselves." Herta''s explanation was simple and straightforward. Bochang nodded thoughtfully. "It does bear some resemblance to my Simulated Universe project." Herta had created the Simulated Universe to explore the mysteries of Aeon, which also contained simulated versions of Aeon built from data. As for Bochang''s power, if not for the potential unpredictable consequences, he could likely capture projections of Aeon directly from the river of history. Otherwise, Herta would have eagerly attempted it already. Bochang glanced at the toys that had lost their enhanced abilities and reverted back to statues. Only now did Bochang realize that among these toys, very few possessed high intelligence like Sophia. Most toys revived by the Mouse Talisman''s magic had limited intelligence. They typically followed their original programming rigidly, unaffected by any threats or enticements... They lived in their own world, unable to deviate from it. Often, they could only utter a few fixed phrases, resembling robots. Notably, these toys usually lacked historical counterparts. However, it''s worth mentioning that... Herta seemed to have pursued her personal agenda, which opened up another possibility for Bochang. As a member of the Genius Society and an Emanator, Herta has fans. Just moments ago, she had Bochang revive several toys based on her fervent admirers, with one of them not yet deceased in the real world. But... Even these fan-based toys were similarly brought back to life by Bochang''s ability. These toys, completely devoted to Herta alone, exhibited some simplicity and lacked strength, much like robots. They were completely devoted to Herta, albeit somewhat dim-witted and lacking in strength. The doll-like character had little regard for them. Coldly, Herta instructed Bochang to withdraw the Mouse Talisman''s magic, transforming them back into toys. "The idea is appealing, but...cultivating high-profile virtual characters who remain loyal to me is quite troublesome. Moreover, even if successful, their abilities would be rather weak." Bochang inwardly sighed softly. The Mouse Talisman''s magic still had significant limitations. When Bochang was weaker, this power could have been used to create a formidable army en masse. However, now for him, those toys were simply too feeble. Chapter 203 - 202: Yichen Inn Chapter 203 - 202: Yichen InnPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** During the experiment, Bochang learned from Serval that Princess Sophia had a significant historical background in Belobog, dating back over seven hundred years. At that time, Jarilo VI was still in the interstellar era. It''s likely that Sophia held some renown on other planets as well. Her fame and historical legacy fortuitously led to the creation of a highly intelligent familiar. Notably, among the toys crafted by Herta, the occurrence of high intelligence is quite rare. Out of hundreds, only a few possess such capabilities. In retrospect... it was actually the system''s prompt that led Bochang to revive Sophia initially. However... This foul-mouthed little princess wasn''t particularly helpful. She could gather information at best and serve as eye candy otherwise. "Let''s conclude today''s experiments here." After Herta finished her intended tasks, it was already evening. The day at Luofu Immortal Continent was coming to an end. "I''ll now analyze these data and those high-intelligence familiars..." Herta glanced at the black-haired youth, "Familiars... as you call them, right, Bochang?" With the experiments completed, the high-intelligence familiars had not been stripped of their Mouse Talisman powers by Bochang; they remained active and obedient to Herta''s commands. As for what they truly felt inside, no one could say. Regardless, for the moment, they all submitted to Herta''s tyrannical authority. Sophia sympathized with their plight, recalling how Herta had thoroughly tormented her before. Just thinking about it made her uncomfortable. "Yes, I refer to these revived toys as familiars." Bochang spread his hands and added cautiously, "Although they are just toys, I still think... Miss Herta, please don''t go too far." Sophia, perched on Stelle''s shoulder, nodded emphatically, "That''s right!" The other high-intelligence familiars glanced at the foul-mouthed little princess with envy. Being by Bochang''s side was undoubtedly preferable to serving under Herta. Just moments ago, this doll-like girl had been utterly ruthless. Not only did she make them compete against low-intelligence familiars, but she also subjected them to various invasive procedures¡ªpricking for blood samples, forcing them to eat, urinate, and defecate. She even tried making them watch explicit videos to see if it would provoke any reactions. Fortunately, Bochang intervened promptly, preventing an embarrassing spectacle in front of everyone. "Don''t worry, I know my limits; you needn''t concern yourself," Herta replied, her gaze shifting to the familiars. Seeing this... Bochang decided not to waste any more time and led March 7th and the others out of the laboratory. The Sky-Faring Commission had reserved premium rooms at the Yuchen Inn. Naturally, Bochang''s group would rest there for the night. Originally, Tingyun was supposed to guide them. However... Tingyun went missing, and they still hadn''t found her. Thus, the task of guiding fell upon March 7th, Stelle, and Welt Yang, as they had already visited the Yuchen Inn during Kafka''s capture yesterday. After some searching, Bochang''s group successfully arrived at their destination. Pushing open the wooden door of the Yuchen Inn, they were greeted by an aura of antiquity. Soft white light illuminated the entire hall, while intricately embroidered dark screens divided the inn into distinct areas, subtly revealing the proprietor''s meticulous arrangement. The subtle details hinted at the meticulous planning by the inn''s owner. In the center of the main hall stood a simple azure wooden counter. Behind it, the innkeeper diligently sorted through account books, his kindly face etched with wrinkles reflecting years of experience. This was Xianzhou after all. Bochang knew that the innkeeper''s age could likely make him her great-great-grandfather''s contemporary... In a corner of the inn, a young foxfolk waitress wiped dust from tables with a damp cloth, her movements gentle and practiced - clearly indicating she was an experienced server. One might estimate her service tenure to be over a hundred years. Yet...she still appeared as a young girl. Such is life in Xianzhou. The decor of Yichen Inn was not extravagant but rather inviting and unpretentious, markedly different from the Goethe Grand Hotel. For many years, this inn had been renowned for hosting esteemed guests visiting Xianzhou. Its quaint ambiance inexplicably brought a sense of comfort to visitors. Bochang requested additional rooms from Bailu. Under the guidance of a foxfolk servant, S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the weary Bochang entered his assigned quarters, opened the bathroom door, and filled it with hot water for a relaxing soak. Unlike Jarilo VI, Luofu Immortal Continent had its own bathing customs. Here, they traditionally used wooden bathtubs instead of modern tubs. A small bench placed inside allowed one to sit comfortably while washing. Bochang didn''t mind; as long as he could enjoy a bath, that was sufficient. After filling the bathtub with warm water, Bochang tested its temperature, finding it just right. He undressed, submerged himself fully, and sat on the little bench. With only his head above water, he closed his eyes, savoring this brief moment of tranquility. In Luofu Immortal Continent, events unfolded rapidly and relentlessly, leaving Bochang barely any time to catch his breath. It was starkly different from the leisurely and enjoyable pace in Belobog. On Luofu Immortal Continent, Bochang found himself either fighting or preparing for the next battle. Yesterday, it was against Blade. Today, it''s Phantylia. Bochang dare not even think about who or what might be tomorrow''s opponent. Could an Aeon suddenly appear? "Wait...that doesn''t seem entirely impossible." He instantly recalled the Aeon of Joy - Aha. With Aha keeping an eye on him, there was no telling when the entity might show up. Naturally, Bochang had no desire to encounter Aha. However... Some matters were beyond his control. If Aha intended to confront him, nothing could stop it. Not even the combined efforts of Jing Yuan and Herta would make a difference. The gap between an Emanator and an ordinary fate traveler was insurmountable, just as the divide between an Aeon and an Emanator. As Bochang pondered this, he submerged his head underwater, taking a deep breath. The warm water flowed directly from his nose into his lungs. Thanks to his underwater breathing skill, Bochang felt no discomfort whatsoever; instead, it seemed quite refreshing. As water flowed into his lungs, there was a slight discomfort. After all, he usually breathed air, so feeling uneasy was quite normal. While Bochang enjoyed his bath, in another room nearby, Stelle, March 7th, Bailu, and Serval¡ªthe four girls¡ªwere together. What were they doing? Naturally, playing mahjong. With idle time on their hands, finding something to occupy themselves was inevitable. Pascal stood nearby, serving tea and refreshments. Inside Sophia''s robotic belly, a pet robot took a nap. As for Dan Heng and Welt Yang, they remained in their own rooms, their activities unknown. After experimenting with the Underwater Breathing skill for a bit, Bochang recalled another ability of his¡ªForced Conception. The skill description mentioned ignoring reproductive barriers, but it was unclear whether it would work on races like Vidyadhara that lack fertility. Bochang pondered briefly. Upon clicking open the Forced Conception skill, he noticed a Note 2 at the end: [Note 2: Effective on all living beings, including males and genderless individuals; pregnancy can occur.] Bochang: I think you''re being somewhat extreme.jpg Chapter 204 - 203: Practical Combat Training Chapter 204 - 203: Practical Combat TrainingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Briefly reviewing the skill description, Bochang realized: The "Forced Pregnancy" ability did not concern itself with whether the target was capable of conceiving. As long as Bochang used this skill while climaxing inside any living being, it would result in pregnancy, regardless of their gender. It completely disregarded biological limitations... Quite twisted, indeed. In every sense of the word. Already impressive was Bochang''s ability to transform Vidyadhara individuals into dragons. Now, with the power to make them pregnant and bear children, irrespective of gender, it was simply mind-blowing¡ªbeyond words. Underwater, Bochang released a few bubbles. "If Vidyadhara people find out about this skill, it could cause significant trouble." One can only imagine the impact such knowledge would have on Vidyadhara, who cannot naturally reproduce and rely solely on the samsara cycle for continuation. Bochang dared not disclose this information, at least not yet. The thought of being pursued by a horde of Vidyadhara women seeking to conceive his child was quite distressing. As Bochang pondered this, his lips slowly curved upwards beneath the water. After finishing his bath, he stood up and dried himself thoroughly... Then, he slipped into a traditional Xianzhou-style robe before checking his phone. He noticed messages from March 7th and others in the group chat¡ªmentioning they were playing mahjong in Stelle''s room. The players included March 7th, Stelle, Serval, and Bailu, totaling four participants. Bochang decided not to disturb them for now. Standing by the table, he gazed at his two weapons¡ªthe Vow Spear and Cybernetic Flying Sword. The blue long spear was truly exceptional. In combat... It had always served as his primary weapon due to its indestructible nature, ensuring that Bochang''s fighting capabilities would never be hindered by a damaged tool. On the other hand, the Cybernetic Flying Sword could only act as a secondary weapon. Its main purpose was carrying Bochang during flight rather than combat, especially since he lacked any specific skills related to using large swords. Employing such a sword might actually diminish his overall effectiveness. Running his fingers along the black scabbard of the Cybernetic Flying Sword, Bochang remarked, "Nanotechnology is indeed remarkable." During his battle with Phantylia''s transformed body, both the cybernetic flying sword and its scabbard were destroyed. However... They swiftly regenerated, much faster than Bochang''s clothing, which itself was quite valuable. Clearly, there was a significant gap between his attire and the cybernetic flying sword. "Beep..." A sudden sound from Bochang''s phone interrupted his thoughts. Picking it up, he saw a message from Dan Heng asking if he had finished his bath yet. Uncertain why the stoic little azure dragon wanted to reach out, Bochang replied: "I''m done bathing. What''s up? Anything specific?" Dan Heng: "Nothing in particular, just wondering...would you like to come down and practice your spear techniques?" With this mention from the cold-faced young dragon, Bochang realized that since acquiring the Hundred Birds Homage Spear, he hadn''t rigorously trained his spear skills as before. Initially, he planned to dedicate two and a half hours daily to practice, but lately, he had grown somewhat lax for a few days. Of course... The recent combat experiences over these past two days did compensate to some extent for Bochang''s training time; he certainly hadn''t neglected his spear technique, in fact, improving steadily. In fact, his skills had continued to improve significantly. After all, gaining experience through actual combat is far quicker than mere practice alone. Bochang pondered for a moment and promptly typed: "Sure." Clad in a bathrobe and wielding the Vow Spear, Bochang descended the stairs. Dan Heng was waiting for him in the main hall of Yi Chen Inn. The stoic little azure dragon, no longer in his draconic form, blended more easily among the crowd. "Where shall we train?" Bochang asked as he stopped near Dan Heng. "In the backyard." Holding his long spear, Striking Clouds, Dan Heng rose from his wooden chair. "Follow me." Honestly... Dan Heng''s sudden invitation caught Bochang off guard. He assumed that once Dan Heng realized how advanced his spear techniques were, he would no longer offer training sessions. To his surprise, Dan Heng hadn''t given up on him. They left the main hall together. Dan Heng led the way without uttering a word. Not far into their walk, they arrived at Yi Chen Inn''s backyard, designated for guest activities. At this moment, there were no outsiders present, only Bochang and Dan Heng. There seemed to be no time for idle chatter. Dan Heng spoke up, "Your spear technique is already at a level where you can be considered a true adept... Ordinary practice may not suffice anymore. Why don''t we try some actual combat drills against each other?" "Combat drills?" Bochang blinked. Dan Heng nodded and said, "Yes, don''t worry about causing me harm; just focus on your attacks. However... remember to use only your spear technique, no other abilities allowed. Also, restrain your strength to avoid damaging anything in the inn." The purpose of these combat drills was to enhance his spear technique. Naturally, using any other abilities besides the spear would be prohibited. Dan Heng''s tone exuded confidence, which wasn''t surprising. After all... He could simply switch to his main account. "Let''s do this," Bochang agreed without hesitation. He raised his spear and lunged towards Dan Heng with a thrust showcasing his prowess. Their weapons clashed repeatedly in the backyard. The blue and black spears continuously crossed paths in mid-air. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Welt Yang, holding a cup of tea, stood by the window observing their battle. He had no intention of interrupting, choosing instead to silently watch. ?As expected... Bochang seems particularly skilled when fighting women.? With his keen gaze, Welt Yang effortlessly observed their progress. Dan Heng and Bochang''s sparring session continued for nearly half an hour. As both began to steam with exertion, Dan Heng called a halt. "That''s enough for now. If we continue, you''ll need another bath." The stoic little azure dragon planted his spear firmly on the ground. Despite Bochang''s rapid improvement in spear technique, Dan Heng didn''t delve further into it. After all, every member of the Astral Express Crew had their secrets. Bochang''s peculiarities were countless; there was no need to pry incessantly. Unlike March 7th, Dan Heng simply needed to know that Bochang wasn''t an enemy, which was sufficient for him. "Alright," Bochang nodded. In truth, Dan Heng was quite considerate...it''s just that he tended not to blend well with others. Earlier, even March 7th had invited him to join a mahjong game, but the stoic little azure dragon unhesitatingly declined. "I should go check on March 7th and the others..." Bochang said, turning to leave. After speaking, Bochang turned to leave. Suddenly, Dan Heng called out, "Wait..." "What is it?" Bochang looked back. In the moonlit night, Dan Heng''s face remained expressionless as he said, "About what happened this afternoon... I''m sorry. I genuinely didn''t want to rely on that power, and I didn''t anticipate you falling for Phantylia''s trick so quickly, leading to your defeat." "If only I had known sooner..." "I should have acted earlier..." [Dating options activated.] [Option 1: Shake your head and say, "If apologies were enough, we wouldn''t need the Cloud Knights, Dan Heng. Next time such a situation arises, you mustn''t hold back." - Completion Reward: Dan Heng becomes socially withdrawn for twenty-four hours.] [Option 2: Seize the opportunity and demand, "I nearly died, Dan Heng... Your apology isn''t enough unless... you agree to give me a baby." - Completion Reward: Dan Heng''s Big Booty.] Chapter 205 - 204: Fu Xuan’s Visit Chapter 205 - 204: Fu Xuan''s VisitPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Option Three: Groaning in pain, say, "No... It was fine until you mentioned it. Now my chest starts to ache faintly; only a massage from Dan Heng can alleviate it." ¡ª Completion Reward: Dan Heng''s Big Booty. Option Four: Generously respond, "It''s alright, Dan Heng. There''s no need for a special apology over such a minor issue." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will... Option Five: Smile with a crooked grin and say, "Dan Heng, since you put it that way... consider this a favor I''m owed now." ¡ª Completion Reward: A mysterious reward from Dan Heng. Seeing Options Two and Three, Bochang nearly lost his composure¡ªhe wasn''t interested in men. In any case, he could immediately dismiss the first three options, leaving only the last two as viable choices. A random item or Dan Heng''s mysterious reward. "How should I choose?" Although Bochang''s intuition suggested opting for the fourth option, ...he still felt somewhat curious. What kind of mysterious reward would Dan Heng offer? "Option four or option five?" If Bochang remembered correctly, this was already the third instance of encountering a mysterious reward. The previous two were from Jing Yuan and Herta. It remained unclear what exactly these rewards might entail. He pondered, "No, Dan Heng is a friend I constantly interact with¡ªbesides, he has helped me quite a lot over time. How could I just loot gold coins from him? Even if it happens, I wouldn''t feel right accepting them..." After hesitating for a moment, Bochang ultimately chose the fourth option. "It''s alright, Dan Heng. No need to specially apologize for such a minor issue." The stoic little azure dragon fell silent. Soon, the system''s voice chimed in: [Reward being issued - Congratulations! You have received the item ''Storage Pouch'', crafted using space-folding technology. It offers ten cubic meters of storage space, with no password required; simply open it to use. Note: This item has been placed in the System Space and can be directly accessed.] "A Storage Pouch?" Bochang''s eyes slightly brightened, surprised that he had inadvertently obtained another valuable item. He promptly clicked to view its detailed information. Further down, he discovered additional notes: [Note 2: This item can accommodate living beings inside.] [Note 3: The defensive capabilities of this item are limited; please use with caution.] Meanwhile... Dan Heng took out his phone and tapped on it briefly. A notification sound echoed from Bochang''s phone. "What does sending me a message face-to-face mean?" Bochang, snapping back to reality, picked up his phone to check. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To his surprise, he discovered that Dan Heng had transferred him two hundred thousand Credits directly to his chat account. With just a slight movement of his finger, Bochang could now obtain two hundred thousand Credits. This was no small sum; two hundred thousand Credits were sufficient to purchase many items. Initially... after acquiring this interstellar phone, Bochang had registered an account with the Interstellar Peace Corporation. Although he could accept the transfer now, Bochang hesitated instead and looked up, saying, "This..." "It''s money I''ve saved up. Please take it as an apology gift." Dan Heng gazed at Bochang calmly, seemingly waiting for him to accept the Credits. What should Bochang do? He hadn''t anticipated receiving Credits from Dan Heng. When considering whether there was a shortage of Credits... Yes, indeed, there was a scarcity. On the other hand, he indeed didn''t lack Credit. After all, as part of the Astral Express crew, Bochang could eat and drink freely without charge. When visiting places like Xianzhou, it was essentially travel on company expense; there was no need to worry about personal funds. However... The key issue wasn''t his financial situation but rather that Bochang genuinely didn''t want to accept the Credit. "No, no, Dan Heng, you''re too generous. Please keep these Credits for yourself." The stoic little azure dragon insisted on giving them, while Bochang steadfastly refused. For a moment, they were at a standoff. Finally, Dan Heng relented and said, "If you change your mind later, feel free to let me know." "I won''t change my mind. Alright then, I should head back now." Bochang gently shook his head. Having just obtained the storage pouch, he was eager to explore his new item. Next... Bochang left the backyard. With that, Dan Heng continued his training alone. Upon returning to the lobby of Yichen Inn, Bochang unexpectedly spotted Fu Xuan. The petite Master Diviner was accompanied by Qingque, who stood at a similar height beside her. The two girls walking together resembled sisters. "Good evening, Bochang," Fu Xuan greeted first. "Have you had dinner already?" "We ate on our way here before coming to Yichen Inn," replied Bochang. "Hmm... shouldn''t you be quite busy right now, Master Diviner? How do you have time to visit?" "The matters are mostly taken care of, so I thought I''d drop by..." Fu Xuan crossed her arms, adding, "And also to deliver Stelle''s trash bin." Bochang slightly focused his attention and noticed Miyu''s trash bin behind Qingque. "Just to deliver a trash bin? Surely there was no need for Master Diviner himself to come. Wouldn''t it have been sufficient to send Qingque?" Upon hearing this, the mahjong girl shot Bochang a helpless glance, as if silently pleading¡ªMust you mention me again? Fu Xuan responded, "Actually, this venerable one had something I wanted to discuss with you. Let''s go inside your room." "I knew there must be some matter at hand..." thought Bochang, having subtly guessed earlier when he noticed Master Diviner hesitating during their daytime encounter. After speaking, Fu Xuan turned to the mahjong girl and said, "Qingque, please deliver the trash bin to Stelle." "Yes, Master Diviner," Qingque nodded in agreement. Then... Bochang led Fu Xuan into his room, while Qingque carried the trash bin to find Stelle. "Master Diviner, did you need something from me? Surely not another issue with Luofu Immortal Continent, requiring the Astral Express Crew''s assistance... Although for such matters, you should consult Uncle Yang instead." Bochang closed the door and spoke at length. Fu Xuan shook her head. "No... Currently, there are no troubles in Luofu that require your help. I simply wanted to speak with you, Bochang. I heard from Qingque about your collection of extraordinary artifacts, and this venerable one wishes to witness them firsthand." "Oh?" Bochang responded, sounding both surprised and intrigued. However... In reality, Bochang wasn''t truly astonished; his gadgets were indeed remarkable, and arousing curiosity was quite normal. "I have numerous artifacts on me. Which type would Master Diviner like to see?" "The teleportation ring," Fu Xuan stated directly. Bochang raised his hand, revealing the teleportation ring on his left index finger. "This is..." Fu Xuan''s eyes sparkled with a peculiar light as she gently touched the white ring and began performing divination gestures to deduce its origin. From his vantage point, Bochang observed Master Diviner Fu Xuan closely. She uttered incomprehensible words, her meticulously styled pink hair bun swaying gently. "Strange... I anticipated that with Heaven, Earth, and Human elements all aligned, this would be an ideal time for divination. Yet, why am I still unable to discern anything? Bochang, where exactly did you obtain your teleportation ring?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Tap Fu Xuan on the shoulder and say, "Do you want one? If the Master Diviner allows me to steal something from you, I''ll give you a teleportation ring." - Completion Reward: Increase the range of Theft Skill from 10 meters to 100 meters. Note: When using the Theft Skill, the ancient coin must be worn.] Chapter 206 - 205: I’m a Good Person Chapter 206 - 205: I''m a Good PersonPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option Two: Place both hands on Fu Xuan''s shoulders and say, "If Master Diviner wishes, I can gift you a teleportation ring, but... there''s one condition: let me pick you up and lift you high." - Completion Reward: Strength increased by 100%.] [Option Three: As an honest person, give an honest answer: "I don''t know exactly, but sometimes when I desire a teleportation ring, it suddenly appears. Everyone from the Astral Express Crew is aware of this." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] "What''s with theft again?!" Seeing Option One, Bochang weakly complained, "It''s not like I can just randomly use theft on anyone..." So far, without explicit permission, he had only used the Theft skill on two individuals: March 7th and Phantylia. With the pink-haired girl, her inventory was empty, resulting in stealing only her socks. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. As for Phantylia, no further explanation was needed. She was an enemy after all; how Bochang treated her didn''t matter. But what about Fu Xuan? Thus, caution was necessary. Firstly, Bochang''s relationship with Fu Xuan was quite ordinary. Even if she didn''t fully understand the nature of the Steal skill, agreeing to let him use it on her could lead to awkwardness if he ends up stealing her panties. Moreover, upgrading the Steal skill held little significance for Bochang. Its only effect would be allowing him to steal from greater distances. If he chose this option, future opportunities to trigger the Steal skill might increase, making it even easier to obtain panties. Therefore, Option One could be immediately disregarded. When Bochang saw Option Two, his interest was piqued. Improving physical attributes is crucial, but the content itself also made his heart race with uncertainty. It was clear that this task would likely pose some difficulty. His gaze continued downward. Option Three seemed the most conventional, but its rewards were rather unimpressive. "I''ll still go with the second option. Even if Fu Xuan doesn''t agree, estimating conservatively, I should at least enhance my strength by fifty percent. Worst-case scenario, she might just think I''m a pervert," thought Bochang, adopting a resigned mindset, "After all, ever since wearing those red lace panties, my reputation has already been ruined." Having made his decision... Bochang reached out with both hands and placed them on Fu Xuan''s shoulders, saying, "If Master Diviner wishes, I can gift you a teleportation ring, but... there''s one condition - let me pick you up and lift you high." Caught off guard by Bochang''s sudden move, Fu Xuan was momentarily stunned. By the time she reacted, his large hands had already rested upon her slender shoulders. Having previously divined the situation before arriving, Fu Xuan anticipated that Bochang might do something peculiar, so she remained composed. Her delicate chest gently rose and fell as she looked up at Bochang, remarking, "Exchanging a teleportation ring for being lifted high? You certainly know how to make a deal." "Rest assured, I''m a good person. And given your understanding nature, Master Diviner, you''ll surely fulfill this small wish of mine, won''t you?" Although he doubted Fu Xuan would agree, Bochang still gave it a try. If he could lift Fu Xuan and gain a hundred percent power boost, it would be an incredibly advantageous trade for him, with no downside whatsoever. Despite thinking it was unlikely, Bochang still held onto hope that Fu Xuan might agree. Breathing in the subtle fragrance from Master Diviner, their eyes met. Fu Xuan said, "Just as Qingque implied, you truly are an unpredictable eccentric... I half expected you to use deception by stealing, waiting for an opportunity to snatch my underwear." "For this very reason... before coming here, I specifically took precautions..." Fu Xuan coughed, realizing he had nearly revealed too much and awkwardly changed the topic. "In any case... this venerable one was prepared for deceit, but surprisingly, you chose ''raise high-high'' instead of theft." "Does that mean...you agree?" Bochang cautiously asked. Fu Xuan paused momentarily, then shook his head. "I never said I wanted your teleportation ring... Although it''s indeed remarkable, it''s not enough to make this venerable one accept such an impudent request." Bochang anticipated that after being rejected, the system would immediately signal failure. However, unexpectedly, nothing happened. In other words... The quest continued unabated. Now, Bochang had three options: continue persuading Fu Xuan, forcefully lift her high, or wait for the task to fail. These strategies could be categorized as upper, middle, and lower tactics. Persuading Fu Xuan to comply would naturally be the best outcome. However, Bochang wasn''t confident in his ability to convince her. The most effective approach might involve offering additional incentives. As the Diviner of the Alchemy Commission, Fu Xuan''s standards were undoubtedly high. A teleportation ring piqued her curiosity... But it was insufficient to make Fu Xuan agree to Bochang''s impudent request. "What else do I have that she might find interesting? Super fashionable sanitary pads? Vampire-absorbent bandages? The Thousand Character Classic? Or perhaps the Universal Key? Maybe the Universal Key could work, but losing it would really hurt..." The Universal Key, claimed to open any lock, was undeniably a game-breaking item. Persuading Bochang to give away such an item would indeed be challenging. After all, a teleportation ring could potentially be obtained with luck from loot boxes. But losing the Universal Key... It might truly be gone forever. "Should I try forcibly lifting Fu Xuan and carrying her high? But... she''ll get angry, won''t she? Definitely." Although Bochang wanted to complete the quest, he also knew his limits and wouldn''t overstep them. "Is there no other choice but to await task failure?" Bochang pondered for several seconds. Fu Xuan spoke up, "Can you release this venerable one now?" "Master Diviner, I have other items here. Would you like to consider them instead?" Bochang chose to continue persuading, still keeping his hand firmly on Fu Xuan''s shoulder, showing no sign of letting go. With one hand on her hip, Fu Xuan, seemingly exasperated, asked, "Are you that eager to lift me up?" "Absolutely!" Bochang nodded emphatically. Fu Xuan sighed deeply and said, "Alright, since you''re so keen on being lifted, let''s do it." The pink-haired Master Diviner, seemingly resigned to her fate, closed her eyes. Bochang stared blankly at Fu Xuan before him, momentarily unsure of what was happening. Fu Xuan shut her beautiful golden eyes and tilted her head up, presenting her vulnerable yet endearing face directly towards Bochang. The faintly shimmering third eye between her brows hinted at her inner turmoil. In this moment, Bochang couldn''t imagine Fu Xuan remaining calm either. With such an unguarded expression, forget being lifted for a high-five, even if Bochang suddenly leaned down for a kiss, Fu Xuan likely wouldn''t have time to react. To be honest, Fu Xuan''s current demeanor practically invited a kiss. Her moist, cherry-red lips seemed to emit an enticing glow. Feeling somewhat taken aback, Bochang whispered, "Master Diviner... Has General Jing Yuan threatened you somehow? If so, just nod, and I assure you, I won''t tell anyone else." Chapter 207 - 206: An Unforgettable Sight of Precious Moments Chapter 207 - 206: An Unforgettable Sight of Precious MomentsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "You''re just being threatened by Jing Yuan..." Fu Xuan''s eyes suddenly opened, her golden irises locking onto Bochang. "This venerable one merely decided to indulge your impudent request based on the divination results." "If you don''t want me to lift you high, I''ll be leaving now." With Master Diviner already expressing herself this clearly, how could Bochang back down? After all, Fu Xuan had agreed. Taking a deep breath, Bochang''s hands, resting gently on her delicate shoulders, immediately moved downward, slipping beneath her armpits. Fu Xuan''s attire featured a high chestline, exposing both her shoulders and back. As his large hands positioned under her armpits, they brushed against her smooth, hairless skin. Then... Bochang effortlessly lifted Fu Xuan up, carrying her as if she were a child. Being treated this way at her age, the Master Diviner blushed deeply, her pearly teeth lightly biting her soft red lips. Her bashful demeanor brought a wave of delight to Bochang''s heart, causing an involuntary gentlemanly smile to grace his face. He lifted her up... Then put her down... Lifted her up again... And put her down once more... "Have you had enough fun yet?" From her elevated position, Fu Xuan looked down with mild irritation at Bochang. Master Diviner''s body was remarkably soft and light. The intricately patterned white stockings adorning her shapely legs were even more enticing. "Not yet," Bochang replied truthfully. Since the system''s notification hadn''t sounded, it meant he wasn''t finished. Seeing this... Fu Xuan resigned herself, closing her eyes. So, Bochang continued lifting her several more times. "Now is that enough?" Fu Xuan couldn''t help but express her impatience; she certainly didn''t enjoy being hoisted like this. However, the system''s voice still remained silent. Bochang suggested, "Almost there, hmm... perhaps my earlier embrace wasn''t quite right, so we need to try again." Analyzing the situation based on these words, Apart from the improper hug, it was possible that Fu Xuan had not yet agreed to accept the teleportation ring. Considering these two distinct factors... "Don''t push your luck too far." Fu Xuan began to struggle, her delicate foot gently kicking Bochang''s chest... Using this momentum, Master Diviner swiftly broke free from his grasp and floated backward. The flowing silk garments danced gracefully in the air as Fu Xuan landed elegantly. "Does this venerable one seem so easily embraced at your whim?" If Bochang truly wished, Fu Xuan would have been unable to escape. However, he held back, allowing her to depart without force. Bochang understood the principle of avoiding excess; moderation was key. Noticing that the system hadn''t signaled a task failure, Bochang continued, "No embrace then, but...the teleportation ring, Master Diviner, you must accept." "You''re quite peculiar. Very well, if you insist, I shall reluctantly take it," Fu Xuan acquiesced. At that precise moment... the system''s notification sounded. [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! Your strength has been increased by 100%.] A warm sensation flowed throughout Bochang''s body. His strength rose from thirty-two times that of an average person to sixty-four times. Now, his strength surpassed his forty-eight times enhanced physique. Every muscle in his body underwent tearing and restructuring, becoming even more powerful and robust. Despite no significant change in appearance, Bochang''s physical attributes continued to improve, likely making his internal structure vastly different from that of a normal human. "Huh? It actually worked? So I didn''t need to hug again..." Bochang breathed a sigh of relief. With this, the task was successfully completed. Fu Xuan turned sideways, glancing at him skeptically, and said, "Didn''t you promise me a teleportation ring?" "Ah... I don''t have one currently, but please wait for it." Bochang scratched his head, feeling uneasy. Fu Xuan slowly typed out a question mark, implying, "Are you here just to tease me?" "No, not at all... Whenever I obtain a teleportation ring, I''ll definitely deliver it to Master Diviner," Bochang responded. As for the agreement with the fake Tingyun, it naturally became void. Chances were high that the person who made the pact that night was actually Phantylia. With her now driven away and both parties being adversaries, Bochang obviously had no obligation to fulfill the agreement. Fu Xuan placed her hands on her hips, paused briefly, then moved a chair closer and sat down. "Didn''t you claim to have many items? Bring them out one by one for this venerable one to examine." "Oh, there''s quite a lot. Let''s see... For example, this banana peel - anyone stepping on it will surely slip and fall," Bochang retrieved a small item from his system space. At first glance, it resembled an ordinary banana peel from before his transmigration, albeit with a slightly plastic-like texture. A puzzled expression crossed Fu Xuan''s face as she asked, "Really? That magical?" S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Yes, if you don''t believe me, Master Diviner can give it a try." Bochang encouraged, equally curious about the banana peel''s effect. Having a willing volunteer was undoubtedly ideal. "Very well, I shall test it," Fu Xuan responded, her curiosity piqued as she stood up. Faced with Fu Xuan''s unwavering dedication, Bochang confidently tossed the banana peel onto the ground. "Master Diviner, please..." Bochang bowed slightly. Fu Xuan examined the banana peel on the floor and calculated by pinching her fingers together. "Water-Fire uncompleted, Wind-Heaven minor accumulation - fortune reversed, all endeavors hindered... This divination... indeed suggests potential danger." "However," she added mentally, "by overcoming the obstacles, success can be achieved; it may still be worth attempting." Bochang watched her intently, awaiting her response. "Hmph... At worst, it''s just a slip. Why would this venerable one fear such a thing?" Fu Xuan stepped onto the banana peel. Then... disaster struck! Her foot slid, sending the banana peel flying away as an unknown force surged through it. Fu Xuan lost control, collapsing uncontrollably. She tried to regain her balance but found herself utterly unable to move her body. As one of the Six Sovereigns and a strong contender for the next Cloud Knight General position, Fu Xuan possessed formidable strength. Normally, a simple slip should have had no effect on her. Under normal circumstances, such a simple stumble should have had no effect on her. Fu Xuan possessed numerous ways to regain her balance. Yet this time... Nothing worked. Helplessly, she watched herself falling backward. Seeing this unfold, Bochang swiftly extended his assistance, placing both hands on Master Diviner''s shoulders to prevent her from collapsing. Still shaken and regaining her composure, Fu Xuan hadn''t even managed to get up when the inn room door suddenly opened. March 7th and Qingque stared dumbfounded at Fu Xuan leaning languidly against Bochang, their expressions betraying different emotions¡ªone slightly flushed, the other filled with concern. Although there was still some distance between Fu Xuan and Bochang, from March 7th and Qingque''s perspective, it appeared quite intimate... From March 7th and Qingque''s perspective, it appeared quite intimate... "What are you two doing?" The corner of March 7th''s mouth twitched slightly. Seizing the moment, Qingque quickly took out his phone to capture this precious scene. Snap! Snap! Several photos were swiftly taken. What an extraordinary and priceless moment..., thought Qingque inwardly. Upon noticing March 7th and Qingque, Bochang immediately helped Fu Xuan sit upright, explaining, "Don''t misunderstand, Master Diviner just tried my banana peel trick moments ago, so he''s feeling a bit unsteady now." March 7th responded, "Tried your banana?" Qingque looked puzzled, raising an eyebrow. Bochang seemed equally confused. Fu Xuan also appeared baffled. Chapter 208 - 207: Fortune Lies Amidst Peril Chapter 208 - 207: Fortune Lies Amidst PerilPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The statement from March 7th was completely unexpected. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A moment of silence filled the room. "It''s my banana peel, just a small prop," Bochang spoke up first, shrugging slightly. "March, how exactly did you hear it? If your ears aren''t functioning well, perhaps they should be donated to someone in need." "A banana peel? How could a banana peel make both of you end up in that position? And... what do you mean by ''if your ears aren''t functioning well,'' donate them to someone in need?" March 7th looked puzzled. Having regained her balance, Fu Xuan gently patted her skirt hem. Although it remained clean, she performed this refined gesture nonetheless before adding her input. "If this venerable one is not mistaken, Bochang seems to be mocking your hearing." "You?" March 7th placed hands on her hips and glared at Bochang with an expression of displeasure. Facing this situation, Bochang flashed an innocent smile and simply responded to her question, "Because that banana peel''s ability ensures anyone stepping on it... will inevitably fall. Seeing Master Diviner trip, I instinctively reached out to help. If you don''t believe me, feel free to give it a try." "Is that for real?" Bochang''s explanation piqued March 7th''s curiosity. Qingque retrieved the discarded banana peel from nearby. "This one?" "That''s right," Bochang nodded. March 7th, with one hand on her hip, commanded, "Qingque, toss the banana peel on the ground; let this young lady test it out." "All righty then." Qingque threw the banana peel down and promptly stepped back to observe. With a smile, Fu Xuan approached the Mahjong girl and gently tapped her shoulder, saying, "Qingque... you secretly took photos just now, didn''t you? Hand over your phone." Based on Qingque''s usual demeanor, she should have obediently handed over her phone right away. But... After being influenced by Bochang... Qingque, as if possessed, said, "Master Diviner, you wouldn''t want these photos to be seen by others, would you?" There''s a saying that goes well - fortune lies within taking risks. So, Qingque decided to make a bold move. "You''re asking for a beating." Fu Xuan promptly gave the mahjong girl a sharp rap on the head. Bochang looked at Qingque with admiration, never expecting her to dare such defiance against Master Diviner. She was practically setting an example for their generation. Unfortunately, Qingque''s attempt to challenge authority failed. Under Fu Xuan''s overwhelming presence, the mahjong girl reluctantly surrendered her phone. Meanwhile, on the other side, March 7th stepped onto a banana peel. Just like Fu Xuan had earlier. The yellow banana peel flew outward abruptly. March 7th stumbled and fell. Without showing any favoritism, Bochang swiftly extended his hand, catching the pink-haired girl to prevent her from collapsing. "Convinced now?" Grasping March 7th''s shoulders from behind, Bochang''s gaze inadvertently drifted towards the abyss between her chest. This position was perfect for appreciating such scenery. The reason this didn''t happen earlier with Fu Xuan was simple: Fu Xuan had a flat chest, much like Qingque, with only small mounds at the front. However... Upon closer inspection, one could notice that Master Diviner''s chest was slightly larger than Qingque''s. Of course... there might have been padding involved. March 7th was different though, even when compared to Serval, Himeko, and others. The pink-haired girl''s chest may be slightly smaller but still quite appealing to the eye. Bochang could clearly see that enticing cleavage. Under the white light, her delicate skin shimmered with a blinding radiance. "I believe you now; this little prop is truly bizarre..." March 7th straightened up, glancing at the flying banana peel. "I thought I was well-prepared, yet unexpectedly... I still fell for it." "That''s the power of a banana peel." Feeling thoroughly satisfied, Bochang smiled. Sensing something amiss, March 7th turned, crossed her arms defensively, and warned, "Bochang...you didn''t take advantage of the situation to peek at anything inappropriate, did you?" "No way, don''t be ridiculous," Bochang promptly denied it. In such matters, admitting it was absolutely out of the question. "Good..." March 7th patted her chest, choosing to trust Bochang without hesitation. After Fu Xuan deleted the photo Qingque had taken... "Bochang, may I take that banana peel back for further study?" "Certainly, Lord Fu Xuan," Bochang nodded in agreement. "Do you also wish to examine any other items?" "No, it''s best not to bite off more than one can chew. This venerable one will focus on studying the banana peel first, and regarding...the matter of the teleportation rings..." Before Fu Xuan could finish, March 7th interjected, "Bochang, surely you''re not secretly giving away teleportation rings behind everyone''s back again." Bailu served as a cautionary example from recent events. And going back even further, there was Pela from Belobog. In fact... This individual received a teleportation ring earlier than both Bailu and Pela. Fu Xuan remained silent, while Bochang tried to change the subject. "March, weren''t you playing Mahjong with Bailu and the others just now? What brings you here so suddenly? Is something wrong?" "Qingque mentioned that Master Diviner needed to speak with you about something important, so we thought it best to check in and prevent any potential missteps that might offend him." March 7th crossed her arms. "Furthermore... don''t try to change the subject; I''m not easily fooled." "Indeed, Bochang intended to gift this venerable one a teleportation ring," Fu Xuan said softly, gently rubbing her chin. The petite Master Diviner, deep in thought, looked simply adorable. However... Fu Xuan''s act of betraying Bochang by revealing their plans was anything but cute. He even worried if she might divulge the earlier incident involving being lifted high in excitement. "We knew it," March 7th responded with a knowing expression. "If your intention was merely to leave coordinates on Xianzhou, having Bailu''s ring should suffice. Why give away another teleportation ring...?" "Haven''t you considered how much safer it would be for you to have an additional teleportation ring?" March 7th gently shook her head. The pink-haired girl''s reasoning indeed made sense. If Bochang had possessed three teleportation rings earlier, he could have swiftly teleported over fifty meters away and potentially avoided Phantylia''s punch. At such a distance, he would have been able to reach Stelle and Dan Heng easily. With their assistance in blocking for a moment, Bochang could catch his breath, recover, and regain his strength, becoming formidable once again. Unfortunately... Bochang''s teleportation rings were always in high demand. Each time he obtained one, it was quickly given away before he even had a chance to keep it warm on him. He simply couldn''t hold onto them. Fu Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "This venerable one didn''t ask for his teleportation ring; he insisted on giving it to me." "Hmm? Really?" Qingque found this hard to believe. As someone familiar with the effects of teleportation rings, the mahjong girl knew their power was remarkable. They could effortlessly bypass even the spatial constraints set by the Divination Commission. If Qingque had such a teleportation ring, her future slacking off could be even more effortless. "Uh... yes, we''re aware of this. Bochang just enjoys doing peculiar things like these, Master Diviner. Please don''t mind it," March 7th responded. Chapter 209 - 208: Launching in Gundam Form Chapter 209 - 208: Launching in Gundam FormPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Fu Xuan had no intention of lingering further. Picking up the banana peel, she prepared to leave. "Well, you two continue your chat. This venerable one has other matters to attend to and must take my leave." With that, Fu Xuan departed, but the Mahjong Maiden remained in Bochang''s room. Turning to her, March 7th asked, "Qingque, aren''t you leaving with Master Diviner?" "I wish I could... But when we arrived earlier, she instructed me to continue guiding everyone, so...I have no choice but to stay," Qingque replied with a wry smile. What can she say now? Qingque fervently hoped that the members of the Astral Express Crew would simply enjoy their time on Xianzhou without causing any trouble. "Thinking about it, even Lord Ravager was driven away, so there shouldn''t be any issues now, right?" With this thought, Qingque felt considerably relieved. March 7th nodded. "Ah, I see... Then why don''t you join Bailu and the others for mahjong instead of me? I have something to take care of first, but I''ll be right there." Understandingly, Qingque replied, "Sure thing! It''s just playing cards, leave it to me. Mission guaranteed!" Mahjong enthusiasts loved their games, even if they were still learning the rules, as was the case with the Mahjong Maiden. Watching Qingque depart and close the door behind her, March 7th grabbed Bochang by his collar. "You sly fellow, always sneaking around to charm women. Tell me honestly, do you have something going on with Phantylia too? Otherwise...why would she say such things earlier today?" "Hmm? What kind of things?" Bochang seemed genuinely puzzled. With her exceptional Remembrance ability, March 7th began jogging his memory. "Phantylia said..." The pink-haired girl cleared her throat, her tone softening slightly as she began recounting what the fake Tingyun had once told her, "Benefactor... that''s not what you were saying last night. Indeed... men''s words are all deceitful tricks." "My memory is excellent!" March 7th tightened his grip on Bochang''s collar and pulled him closer. Their faces swiftly drew nearer to each other. Bochang could clearly see the delicate features of the pink-haired girl, along with the barely noticeable fine white fuzz on her cheeks. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Attempt to defend yourself by saying, "Phantylia is slandering me! March, please believe me." - Completion Reward: Earn the nickname "Man Entangled with Phantylia," which will decrease the favorable opinions of Lawful-aligned characters towards you.] [Option Two: Overturn March 7th and say, "Don''t dwell on that, March. While we''re alone, let''s enjoy ourselves." ¡ª Completion Reward: March 7th''s Bigshot.] [Option Three: Catch her off guard, unexpectedly kiss March 7th''s forehead, and ask, "March, whom do you believe¡ªPhantylia or me?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option Four: Holding an ancient coin, use Theft on March 7th while threatening, "March, if you dare spread rumors, I''ll steal your thong every day for my glue fetish." ¡ª Completion Reward: Acquire Skill, Glue Addiction County. With this skill, you can disregard others'' gazes, apply glue anytime, anywhere, extend your attack range to encompass the entire universe, and automatically target enemies.] Upon seeing Option Four, Bochang was at a loss for words to describe his feelings. These skills are becoming increasingly abstract. "I certainly don''t want to engage as a Gundam-like entity!" "And what''s up with increasing attack range to cover the entire universe and automatic enemy targeting...?" A peculiar image flashed through Bochang''s mind: A man, transformed into a Gundam form, shouts¡ª "Children, charge forth!" Shaking his head, Bochang quickly dismissed this bizarre vision. To be honest, Considering Bochang has already obtained the forced "whateveryouknow" skill, Gel County... might indeed have some utility. He could potentially force that act upon enemies far away, even across several light-years. For instance, the escaped Phantylia. However, the required behavior is just too perverted; Bochang couldn''t bring himself to do it. Thus, Option Four is eliminated. Option Two''s Bigshot penalty and Option One''s negative reward are also ruled out. The only viable choice remains Option Three, which involves kissing. It seems... Bochang''s current relationship with the pink-haired girl has progressed enough to allow him to take this step without getting hit. Fortunately, their bond has grown closer. Otherwise, his only viable choice would have been the fourth option. And he''d be forced to engage in a passionate kiss. "Option three!" Bochang leaned forward effortlessly towards the nearby March 7th and gently kissed her forehead. A subtle sensation rippled from his lips. In contrast to the urgency of performing CPR on Stelle earlier, now Bochang kissed more deliberately, taking the time to appreciate the moment''s beauty. He caught the faint fragrance emanating from her hair, equally captivating. In the next instant, Bochang lifted his head and asked earnestly, "March, whom do you believe¡ªPhantylia or me?" [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations! You''ve received the item, Peach of Immortality. This is a very ordinary peach.] Upon seeing the words "Peach of Immortality," Bochang initially felt a surge of excitement. However... After reading the subsequent description, his enthusiasm gradually subsided. March 7th appeared stunned, frozen like a startled little animal, completely motionless. The pink-haired girl never anticipated Bochang would suddenly kiss her. Caught off guard by this unexpected advance, her mind went blank, leaving her unable to react. She could only stare at him, unsure of where to place her hands and feet. "How about... one more kiss?" Bochang blinked, gazing at March 7th''s enticing red lips, feeling somewhat tempted. Unfortunately... In the next moment, March 7th swiftly turned and ran away, muttering under her breath, "Y-you pervert! I''m not talking to you anymore!" Instinctively, Bochang reached out to grab March 7th''s shoulder. However, she effortlessly slipped from his grasp, akin to a slippery eel evading capture. Upon closer inspection, Bochang realized that she had covered her shoulder with a thin layer of ice, making it difficult for him to hold on. As March 7th fled, she glanced back and made a playful face, reminiscent of a scene from a game. With a playful "nyah-nyah," the pink-haired girl stuck out her tongue. She then swiftly left the room, disappearing from Bochang''s sight. Now everyone had departed. The room instantly fell silent, and Bochang inwardly marveled, Having a system is truly amazing. Without the "Dating Options" system, he would have been completely at a loss facing such situations. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. But with the system''s assistance, the complexity dramatically decreased. Walking to the window, Bochang pushed it open and gazed absent-mindedly at the night scenery outside. After the commotion caused by Fu Xuan and March 7th, Bochang found himself wide awake for the time being. Below, Dan Heng continued his training, with no indication of when he might finish. Time slowly passed. Unbeknownst to the Astral Express Crew, the Stellaron Hunters were rapidly approaching Central Starskiff Haven. Chapter 210 - 209: Waiting for the Right Moment to Play Your Hand Chapter 210 - 209: Waiting for the Right Moment to Play Your HandPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Standing by the window, Bochang let the cold breeze blow past him. He contemplated using the "Calibration" skill again. Undeniably, this ability was quite powerful. However, its options were too unspeakable. Not only did it imply perversion, but there''s also a high likelihood that Bochang would need to steal March 7th''s intimate items daily just to obtain skills. Moreover... To Bochang''s surprise, the pink-haired girl wore thong underwear, as evident from the option descriptions. He had never managed to steal any of March 7th''s panties before. Who would have thought? The pink-haired girl is unexpectedly daring. Contrastingly, Himeko, Serval, and even Phantylia all wore conventional triangle-shaped underwear. Thongs, though... are incredibly suggestive. Shifting his thoughts, Bochang''s mind drifted towards Fu Xuan. Based on the unintentionally revealed information, he realized she must have already learned about him from Qingque. Even the incident of stealing panties using my thievery skill... "I''m not sure if Qingque mentioned my glorious feat of wearing lace headbands either... Hmm... I bet Fu Xuan knows... Otherwise, she wouldn''t have called me a pervert." Regarding Master Diviner''s state without any undergarments: Bochang had his suspicions; during their playful lift, he even considered sneaking a peek. However... Considering his remaining reputation, Bochang refrained from such voyeuristic behavior. "What was going through the Diviner''s mind? Did the divination results compel her to fulfill my request?" He paced around for a few moments, unable to comprehend it. Eventually, Bochang left his room and headed towards the adjacent guest room. If he remembered correctly, that should be Stelle''s room, and now... Several girls were playing Mahjong inside. Before entering, Bochang heard the clacking sounds of Mahjong tiles from outside the door. He pushed the door open. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On March 7th, Serval, Qingque, and Stelle were gathered around playing Mahjong. As for Bailu? The young dragon girl lay on the bed resting, seemingly oblivious to Bochang''s entrance¡ªprobably asleep after a tiring day. Considering the exhaustion she must have endured, Bochang decided not to disturb her. The unexpected visitor caused everyone in the room to pause their activities. A peculiar expression flickered across Serval''s eyes as she spoke, "Bochang? What brings you here? Are you interested in joining our game of Mahjong? Perfect... You can take my place." "I just came to check on you all, but...are you done playing already?" Bochang found this somewhat unusual. Serval shook her head, "Yes, I''m finished. I want to go down for some street performance." Everyone knew of the blonde woman''s passion for rock music. Unexpectedly, Stelle chimed in, "Isn''t it too late at night for a performance? Might it disturb the locals..." "Yes, but as long as we don''t perform near residential areas, it won''t disturb anyone... For example, public squares would be suitable. However, we must still keep the volume moderate to avoid attracting the Cloud Knights." As a local, Qingque was well-versed in the rules of Luofu Immortal Continent. Serval nodded. "I''ll be careful; you guys don''t worry." "The nearest public square is quite far from Dustwash Inn... I''m not entirely comfortable with you going alone, Serval. Don''t forget about the Stellaron Hunters here... Why don''t you wait until tomorrow for your street performance? We can accompany you then," suggested Bochang. Serval considered briefly before shaking her head. "It''s alright. I''ve observed that there are many Cloud Knights nearby, and remember when Stelle went out by herself last time? Nothing happened, right?" Bochang and Stelle, aware of the full story, remained silent. The events of that night were a secret. "Don''t worry, I''ll be back quickly." Serval stretched lazily. Her full chest heaved noticeably, akin to two little white rabbits suddenly bouncing, creating a truly captivating sight. Bochang maintained unwavering eye contact, unphased. No way! With both Stelle and March 7th watching him closely... Heaven only knew what would happen if Bochang''s gaze lingered on Serval''s chest. "How dare you show your face after such indecent behavior, Bochang... Ugh, shameless," March 7th muttered inwardly. Despite her thoughts, the pink-haired girl found it quite thrilling. After all, they had just engaged in something secretive together. March 7th''s cheeks inexplicably flushed red, casting an intoxicating blush that captivated those around her. Serval stood up and moved aside to let Bochang take her place. Having made her decision, no one could persuade her otherwise. Besides, with her teleportation ring, she should be able to escape even if confronted by Stellaron Hunters. As they passed each other, the blonde woman left behind only a faint breeze before disappearing into Stelle''s room. Bochang settled down just as Qingque, puzzled, asked, "March, what...is going on?" The inexplicably flushed cheeks of the pink-haired girl caught everyone''s attention. A momentary panic flashed across March 7th''s face. However... She quickly composed herself. "Oh...I suddenly feel a bit warm. How about we open the window for some fresh air?" This explanation only deepened Qingque''s suspicions instead of alleviating them. The Central Starskiff Haven had a perpetual spring-like climate; how could it possibly be too warm? How peculiar. Stelle said, "Alright, Bochang, I''ll leave opening the window to you." "Sure thing." Bochang promptly agreed and used his Invisible Hand to push open the window. Then... Using Serval''s tiles, Bochang joined March 7th, Qingque, and Stelle for a game of Mahjong. During their play, occasional fleeting eye contact occurred between the pink-haired girl and Bochang, each moment seemingly charged with unspoken words. After being unexpectedly kissed on the forehead by him earlier, March 7th now hesitated to meet Bochang''s gaze directly. Time swiftly passed as they played Mahjong. After just a couple of rounds, March 7th, Bochang, and Stelle formed an alliance against Qingque. Despite this handicap, Qingque still dominated them effortlessly. Even Stelle couldn''t help but comment, "Qingque is remarkably skilled at Mahjong; she doesn''t seem like a beginner at all." "Hmph... Although Mahjong differs slightly from Emperor''s Jade Tiles, the fundamentals are quite similar. It''s all about mastering one technique and applying it universally... Let me see, here comes... Hu! I win!" The Mahjong enthusiast displayed her payment QR code. "Time to pay up." March 7th, Bochang, and Stelle were momentarily speechless. Playing cards with Qingque was quite a test of mental fortitude. At times, even Bochang suspected if she might be cheating. While the Mahjong enthusiast did lose occasionally, She won significantly more often. As Stelle scanned the QR code to make the payment, he asked, "Qingque, could you teach me the secret to playing Mahjong?" "Oh, it''s really simple! Just calculate your moves based on the tiles. But for me... well, calculations almost seem unnecessary; the right tiles always come when needed. It''s all down to luck, you know..." Qingque casually replied. Qingque responded nonchalantly. While listening to their conversation, Bochang also proceeded to make his payment. As for where the Credit came from? That''s something you''d have to ask Bailu. The little dragon girl''s phone was entrusted to Bochang... Whenever running low on Credit, he simply transferred another thousand, knowing that the Seat of Divine Foresight would reimburse him later. As long as it didn''t exceed the limit, everything was fine. It''s worth mentioning that Bailu''s phone was incredibly tiny, almost miniature-sized. Chapter 211 - 210: The Sparrow Sage Chapter 211 - 210: The Sparrow SagePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In response to Qingque''s explanation, Stelle remained entirely unconvinced. After all... For someone like this Mahjong Maiden, her exceptional skills couldn''t simply be attributed to sheer luck. March 7th shared similar doubts. "Qingque, just tell us honestly¡ªwhile playing mahjong...do you use Xianzhou''s divine divination abilities?" The pink-haired girl gestured with her fingers, "Like Master Diviner does?" Qingque tilted her head, pondering for a moment before saying, "Oh that... I occasionally do use it, but...it can''t really be considered cheating, right? Most of the time, I only perform simple calculations on the tiles; divination is quite energy-consuming." Bochang, Stelle, and March 7th exchanged glances. As long as she didn''t manipulate the tiles directly, it indeed wasn''t cheating. Bochang couldn''t help but chime in sarcastically, "Didn''t you say earlier...that even if you calculated, it wouldn''t matter since the needed tile would eventually come up anyway?" "That''s true... When playing for fun, I don''t usually bother calculating. Most of the time, it comes down to luck," Qingque replied nonchalantly, gently shaking her head. Bochang found it hard to discern whether she was being truthful or not. "Let''s continue." March 7th pushed forward the mahjong tiles in front of her. After playing for some time: March 7th''s confidence had noticeably improved; at least she could now maintain eye contact with Bochang without appearing timid. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Gambling money on Mahjong is quite mundane. Why not bet something else? Propose: "Everyone, listen up! Instead of betting Credit Points, let''s switch to clothing. Whoever loses has to remove one item, how about it?" - Completion Reward: Qingque refuses to join the game.] [Option 2: Stripping might be indecent; better stick with drinking. Suggest: "Everyone, hear me out! Let''s change from betting Credit Points to drinking instead. Whoever loses takes a shot." - Completion Reward: Unlock Skill, Booze Immunity: Even when intoxicated, you can retain your rationality and control over your body.] [Option 3: Keep playing, no need for chatter. - Completion Reward: Unlock Skill, Mahjong Master: You can perceive all cards and silently swap them using your thoughts.] Bochang studied the three options, deep in thought. The first option was clearly eliminable. However... The information implied within held significant meaning. ? Would March 7th and Stelle agree to my proposal, aside from Qingque? ? Bochang considered giving strip mahjong a try someday. But not now, as Qingque certainly wouldn''t agree to it. His gaze continued downward. Both Option Two and Option Three offered skills as rewards¡ªDrunkard''s Eye and Mahjong Master. After weighing his options mentally, Bochang ultimately chose Option Three. Mahjong Master seemed immediately useful, so prioritizing it was definitely the right choice. "Qingque! Let''s go for a pong!" [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations on obtaining the skill, Mahjong Master.] As the system''s voice echoed, Bochang squinted slightly, feeling a cool sensation surge through his mind. With just a bit of focus, he could effortlessly see through others'' tiles and seamlessly swap any two different cards without detection. It resembled teleportation but lacked any attention-drawing effects¡ªa skill seemingly tailor-made for cheating at card games. Bochang promptly tested the new ability, finding its results highly satisfactory. Indeed, no one at the table noticed anything amiss. Next... the game continued. Bochang and the others gathered their mahjong tiles, manually shuffling them before rearranging them. This was necessary since they didn''t have a dedicated mahjong table, requiring manual mixing of the tiles. At this point, Qingque remained unaware of the potential implications. They rearranged their tiles, rolled the dice, and drew new cards. Bochang glanced at his hand, then looked towards March 7th, Stelle, and Qingque. Among them, March 7th had the best initial hand. Bochang, Stelle, and Qingque were roughly on par with each other. All eyes focused intently on the Mahjong girl. Bochang thought to himself, "Let me observe closely; is she cheating or not?" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This question intrigued not only Bochang but also March 7th and Stelle equally. After all... Qingque was playing exceptionally well, almost as if she must be cheating. "Three of clubs." "One of diamonds." After several rounds, Bochang was astonished to discover that Qingque wasn''t cheating at all, yet her hand consistently improved. The Mahjong Maiden''s skills were truly awe-inspiring. Qingque could even predict which tile she was most likely to draw next, evident from her strategic decisions¡ªknowing when not to call ''Pong'' or ''Chow''. Combined with her divination abilities, Qingque became a formidable boss at the mahjong table. In this four-player game with one winner and three losers per round, the ultimate victor of the current session was Stelle. March 7th, Bochang, and Qingque were each just one step away from winning. This pattern continued for two more rounds. Throughout these games, Bochang discreetly observed Qingque''s playing style. By the third round, he decided it was time to exert his own influence. Utilizing his ability to see through every card on the table, Bochang won three consecutive rounds effortlessly. Qingque, initially laid-back, suddenly widened her eyes and exclaimed, "Bochang, you''re not cheating, are you?" Logically, the one capable of winning three straight rounds should have been the Mahjong Maiden, not Bochang. It seemed utterly illogical. "No, no way I''d cheat," Bochang smiled reassuringly. He hadn''t physically manipulated any tiles; instead, he merely used his foresight to make the best choices, akin to the Mahjong Maiden''s counting skills or divine divination prowess. Qingque remained somewhat skeptical. However... Without concrete evidence, Qingque couldn''t accuse him further. She simply focused intently on the game ahead. The next round swiftly began. After several rounds... "Eight bamboo," said March 7th. "Hut!" x2 Both Bochang and Qingque declared simultaneously. March 7th, caught in a double win with her one shot, scratched her head dejectedly, causing her charming short pink hair to sway freely in the air. In a momentary daze, Bochang recalled the recent encounter¡ªthe sensation of that kiss had indeed been delightful. A hint of frustration flickered across March 7th''s bright, expressive blue-pink eyes. The pink-haired girl had lost countless games, squandering a significant amount of credits for no apparent reason. Fortunately, their bets were small, and the Seat of Divine Foresight reimbursed them. "A single shot resulted in a double win, but with three losers and one winner, only the player next to the shooter can claim victory." Qingque''s eyes narrowed with a smile. "This round goes to me, Bochang." "No worries, let''s continue." Bochang shifted his gaze away. The thrilling mahjong match resumed. With both Qingque and Bochang fully focused, they played at an evenly matched level, leaving March 7th and Stelle overwhelmed and barely enjoying the game. After numerous additional rounds... "I''m done playing." March 7th leaned back, and Stelle nodded in agreement. Although the Seat of Divine Foresight reimbursed credit losses, there was a limit of five thousand per person for mahjong expenses. After all, it was still gambling, and Xianzhou Luofu couldn''t afford to be overly generous by covering everything. Over these two days, March 7th had depleted her credits entirely. Any further losses would come directly out of her own pocket. Stelle faced a similar situation, so neither wished to continue playing. Chapter 212 - 211: The Ambush of Silver Wolf Chapter 212 - 211: The Ambush of Silver WolfPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Alright, let''s leave it at that for now." Bochang glanced at his account balance. After playing mahjong for so long: His phone showed over three thousand Credits remaining, most of which he earned after acquiring the Mahjong Master skill just recently. At Bailu''s gambling table, he still had two thousand Credits left to play with. For March 7th, her credit limit was depleted, while Stelle had one thousand remaining. Dan Heng, Welt Yang, and Serval, having played fewer games, still had substantial amounts left in their limits. Of course... Throughout the entire session, the biggest winner was Qingque. Like a vacuum, she siphoned away everyone else''s Credits effortlessly. Over these two days of gaming, she amassed more than ten thousand Credits¡ªa significant haul. It certainly wasn''t a wasted effort. "Bochang, how did your card-playing skills suddenly become so impressive? You managed to keep up quite well against me." Qingque was genuinely astonished. During their game, the Mahjong Girl had not held back at all. "If my guess is correct, Bochang might have suddenly awakened some ability, right?" March 7th crossed her arms, scrutinizing him with a watchful gaze. This wasn''t the first time such an event occurred. Members of the Astral Express crew were unfazed by it. Bochang didn''t deny it either. "I see... Whenever we get another chance, let''s play together again. I''m truly looking forward to our next match." Qingque felt an inexplicable sense of mutual respect towards him. The Mahjong Girl, clad in her teal dress, stood up and extended her hand. Bochang was slightly taken aback by this gesture. Then... Bochang rose and shook hands with Qingque. Her small hand felt incredibly soft and comfortable to hold. Their handshake was brief, just a polite touch before parting. It did not linger for long, adhering to etiquette. After bidding farewell, Qingque, Bochang, and March 7th left Stelle''s room. It was evident that Bailu would be sleeping with Stelle tonight. Seeing the dragon girl peacefully asleep, no one intended to disturb her. As they departed, March 7th didn''t even glance at Bochang. She swiftly walked out the door, almost fleeing back to her own room, as if fearing someone might corner her against a wall. Qingque looked puzzled, unsure why March 7th had hurried away so quickly. Bochang gazed after March 7th''s retreating figure. Even when running, the pink-haired girl maintained her beauty. Her slender, fair legs were captivating beneath the water-blue skirt barely covering her hips. The single-sided leg band, slightly tight around her right thigh, added an enticing allure. The thought of March 7th wearing a thong underneath stirred excitement within Bochang. "She seems really in a rush," Qingque casually remarked. Casually, Qingque remarked, "She''s quite captivating." Without blushing or missing a beat, Bochang replied, "Indeed." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Well then, I''m off too. See you tomorrow morning." Qingque and Bochang''s rooms were in different directions. After exchanging farewells, they parted ways. Feeling slightly weary upon returning to his room, Bochang had no desire to explore his storage bag further. He promptly collapsed onto his bed to sleep. Suddenly remembering something, Bochang picked up his phone, checked on Serval''s safety, and only then continued sleeping. Time slowly passed, while elsewhere... The three Stellaron Hunters gathered together. Kafka spoke, "It''s almost time. Silver Wolf, are you prepared?" "Don''t worry, the beacon modifications are complete. Now, I can teleport over for the mission at any moment," Silver Wolf nonchalantly responded, blowing soap bubbles. From nearby, Blade merely let out a soft scoff. "Then prepare for action. As Elio said, this is our last chance. If we fail again, we''ll have no choice but to temporarily withdraw from Xianzhou and observe developments quietly." Kafka''s gaze was remarkably gentle; his wine-red eyes, devoid of visible pupils, were captivatingly deep. An unknown amount of time passed. Suddenly, Bochang jolted awake from his sleep. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Sleep trumps all - continue sleeping - Completion Reward: Silver Wolf''s Ambush Strike.] [Option 2: Pretend to be asleep while actually getting ready for combat - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 3: Get up and flee, seeking Welt Yang or Bailu - Completion Reward: Endless pursuit by the Stellaron Hunters.] The abrupt appearance of these options left Bochang momentarily stunned. "What does this mean? The Stellaron Hunters again? Alright... it''s not entirely unexpected." "Option two." This time, there were limited choices available. Bochang prepared for combat. The nearby clock ticked away, and approximately ten minutes passed... Just as Bochang was growing impatient, the space suddenly distorted, revealing a dense cluster of colorful cubes. From within, a metal baseball bat emerged, followed by a snow-white forearm resembling a lotus root. His Spider Sense triggered a warning, and already alert, Bochang instinctively sprang to his feet. The metal bat swiftly descended, striking the pillow. "Who is it?" Recognizing the familiar black fingerless glove, Bochang immediately guessed, "Silver Wolf? Wait... you teleported directly here? That''s quite extreme." Realizing his attack had failed, the flat grid of colored squares expanded further, and a fresh Silver Wolf emerged from within. "Who...are you?" Bochang feigned ignorance, summoning the Vow Spear with one hand as it flew towards him. Silver Wolf sighed, "Ah...this is truly troublesome. Wouldn''t it have been easier to just stay unconscious? Why wake up and unnecessarily increase my workload?" With no intention of engaging in conversation, Silver Wolf immediately charged forward after speaking. Bochang noticed that a large sword, seemingly attached to Silver Wolf''s wrist, suddenly appeared on his right arm, resembling a hidden blade sleeve mechanism. Bochang assumed a combat stance, facing the incoming blue greatsword. In response, he wielded the Vow Spear and unleashed Bai Niao Chao Huang (Hundred Birds Homage), directly countering Silver Wolf''s attack. The two weapons clashed briefly in mid-air, sparking dazzling bursts of light. Realizing he couldn''t breach Bochang''s defense easily, Silver Wolf retreated several meters and said, "This is intriguing. Let''s try this move then?" He aimed the sleeve sword at Bochang. A multicolored laser burst forth from the weapon. Instinctively, Bochang jumped off the bed, narrowly avoiding it. The laser seemed devoid of any destructive power; when it hit the wall, there was no reaction whatsoever. It appeared as just a beam of light. In the next moment... Bochang noticed the surrounding space began to distort, transporting him into what felt like a cyberpunk-inspired alternate dimension. Countless colorful cubes filled the area in every direction. Although visually still within his room, Bochang knew they were now in a completely different place. Up became down, left turned right, creating a surreal atmosphere throughout the space. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received the item: Crystal Cup, a very ordinary cup.] [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Teleport and Flee - Completion Reward: Unrelenting Pursuit by the Stellaron Hunters.] [Option 2: Severely Teach Silver Wolf a Lesson - Completion Reward: Obtain a Random Skill.] [Option 3: Receive a Harsh Lesson from Silver Wolf - Completion Reward: Obtain a Random Item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] Chapter 213 - 212: A Step Away Yet Worlds Apart Chapter 213 - 212: A Step Away Yet Worlds ApartPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Originating from Punklord, Silver Wolf possessed unique abilities. With ease, she altered their surroundings significantly. Initially standing on the ground, Bochang was astonished to find himself now perched atop the ceiling. The door had transformed into a window, making it feel like he''d entered an inverted world. Even more surprising... Silver Wolf remained unaffected, still standing firmly on the floor. Facing each other across the room, their eyes met, creating a frozen tableau. The colorful beam seemed devoid of direct damage, sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. yet its effect was astonishingly impactful. As Bochang studied the three options before him, he also observed Silver Wolf, positioned diametrically opposite to him. During the use of the colored beam, the large sword resembling a sleeve weapon underwent a transformation. Its central blade vanished entirely, turning into a laser emitter. Given the drastic changes in his environment, Bochang refrained from hastily choosing and instead used the time to further examine his surroundings. Numerous peculiar, multicolored cubes were scattered nearby. His intuition warned Bochang not to interact with these objects. As the system began its countdown, Bochang slightly focused his attention. Regarding the option of relentless pursuit by the Stellaron Hunters... His gaze lingered on it multiple times. It was clear that... Once chosen, the Stellaron Hunters would relentlessly target him. After pondering briefly, Bochang ultimately rejected this choice, despite it being the quickest way to resolve the crisis. Between brutally teaching the Silver Wolf a lesson or getting thoroughly dominated by her, Bochang naturally opted for the former, not the latter. Currently, his enemy was the Silver Wolf. Bochang''s "Big sister Killer" approach might be ineffective now; only the Messenger of Justice could likely have an impact. Considering they were Stellaron Hunters, they should be classified as part of the evil faction, resulting in double damage inflicted upon them. Additionally, based on the system''s options, Bochang guessed that the Hacker Girl wasn''t truly a match for him. Time resumed its flow. Silver Wolf didn''t give Bochang much time to ponder. After pulling him into the alternate space... The second wave of attacks swiftly ensued. Based on their brief encounter, Bochang observed that this single-horsetail hacker girl appeared significantly weaker physically than Blade had been. Silver Wolf''s strength likely lay not in close combat but rather in some form of ranged attack, akin to Fake Tingyun. Recognizing the futility of engaging at close quarters, her initial melee was merely to pinpoint Bochang''s position. She then took a large step back. Maintaining distance, Silver Wolf gracefully tapped a floating screen with her slender fingers. Instantly, countless multicolored cubes began hurtling chaotically throughout the alternate space. Bochang leaped upwards, simultaneously observing as he evaded. He noticed that anything touched by these colored cubes disintegrated instantly. Bed, chairs, tables, even the floor and the cyber flying sword were not spared. Of course... This cyber flying sword was indeed fake. Bochang surmised that if this were the genuine artifact, its auto-defense system should have activated by now to evade attacks. However, the cyber flying sword remained motionless. Being within an alternate dimension, everything except for Bochang and Silver Wolf was likely replicated counterfeit items. Even the Stellaron Hunters before him could be fakes. The colored cubes'' attacks produced no loud sounds; instead, they emitted game-like notification tones reminiscent of a match-three puzzle game. As the floor tiles disappeared, they did not reveal the next level of the room below, but rather plunged into darkness. This space was no longer part of the Yichen Inn, but a despairing world of shadows. Despite their menacing appearance, these colorful cubes had a fatal flaw: They could only move in straight lines. It was remarkably easy for Bochang to dodge them effortlessly. Within the approximately twenty-square-meter guest room, the surroundings gradually disintegrated. Finally, what emerged before Bochang was a pitch-black cage. Taking advantage of the slowing colored cubes, Bochang instantly surged forward, charging towards Silver Wolf. The spear tip glowed with a chilling radiance, seemingly ablaze. Silver Wolf''s fingers continued to tap lightly on the translucent floating screen. Despite the short distance, it felt impossibly long, transforming into a formidable chasm difficult to cross. Bochang could sense his movement, but in reality, the gap between him and Silver Wolf remained unchanged, as if he were suspended in mid-air. Realizing he was about to fall back again, Bochang relied on the Invisible Hand to maintain flight capability. At that moment, countless more colored blocks emerged, swiftly hurtling towards Bochang. Undeterred... Bochang twirled the Vow Spear rapidly, creating a fiery vortex. Any daring colored cube approaching was effortlessly shredded, having no impact whatsoever. A hint of surprise flickered in Silver Wolf''s eyes. This opponent''s strength far exceeded his expectations. It was truly unbelievable... for an ordinary person to reach such a level within less than ten days. After defending against one wave, Bochang swiftly unleashed a Dragon Blast. The fiery beam momentarily paused but ultimately pierced through the confinement, heading straight for Silver Wolf. Unlike at Yichen Inn, given Silver Wolf''s considerable power, Bochang had no need for concern here. As the blast struck, the previously leisurely Silver Wolf finally retreated hastily. The peculiar dark space with its eerie glow rapidly expanded, simultaneously growing in all directions - up, down, left, and right. "Boom!" The flames from Dragon Blast spread outwards. The close-range shockwave blew Bochang away, forcing him to half-kneel on the spatial barrier. Unable to resist, he reached out and touched it gently. "It feels hard and cold, almost like iron." Just as Bochang observed this, the expanding space continued to grow even more quickly due to the impact of Dragon Blast. To be honest, despite being in this world for quite some time now, Bochang had never encountered such a challenging battle scenario. Silver Wolf''s ability to manipulate space reminded him of the Invisible Hand technique. However... This power was significantly stronger than the Invisible Hand. For the moment, Bochang couldn''t find a way to approach Silver Wolf. Despite appearing close, they were effectively at a great distance, creating a paradoxical beauty akin to being just within reach yet miles apart. "If only my Cybernetic Flying Sword were here... I might have been able to swiftly dart over," Bochang squinted thoughtfully. Unfortunately, Silver Wolf''s movements were too swift. Before Bochang could even summon his flying sword, he was pulled into the alternate dimension. Moreover, he hadn''t anticipated such a peculiar tactic from his opponent and thus lacked any prepared defense against it. "Hmm... Perhaps I can try using the teleportation ring to flash across, but first, I need to determine the exact span of that impassable distance. My teleportation ring has only one energy slot left, so I get just one chance." Even then... Bochang hesitated to use the teleportation ring, as it was meant to be his last resort for escape. The Stellaron Hunters likely knew this too and may have already taken precautions. Whether he used it or not, the outcome seemed equally precarious. Chapter 214 - 213: The Siege by the Stellaron Hunters Chapter 214 - 213: The Siege by the Stellaron HuntersPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Truly troublesome." Silver Wolf retreated several dozen meters due to the Dragon Blast''s force. Had she not reacted swiftly, she would have been caught in its explosion. Bochang momentarily struggled to find a way to break through the spatial constraints. Without resolving this issue, Bochang couldn''t even approach Silver Wolf, let alone teach her a lesson. There was another matter worth noting... Bochang suspected that Silver Wolf wouldn''t act alone; Kafka and Blade were likely nearby as reinforcements, though he couldn''t predict when they might intervene. Their presence made him feel constantly uneasy. "No matter what Kafka and Blade are up to, my top priority should be to quickly defeat Silver Wolf." With this thought in mind, Bochang attempted to forcefully overcome the spatial barrier. "Let''s try using Fire Lotus..." He took a deep breath. Bochang activated the second-rated power of the Dragon Talisman, unleashing a mesmerizing red lotus that rapidly expanded into tongues of flame. Within the confined space of less than a hundred meters... Bochang raised his head and unleashed the attack. As the surging fire lotuses reached a critical point, they abruptly halted, compressed together, shattered, and released countless flames spreading in all directions. Even the surrounding space began to crack with black fissures. Moments later... A crisp shattering sound echoed through the area. The previously impassable barrier split like glass. Realizing he had broken the spatial restraint above, Bochang swiftly propelled himself upwards again. Upon crossing a specific node within the rift, the gravity shifted on both sides. Quickly using the Invisible Hand, Bochang flipped his body, aligning himself with Silver Wolf''s plane, and elegantly landed. He declared, "I admit your tricks are impressive, but against overwhelming power, they prove futile." "Really? Aren''t you being too confident?" Standing tens of meters away, Silver Wolf placed one hand on his hip. "What if... I intentionally let you down?" Just as he finished speaking, Bochang sensed hostility from behind him. His Spider Sense issued a strong warning. With a swift twist of his spear, Bochang turned and attacked towards the threat. Before his eyes, an ancient longsword appeared. Seeing those familiar red eyes and the man wrapped in numerous white bandages, Bochang mentally noted: "Blade... As expected, Silver Wolf isn''t alone. If I''m not mistaken, Kafka must be nearby too." The Vow Spear clashed with Blade''s ancient longsword. A massive wave of air surged, billowing both their garments. Silver Wolf promptly put on his blue goggles to observe the battle closely. Bochang exerted slightly more force. The Vow Spear swept across, forcing Blade to retreat several meters due to the immense power transmitted through the sword hilt. If... Silver Wolf could potentially be considered part of the evil faction, then Blade was unequivocally aligned with it, resulting in double damage multiplier for him. Moreover, Bochang''s current physical attributes were significantly stronger than just yesterday, making it unsurprising that he could compel Blade to retreat with a single strike. "Hm?" Blade, feeling a tingling numbness in his arms, uttered a puzzled sound. As Blade retreated, Bochang also spotted Kafka nearby, who had seemingly appeared unnoticed. She held a black umbrella, her face adorned with a gentle smile. Draped in a black coat and wearing round black sunglasses, Kafka''s voluptuous figure exuded charm. From her elegantly slender legs to her gracefully curvaceous waist, and even the ample love displayed at her chest, every aspect was highly captivating. Most notably, her deep-set eyes seemed ready to draw anyone into their mesmerizing gaze. Recalling Kafka''s peculiar Word of Power or perhaps her ability to control minds, Bochang hastily diverted his attention, avoiding any direct eye contact. Noticing this reaction, Kafka''s smile widened further, with a hint of maternal concern in her gaze. To be honest, Bochang had no desire to engage Blade directly at that moment. He still needed to educate Silver Wolf and obtain random skills. After repelling the enemy... Bochang swiftly retreated, heading straight towards Silver Wolf. The Dragon Talisman activated at its first-rated power level. His Destruction fate path went full throttle. The Invisible Hand, like tentacles of an octopus, freely waved through the air. Silver Wolf, wearing protective goggles, did not anticipate Bochang''s immediate charge. A slight smirk formed on his lips. Silver Wolf remarked, "Instead of focusing on the enemies before him, he''s coming straight for me... Does he perceive my threat to be greater than Blade and Kafka? Quite intriguing." "However... getting close to me won''t be that simple. If you''re skilled enough, come chase me." There was a sudden playful tone in Silver Wolf''s voice. Before Bochang could advance much further, he found himself trapped once again within an impassable space. A colorful cube descended from the sky, triggered by Silver Wolf flipping her thumb downward. "Let''s add some excitement." Bochang didn''t ignore the attack; he attempted to intercept it with the Invisible Hand. However, upon contact with the black-purple palm, the cube vanished instantly. Meanwhile, Blade glanced back and said, "It''s time, Kafka. This kid has grown stronger again." "Yes... Bladie, as I''ve heard... Unleash the bonds," Kafka''s voice suddenly carried a hint of echo. Blade let out a deep chuckle. "Heh heh... Ha ha ha... Then let''s... begin!" "A strange sensation... My body feels slightly heavier now. Silver Wolf...what exactly did she do just then?" Bochang furrowed his brow. Silver Wolf let out a soft scoff. "I''ve decreased all your attributes and added a Wind element weakness. Now, Blade''s attacks will hurt you even more." The hacker girl boasted about her actions without needing Bochang to ask. Such was Silver Wolf, a top-tier hacker who viewed the universe as her game playground. Achieving feats like this seemed unsurprising for her. "Alright, playing it that way, huh?" Bochang took a deep breath. "Then take my Dragon Blast!" Another pillar of flame shot forth. This time, Silver Wolf didn''t dodge. Instead, she instantly created a shimmering barrier right in front of her. The entire column of flames was absorbed by the barrier. Moments later... The shimmering barrier reappeared above Bochang''s head, with the fiery beam descending from it simultaneously. Meanwhile, Blade charged towards him. The corners of Bochang''s eyes twitched slightly. Both Stellaron Hunters had initiated their attacks. Blade rushed forward like a possessed entity, his ancient longsword trailing behind on the dark ground, carving out a blood-red path adorned with countless vibrant crimson spider lilies that emerged from nowhere. It resembled a skill similar to "Tongue Blossoming Lotus." Ignoring Blade, Bochang gazed upwards. "The teleportation portal... There must be a limit to its absorption capacity; otherwise, Silver Wolf wouldn''t have dodged the first blast." To test this spatial manipulation ability akin to ''Zhi Zai Tian Ya'' (Near Yet Far), Bochang unleashed an impressive initial Dragon Blast. However, the recent one was considerably weaker. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "It''s possible that Silver Wolf is trying to lure me into using a more powerful Dragon Blast, and if I dare to do so, she''ll return it back at me." In his first encounter with the hacker girl, Bochang lacked knowledge of Silver Wolf''s abilities, while she seemed well-aware of his powers. This battle was far from fair. Chapter 215 - 214: Capturing Silver Wolf Chapter 215 - 214: Capturing Silver WolfPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Moreover, Bochang was outnumbered and under siege. This made the situation even more unfair. Before the onslaught of blades and fiery pillars reached him, Bochang pondered how to break free from the spatial constraints. Achieving absolute speed would certainly be viable. Unfortunately... Bochang''s current speed fell short of that requirement. Stacking fire lotuses for intense combustion could work, albeit slowly. Additionally, Silver Wolf didn''t seem concerned about this escape method. "Since the system presents an option to educate Silver Wolf..." "It implies there must be a way within my current capabilities..." Recalling how Phantylia had knocked his prized sword out during their encounter, Bochang realized it''s always wise to think before engaging physically. After all, not utilizing one''s mind is simply wasteful. Amidst a flurry of thoughts, A sudden realization struck Bochang. "Aha... I can utilize the recoil from Dragon Blast to effortlessly cover this distance." "I''ll call it the third standard power of the Dragon Talisman." "However, this method puts immense strain on my body." Without the Horse Talisman''s magic, Bochang would never dare attempt such a maneuver. But with the Horse Talisman''s power at his disposal, he felt confident enough to give it a try. In essence... After acquiring the Horse Talisman, Bochang became incredibly difficult to kill. As long as he wasn''t instantly defeated, even severe injuries posed little threat. This was one reason why Bochang remained unflappable despite being surrounded by the Stellaron Hunters. Having made his decision, Bochang, already engulfed in raging flames, crouched slightly and then charged fiercely towards the Silver Wolf. The magic power of the Dragon Talisman erupted from beneath his feet, providing tremendous propulsion. Like a jet-powered rocket, Bochang swiftly hurtled towards the Silver Wolf. As he soared at high speed, still clad in his bathrobe, ugly cracks appeared on Bochang''s bare feet. Beneath the skin, gruesome flesh was visibly exposed. Blood attempted to seep out but instantly vaporized due to the intense heat. The excruciating pain overwhelmed Bochang''s mind, and just in time, he utilized the Horse Talisman''s magic to heal himself, preventing him from fainting. This agony was far more severe than Bochang had anticipated. His eyes turned red, fueled by an inexplicable surge of fury. Behind her goggles, the Hacker Girl''s eyes widened slightly as she watched Bochang momentarily pause before effortlessly crossing through the space she had repeatedly folded. Blade tried to follow suit but was struck head-on by the Dragon Blast previously launched by Silver Wolf. It seemed Blade had no intention of evading. With a deafening boom, Blade emerged scorched and battered. Kafka found it almost unbearable to watch. Although Blade''s intelligence decreased significantly after unleashing his Mara-Struck form, he wouldn''t normally fail to dodge attacks. However, this time, Blade didn''t attempt to evade. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Caught within the folded space, Blade had no room to dodge; instead, he chose to endure it head-on, knowing he couldn''t die. The immortality granted him such audacity. Earlier, Silver Wolf used the spatial restraint to trap Bochang, but now it hindered Blade''s movements. Moreover, the hacker girl couldn''t cancel the spell as she needed to face the imminent threat of Bochang. "Dodge? Can''t... I can''t avoid this strike." Silver Wolf''s adrenaline surged. Bochang''s Speed was too great. Confident that she couldn''t evade, facing the incoming blue spear, she gritted her teeth and repeated her earlier maneuver by opening a teleportation portal. However, this time the colorful barrier''s portal did not appear in front of her but behind. The genius hacker girl aimed to escape. Before Bochang could reach her, his Invisible Hand struck first, just as anticipated. Anticipating danger, Silver Wolf blocked the approaching Invisible Hand with several flying colored cubes just before it reached her. "By waiting until the attack is imminent to defend, unlike Blade''s constantly open Wind Wall... Could she actually see the Invisible Hand?" Despite enduring immense pain from the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power, Bochang maintained his composure. The blue spear thrust forward. Silver Wolf parried with her large sword resembling a hidden blade, intending to use the recoil to slip through the portal behind her. Unfortunately for her, Bochang had other plans. His spear pierced the sword, then with a gentle flick, pulled Silver Wolf back out of the partially entered colorful barrier. Tension gripped the hacker girl''s heart. As she struggled to regain balance mid-air, she prepared to unleash her Blade ability. Bochang didn''t give Silver Wolf a chance. With a leap and a punch, he struck her directly in the abdomen, sending her soaring upwards. Intense pain surged through the hacker girl''s body. Mid-air, Silver Wolf curled up like a scalded, bright-red shrimp. Throughout her career, this was the first time someone had breached her proud defenses solely with their physical prowess. Feeling somewhat numb and her mind blank, the hacker girl sensed she wasn''t facing just any Fate Traveller but rather a close-combat type Emanator. "Got you now." Using his Invisible Hand, Bochang immobilized Silver Wolf''s limbs, swiftly straightening them out into a spread-eagle position. Turning around, Bochang floated high above, looking down at Kafka and Blade. "Stellaron Hunters...you cannot defeat me." Had Kafka, Blade, and Silver Wolf fought together, they might have stood a chance against Bochang. Unfortunately... With Bochang capturing Silver Wolf first, this battle was effectively over. Despite the incessant sounds of explosions around him, Bochang''s hearing remained unaffected. "Hmm... indeed, once Silver Wolf fell, Bladie and I alone cannot match you." Kafka stepped forward, closing her umbrella and looking up at the blazing figure hovering above. Bochang''s current form exuded immense power, especially after effortlessly defeating Silver Wolf. While part of it could be attributed to the hacker girl''s lack of proficiency in close combat and slight underestimation, the fact remained that Silver Wolf had been defeated. This clearly demonstrated Bochang''s strength. "I didn''t expect you to become so powerful just nine days later." Kafka spoke casually, as if discussing trivial matters. Meanwhile, Blade, who had just freed himself from his restraints, paused heavily, ready to strike. "Listen... Bladie," Kafka interjected, "stop right there." Upon hearing this, the beast-like man instantly calmed down. Bochang frowned slightly. "Kafka, let''s not pretend familiarity. What exactly brings you and the Stellaron Hunters here?" Assuming their intent was simply to kill him seemed implausible. If the Stellaron Hunters planned to eliminate him, Kafka wouldn''t have remained idle; her intervention could have significantly altered the outcome. Bochang wasn''t entirely confident he could swiftly defeat and capture Silver Wolf with her interference. This scenario also aligned with the system''s options. Only by choosing to avoid confrontation would the Stellaron Hunters relentlessly pursue him. To prevent these interruptions, Bochang decided to confront them directly. Chapter 216 - 215: The Hidden Presence of Aeon Chapter 216 - 215: The Hidden Presence of AeonPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** While speaking, Bochang used his Invisible Hand to bind Silver Wolf with intricate knots, reminiscent of a turtle shell binding. Feeling these peculiar restraints wrap around his body, Silver Wolf uncomfortably writhed. "Strange... Wasn''t that punch and this current turtle shell binding meant to teach Silver Wolf a lesson?" The reason Bochang quickly defeated Silver Wolf was straightforward - to obtain a random skill. However... The system''s voice remained silent, indicating that Bochang had not done enough yet. Reflecting in Kafka''s pupil-less eyes, Bochang saw his own blazing figure as Kafka stated, "The Stellaron Hunters have come here solely for a transaction." "A transaction? What kind of transaction?" Bochang suspected there was more at play than just a simple deal. He surmised their primary objective was to capture him directly, resorting to negotiation only if they couldn''t apprehend him. "It''s quite simple. We hope you will not interfere with Stelle''s growth, for regardless of what... her veins also carry the blood of the Stellaron Hunters. It is our duty to oversee her development," Kafka spoke calmly. Bochang felt somewhat bewildered. "Stelle''s blood flows with that of the Stellaron Hunters? What does this mean? Isn''t she purely a Stellaron essence?" "Originally, at Belobog, Stelle should have embarked on the Preservation fate path. However, your meddling turned the plan into chaos, and the final battlefield became your personal stage, depriving Stelle of any opportunity for growth." Kafka gazed steadily at Bochang. "Stelle is crucial; if she cannot develop, the consequences would be severe." "I may not know which Aeon you belong to, but... Bochang, you cannot continue this reckless behavior." Kafka''s tone shifted from languid to serious. A moment passed in silence. Bochang responded, "Didn''t you say...this is a transaction? However, I don''t sense any sincerity from you, Kafka." "Sincerity? What kind of sincerity do you seek? The Stellaron Hunters can provide almost anything you desire." Kafka spread his hands. Honestly speaking, regarding Stelle''s growth issue, Bochang had given it considerable thought. Initially, he assumed that as a Stellaron essence being, the gray-haired girl needed to consume Stellaron to become stronger. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However, things turned out differently. The Stellaron on Jarilo VI was directly sealed by the Astral Express, with no involvement from Stelle whatsoever. At that moment, Bochang realized he had inadvertently interfered with the protagonist''s path to power. Now, even the Stellaron at Luofu Immortal Continent has been dealt with by the Divination Commission. This further solidified Bochang''s belief. How could Stelle truly grow stronger? This realization raised intriguing possibilities; perhaps Bochang could rely on the Stellaron Hunters'' influence. He responded, "Kafka, are you that certain I''ll engage in a deal with you?" "Absolutely... Elio has mentioned that as long as you don''t escalate matters significantly, there''s still room for reconciliation." A smile reappeared on Kafka''s face. Blade simply closed his eyes, clutching the ancient sword in his arms tightly. Upon hearing this response... Bochang was slightly taken aback. As the leader of the Stellaron Hunters, Elio''s ability to foresee the future was widely known. Yet encountering it firsthand evoked a peculiar sensation within him. "And if I refuse to make any deals with you?" Bochang narrowed his eyes, harboring no particular fondness towards the Stellaron Hunters organization. From their initial relentless attempts to stop him and Stelle, to their actions on Xianzhou Luofu¡ªtwo instances of aggression made it difficult for Bochang to view them favorably. "You will agree," Kafka replied confidently. "Bochang, the actions of the Stellaron Hunters are far more complex than they appear," said Kafka, his gaze steady. "I assume you''ve already encountered the Aeon of Joy during your time in Belobog. Just like them, He does not wish for you to interfere with our narrative." Kafka continued calmly, "If you persist on this path, it won''t be necessary for the Stellaron Hunters to intervene; others will directly oppose you. Can you and the Aeon behind you truly bear such consequences?" Bochang''s rapid power growth seemed to have led the Stellaron Hunters to suspect the involvement of a specific Aeon. This development could work in his favor. "But... Aha assisting the Stellaron Hunters? That doesn''t make sense... Is Kafka trying to deceive me?" Despite his skepticism, Bochang recalled the inexplicable trouble caused by the Aeon of Joy. Considering their past interactions, what Kafka said held some credibility. There was indeed some credibility to this notion. Kafka continued, "Even someone as powerful as an Aeon cannot escape public outrage... Just like Aeon of Propagation - Tayzzyronth, who met his demise at the hands of a mob, and you would be no exception." "Choosing to transact with us brings you no harm." "If possible, I''d even invite you to join the Stellaron Hunters'' team, but unfortunately... it''s best for now that we maintain some distance." "After all...you''re too dangerous. If my guess is correct, you certainly haven''t forgotten us, have you?" Kafka spoke extensively. In response... Bochang nodded, "Yes, I do remember you." With those words, an eerie silence enveloped the alien space resembling a black prison. The Stellaron Hunters awaited Bochang''s decision. After weighing the pros and cons, he ultimately decided to agree with their proposition. "Fine, I won''t interfere with Stelle''s growth and will even follow your script," Bochang agreed, "but... you must promise me three conditions. If the Stellaron Hunters cannot meet them, there will be no deal." "Please proceed..." Kafka responded softly, her gaze treating Bochang like a child, which made him feel powerless. Taking a deep breath, Bochang composed himself, adopting a stern tone. "Firstly, I want to properly educate the young lady who attacked me - Silver Wolf." "Don''t push it too far; at least I gave you this outfit." The once spirited hacker now appeared emotionless. Engaging with formidable enemies was indeed intriguing for Bochang. However... The excitement lay in the process and achieving victory, not defeat. Being captured did not sit well with Silver Wolf. She felt utterly miserable at that moment. "You have no standing to negotiate." Bochang glanced at Silver Wolf, then covered her cherry-red lips with his Invisible Hand. The hacker had become one of his spoils of war. To prevent any escape attempt, Bochang held Silver Wolf tightly, leaving visible finger imprints on her pale skin. Kafka concurred, "Agreed." "Umm...ummph!" The powerless Silver Wolf was taken aback. Why would you agree so readily?! Even if Kafka had shown the slightest hesitation, it would have made Silver Wolf feel somewhat better. What''s with this immediate acceptance without a moment''s pause? "Secondly, I require apologies from all three of you. This is your second attack on me... As for those hiding, I don''t care about them now, but none of you Stellaron Hunters before me will get away unscathed." "No problem, we can agree to that as well." Kafka promptly bowed and said, "I''m sorry, Bochang." Blade remained silent, feeling deeply uneasy. Making the former High-Cloud Quintet apologize to little Bochang felt more agonizing than being killed himself. [Dating Options Enabled.] [Option 1: A half-hearted apology won''t suffice. Remind Kafka, "Exposing your chest during an apology is common courtesy." ¡ª Completion Reward: 100% increase in physique.] Chapter 217 - 216: Silver Wolf - Don’t Come Near Me! Chapter 217 - 216: Silver Wolf - Don''t Come Near Me!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option Two: Deliberately challenge Kafka by shouting, "No power in your voice, can''t hear you at all! Not even remotely! Start over!!!" ¡ª Completion Reward: Mental Energy increase by 100%.] [Option Three: Urging Blade and Silver Wolf, say, "It''s your turn now, hurry up... I''m pressed for time." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain Skill ''In a Rush'', allowing to pause time within a 30-meter radius around oneself for 3 seconds.] Seeing these three options appear, Bochang once again found himself faced with a difficult choice. Honestly... All of these rewards were quite enticing. Doubling his physique, doubling his mental energy, or gaining time manipulation abilities. Bochang glanced between Option One and Two before ultimately rejecting both. His relationship with Kafka was currently rather delicate. They weren''t exactly friends, Nor could they be considered enemies. Whether it was pointing out Kafka''s perverted behavior of exposing her chest or intentionally challenging him, Bochang didn''t want any of those options. It would be best to avoid falling out with the Stellaron Hunters if possible. After all, their support was still crucial for Stelle''s growth. With the system, Bochang could rapidly enhance himself, but when it came to helping others improve, he felt utterly clueless... As the protagonist, Stelle couldn''t remain hindered indefinitely; she needed to stand on her own eventually. Moreover, Kafka''s apology seemed genuine enough, so Bochang decided not to dwell on the incident further. "Looks like I''m left with only the third option? It seems tempting at first glance, but compared to doubling mental energy and physique, three seconds of time stop feels lacking¡ªespecially considering the thirty-meter range limitation." "But...I don''t have any other choices right now." Having made his decision, Bochang glanced at Blade and Silver Wolf. "Your turns next, hurry up...I''m pressed for time." The gagged hacker girl merely rolled her eyes. Even if Silver Wolf wanted to speak, he couldn''t manage it. With arms crossed, Blade looked away. Despite the distance, Bochang could sense his mixed emotions¡ªthis guy wore his feelings openly on his face, making them all too easy to read. In response to this situation, Kafka raised his head, placing one hand on his hip and gazing at Blade, asking, "Bladie?" Having been hit twice by Dragon Blast earlier, Blade sustained notable injuries. His clothes were somewhat disheveled, but fortunately, only minor tears marred his attire. Bochang''s plain bathrobe, after intense action, was almost entirely burned away below the waist, leaving just scraps of fabric covering his hips like an ultra-short skirt. The upper half of his robe also bore inexplicable holes of varying sizes. If not for the flaming cloak enveloping him, Bochang would likely have suffered complete wardrobe malfunction. Prompted by Kafka, Blade rested his forehead in one hand and reluctantly muttered, "Sorry..." The Laughing Little Black Dragon spoke rapidly, unable to muster his usual grin now. As a notorious fugitive traversing the galaxy, being forced to apologize humbly to a mere child left Blade without any levity. This dismissive attitude irked Kafka somewhat. "Bladie, when apologizing, show some sincerity. Include their name, slow down, and speak louder." "Bochang... I''m sorry." Reluctantly, Blade added another line, this time delivering it with more conviction. Bochang thought to himself, "This guy... he actually listens to Kafka so attentively? I assumed he had a rebellious nature, unwilling to submit to anyone." It was a misunderstanding. Bochang hadn''t known Blade before these encounters; his perception of Blade''s character was based solely on their two meetings. Initially, Blade appeared quite arrogant, and his occasional demonic laughter during battles made a lasting impression. This led Bochang to form an incorrect judgment about Blade. His gaze shifted away from Blade. Bochang glanced at Silver Wolf, who was still caught by his grip, and noticed her eyes fixed on him intently. Realizing something, he used his Invisible Hand to remove the goggles from Silver Wolf''s head. Then, he released the black-purple hand covering her mouth. Silver Wolf''s apology sounded genuine, reminiscent of Kafka''s tone but with less warmth. [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill: I''m in a Hurry.] Bochang didn''t dwell on it; after all, there would be ample time to properly educate Silver Wolf later. With that thought, he looked down at the Stellaron Hunters below and stated his third demand. "Thirdly, and most importantly, do not interfere between me and Stelle, nor should you cause any further trouble for me. Otherwise... even if Aeon stands behind you, I will not back down." Kafka''s expression subtly shifted. To her, Stelle felt like her own child. Bochang suddenly demanding to take Stelle away reminded Kafka of someone trying to whisk off her daughter with ulterior motives. If Bochang were more devoted, it might have been simpler. Unfortunately, he was quite the flirtatious type, having already caught the attention of both March 7th and Serval. Kafka found herself at a loss for words regarding Bochang''s fate. Even Elio couldn''t fully predict it, only offering vague scenarios. Each time Bochang became involved in a mission, the number of unpredictable variables multiplied exponentially compared to previous tasks. Silver Wolf seemed unconvinced, retorting, "Your request sounds rather peculiar... Before joining Astral Express, Stelle was also part of the Stellaron Hunters. How could we just stand by and let you take her?" "Since when did I say I want to ''take'' Stelle?" Bochang countered, then extended his hand, clarifying, "To make things simple, right now, Stelle and I share a perfectly normal romantic relationship." Bochang wasn''t lying. This had been established even before reaching Luofu Immortal Continent. Initially, Bochang had suggested they should be a couple. Instead of disputing it, Stelle asked what couples typically do together. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, before Bochang could impart any lessons, March 7th promptly intervened with its chaos. Upon hearing the words "couple relationship," Kafka''s heart trembled slightly. It was a feeling difficult to describe. "If only I knew earlier... I should have taken Bochang away back then; leaving him at the Herta Space Station was my biggest mistake..." Kafka and the Silver Wolf group were here on this mission precisely to clean up past errors. Bochang continued, "Even if everything Kafka said is true, Stelle may have the blood of the Stellaron Hunters flowing within her, but she has now joined Astral Express and is no longer part of the Stellaron Hunters." "You have no right to interfere with Stelle''s personal choices, correct?" Just as Bochang finished speaking, Kafka interrupted, "You don''t need to say more; I understand. Regarding personal matters between men and women, the Stellaron Hunters have no interest in getting involved. However... when it comes to Stelle''s future development direction, it must be guided by us." "From now on, Silver Wolf will handle communication with you. She''ll inform you what issues require your intervention and which ones do not." "I hope you adhere to the terms of our deal." Kafka turned around. "Bladie and I will take our leave now. Bochang, please handle the remaining matters with Silver Wolf." A shimmering barrier appeared nearby as Kafka departed, taking Blade with her. They vanished from this space. Bochang dissipated the flames surrounding his body. Then, using the Invisible Hand, he gently lowered Silver Wolf to the ground. "Now it''s just the two of us." Bochang turned, offering Silver Wolf an innocent smile. The bound hacker girl paled in fear, shrieking hoarsely, "Don''t come near me!" Chapter 218 - 217: Playing Games Chapter 218 - 217: Playing GamesPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Don''t get close? How can I educate you from afar? And without education, how will you acquire skills? Unless you''re going to give me your abilities...?" Bochang took a few steps forward and gently held Silver Wolf''s shoulders. After Kafka and Blade left... only Silver Wolf and Bochang remained in this pitch-black space. The restrained hacker girl looked up at the black-haired youth standing just inches away. "What exactly do you want?" "Want?" The question momentarily stumped Bochang. "Dating Options" instructed him to educate her but provided no specific method. His previous attempts with boxing and exceptional tying techniques had proven ineffective. Bochang was unsure of what to do next. ?System?? "Dating Options" showed no intention of responding. Bochang could only rely on his own improvisation. Recalling how Silver Wolf had constantly loomed over him with her stun attacks in Belobog, Bochang''s emotions surged. Finally, this genius hacker girl was within his grasp. Although she bore the face of Bronya from Honkai Impact 3rd... Nevertheless... Bochang would not show any mercy. "Didn''t you want me to catch you earlier? Well, now I''ve got you. Let me think... just how should I teach this arrogant little brat a lesson?" "It was merely a momentary slip; I didn''t expect you to charge so swiftly. Give me another chance, and I guarantee you won''t be able to capture me again." Silver Wolf sounded quite confident. Bochang realized he had indeed caught her off guard. The Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power sprint was exceptionally strong, largely responsible for the state of his bathrobe. Without the combined magic of the Dragon Talisman and the Destruction fate path''s influence on his body surface, In fact, his attire was on the verge of disappearing entirely. The corner of Bochang''s mouth curved upwards as he declared, "I won''t give you another chance, Silver Wolf. You''re already my trophy... And I won''t let you go until I''m fully satisfied." "You... despicable, shameless pervert," spat the captured Silver Wolf, her voice filled with barely contained anger and frustration, unable to maintain her usual playful demeanor. Bochang gently shook his head. "I know... Silver Wolf, you still have enough strength to resist or even escape, right? However... due to your mission for the Stellaron Hunters, you must submit." This became evident from how casually Kafka and Blade departed earlier. Their actions seemed to imply that the Stellaron Hunters were not exerting their full capabilities. Leaving Silver Wolf behind also served to appease Bochang or demonstrate their sincerity. "Since you know this, why haven''t you released me yet?" Silver Wolf''s tone was far from friendly. Bochang smiled faintly; having finally captured a member of the Stellaron Hunters, he couldn''t let her go so easily. Silver Wolf understood that this situation wouldn''t resolve itself simply. According to the script provided by Elio: Bochang agreed to strike a deal with the Stellaron Hunters, which would result in three possible costs: Kafka''s suffering.Silver Wolf''s suffering.Blade dying once. These costs could occur individually or in random combinations, possibly all at once. Before arriving here, Silver Wolf had prepared herself, even entertaining thoughts of mocking Kafka later. Unexpectedly, the joke turned out to be on herself. Only after being captured did Silver Wolf realize... Perhaps Kafka had concealed something, leading to her own tragic fate becoming the price. "Bochang...what exactly is he planning? Could it be..." Despite Elio''s repeated assurances that Bochang wouldn''t go too far and there were ways to avoid such a tragic end, when faced with the situation, Silver Wolf couldn''t remain calm. Her mind raced with countless escape strategies. Bochang stroked his chin as he looked down at the hacker girl, who was significantly shorter than him. "Oh right... Silver Wolf, aren''t you quite fond of games?" "How about we play one then? Whoever loses will face a penalty." Bochang extended a single finger. Just as before with Kafka, Bochang aimed not to escalate matters excessively with Silver Wolf. He sought to ensure her acceptance through fair means. He needed to ensure she accepted his victory wholeheartedly. Upon hearing this, Silver Wolf''s tense nerves relaxed slightly. "Why didn''t you say so earlier... I''m not one to lose at games. What do you propose we play?" "Let''s play Rock-Paper-Scissors. One round decides it; whoever loses has to remove an article of clothing." Bochang suggested this game partly as a test, wanting to gauge how well the Stellaron Hunters knew him. Silver Wolf sensed something amiss. Removing clothes wasn''t a concern for her, since she had multiple layers and could strip off several times without issue. The key lay elsewhere. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "This punishment...no matter how I look at it, you seem to benefit more. Who would want to undress you?" The hacker girl showed no interest in Bochang''s body and certainly didn''t wish to sully her eyes. After all, stripping once would leave Bochang completely naked. "If I win, you must let me go," Silver Wolf stated her condition firmly. Bochang wondered, Doesn''t she know about my Rock-Paper-Scissors Blessing skill? Or is she intentionally testing me? Through this test, Bochang realized that the Stellaron Hunters'' knowledge of him might not be as deep as he initially thought. "Fine, it''s a deal¡ªyou won''t renege on your promise." Bochang released one Invisible Hand, granting Silver Wolf freedom for her arm. "How strange... Why did he agree so readily? Is there some trick involved?" As Bochang probed, the hacker girl was also testing him. Silver Wolf had come with a mission, and since she remained here, her priority was to gather more information, ideally uncovering the identity of Aeon who stood behind their adversary. It was a daunting task indeed. Bochang raised his hand and declared, "Let''s play rock-paper-scissors... When I say ''scissors,'' we''ll both throw our hands out simultaneously. If anyone is slow, they automatically lose. Are you ready, Silver Wolf?" "Wait... I''d like to change the game," interrupted Silver Wolf, raising her right hand. Rock-paper-scissors offered little room for strategy or manipulation. It was understandable that the hacker girl would want to switch games. "You don''t have the choice," Bochang shook his head. "Don''t forget, you''re now my trophy. My punch earlier held back significantly; otherwise, do you think you''d still be standing here talking to me?" Although Silver Wolf wanted to assert she had more strength left... The truth was, during their confrontation, she indeed lacked the ability to resist effectively. The most critical issue lay in how close they were positioned to each other. If Silver Wolf had maintained greater distance or if someone had hindered Bochang''s advance, she wouldn''t have been defeated so swiftly. She might even have trapped him within her infinitely folding space. Given enough time, Silver Wolf could certainly achieve this feat. Who could have anticipated Bochang''s sudden burst of power? Elio had never mentioned this possibility. Kafka merely stood by watching without offering any assistance. In the end, it was naturally Silver Wolf who got injured. If only Kafka had utilized his Word of Power, the hacker girl believed she could have turned the tables on Bochang, steering the course of fate onto a vastly different trajectory. "What about changing the rules?" "No, that won''t work either," replied Bochang, unwilling to let her employ any tricks. Silver Wolf sighed and said, "Alright then, let''s see who has better luck... between us two." Bochang continued, "Do you know the rules for Rock-Paper-Scissors?" "Don''t worry, I''m familiar with them," Silver Wolf responded casually. Chapter 219 - 218: Advantage is Mine Chapter 219 - 218: Advantage is MinePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After receiving the hacker girl''s agreement, Bochang''s eyes narrowed slightly, thinking to himself, "Silver Wolf, now it''s time for you to obediently take off your clothes." Facing his confident gaze, the hacker girl felt a sudden unease. "Don''t panic... It''s just rock-paper-scissors; a game of luck where he can''t cheat. Besides, I only need to win once. Simply put... the advantage lies with me," Silver Wolf reassured herself mentally. Bochang began counting down. "Rock, paper, scissors!" Both players simultaneously threw their hands out. Bochang chose scissors, while Silver Wolf picked cloth. Clearly... Silver Wolf lost. Initially, she had intended to play rock, but at the last moment, inexplicably, her choice changed to cloth, resulting in her defeat against Bochang. She couldn''t quite explain what went through her mind. Regardless, right before throwing her hand gesture, Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. a myriad of thoughts raced through her head, and then... "All right, start stripping. If you feel uncomfortable, I can assist you." "I definitely don''t need your help." With slightly flushed cheeks, Silver Wolf didn''t mind losing this round. After all, it was just rock-paper-scissors. Wins and losses were to be expected. Now... Honoring her bet, the hacker girl had no choice but to comply. However, before doing so, there was one thing she needed to address. "You can let me go now, right? I won''t run away anyway." Bound tightly by the Invisible Hand, Silver Wolf couldn''t possibly undress herself. "Alright." Bochang nodded in agreement and promptly released the soft confines around Silver Wolf''s body. The hacker girl rolled her eyes once more. It must be said that these large black-purple hands had thoroughly enjoyed their share of Silver Wolf''s innocent charms. Regaining her freedom... Silver Wolf placed both hands on her jacket zipper, hesitating momentarily as she debated what exactly she should remove. As for her weapon in the right hand: When Bochang lifted her earlier, Silver Wolf had already concealed the damaged weapon. Just like how it appeared out of thin air, it could vanish similarly. "Hurry up, we still have another round to play..." Bochang urged. Bochang urged her to continue. Gritting her teeth, Silver Wolf pulled down her loose short jacket from her smooth shoulders and let it fall off completely. With a toss, she discarded it onto the ground. Clad only in a white cropped top and black bra, Silver Wolf stood confidently, chest puffed out. "Come on, I''ll definitely win the next round." "Let''s see about that." Bochang, undeterred by the determined hacker girl, raised his hand, "Rock, Paper, Scissors!" Another round concluded swiftly. Silver Wolf glanced at her rock versus Bochang''s paper, feeling incredulous. "I lost again? How is this possible... Does that mean I have to take something else off?" The hacker girl narrowed her eyes, "Wait... Could Bochang have some mind-reading ability, allowing him to guess my choice?" "It''s a possibility... He''s truly despicable." "But if even I don''t know what I''m going to choose, his trick wouldn''t work, right?" Unaware of her internal thoughts, Bochang simply said, "Sorry, but I won again. Hurry up and remove another item." "The gloves should count as clothing too, so this time, I''ll take off my gloves." Silver Wolf tossed her black fingerless gloves onto the ground. Bochang remained unfazed. The third round, then the fourth... Without exception, every game ended in Silver Wolf''s defeat. Since she had already removed her jacket earlier, the next items to come off were her shoes and fishnet stockings. "Damn it, how is this happening... If I continue stripping, things will get really awkward soon. Wait... I still have two final chances for error - my headpiece and neck collar." After losing four consecutive rounds, even Silver Wolf couldn''t determine if it was just bad luck or if Bochang possessed some special ability. "No matter what, from now on...from now on, I''ll only play the last two rounds." "Ready, Silver Wolf?" Bochang asked, placing one hand on his hip. Watching the hacker girl gradually undress herself was a rare pleasure. The fifth and sixth rounds concluded swiftly. Silver Wolf suffered crushing defeats. Her headpiece and neck collar were both removed. Bochang chuckled, "Silver Wolf, you don''t have any accessories left now. Next, do you plan to take off this short t-shirt or your hot pants?" "I''m not playing anymore." Silver Wolf crossed her arms defensively. "Six rounds, I lost all six... You must have cheated somehow, right?! Continuing this game with you would be downright foolish." "It''s just that my luck happened to be better," Bochang replied casually. He wouldn''t admit to any manipulation, and considering his Blessing of Rock-Paper-Scissors skill, attributing it to luck wasn''t entirely unfounded. "Still refusing to acknowledge it?" Silver Wolf remained unconvinced. "Your methods are indeed sophisticated; even I couldn''t detect how you cheated. Bochang, exactly how did you manage it?" "Dwelling on this won''t benefit you, Silver Wolf. All I know is that you lost... And if you don''t plan to continue halfway through, it simply won''t satisfy me." Bochang gently shook his head. At this moment, Bochang began to slightly understand Aha''s twisted pleasure in forcing others to play games with him. It truly felt exhilarating. Unintentionally, Bochang found himself embodying the very traits he once despised. "We can play other games instead, such as strategy board games, word chain puzzles, or even online competitive matches," suggested Silver Wolf. Bochang replied, "If you prefer not to continue this game, come over and give me a half-hour massage, and then I''ll agree to switch." "Give you a massage? No way..." Silver Wolf, barefoot on the ground, turned her head away defiantly. After removing her hair accessory, the hacker girl''s hair appeared somewhat disheveled, with her single spiral ponytail now loosened. Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Judging by your expression, you''re not planning to obey my command?" "Don''t you think you''ve gone far enough...?" Silver Wolf placed one hand on her hip, glaring discontentedly at Bochang. "Look what you''ve done to me already! You''ve had your share of advantages earlier, so what more do you want?" As a young member of the prestigious Stellaron Hunters with a bounty worth fifty-one billion Credits, it was natural for this hacker girl to possess some pride. "Don''t forget, you''re my trophy, and I can discipline you however I see fit. Silver Wolf, if you refuse to cooperate, I won''t hold back anymore." With these words, Bochang extended his Invisible Hand once again. To his surprise, Silver Wolf seemed oblivious to its presence. Suddenly, as if realizing something, he glanced downward. His eyes landed on the goggles he had removed from her earlier. Perhaps Silver Wolf relied on those goggles to perceive the Invisible Hand. They must be quite valuable then. In the next moment... Bochang grabbed Silver Wolf and lifted her into the air. Initially startled, the hacker girl quickly composed herself. Instead of resisting, she calmly remarked, "Let''s finish this soon; I still need to catch up on sleep..." Silver Wolf closed her eyes, accepting her fate. "Alright, alright, is that your attitude? Don''t blame me for being ruthless then." Bochang seized Silver Wolf''s bare foot. He began vigorously kneading it with force. Chapter 220 - 219: Who Isn’t a Baby at Heart? Chapter 220 - 219: Who Isn''t a Baby at Heart?Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** A short jacket with black exterior and blue interior was casually tossed on the ground. Nearby lay goggles, long boots, and various lengths of fishnet stockings... Realizing she had been lifted by an invisible force, Silver Wolf knew it was futile. She promptly closed her eyes, avoiding any reaction that might further excite her captor. Seeing no immediate response from the system, Bochang understood he hadn''t gone far enough. Coupled with Silver Wolf''s uncooperative demeanor, he decided to take things a step further. With both hands, Bochang grasped the soft, pale feet of the hacker girl gently. He rubbed between her toes and pressed along the graceful arches of her feet. Feeling the warm hands caressing her feet, Silver Wolf experienced a sense of humiliation, but it remained within her tolerance level. "It''s a bit ticklish... strangely, this feeling is different from those black-purple hands." As Bochang''s actions continued, Silver Wolf''s charming face gradually flushed with a delicate blush. Unlike the Invisible Hand, which lacked temperature, Bochang''s physical hands carried warmth, resulting in a distinctly different sensation when touching her body. Silver Wolf closed her eyes tightly, striving to control her emotions. However, she didn''t anticipate that closing her eyes would amplify her tactile sensations infinitely, causing even her breathing to become heavier involuntarily. This filled the surrounding air with an enticingly sweet aroma. Unfortunately... Immersed in the moment, Silver Wolf remained oblivious, her eyes still firmly shut. Observing the hacker girl''s discomfort, Bochang suddenly conceived a mischievous idea. He inserted his fingers between hers, gripping her foot securely. "Look, Silver Wolf," Bochang said, "our fingers are intertwined now..." "Are you still a child?" Unable to bear it any longer, Silver Wolf opened her eyes, revealing silver-gray irises that seemed ready to ignite with fury... If looks could kill, Bochang would undoubtedly have been torn apart by a thousand blades. At the same time... Silver Wolf felt a sense of despair deep within her heart. Despite futile struggles, she had ultimately ended up in this predicament. "Who isn''t still a baby at heart?" Bochang retorted. Completely unable to endure anymore, Silver Wolf lifted her other foot and aimed a swift kick towards his face. Seizing the opportunity, Bochang swiftly grabbed her second snow-white, delicate foot. "Since you''re so impatient, I won''t hold back." Seeing the hacker girl''s defiance, Bochang decided to intensify his tactics. After all, he had legitimate reasons not to worry; there was nothing holding him back. "Silver Wolf, have you ever heard of...a form of torture known as ''Laughter Punishment''?" "Laughing Torture?" Silver Wolf hesitated, her mind racing with thoughts. Without waiting for a response, Bochang said, "It doesn''t matter if you don''t know; you''ll find out soon enough." With those words... Bochang flashed an eerie smile. A sense of impending doom surged within Silver Wolf''s heart. Moments later... In the silent black void, crisp laughter echoed through the peculiar space. Silver Wolf sobbed amidst uncontrollable giggles, "Wah... Ha ha ha... You better remember this... Ha ha ha..." The hacker girl, subjected to Bochang''s Laughing Torture, alternated between tears and laughter. Initially defiant, Silver Wolf quickly shifted to pleading for mercy. "Wah... Stop... Ha ha ha... Please don''t..." Unfortunately for Silver Wolf, Bochang had no intention of letting her off. As he continued his torment, he taunted, "Repent your sins properly." After a long while... Silver Wolf''s hair was disheveled, cheeks flushed, and forehead drenched in sweat. Following Bochang''s prolonged ''education,'' the hacker girl could barely articulate words; she only managed to emit laughter or sobs. At that moment, the system notification chimed: [Reward being issued - Congratulations! You have unlocked the skill ''Naked Fury'': While unclothed, all damage dealt to enemies will result in guaranteed critical hits.] Seeing this new skill, Bochang felt an overwhelming excitement. It was yet another damage-boosting ability. Although the activation condition was somewhat embarrassing. Nevertheless... He couldn''t deny it was a formidable skill, making the effort spent on educating Silver Wolf truly worthwhile. With his One-Second Strip skill, as long as he could overcome his embarrassment, he could effortlessly double his damage against any enemy. Combined with "Envoy of Justice" and "Big sister Slayer," if Phantylia dared to engage him again, Bochang would undoubtedly give her a massive surprise. "I am truly invincible now!" "But... Is Silver Wolf alright?" Bochang''s gaze shifted towards the hacker girl whom he had just "lightly disciplined." The motionless Silver Wolf seemed completely worn out. She appeared drenched in sweat, even her tender feet, revealing visible veins, were slightly moistened. Bochang gently placed her on the ground. Releasing the Invisible Hand, he said, "I''m satisfied now. Silver Wolf, how can I leave this place next?" Although he could use the teleportation ring... Still... Bochang wanted to conserve its usage for the moment. The prone Silver Wolf, lying spread-eagled on the ground, had no intention of speaking. Her eyes stared blankly at the sky, her thoughts unfathomable. As he observed the beautiful young girl presenting herself helplessly, Bochang half-knelt and gently patted her face, saying, "Wake up, Silver Wolf. It''s over now." At that moment... The dazed Silver Wolf slowly regained her composure. Her large, pretty eyes shifted slightly, noticing Bochang beside her. With a look of humiliation, the hacker girl closed her eyes, tears of regret streaming down from their corners. "This grudge...I''ll remember it, Bochang. Don''t sleep too soundly from now on." Clearly... Silver Wolf was issuing threats, akin to a stubborn duck refusing to back down. Bochang wasn''t concerned about any potential retaliation. During their recent encounter, Bochang had caught Silver Wolf off guard. Now that Bochang had acquired the new skill "Naked Combat," even if Silver Wolf prepared thoroughly, it would be difficult for her to inflict significant harm on him. Moreover, the Stellaron Hunters wouldn''t allow the hacker girl to act recklessly without consequences. Taking another step back: Even if Silver Wolf disregarded the potential fallout and attacked Bochang impulsively, she''d likely just end up offering herself as easy prey. There''s a high chance history would repeat itself, falling once again under Bochang''s control, only to suffer further manipulation. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Ignore Silver Wolf - Completion Reward: Being frequently awakened by Silver Wolf at odd hours.] [Option 2: Gently pinch Silver Wolf''s cheek, smile with a gentlemanly demeanor, and say, "It''s alright, I''ll wait for you." - Completion Reward: Silver Wolf''s Big Biodou.] Option Three: Pat Silver Wolf''s buttocks and with a gentlemanly smile, say, "It''s said that Spanish duck''s butt is quite a treasure. Honestly, I''ve always been curious to taste it..." ¡ª Reward: Silver Wolf''s Big Biodou. Option Four: Immediately take down Silver Wolf ¡ª Completion Reward: Silver Wolf''s Darkening. "Is this what they call snatching defeat from the jaws of victory?" Bochang muttered to himself. All four options seemed punitive. This appeared to hint at something deeper. "Have I... perhaps gone too far?" Bochang fell into deep thought. Now he had to choose between being sporadically disturbed by Silver Wolf or receiving Silver Wolf''s Big Biodou. As for the darkening option, Bochang was unequivocally not going near it; merely seeing the term was enough to eliminate it immediately. "What should I pick?" Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Chapter 221 - 220: Absolutely Not Acting on Impulse Chapter 221 - 220: Absolutely Not Acting on ImpulsePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** After a moment of hesitation, Bochang thought to himself, "Option One." Compared to Big Booty''s constant presence, occasional disturbances from Silver Wolf were more tolerable. After all... Even if Silver Wolf shows up, she might just be another easy target. Then, I can have some fun with the hacker girl once again. With this idea in mind, Bochang felt a slight anticipation, as he hadn''t had enough amusement for the day. However, he knew when to draw the line. Considering the Dating Option prompt, he chose to end things here. Bochang ignored Silver Wolf and silently gazed at her, his eyes seemingly conveying - It''s time for me to leave. He took a deep breath. Seeing Bochang act nonchalant only fueled Silver Wolf''s anger further. An inexplicable rage surged within her, with no immediate outlet. "You wait and see!" Silver Wolf sat up, casually opening a shimmering teleportation portal, and said, "Just get out through here. If there''s anything important later, I''ll contact you. No need for silly concerns about reaching me." "As a genius hacker, I have plenty of ways to reach you," Silver Wolf''s tone was distinctly hostile. It seemed she had no intention of engaging further with Bochang. "Alright, I''ll be off then." Bochang complied readily. After all, given Silver Wolf''s current state, he didn''t mind letting the hacker girl have her verbal victories¡ªknowing full well she''d owe him later. "Bye-bye." With those words, Bochang stepped towards the colorful teleportation portal. Unfortunately... the expected teleportation did not occur. Instead, his physical body simply passed through the portal, shattering it into fragments that scattered in the wind. He remained stranded within this pitch-black alternate space. Silver Wolf''s eyes widened in shock, disbelief written across her silver-gray irises. "What happened?" "I was about to ask you... Silver Wolf, could something have gone wrong?" Bochang turned, his lips twitching slightly. If this situation worsened, he would have no choice but to use the teleportation ring''s ability and make a swift escape. It would consume the last remaining energy unit, but given these circumstances, there was no other option. Bochang couldn''t truly afford to be trapped within this alien space alongside Silver Wolf. Despite the suggestive scenario of a lone man and woman confined together, it simply wasn''t feasible. "I''m not sure." Silver Wolf shook her head, just as she prepared to attempt another signal... The eerily glowing dark void suddenly seemed to be engulfed by deeper darkness, akin to transitioning from day into night¡ªthe kind of night devoid of even the faintest light. Instantly, Bochang found himself plunged into complete blindness. Faced with this predicament, Bochang grew cautious. He positioned Silver Wolf behind him, activating the Dragon Talisman''s first-tier power. Flames erupted around his body, accompanied by crackling sounds near his ears. His Invisible Hand swiftly extended, writhing through the air like octopus tentacles. "Who''s there?" Bochang''s gaze flashed like lightning. Despite activating the Dragon Talisman''s first rated power level, their surroundings remained dim, with visibility limited to less than three meters. Silver Wolf quickly picked up her goggles and put them on, hastily summoning her weapon. She didn''t even have time to don her shoes or gloves, wisely choosing to back-to-back with Bochang. The sturdy frame of the black-haired youth provided a strong sense of security. "What''s going on... This scenario isn''t in Elio''s script either? Could it be because of Bochang..." Silver Wolf could no longer remain calm. Without her trusted abilities functioning, she was essentially no different from an ordinary young girl. If anything... Her only advantage lay in slightly superior physical capabilities. "Bochang, don''t you have that teleportation ring? Why not just take us away from here?" Silver Wolf gazed at the encroaching darkness at the edge of her vision, sensing the malevolence emanating from it. The hacker had no intention of lingering any longer. The universe is inherently dangerous. When encountering unexpected situations, fleeing naturally becomes the best option. As the saying goes: "Of all strategies, retreat is often superior." However... Before Bochang could respond, the surrounding darkness dispersed abruptly. A familiar voice echoed through the space: "Firstly, never act on impulse; secondly, never overlook any wrongdoing; thirdly, always judge with absolute fairness and grace. Judge Aha, make your presence known!" Realizing who had arrived... Bochang slowly typed out a question mark, unable to resist internally quipping: ?Did you just consume a transmigrator or something?? Both Silver Wolf''s and Bochang''s gazes locked onto the orange clown mask that materialized before them. It was none other than Aeon of Joy - Aha! Silver Wolf hadn''t anticipated meeting Aeon of Joy under these circumstances. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. To be honest, Aha''s sudden appearance exerted a heavy pressure even on Silver Wolf. After all, this was an Aeon entity. The hacker girl could still act defiant before an ordinary Emanator like Phantylia. But facing Aeon, she felt as vulnerable as a little chick, lacking any basis for her usual bravado. "Isn''t my child happy to see Father here?" The orange clown mask spoke to Bochang. If given the chance, Bochang would have loved to teach Aha a lesson by giving Him a swift kick where it hurts, just to remind why flowers bloom so red. Of course... Bochang couldn''t possibly do that now. Even with his enhanced abilities, he estimated he could only handle an Emanator like Phantylia, who practically trips over every trap herself. Attempting to engage with Aeon would be far too daunting. Honestly, Bochang didn''t expect that his casual thoughts from yesterday would actually summon Aha today. Yes, it was already the third day since Bochang arrived at Luofu Immortal Continent, or more precisely, the early hours of the third day. After all, when Bochang went to sleep, it was nearly midnight. It is now definitely the third day on Luo Fu Immortal Continent. Just a little more patience, and it will mark Bochang''s tenth day since his transmigration. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option One: With genuine sincerity, say, "Overjoyed... to see you here, Godfather. I am truly ecstatic." - Completion Reward: Aha''s Mysterious Reward.] [Option Two: Express disgust by saying, "How come you''re still not dead..." - Completion Reward: Skill ''Bravery'' - Upon use, your courage significantly increases.] [Option Three: Bow respectfully and calmly inquire, "Godfather, may I ask what brings you here?" - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 4: Strip off your clothes, grasp the Vow Spear, and with all your might, thrust it towards Aha] - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At Belobog''s Administrative District Central Plaza Fountain, you can consume one Praise of High Morals to retrieve treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will... The sudden appearance of this new option plunged Bochang into deep thought. It concerned the mysterious rewards. This was the fourth time such options had emerged, but Bochang hadn''t chosen any yet, so he remained unsure what exactly they would yield. Skill: Hero Initially, upon seeing the name, Bochang felt a glimmer of hope. However, after reading the skill description, his enthusiasm quickly cooled. It seemed eerily similar to the previous Sage skill. Chapter 222 - 221: Let’s Get Back to Business! Chapter 222 - 221: Let''s Get Back to Business!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The random item and high moral reward were quite standard, nothing remarkable. Bochang''s gaze scanned the four options. Ultimately, he focused on Option Three. For now, until his strength truly poses a threat to Aeon, it''s not yet time to confront Aha. There''s no rush. "Option Three." With a composed expression, Bochang bowed and asked, "If I may inquire, what brings Yifu here?" "Aren''t you asking something you already know?" Aha''s grin stretched from ear to ear, "As a father seeking his child... naturally, it''s for playing games." Well, Bochang had anticipated as much. However... This arrival seems too coincidental. Bochang couldn''t help but suspect if someone was spying on him. [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You have received a bottle of cola, which induces feelings of happiness when consumed. Note: This type of item will...] "Aha, I''m not done watching yet... How can I let you leave so easily? Come, come, continue playing." The orange mask bobbed up and down in mid-air. Upon seeing Aeon of Joy arrive, Silver Wolf had no doubt about their identity. Because... Only Aeon could effortlessly neutralize Silver Wolf''s abilities. "Could it be that Aeon of Joy is behind Bochang... No, impossible. If that were true, they wouldn''t have caused chaos in Belobog. Hmm... Perhaps after causing havoc, Aha recruited them?" "That seems unlikely too." "Bochang''s power definitely doesn''t originate from Aeon of Joy; after all, even when he was at the Herta Space Station, he already..." In that moment, Silver Wolf pondered many possibilities. The hacker girl was unsurprised by the failure of Elio''s prophecy, considering they were dealing with an Aeon. Although the leader of the Stellaron Hunters was powerful, accurately predicting an Aeon''s actions was beyond him. Compared to Bochang, foreseeing the movements of various Aeons proved even more challenging. These beings were the mightiest forces in the entire universe, with Emanators merely serving as their assistants. Upon hearing Aha''s response, Bochang thoughtfully mused, "This guy... just when did he start spying on me? Could it be that ever since our last parting, he has constantly been lurking nearby?" "That would be truly disgusting." Bochang had refused to become an Emanator precisely because he didn''t want to be under constant surveillance by an Aeon. Yet unexpectedly... He still couldn''t escape the control of the Aeon of Joy. Is He really that idle? "Do something productive instead, Aha!" Bochang mentally growled. It had been only a few days since their last encounter, yet here Aha was again, emerging to play games. It was quite bothersome. The scene fell silent. "Godfather," Bochang said, "you''ve arrived rather quickly. Didn''t we just play once a few days ago?" "So what? Aba, remember your place. I come and go as I please; it''s not for you to question." Aha remained as assertive as ever. His demeanor mirrored how Bochang had treated Silver Wolf moments earlier. One could hardly distinguish between them, they were so alike. Bochang fell silent. Silver Wolf quietly observed the situation. The orange mask floated in mid-air and spoke, "No one speaking up? That suggests you''re both ready for the game. Let me, Referee Aha, provide a brief introduction." "The game for today is Truth or Dare." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "The contestants are the unparalleled Admiral of Astral Express¡ªBochang¡ªand the genius hacker of Stellaron Hunters¡ªSilver Wolf!" Below Aha''s mask, another orange arm resembling D.D.''s once again extended, holding a microphone as He announced, "Let''s give a warm welcome to our two competitors and all spectators taking the stage!" Just as these words were spoken, a massive transformation instantly occurred in the pitch-black otherworldly space. The ground rumbled as a stage rose upwards. Neon lights suspended high above emitted dazzling brilliance. Looking around, countless neatly arranged seats appeared, gradually ascending in tiers with a semicircular layout that encircled the entire stage, devoid of any occupants. In front of these eerie-looking seats, individual illuminated signs lit up. They read¡ªTrailblaze, Destruction, Preservation, Elation... Each fate path sign had a distinct color, corresponding to similarly colored seats. However, the focus was not on these seats and signs. But what truly captured his attention were the entities appearing even higher up. "Destruction," "The Hunt," "Preservation," "Yaoshi," "Erudition," and more... Bochang observed clusters of diverse black shadows floating in the sky. Most striking was the cluster representing Destruction, sending chills down his spine. "What... is going on here? Could those be Aeons? No way... It''s impossible for Aha to gather all Aeons together like this. This must be a bluff, trying to regain face after losing our rock-paper-scissors match..." "I definitely can''t show any fear now." Bochang took a deep breath. Aha continued, "The game rules involve rolling dice. Whoever rolls the higher number can impose a penalty on the one with the lower roll¡ªeither Truth or Dare, their choice. The specific penalty will be randomly selected from the stacks of Truth and Dare cards." "There are eighteen Truth options and eighteen Dare options, including but not limited to barking like a dog, revealing the name of someone you fancy, and so forth..." "Similarly, the player will roll the dice to determine which card they must draw." Aha spoke rapidly without pausing for breath. Moreover... The orange-masked figure constantly gazed towards the spectator area, occasionally glancing briefly at Bochang and Silver Wolf. As if there were indeed a crowd of viewers below, despite not a single person occupying the seats. Of course... The only presence resembling an audience were those towering dark shadows above. "`Rolling dice''? Well then, I''ll effortlessly crush Silver Wolf." The corner of Bochang''s mouth curved slightly upwards. It was crucial to note that Bochang possessed the Dice Saint skill, allowing him to effortlessly roll any desired number. He could simply aim for high rolls consistently, ensuring victory. "My apologies, Silver Wolf. Initially, I planned to spare you, but... who knew Aha would intervene? It seems I have no choice but to inconvenience you once more... You won''t hold it against me, right?" Bochang had already decided to decisively defeat the hacker girl. However, Aha didn''t give him the opportunity. "Of course... to make the game even more thrilling, remember... it''s not always guaranteed that the one with the lower roll will receive the punishment. After both contestants finish their dice rolls," "As the referee, Aha will also roll the dice. If the result is odd (1, 3, or 5), the player with the lower score receives the penalty; if it''s even (2, 4, or 6), the player with the higher score gets punished," explained the orange mask. Bochang was taken aback, internally grumbling, "You sly dog! How could you pull this trick on me?! Didn''t you just say that the one with the lower score would receive the penalty?" "Ah well... no point getting angry, it''s just a game of Truth or Dare. Even losing to Silver Wolf wouldn''t matter..." "After all, there''s nobody else here." "Saying embarrassing words or performing shameful acts, only the three of us will know about them." Gazing at the diverse silhouettes looming in the sky, Bochang felt uncertain again. "Are those... truly Aeon projections, or is Aha merely trying to scare me?" "Do any viewers have objections to these game rules?" Aha extended another orange arm near its ear, mimicking listening attentively. "Mm-hmm... No objections heard." "Then... let the game begin!" Chapter 223 - 222: Mysterious Rewards Chapter 223 - 222: Mysterious RewardsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** As soon as "Aha" finished speaking, an unseen force abruptly separated Bochang and Silver Wolf. They now stood five meters apart from each other. Unexpectedly, a long table appeared between them. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. On one side was Bochang, on the other was Silver Wolf, with Aha positioned at the center. In front of each of them emerged dice and dice cups. The difference lay in... Both Bochang and Silver Wolf had three dice before them, while Aha only had one, but alongside it were two sets of cards. "You''re tormenting me again, Godfather... I mean, ''Godfather,'' right? Just wait, I''ll make you pay someday," Bochang thought to himself. Ever since acquiring the skill ''Godfather'' earlier, Bochang knew that he would eventually have a glorious duel with Aha¡ªit seemed inevitable to honor the implications of this ability. "Now... please welcome the unparalleled General of the Stellaron Train¡ªBochang¡ªto roll the dice first." The orange-masked figure held the microphone in one hand and pointed towards the black-haired youth with the other. With both arms now orange... it finally didn''t resemble that anymore. "If you can''t come up with decent nicknames, don''t give me any! What''s with ''Unparalleled General''..." Bochang silently grumbled to himself. Instead of rolling the dice, he asked, "Godfather, how many rounds do we plan to play?" This question was crucial, and even Silver Wolf anxiously awaited the answer. After all... who would willingly spend time with an Aeon nearby? The pressure is simply too immense. Finishing sooner rather than later would undoubtedly be preferable. "Hmm? It seems Bochang still has doubts... Let the referee, Aha, explain once more. However, before that, I must remind you, during this game, just call me Aha. After all... even if you address me as Godfather, it won''t sway my impartiality." "As I mentioned earlier," Aha continued, "Firstly, never act on impulse; Secondly, ensure no wrongdoing goes unpunished; Thirdly, judge with absolute fairness and elegance. As the referee, Aha will uphold justice impartially." Aha repeated the previous declaration. Bochang could sense that Aha was thoroughly enjoying this game. "Silver Wolf, it applies to you as well¡ªjust call me Aha." "Now, back to business. The game consists of nine rounds, and whoever receives the least amount of punishment will be awarded a mysterious Enigmata package by Aha. So... let''s give our best efforts and entertain the audience!" Aha raised their voice enthusiastically. Bochang perked up his ears, thinking, There''s even a reward? "Of course... if you do not cooperate and fail to delight the audience, Referee Aha will impose corresponding penalties upon you. These may include, but are not limited to, sudden deaths among your loved ones or electric shocks..." Suddenly, Aha''s tone turned ominous. Bochang was not surprised at all. Compared to last time when Aha directly wagered the lives of everyone in Belobog, this approach seemed quite gentle. Punishments would only be imposed if the contestants did not cooperate. In other words... As long as they diligently play through all nine rounds, not only would they remain unharmed, but there might even be a chance to receive Aha''s mysterious rewards. Silver Wolf quickly calculated the possibilities in his mind. Ultimately, he concluded that the potential benefits outweighed the risks; it was worth playing the game. After all, these were rewards from Aeon, so they must be truly valuable¡ªotherwise, how could Aha offer them with such confidence? "Do either of you contestants have any further questions?" If there were any doubts, Aha intended to address them promptly, ensuring a joyful gaming experience for all. Silver Wolf pondered and asked, "What happens if Bochang and I roll the same number?" "Very simple." Aha grinned widely, "Both parties will then face the punishment together." Facing this situation, Bochang''s inner calm remained unshaken. The Aeon of Joy was never known for fairness; it simply had to be accepted as such. Subsequently, Silver Wolf asked a few more minor questions before concluding. "Are there any remaining doubts now? If not, please proceed with rolling the dice, contestant Bochang." "Additionally..." Aha continued, offering a friendly reminder, "In the first round, Bochang goes first and Silver Wolf follows. For the second round, Silver Wolf starts first, followed by Bochang. In the final seven rounds, both players will act simultaneously. Please plan your strategy accordingly?" This time, neither Bochang nor Silver Wolf raised any objections. Thus... Bochang covered three dice with the cup, then vigorously shook them on the table. Such action could indeed be considered dice rolling. However, no one seemed to care much about the specifics. "Although the Dice Saint''s skill description mentions rolling any desired number, I believe...this should work too." "With three dice, let''s aim for sixteen this time." "After all, determining who receives the penalty ultimately depends on Aha''s roll; mine isn''t as crucial." Bochang silently sighed within himself. As he shook the dice cup, Bochang noticed something unique about the Dice Saint skill. After intending to roll a sixteen, he felt an inexplicable guidance influencing his hand movements with the shaker. Moreover... He could subtly discern the numbers inside the dice cup through their sounds. "Amazing." Relying on the Dice Saint''s ability effect, Bochang shook the cup for a few seconds before revealing his outcome. On the solid black wooden table, the three dice showed: Six, Five, and Five. Totaling sixteen points. This matched exactly what Bochang had envisioned. "Sixteen points! Competitor Bochang truly lives up to his reputation as the unparalleled general of Astral Express, effortlessly rolling such a high score." "But unfortunately... the magnitude of the roll does not guarantee escaping punishment." As Aha continued speaking, Bochang couldn''t help but silently curse him once again for being so sly. "Next up is the highly anticipated contestant, Silver Wolf. So... as the genius hacker from the Stellaron Hunters, what number will she roll? Let''s eagerly await!" Aha''s enthusiasm surged. Bochang suddenly felt that this host might actually have some talent for commentary. With disdain, Silver Wolf picked up the dice cup and tossed the three dice with her other hand. In one swift motion, Silver Wolf caught all the dice mid-air within the cup, then began shaking them skillfully above the table. Her movements were fluid and effortless, reminiscent of a casino mogul straight out of a movie. Noticing Silver Wolf''s dismissive glance towards him, Bochang slowly typed a question mark. While Aha was rambling, Silver Wolf quietly put back on all her clothing items she had removed earlier. Once again, she transformed into the arrogant hacker girl with countless bounties from the Interastral Peace Corporation. Casually shaking the dice, Silver Wolf continued chewing gum and blew a pink bubble. Without stopping her, Aha simply stated, "Within ten seconds, you must reveal the dice result; otherwise, there will be immediate punishment." Just as Aeon of Joy finished speaking, Silver Wolf forcefully slammed down the shaker cup onto the table. With a flourish, she lifted it to reveal three sixes. "Six," Bochang announced. He never anticipated that Silver Wolf would possess such skills; it was truly unexpected and extraordinary. Facing the audience, Aha remarked, "It seems the Stellaron Hunters'' prodigious hacker isn''t one to be outdone either. Effortlessly, she rolled the highest possible score of eighteen... And with a disdainful glance towards contestant Bochang." "The tension between them is incredibly intense!" Chapter 224 - 223: Kiss? Chapter 224 - 223: Kiss?Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Now... Referee Aha will roll the decisive dice to determine the winner!" Aha picked up a larger die from the table, distinctively bigger than those used by Bochang and others. Gently placing it in the dice shaker, he began vigorously shaking it. The rolling sound reverberated deeply within their hearts. As Aha pressed the dice shaker onto the table, the die inside continued spinning uncontrollably. Bochang had no idea what number would come up, his heart pounding as he anxiously awaited the outcome. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Aha lifted the dice shaker. Everyone''s eyes fixated on the die spinning across the table. Due to Aeon Aha''s presence, neither Bochang nor Silver Wolf dared to manipulate the result; they could only watch helplessly. Finally... The number revealed was - Two! Bochang sighed with relief, grateful that he hadn''t rolled the highest value. Otherwise... He might have ended up like Silver Wolf, facing punishment. Under Aha''s rules: An odd total meant the player with the lower number received the penalty. An even total meant the player with the higher number faced the consequence. "Oh no... it seems like contestant Silver Wolf isn''t very lucky today... What punishment will you choose?" Aha looked at the hacker girl, "Truth or dare?" Honestly, Silver Wolf wasn''t sure how to decide. After hesitating for a few seconds, she responded, "Truth." "All right, please roll the dice again." Aha extended his hand courteously. Silver Wolf complied and rolled a ten. From the left stack of cards marked with tens, Aeon of Joy extracted one and asked, "What is the color of your underwear?" Silver Wolf was taken aback, unsure how to respond. After posing the question, Aha continued, "Friendly reminder - don''t attempt to lie, okay? Otherwise... as a fair referee, Aha will impose additional penalties." It was a clear threat, unmistakably so. Silver Wolf glanced at Bochang, paused momentarily, and then said, "My...my underwear...is blue and white." After saying this... Silver Wolf couldn''t help but press her slightly flushed cheeks, feeling even more embarrassed to utter such words than enduring Bochang''s antics earlier. Although Silver Wolf''s voice was not loud, the silence here was profound, allowing Bochang to hear her clearly, as if he could detect the drop of a pin. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Give a thumbs-up and praise, "Very cute, it suits your personality perfectly." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Ignore completely ¡ª Completion Reward: Acquire skill, Feign Death, enabling you to enter a state of apparent death at any time.] Seeing the Feign Death skill brought a momentary sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu for Bochang. He recalled that when he first crossed over, this skill had appeared before. However... At that time, Bochang hadn''t considered choosing it. ?Should I opt for the Feign Death skill? It doesn''t seem particularly useful...? ?Forget it.? ?I''ll take this other skill instead.? Bochang worried about potentially drawing an insignificant item. In that case, opting for the Feign Death skill seemed like a reasonable choice. Who knows when it might come in handy? "Option two." Bochang pretended not to hear, which made Silver Wolf feel somewhat relieved. [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the skill: Feign Death.] Aha announced that the game would continue. For the second round, Silver Wolf went first again and rolled three sixes. It appeared she was determined to push her luck or perhaps show off her skills? "Wait... Could Silver Wolf''s three sixes be an attempt to avoid clashing with me?" Bochang began to suspect this possibility. After the second round, both players would simultaneously roll their dice. If they ended up with the same total, both would face a penalty. Considering this, Bochang decided to roll three ones. Although he thought he might be overthinking, nevertheless... Bochang demonstrated his strategy clearly. One side aiming for the maximum, while the other settling for the minimum. Then, Aha rolled a five. "It seems your turn now, contestant Bochang... Do you choose truth or dare?" "Truth," Bochang stated calmly and then picked up the dice cup, rolling a three. A hint of surprise flickered in Silver Wolf''s eyes, amazed by this display of skill. Two consecutive rolls of three were unlikely to be mere coincidence. Aha drew a card from the rightmost pile with ''3'' written on its back and said, "Please take off all your clothes." No problem. Bochang activated Light Wings, causing his bathrobe and boxer shorts to instantly fall to the ground. Such was the power of one-second undressing. Silver Wolf remained expressionless. Bochang felt liberated, like a bird soaring freely into the wilderness. This nudity brings me confidence. Each skill influences Bochang to some extent. Therefore, after stripping down: Not only did he not feel ashamed, but he even experienced a sense of exhilaration. Of course... This also stemmed from the lack of people around. Plus, Silver Wolf and Aha could be considered acquaintances, making him feel at ease. If there had been more strangers present, Bochang believes he would still feel bound by embarrassment. Thus, Bochang felt no discomfort. However, if there were more people around, especially strangers, he believes his sense of shame would still constrain him. "Tsk... pervert," Silver Wolf muttered inwardly. Aha exclaimed with surprise, "As expected from Competitor Bochang, his speed at undressing is truly unparalleled, bordering on mastery." ?Are you surprised to see me strip so quickly? Aha, haven''t you been observing me closely all along?? ?Well... considering you''re an Aeon, it''s impossible for you to constantly watch over me. I suspect that when Silver Wolf dragged me into this alternate space...the disturbance must have been significant enough to catch your attention.? ?After all, since the Stellaron Hunters harmed Your adopted son, it''s only natural for You to take notice.? Bochang reached another conclusion internally. However... This was merely speculation. The exact situation could only be known by Aha itself; feigning surprise remained a possibility. Bochang stroked his chin with one hand, appearing deep in thought. The long black table conveniently hid his lower body, ensuring that his private areas were not exposed to Silver Wolf''s view. "Round three begins!" "Both players, please roll your dice simultaneously!" commanded Aha. Bochang and Silver Wolf rolled their dice at the same time, then revealed them together. As expected, the outcome mirrored previous rounds. Bochang: 1, 1, 1. Silver Wolf: 6, 6, 6. Without any change in tone, Aha observed, "It seems both contestants have privately agreed to avoid matching numbers, thus preventing simultaneous penalties. Hmph... a very clever choice." "Now then... it''s time for referee Aha to roll the decisive die!" And so... Aha rolled a three. Silver Wolf felt relieved. Bochang once again chose Truth or Dare and rolled another three. After completing a card task, a new Truth or Dare card would replace it on the scene. There was no need to worry about Card No.3 disappearing. This information had been confirmed by Silver Wolf earlier. Aha glanced at the card and said, "Mouth-to-mouth, give a kiss to your opponent across from you." Bochang: "???" Silver Wolf: "???" Chapter 225 - 224: Collaboration Chapter 225 - 224: CollaborationPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Instantly, an awkward silence filled the room. Bochang stared at Silver Wolf, and Silver Wolf gazed back at Bochang. "Why does his dare involve me? And mouth-to-mouth?" Silver Wolf trembled indignantly. While Bochang pondered what to do, Aha interjected, "Friendly reminder, you have only three minutes to complete the task. If unable to finish, it will be considered non-cooperation and result in a penalty." With these words, both participants instantly understood Aha''s intention. Since Bochang was the one assigned the task, Silver Wolf technically wasn''t involved. Therefore... If Bochang fails to kiss Silver Wolf as part of the dare, only he would face the penalty. Compared to typical truth or dare punishments, the penalties from the Age of Joy were clearly on another level. Moreover, based on Silver Wolf''s earlier inquiry, any penalties incurred also counted towards the overall tally. This implies that... By not cooperating, Silver Wolf could force Bochang to accept another penalty, increasing it from two instances to three, thus widening her advantage and enhancing the likelihood of obtaining Aha''s Enigmatic Gift. It was clearly a trap, designed to incite conflict between them. Bochang didn''t particularly care about Aha''s Enigmatic Gift, but he couldn''t be sure if Silver Wolf felt the same way. Even if she didn''t value it... Would Silver Wolf consent to being kissed by him? This wasn''t just any kiss; it meant a significant step beyond mere friendship. If she refused, Bochang would understand completely. "What choice will you make?" With seconds left before the mission deadline, Bochang took his first step forward, swinging his hips, while Silver Wolf remained motionless. This was a promising sign. He then took a second step, then a third... Bochang quickly approached Silver Wolf. During his advance, the hacker girl did take half a step back. However... Silver Wolf did not explicitly show any rejection. This reassured Bochang greatly. If the hacker girl had been determined to flee, knowing his access to Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power, capturing her would have proven quite challenging. After all, Naked Clothes amplifies damage, not movement speed. Even if he managed to catch her, successfully kissing her would still be difficult. Standing before Silver Wolf, Bochang didn''t rush to kiss her but instead said, "I thought you''d try to dodge... Your willingness is truly unexpected and touching." "Do you really believe I''m such a fool, losing my composure at the sight of rewards? Although reluctant to admit it, we''re now tied together like grasshoppers on the same string. Sabotaging each other benefits neither of us. The best approach is to peacefully navigate this game." Silver Wolf placed one hand on her hip, focusing intently on Bochang''s face. "I was actually worried you might succumb to greed..." Indeed. Silver Wolf feared that Bochang might betray him. After all... In the current situation: Bochang had two talismans, and Silver Wolf had one. The player with fewer held the advantage. With the hacker girl ahead of them, if Bochang wanted to secure victory, causing some mischief would likely be his quickest route. "Don''t worry, Silver Wolf, I won''t let greed cloud my judgment. Let''s work together amicably." "Oh-ho-ho! Did you all see that, viewers? Just moments ago they were enemies, but now they''ve reached such a cooperative state. Truly an enviable relationship..." Aha suddenly interjected, interrupting the conversation between Bochang and Silver Wolf. The hacker girl remained emotionless. Realizing that time was quickly running out, Bochang said, "Well then... I''m about to start, Silver Wolf." With those words, he gently placed his hands on the hacker girl''s shoulders. Since her jacket was open, it allowed him easy access. He effortlessly wrapped his arms around her, placing both palms directly on her slender shoulders. Silver Wolf''s shoulders were quite delicate, with the bones easily felt beneath his touch. However... The sensation wasn''t unpleasant. Silver Wolf showed no intention of resisting; she silently lifted her head and closed her eyes. "Just pretend it''s like being licked by a dog," Silver Wolf thought to herself. Bochang''s fingers exerted slight pressure, feeling somewhat conflicted at this moment. He couldn''t help but ponder inwardly, "Is my first kiss about to be given away?" Ever since his arrival in this world, Bochang had already encountered an opportunity to share his first kiss¡ªthat instance when performing CPR on Stelle. Unfortunately... Bochang''s movements slowed slightly. In the end, he only managed to kiss Stelle''s cheek. Taking a deep breath, Bochang composed himself. As he gazed at the closed-eyed Silver Wolf offering her lips, he gradually leaned forward. Their soft, moist lips gently met. The hacker girl felt her heart pounding so hard it seemed ready to leap out of her throat. Bochang''s heavy breathing brushed against her face, swiftly causing a blush to spread across Silver Wolf''s cheeks. "My first kiss is gone," whispered the stunned hacker, her body rigid and mind blank. Not wanting to miss this opportunity, Bochang lightly nibbled on Silver Wolf''s cherry-pink lips. It was irresistible... Her lips were incredibly soft and sweet, making it impossible for Bochang to hold back. Silver Wolf froze, momentarily taken aback. After several tense seconds... She finally reacted, biting down firmly on Bochang''s lip before pushing him away. "Don''t push your luck," the hacker girl said indignantly. Her attack had no effect on Bochang whatsoever. The bite only caused a slight stinging sensation, without even breaking the skin. "That... I...I didn''t do it intentionally, Silver Wolf, please believe me..." Bochang pleaded, watching as the hacker girl retreated several steps back. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. His explanation sounded unconvincingly weak. Silver Wolf gritted her teeth, resembling a snarling little beast - clearly not believing a word from Bochang. It was understandable; his actions were indeed outrageous. Under Bochang''s gaze, the blush on Silver Wolf''s face remained persistent and unmistakable. "Contestant Bochang, please return to your position," Aha reminded him. And so... With his bare bottom exposed, Bochang hastily retreated, feeling somewhat relieved. Under Aha''s guidance, the fourth round of the game continued. During their face-to-face kiss earlier, Bochang had been fully exposed to the hacker girl''s gaze. As a result... Whenever Silver Wolf met Bochang''s eyes, she couldn''t help but recall that indecent scene. If it were just seeing him naked, it might not have been significant. The key issue was they also kissed. This created a major problem, leaving Silver Wolf''s inner thoughts anything but calm. In fact, her mind felt utterly chaotic. Next... Both Bochang and Silver Wolf skillfully rolled three and eighteen points respectively. With the decision now resting on Aha, as a six appeared, it was determined that Silver Wolf would receive the penalty this time. "I choose Truth." The hacker girl still showed no inclination towards Dare. Following another dice roll, Aha glanced at the card and asked, "Have you watched adult films before? Just briefly viewing and immediately exiting doesn''t count. If you have, what is your preferred position?" "Yes, I''ve watched," Silver Wolf replied calmly, "I don''t have a preferred position." Hearing this response, Bochang wasn''t surprised at all. As a genius hacker, encountering inappropriate content online was entirely normal for Silver Wolf. Even out of curiosity, one might take a peek or two. Chapter 226 - 225: Unable to Bear It Anymore Chapter 226 - 225: Unable to Bear It AnymorePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The fifth round of the game commenced. Since both Bochang and Silver Wolf could precisely control their dice rolls, the final decision-making power was entrusted to Aha. This time, it fell on Bochang to receive a penalty. Under Silver Wolf''s sharp gaze, Bochang chose Truth instead of risking another Dare recklessly. A random number was rolled. Aha asked, "Do you want to surpass your opponent across from you? If so, what position would you prefer for this ''surpassing''?" Upon hearing such a question, cold sweat immediately broke out on Bochang''s forehead. This was a tricky dilemma! How should he respond? Moreover, Silver Wolf was intently watching him, making it even more difficult to answer. "If only... I should have chosen Dare!" Tears of regret welled up inside Bochang''s heart. Aha remained unperturbed and said, "No worries, contestant Bochang, you have three minutes to consider your response. Please note... don''t try to deceive me, okay?" "Otherwise... the consequences, as you know." Aha''s tone turned ominous. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Honestly answer: "Yes, I want it badly - craving those ample bosoms intensely." - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At Belobog Administrative District Central Plaza''s fountain, you can use one Praise of High Morals to attempt retrieving treasures from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Deceive Aha: "No, not at all. I''m a gentleman, completely above such vulgar thoughts." - Completion Reward: Unknown punishment from Aha.] Seeing the reward for Option 1, Bochang nearly couldn''t contain his frustration. "If I''m already in this predicament, it''s unreasonable not to grant me at least one of the twelve talismans'' powers." "Who are you trying to fool with that Praise of High Morals...?" Although internally raging with sarcastic thoughts, Bochang still honestly chose the first option. There was no other choice, after all. He took a deep breath, exhaled, and composed himself before looking solemnly at Silver Wolf. "I do want to surpass her, to deeply desire those ample curves." [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have received the Praise of High Morals.] Hearing the system''s notification, Bochang felt a profound sense of despair within him. Silver Wolf let out a soft snort. With one hand on her hip, the hacker girl said, "I know I''m quite charming, so having such peculiar thoughts is understandable. However... I''ve never considered anything like that, so for you, it''ll remain just wishful thinking." Bochang remained silent, speechless. Aha didn''t waste any time. The game continued, and for the sixth round, the victim was Silver Wolf again. This slightly predictable back-and-forth pattern made Bochang suspect that Aha might be manipulating things behind the scenes. Of course... Without the ability to discern the true nature of events, Bochang could only go along with the flow. Now they had reached the sixth round. With just three more rounds remaining, it would soon be over if they could hold on. For some reason, in the sixth round, Silver Wolf chose "Dare" instead of "Truth." This led Bochang to believe that there might be an undisclosed secret hidden within Silver Wolf''s mind. Otherwise, why suddenly change strategy? After Silver Wolf rolled a number... Aha glanced at the card and announced, "Walk up to your opponent across from you, look deeply into their eyes, and say, ''You''re so naughty... I love it.''" Silver Wolf didn''t expect to draw such a daring challenge. Why couldn''t it be something like barking like a dog instead? "Seriously, so unlucky..." Silver Wolf rested her forehead against her hand, sighing. Bochang remained motionless, quietly observing the other player, with peculiar images inexplicably surfacing in his mind. "Don''t let your thoughts wander." Shaking his head, Bochang cleared those stray thoughts. Gathering her courage, the hacker girl approached with a composed expression. The black-haired youth did not move an inch. In no time at all, Silver Wolf, who was significantly shorter than Bochang, reached him. Up until this point, Bochang had remained completely undressed. Earlier, he considered putting on clothes but was stopped by Aha''s intervention. At least until the game concludes, Bochang absolutely cannot re-clothe himself. This was one of Aha''s rules. Therefore... For now, Bochang could only temporarily flaunt his nudity. As Silver Wolf approached, to avoid any accidental exposure, Bochang covered his crotch discreetly. He caught whiffs of a sweet fragrance lingering in the air. As Bochang gazed at the close proximity of Silver Wolf, her slightly flushed cheeks, and those cherry lips he had just kissed, his heart remained unsettled for quite some time. Without further ado, the closet began to sway gently. Silver Wolf lifted her head, her soft hair ornaments swaying lightly. Striving to convey deep affection, she said, "You''re so naughty... I really love it." Although somewhat forced, hearing these words akin to a confession stirred profound emotions within Bochang''s heart. It''s unfortunate that this is all pretend; how wonderful would it be if it were real? For now, it was merely wishful thinking. After speaking, Silver Wolf swiftly departed without hesitation, leaving only her striking silhouette behind. It felt reminiscent of a heartless jerk abandoning someone post-encounter. Next came the seventh round. Once again, Silver Wolf fell victim to fate and chose Truth or Dare. Aha announced the challenge, "Walk behind your opponent on the opposite side, place both hands on their waist, and forcefully thrust your hips against their buttocks three times while saying each time: ''I super you! Super you! Super you!''" Silence ensued, echoing the tranquility of a moonlit night over Cambridge Bridge. The hacker girl couldn''t bring herself to speak, feeling that this task reeked of malicious intent. Silence fell. Silence is tonight''s Cambridge. The hacker girl remained mute, feeling that this challenge was brimming with malice. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Turn around and invite, "Go ahead, Silver Wolf, it doesn''t matter if you''re rough." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Option 2: Refuse to comply, turn and run, saying, "I won''t let you surpass me." - Completion Reward: Bad luck for the next 24 hours.] Once again, there were no real choices. Hope for a decent item this time. Select Option 1. Bochang turned around and said, "Go ahead, Silver Wolf, it doesn''t matter if you''re rough." [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have received the equipment: Super Soft White Knee-High Socks. This item possesses self-repairing and self-cleaning capabilities.] These... could be useful for Clara. Bochang''s eyes lit up. At that moment... Aha emitted an extremely discordant sound. "Oh-ho-ho! Did everyone see that? Contestant Bochang truly embodies self-sacrifice..." "Look at his perky buttocks; it seems he''s prepared for some intense action." "Ladies and gentlemen, viewers, should we... perhaps provide Contestant Silver Wolf with a little prop? It would undoubtedly make things even more thrilling, wouldn''t it?" Aha pretended to listen attentively. Terrified, Bochang frantically waved his hands. "No props! No props! No props!" Important matters must be emphasized three times. After all... Heaven only knows what kind of prop Aha might produce. What if it were a fake penis? Just imagining it on Silver Wolf was utterly stomach-turning. Moreover, the Hacker Girl still had tasks to complete afterward. The thought of having such a thing thrust towards her made her scalp tingle with unease. As Bochang envisioned this scenario, his strong reaction inadvertently amused Silver Wolf. Chapter 227 - 226: Giving a Chance Chapter 227 - 226: Giving a ChancePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Hmm? Too extreme? Alright then, this time I''ll let contestant Bochang off." Aha refrained from pulling out any small prop. Relieved, Bochang exhaled deeply and lifted his head, gazing towards Silver Wolf. The hacker girl also met his eyes, both seemingly acknowledging each other''s shared predicament. Bochang conveyed with his gaze, "I understand how you feel." This gave her a slight boost of confidence. In the next moment, Silver Wolf gracefully moved behind Bochang without him turning to look, avoiding unnecessary pressure on her. As he felt the hacker girl''s delicate hands on his waist, it seemed like a tingling current surged through his body, causing him to instantly relax. Then... With no emotion, Silver Wolf instructed, "Keep your legs tight and squat down a bit more." Bochang was too tall. At their current positions, Silver Wolf had to strain on her tiptoes just to reach him. It certainly seemed quite challenging. Hearing such words from Silver Wolf''s crisp feminine voice felt peculiar to Bochang. "What a truly bizarre experience," he muttered inwardly. Nevertheless... He followed her instructions obediently. After all, they were both under Aha''s control now, so their only choice was to play through these nine rounds of games first. Besides, it would be over soon; enduring a little longer wouldn''t hurt. With hands bracing against the table, Bochang slightly bent his heavily-haired legs, causing his body to naturally lower. But why did Silver Wolf ask Bochang to keep his legs tightly together? Naturally, it was to prevent any accidental collisions with his ''big bird.'' Considering Bochang wasn''t wearing anything... "Good, stay in that position. I''m ready now, are you?" Silver Wolf posed the question, maintaining composure. Bochang nodded firmly, looking straight ahead and declaring resolutely, "Always ready, let''s do this!" Seeing this... Silver Wolf took a deep breath, slightly raised onto her tiptoes, and unleashed a fierce assault on Bochang. With each smack echoing, Silver Wolf, blushing, whispered softly, "I''ll surpass you! Surpass you! Surpass you!" To be fair, the hacker girl exerted considerable force. Bochang''s body swayed back and forth three times under her relentless strikes. Once the task was completed, Silver Wolf stopped. Just like before, the hacker girl acted like a heartless scoundrel, turning to leave without any hesitation, albeit with somewhat unsteady steps. Meanwhile, Bochang secretly savored the sensations from moments ago. After a brief moment... Bochang simply murmured in admiration: "Aha, she sure knows how to play." "Contestants, please prepare yourselves. The eighth round of the game is about to begin!" The Orange Mask suddenly announced, snapping both Bochang and Silver Wolf out of their thoughts. They quickly composed themselves, adopting calm expressions once again. It was as if nothing had transpired moments ago. They rolled the dice again. This time, Bochang received the penalty while Silver Wolf escaped unscathed. The hacker girl could now enjoy watching the drama unfold. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I choose truth," said Bochang and promptly rolled a six. Aha glanced at the corresponding card and asked, "Do you prefer being on top or bottom during intimacy?" ? I knew it couldn''t always generate such lethal questions. ? Without hesitation, Bochang replied, "I prefer being on top." Silver Wolf maintained their spectator stance. The eighth round concluded uneventfully. Next came the ninth round. Now, Bochang and Silver Wolf were tied at four penalties each. Whoever receives the next penalty would miss out on Aha''s mysterious prize bundle. However... Neither Bochang nor Silver Wolf seemed nervous. One remained indifferent, while for the other, worry wouldn''t change anything. This game relied entirely on luck; once Bochang and Silver Wolf reached mutual understanding, there was no competitive edge left. Their fate now rested solely on chance. As Aha rolled the crucial dice... The final outcome was... Six points. Undeniably, it meant that the Hacker Girl would face the consequence this round. "What''s inside Aha''s Enigmatic Gift?" Bochang eagerly awaited the reveal. Seeing this result, Silver Wolf sighed deeply and said, "I choose Truth." After enduring two rounds of Dare torment, the Hacker Girl had no desire to risk it again and casually tossed another number. Aha glanced at the card. "How do you perceive your opponent across from you? If he were to pursue you romantically, would you give him a chance?" "That sounds like two questions!" Silver Wolf bristled, akin to an agitated cat. Aha shot her a look and replied, "What? Are you disputing it?" Instantly, Silver Wolf''s defiance faded. Aeon''s influence was suffocating, leaving the Hacker Girl powerless to resist. "Don''t worry, you have three minutes to think... but not a second more," Aha reminded nonchalantly. Casually, Aha gave her a gentle reminder. Time ticked away, second by second. Faced with this question, Silver Wolf struggled to find an answer for quite some time. Helpless, Bochang could only quietly observe her. Like everyone else, he too was deeply curious about her response. Unhurried, Aha addressed the audience, "It seems contestant Silver Wolf is grappling with a difficult decision. So... will she choose to tell the truth or lie?" "Let''s wait and see!" Reflecting on what had just transpired, Silver Wolf fell silent, pondering, "How do I truly feel about Bochang...?" She thought, "He''s already touched me and kissed me; it wouldn''t be right to simply brush it off." "Wait... why am I contemplating such terrifying thoughts..." Silver Wolf was a rather traditional girl. It was impossible for her to remain indifferent after being intimately touched and having her first kiss taken. Now feeling utterly bewildered. One hundred and twenty seconds. Two minutes had passed just like that. At this moment... Silver Wolf finally managed to sort out her thoughts. She glanced at Bochang, then looked at Aha. "Bochang is quite an intriguing flirt," Silver Wolf remarked. "If he were to pursue me..." The cold silver-gray eyes of the hacker girl showed subtle ripples, involuntarily averting their gaze, "I... I could give him a chance." "Just a chance, mind you, don''t read too much into it." Silver Wolf turned with a glare towards Bochang. This response thrilled Aha immensely. "Ladies and gentlemen, did you hear that? This is what contestant Silver Wolf truly feels. Initially, Aha thought she might try using her clumsy acting skills to evade the question." "But..." "The contestant Silver Wolf ultimately succumbed to her true feelings." The orange-masked figure, microphone in hand, spoke with animated enthusiasm, even hovering and darting through the air. Bochang was at a loss for words. "Silver Wolf, willing to give me a chance? Does she truly think that? But I''ve just done something unforgivable towards her." Bochang couldn''t quite comprehend it. Silver Wolf, with her head bowed, remained inscrutable, possibly feeling a bit embarrassed? "Ladies and gentlemen, viewers, are you satisfied with Referee Aha''s game presentation? If so... please don''t hesitate, show your appreciation with applause!" As soon as Aha finished speaking, deafening applause erupted within the enclosed stage area. "Aeon of Joy" didn''t typically involve such crowd engagement moments. Bochang had almost forgotten about the audience watching nearby. Chapter 228 - 227: Game Over Chapter 228 - 227: Game OverPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Then... I''ll leave the remaining time to our two newcomers. Please, all spectators, take your leave." The orange mask extended its orange arms. The stage around them swiftly vanished. Once again, it transformed into the previous black alien space. Aha disappeared instantly, like a puff of yellow smoke dissipating into the sky. All that remained was a red gift package tied with a yellow ribbon at the original spot. Aha departed silently, without even exchanging further words with Bochang. In this dark and peculiar space, only Silver Wolf and Bochang remained. Just as it had been not long ago. The hacker girl seemed unsettled, her head bowed and breathing slightly labored. After a moment''s thought, Bochang asked, "Silver Wolf, are you okay? That... perhaps we should see what rewards our godfather left?" "You can look by yourself; those gifts were meant for you from Aeon of Joy." Silver Wolf''s voice was remarkably calm. Throughout the game, Silver Wolf lost, so naturally she wouldn''t touch the gifts. They were bestowed by Aeon himself. Unless specifically designated to someone, who would dare to interfere with his offerings? S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Only those seeking an untimely end might attempt it. "Darn it... ''Aeon of Joy'' must have been playing tricks on me! Can He truly claim not to have cheated?" Even Bochang and Silver Wolf could effortlessly manipulate the dice rolls. It seemed plausible that Aha could do the same, especially with those Truth or Dare cards. Silver Wolf suspected that ''Aeon of Joy'' might have made up the challenges on the spot. The cards themselves may not have had any text written on them at all. "Did He intentionally let Bochang win?" This thought couldn''t help but cross Silver Wolf''s mind. After all, their relationship appeared quite extraordinary. Unaware of Silver Wolf''s suspicions, Bochang swiftly opened the red gift package. Inside, he discovered three small objects emitting a golden glow. "What are these?" Bochang picked one out curiously. It resembled a glass orb, about two to three fists in size, with interlocking golden circles inside. At its center, radiant beams emitted a blinding golden glow. Below the orb was a metallic base. Although it seemed somewhat familiar, Bochang couldn''t immediately recall where he had seen something like this before. Silver Wolf glanced at it and explained, "This is called Destiny''s Footprint, a material used to enhance fate paths... By absorbing it with your fate power, you can make your Destruction fate path even stronger." "Moreover, it''s versatile and applicable to all fate paths, making it a highly valuable material." "It falls under the category of priceless treasures, rarely available on the market. I''ve only managed to use three of these myself." Envy flickered briefly in Silver Wolf''s eyes. Had she not joined the Stellaron Hunters, the hacker girl would never have had the opportunity to experience Destiny''s Footprint. Such items were not merely a matter of having wealth; they were often unattainable regardless of one''s resources. Whenever one appeared, even Aeon Emanators would go to great lengths to acquire it. Even if they didn''t use it themselves, they could provide it to their younger family members. At this moment, Bochang fully realized the value of the treasure Aha had bestowed upon him. He extended his hand, offering the Footprint of Destiny and said, "Silver Wolf, I''ll give this to you. After all... we did obtain it together, despite your slight disadvantage at the end. Still, you played a significant role." "Are you serious?" Taken aback by Bochang''s generosity, Silver Wolf was momentarily speechless. "This is incredibly valuable, worth several hundred million Credits just for one." "You''re giving it to me just like that?" Silver Wolf''s bounty itself was only fifty-one billion Credits. This item nearly equaled a tenth of the hacker girl''s worth, and moreover, it couldn''t be purchased no matter how much money one had. "Yes." Bochang nodded and took a few steps forward, placing the shimmering golden glass sphere into Silver Wolf''s palm. "I still have two more, so don''t worry about me losing out." She carefully accepted this artifact of destiny. As Silver Wolf gazed at the swirling golden light within, its familiar power seemed to tempt her, urging her to absorb it swiftly. "Well... alright then, thank you, Bochang." Unable to resist such a significant mystical gift, she silently tucked it away. Looking at the vibrant and youthful hacker girl before him, Bochang couldn''t help but ask, "Silver Wolf, do you stand by what you said earlier?" "What did I say? Did I mention anything?" Silver Wolf rolled her eyes, feigning ignorance. Taken aback, Bochang suddenly realized she was pretending not to understand. "It''s all your fault," Silver Wolf continued, "making me waste so much time. Hurry up, grab your stuff and leave!" With a single tap on the floating screen in mid-air, Silver Wolf summoned two shimmering teleportation portals, then holding Destiny''s Footprints, stepped through one of them and instantly vanished, leaving behind uncertainty about her destination. Bochang reached out futilely but didn''t attempt to stop her. "Never mind... Today has been overwhelming; let Silver Wolf have some time to calm down." "I need to compose myself as well." Even now, Bochang remained skeptical about Silver Wolf''s earlier words. After all... "We''re not really that close, right?" "Wait... It seems more accurate to say I''m not familiar with her, while Silver Wolf likely knows me quite well." Bochang vividly recalled that even back in Belobog, Silver Wolf had already started monitoring him. "No point dwelling on it. Better hurry up and pack my things before the portal suddenly closes; that would be quite amusing." As Bochang gathered his clothes and picked up the last two Destiny''s Footprints... Kafka observed Silver Wolf''s disheveled appearance. Compared to her earlier state, Silver Wolf now looked significantly more frazzled. Her hair was messy, and her complexion did not appear healthy. "You''re back. How do you feel? Did Bochang do anything too outrageous?" Kafka gazed at Silver Wolf with those captivating eyes. The hacker girl responded grumpily, "I feel terrible, actually. Bochang went way overboard¡ªhave you heard of tickle torture? He acted like a mischievous child, relentlessly tickling me." "And just as it was about to end, we encountered the Aeon of Joy." "Both Bochang and I had to play games with It; it was utterly exhausting..." As for the specific details of the game and the fact that her first kiss was taken, Silver Wolf preferred not to disclose these matters. "The Aeon?" Kafka''s eyes widened slightly. "Yes," Silver Wolf agreed, "Fortunately, at the end, Aeon of Joy left something behind..." "Speaking of... Kafka." The hacker girl suddenly fixed her gaze on the raven-haired elder sister, "You did that intentionally just now, didn''t you? Selling me out to Bochang, well played." "It wasn''t my intention to sell you out; we were prepared for this before going in, remember?" Kafka had already noticed the Footprint of Destiny on Silver Wolf. Presumably, this was what Aeon of Joy left behind. "But if you had used your Word of Power..." Silver Wolf showed no signs of letting it go easily. Kafka shook her head, "My Word of Power is ineffective against him. Elio told me that as soon as I speak... listen, Bochang would recover... and I refuse." "This must be one of his abilities, perfectly countering mine." "At that point, you won''t be the only one trapped there." "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?" Silver Wolf exclaimed. Meanwhile... After crossing the colorful barrier, Bochang did not return to his own room. Instead, he appeared on March 7th''s bed. Staring at the pink-haired girl lying beside him, clutching her blanket and gazing blankly, the still-naked Bochang was momentarily speechless. Chapter 229 - 228: The Scent of Other Women Chapter 229 - 228: The Scent of Other WomenPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** They stared at each other, wide-eyed. It must be quite late now. "March 7th, why aren''t you asleep yet? And how did I get teleported into someone else''s room?! What''s going on with Silver Wolf? Is this some deliberate attempt to sabotage me?" Unaware of the awkward tension, Bochang sensed it in the air and cautiously spoke, "Good evening, March. Still awake so late...?" As he talked, Bochang casually ran his hand through his hair. March 7th was completely stunned, taking several seconds to regain her composure. Noticing the pink-haired girl''s gradually widening eyes and slowly parting cherry lips, Bochang suddenly realized: "March is about to scream! No way! Absolutely not!" In this situation, there was no way Bochang could let March 7th shout out loud. So... He hastily reached over, covering the pink-haired girl''s mouth just in time to stifle her impending scream. Just a brief¡ªah! Although unexpected under the cover of night, the sound was short and relatively quiet. It shouldn''t be too concerning. "Shh... March, calm down," whispered Bochang. "Calm? How can I stay calm?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Trembling, March 7th clutched her blanket tightly. Anyone witnessing a naked man suddenly appear in their room at midnight would undoubtedly feel frightened, regardless of gender. In such circumstances, it''s impossible to remain composed unless they''re married or romantically involved. Bochang and March 7th weren''t that close yet. Although they had shared a bed before, it was mostly initiated by the pink-haired girl, and both were fully clothed. Unlike now... March 7th slept alone, wearing only her underwear. And Bochang was completely nude. "What does he want? Could he... could he be planning some weird stuff with me?" March 7th began struggling, causing the bed to creak loudly as it swayed. The pink-haired girl, through the thin blanket, started kicking Bochang with her small feet. One kick, two kicks, three kicks... March 7th aimed to knock Bochang off the bed. Unfortunately, she didn''t exert enough force and couldn''t achieve it; instead, it felt more like playful teasing. Seeing this, Bochang decided to employ his Invisible Hand, firmly restraining the pink-haired girl. "March, I accidentally wandered in here, but I''m leaving right away, just give me a moment. Please don''t overreact," Bochang tried his best to calm down March 7th. Meanwhile... After finishing her street performance, Serval returned to the Yichen Inn. As she approached, intending to enter, she suddenly heard low murmurs from March 7th''s room. This was followed by a series of peculiar creaking sounds. "What... is going on?" Serval wondered, intrigued. March 7th''s room faced the blonde woman''s across the hall. Serval listened attentively and faintly sensed voices inside. However... The voices were too faint. Moreover, the creaking sounds interfered with clarity. Serval couldn''t make out the words or who was speaking. "March 7th...what''s going on in there? Should I ask?" After a moment of contemplation, Serval turned and knocked on March 7th''s door, saying, "March, are you still awake? I heard some strange noises from your room. Is everything alright?" "Serval? She''s not asleep yet either? How troublesome." Bochang felt a pang as if his teeth were aching. Inside March 7th''s room, a small lamp cast its dim yellow glow, bathing the furnishings in a golden hue. If Serval were to burst through the door now, she would witness a remarkably captivating scene. Unfortunately... Unlike the pink-haired girl, the blonde woman lacked the impulsiveness to force her way in, thus missing out on this picturesque moment. Bochang, pressing down on March 7th, whispered urgently, "Please, March, get rid of Serval." Although it was somewhat risky... Still... Bochang had no choice but to trust March 7th. Otherwise, without her cooperation, Serval might indeed decide to force her way in if she didn''t receive any response. After speaking these words... Bochang slowly released her grip, including that of the Invisible Hand. March 7th, observing the close proximity between herself and Bochang, felt slightly calmer following Bochang''s explanation. Her pink eyes quickly scanned the surroundings. Then turning back, March 7th said, "I''m fine, Serval. I just got excited from watching an interesting movie a moment ago." "An interesting movie?" A question mark seemed to float above Serval''s head. What kind of captivating film could make someone so thrilled that the bed shakes? However... Since March 7th assured her, Serval didn''t dwell on it further. "Oh... I see, glad you''re okay. I''m going back to sleep now, rest well yourself." After her explanation, the blonde woman let out a big yawn. As she heard the footsteps fading away outside the door, Bochang finally felt relieved. Of course, the most reassuring aspect was March 7th''s attitude; she didn''t reveal anything inappropriate. "You can get off me now," March 7th whispered softly. Prompted by her words, Bochang swiftly rolled off the bed and draped the tattered bathrobe over himself. Observing Bochang''s disheveled appearance, complete with his Vow Spear in hand, March 7th asked, "Were you out for a fight with someone?" The pink-haired girl chose to cover for him precisely because she sensed something unusual. "Uh... sort of. There were some complications on my way back, but I''ll be leaving soon." Bochang had no intention of disclosing the incident involving the Stellaron Hunters and Aha. It could be considered a minor secret. "I thought your animal instincts kicked in, wanting to forcefully do ''that''... gave me quite a scare." March 7th sat up, still clutching her blanket. "Don''t overthink it," Bochang said. "I want to continue working on the Astral Express... How would I dare make any moves against you?" It was clear to anyone observing: On the Astral Express, March 7th was deeply beloved by everyone. Almost all crew members gave her considerable leeway. Even when the pink-haired girl accidentally damaged various items onboard, Himeko, Pom-Pom, and others only provided verbal reprimands, never truly minding her actions. If anyone else had caused such mishaps, they certainly wouldn''t have received this privileged treatment. Had Bochang dared to forcefully approach March 7th, he likely would have been kicked off the Astral Express the very next day. "So, what exactly were you doing outside?" March 7th persisted relentlessly. After just one trip outside, Bochang returned in such disarray. It was hard not to be suspicious. This is Bochang we''re talking about¡ªgiven his strength, who could force him into this state? Even his clothes were askew. Did he have a confrontation with Herta? March 7th''s expression turned puzzled. Bochang shook his head and said, "Nothing significant, just dealt with a minor issue. Let''s not dwell on it now; I need to leave." He quickly dressed, picked up two Destiny Footprints and the Vow Spear, then turned to depart. "Wait..." Suddenly, March 7th reached out and grabbed Bochang''s clothing, forcing him to pause. Bochang glanced back at March 7th''s stern face, feeling slightly uneasy. He asked, "Ah... what''s wrong?" "On you... why do I detect another woman''s scent?" March 7th stared intently at Bochang. Chapter 230 - 229: Smell Yours Too Chapter 230 - 229: Smell Yours TooPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In an instant, a silent and tense atmosphere enveloped the room, akin to the calm before a storm. Bochang swallowed nervously. Just moments ago, he had engaged in close contact with Silver Wolf. It was natural for some scent to linger on him. However, he didn''t expect March 7th to detect it so easily. "Are you part dog or something?" Bochang muttered weakly, unable to fully express his frustration. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Turn and run away, saying, "It''s just your imagination. Nothing more to discuss, goodbye." - Completion Reward: Stalker''s Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 2: Wave your hands repeatedly and explain, "March, you''re being overly suspicious. There''s no strange smell on me at all." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option 3: Embrace March 7th and say, "Then take a closer sniff, don''t be shy. I''ll smell yours too, and we''ll call it even." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain Equipment - Teleportation Ring, allowing for arbitrary teleportation within ten meters. Comes with three energy slots; each use consumes one slot, and it requires twenty-four hours to recharge and regain one slot. Note: This type of item will...] From the options, it was clear: Simply running away was not advisable, as it would lead to significant problems later. The reward for Option Two was inferior to that of Option Three. Bochang swiftly made his decision. As a startled cry echoed, Bochang embraced March 7th and said, "Then take a closer sniff, don''t be shy. I''ll smell yours too, and we''ll call it even." While speaking... Bochang genuinely brought his nose close to March 7th''s neck, deeply inhaling the air infused with her feminine scent. [Reward being granted¡ªCongratulations on obtaining the equipment, Teleportation Ring. Note: This type of item will...] "I''ve got it, Fu Xuan''s teleportation ring," Bochang rejoiced inwardly. March 7th was once again stunned, feeling the heavy breaths of the black-haired youth against her neck, unable to utter a single word. They remained frozen like this for several seconds. With her mind completely blank, March 7th finally pushed Bochang away. "You...what are you doing?! Creep!" "Didn''t you suspect I had another woman''s scent on me?" Bochang calmly spread his arms, "Since that''s the case, let me give you a proper chance to confirm - should be no issue, right?" March 7th stared intently at Bochang. To be honest, moments ago, she did detect a peculiar fragrance on him. It was a scent not belonging to any girl around them, immediately catching March 7th''s attention. "Th...then don''t move, I''ll sniff it myself." March 7th stood up, clutching the thin quilt tightly against her body. The smooth fabric gently brushed against her skin as she raised one hand to cover her chest. Due to gravity, the quilt draped downward, revealing large expanses of snow-white flesh on March 7th''s figure. Her rounded shoulders and subtly exposed broad chest were captivatingly alluring. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With delicate steps, March 7th began walking... The quilt barely concealed her curvaceous hips, hinting at her fertile physique from just a glance. Bochang couldn''t help but compare March 7th with Silver Wolf. Clearly... Silver Wolf was outmatched. Although the hacker girl had an exceptional aura, a refined face, and a tantalizingly slender waist, when it came to overall body shape, she simply couldn''t compete with March 7th. In terms of both bust and hips, there was a noticeable difference. The Spanish ham-like buttocks were indeed a treasure, albeit slightly petite. Bochang still preferred them larger. Aside from that, In terms of fertility potential, she had him firmly under her grasp. As Bochang admired March 7th''s graceful figure, momentarily lost in thought, she approached and gently wrinkled her delicate nose. She sought any subtle clues on his body. Feeling March 7th circling around him, Bochang couldn''t help but feel as if ants were crawling all over his skin. For a fleeting moment, He genuinely considered pushing March 7th down. However... Realizing the severe consequences, reason swiftly took control. Just observing how close March 7th came to screaming indicated that Bochang was far from successfully seducing her. The only one he felt confident about overpowering was Stelle, given she wouldn''t resist anyway. "March, is this enough now? I''m eager to get back to sleep..." "Almost...almost done." March 7th moved behind Bochang, thinking to herself, "Strange... Where exactly was that scent coming from earlier? Why can''t I find it now?" "Could I have misjudged him?" Confused, she scratched her head. Her pink eyes glanced downward. March 7th''s gaze landed on Bochang''s firm buttocks. Let''s be honest here. Due to his muscular build, Bochang had quite well-shaped glutes, which could easily be described as perky and toned. "Perhaps...is it coming from here?" Recalling Bochang standing with his back turned towards her, March 7th pondered thoughtfully. "But...I can''t just squat down and sniff, it would be too embarrassing." If it were around his upper body, March 7th might have leaned in for a whiff. However, this involved the lower half, leaving the pink-haired girl perplexed. The desire for truth clashed continuously with her inner sense of shame. After a brief moment... Her embarrassment ultimately overpowered her quest for the truth. March 7th lightly smacked Bochang''s buttocks and said, "Alright, inspection complete. It must have been my mistake; you can go now." Fine, but why did you need to smack my butt?, Bochang grumbled internally. Then... Under March 7th''s watchful gaze, Bochang quietly departed. "Seriously, when I tell you to leave, you just go like that...?" As she watched Bochang disappear through the doorway, March 7th suddenly felt a hint of disappointment, realizing her conflicting emotions. When Bochang first appeared with his bare bottom exposed, she trembled with fear. Now that he had truly left, March 7th began to miss the sensation from earlier. "Oh well, better get back to sleep. I have to wake up early tomorrow..." The pink-haired girl couldn''t help but yawn. It was already quite late. If not for Bochang kissing her forehead earlier, which caused an unusual surge of excitement in March 7th, she would likely have fallen asleep long ago. How could she still be awake at this hour? She probably would have been asleep long ago. How could she still be awake at this hour? Stealthily returning to his room, Bochang placed the two Destiny''s Footprints on his bed. After Silver Wolf''s reminder, he immediately recognized their significance. These were Five-Star Enhancement Materials from the game, extremely rare even in that virtual world. "If one is worth billions of Credits... selling just one would make me instantly wealthy," Bochang mused, thinking, "Aha sure is generous." However... Given the immense value and rarity of such enhancement materials, selling them seemed like a poor choice. Bochang decided he must absorb at least one himself, as it perfectly aligned with his need to strengthen his Destruction fate path power. As for the second one: "Should I absorb it myself or give it to someone else? Stelle might need it, or perhaps even Serval could benefit." Bochang fell deep into thought. Considering that Stelle had failed to acquire her new fate path strength due to circumstances involving him, offering her one of these Destiny''s Footprints felt like an appropriate form of compensation. Chapter 231 - 230: A Nightmarish Dream Chapter 231 - 230: A Nightmarish DreamPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** However... If Serval could follow the Stellaron Hunter''s script and continue growing stronger, having this additional Footprint of Destiny might not be crucial. Giving it to Serval, allowing her strength to advance further, felt more appealing. After pondering for quite some time, Bochang still couldn''t decide. "Let''s absorb one first and see." Sitting on the edge of his bed, Bochang picked up a Footprint of Destiny and began channeling his own fate path energy to absorb it. The process was remarkably effortless. All Bochang needed to do was release his fate path energy. The golden shimmer within the glass orb flickered brightly. Gradually, it flowed from his palm into his body, and he distinctly sensed his Destruction Path expanding continuously. The accessible fate path energy also increased steadily without interruption. Within moments, it had doubled. Of course... This significant boost occurred because Bochang''s initial fate path energy was relatively weak. The effect would gradually diminish going forward. "I wasn''t sure how to enhance my fate path power before, but unexpectedly...I''ve found a way so quickly." Bochang''s lips curved slightly upwards. All thanks to Aha''s intervention. Accompanying him in those games proved fruitful after all. Despite enduring the painful truth or dare session with Silver Wolf, the rewards were substantial. One must admit, it was quite satisfying. Expanding his fate path felt remarkably subtle yet deeply satisfying. Bochang''s entire being relaxed, and his spirit seemed content, as if he no longer needed sleep. And so... Bochang didn''t rest at all that night. Instead, he continuously absorbed the unique energy from the Footprint of Destiny. It wasn''t until early morning, when March 7th knocked on the door, that Bochang slowly opened his eyes. A glimmer flickered within his black pupils. After absorbing for several hours, the golden glow of the Footprint of Destiny had significantly dimmed. However... It appeared there was still more to absorb. "Bochang, are you up? Uncle Yang is calling us down for breakfast..." "I''ll be right there after I change clothes," Bochang replied. Last night, he had been too focused on enhancing his strength and hadn''t even changed his attire. He still wore the tattered bathrobe. "All right." March 7th turned around. "I''m heading downstairs first; join us when you''re ready." The footsteps of the pink-haired girl gradually faded away. Bochang tidied himself, then retrieved his storage pouch from the system space and packed all his belongings inside. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With the increasing number of items, having this storage pouch proved immensely convenient. Tucking the small yellow pouch into his pocket, he marveled at how it held numerous objects without any noticeable weight. As Bochang descended the stairs, sans the Vow Spear and cybernetic flying sword, he felt remarkably lighter and freer. Upon reaching downstairs, Bochang noticed that aside from Welt Yang, Dan Heng, and March 7th, no one else had yet descended. "Seems like I''m pretty early," Bochang remarked. Dan Heng''s gaze scanned him up and down, looking somewhat puzzled. "I feel as though something about you has changed since yesterday." "Changed?" Bochang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Dan Heng nodded. "Yes, Bochang, why has the power associated with your fate path suddenly become stronger? And it feels somewhat unstable too." The fact that he had activated the Destruction Fate Path was not exactly a secret; rather, its insignificance made it unworthy of attention. Moreover... Bochang now possessed more than just one type of fate path energy. Alongside Destruction, he also had the Pioneering Fate Path. Shortly after activating the Destruction Path, the Pioneering Path naturally emerged as well. This was one of the benefits of being part of the Astral Express. Any member with sufficient talent would eventually acquire the Pioneering Fate Path. Compared to Bochang, Stelle obtained hers much earlier¡ªsoon after joining the Astral Express, albeit with a considerably weaker manifestation. He had obtained the Pioneering Fate Path not long after joining the Astral Express. However, its strength was still quite feeble. "Oh... it''s about that? Actually, last night I acquired two trinkets. It''s said that absorbing their power can strengthen one''s fate paths, so I..." Interrupting Bochang, March 7th said, "Those two glass spheres?" Last night, March 7th naturally noticed when Bochang returned with the two glass spheres. Dan Heng and Welt Yang''s gazes shifted to the pink-haired girl, filled with curiosity. March 7th hastily waved her hands and explained, "Here''s what happened... When I got up late at night, I saw Bochang sneaking back, which is how I found out." "I see..." Welt Yang nodded slightly. Although both he and Dan Heng suspected there might be more to the story, since March 7th wanted to keep it hidden, Welt Yang decided against probing further. It''s best to avoid meddling too much in personal matters of Astral Express members. Observing this exchange, Bochang reached into his pouch and rummaged around. He then produced one of the Footprints of Destiny he had used. "That is..." Welt Yang''s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Bochang explained, "It''s a Footprint of Destiny. Last night, I relied on it to enhance my fate path strength." "I''ve heard about these... Didn''t expect you''d manage to obtain one," Welt Yang remarked, without probing further into its origin. "However, enhancing your fate paths should not be rushed. Even with such extraordinary artifacts, progress must be gradual to avoid weakening your foundation." Dan Heng nodded in agreement with Welt Yang''s advice. Bochang placed the Footprint of Destiny back into his pouch and said, "I understand." Last night, he had indeed tried pushing things too quickly. As a result, his Destruction Path within remained unstable, easily perceptible to others. March 7th immediately leaned closer. "You have space equipment?" "Yep." Bochang nodded affirmatively. March 7th unreasonably extended her hand, demanding, "Let me see!" "You''re not getting to see it," Bochang retorted. The two began playfully squabbling. Dan Heng and Welt Yang promptly moved aside, giving them space. As Bochang and March 7th continued their playful banter, Stelle and Bailu descended the stairs together. The gray-haired girl rubbed her eyes while casually greeting them. "Good morning..." "Stelle, what''s wrong? You look like you didn''t sleep well last night." March 7th paused, curiosity evident in her voice. Stelle glanced at the pink-haired girl and replied, "Hmm... I had a nightmare last night." "A nightmare? What kind of nightmare?" March 7th''s eyes widened. With her tranquil golden gaze, Stelle looked towards the black-haired youth and said, "I dreamed about Bochang..." March 7th momentarily froze, her mind racing swiftly. Then she sighed softly. "Well, that truly sounds like a nightmare..." "Why would dreaming about me be considered a nightmare?! Seriously!" Bochang weakly protested. Meanwhile... A sense of unease also began to rise within Bochang''s heart. Stelle continued, "I dreamed about you playing Truth or Dare with a Stellaron Hunter. Not only did you kiss... but there were various other intimate actions too. Why would I have such a dream? Could it be a memory from my past?" Chapter 232 - 231: An Invitation for Street Performance Chapter 232 - 231: An Invitation for Street PerformancePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Since Dan Heng and Welt Yang had already moved away, only Bochang, March 7th, and Bailu heard these words. Oh no, oh no, oh no! On the surface, Bochang appeared composed as ever. Internally, however, his heart raced like an engine, pounding wildly inside his chest with a thunderous beat. His hands clenched into fists deep in his pockets. Are Aha''s viewers actually real? And Stelle was among them? Besides Stelle... who else saw? Just how many people witnessed that embarrassing moment?! Dammit! Bochang felt beads of cold sweat... slowly forming on his forehead. At that time, he had shamelessly bared all without hesitation, making it unbearably humiliating. Thanks for asking. His toes began curling nervously. "What?! Really? Which Stellaron Hunter was it? Kafka?" March 7th grabbed Stelle''s shoulders and started shaking her wildly, creating blurred afterimages. Bochang hastily placed his hands on the pink-haired girl''s shoulders, saying, "March, calm down... You need to relax first; like this, Stelle can''t even speak." "Oh... you''re right." Finally, March 7th stopped shaking and looked at Bochang. "Do you know something about it?" "Me? What could I possibly know? It''s just a dream Stelle had..." Bochang flashed an innocent smile. In moments like these, it''s crucial to firmly deny any involvement. The more anxious one feels inside, the calmer they must appear. Bochang would never inadvertently reveal himself. Stelle pondered briefly before responding, "I dreamed about the Stellaron Hunter¡ªSilver Wolf, the one who let us onto Xianzhou Luofu." "The hacker? I''ve seen her on the company''s wanted list. Isn''t she just a little girl? How could..." March 7th crossed her arms, subtly accentuating the lovely curves before her. Unable to resist, Bochang stole a quick glance and then swiftly looked away, pretending nothing had happened. Bailu remained bewildered, unsure of what was unfolding around her. Stelle gently pressed her hand to her forehead. Honestly speaking... The thought of Silver Wolf pressing Bochang against herself in the Dreamscape, thrusting while repeating: "I super-you! Super-you! Super-you!" made Stelle feel uneasy. That scene truly left a discomforting knot in her chest. Moreover, they had even shared a kiss once. "Stelle, it''s just a dream; don''t worry about it." Bochang stepped forward and affectionately patted the gray-haired girl''s head, enjoying the softness of her smooth strands. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Now... the Stellaron Hunter would no longer disturb them. Even if Bochang showed some intimacy with Stelle, it wouldn''t matter at all. However, being overly close in public was still not advisable. Otherwise, March 7th and others might not let it slide easily. "Mm-hmm." Stelle slowly nodded. Although Bochang spoke confidently, Stelle still felt it was true, perhaps due to her woman''s intuition¡ªa hunch that often proved accurate. March 7th rubbed her chin and scrutinized him with a questioning gaze. "Bochang, do you really know nothing about this? Are you secretly involved with Silver Wolf?" "March, if you keep making such baseless accusations, I might have to sue you for defamation," Bochang retorted irritably. Their casual conversation finally caught the attention of Welt Yang and Dan Heng. "What are you all talking about?" Dan Heng approached them. Bochang responded first, "Stelle had another nightmare, so I''m trying to reassure her not to dwell on it." "Oh, I see..." Dan Heng dismissed it without further concern. At that moment... Serval and Serval descended from upstairs. The Mahjong enthusiast greeted cheerfully, "Good morning, everyone... Where are we playing cards today?" "No card games, no card games." March 7th shook her head repeatedly. Last night, she had been thoroughly outplayed by Qingque and Bochang during their match. The pink-haired girl, thoroughly defeated, had no desire to play cards anymore. Even Stelle seemed somewhat weary. As the conversation took a different turn, Bochang seized the opportunity to stoke the flames. "Serval, how did your street performance go last night?" "It went pretty well; Xianzhou Luofu seems quite fond of rock music." Serval smiled warmly. "Someone even approached me about signing a contract and becoming an idol." "Did you agree?" March 7th looked at Serval, who shook her head. "Of course not. Being an idol doesn''t compare to the joy of traveling with the Astral Express." Staying on Xianzhou Luofu would contradict Serval''s initial aspirations. At that time... She wanted both to catch up with Bochang and explore the wider world. These two motivations supported her decision, ultimately leading Serval to board the Astral Express. "That makes sense." March 7th placed one hand on her hip. A hint of melancholy lingered in Stelle''s gaze, frequently drifting towards Bochang. It seemed the gray-haired girl had yet to fully emerge from her dreamscape. There was little she could do about it. The events within the dreamscape felt incredibly real, akin to watching a movie unfold before her eyes. "Aha, you sly one! Sneaking up and digging traps for me, eh?" After this experience, any lingering gratitude Bochang harbored towards the Aeon of Joy evaporated instantly. Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses and announced, "Now that everyone is here, let''s set off." Breakfast time approached, and no one objected. With Welt Yang leading the way, the group embarked enthusiastically for the designated restaurant. Following a delicious breakfast, Bochang and the others chose to wander around Central Starskiff Haven. The Stellaron Crisis had concluded the previous day, with Lord Ravager Phantylia successfully repelled. News of these events had spread throughout the streets and alleys. Order on Xianzhou Luofu was gradually being restored, and the number of residents visible on the streets noticeably increased. They observed people bustling about on the Xianzhous. "Uncle Yang, what''s next for us?" Bochang asked. "Lady Herta has invited you to her laboratory this afternoon. As for the morning, there''s nothing specific planned; feel free to explore together, preferably in groups of two or three. Try not to venture far from Central Starskiff Haven." Welt Yang glanced around, "I''ll stay nearby, checking if there''s anything I can assist with." Welt Yang was never one to sit idle. Upon hearing his response, Bochang, March 7th, and others exchanged looks. "How about we stroll around and grab some tasty food nearby?" suggested Bailu. "I think I''ll continue my street performances," said Serval, eager to bring rock music to every corner of the universe. The Xianzhou Luofu would be her first stop. Naturally seizing any opportunity, she also extended an invitation, "Would Bochang like to join me? Last night, I spotted bass guitars being sold here too. What do you say?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Immediately agree with "Sure." - Completion Reward: Yandere''s Triple Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 2: Directly refuse with "No way." - Completion Reward: Guaranteed Car Accident Upon Leaving. ] Chapter 233 - 232: Exploring Central Starskiff Haven Again Chapter 233 - 232: Exploring Central Starskiff Haven AgainPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option 3: Suggest changing the time to evening ¡ª Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] Options one and two were clearly out of the question due to their negative rewards. Bochang focused on option three. This time, the system did not provide specific instructions for execution. Left with no other choice, Bochang had to improvise. After a brief moment of thought, he made his decision. "Option three." "Hmm... Serval, do you plan to perform outside tonight as well?" Bochang asked. Serval, carrying her black guitar, replied, "Yes, I intend to continue performing tonight. Why do you ask?" "Then let''s perform together again this evening. I have some other matters to attend to during the day," Bochang responded. A smile curved at the corners of Serval''s lips. "Sounds good. Come back tonight, and just send me a message when you''re ready." "Alright." Bochang nodded. [Reward being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received the Truth-Telling Fruit. This item dissolves instantly upon consumption, causing the eater to speak only the truth for the next 24 hours.] "A Truth-Talking Fruit? Intriguing," Bochang muttered to himself. While Bochang and Serval chatted, March 7th, Stelle, and Bailu were discussing where they should go for entertainment. Qingque seemed indifferent; after learning that nobody wanted to play cards, she appeared somewhat crestfallen, adopting an expression that conveyed her lack of preference for any activity. With an expression suggesting indifference to their plans, Bochang waited until Serval turned away. March 7th then said, "Bochang, Stelle and I have decided that we''ll explore Central Starskiff Haven together. You, Bailu, and Serval have already been around here, but Stelle and I haven''t... Will you join us?" "Of course," Bochang nodded. Since they had free time, strolling through the streets sounded like a fun way to pass it. Moreover, after last night''s incident, the Stellaron Hunters were unlikely to launch another attack anytime soon. The safety of the Astral Express crew aboard Xianzhou Luofu had significantly increased, leaving little cause for concern. "What about Dan Heng?" Stelle scanned the area nearby. Thinking for a moment, Bochang replied, "I think he left with Uncle Yang just now." "Then let''s not worry about them; we can enjoy ourselves without them." March 7th placed her hands on her hips. For the time being, Welt Yang, Dan Heng, and Serval had temporarily separated from the group. So, Bochang, Stelle, and Bailu set off to explore Central Starskiff Haven. As they strolled, enjoying food and drinks along the way, they also purchased some small trinkets. Time quietly slipped away. Stelle and March 7th continued browsing jewelry at nearby shops. The foxfolk saleswoman, skilled and persuasive, tirelessly promoted various items. Bochang, never one to indulge in picky shopping, preferred to simply enjoy the breeze outside. Qingque, acting as their diligent guide, helped March 7th and Stelle select goods while ensuring they wouldn''t get ripped off. Bailu, on the other hand, was far from helpful. While Bochang basked in the wind outdoors, so did she. The two sat together on a long bench. Bochang''s mind wandered, whereas Bailu held a cup of bubble tea, sipping it enthusiastically. Her slender dragon tail swished back and forth behind her, occasionally brushing against Bochang. After gently setting aside the little dragon girl''s tail once again, Bochang glanced at her and said, "Bailu, maybe you should drink less bubble tea. You don''t want to gain weight later." "But this is only my third cup of happiness today; I won''t gain weight," Bailu replied, swinging her tiny feet. Despite the perilous nature of their recent experiences, Occasionally, they would engage in battles. But... Bailu found it thrilling and exhilarating, feeling a sense of freedom. In short, during this period, Bailu had never been happier than she was now. Without saying a word, Bochang gently patted her small head. The dragon girl emitted soft purring sounds, akin to stroking a cat. For Bochang, it felt deeply soothing and healing. He turned to glance at the obedient Bailu, who also sensed his gaze and looked back. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Their eyes met. Bailu''s face was charming, with large eyes subtly enhanced by a hint of eyeshadow. Holding her Immortal Delight Tea, the dragon girl gazed up with a mix of innocence and slight naivety in her clear eyes. A phrase inexplicably flashed through Bochang''s mind: "Look into Bailu''s eyes for one minute, break the unsavory habits." Just then, the dragon girl seemed to recall something, furrowing her brows as she said, "Bochang, um... I have a question." "What is it?" "Are you about to leave soon...?" Bailu gazed quietly at Bochang. With the Stellaron Disaster resolved, the day for everyone''s departure from Xianzhou Luofu was indeed approaching swiftly. "Of course, the Astral Express'' Trailblazing journey will never cease." Bochang would not remain on the Xianzhou. There were many more adventures ahead... "I truly envy you, able to travel wherever your heart desires. Unlike me..." Bailu sighed softly. Bochang reassured her, "Don''t worry, Bailu now has a teleportation ring. If you ever want to come out and play in the future... just contact me remotely, and I''ll arrange immediate teleportation. No one can stop you, even if you decide to stay longer than planned." "After all... I''ll provide Master Diviner with another teleportation ring, allowing you to directly teleport to her side whenever needed." Upon hearing this, Bailu''s eyes sparkled brightly. "That sounds fantastic! Bochang, I''ll be counting on you from now on." "Let''s continue learning from each other." Bochang gently moved his large hand down to playfully tousle Bailu''s twin braids. The young dragon girl had luxuriant hair, and her pair of plaited braids were remarkably charming. Just as Bochang was about to say something, Stelle emerged from the shop. "Bochang, what do you think of this bracelet?" On the delicate wrist of the gray-haired girl, a jade bracelet shimmered with its vibrant emerald green hue, truly captivating. Bochang withdrew his hands from playing with the braids and remarked, "It looks quite nice." "Really?" Stelle''s expression remained unchanged. Whenever she saw Bochang now, memories of last night''s dream resurfaced, stirring mixed emotions within her. Unfazed, Bochang responded, "Of course, why would I ever deceive you?" With the jade bracelet adorning her fair, slender wrist, Stelle exuded an added aura of elegance. The vibrant emerald color harmonized beautifully with the faintly visible blue veins beneath her skin. Upon receiving such praise, After pondering for a moment, Stelle said, "If that''s the case, I''ll take this bracelet." It seemed she had decided to purchase it. Then... Once March 7th makes her choice, everyone can move on to the next location. "Shopping with girls is indeed somewhat troublesome; do they never get tired?" Bochang thought privately. The group soon resumed their journey. As they walked along, Stelle suddenly stopped and pointed towards a shop hidden in a corner, saying, "I''d like to check this place out." Bochang and the others followed the direction indicated by the gray-haired girl''s finger. Four large words caught their eyes: Adult Novelty Store. Bochang remained silent... Qingque was speechless... March 7th stood frozen... Chapter 234 - 233: Banxia Chapter 234 - 233: BanxiaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Perhaps due to Bochang mentioning his fondness for tails last time, Stelle now felt an inexplicable curiosity towards such stores. This was not appropriate. Moreover, Qingque and March 7th were hesitant to approach such establishments. Under their gentle nudging, Stelle reluctantly gave up, casting pleading glances at Bochang as if seeking his approval. On matters like these, Bochang did not allow Stelle any leeway. Just as before, he firmly declined with unwavering conviction. Taking her hand, he led her away. Their leisurely time didn''t last long. While Bochang''s group strolled through the market, an Alchemy Commission Yaoshi named Banxia approached them. As a native of Xianzhou, she sought help for her beloved¡ªLiang Mu. He was a member of a short-lived race who had come to Xianzhou seeking treatment due to a terminal illness. Hoping against hope, they had ventured to Xianzhou Luofu in search of a cure. According to Banxia, this is how they fell in love. "Liang Mu''s condition is extremely rare; even renowned physicians here have been unable to treat him, so..." "So you''re hoping to find Bai Lu?" March 7th asked, hands on her hips. "Yes," Banxia replied. "Following the usual process, securing Lady Bai Lu''s personal consultation would take over thirty years, and we cannot afford to wait that long. Thus, I must boldly seek your assistance." As she finished speaking, Banxia lightly coughed twice, indicating her own precarious state. Bailu observed her closely. "It seems...you already show signs of Mara-Struck affliction. Would you like me to treat it, Miss?" "No...no need for that. I am well aware of my condition," Banxia shook her head. "I only hope Lady Bai Lu can help treat my lover." "This..." Bailu hesitated, unsure what to do, and glanced at Bochang. With a soft sigh, Bochang replied, "Bailu, if you wish to assist them, go ahead. We don''t mind; after all, we have no pressing matters." "Really?" The young dragon girl scratched her head. "But honestly, I''m not too keen on going..." "Oh..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang was momentarily speechless. Desperation filled Banxia''s voice as she pleaded, "Lady Bai Lu, please help us. You''re our last hope now." Initially, Banxia had planned to escape from the Alchemy Commission with Bai Lu. In exchange, she offered to help cure her lover''s ailment¡ªa deal Bai Lu couldn''t easily refuse. Unfortunately... fate is unpredictable, and life''s fortunes can swiftly change. Despite having made up her mind, when Banxia arrived at the Dragon Maiden''s restricted residence, she discovered that Bai Lu had already fled, leaving the Alchemy Commission entirely. This left Banxia disoriented for some time, forcing her to escape alone. After searching extensively outside, she finally encountered Bai Lu at the Central Starskiff Haven. Banxia''s persistence until this point was solely due to sheer willpower; otherwise, she would have succumbed to Mara-Struck long ago. Feeling troubled, Bailu deliberated for a moment. Bailu sighed and said, "Considering we''re both physicians from the Alchemy Commission, I''ll assist you this once. Banxia, where is the patient?" "He''s currently...at Cloudford," Banxia replied, her voice growing increasingly hoarse, with a grim expression on her face. Bochang''s eyes flickered. "This symptom suggests...she''s about to become Mara-Struck?" As soon as the thought crossed his mind, countless unsightly brown branches burst forth from Banxia''s body, tearing through her Alchemy Commission robes. The yellow ginkgo leaves fluttered wildly amidst the air. This was happening right on the bustling street. Banxia''s sudden transformation into a Mara-Struck state elicited screams from nearby Xianzhou residents, who hastily fled in all directions. The area quickly emptied. March 7th, Stelle, and Qingque prepared for combat. "Uh...what...what happened to me?" Banxia looked at her body, feeling incredulous as it involuntarily straightened itself. "Is this...the Mara-Struck state?" Startled, Bailu took half a step backward but then realized something. She asked, "How...how can you still maintain your clarity? Could it be...you''re a Disciple of Sanctus Medicus?" The Dragon Girl''s suspicion wasn''t unfounded, based on the current situation. After becoming Mara-Struck, only members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus could maintain their clarity of mind. For others... Regardless of their reluctance, once afflicted by Mara-Strike, they would lose all reason and viciously attack those around them. Although the Cloud Knights had conducted a major purge within the Alchemy Commission against the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, it was not uncommon for some stragglers to evade capture outside the commission''s reach. "I...I am indeed from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, but...I didn''t intend any harm towards Lady Bai Lu, truly..." Before Banxia could finish her sentence, Bochang reached out, gently tapping her shoulder with a burst of white light emanating from his palm. The symptoms of Mara-Strike swiftly vanished, as if they never existed. Banxia stood frozen on the spot. "So...what exactly is going on? Please explain yourself clearly," Bochang said, arms crossed. "If your intentions are malicious, I advise you to abandon those schemes promptly and come forward honestly." Banxia, a woman aboard the Xianzhou, had short black hair and an ordinary appearance, nothing particularly noteworthy about her. Bochang scrutinized Banxia''s green eyes intently. If she harbored ill intent and chose to resist, he wouldn''t hesitate to eliminate another member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus. Recalling the events of yesterday, it had been a relentless slaughter. Bochang and Welt Yang had executed their mission ruthlessly, effortlessly sweeping away the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus like mere trash, leaving no room for resistance. Despite her curiosity, Banxia suppressed it and proceeded to recount the entire sequence of events. March 7th furrowed her brows and said, "Can we really trust this person? What if it''s just another ploy by the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus...? It seemed they were all captured within the Alchemy Commission, but in truth, only a minor leader was dealt with." "The true mastermind has yet to reveal themselves," March 7th continued gravely. "If we go to Cloudford and Banxia triggers some signal, hundreds of assassins could instantly emerge, dismembering us on the spot." Qingque found her reasoning persuasive and chimed in, "Then perhaps...we should hand her directly to the Cloud Knights and wash our hands of this matter." Bochang shook his head, "March, you''re exaggerating a bit." "That''s how it always goes in books." March 7th placed her hands on her hips defensively. Bochang looked at the pink-haired girl, slightly exasperated. "But you know that''s just fiction..." "In any case... Banxia is here seeking Bailu, and ultimately, the decision lies with you. I will support you unconditionally, regardless of whether there''s truly a conspiracy behind this or not." Bochang gently patted the little dragon girl''s head. Does it really matter if there''s a trap...? He remained confident in his abilities; at worst, he could simply eliminate any threats with force. Moreover, Bochang didn''t believe the Medicine King''s teachings held any hidden dangers. Chapter 235 - 234: Morning Tea Chapter 235 - 234: Morning TeaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** After some hesitation, Bailu decided to assist Banxia. And so... The group set off towards Cloudford. Along the way, they encountered Cloud Knight checkpoints, a consequence of Banxia''s recent Mara-Struck transformation. However, upon recognizing Bochang and his companions, the knights promptly waved them through. The Stellaron Crisis aboard Xianzhou Luofu had been resolved. Although rift creatures and scattered members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus persisted elsewhere, they posed no significant threat. The Cloud Knights were systematically dealing with each pocket of resistance. Banxia''s Yaoshi robes were riddled with holes, giving her a disheveled appearance as if she had just endured a harrowing ordeal. Thankfully, none of the tears exposed intimate areas. Consequently, Banxia had no immediate plans to change clothes, instead leading everyone hastily towards Cloudford. Bochang could sense it clearly: Banxia genuinely harbored deep feelings for this man named Liang Mu. As they walked along, Banxia couldn''t resist asking, "Just now...what exactly happened? I clearly became Mara-Struck, but with just a tap on my shoulder from you, I recovered?" "Now, I feel remarkably well, without any signs of falling back into Mara-Strike again. This... is simply unheard of." For eternal life beings, Mara-Strike was not considered a disease. Rather, it resembled the natural aging and death process for short-lived races. Even Bailu, with her exceptional medical skills, could not achieve such a miraculous feat. Bochang remained nonchalant. "It''s merely one of my abilities." Banxia stood speechless, astonished by this revelation. Bailu chimed in, "Quite surprising, isn''t it? When I first learned about this, I was equally amazed. But given that it''s Bochang... achieving something like this seems quite normal. However, don''t assume your Mara-Strike has been completely cured." "I understand," Banxia nodded. Mara-Strike was a peculiar affliction shared by all eternal life beings, with no known cure. All existing treatments merely delayed the onset of symptoms, varying only in the extent of postponement. After Bochang''s treatment, Banxia felt rejuvenated, as if he could now accompany Liang Mu for several more decades until old age. As they walked and conversed, they arrived at the departure point for star ferries. There, Bochang and his companions encountered Sushang, a new recruit among the Cloud Knights. Big Pillow Li, previously bored, instantly perked up upon seeing a familiar face. "Bailu, Bochang, Qingque..." Sushang greeted each one individually. "What brings you here?" Big Pillow Li responded with notable enthusiasm. Bochang spoke first. "We''re heading to Cloudford." "Cloudford?" Sushang frowned slightly. "It hasn''t been fully cleared yet; many monsters likely still roam there, making it extremely dangerous. How about this, I''ll escort you over." "Don''t let my newcomer status fool you; I''m quite skilled in combat." Sushang flexed her muscles proudly. With a volunteer from the Cloud Knights offering assistance, Bochang and the others readily accepted, especially since they needed someone to pilot the star ferry. "We appreciate your help, Sushang," Bochang said with a slight bow. Big Pillow Li scratched his head, smiling. "No need to thank me, it''s all part of my duty." Only after everyone had boarded the star ferry did Sushang belatedly ask, "Oh right, what brings you to Cloudford? Are your friends trapped inside?" "Well, if you put it that way... sort of," Bochang rubbed his chin. "But primarily, we''re going there to treat someone''s illness." "I see... Once we''re done, let''s bring them back to Central Starskiff Haven for safety. Cloudford isn''t secure at all," Sushang replied. "Sounds good to me," said Bochang. On this trip to Cloudford, while rescuing Liang Mu was their primary objective, Bochang also intended to visit the Astral Express. After all... According to Herta, there was a certain doll aboard. With these thoughts in mind, Bochang, seated on the star ferry, took out his phone and sent a message to Himeko. Now that the Stellaron calamity had been resolved, cellular communication had significantly improved. Within just a few minutes: Himeko: Want to come check out the Astral Express? Sure, I''ve been away for several days and haven''t even heard about your adventures yet. Fill me in properly when you return. Bochang: Sounds good. Himeko: And while we''re at it, let''s have morning tea. I''ll show you my latest coffee concoction. Himeko: Smoky Coffee Picture.JPG Bochang opened the image and wore an expression akin to an elderly person bewildered by technology. When it came to Himeko''s coffee, one couldn''t simply discuss its taste¡ªit left a truly unforgettable impression. The issue wasn''t whether it was good or bad; it had a peculiar charm all its own. It looked like coffee and smelled like coffee, but consuming it felt life-threatening. From the moment Bochang saw March 7th too afraid even to try it, he knew there was a significant problem. However... Taking Himeko''s invitation, Bochang reluctantly took a sip. Just that single gulp possessed a beauty that seemed almost damaging to his esophagus. Bochang: It looks quite tempting. Himeko: Is it possible that this time, it genuinely tastes amazing? Bochang: You said the same thing last time. Bochang: Pom-Pom Shocked.JPG Himeko: Last time was then, and this time is now¡ªhow can you generalize like that? Come back soon, I''ll be waiting on the Astral Express. Himeko: Pom-Pom Thumbs Up.JPG Bochang turned to March 7th and Stelle beside him. "I have some great news," he announced. "Himeko just brewed fresh coffee, and she''s waiting for us to come enjoy it." "You sure that''s ''great'' news?" March 7th responded incredulously. Stelle, looking apprehensive, asked, "Are we really going to drink it?" Their minds drifted back to their first encounter with Himeko''s coffee... Stelle obediently took a large gulp and instantly passed out. It took several minutes before she regained consciousness. Ever since then, Stelle harbored a lingering fear of Himeko''s coffee. "Don''t worry," Bochang reassured her, "just have a small sip. We share both joys and burdens together." "Who wants to share burdens with you..." March 7th pouted. "If you''re going back for coffee, don''t drag me along. I''ll just stay outside and battle some monsters instead." "That sounds good. If March is willing, let me accompany you." Sushang chimed in from ahead. As a helpful newcomer among the cloud knights, she couldn''t resist stepping up for such tasks. March 7th gratefully accepted Sushang''s offer. Bochang turned to ask, "Stelle, what about you? Will you come with me or join March?" The pink-haired girl promptly clung to Stelle''s arm, saying, "Of course, she''s coming with us." "You decide; it''s not bad to look after each other if we stick together." Bochang remained unconcerned. Stelle didn''t speak, implicitly agreeing. Time slowly drifted by as they approached Cloudford. It had been three days since Bochang last visited this place. Initially, upon arriving at Xianzhou Luofu, he felt a sense of bewilderment due to its utter unfamiliarity. However, things were different now¡ªthe initial worries had vanished entirely. Bochang disembarked from the star ferry alongside everyone else. They passed through the Cloud Knights'' outpost. Despite searching extensively, Banxia and the group found no trace of Liang Mu. Instead, they discovered several notes left behind. Apparently, during his time hiding at Cloudford, Liang Mu had to evade both members of Sanctus Medicus and agents from the Ten-Lords Commission. Consequently, he continuously changed his hiding spots, making it impossible for Bochang and the others to locate him now. Chapter 236 - 235: Returning to the Astral Express Chapter 236 - 235: Returning to the Astral ExpressPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Has something happened to him...? Cloudford is indeed very dangerous," Sushang murmured. Unwilling to accept this possibility, Banxia replied, "No...no way. Liang Mu must still be here; we just haven''t found him yet. He''s always been clever; surely he''s hidden himself well." Although Big Pillow Li appeared somewhat naive... Still, he understood that it wasn''t the right moment to shatter Banxia''s hopeful illusion. So, Sushang shifted the topic. "Um...why does Liang Mu need to avoid the Ten-Lords Commission?" "Because he''s an Elixir Seeker," Banxia explained. These details were written in the notes Liang Mu had left behind. Unfortunately, Sushang''s literacy was limited, and she struggled to comprehend many words. She also didn''t feel inclined to delve deeper into them. As for what Elixir Seekers were, neither Stelle, Bochang, nor March 7th had much clarity on the matter. If Welt Yang were here, he would undoubtedly provide answers. Unfortunately, Uncle Yang was not around. Luckily, they did have the genius mahjong girl from the Divination Commission with them. "Elixir Seekers," Qingque explained, "are those who pray to the Plagues Author for eternal life. Long ago...the people of Xianzhou themselves were considered Elixir Seekers. Nowadays...Elixir Seekers are deeply disfavored within Xianzhou." "Upon discovery, they''re typically expelled immediately. That''s likely why Liang Mu is hiding at Cloudford." The mahjong prodigy spoke confidently. Sushang nodded thoughtfully. "I see, so if I understand correctly...as a new cloud knight, shouldn''t I apprehend him?" "Yes, but first we need to find him and treat his illness..." Qingque extended her hand. After all, Bailu had already agreed to help Banxia with his ailment. Bochang interjected, "Let''s focus less on chatting. Another rift creature has appeared up ahead. If you two don''t engage, leave it to me." "Leave it to this maiden!" March 7th swiftly drew her bow and fired an arrow towards the Digital Leaf Weaver. This single shot proved unsuccessful. However, March 7th didn''t stop at one arrow; four or five more swiftly followed, instantly dispatching the creature. Sushang clapped and exclaimed, "Impressive!" "It''s just average," March 7th replied with a modest smile. After searching Cloudford again, Bochang and his group still found no trace of Liang Mu. It was unclear where that fellow had disappeared to. "Banxia, when was the last time you contacted Liang Mu?" Bochang couldn''t help but ask. The anxious Banxia pondered for a moment. "It was several days ago. Ever since the Stellaron Crisis began, I''ve had great difficulty reaching him." "Now that the crisis is resolved, although this area is still affected by rift anomalies, there might be a chance to establish contact... Why don''t you try again?" Bochang gently shook his head. "If we can''t reach him, we''ll have to leave soon. Time is precious, and I don''t want to waste any more on this fruitless search. Do you understand, Banxia?" They had spent considerable time wandering around Cloudford without accomplishing much, aside from eliminating numerous monsters. In a way, it could be seen as assisting Xianzhou Luofu. Qingque diligently noted all these events in her little notebook, intending to report them upon return. Upon returning, they would undoubtedly report this to Master Diviner. "I...I''ll try contacting Liang Mu right now. He must be hiding somewhere, he definitely is..." Banxia attempted to reach out to her "beloved." Once again, there was no response. With no choice left, everyone decided to head back. Seeing Banxia''s dejected state, Lady Bai Lu couldn''t help but console her, "That Elixir Seeker is from a short-lived species... Banxia, is he truly worth such devotion?" "Lady Bai Lu, you wouldn''t understand..." Despite searching relentlessly, Banxia found no trace of Liang Mu and didn''t persist futilely. Sushang remarked, "This must be the power of love. An eternal life being falling for a short-lived one¡ªit''s indeed a tragedy, something perhaps only seen in books." The conversation took on a somber tone. When Bai Lu and Sushang referred to short-lived species, it included Bochang, possibly even Stelle and March 7th, among others. Of course... Whether Stelle and March 7th were truly short-lived or not remained unclear. No one could definitively say, as none understood their own origins fully. Stelle had no memories, nor did March 7th. However, Bochang confirmed himself to be of a short-lived species. However... Bailu might not even consider himself short-lived, given his strong dragon aura. Moreover, once Bochang obtains the Dog Talisman, he too could claim to be an eternal life being. "Speaking of lifespans... I don''t know how long I''ll live yet..." March 7th sighed wistfully. Stelle nodded in agreement. Bochang had no intention of delving deeper into this topic. "The Astral Express docking station is just ahead. I''m going to find Himeko and have a chat with her. Anyone care to join me?" Bochang turned, looking at the girls beside him. Bailu raised her hand eagerly, saying, "Me, me, me!" sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Count me in as well; it''d be nice to take a seat on the Astral Express," Qingque stepped closer to Bochang. March 7th, holding Stelle''s hand, suggested, "We''ll stay with Sushang, fight some monsters nearby, and also deliver Banxia to the Cloud Knights." As a member of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, Banxia was undoubtedly headed for imprisonment next. Bailu''s assistance had merely been out of kindness. After a brief exchange, Bochang''s group split into two parties. March 7th, Stelle, Sushang, and Banxia went one way. Bochang, Bailu, and Qingque took the other route. Not long after walking, Bochang arrived at the Astral Express. With a shout, the train doors slowly opened. Pom-Pom stood by the entrance, greeting them, "Passenger Bochang, welcome back! How was your time outside?" "Not bad," Bochang replied casually. Bochang responded casually. Pom-Pom''s gaze shifted to Bailu and Qingque. "These two are..." "They''re friends I met on Xianzhou Luofu. This is Bailu from the Alchemy Commission, and this is Qingque from the Divination Commission. During my time there, they took great care of me," Bochang introduced them with a wave of his hand. Seeing the standing lop-eared rabbit, Bailu looked astonished. "Pom-Pom, is this the conductor? How adorable it looks!" "It seems like a giant stuffed toy." Qingque stared at Pom-Pom intently. Unfazed by their reactions, Pom-Pom glanced briefly at Qingque and Bailu before turning his attention back to Bochang. "Himeko has been waiting for you quite some time." "I''ll go see her right away," Bochang replied. With that... Bochang stepped onto the Astral Express first, followed closely by Qingque and Bailu, who curiously observed everything around them. From the outside alone, the Astral Express appeared relatively small. However, once inside, the available space seemed to expand exponentially. The train itself utilized spatial folding technology, resulting in a vast discrepancy between its external size and internal capacity. Himeko was seated in the main hall of the train, holding a cup of hot coffee while reading the newspaper leisurely. Even from a distance, Bochang could sense her powerful aura. "How remarkable... She drinks that intense coffee without batting an eyelid..." Chapter 237 - 236: The Realism of Dolls Chapter 237 - 236: The Realism of DollsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "You''re back?" Hearing footsteps, Himeko turned with a smile. Her gaze met a familiar face. Bochang nodded, "Yes, I''m back." "Where are March and Stelle? Haven''t seen them around." Himeko''s eyes briefly paused on Bailu and Qingque. Bochang had no intention of speaking ill of them. "They have other matters to attend to, which might delay them slightly." "Alright." Himeko shrugged slightly, suspecting what might be happening but choosing not to reveal it. "Lucky young man, it seems you''ll be the only one enjoying this treat today." "But before we begin... could you introduce these two ladies?" Himeko requested. As before, Bochang provided a brief introduction for Qingque and Bailu. "This is Himeko; you can address her by that name as well." Bochang gestured expansively. Qingque and Bailu nodded in greeting. "Don''t be shy, come sit down here." Himeko pointed at the soft sofa beside her. Qingque and Bailu took their seats without further ado. No additional words were exchanged. Bochang approached Himeko and took a seat opposite her. The redheaded woman examined him with her golden eyes, remarking, "It''s been only a few days, but you seem to have grown stronger again." Bochang was about to modestly downplay it when Himeko abruptly changed the topic. "Let''s skip the small talk. Come, I''ll brew you a cup of coffee." Himeko picked up a nearby teapot and began preparing the beverage. To be fair, Himeko''s technique for brewing coffee was quite impressive. Her movements flowed effortlessly, graceful and smooth. Bochang patiently waited. After nearly five minutes, Himeko finally finished brewing the coffee. This duration seemed slightly too long, at least according to Bochang''s perception. "Give it a try." Himeko handed the freshly brewed coffee to Bochang. As he looked at the rich, dark liquid, Bochang swallowed nervously, recalling some unpleasant memories. Under Himeko''s watchful gaze, he slowly lifted the cup... Taking a cautious sip, the bitter taste instantly filled his mouth, rushing straight to his head, making him feel faint. And that was just from one small sip. If Stelle were here chugging it like usual, she would undoubtedly collapse immediately. "How does it taste, Bochang? I''d appreciate your opinion." Himeko rested her chin on her hands, exuding a subtle air of youthful charm. Pausing for a moment, Bochang replied, "It''s quite bitter, similar to before. Himeko, I think you still put too much coffee powder in." "Really...?" Himeko''s gaze softened. "I actually find this flavor quite pleasant." "Perhaps our taste preferences differ," Bochang responded with slight resignation. Himeko smiled and said, "That''s why I wanted to hear your opinion." "Hmm... Let''s not dwell on that anymore. What happened during your time on Xianzhou Luofu? Since you''re here, let''s chat about it." Himeko set aside her freshly brewed coffee and poured another cup of water for Bochang. He took a small sip before beginning to recount their experiences on Xianzhou Luofu¡ªfrom encountering Tingyun at Cloudford to defeating Lord Ravager Phantylia. Bochang narrated meticulously, while Himeko listened attentively. Bailu and Qingque played nearby but perked up their ears whenever adventure stories were shared, occasionally feeling a stir within as they heard mentions of themselves. After hearing the full account, Himeko asked, "Do you think the Miss Tingyun you met might have been an imposter from the very beginning?" "That... I''m not certain." Bochang shook his head. Xianzhou Luofu was currently overwhelmed with numerous tasks. Searching for Tingyun likely wasn''t considered a top priority; there had been no updates thus far. Upon hearing this, Bailu softly sighed, reminiscing about her familiarity with Tingyun. The news of Tingyun''s whereabouts being unknown inevitably evoked a sense of melancholy. Himeko sighed wistfully. "If the Astral Express hadn''t arrived, Xianzhou Luofu would indeed have suffered heavy losses." She believed the Stellaron Hunter''s words. Without the intervention of the Astral Express and Herta, Phantylia, empowered by the Tree of Foundation, would likely have been too formidable for Jing Yuan alone to handle. After all, even the Blindfold General wasn''t renowned for sheer strength. "Himeko, I heard that Herta placed one of its mannequins on the Astral Express. Is this true?" Bochang interrupted the redheaded woman''s thoughts. Himeko nodded. "Yes, it''s true. Herta did assign a mannequin to the Astral Express. Just yesterday, she was accompanying me for tea and conversation; now, she should be AFK in your room..." "My room? What''s going on?" Bochang looked taken aback. Himeko continued, "Herta seems quite interested in you. You''re the first to pique her such curiosity." "I''m not sure if that''s entirely a good thing," Bochang shook his head. Indeed, Herta showed significant attention towards him, even going so far as to rush from the space station at great effort just to study Bochang. After some casual conversation... Bochang bid farewell to Himeko and returned to his room, where he found Herta mannequin waiting. The lifelike mannequin sat motionless on the bed, eyes tightly closed. It indeed appeared to be offline. "So this is the mannequin... that Herta mentioned she would gift me?" Bochang approached Herta mannequin, studying her intently without blinking. Her features were exquisite, with long, flowing brown hair draped over her shoulders, and though her eyes were shut, delicate eyelashes framed them gracefully. When Herta was online before, Bochang dared not observe her so closely; he could only do so when she was offline. Ignoring the mechanical joints of Herta mannequin, she looked every bit like a sleeping beauty. Moreover, the mannequin''s skin appeared smooth and radiant, incredibly realistic. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Embrace the spirit of scientific exploration and conduct a thorough investigation of Herta mannequin, assessing its realism¡ªCompletion Reward: A Bigshot Slap from Herta.] [Option 2: Pinch the cheeks of Herta mannequin, observing if any normal physiological activities occur¡ªCompletion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 3: Take a nap while holding Herta mannequin¡ªCompletion Reward: A Bigshot Slap from Herta.] [Option Four: Give Herta mannequin a Bigshot slap and see if she reacts¡ªCompletion Reward: Skill ''Dare to Die'', ensuring you will never be killed when intentionally courting danger.] As usual. The two "Bigshot" options were immediately ruled out. Bochang''s choices narrowed down to Option Two and Option Four. "The last one still carries too much risk, and besides, Herta hasn''t provoked me; rather, she has even helped me. Giving her a Bigshot slap wouldn''t be appropriate. Therefore, my only choice... is Option Two. Hopefully, she won''t wake up during this." Based on the description for Option Four, Bochang felt that merely pinching her cheeks should not cause Herta to awaken. Chapter 238 - 237: Lunch on the Astral Express Chapter 238 - 237: Lunch on the Astral ExpressPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** The Dare to Die skill seemed quite peculiar. In theory, with proper use alongside the Horse Talisman, it could lead to becoming virtually indestructible. However... "Daring to die" was too vague. It felt like it wouldn''t be easily activated. Moreover, Bochang could already avoid death by obtaining the Dog Talisman, coupled with his Elementary Student Card and Divine Shield, along with the Time Stop skill from ''I''m Running Late''. Thus, the appeal of the Dare to Die skill wasn''t significant for him. Of course... The primary reason lay in the content of the options being just too... unconventional. Deliberately giving someone a mysterious hard slap just didn''t align with Bochang''s nature. In his room, following the system''s prompt, Bochang reached out and gently pinched the cheeks of Herta mannequin. The skin felt remarkably realistic, not much different from a living person, and he could even sense a slight warmth within. As he moved his fingers slightly while pinching her face, noticing no completion notification from the system, Bochang realized he needed to do more. "Observe if there are normal physiological activities... How exactly should I do that?" Recalling a set of images he had seen before his transmigration, inspiration struck him instantly. Applying gentle pressure with both hands, Herta mannequin''s cherry-red lips parted open. "Next, I would have to insert my finger inside... No, our relationship isn''t that close; better not go too far." Bochang wisely refrained from proceeding further. Instead, he observed externally. Between Herta mannequin''s lips, faint traces of crystalline moisture were visible. "The cheeks are warm, and the mouth is moist. It seems... she exhibits normal physiological activities..." Just as this thought crossed Bochang''s mind, the system''s notification sounded: [Reward being issued - Congratulations! You have obtained the Teleportation Ring, allowing spontaneous teleportation up to ten meters. Comes with three energy slots, each depleted by one use. Requires twenty-four hours for recharging to restore one slot. Note: This type of item will...] "Huh? I got another one." Including the previous teleportation ring he hadn''t yet given away, Bochang now possessed two. Having gifted one, he still retained another. Inwardly, Bochang felt secretly pleased. Herta mannequin slowly opened her eyes, revealing indifferent purple pupils that reflected his face with crystal clarity, akin to a calm lake''s surface. Bochang could distinctly see his own expression mirrored there, making the moment somewhat awkward. "What are you doing?" "I was..." Bochang blinked, "I was observing the mannequin. Anyway, aren''t you going to give her to me eventually?" Herta remained silent for a moment before responding, "I haven''t given her to you yet. Quickly release your grip." Her voice was expressionless. Bochang obediently complied. "Alright, alright. By the way... how did you suddenly connect with this mannequin? Can you sense her condition even when offline?" "Isn''t that obvious?" Herta glanced at Bochang with a hint of disdain in her eyes. Had she arrived any later, who knows what mischief Bochang might have attempted next. "Phew... Good thing I didn''t give her that Big Biodou slap," Bochang couldn''t help but mentally quip. "Seems like the ''Seeking Death'' skill was truly designed to prevent me from getting killed by Herta!" Herta stepped off the bed, took a few casual strides, and after ensuring there were no issues with the mannequin''s functionality, turned to face Bochang. She said, "Remember to arrive promptly at the laboratory this afternoon, and... don''t mess with my mannequins again." With those words... Herta mannequin closed its eyes once more, apparently logging out swiftly. Bochang scratched his head. Suddenly, knocking sounded on the door. "Who is it?" "It''s me, Bailu. Can I come in, Bochang?" "Sure, come on in." Bochang had no intention of refusing. The young dragon girl opened the door, curiously scanning the room before saying, "Is this your room, Bochang? It feels quite simple..." Having just moved onto the Astral Express, Bochang''s room contained only a table, two chairs, and a large bed. Compared to Bailu''s lavish residence, it was indeed quite modest, understandable for eliciting her remark. "Well, I''ve only recently joined the Astral Express crew, and I do prefer simple furnishings," Bochang said with an unconcerned smile. He wasn''t a girl; there was no need to make his room overly decorative. Keeping it clean and tidy sufficed. "You''re right." Bailu''s gaze shifted towards Herta mannequin. "Miss Herta...isn''t here now?" "She was here earlier but has already left." Bochang glanced over briefly. Herta mannequin stood motionless in its place. "Bailu, did you need something from me?" Bochang turned around. The young dragon girl replied, "Himeko asked that you stay for lunch on the Astral Express before leaving. If you agree, she''ll start preparing now." "Sounds good." Bochang nodded in consent. Together, Bochang and Bailu returned to the train''s main hall. Without March 7th present, the atmosphere felt subdued. After Himeko left to prepare lunch, Bochang, Bailu, and Qingque exchanged glances, unsure what to do next. "Such boredom! Want to play cards? We never finished our game yesterday..." Qingque suddenly suggested. Bochang looked at the mahjong enthusiast. "I doubt we can manage now; there are only three of us. Himeko is cooking, and Pom-Pom doesn''t know how to play." "But isn''t Miss Herta here too? She probably knows how to play mahjong," Qingque responded. Bochang shook his head. "Miss Herta is incredibly busy. Why would she specifically join us for a game of mahjong? Besides, she might not even know how to play." As they chatted casually... Time slipped away slowly. Soon, March 7th and Stelle returned to the Astral Express. Only the two of them came back. Sushang had taken Banxia off to enjoy prison meals under her watchful eye. Their return coincided perfectly with mealtime. Himeko, wearing a white apron, emerged pushing a trolley laden with an abundance of delectable dishes¡ªmeat and vegetables alike, vibrant in color, instantly stimulating everyone''s appetite. At that moment... Bochang suddenly recalled he possessed a skill called Master Chef. Should I find an opportunity to give it a try later? With this thought in mind, Bochang began enjoying the meal. Although Himeko''s coffee was quite unpalatable, her culinary skills were impressive, making every dish visually appealing, aromatic, and flavorful enough to entice multiple servings of rice. During lunch... March 7th continued, "While wandering around Cloudford earlier, we stumbled upon Liang Mu''s remains. It seems he was captured by one of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus and subsequently killed..." "I see..." Bochang replied indifferently. He didn''t feel much for Liang Mu, having never met him before. "Banxia got so distraught she almost fell back into her Mara-Struck state again," March 7th chattered on. "Luckily, Sushang acted swiftly and knocked her unconscious." Among the Astral Express crew, the pink-haired girl was undoubtedly the most talkative, while others tended to be more reserved. Stelle quietly ate, showing no inclination to join the conversation. "Sigh... How truly pitiful. Falling in love with a short-lived species is bad enough, but it turns out he was also an Elixir Seeker..." Bailu gently shook her head. Out of nowhere, Bochang added, "Banxia herself is a Disciple of Sanctus Medicus." "Bailu sighed, "Ah... True, they were somewhat evenly matched, yet it remains a tragic story." Meanwhile, Stelle remained focused on finishing her meal. After lunch, Bochang and his companions bid farewell to Himeko, preparing to leave the Astral Express and return to Central Starskiff Haven. Chapter 239 - 238: Millionaire Dreams Chapter 239 - 238: Millionaire DreamsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Walking through the tranquil Cloudford, Bochang said, "Next, I''m heading to Herta''s laboratory. What about you all?" "I''ll hang out here. Just let me know when you''re done," responded March 7th. March 7th had no interest in watching experiments; they were simply too dull. Bailu, Qingque, and Stelle decided to accompany March 7th as well. And so... At Cloudford''s port, Bochang and his companions boarded a star ferry back to Central Starskiff Haven. As for the pilot? It was none other than Big Pillow Li. Knowing that Bochang''s group would return, she had specifically waited there. Sushang truly enjoyed helping others. "Well then, I''ll head out now. See you all at dinner time." Bochang bid farewell to March 7th and the others. Afterward... He proceeded toward Herta''s laboratory. Walking alone through the streets of Central Starskiff Haven, Bochang couldn''t help but think about Silver Wolf, wondering what she might be up to. "The Stellaron Hunter has probably left Xianzhou by now, though...not necessarily, she could still be around." Bochang slowly shook his head, strolling leisurely through the city. Before long, he arrived at Herta''s laboratory. The icy atmosphere cast a somber mood over its surroundings. Upon announcing his arrival, Asta personally emerged to greet him. "Lady Herta is waiting inside. Please follow me." "Ah," Bochang nodded gently. He followed Asta through a long corridor. Bochang once again encountered Herta, dressed in her usual short dress. With a glance at the black-haired youth, she said, "You''re quite punctual. Well then... let''s continue our experiment." Bochang had no objections. Today''s experiment didn''t differ significantly from yesterday''s. They continued testing the power of the Mouse Talisman, with the exception that the physical examination step was omitted. Time passed leisurely. After several rounds of experiments, Herta gained valuable insights while Asta diligently recorded data, fulfilling her role as an assistant impeccably. Bochang pondered for a moment before finally asking, unable to resist his curiosity. "Um... Miss Herta, I have a question. Could you help me understand something?" "Just ask, there''s no need to beat around the bush." Herta looked up from adjusting the microscope. Bochang queried, "Miss Herta, how much longer will these experiments continue?" "We''ve gathered most of the necessary data... There isn''t much more to do now. Today, Asta and I will be returning to the Herta space station." Herta mannequin placed her hands on her hips. "Don''t worry, I won''t take the Astral Express''s mannequin with me. From now on, it''ll remain aboard the Astral Express¡ªconsider it a gift to you." "But... don''t do anything peculiar with my mannequin." Herta''s gaze turned slightly icy. "But... didn''t you say the mannequin was given to me?" Bochang asked hesitantly. "Even if it''s gifted to you, I won''t tolerate any mischief. Occasionally, I''ll remotely access it," Herta replied. Then she abruptly changed the subject, "There''s one more thing. I heard you have something called a teleportation ring, which allows for instant travel between two locations¡ªis that correct?" Bochang nodded. "Yes, that''s right." "In that case, give one to Asta. This way, you can freely visit the space station anytime, making future experiments much more convenient." "Do you mean... I still need to conduct experiments at the space station?" Bochang furrowed his brow slightly. He had initially thought the experimentation phase was over, only to realize it was just beginning. "Yes." Herta looked up at Bochang. "The power within your body is quite complex; studying it solely with the equipment here provides only a general understanding. Therefore, we must go to the space station where there are far superior facilities." "Asta, transfer ten million Credits to Bochang as compensation for today''s cooperation with the experiment." "Certainly, Lady Herta." Asta bowed respectfully and then took out her phone, promptly transferring ten million Credits to Bochang''s account. [Dating Option] No reaction whatsoever. For a moment, Bochang wasn''t sure whether he should accept the payment or not. After a moment''s hesitation, Since we need to leave a teleportation ring at the space station anyway, let''s consider it a fair trade. Bochang retrieved a silvery-white teleportation ring from his system inventory and held it out, palm open, saying, "Then this ring is for you, Asta." The acting station director felt slightly perplexed for a moment. After all, rings were typically used during marriage proposals. But now... Asta, oh Asta, don''t read too much into it. With that thought, Asta reached out, took the teleportation ring from Bochang, and under his explanation, quickly understood how to use it. With the experiment concluded, Bochang had no intention of lingering longer. He turned and departed. Upon returning to Yuchen Inn, Bochang checked his phone to confirm the payment receipt. One million Credits credited, instantly making him considerably wealthier. However... His heart remained unflustered as he pondered, Should I go buy a bass guitar now... or head to the Divination Commission to deliver the teleportation ring to Fu Xuan? Alternatively, I could give it to Qingque, so she can pass it on to Fu Xuan; that way, I wouldn''t have to travel so far myself. Seated on the bed, deep in thought, Bochang opened the group chat with his Astral Express family and began typing. Bochang: What''s everyone up to? Bochang: Cat Peeking Out.JPG Within just a few minutes, Stelle replied first. Stars: I''m out shopping with March 7th; we''ve bought some more things already. Stars: How about you? Did you finish your experiment? Bochang: It''s wrapped up for now. Stars: Where are you? As Bochang prepared to respond to Stelle, another message arrived: Welt Yang: Dan Heng and I just rescued the daughter of the Yukong Division Captain at Stargazer Navalia. We''re heading back to Central Starskiff Haven now. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Stars: The Yukong Division Captain''s daughter? She has a daughter already? Welt Yang: Yes, but... They don''t look very alike. Bochang recalled that Yukong was a fox-eared maiden with teal hair and a white tail; her daughter should have teal hair as well. Stars: Pom-Pom Shocked.JPG Welt Yang: No time to chat further¡ªwe''ve returned to Central Starskiff Haven and are now headed to the Palace of Astrum as guests. Anyone want to join us? We''ve decided to dine there tonight. Stars: Count me in! Bochang: Count me in. March 7th: Me, me, me! Having read this far, Bochang put away his phone. The prospect of meeting Yukong''s daughter, who bore little resemblance to her mother, piqued Bochang''s curiosity immensely. Besides, it was already dinnertime, and with the Sky-Faring Commission inviting them, there was no reason not to accept. He stood up, stretching lazily before setting off. Yuchen Inn wasn''t far from the Palace of Astrum. Bochang arrived quickly; as for why he didn''t fly? This is Xianzhou Luofu, not Jarilo VI. Unregulated flight is prohibited here, and numerous star ferries continuously traverse the skies. These conditions made it impossible for Bochang to freely soar around Xianzhou Luofu without risking accidents. Upon reaching the entrance to the Palace of Astrum, Bochang found Welt Yang and Dan Heng already waiting. However, March 7th and Stelle had yet to arrive. Chapter 240 - 239: Dining at the Palace of Astrum Chapter 240 - 239: Dining at the Palace of AstrumPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** As evening approached, clouds drifted leisurely across the sky. As the setting sun gradually disappeared behind buildings, leaving only a lingering red glow across the horizon, Bochang arrived at the entrance to the Palace of Astrum. There he found Dan Heng and Welt Yang waiting for everyone. Upon seeing Bochang approach, they greeted him warmly. "Sorry to keep you waiting. Where are March 7th and Stelle? Haven''t they arrived yet?" Bochang asked. Dan Heng shook his head. "You''re actually the first one here. March 7th and the others... I suspect they were exploring farther away, so it might take them some time. Let''s just be patient." "Uncle Yang, while Bochang and I wait here, please go ahead inside and meet with Yukong Si," suggested Dan Heng. "All right." Welt Yang agreed without hesitation. He nodded gently towards Bochang before turning and entering the Palace of Astrum, guided by a cloud knight stationed at the entrance. With this escort, there was no need to worry about finding their way or getting lost within the palace. Moreover... Bochang and the group had already visited the Palace of Astrum once before. Getting lost would not be easy this time around. Finding themselves idle and somewhat bored, Bochang struck up a conversation with Dan Heng, eager to learn about their adventure at Stargazer Navalia where they saved Yukong''s daughter. It all began with Xi Kui, a foxfolk, who commissioned The Nameless to locate Qing Ni¡ªa foxfolk who had crash-landed at Stargazer Navalia. Qing Ni was none other than Yukong''s daughter. Apparently, due to issues with the Tree of Foundation, a section of the vault above Exalting Sanctum risked imminent explosion. To prevent this catastrophe, Qing Ni piloted a star ferry into the sky for emergency repairs. Her swift action averted the impending disaster; however, during the repair process, problems arose with the star ferry itself, forcing it to make an emergency landing at Stargazer Navalia. Fortunately, Dan Heng and Welt Yang were nearby and promptly set out to find Qing Ni. In the end, they defeated a group of Abominations of Abundance and rescued her from peril. "So...why did you suddenly appear at Stargazer Navalia?" Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. Dan Heng gazed calmly at him and replied, "Didn''t you also unexpectedly show up at Cloudford?" Bochang paused, then chuckled, conceding, "Fair point, I can''t argue with that." Earlier, no one had heeded Welt Yang''s advice; they simply ran as they saw fit. However, there was little danger now. After all, Bochang had struck a deal with the Stellaron Hunters. As for why Dan Heng knew they went to Cloudford¡ªit was because... March 7th had shared photos of their lunch on the Astral Express in the group chat. "So, what took you to Cloudford? Did Himeko call you back?" Dan Heng crossed his arms. "Someone from Xianzhou Luofu sought Bailu''s help to rescue a person," explained Bochang. "Considering her role as a physician in the Alchemy Commission, she agreed. We had to accompany her, and while at it, we grabbed a meal on the train." "Hmm... Himeko''s cooking is truly impressive." Bochang savored the memory fondly. Dan Heng''s expression remained unchanged. "Did you manage to save the person?" "We couldn''t find them; seems like they might have already perished. Cloudford has been quite chaotic lately," Bochang said with an apologetic smile. The Stellaron Disaster had led to rift creatures appearing on Xianzhou Luofu. Additionally, the rebirth of the Tree of Foundation brought forth numerous Abominations of Fertility in the area. Moreover, with rogue members of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus still on the hunt for Liang Mu, his misfortune continued. It wouldn''t be surprising if he accidentally met his demise. "Oh... I see." Dan Heng seemed rather indifferent. Life is unpredictable; unexpected events were commonplace. As they chatted... "Hey! Dan Heng! Bochang! Were you waiting for us here?" A crisp female voice approached from afar. Bochang looked up and spotted March 7th, Stelle, Bailu, Qingque, and Serval¡ªfive figures slowly making their way towards them. The presence of these beautiful women drew numerous gazes along the street. "Yes," Bochang casually replied, "now that you''ve arrived, we can enter together." "Mm-hmm." Dan Heng nodded and turned to head towards the Palace of Astrum without further conversation. March 7th, accustomed to Dan Heng''s demeanor, effortlessly followed behind the stoic little azure dragon, calling out, "Serval, Stelle, hurry up!" Originally, Stelle and Serval had planned to chat briefly with Bochang, but upon seeing March 7th''s haste, they quickly caught up to her. Noticing March 7th''s haste, Dan Heng quickly followed suit. Bochang remained standing, watching as Serval and Stelle, with guitars slung over their backs, jogged ahead. Qingque leisurely approached and asked, "They''ve all left; aren''t you coming?" "Wasn''t I just waiting for you?" Bochang looked at the mahjong girl. Upon hearing this, Bailu, who had been strolling alongside Qingque, lifted her head curiously. The mahjong girl hesitated before replying, "Wait...for me? What do you mean...?" "Nothing specific, but there is something I need your help to deliver to Master Diviner." Bochang extended his hand, retrieving the last teleportation ring from the system space. "Hold out your hand." Without hesitation, Qingque stretched out her arm, palm open. Bochang placed the teleportation ring in her hand. Seeing the object, Qingque''s eyes widened slightly. "A teleportation ring?" "That''s right," Bochang nodded. "This was promised to Master Diviner, so please bring it to her when the time comes. For its usage, you can ask Bailu; she knows how to operate it." As he spoke, Bochang gently ruffled the little dragon girl''s hair. Bochang gently patted the little dragon girl''s head. March 7th, who had already walked ahead some distance, turned back and shouted, "Hurry up, you guys!" "Coming, coming," Bochang responded. He then looked at Qingque and Bailu, saying, "Let''s go as well." As they stepped through the entrance of the Palace of Astrum, a magnificent edifice unfolded before their eyes. Bochang and his companions had visited this place once before, but compared to their previous visit, their emotions felt distinctly different this time around. Bochang took a closer look at the grandeur of the Palace of Astrum. The lingering effects of the Stellaron Disaster were still evident, causing the clerks of the Sky-Faring Commission to rush about, continuously handling various documents. After only a few steps inside, they spotted a foxfolk emerging hurriedly. Dan Heng pondered for a moment and asked, "Miss Qingni, what seems to be troubling you?" Hearing someone greet her, the foxfolk with her head bowed paused. "It''s...you, Benefactor? I''m fine...just...just feeling a bit upset," replied Qingni, her ears drooping slightly. It was clear that Qingni indeed seemed disheartened. "Is she Yukong''s daughter? Doesn''t really look like it..." Bochang discreetly observed the foxfolk before him. Not only did their hair colors differ, but their eye hues were distinct as well. "And she isn''t nearly as beautiful as the helmsman," Bochang muttered to himself. Qingni could only be described as having average looks, falling far short of Tingyun or Yukong''s attractiveness. "You needn''t worry about me, Benefactor. Mother has prepared dinner inside; I...I''ll just step out now." With these words, Qingni quickly departed. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that, Qingni left. Dan Heng had no intention of offering comfort either. "How peculiar... Do foxfolk have a penchant for calling people ''benefactor''?" Bochang mused to himself. Chapter 241 - 240: Assisting the Performance Chapter 241 - 240: Assisting the PerformancePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. ****** Bathed in the fading twilight, they continued their journey. Guided by the Cloud Knights, Bochang and his companions swiftly arrived at the location where Yukong''s Division would entertain them. Since it was dinner time, naturally, they couldn''t partake within the Palace of Astrum''s work area. Instead, they were led to a side hall nearby. Welt Yang had already taken his seat, following the custom on Xianzhou Luofu¡ªeach honored guest dined at their own small table, with considerable space between each person. The head seat, unsurprisingly, belonged to the Yukong Division Head. Below her sat Welt Yang, Dan Heng, Bochang, and so forth... Everyone seated themselves in two rows facing each other. Stelle was directly across from Bochang. Each small table offered a variety of teas, pastries, fruits, and dishes, allowing guests to choose whatever they desired. Yukong exchanged pleasantries briefly before inviting everyone to begin eating. The cuisine aboard Xianzhou Luofu differed significantly from that of Jarilo VI, reminiscent of flavors Bochang remembered from before his transmigration. He found the meal both comforting and enjoyable. Throughout the banquet, Yukong casually conversed with everyone, ensuring no one felt neglected¡ªnot even Bochang, despite their previous tense exchange. She greeted him warmly amidst the discussions. Yukong rarely spoke about her children; instead, she engaged everyone in lively conversations on various topics. Bochang listened intently to numerous intriguing tales. March 7th even volunteered to share stories herself. Although not perfectly fluent, Dan Heng and Welt Yang occasionally prompted and supplemented her narratives, making them quite entertaining. Serval spontaneously offered to perform a rock song. It must be said... Serval''s singing was exceptional; even without accompaniment, her voice captivated like it had its own melody. When she strummed her guitar, the performance became utterly mesmerizing. The fox ears atop Yukong''s head gently twitched as she praised, "Miss Serval''s performance is truly remarkable. With some exposure on Xianzhou Luofu, you could undoubtedly become a phenomenal star." With her talents and striking looks, the blonde woman had all the makings of a successful celebrity. "It''s true that others have suggested this before, but... people have their own aspirations." Serval shook her head. Yukong''s comment was casual, with no intention to pursue the topic further. After the rocking finale, Bochang found himself nudged by March 7th to play a segment on the erhu. In no time, hosts and guests alike were thoroughly delighted. After enjoying their fill of food and drink, Bochang, Serval, March 7th, and others departed from the Palace of Astrum. Just as they stepped outside, Welt Yang and Dan Heng were approached by Qingni with a request. Apparently, during Yukong''s mission to rescue Qingni earlier, he had lost a personal ornament at Stargazer Navalia. Qingni wished to retrieve it, intending to return it to Yukong in hopes of mending their strained relationship. Indeed, the bond between Qingni and Yukong was somewhat tense due to... Qingni''s desire to become an aerialist, while Yukong vehemently opposed this aspiration. This conflict arose from their differing ambitions. Furthermore, today''s incident where Qingni unauthorizedly piloted the star ferry for emergency repairs on the vault of heaven had left Yukong deeply dissatisfied. Although it was already evening, there was still ample time before resting hours. Accepting Qingni''s commission, Welt Yang and Dan Heng headed back to Stargazer Navalia once more. Bochang, Serval, March 7th, and the rest did not join them but ventured towards a musical instrument shop...with plans to purchase a bass guitar. With Bochang now possessing a storage pouch, its ten cubic meters provided ample space for various items. Previously, he had retrieved his erhu from Pascal''s belly and stored it within the pouch. As for why he didn''t store Pascal itself: The robot was simply too large, making it better suited to remain at Yuchen Inn. With Serval''s assistance, Bochang selected a decent bass guitar. As for payment, naturally it was once again Bailu who footed the bill. Although Asta had transferred ten million Credits to Bochang at once from Herta''s account... Since Tianque Pavilion would reimburse them, why pay out of pocket? With confidence, Bochang gratefully accepted Xianzhou Luofu''s gift. Serval then led everyone to the public square where she often performed. Although not as large as Exalting Sanctum''s Central Plaza, it still drew a considerable crowd. Perhaps due to her street performances over the past few days, Serval had gained quite some popularity here; several people greeted her warmly upon arrival. Indeed... those with exceptional skills are always well-received, no matter where they go. With Serval leading the way, Bochang and the others followed closely behind. After walking only a short distance, Serval stopped and said, "I usually perform right here. Bochang, do you want to join me or play your erhu separately?" "Let''s play together since I''ve already bought the bass guitar," replied Bochang, reaching into his pouch. In no time, he found the bass guitar. With a firm pull, he extracted it from the yellow storage pouch¡ªa scene reminiscent of Doraemon pulling items from his four-dimensional pocket. Bailu glanced curiously but remained unimpressed. As a young dragoness with her magical gourd, she didn''t envy such gadgets; her treasured gourd had ample space. The onlookers from Xianzhou Luofu also showed little surprise. To them, it was just another space item... These items were available for purchase, albeit at a premium price, so everyone understood their value without being overly impressed. "March, Stelle, will you just watch from the sidelines?" Serval asked, holding her black guitar and ready to perform. Even before starting, a spontaneous crowd had gathered around them. Feeling slightly pressured, Bochang found solace in his bass guitar, which gave him enough confidence to avoid stage fright. As he took a deep breath to compose himself, March 7th chimed in, "We don''t know any instruments, so of course we''ll be spectators here. This is what they call ''enjoying the show as casual observers.'' Bochang, make sure to give it your best; I''m going to record this." With that... The pink-haired girl raised her camera. Ignoring March 7th, Bochang turned to Serval and suggested, "Should we bring Pela and Lynx over later?" With the teleportation rings, summoning the drummer and keyboardist would be effortless. Last night, Serval likely already called upon Pela and Lynx to assist with the performance. As for how Bochang knew this... Of course, this was because all teleportation rings were linked to Bochang''s own. Whenever there was a transmission request between different rings, he could sense it and even interrupt it if desired. This explained why Bochang suddenly remembered Serval just before bedtime and sent her a message. "Oh, them... I don''t think it would be convenient right now," Serval shook her head. Xianzhou Luofu''s daytime corresponded to Jarilo VI''s nighttime. Based on their conversation last night with Pela, at this hour, she should be having breakfast and getting ready for work. "Alright then." Bochang nodded. The duo began performing together. With the addition of the bass guitar, Serval''s music gained greater depth, becoming more powerful and resonant. To an untrained ear, the presence or absence of Bochang''s bass might not seem significant. However, for Serval, the bassline served as a compass, providing a clear direction that kept her focused without drifting off during performance. Chapter 242 - 241: Crushing Boulders with Bare Hands Chapter 242 - 241: Crushing Boulders with Bare HandsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** At night, Xianzhou Luofu came alive with activity, especially around the various public squares. Under the glow of pristine streetlights, performers took to the streets. While playing alongside Serval, Bochang even caught a glimpse of Sushang and her performer friend Guinaifen. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Currently unaware of Guinaifen''s name, Bochang simply perceived her as a vibrant young woman full of enthusiasm. After finishing their piece... Serval decided to take a break. Bailu, March 7th, and Stelle, who had been walking along the edges holding payment QR codes, could also rest for a moment. Initially, like Qingque, they intended just to enjoy the music from the sidelines. However, seeing many people offering tips changed their minds. Unlike typical street performers, Serval hadn''t prepared any QR code or collection bowl. This left listeners unsure how to pay after enjoying a rock tune, resorting to dropping cash on the ground. Some passersby even tried sneaking away with it. Upon noticing this... Taking matters into her own hands, March 7th promptly produced her payment QR code. Serval didn''t mind; she wasn''t performing for profit. As a blonde elder sister from the prestigious Landau family, she was already a wealthy heiress. The few million credits she carried with her were more than sufficient for her needs. Being confined on a small planet like Belobog year-round had led to credit points being quite devalued. One Winter City Shield equaled only fifty credits. With just one hundred thousand Winter City Shields, one could acquire five million credits¡ªa mere drop in the bucket for someone from the Landau family. Bailu and others helped collect payments while Qingque, after enjoying some rock music, hastily departed with her teleportation ring. She mentioned wanting to gift this experience to Master Diviner. "Aiya... Making money is pretty easy, huh?" March 7th grinned. Just by walking around with her QR code, she received over a thousand credits. Combined, Stelle, March 7th, and Bailu likely earned tens of thousands of credits within moments. This nearly matched the average monthly wage of Xianzhou residents. "Well, it''s all thanks to Bochang and Serval''s exceptional skills." As Bailu spoke, she removed the payment QR code from her head. Due to her short stature, the dragon girl had no choice but to carry the QR code on top of her head while walking around. Fortunately, with her dragon horns, it was quite convenient to hang it there. Stelle nodded in agreement, "That''s true. Look, none of the other performers have such large crowds nearby." "Could it be... because you two are just really good-looking?" Bochang silently quipped to himself. Whether it''s artists, influencers, or celebrities, having high attractiveness always provides an inherent advantage. After all, appearance enthusiasts can be found everywhere. March 7th, Stelle, Serval, and Bailu were naturally captivating individuals. When they performed together, it inevitably drew larger audiences. And Bochang wasn''t lacking either, attracting his fair share of female fans. Combined with their impressive musical skills, the crowd surrounding them couldn''t help but shower them with gold coins generously. Taking a deep breath, Bochang put down his bass guitar, stood up, and gazed into the distance, saying, "There sure are a lot of performers here... I''ve never visited this public square at night before; I didn''t realize it could get so lively." In the leisurely public square, a sea of people flowed continuously. Adults with children, couples strolling together, and large families out on outings were all present. The atmosphere was bustling with lively chatter. Street performances of various sizes were surrounded by crowds. Bochang''s performance, in particular, drew multiple layers of spectators¡ªthree deep inside and three more beyond them. It garnered immense attention. Serval shook her head, "There weren''t this many people yesterday." With the Stellaron Disaster resolved, Xianzhou Luofu was steadily recovering across all areas. "Tomorrow, there will likely be even more crowd," Bochang remarked. As he spoke, they suddenly heard the sound of drums and cymbals crashing from afar. "Don''t miss out as you pass by! Dear friends and neighbors, today Guinaifen and my good friend Sushang will perform a chest-breaking stone act for everyone!" People everywhere enjoy gathering for spectacles; it is a common tradition irrespective of location. Bochang paused their performance, and numerous individuals began streaming towards Guinaifen''s show. The distance between the two spots wasn''t significant. From where he stood, Bochang immediately spotted Guinaifen. Standing there was a golden-eyed girl with long orange hair styled in a high, slanted ponytail. She wore a red-dominated dress. At that moment... Guinaifen was energetically drumming and beating cymbals. March 7th tiptoed to peer over the crowd. "I think I heard Sushang''s name... Isn''t she a cloud knight? How did she start performing chest-breaking stunts?" "Not sure," Bochang speculated. "Maybe it''s her off-hours, seeking some extra income on the side, or perhaps someone asked her, and she couldn''t refuse." "Is Sushang the one wielding the hammer?" March 7th continued, still struggling due to her height. Even on tiptoes, the pink-haired girl couldn''t see Guinaifen, completely blocked by passersby. "Ah... not certain, but I feel like Guinaifen is more likely the hammer wielder." Bochang blinked thoughtfully. "Why do you say that?" March 7th asked, puzzled. "Because Guinaifen has already lifted the hammer," Bochang replied. The crowd was too dense. Despite being tall, even Bochang couldn''t spot Sushang amidst the throng. It became clear then. Sushang had likely already lain down with the stone slab on her chest, preparing for the "breaking stones over the body" act. Bailu tugged at Bochang''s sleeve and said, "Can you hold me too? This miss wants to watch the stone-breaking performance." "Sure..." As Bochang lifted the dragon little girl, she comfortably squinted her eyes. Glancing around, Bochang suggested, "March, Stelle, why don''t we move closer for a better view? "Serval, would you like to join us or stay here to rest?" he added. As the lead singer and guitarist, Serval''s role was quite demanding. "No need, this spot is perfect. If I leave, someone else might claim it by the time I return." The blonde woman declined Bochang''s offer graciously. Seeing her response... Bochang didn''t insist further and led March 7th, Stelle, and Bailu away. Meanwhile, Serval simply took out her water bottle and sipped some liquid to soothe her throat. Weaving through the crowded throng, Bochang relied on his swift pace to reach Guinaifen and Sushang''s performance spot. As he had anticipated, he secured a prime viewing position. Big Pillow Li was already lying across a low, long wooden table, clutching a large slate against his chest. Guinaifen held a phone tripod in one hand and a hammer in the other, seemingly streaming live. Bailu observed Big Pillow Li with trembling eyes and said, "Bochang, it looks like Sushang is quite frightened." Fear was understandable, after all... High attack and low defense were common traits among performers. Increasing attack power tends to be easier than bolstering defense. Moreover, being straightforward, Sushang had chosen a remarkably thick slate, about one or two fists wide. Without applying significant force, it would be impossible to break such a sturdy barrier. "Don''t flatten her chest," Bochang muttered inwardly. Chapter 243 - 242: Taking a Stroll Chapter 243 - 242: Taking a StrollPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** 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¡ªa 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¡ªa 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¡ªa 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¡ªshe 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!] S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [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¡ªCongratulations! 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. Chapter 244 - 243: Yukong Helmsman, You Wouldn’t Want... Chapter 244 - 243: Yukong Helmsman, You Wouldn''t Want...Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** This location was indeed near a sheer cliff edge. There was no path beyond; only a long stone railing prevented anyone from accidentally plummeting down. It proved to be an excellent spot for stargazing. Bochang quietly observed the lonely silhouette, remaining silent. Yukong was admiring the night view, while Bochang watched her intently. As if sensing the gaze behind her, the Sky-Faring Commission''s Helmsman turned and said, "Ah, it''s Bochang. Are you here just for leisure as well?" "Indeed, there isn''t much else to do," Bochang replied. Since he had been noticed, Bochang confidently walked over to Yukong, placed both hands on the railing, and gazed out at the shimmering stars on the horizon. "Is the Yukong Helmsman seeking some peace of mind with this outing?" asked Bochang. "Yes," Yukong responded softly. Bochang continued, "I sense that something is troubling you, Helmsman." "Am I that obvious?" Yukong seemed slightly taken aback. Of course, it was quite evident. If Bochang''s guess was correct, Yukong''s distress stemmed from Qingni''s desire to become an aerialist. After all, such events had unfolded just earlier that day... Bochang silently enjoyed the breeze. Respecting Yukong''s reluctance to discuss personal matters with outsiders, they exchanged only a few casual words before bidding farewell. [Dating Option activated.] [Option 1: Attempt to assist Yukong by saying, "Yukong Helmsman, surely you don''t want your relationship with your daughter to shatter." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Option 2: Allow Yukong to leave without intervention ¡ª Completion Reward: Double inflation on groceries, guaranteed.] This time, Bochang did not have much choice, and based on Option 1''s description, it seemed likely that improvisation would be necessary next. "Yukong Helmsman," Bochang said, "surely you don''t want your relationship with your daughter to shatter." Upon hearing this, Yukong paused, turned around, and asked, "What do you mean?" "I''ve learned about what happened between you and Qingni," Bochang extended his hand. "Since you don''t wish for her to become an aerialist, there must be compelling reasons behind your stance." "In that case, why not openly explain them to Qingni?" Bochang gazed steadily at Yukong. In the gentle night wind, the soft fur of the foxfolk rustled gently. Yukong sighed, casting Bochang a deep look. "You wouldn''t understand," he replied. "I may not fully understand your situation, but... keeping secrets isn''t ideal, right? Qingni is actively seeking ways to mend her relationship with you. Shouldn''t the Yukong Division Helmsman do something as well?" Bochang pressed relentlessly. Yukong was aware of Qingni''s quest to find the pendant. "What exactly do you think I should do?" Yukong countered, momentarily stumping Bochang, who found himself at a loss for words. Continuing, Yukong shared his thoughts. "Once, like Qingni, I harbored dreams about the sky. I know how it feels - navigating through the vast emptiness of space, surrounded by unimaginable wonders stretching endlessly." "Some view drifting amidst the star sea akin to being a solitary boat, calling it loneliness; yet we prefer to see it as freedom." "I understand Qingni deeply, but she cannot become an aerialist," Yukong declared firmly after expressing his sentiments. "Is restraining her truly the right approach? Helmsman Yukong, I doubt Qingni would be happy with this." There was silence. Yukong remained unresponsive. Bochang persisted, "What if...the more you forbid Qingni from becoming an aerialist, the stronger her desire grows? One day, just like now, she might secretly take a star ferry again. Won''t that pose even greater risks and complications?" "I will keep a closer watch on her." Yukong''s expression turned serious. Bochang shook his head. "You can''t control her for her entire life." He was right. Qingni was still young, while Yukong, despite appearing youthful due to foxfolk racial traits, was already nearing the end of her lifespan. How much longer could Yukong truly manage her daughter? At most, another hundred years. But what would happen after that century passed? "Lord Yukong, instead of blocking her aspirations, consider allowing Qingni to become an aerialist. Once she tires of it...she might willingly return to the Sky-Faring Commission as a tranquil administrative officer." Bochang observed Yukong''s reaction carefully. Yukong remained silent, deep in thought. After a moment, she said, "I promised someone else that I must not let Qingni become an aerialist." "Is it fair to disregard Qingni''s own desires based solely on a promise? Might this be unjust towards her?" Bochang furrowed his brow slightly. Yukong''s expression remained unchanged; she simply sighed softly. "What you say holds some truth. Tonight, I''ll have a proper conversation with Qingni about this. Thank you, and if you''ll excuse me..." [Rewards being distributed ¡ª Congratulations! You''ve received the item: Poison-Tipped Dagger. The poison is highly potent; do not lick.] The encounter between Bochang and Yukong was merely a small interlude. Having completed two minor quests, Bochang''s physique now surpassed that of an average person by 96 times, leaving him feeling unprecedentedly energetic. "I''ve done what I can; from here on out, it''s no longer my concern." Bochang shook his head. He returned to Serval''s performance venue once more. What followed was a monotonous show. By the time everyone reached Yichen Inn, it was already midnight. Dan Heng, Welt Yang, and others had also gone back home. Apparently, Yukong agreed to let Qingni become an aerialist. In short, it seemed like a happy ending for all involved. Bochang lay down on the bed and slept soundly until the next morning, with no unexpected incidents during the night. The Silver Wolf did not disturb him either. Upon waking up refreshed... An unforeseen event occurred. As Bochang groggily opened his eyes, Stelle was sitting at the edge of his bed. It was only due to the gray-haired girl''s presence that Bochang woke up. Otherwise, he would have likely slept longer. "Stelle... why are you still here? Didn''t you go out?" Seeing the gray-haired girl sitting by his bed, Bochang felt somewhat surprised. Stelle shook her head. "I didn''t leave." "What about March and the others?" "They went out to play..." "How come they didn''t take you along?" Bochang knew that the girls usually preferred to do things together, so leaving someone behind was quite unusual. "I told them I had other commissions to attend to, so they decided to enjoy their free time without me," Stelle explained. Bochang blinked, realizing... Stelle had indeed deceived March 7th and the others. "I brought you breakfast. Would you like to eat now?" "Yes, thank you very much." Bochang hadn''t left his room all morning, so naturally, he hadn''t had breakfast yet. "It''s no problem," Stelle said. "We''re partners, after all... doing these things for each other is expected." "Hmm... true." Bochang sat up, suddenly remembering something. He asked, "Stelle, I have an item that can enhance your fate path. Are you interested in using it?" Chapter 245 - 244: Responding to the Girl’s Expectations Chapter 245 - 244: Responding to the Girl''s ExpectationsPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In the quiet room, only Bochang and Stelle remained, undisturbed by March 7th, Bailu, or others. The atmosphere was serene. After a moment''s thought, Stelle asked, "Are you referring to... Footprints of Destiny?" "Yes." Bochang nodded. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. News about his acquisition of the Footprints of Destiny had already spread among the Astral Express Crew. After all, it wasn''t a secret. Stelle shook her head. "I don''t need them." "Really? I have two available," Bochang replied, surprised at being turned down. The Footprints of Destiny were highly sought-after treasures. With a thoughtful gaze, Stelle considered for a moment before looking up and saying, "No, thank you. You should use them yourself." "All right then." Since Stelle didn''t want them, Bochang couldn''t force the offer. He picked up the nearby breakfast bag, opened it, and glanced inside. It contained soy milk, fried dough sticks, and steamed buns. "This is too much." Bochang looked at Stelle, who responded, "You have a big appetite; you''ll manage." Seeing her insistence... Bochang began enjoying the meal alone. Considering it was Stelle''s thoughtful gesture, he didn''t want to refuse. After finishing his meal, Bochang indeed felt quite full. He patted his slightly bulging stomach, stood up to stretch, and then turned towards the gray-haired girl who had been observing him intently. "Stelle, is there something you''d like to tell me?" "Yes." She nodded, repeating for emphasis, "We''re a couple, right?" "That''s correct," Bochang affirmed with certainty. Stelle tilted her head, causing her elegant long gray hair to sway gently. "Bochang, shouldn''t we... do some things that couples typically do? Yesterday, I searched on my phone..." "Couples engage in more intimate activities." The gray-haired girl spoke with utmost seriousness. Unable to resist, Bochang asked, "Stelle, what kind of more intimate activities did you have in mind?" "For example... something like kissing." Stelle uttered these words without any hint of shyness on her face. Golden sunlight stealthily streamed through the window, casting its glow upon Stelle''s features and reflecting an eye-catching radiance. Bochang''s emotions were far from calm. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Directly take down Stelle - Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Booty.] [Option 2: Steal Stelle''s first kiss - Completion Reward: 100% increase in mental energy.] [Option 3: Spare Stelle for now - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] The appearance of [Dating Options] was somewhat expected. His gaze scanned each of the three options in turn. Bochang muttered quietly, "Directly taking down Stelle sounds fantastic, but why would I get March 7th''s Big Booty...?" "She isn''t even here right now!" Bochang felt slightly exasperated. Between Option 2 and Option 3, there was hardly any need for hesitation. "Option 2!" Bochang didn''t rush impulsively forward. After all, Stelle was already prepared, unlike March 7th who required a surprise attack. He calmly stated, "I understand. Since this is what you desire, let me fulfill your expectations." With that... Bochang took a few steps closer and embraced Stelle as she remained seated on the bed. Her expression barely changed. Only when close to her could Bochang feel the softness of the gray-haired girl''s body. This was their first proper frontal embrace. Bochang sensed the fullness at her chest, subtly shifting under the pressure. To describe it simply, it felt amazing. Like other young women, Stelle had a subtle fragrance about her. As Bochang greedily breathed in the scent lingering in the air, he asked, "I''m going to take you down now." The reason for doing so wasn''t related to Option One; instead, Bochang wanted to try lying down while kissing. After all, he had already kissed Silver Wolf standing up. "Mm-hmm," Stelle responded softly. No longer able to restrain himself, Bochang gently laid them both down, straddling Stelle. He propped himself up, gazing at the delicate features of the gray-haired girl. Slowly leaning forward, he felt the warmth of their lips meeting. Stelle''s hands moved upward from his waist, embracing Bochang tightly. Her soft fingers traced aimlessly across his back. It was almost an instinctive action, even surprising Stelle herself. Why would she make such a move? They continued kissing passionately. Within moments, the room filled with a sense of intimacy as clothing gradually became disheveled, and even the sun hid behind clouds. The system''s voice interrupted them: [Rewarding in progress¡ªCongratulations! Your mental energy has been increased by 100%.] Only then did Bochang pause. Raising his body again, he felt unsatisfied, wanting more. Stelle''s cheeks flushed, adding a hint of bashful allure. "So this is...what couples do together? It feels...quite intriguing." "Then, shall we..." "...do it more often?" Stelle finished his sentence willingly. Stelle completed Bochang''s sentence for him. He gently stroked her smooth gray hair. Feeling a sense of inner peace, Bochang agreed, "Alright, let''s do this more often in the future. However... we mustn''t let March and the others find out; they might interrupt us." "Mm-hmm, I understand... By the way... does March also have feelings for you?" Stelle asked, gazing closely at Bochang. He pondered for a moment before replying, "I''m not sure... It''s possible, but I can''t really grasp what March truly thinks." Indeed, March 7th''s emotions were incredibly complex and difficult to decipher. Their relationship could be described as standing on a peculiar threshold¡ªbeyond friendship yet short of romance. Bochang could certainly indulge in some intimate moments with her. But taking it further? It seemed impossible. March 7th wasn''t as open-minded as the gray-haired girl. "You belong to me," Stelle affirmed, her gaze becoming slightly more intense. Bochang didn''t respond verbally. Instead, she silently leaned down, softly biting Stelle''s red lips, and tenderly reciprocated their affection. The passionate encounter resumed. For a long time, they engaged intimately within the room. Through this experience, Bochang gained a deeper understanding of the gray-haired girl''s body. Stelle''s figure was indeed quite impressive. It was usually concealed beneath her loose-fitting shirts. But by gently moving past the white tee and measuring with his hands, one could truly appreciate it. Time leisurely approached noon. Bochang and Stelle lay embraced, taking a siesta together. Intimacy served as a means to deepen their bond, not the main focus. After breakfast, Bochang spent some time being affectionate with Stelle, then they played games together. Feeling tired, they went down for lunch, changed into nightclothes, and finally settled down for an afternoon nap. This peaceful daily routine held its own unique charm, providing Bochang with a sense of comfort greater than simply enhancing his strength. Unbeknownst to them, an uninvited guest arrived at Yichen Inn and steadily made her way towards Bochang''s room, her steps deliberate and purposeful. Her goal was clear. The visitor stopped outside Bochang''s door and knocked softly. Chapter 246 - 245: I’ve Arrived at an Inopportune Moment Chapter 246 - 245: I''ve Arrived at an Inopportune MomentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The sudden knock startled Bochang, causing his eyes to snap open instantly. "Who is it? It couldn''t be March 7th and the others, right? Wait... weren''t they still out having fun? They wouldn''t return so soon, and judging by the knocking, it doesn''t sound like them..." Thoughts raced through Bochang''s mind as he swiftly covered Stelle with the quilt. "Who is it?" "It''s me, your benefactor." Qingni''s voice came from outside the door. Ah, Yukong''s daughter. That was a relief; all that worry for nothing. "What brings her here? Well, never mind... As long as it''s not March or the others." Bochang sighed in relief. "Oh, it''s the Helmsman of Aerial Division''s daughter. What can I do for you?" "Benefactor, my mother has already told me about your guidance last night, allowing me the opportunity to become an aerialist. So...so I wanted to come over and express my gratitude," Qingni''s voice echoed through the door. Bochang replied, "No need, Miss Qingni. It was merely a small gesture. The Helmsman''s actions were indeed somewhat inhumane, so intervening was the right thing to do." As they continued their conversation... The gray-haired girl hidden beneath the quilt had opened her golden eyes, their faint glow still visible. Holding onto Bochang tightly, she subtly shifted her body, pressing closer against him. Bochang suddenly felt a surge of excitement. ---Harmonious dividing line--- (Note: Sensitive content has been omitted here) Feeling something amiss, Stelle lifted her head and looked at Bochang. "You still carry weapons even while sleeping..." she whispered softly. Startled, Bochang quickly grabbed her hand. "These aren''t weapons; don''t be curious, it could lead to accidents." Confused, Stelle slowly typed out several question marks with her fingers. Though unsure of the situation, she decided not to pursue further questions since Bochang had already expressed concern. "Does my benefactor have some time now?" Qingni continued. Bochang pondered for a moment. "I do have time, um... Miss Qingni, why don''t you come inside instead? This feels somewhat awkward." "All right." Qingni pushed open the door and entered. Now sitting upright, Bochang held Stelle tightly against him. Since they were pressed closely together, there was little chance anyone would notice anything unusual. As Qingni stepped in, Bochang discreetly used his Invisible Hand to hide Stelle''s shoes and clothing. As Stelle heard the foxfolk entering, she felt a touch of nervousness. Bochang, however, remained unperturbed. Even if they were discovered, with the power of the Monkey Talisman, he could effortlessly transform Stelle into something like a tiny hamster. Yet there was no need for that. Moreover, Qingni wouldn''t likely come over to lift the quilt and reveal them. Seeing Bochang sitting on the bed, Qingni remarked, "Oh, I see our benefactor was taking a nap... It seems I arrived at an inconvenient time." "Not at all, I was nearly awake anyway." Bochang extended his hand, gesturing her to sit down. Qingni complied and took a seat. The ordinary foxfolk maiden lacked any excessive charm; she resembled more of a girl next door, evoking a strangely familiar feeling. Of course... At that moment, Bochang''s predominant sensation was excitement. Having a young maiden seated beside him while holding another exquisite beauty in his arms was simply exhilarating. The constant fear of being discovered made Stelle''s body tense. She wondered why Bochang allowed Qingni inside, but it was too late now. All Bochang could do was take it step by step. Qingni began hesitantly, "If you have time, benefactor, I''d like to show you around Central Starskiff Haven..." "That...I think I''ll pass. Today, I just want to rest at Yichen Inn; no plans for sightseeing," Bochang replied bluntly. Feeling somewhat disappointed, Qingni chatted casually with him for a few more moments before taking her leave. As she exited, she courteously closed the door behind her. Stelle peeked out from under the quilt, looking directly into Bochang''s eyes. "Why did you let Qingni come in earlier? It felt so risky. If she had seen me lying in your arms, March might have found out too. Then, she would surely stay glued to my side, making it much harder for us to get another chance like this." After Stelle''s lengthy explanation, Bochang simply responded, "Don''t worry, Qingni wouldn''t have discovered you." Seeing his reassurance... the gray-haired girl didn''t dwell on the matter further. Regardless, Qingni indeed didn''t discover anything. Bochang and Stelle continued their affectionate whispers, lost in each other''s company. Suddenly, Stelle asked, "Bochang, do you think I might already be carrying your child?" S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "???" Bochang typed out several question marks, expressing his confusion. Seeming to read the bewilderment on Bochang''s face, Stelle explained, "I heard that when lovers sleep together, they can conceive a child." "Well... We haven''t reached that step yet," Bochang replied with a polite smile. "I want..." Stelle began. "No, you don''t." Bochang quickly covered Stelle''s mouth. His decision was influenced by the recent system prompt. If Bochang were to proceed with Stelle now, it would inevitably lead to a Big Booty slap from March 7th. And what would happen after that? It was hard to predict how March 7th might react. The previous incident involving Phantylia, who might still harbor resentment against him even now, served as a cautionary tale... Back at the Seal of the Tree of Foundation, Phantylia had disregarded Jing Yuan and Herta entirely, focusing her aim solely on Bochang, which demonstrated just how furious she was. If March 7th were to indeed deliver a Big Booty slap, it could be a long time before she would speak to Bochang again. Such an incident would undoubtedly leave Bochang feeling lonely. After all... He had grown accustomed to March 7th''s lively presence by his side, developing a strong fondness for the pink-haired girl. Maintaining their relationship was important, so keeping things steady seemed preferable. Even if they didn''t progress further, simply preserving their current bond was quite satisfactory. Bochang didn''t want to lose March 7th either, which is why he chose to keep secrets from her. At that moment... Stelle gently licked Bochang''s palm with her small, sweet tongue, akin to a curious kitten. Bochang released his grip. With wide, innocent eyes devoid of any worldly knowledge, Stelle looked at him and asked, "Why?" "Why what?" "I want to have your child." Bochang, noticing how Stelle knelt before him, her peaks pressed against his chest, responded, "Why do you want to have my child? It''s too early for us now." The gray-haired girl still had much of her journey ahead. Getting pregnant by Bochang would mean having to care for the unborn baby, wasting valuable time. No way. Absolutely not. Moreover, the Stellaron Hunters wouldn''t allow Bochang to impregnate Stelle either. If it happened, there''s no doubt they''d come knocking on his door. "Because...isn''t it normal for couples to have children?" Stelle gazed pleadingly at Bochang, who shook his head and explained, "While it may be normal, we have other tasks to focus on right now. Having a child would delay our journey significantly. After all, pregnancy lasts for nine months, during which you wouldn''t be able to do much except stay aboard the Astral Express while March, Serval, and I go on adventures." Upon hearing this, Stelle vigorously nodded her head. "Then I won''t have one just yet." Chapter 247 - 246: Silver Wolf’s Letter Chapter 247 - 246: Silver Wolf''s LetterPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** And so... Thanks to Bochang''s efforts... Stelle finally dismissed the risky idea of getting pregnant, no longer consumed by thoughts of having a child. Bochang''s gaze fell deep into the majestic valley before him. With Stelle clad in a white bathrobe, pressed against his chest, the view was absolutely breathtaking¡ªevery angle revealing a different allure. In a momentary daze, before Bochang could make a move, Stelle forcefully pushed him down and initiated a passionate kiss. Having recently explored intimate gestures as couples often do, Stelle was incredibly curious and found immense comfort in these actions, unwilling to let go. She had become very clingy towards Bochang, which was indeed a good sign. The two shared tender moments together for some time. Eventually, they got dressed again. Uninhibited, Stelle changed openly in front of Bochang, providing quite an eye feast. Naturally, their intimacy led to playful gestures. After leaving Stelle breathless... Bochang finally stopped, feeling thoroughly satisfied. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. For the afternoon, Bochang had planned to play games with Stelle, have dinner, and wait for the others'' return. However... They barely managed to engage in any gaming before receiving an unexpected message from Silver Wolf. He informed Bochang that Cang had located Phantylia''s coordinates and requested him to bring Stelle along, aiming to trigger her awakening of the Destiny of Protection fate path. Lord Ravager had not yet departed Xianzhou Luofu. This news struck Bochang like a bolt out of the blue. After a moment of contemplation, he replied: "Even if weakened, Phantylia would still be formidable... Rushing into battle with her could undoubtedly cause chaos on Xianzhou Luofu again." Silver Wolf reassured him: "Don''t worry. During the fight, I''ll pull you both into an otherworldly space, ensuring no impact on Xianzhou Luofu." Bochang: So what exactly should I do? Silver Wolf: Pretend to be defeated by Phantylia, and Stelle''s Destiny of Protection will awaken. Bochang: How can I pretend? She is Lord Ravager herself; I only have confidence to defeat her by giving my all... And now you want me to feign defeat against Phantylia? What if it turns out real? Silver Wolf: The Stellaron Hunter will assist you. Besides, she is currently weakened, so it should be manageable. Remember, do not kill Phantylia; she has future significance. Bochang: Oh...I see. Don''t worry, I won''t kill Phantylia. Bochang: Wait...what do you mean by ''do not kill''? Bochang: Since when did I possess the ability to kill Phantylia? Lord Ravager was notoriously difficult to kill. Having effortlessly escaped even under the combined assault of two Emanators, Bochang doubted his own ability to slay such an adversary. Silver Wolf: Don''t ask me; just know that Elio mentioned you possess a power capable of killing Phantylia. So I''m reminding you¡ªbe careful not to accidentally take her out. Bochang remained silent, momentarily at a loss for words. After further discussion, they finalized their plan. Meanwhile, the gray-haired girl continued playing her game. "Stelle," said Bochang, "why don''t we go out for a stroll?" "You sure?" Stelle paused her gameplay and looked up, feeling somewhat puzzled. Just moments ago, he had suggested staying home to play during the afternoon. Bochang nodded. "Yes..." "All right, let''s follow your lead." Stelle did not hesitate to agree. And so... the pair headed straight towards the Artisanship Commission. Currently, Xianzhou Luofu still imposed restrictions on star ferry travel. However... for individuals like Bochang among The Nameless, the Cloud Knights would readily grant passage without significant interference. Aboard the star ferry, they found themselves piloted by an unfamiliar cloud knight. Bochang and Stelle sat quietly at the back, gazing out at the undulating sea of clouds. It was rumored that Phantylia had taken refuge within the Artisanship Commission, using the remnants of the Tree of Foundation''s power, along with energy from the Grand Furnace, to recuperate. Apparently, she had recovered significantly from her injuries sustained during battles with Herta and Jing Yuan. "Here we are at the Artisanship Commission..." Bochang murmured as he disembarked from the star ferry alongside Stelle. The Artisanship Commission was adjacent to the Alchemy Commission. During the resurgence of the Tree of Foundation, this area suffered severe corrosion. It was said that the tree''s roots even burst forth directly from beneath the ground. As Bochang surveyed the surroundings, he indeed noticed numerous traces of damage¡ªhouses torn apart, earth split open¡ªbut compared to the devastation caused by Phantylia''s Profound Root Transformation, it paled in comparison. Recalling... Phantylia''s Profound Root Transformation left a profound impression. Countless vines had overturned everything within a hundred-mile radius. Such power would be incredibly efficient for plowing fields, capable of turning even the deepest soil. "Wait... why am I suddenly thinking about farming?" Bochang scratched his head. "What''s on your mind?" Stelle asked. "I was just considering... what we should buy later," Bochang replied with a slight smile. The Artisanship Commission specialized in intricate mechanical creations. The Diting device itself had originated from here. Bochang had mentioned to Stelle that he wanted to explore the Artisanship Commission''s mechanical wonders, leading them both to this location. Hand in hand, they strolled leisurely through the area. The Stellaron Hunters could only confirm Phantylia''s presence within the Artisanship Commission but not her exact whereabouts. Silver Wolf advised Bochang to simply wander around with Stelle until the opportune moment arrived, at which point Lord Ravager would undoubtedly seek them out himself. Speaking of the Stellaron Hunters... While Bochang approached them with a cooperative mindset, he knew better than to trust them completely. It was crucial to remain cautious. Following their instructions, Bochang sought out Phantylia for several reasons: First, to aid Stelle''s awakening of celestial destinies. Second, as an opportunity to search for Ting Yun. Third, because Phantylia seemed within reach of defeat by their combined efforts. Fourth, due to her weakened state, it presented a prime chance to strike while she was vulnerable. Firstly, to aid Stelle in awakening her fate path. Secondly, to locate Tingyun through this opportunity. Thirdly, Phantylia was an Emanator they believed they could potentially defeat. Fourthly, with Phantylia weakened, it presented an ideal chance to strike while she was vulnerable. In the aftermath of the disaster at the Artisanship Commission, many individuals were engaged in reconstruction efforts. As skilled artisans themselves, they had ample experience in such tasks. Of course... The primary reason for their readiness was that the Artisanship Commission frequently caused troubles, whether by teleporting entire pavilions or dealing with mechanical golem uprisings. Bochang watched them proficiently carrying out post-disaster rebuilding, unsure how to react. Holding Bochang''s hand, Stelle led the way, curiously observing everything around the Artisanship Commission. Meanwhile... Seated on an ergonomic chair, Silver Wolf observed the screens, biting his thumb and muttered, "This guy..." Just yesterday, Bochang took the hacker girl''s first kiss. Today, he stole Stelle''s first kiss as well. Witnessing this scene, Silver Wolf couldn''t feel anything but displeasure. He desperately wanted to leap out and slap some sense into Bochang. Suddenly, memories from that night resurfaced, causing Silver Wolf''s cheeks to flush again. "Dmn... Dmn... D*mn!" he cursed silently. On the other side, Bochang couldn''t help but sneeze. "Are you catching a cold?" asked Stelle. "Maybe someone is cursing me," Bochang replied self-consciously. Stelle blinked. "It wasn''t me." "I know it wasn''t you." After wandering around the Artisanship Commission for a while... The system''s voice chimed in. [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Continue walking forward - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Enter the nearby alleyway - Completion Reward: Encounter with Phantylia.] Chapter 248 - 247: Luring the Snake Out of its Den Chapter 248 - 247: Luring the Snake Out of its DenPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Seeing these options appear, Bochang was momentarily taken aback. The "Dating Options" presented a straightforward choice: By continuing to walk ahead, he could earn a reward, and doing so would likely... Decrease the chances of encountering Phantylia. This wouldn''t technically violate his agreement with the Stellaron Hunters either, as they couldn''t guarantee that Phantylia would definitely strike¡ªit was merely a possibility. "In that case... how should I decide? Should I confront Phantylia or avoid the battle altogether?" After careful consideration, Bochang ultimately chose the second option. "Stelle, let''s take a look down this way." Bochang stopped, gazing at the adjacent alley. Its neatly paved gray stone path indicated that it once bustled with artisans'' activity. However, due to the current chaos within the Artisanship Commission, not a single person was visible. "The alley? Isn''t it empty inside? What''s the point of going there?" Stelle looked puzzled. Bochang smiled, "Precisely because it''s empty, there''s value in exploring, isn''t that right?" Stelle glanced sideways, frowning slightly... After a moment of contemplation, her golden eyes fixed on Bochang without blinking. "Do you wish to do something Sese-like?" "Cough... No, I just want to take you around for a stroll." Bochang gently took Stelle''s hand, expressing his determination through this gesture. "Oh... I see, let''s go then." Stelle revealed a gentle smile. For someone who often wore a cold expression, her sudden warmth was quite captivating. Her face resembled a flawless painting, with defined features and luminous fair skin. When she smiled, it added an enchanting charm, making even the surrounding scenery seem to lose its vibrancy. Gazing at Stelle''s bright eyes and radiant smile, Bochang unconsciously tightened his grip on her hand. "Let''s walk together." Bochang led Stelle down the quiet alleyway. The houses on both sides exuded an ancient aura, some adorned with various signs hanging over their entrances. The Artisanship Commission wasn''t merely a workplace for artisans; it was also where they lived. Compared to the Divination Commission, the sense of community life here felt stronger. Outside, there was even an entire commercial street dedicated to trade. This alley catered specifically to visiting tourists seeking mechanical trinkets. As Bochang entered the narrow lane, he immediately sensed eyes watching him from the shadows, detected by his Spider Sense. However, those gazes seemed restless and distant. Bochang decided against alarming the potential threats prematurely. After walking for some time... The hidden figure could no longer resist revealing its fangs. Bochang distinctly felt intense malice emanating from behind, as if needles were pricking his skin. Despite hearing no sound of movement, he knew... An enemy''s attack was imminent. In such a situation, Bochang couldn''t afford carelessness. He swiftly turned around, instantly drawing the Vow Spear from his pouch with a thrust forward. With any other item, Bochang might have needed to search through his pouch momentarily. However, the Vow Spear required no such effort. As soon as he opened his pouch, a single thought summoned it forth, ready for combat. The long blue spear emerged promptly, clashing forcefully with the uninvited guest behind him, producing a resounding boom. Bochang also recognized his assailant. It was a charming and delicate fox-girl, wielding a small palm-leaf fan that should have effortlessly blocked the Vow Spear¡ªunder normal circumstances. However... In the next instant, Bochang pierced through the fox-girl''s palm-leaf fan with ease, unleashing over a hundred rapid thrusts, forcing her back. Without even needing to think, Bochang knew this foe was likely Phantylia''s shapeshifted form. "Who are you?!" Stelle drew her baseball bat from behind, "Why are you attacking us?" "I never expected to encounter my benefactors here; it seems our fates are truly intertwined." The black-haired fox-girl gracefully descended. Recognizing the familiar tone, Stelle''s eyes widened slightly as she took a closer look, finding the girl somewhat recognizable. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The fox-girl gently waved her damaged palm-leaf fan, restoring it to its original state after just a few flicks¡ªa mysterious ability indeed. Bochang asked, "Phantylia... why haven''t you left Xianzhou Luofu yet?" "I didn''t expect my benefactor to discern my identity so swiftly... How truly surprising..." Phantylia showed no haste to attack. Bochang was equally unhurried; he awaited Silver Wolf''s signal to pull everyone into distorted space. Engaging in combat directly within the Artisanship Commission could not be risked, as it would undoubtedly cause significant damage to Xianzhou Luofu once again. "As for why I haven''t left Xianzhou Luofu... Heh-heh-heh... Whether I choose to depart or stay is entirely up to me. What does this have to do with my benefactor?" Phantylia narrowed her bewitching eyes slyly. The appearance of this foxfolk girl closely resembled the colossal Phantylia they had encountered at the seal of the Tree of Foundation. Based on intelligence from the Stellaron Hunters, when Phantylia discovered that Xianzhou Luofu was protected by both Emanators Herta and Jing Yuan, she realized her chances of victory were slim. Consequently, she strategically divided part of her Stellaron and Tree of Foundation energy. Using the unremoved roots of the Tree of Foundation still present in the Artisanship Commission, she crafted another body¡ªa cunning strategy akin to having multiple escape routes like a wily fox. This new form also possessed both the powers of Destruction and Abundance, albeit not as potent as her original body derived from the tree roots. Nonetheless, it was significantly stronger than the hastily created decoy she used earlier. However, due to sustained injuries from simultaneous attacks by Herta and Jing Yuan, she couldn''t fully unleash this body''s potential, making her currently weaker than even her previous decoy guise. While not as formidable as her body connected to the Tree of Foundation''s roots, it was significantly stronger than the hastily crafted fake Tingyun. However, due to sustained injuries from Jing Yuan and Herta''s onslaught, Phantylia could not fully utilize this new body''s capabilities, leaving her weaker than even the initial fake Tingyun. "Phantylia...how did you appear here?" Just as Stelle finished speaking, the surrounding space rapidly collapsed. In the next moment, their surroundings shifted dramatically. Bochang, Stelle, and Phantylia were instantly pulled into a distorted space by Silver Wolf. They found themselves in a pitch-black world, eerily silent yet unsettling. "???" Both Phantylia and Stelle typed out multiple question marks, feeling bewildered and unsure how to react. Honestly, after Bochang repeatedly obstructed and annoyed her, Phantylia had been itching to give him a resounding slap. Seeing him alone with Stelle, she simply couldn''t resist launching her attack. Initially, Phantylia only intended to harass Bochang¡ªengage if possible, retreat otherwise. She was confident in her ability to escape. She hadn''t anticipated being dragged into this distorted space, which now posed a significant challenge. Bochang''s eyes blazed with fury as he followed his script, "Well done, Phantylia! I didn''t expect you to possess such tricks. My teleportation ring is rendered useless here; it seems we must engage in a decisive battle." "Huh?" Confused, Phantylia had initially thought Bochang orchestrated this... But now it appeared... This might not be his doing after all. "Who could it be then?" The possibility of someone else lurking nearby raised her alertness. Just as she was about to explain, she saw Bochang engulfed in flames, charging at her like a madman. Chapter 249 - 248: Stripped Battle Against Phantylia Chapter 249 - 248: Stripped Battle Against PhantyliaPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Initially, Phantylia believed herself to be the hunter and Bochang the prey. However, it seemed... Perhaps she was like the mantis stalking its prey, unaware of the sparrow lurking behind. "Have I revealed myself somehow? But that''s impossible... Who exactly is hiding in the shadows? Herta has clearly left, and Jing Yuan couldn''t possibly have such peculiar abilities." Phantylia''s thoughts spiraled into chaos, and she began contemplating retreat. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Upon arriving at Xianzhou, Phantylia had endured brutal beatings from two Emanators and faced Bochang''s intense wrath. This body was her last hope. If it were destroyed again... Her journey would have been utterly futile. "If I had known earlier...I shouldn''t have ambushed him. It would''ve been better to endure and wait..." Phantylia looked helplessly at Bochang standing just within reach. She yearned to explain herself, but he offered no opportunity. "It seems my only choice is to swiftly defeat him and then find a way out of here." She had witnessed Bochang''s prowess before. With Bailu, Welt Yang, Dan Heng, or others assisting him, Phantylia indeed lacked the ability to quickly overcome him. However... Now, facing Bochang alone, she felt confident, as long as she remained cautious about the individual orchestrating events behind the scenes. After all, this person effortlessly dragged everyone into distorted space and rendered Bochang''s teleportation ring unusable. Even if not an Emanator themselves, their power must be close to that level. With their capabilities entirely unknown, This posed a significant threat. As Bochang charged forward using the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power level, Stelle remained on the spot to test her teleportation ring, attempting to contact March 7th and escape. There was no response whatsoever. The reason? Obviously, Bochang had disrupted the signal; in reality, Silver Wolf''s distorted space did not inherently block the teleportation ring''s capabilities. Realizing the ring was indeed ineffective, Stelle tightened her grip on the baseball bat. "What do we do now? Can just the two of us defeat Phantylia?" Unconsciously, sweat began to bead on Stelle''s palms. Meanwhile, Bochang engaged with Phantylia. With each thrust of the Vow Spear, it clashed against the small palm-leaf fan, generating bursts of white shockwaves in the air. Despite not being made of metal, Phantylia''s palm-leaf fan effortlessly blocked Bochang''s attacks, swiftly recovering even when pierced through. After three rounds of combat, Phantylia sensed something amiss. "This guy... seems to have become stronger again." Compared to their previous encounter, Bochang''s strength had significantly increased. Now, Phantylia started doubting whether she could swiftly overpower him. "It seems I must proceed cautiously... or perhaps resolve this misunderstanding and make him aware that someone supports him from behind." With a flick of her small palm-leaf fan, a surge of wind and thunder erupted, emitting vibrant indigo-purple light. It forcefully pushed Bochang back several dozen meters before he managed to regain his footing. Phantylia, having created distance between them, began, "First, let''s..." In the next instant... Bochang activated the Dragon Talisman at its third-rated power once more. Flames burst forth beneath his feet, providing immense propulsion as he charged directly towards his opponent. The reactive force caused his skin to tear inch by inch. Fortunately, the Horse Talisman''s healing power swiftly repaired the damage, preventing any significant harm. As Bochang approached, fueled by pain and anger, he unleashed over a hundred fiery spear thrusts, pouring out his fate path energy so intensely it even induced a burning sensation on Phantylia''s skin. He was akin to a miniature sun blazing against her. Phantylia''s intended words were stifled, leaving her discontented. According to the script provided by the Stellaron Hunters: Bochang must not allow Phantylia any chance to explain, as it could negatively impact the awakening of his destiny path related to Stelle. Therefore... Bochang showed no intention of letting her explain. "Damn... he won''t even give me a chance to speak!" Phantylia felt increasingly frustrated. As Bochang closed the distance once more, his spear danced wildly, creating countless indistinguishable fiery thrusts. Phantylia rapidly retreated, swaying her tail to summon a hurricane that lifted her aloft. Riding the wind, she swiftly evaded the spear attacks while unleashing gusts of wind and thunder dragons against him. In response... Bochang effortlessly unleashed fire lotuses, extinguishing them instantly. The glow of flames, crackling of lightning, and howl of wind intertwined, transforming the silent darkness of the distorted space into a cacophony of action. Bochang then tossed out several green leaves, generating multiple phantom clones. These duplicates attacked Phantylia from various directions, each soaring through the air with their spears aimed directly at her. It seemed as though they had been battling for quite some time, but in reality, only mere seconds had passed. Stelle composed herself momentarily before following Bochang''s lead, joining the pursuit. Phantylia continued fighting while retreating. She was not particularly skilled in close-quarters combat, and realizing her opponent had grown stronger, she naturally preferred to maintain distance, employing a kiting strategy. As she moved, Phantylia waved her small palm fan gracefully, her movements akin to dancing, stirring the air around them as if preparing for an even greater storm. Moments later... Multiple tornadoes erupted from the ground, accompanied by flashing thunder dragons. In the intense battle that ensued, Bochang and Phantylia''s figures danced unpredictably in the sky. With each defeated phantom clone visible to the naked eye, it transformed into a withered leaf, only to be shredded instantly by the violent forces. Stelle couldn''t keep up with their speed, nor could she intervene directly in the fight. Instead, she remained on the ground, using her baseball bat to fend off incoming tornadoes and thunder dragons. Even this task exhausted Stelle rapidly. Bochang and Phantylia had disappeared amidst the whirlwind of tornadoes and thunder dragons, becoming completely invisible. "It seems... I can finally unleash my full potential now," Bochang''s eyes gleamed slightly. Indeed, at this moment, Bochang had not yet utilized his complete strength. The hidden power he held was¡ªNudity! The Stellaron Hunter advised Bochang that the best opportunity to feign defeat against Phantylia would be when Stelle couldn''t see them. However, before that moment arrived, Bochang needed to inflict severe damage on Phantylia, ensuring no unexpected complications arose. And now... the opportunity presented itself. Bochang swiftly executed his "One-Second Strip," and all his phantom clones followed suit. With only a fiery cloak covering him, glimpses of indecent areas were faintly visible. Phantylia was momentarily stunned. "Damn... impressive..." "Wait... we''re fighting here, so why is he taking off his clothes?" Phantylia regained her composure, feeling as if her eyes had been tainted. "I understand now; he''s trying to distract me with this tactic. Hmph... underestimating me too much." "As the omnipotent Lord Ravager traversing the universe, there''s nothing I haven''t witnessed." Remaining composed, Phantylia sensed another Invisible Hand grasping at her wind barrier defense... She remarked, "Trivial tricks! As long as it doesn''t involve fire attacks, I needn''t even bother evading." However, moments later... Bochang''s Invisible Hand effortlessly crushed Phantylia''s wind wall defense. Lord Ravager exclaimed, "Huh?" Justice''s Messenger + Big sister Killer + Naked Form. Triple CRIT DMG multiplier x2x2x2. With just one strike from Bochang, the damage would be multiplied by 8. If Phantylia could have dodged, it might not have mattered. No matter how high the damage, missing the target renders it futile. Yet, Phantylia arrogantly chose not to evade, dismissing the Invisible Hand''s power as insignificant and unwilling to waste energy on it. Chapter 250 - 249: Insanity Unleashed Chapter 250 - 249: Insanity UnleashedPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** During their battle, Bochang rarely utilized the Dragon Talisman''s strength, typically reserving its third-rated power for crucial charges. Bochang rarely utilized the Dragon Talisman''s power, typically reserving its third-rated capacity for bursts of speed. After all... He feared accidentally killing Phantylia. This concern was heightened when using Nakadashi, requiring even greater caution. Although Bochang suspected that the force capable of killing Phantylia mentioned by the Stellaron Hunter might be related to the Sheep or Monkey Talismans, it could also potentially involve the Dragon Talisman due to its explosive strength. Naturally, he remained vigilant. At a distance of approximately ten meters, Bochang swung his Vow Spear, dispersing nearby green tornadoes. Several Invisible Hands reached out and grasped Phantylia, who had curled up defensively like a hamster ball. Had she attempted full evasion at this moment, there might have been a chance to escape. Unfortunately, instead, she focused on guarding against Bochang''s further approach. And then... S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. The black-purple Invisible Hands effortlessly tore through Phantylia''s wind wall defense, as if slicing through tofu. "How is this possible..." Phantylia paled with shock, realizing too late that she should flee. But it was already too late, without even needing assistance from the Stellaron Hunter. Bochang swiftly seized control of Phantylia, gripping her limbs, waist, and neck tightly, leaving several finger marks on her fair skin. However... As an Emanator, even under these circumstances, Phantylia still possessed the ability to counterattack. Countless bolts of lightning gathered around Phantylia, transforming her instantly into a massive glowing bulb. The blinding white radiance nearly rendered Bochang temporarily blind, while numerous streaks of lightning coursed through his Invisible Hands. A tingling sensation spread throughout his body, causing discomfort and momentarily freezing his movements. Fortunately, his physique had already been enhanced to 96 times that of an average person. Additionally, the amount of electricity transmitted through the Invisible Hands was relatively low. With the healing power of the Horse Talisman, Bochang effortlessly endured the shock. Neither the Elementary School Card nor the Sacred Shield were needed for this encounter. After this attack, Phantylia appeared weakened, but the swirling tornadoes surrounding them remained formidable. Alongside these tempests, a meandering thunder dragon emitted pulsating purple light, launching fierce assaults towards Bochang. Wind blades and lightning bolts filled the air, charging madly at their enemy. Phantylia attempted to slow him down, hoping to create an opportunity for escape. Despite being struck by lightning, Bochang''s Invisible Hands maintained a tight grip on Lord Ravager, denying any chance of its escape. However... Only three Invisible Hands now clung onto Phantylia, as the previous onslaught had indeed been powerful, severing many of them. Bochang took a deep breath. Before the green tornado and thunder dragon could reach him, Bochang activated the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power once more, swiftly closing the distance to Phantylia and landing a punch squarely on her chest. Her previously robust and resilient body, under the combined force of Bochang''s eightfold strike amplified by the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power, was shattered with just one blow. Blood splattered, some even reaching Bochang''s face but instantly incinerating before contact. "Aaahh!" Phantylia screamed as she flew backward. The initially lethargic Lord Ravager seemed jolted awake by Bochang''s strike. More emerald tornadoes and thunder dragons erupted around them, while a kilometer-wide meteor descended from the sky. It was another colossal object summoned by Phantylia, though notably smaller than the previous one encountered during the battle with Herta and Jing Yuan. This might be due to having exhausted larger meteors earlier or possibly because Phantylia''s weakened state prevented her from summoning anything larger. Stelle looked up at the glowing meteor descending from the sky, feeling utterly helpless. "Damn... Is there nothing I can do? No, I must help Bochang; I have to assist him." At that moment... The steadily falling meteor seemed to encounter an insurmountable barrier, akin to crossing an impassable chasm. Despite futile struggles, it plummeted without making any progress, effectively adding a small sun to this black distorted space. "The Silver Wolf has intervened..." Bochang observed briefly before advancing relentlessly, launching fierce attacks on Phantylia without hesitation. Even when confronted with lightning and wind blades, Bochang shattered them effortlessly with a single punch. Phantylia''s struggles proved ineffective, lasting barely a second. Once again, Bochang stood before the well-informed Lord Ravager. Phantylia''s body harnessed the power of the Artisanship Commission''s Tree of Foundation root system, endowed with abundant vitality. Earlier, Bochang had punched through the soft flesh over her chest, but now, under the Tree''s influence, it had fully regenerated, even regrowing clothing to cover herself securely. Even her clothing regenerated, neatly concealing any exposed areas. Flaming fists struck relentlessly, punch after punch landing on Phantylia. Blood mist erupted from her body, and her dress was torn to shreds. Chunks of flesh were missing here and there, only to swiftly regrow under the residual power of the Tree of Foundation, as if nothing had happened. Bochang thought, "Let''s see how much more Tree of Foundation energy you have left." Currently, due to Xianzhou Luofu''s intervention, the Tree of Foundation had re-entered its withered state. Drawing further strength from it was entirely impossible. In theory, the remaining Tree of Foundation energy within Phantylia should diminish with each use. Of course... The essence of the Tree of Foundation is the Strength of Abundance. Phantylia''s body, fused with both Destruction and Abundance energies, could indeed replenish the Strength of Abundance, albeit not at such an exaggerated rate as before. By observing the speed of Phantylia''s recovery, Bochang gauged her current condition accurately. Regardless, she still had fight left in her. After being briefly suppressed by Bochang, Fueled by her mounting anger, Phantylia resorted to exchanging blows with her fists and small fan. Flames mixed with wind and thunder erupted through the air. The dark distorted space continuously expanded to counteract the intense forces within. On the other side, Silver Wolf, wielding Footprints of Destiny to stabilize the space, couldn''t help but cough out a mouthful of blood. Meanwhile, Stelle continued her arduous struggle amidst the tornadoes and thunder dragons. While these attacks were difficult to harm her, they effectively obstructed her view and split the battlefield into two distinct zones. Bochang and Phantylia engaged in an intense, close-quarters combat. If one limb broke, they used another; if a foot snapped, they switched back to the recovered hand¡ªeven their heads and teeth became weapons. As long as life persisted, so did the battle. Both Bochang and Phantylia suffered multiple fractures, yet due to their exceptional healing abilities, it mattered little. They fought relentlessly from sky to earth, then back up again. Phantylia tenaciously held her own against Bochang, refusing to yield. Neither showed any sign of conceding defeat. At this point, Bochang could only think one word¡ªInsanity. Phantylia indeed preferred not to engage in close combat. However... That didn''t mean she was incapable of it; on the contrary, her melee prowess was formidable. It simply paled in comparison to Lord Ravager''s exceptional long-range offensive capabilities. Chapter 251 - 250: That Was My Lost Youth Chapter 251 - 250: That Was My Lost YouthPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Phantylia had realized that defeating Bochang would be immensely challenging. Without the benefits of Fertility''s Blessing, her body likely would have been shattered long ago by Bochang''s onslaught. She considered swiftly overpowering Stelle on the other side, hoping to use her as leverage against Bochang. Unfortunately, Stelle proved equally resilient. Despite appearing near defeat, she remained steadfast and refused to fall. Phantylia felt increasingly frustrated. She wanted to allocate more power towards attacking the gray-haired girl but feared losing control over Bochang''s strikes. It seemed like they had reached a deadlock. Fortunately for Phantylia, she noticed that Bochang appeared intent on capturing her alive. That''s why Bochang discarded his weapon, opting for direct, close-quarters combat without relying on powerful flames. If Bochang had unleashed his full strength, Phantylia believed that despite her Fertility''s Blessing, she would have been killed outright. Being punched and incinerated to ash are vastly different outcomes. Bochang''s intent to capture Phantylia alive presented her with one last chance. Phantylia exerted all her abilities, even attempting the Golden Cicada Escape maneuver again, but unfortunately, Bochang had already fallen for it once... he wouldn''t be deceived twice. The brutal fist-to-flesh battle continued for over ten minutes. By this point, Phantylia was nearing her limit, growing increasingly desperate as each blow landed. Bochang''s regenerative capabilities were astonishingly strong, seemingly surpassing even Fertility''s Blessing. No matter how fiercely Phantylia inflicted damage, Bochang swiftly healed from every wound. How could she possibly win against such resilience? Trapped between being unable to overcome him and unwilling or unable to flee, Phantylia found herself cornered. If Lord Ravager truly wished to flee, he could have managed it. Since Phantylia successfully summoned the meteorite, it indicated that her teleportation abilities were not blocked within this distorted space. By abandoning her body, she could easily escape. However... Phantylia did not want to relinquish this vessel. Having meticulously planned for so long on Xianzhou, how could she leave defeated and humiliated? The surrounding chaos gradually subsided. Both the tornadoes and thunder dragons began dissipating due to Phantylia''s weakening state. Dazed and overwhelmed, Phantylia thought, "Is fleeing my only option now?" Defeat was inevitable. Continuing the fight would serve no purpose; it was better to depart swiftly. Bochang also recognized that Phantylia was nearing her limit, with her healing rate significantly slowing down. Taking advantage of the lingering turmoil around them, Bochang finally asked, "Where is Tingyun?" "Tingyun...Tingyun... Heh heh... Why don''t you find him yourself, benefactor?" Phantylia remained unwilling to divulge any information. This frustrated Bochang. "Never mind, if she doesn''t want to reveal her intentions, there''s little I can do." With another fiery punch, Bochang deliberately held back some of his strength. He knew that... If he continued striking with full force, Lord Ravager would likely attempt to flee. To prevent this, he needed to instill some confidence in her. The weakened punch landed softly on Phantylia, eliciting only a muffled groan. Quickly repairing her broken right arm, Phantylia countered with a strike to Bochang''s chest. Familiar Wind and Lightning energies surged into him. Intentionally, Bochang neither dodged nor used the Horse Talisman''s magic to heal himself; instead, he threw another punch. It landed feebly on Phantylia, leaving her momentarily stunned. "What''s going on? Why have his attacks suddenly lost their strength? It feels like Bochang isn''t even using his full potential. Why? Wait... Could it be that he employed a highly costly method to temporarily boost his power, hence choosing close combat?" "He''s not relying on fire-breathing techniques not because he wants to capture me alive, but because he can''t use them at the moment... And avoiding his spear is likely to prevent me from noticing something amiss, forcing me to continue engaging." "Bochang definitely wanted to scare me off." "I''ve figured it out!" Phantylia''s spirit surged, and she threw another punch. Bochang made a symbolic attempt to dodge but intentionally failed to evade at the last moment. The fist struck him squarely in the chest. With immense force, the blow caused Bochang pain. After a brief thought, he decided it was time to feign defeat. With a dramatic "ah," he utilized the momentum of the punch to dramatically fly backward. Watching as Bochang crashed through multiple tornadoes and soared hundreds of meters away, Phantylia slowly typed a question mark. "Was my punch that powerful?" S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Hmm... It''s possible that Bochang has reached his limit already." "It seems... I ultimately emerged victorious in this battle. Now, how should I torment them next?" "No, wait. Almost forgot there''s still a mastermind behind all this; we must expose them." In the instant Phantylia "flew" Bochang away, she promptly withdrew her full strength. Within the pitch-black distorted space, the winds subsided. Phantylia looked down haughtily upon the two figures below. Bochang hurtled backwards for a considerable distance before tumbling twice on the ground, with his flames gradually dissipating. The focus was on delivering a convincing performance. Seeing Bochang fall nearby, the gray-haired girl momentarily froze before rushing to his side and helping him up. He lay disheveled in Stelle''s arms, his face pale, appearing half-dead. "Are you okay? Don''t scare me..." Stelle sounded genuinely anxious, unsure of what else to say. "I''m fine..." Bochang managed to respond, forcing himself to cough up blood. At this sight, Stelle nearly burst into tears. "Don''t talk anymore... Just rest... I-I''ll immediately take you to Bailu, she must have a way to help." As Stelle prepared to grab her baseball bat and confront Phantylia, Bochang reached out and stopped her. Initially ready to act, Stelle paused. Gasping for breath, Bochang said, "You can''t defeat Phantylia. Don''t worry about me... Stelle... just run away quickly." "No way! I won''t abandon you!" Stelle''s gaze remained resolute. Phantylia observed them from above, unperturbed. Honestly... The sudden victory was so unexpected that even Phantylia couldn''t believe it. A momentary silence fell over the scene. Phantylia needed to recover her strength and devise a plan against the mastermind behind the scenes; she had no immediate intention of attacking Stelle. After all, the gray-haired girl posed little threat. Following the script from Stellaron Hunters, Bochang should now utter some heartfelt words. Then, he would watch as Stelle charges forward to battle Phantylia. According to the narrative, during this confrontation, Stelle could successfully awaken the Destiny of Protection and potentially defeat the severely wounded Phantylia. This marked the climax of the Stellaron Hunters storyline. However... Before Bochang could speak those romantic lines, the system''s voice interrupted: [Dating Options have been activated.] [Option 1: Follow the Stellaron Hunters script and continue the performance ¡ª Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: These items will...] [Option 2: Before using the Feign Death skill, gaze at the meteorite with a distant look and say, "I remember running under the setting sun that day; it was my lost youth." ¡ª Completion Reward: Capture Phantylia.] Chapter 252 - 251: Under Aeon’s Gaze Chapter 252 - 251: Under Aeon''s GazePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** What should he choose now? Looking at the reward for capturing Phantylia, Bochang fell into indecision. Following the Stellaron Hunter''s script would naturally be the safest option. However... Bochang''s mind was consumed by the prospect of capturing Phantylia. Yet, other concerns lingered, preventing him from making a firm decision. "If I choose to fake death, Stelle will undoubtedly be heartbroken, and she might not awaken her fate path." After pondering for a long time, as the countdown for "Dating Options" began, Bochang ultimately chose the second option. "I guess it''s better to let Stelle endure some hardship." "After all, the temptation of capturing Phantylia is simply too great." Taking a deep breath, Bochang gazed at the meteor emitting golden light in the sky. With a distant look in his eyes, he murmured, "I remember that day, running under the setting sun¡ªit symbolizes my lost youth." He tilted his head slightly, activating the Feign Death skill. Bochang''s vital signs rapidly disappeared. His heartbeat ceased, and his breathing stopped altogether. The gray-haired girl and Phantylia both sensed it clearly. "How could this be?" "No... Don''t... open your eyes yet... Bochang, don''t fall asleep... don''t die..." Stelle''s tears fell like scattered pearls, dripping onto the black-haired youth''s body. Bochang showed no response. After checking multiple times, there was only one conclusion¡ªBochang had died. Her tears gradually ceased. Stelle''s expression turned blank, frozen as if petrified. Phantylia remained motionless as well. Neither of them anticipated that Bochang would simply perish like this, his sacrifice so understated, akin to a single leaf silently falling from a tree. Leaving barely any impact on the world. "A commendable opponent," thought Phantylia, with a hint of pity in her eyes. Bochang indeed fought to the death, succumbing immediately after their battle concluded. Phantylia had encountered such adversaries before, but... Never had anyone, bound by mortal limitations, managed to inflict such damage upon Phantylia, a being of absolute destruction. As a mere mortal, Bochang was the first to inflict such grievous wounds on Phantylia, a Lord Ravager. Sensing the fading life force of his opponent, Phantylia couldn''t help but feel a sense of melancholy. Silver Wolf was equally stunned. She abruptly stood up from her ergonomic chair and exclaimed, "Huh? Dead? How is that possible?" "Could this be one of Elio''s traps..." A daring thought flashed through Silver Wolf''s mind. Using Phantylia to eliminate Bochang... "No... I must confront Elio about this. How could he do such a thing!" Just as she was about to leave... She glanced back at the screen, witnessing the distraught Stelle. "I can''t go yet. Phantylia is weakened now; if Stelle gathers herself and with just a bit of my assistance..." Resigned, Silver Wolf sat down again, muttering, "Besides... besides, why should Bochang''s death affect me?" "So frustrating..." The Silver Wolf''s inner turmoil persisted. Stelle clung tightly to Bochang, remaining silent for a long moment before finally letting go. The gray-haired girl stood up, her voice stern as she declared, "Phantylia... I will kill you to avenge Bochang." "Chuckle... With your limited skills, dear benefactor, I doubt you stand a chance against me... Why not obediently accept your fate? Let me send both of you on your way together, destined to be ill-fated lovers forevermore." Phantylia completely disregarded Stelle''s threat. Had it not been for her severe injuries and the need to remain vigilant against hidden enemies, Phantylia would undoubtedly have taunted Stelle while attacking, pushing her to the brink of mental collapse. This cruelty served to satisfy Phantylia''s pursuit of destructive aesthetics. "If my power were stronger, I could have protected Bochang. If only I were stronger, I could kill Phantylia and avenge her." A fierce flame blazed within Stelle''s heart. Crying or lamenting over Bochang''s death was not what Stelle should do; she knew exactly what action to take. "Phantylia!" With baseball bat in hand, Stelle charged forward fiercely. As the gray-haired girl leaped towards her, Phantylia''s lips curved slightly, saying, "Just another insignificant pest." She gently waved the small palm-leaf fan in her hand. A burst of azure hurricane swept across, sending Stelle flying dozens of meters before barely managing to halt. "My dear benefactor, you don''t even qualify to approach me," Phantylia cooed softly with amusement. Stelle''s body trembled slightly. Phantylia continued, "Bochang''s body isn''t bad; it might make for an excellent Voidranger, or perhaps I''ll use it myself... Who knows, I could infiltrate the Astral Express and surprise The Nameless." "I won''t let you succeed." Summoning strength from her weary body, Stelle launched herself at Phantylia once more. Phantylia repeatedly repelled her, while Stelle persistently charged back each time. After repeating this several times... Phantylia covered her cherry-red lips with a small palm-leaf fan, narrowing her bewitching eyes. She decided it was best not to continue playing along; swiftly ending the battle seemed preferable. Besides, Phantylia had rested sufficiently by now. It was crucial to conserve energy for confronting the mastermind behind the scenes. "Then... time to die, benefactor." Phantylia once again waved her palm-leaf fan. Electric sparks flashed as a purple thunder dragon emerged from the fan, rapidly growing larger against the wind until it became a colossal creature over a hundred meters long within moments. Stelle''s golden eyes remained unflinching, devoid of any emotional disturbance. "I''m...far too weak. Is this where I perish? Dying alongside Bochang might not be so bad..." The thunder dragon descended. Facing such an attack, Stelle had no hope of evading. With all her might, she swung the metal baseball bat. Drawing upon the power of her fate path, she sought to create a miracle. Unfortunately... Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. No miracle occurred. Bathed in lightning, pain surged through Stelle''s mind. In that instant, her thoughts shifted. Yet, Stelle''s thoughts shifted. "I refuse... I can''t die like this. I haven''t taken my revenge yet; I still need to protect Bochang''s body and everyone else... I cannot die!" "..." Her eyes rolled back, and she lost consciousness. Stelle''s unwavering determination caught the attention of two Aeon gods. A mysterious force began pulling her towards an unknown destination. When Stelle opened her eyes again, she found herself standing on a swirling galaxy. There was no one around. Only a knight''s lance, resembling a large sword, was embedded in the ground nearby. "This isn''t the weapon Cocolia used before..." Despite its different color, Stelle was certain it was the same armament the Great Guardian had employed to awaken the Creation Engine. However... The Creation Engine never got a chance to function as Bochang destroyed it with a single blast. An impulse surged within Stelle: Pick it up... Pull it out, pull it out... She took several steps forward. Grasping the lance, a burst of flames suddenly erupted. Shaken, the gray-haired girl released her grip and stumbled back two steps. Then, as if recalling something, Stelle took a deep breath, her gaze steadying. With both hands, she grasped the knight''s spear, or rather, the flame spear. Undeterred by the resurging flames, she exerted all her strength to pull out the flame spear. "Umm... Ahh... Aaaaaah!" The ground concealing the flame spear shattered like glass under Stelle''s forceful tug. With a roar, she wrenched it free. In that instant... Stelle glimpsed the two Aeons: Preservation¡ªQlipoth. The Hunt¡ªLan. They stood on either side, silently observing her. As her eyes opened again, the gray-haired girl found herself back in the dark distorted space, kneeling with the flame spear in hand. Chapter 253 - 252: Flame Spear, Charge! Chapter 253 - 252: Flame Spear, Charge!Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** A flicker of surprise crossed Phantylia''s eyes. Just moments ago, Stelle seemed utterly defeated, but now she appeared fully revitalized, as if restored to full health. Phantylia sensed a massive surge in the life force energy within the gray-haired girl, increasing several-fold¡ªor even more. "What is happening?" "One after another, they''re all bursting with newfound power..." Phantylia struggled to maintain composure. Standing tall, Stelle pointed her flame spear at Lord Ravager. Her long gray hair began to sway without any breeze. Without uttering a word, she charged forward. Floating above, Phantylia waved her small palm-leaf fan. A green hurricane surged forth, its powerful gusts felt like countless tiny knives slicing across one''s face. With a sweeping motion, Stelle split the green hurricane in two using her flame spear. The unleashed flames stretched and danced freely through the air. The remaining winds merely caused Stelle''s clothing to rustle futilely. Phantylia''s attack continued as multiple thunder dragons circled high overhead, their proud heads held aloft. Torrential lightning descended, creating a despair-inducing storm of falling bolts. Within this tempest, Stelle skillfully maneuvered, evading bolt after bolt of lightning. Realizing that Stelle was closing the gap, Phantylia aimed to maintain distance and soared backward on the wind. However... Despite flying relentlessly, Phantylia found not only had she failed to increase the separation but was actually drawing closer to Stelle. In the figure before her, Phantylia saw echoes of Bochang¡ªan unsettling shadow that lingered persistently. "With my current condition, if I die again, this body will truly be beyond repair. No... she can''t get any closer; I must maintain a safe distance." Phantylia had suffered immensely from Bochang''s onslaught earlier. Now, only her right arm could freely move, and her legs were also impaired. Her internal reserves of Strength of Fertility were nearly depleted. Within a short span, Phantylia knew her severe injuries would not heal, and her weakened state was even more persistent. Facing Stelle''s sudden surge in power, with both weakness and serious injury hindering her, Phantylia dared not engage in close combat. Self-awareness is invaluable. From the moment Phantylia witnessed Stelle''s burst, she understood the strategy she needed to employ. Gritting her teeth, she focused more energy on flight. If she could just stall for a bit longer... until her condition improved slightly, she believed her superior strength might still allow her to overpower Stelle. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. However... Phantylia suddenly realized that she seemed to have been hovering in place all along. Like the meteor hovering above, she persisted. "Oh no, it''s that unseen force again! Curse it... What kind of bizarre abilities is this?" By the time Phantylia realized what was happening, it was too late. She crossed beyond the zone of falling lightning. Stelle, unsure why Phantylia retreated slightly and then froze, saw it as an opportunity-a favorable one for her, being primarily a close-quarters combatant. Nothing irked Stelle more than enemies kiting her around. Unlike Bochang with his array of peculiar abilities, if she couldn''t catch up to an opponent, she would be left vulnerable, forced to endure blows from afar. As they neared each other, Stelle halted, gently swung her flame spear, causing flames to dance at its tip. The surge of newfound power from her fate path resonated intensely. Upon acquiring this weapon, Stelle instinctively mastered new skills without any formal training, as if enlightened by an Adeptus'' touch. In that moment, memories of Bochang flooded back, his laughter still vivid in her mind, reigniting her fury. With feet ablaze, Stelle charged forward, her voice ringing clear: "Flame Spear, Charge!" Two points connected, forming a blazing trail of fire. Stelle on one side, Phantylia on the other. The charging gray-haired girl transformed into a fiery meteor, trailed by countless glowing embers behind her. In almost no time, Stelle closed the distance between them and reached Phantylia. With ease, her flame spear pierced through the enemy''s chest, dragging her down from the sky to the ground. "Boom!" Stelle impaled Phantylia firmly onto the black earth, causing a pillar of flames to erupt upward with them at its center. Phantylia''s eyes widened as she felt life rapidly fading from this body, consumed by raging flames. Filled with anger and frustration, she couldn''t believe that she would be defeated by such a young girl who seemed insignificant, just like a mere insect. Both Stelle and Phantylia were engulfed within the towering inferno. However... This was Stelle''s power, so it caused her no harm whatsoever. Only Phantylia suffered, her body turning charred and gradually crumbling into ash¡ªan unstoppable process. Stelle glared at her unemotionally, driven solely by the desire for revenge. Phantylia knew what Stelle was thinking. Before this body could be completely consumed by flames, Phantylia forced a smile and said, "Benefactor, your strength is indeed commendable. However, I''ve merely lost one of my hastily crafted physical forms. Since you''ve destroyed my vessel, allow me to take over Bochang''s body for our final confrontation." With those words, Phantylia''s body turned to ash amidst the burning flames. Yet, the green flame swiftly flew towards Bochang''s form. During their battle, both Stelle and Phantylia had intentionally avoided harming Bochang. This was to prevent any damage to his body. Of course... Even if they hadn''t avoided him, Silver Wolf would have intervened to protect Bochang, ensuring no harm came to him. After regaining some composure, Silver Wolf suddenly felt that Bochang''s death seemed suspicious. He hadn''t even used his life-saving item yet. Just like that, he died? The more Silver Wolf pondered, the more it appeared off, suspecting Bochang might be up to something peculiar, given his penchant for unusual antics. Could he have just died like that? The more Silver Wolf pondered, the stranger it seemed. He felt convinced that Bochang was up to some trickery, given his penchant for peculiar actions. Realizing this, Silver Wolf would not allow Bochang''s body to be harmed under any circumstances. Even if there were residual effects from their battle, the hacker girl had intercepted them all, ensuring Bochang remained completely unscathed. Phantylia''s actions startled both Stelle and Silver Wolf. They couldn''t simply watch as she darted towards Bochang. "Stop running!" Stelle shouted while chasing after Phantylia, attempting to jab her with the flame spear simultaneously. However, it proved futile; Stelle could not keep pace, and Phantylia showed no intention of stopping. Silver Wolf tried to immobilize the blue flame entity but found it ineffective. Transformed into blue flames, Phantylia seemed to exist on a different dimension, rendering most conventional methods powerless against her. "Is there any way...?" Silver Wolf frantically tapped away at the keyboard, searching for a method to restrain Phantylia. They sought a method to restrain Phantylia, but unfortunately, time was too short¡ªit was already too late. Under the watchful eyes of Stelle and Silver Wolf, Phantylia approached Bochang''s body and swiftly dove into it without any hesitation. The fresh corpse had just perished, and with a touch of Phantylia''s power, she could immediately control this new vessel. "A suspected dragon''s physical form should not disappoint me," thought Phantylia. The process of possession seemed routine at first. However... Once inside, Phantylia realized something was amiss. Chapter 254 - 253: Sheep Talisman, Young Man Chapter 254 - 253: Sheep Talisman, Young ManPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Pretending to be dead felt quite peculiar. Bochang closed his eyes, needing neither thoughts nor actions; he seemed to drift into a world of utter darkness and nothingness. Unable to see, hear, or feel anything. "Is this what it feels like when someone dies? How terrifying... Indeed, being immortal is preferable." Following the system''s prompt, Bochang did not cancel the Feign Death skill and simply waited patiently. Bochang didn''t cancel the Feign Death skill; he simply waited patiently. As his impatience began to grow... Finally... In this solitary world where only Bochang existed, another visitor arrived¡ªa blue flame, within which seemed to reveal a graceful humanoid figure. Perhaps due to their differing perspectives, they perceived different scenes. Phantylia rudely intruded without warning. Bochang was delighted to see her. However... Phantylia might not be as pleased to encounter Bochang, feeling like she had stumbled upon something uncanny. "Didn''t you already die?" Phantylia''s face paled with shock. Realizing that Bochang wasn''t dead, she suspected it could be a trap. Without hesitation, she turned to flee¡ªan instinctively prudent reaction. "Now that you''re here, why run away?" Bochang merely formed the thought of controlling Phantylia in his mind. Surprisingly, Lord Ravager halted immediately. After all, they were now within Bochang''s body, and as an outsider, Phantylia found herself at a disadvantage... She had only dared to seize control believing him dead. Had she known Bochang faked his demise, Phantylia would have undoubtedly fled immediately. A hasty retreat might have been better than being trapped inside Bochang''s body now. "I advise you to let me go; otherwise, I won''t make it easy for you either," Phantylia threatened even at this point. "Care to try your luck?" Bochang responded. "I certainly won''t let you leave so easily, Phantylia." As one of Lord Ravager''s Emanators, capturing her alive seemed far more intriguing than simply releasing her. Moreover, with her apprehended, there was no need to worry about extracting Tingyun''s whereabouts. However... Phantylia remained defiantly stubborn. Bochang felt the task ahead was arduous and long. "What exactly does the system mean by ''capture'' Phantylia... Should I use the Monkey Talisman or the Sheep Talisman?" Bochang wasn''t sure. Considering Phantylia is already within his body, the Monkey Talisman could be temporarily ruled out. For now, let''s use the Sheep Talisman. Despite his body remaining in a state of feigned death, Bochang''s mind remained active, and he could freely harness the talisman''s power. Just as he prepared to invoke the Sheep Talisman, Phantylia unexpectedly broke free from his confinement. Lord Ravager truly lived up to her name. Even after enduring relentless blows, she still had strength left to resist. Azure flames surged forth, rapidly expanding within Bochang''s spiritual realm until they engulfed everything, transforming it into an all-consuming sea of blue fire. Bochang distinctly saw a figure amidst the flames, closely resembling Phantylia from the Land of the Tree of Foundation... Perhaps this too was her own fabrication. Her delicate features now bore a menacing expression, yet there was a hint of cruel allure. "Since my benefactor wishes for death so fervently, I shall grant you a glimpse of my true might." The azure flames roared ferociously, even causing Bochang to feel their searing heat. Phantylia was engaging in a life-or-death struggle. After all... Once entering someone else''s spiritual world, there were only three ways to depart: First, forcibly exit by one''s own means. Second, obtain the target''s consent. Third, kill the target. Bochang''s strength is formidable, and he would never agree to such possession, eliminating options one and two outright. For Phantylia, killing Bochang is the only way to escape this situation. Of course... If Phantylia were to kill Bochang here, she wouldn''t need to leave; instead, she could directly possess his body, achieving her initial goal. However, whether it would succeed remains uncertain. In any case... Phantylia charges forward. Bochang, having barely explored the Sheep Talisman''s capabilities, simply unleashes its power ahead of him. A powerful blast of magic forms a towering green beam. It engulfs Phantylia head-on, eliciting a blood-curdling scream that echoes throughout the area. Phantylia collapses, her once-aggressive charge now replaced by utter disarray. The previously expansive blue flames shrink into a small, contained mass. Within it, the figure lies motionless. "So easily defeated? The Sheep Talisman''s magic indeed has potent effects on spiritual entities, but unfortunately, when used directly, I must physically touch my target..." As the intensity of battles escalates, engaging in close combat becomes increasingly challenging. Engaging enemies in close combat was becoming increasingly challenging. The ability to overpower Phantylia in hand-to-hand combat was solely due to Bochang''s superior strength, allowing him to dictate the course of their fight. Against opponents with similar or greater capabilities, it wouldn''t be so straightforward. Phantylia, barely hanging on, struggled and asked, "What kind of... technique is this?" "Want to learn it? I''ll teach you," Bochang couldn''t resist replying. Phantylia felt immense pain engulfing her entire body. Moments later, she lost consciousness, her blue flames flickering as if about to extinguish at any instant. Observing this, Bochang cautiously nurtured them with the Sheep Talisman''s magic. To his surprise, it worked. The once wavering blue flames stabilized and even began showing signs of intensifying. Thus, Bochang enveloped the blue flames with the Sheep Talisman''s magic, both aiding Phantylia''s recovery and preventing her from suddenly attacking. The system''s voice chimed in: [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations on successfully capturing Phantylia.] "Such obvious things don''t need to be reminded!" Bochang muttered inwardly. He canceled his feigned death state. As soon as he opened his eyes, he saw a sharp flame spear descending towards him. Instinctively, Bochang tilted his head aside, narrowly avoiding the spear''s attack. "Calm down! Stelle, it''s me, Bochang! I''m not dead." Stelle responded coldly, "Phantylia, get out of Bochang''s body, quickly!" Just moments ago... Stelle had witnessed Phantylia seamlessly merging into Bochang''s body. There was no way she could now trust "Bochang''s" words; she hadn''t forgotten how Phantylia once impersonated Tingyun convincingly, even fooling close friends like Bailu and Shinobu. This demonstrated Phantylia''s exceptional mimicry skills, possibly including the ability to extract memories, allowing for such flawless deception. "It''s really me, Stelle. I''ve already captured Phantylia. If you don''t believe me, watch this¡ªI can still use the Invisible Hand..." As Bochang spoke, he used the Invisible Hand to grab Stelle. With practiced ease, he began teasing her subtly. Feeling incredulous, Stelle''s cheeks flushed slightly as she vigorously swung her flame spear, severing the Invisible Hand. She swiftly leaped backward. Narrowing her eyes, Stelle said, "No... I still can''t believe it." The gray-haired girl remained highly cautious. Bochang sat up, gazing at Stelle, who had distanced herself and now pointed the flame spear at him, clearly bewildered. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "How do I prove that I''m myself? Need help ASAP!" Chapter 255 - 254: Proving Innocence Chapter 255 - 254: Proving InnocencePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Witnessing Phantylia merge into Bochang''s body, Stelle felt despair creeping in. All she could do was stand nearby with her flame spear, uncertain whether to strike or not. To be honest, her rational mind kept warning her: Pierce Bochang''s chest with the flame spear to prevent Phantylia from desecrating his corpse. But... Stelle didn''t want to harm Bochang''s body; even when he opened his eyes, the gray-haired girl only resorted to threats, hoping to drive away Phantylia. The current "Bochang" claimed to be himself, but Stelle couldn''t bring herself to trust him. She had checked multiple times earlier¡ª Bochang''s heart had ceased beating entirely. How could he still be alive? "Why aren''t the options popping up yet?!" Facing this situation, Bochang felt quite troubled, unsure of how to explain himself. After some careful thought... He suddenly remembered possessing an item that could prove his innocence. "Stelle, haven''t you forgotten about my Super Flashlight? Shine it on my body, and you''ll know for sure if I''m truly myself or not." The flashlight was currently stored in his pouch. Taking it out would be effortless. Stelle pondered briefly before saying, "We can give it a try... Don''t move." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. With that, the gray-haired girl swiftly turned to search through the clothes Bochang had shed earlier. After all, during his rapid undressing, the storage pouch... had already been discarded. As Stelle stepped away, she kept looking back at Bochang, vigilantly watching him to prevent "Phantylia" from escaping or launching a surprise attack. Under Stelle''s gaze filled with disdain, Bochang felt strangely perplexed. Normally, she wouldn''t look at him with such an expression. "Such a cute Stelle..." Bochang sat motionless, completely bare. Stelle found her clothes and rummaged through the pouch until she located the ultra-bright flashlight. According to its description, this item could dispel illusions and reveal the true shadows of living beings. Initially, Bochang had used this very artifact to expose Phantylia''s presence. With one hand holding the ultra-bright flashlight and the other gripping the flame spear, Stelle approached Bochang again. She switched on the flashlight. The blinding white light flooded over him. Behind Bochang, a black silhouette appeared. However... At the head of the shadow, faintly visible were flickering flames, similar to Phantylia''s. Tightening her grip on the flame spear, Stelle asked, "Take a look yourself, what do you see?" Bochang turned around. As he saw the shadow cast from his head resembling burning flames, realization dawned upon him. After all, Lord Ravager now resided within his body. "Let me explain, Stelle. Since Phantylia is still in my mind, wait... I''ll try to extract her," said Bochang. After speaking, Bochang attempted to harness the power of the Sheep Talisman, trying to expel the azure flame from his mind. He tried several times before succeeding. The strength of the Sheep Talisman gathered in his hands, and an azure flame leaped forth from his palms, akin to igniting a gas stove. However, this blue flame possessed no heat whatsoever. Bochang glanced back at his shadow once more. The flickering, dancing flames around his head had indeed vanished, leaving his shadow normal again. "See that? This is Phantylia. The arrogant Lord Ravager has been brought to the brink of death by me." A slight smile curved Bochang''s lips. Although Stelle felt somewhat reassured, she remained puzzled. "Is this really true?" "Stelle, if you still doubt it, we can go see General Jing Yuan or Miss Herta. As Emanators, they would likely detect any deception by Phantylia, especially if prepared for it." Bochang extinguished the azure flame. Stelle pondered for a moment before looking up and saying, "No need." With those words... The gray-haired girl discarded her flame spear and rushed into Bochang''s embrace. Having witnessed the test with the super flashlight, Stelle was already partially convinced. Additionally, she couldn''t believe Bochang would perish so easily, leading to the scene unfolding before them. Holding her tenderly, Bochang gently stroked Stelle''s hair. "Sob...I''m so scared, I was terrified you might die." "It''s alright...it''s okay, Stelle. I just felt exhausted and fell asleep for a moment." Bochang felt a pang of concern. The gray-haired girl choked back tears, her sobs dampening Bochang''s chest. After comforting her with gentle words, Bochang lifted Stelle''s chin and shared a deep kiss with her. The sight made Silver Wolf cover its eyes. A moment later... Lying in Bochang''s arms, Stelle asked, "How do we leave this place?" "We''ve defeated Phantylia, so this realm should collapse on its own soon..." Bochang glanced around, "But first, let me get dressed; I don''t want to end up falling out naked." Earlier, Stelle had only brought the super flashlight with her, not their clothes or pouches. Now, Bochang would have to make another quick trip. With the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power, his speed was incredibly fast. However, each use left him with excruciating pain, causing his eyes to turn red¡ªa significant drawback of this power level. This was the biggest drawback of using the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power. Hastily getting dressed, Bochang then explored further into this distorted space with Stelle. Soon... A shimmering portal opened. Realizing that Silver Wolf had granted them passage, Bochang took Stelle''s hand, and together they stepped through the portal. Instantly, they reappeared at their previous departure point. "So... Silver Wolf, you did it on purpose last time, didn''t you!" Bochang internally grumbled. The last time he exited this distorted space, Silver Wolf mischievously dropped him onto March 7th''s bed, causing her to notice a lingering scent of another woman on him. Thankfully, after a thorough search, she found no conclusive evidence. Otherwise... Considering March 7th''s penchant for stirring up trouble, Bochang silently shook his head. "What should we do now?" Stelle asked. "Head to the Seat of Divine Foresight," Bochang replied straightforwardly. Stelle furrowed her brow slightly. "Why go there? I believe you''re genuine." After their brief interaction, Stelle once again affirmed her trust in him. "I understand... By going to the Seat of Divine Foresight now, we want General Jing Yuan to know that we''ve captured Phantylia. After all, she is an Emanator of Destruction, and I''m unsure how to handle this situation. Our only option is to seek advice from General Jing Yuan." Bochang shrugged slightly. A look of realization crossed Stelle''s face. "Oh... So that''s why! Let''s hurry and set off then." The gray-haired girl proactively took Bochang''s hand. As for exploring the Artisanship Commission, browsing technological constructs, it was now completely unimportant. Bochang and Stelle stepped onto the gray stone pavement, emerging from the alleyway. Unaware of the recent battle, the people at the Artisanship Commission continued their post-disaster reconstruction work. As Bochang followed Stelle''s lead, his phone suddenly rang. Discreetly checking it, he found a message from the hacker girl: Silver Wolf: The script called for Stelle to defeat Phantylia and awaken her Destiny of Preservation. Silver Wolf: Don''t you realize what you''ve done? Reading this message, Bochang could only manage an awkward yet polite smile. Chapter 256 - 255: Backup Hidden Energy Source Chapter 256 - 255: Backup Hidden Energy SourcePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** In the original plot of "Stellaron Hunters," Stelle was meant to defeat Phantylia, forcing her departure from Xianzhou Luofu. However, now Bochang had captured Lord Ravager instead. Moreover, Stelle not only awakened the Destiny of Preservation but also developed a strong desire for revenge, triggering her Hunting Fate Path¡ªan unexpected double achievement. Silver Wolf couldn''t predict if this would have adverse effects on future storylines. Regardless, concerning weapons related to The Hunt, the preparations by the Stellaron Hunters were rendered obsolete as the gray-haired girl prematurely awakened her fate path. Silver Wolf felt somewhat exasperated over these developments. As Bochang finished reading the messages, each one sent by the hacker girl automatically disappeared without leaving any trace on his phone¡ªa remarkably convenient feature. After pondering briefly, Bochang replied, "I didn''t kill Phantylia." Silver Wolf paused, speechless. With that response, even the conversation window vanished entirely. It seemed Silver Wolf no longer wished to engage with Bochang at that moment. Still holding hands, Bochang and Stelle walked towards the port. Suddenly, the gray-haired girl asked, "Speaking of... what exactly happened just now?" "What do you mean?" Bochang responded with a question. "You said you just took a nap, but it felt like you truly died for a moment¡ªno heartbeat, no breathing," Stelle remarked. "What happened there? Bochang, I''m quite curious." "Ah, I''m not entirely sure myself," Bochang replied vaguely. He couldn''t exactly reveal that he had intentionally feigned death, so he chose to brush it off. Stelle sensed Bochang''s reluctance to discuss the matter and didn''t press further. Soon, they arrived at the Seat of Divine Foresight aboard the star ferry. Jing Yuan, who had been informed beforehand, prepared tea and refreshments, welcoming them in a quaint little courtyard. It was adorned with various unnamed flowers and plants, creating a serene atmosphere at first glance. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang and Stelle sat at a small table, enjoying pastries and afternoon tea. Just moments earlier, Bochang had taken the barely alive Phantylia within him out for a brief spin, providing her with a thorough explanation to ensure the cloud-mounted general understood the situation fully. Jing Yuan lifted his teacup, taking a sip before saying, "I hadn''t anticipated that Phantylia would still be on Xianzhou Luofu, let alone...that my brother Bochang would manage to capture her. Quite unexpected..." "Just pure luck, really," Bochang responded with a smile, glancing at the gray-haired girl across from him. "Without Stelle''s help, I wouldn''t have been able to catch Phantylia as she tried to escape." Jing Yuan shook his head. "Brother Bochang, there''s no need for modesty. Now then... what do you plan to do with Phantylia?" "That is precisely my current dilemma." Bochang looked at Jing Yuan, whose expression remained gentle¡ªthe Blindfold General always bore a faint smile on his face, even with eyes closed. "General Jing Yuan, being well-traveled and knowledgeable, surely knows how to handle Phantylia." "Hmm... If Xianzhou Luofu captures Phantylia, the options are either to kill it or incorporate it into a technological construct as a source of power. I''m uncertain which method you intend to use," Jing Yuan offered two choices. Either kill Phantylia... Or integrate it into a technological construct as a power source. "Are those the only two options?" Bochang asked. Stelle silently sipped her tea, showing no intention of joining the conversation. "Yes, typically, these are the only two methods." Jing Yuan set down his teacup, squinting slightly. "However..." he paused, "If you''re daring enough, there''s another approach, but... it does carry some risk." Bochang refrained from interrupting. Jing Yuan continued, "By retaining Phantylia within your body as a power source, you could effectively add another Emanator as backup energy, significantly enhancing your capabilities." Phantylia was a Destruction Emanator. Coincidentally, Bochang had also unlocked the Destruction Fate Path. By keeping her within his body, he could fully harness and utilize Phantylia''s fate power. In the past, individuals from Xianzhou formed agreements with energy entities known as Sui Yang, mutually aiding each other. This practice provided ample experience, ensuring it wasn''t merely conjecture. "I didn''t realize such methods existed," Bochang remarked, intrigued. "Xianzhou has previously undertaken similar endeavors," explained Jing Yuan, "so they have well-established protocols for this approach. If you decide to proceed, Brother Bochang, visit Minister Fu at the Divination Commission. She can assist in placing restrictions on Phantylia." "However... considering Phantylia is inherently tied to Destruction, I cannot guarantee against unforeseen complications." He paused briefly before concluding, "Overall, Brother Bochang, my recommendation remains to eliminate Phantylia to avoid future risks." General Jing Yuan spoke these words decisively. Bochang fell silent for a moment. "General Jing Yuan, I''ve carefully considered your suggestions. Killing Phantylia would be too wasteful, so I''ve decided...to retain her within me and extract her power for my own use." "Since you''ve made your decision, Brother Bochang, I''ll promptly notify Minister Fu to prepare accordingly." Jing Yuan nodded with a smile. Stelle placed down her teacup, concern evident in her voice, "Bochang, isn''t that somewhat risky?" Jing Yuan responded, "Indeed, whether integrating Phantylia into a technological construct or retaining her within oneself, there will always be risks if she isn''t eliminated outright." After all... Phantylia was indeed exceptionally powerful; her strength had left a deep impression on him. It seemed that Bochang and Stelle had just happened upon her weakened state this time, allowing them to successfully capture her. Engaging Lord Ravager at full power versus during her vulnerability made a significant difference. Of course... Jing Yuan did not underestimate Bochang and Stelle''s capabilities. The fact that they managed to apprehend Phantylia demonstrated their competence. Bochang agreed, "General Jing Yuan is right. Moreover, keeping Phantylia confined within me might be even safer, as she cannot escape from my body." Honestly, Jing Yuan didn''t believe it was safer to keep Phantylia inside himself. He felt transferring her to a technological construct would be more secure. Ideally, eliminating her outright would be best. Unfortunately, it was Bochang who captured Phantylia, not Xianzhou Luofu. Jing Yuan lacked any grounds for intervention. Furthermore, Bochang had assisted Xianzhou Luofu in capturing Phantylia hidden within the Artisanship Commission, which constituted a significant contribution. Any interference from Jing Yuan could be perceived as ingratitude or repaying kindness with ungratefulness. Having made his decision, Bochang and Stelle had no intention to linger at the Seat of Divine Foresight for long. After enjoying some pastries and tea, they bid their farewells and departed. They embarked on the star ferry, hastening towards the Divination Commission to find Fu Xuan. Jing Yuan did not accompany them as he saw them off; instead, he remained seated, leisurely sipping his tea while gazing at the blue sky dotted with clouds. A moment later... Jing Yuan sighed, "Truly, heroes emerge from youth. Just who is Bochang''s true background? Come to think of it... this seems to be the second time Phantylia has suffered defeat at his hands." Phantylia had faced two consecutive setbacks: First, her disguised identity was exposed. Second, she was directly captured, now relegated to serving as an energy source within Bochang''s body indefinitely. The thought alone elicited a profound sense of melancholy. "It appears...the Xianzhou Alliance must foster a good relationship with the Astral Express," Jing Yuan mused, chin resting in his hand. "Should we send someone aboard? But whom should we choose?" Reflecting the serene beauty of the courtyard in his eyes, Jing Yuan weighed his options internally. Meanwhile... Bochang received another message from Silver Wolf. Chapter 257 - 256: Running Under the Setting Sun Chapter 257 - 256: Running Under the Setting SunPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Silver Wolf: Elio said if you keep Phantylia with you, something very unfortunate might happen. Silver Wolf: My advice is to discard her promptly. Silver Wolf: If anything goes wrong, the Stellaron Hunters won''t clean up after you. Think carefully about your decision. That''s all for now, goodbye. Seated on the star ferry heading towards the Divination Commission, Bochang glanced at the rapidly appearing messages on his phone. They surfaced swiftly and disappeared just as quickly. "Something very unfortunate..." Bochang looked out the window. The setting sun cast its golden hue upon the fluffy clouds outside, dyeing them with a brilliant shimmer. At that moment, the system joined in, adding to the mix: [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Follow Silver Wolf''s advice and release Phantylia - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Persist stubbornly and turn Phantylia into your personal possession - Completion Reward: Unknown peril.] As these two options suddenly appeared before him, Bochang fell deep into thought. Bochang fell deep into thought. "It''s impossible to avoid all dangers." Some risks were simply unavoidable. Bochang was well aware of this; otherwise, he wouldn''t have been ambushed by Blade or suffered Phantylia''s punch that shattered his famed blade. "Phantylia... After finally obtaining her, how could I let her go? Besides, the reward for Option One seems quite ordinary." Bochang took a deep breath and resolutely chose the second option. Immediately, he would transform Phantylia into RBQ¡ªno wait...a personal item. The system responded swiftly, almost instantaneously after Bochang made his decision, with its neutral notification tone: [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have received Unknown Danger.] "Unknown danger... What could it be? Surely not another Lord Ravager seeking revenge on her behalf?" Bochang tapped his fingertips lightly against the chair. If confronted by a Lord Ravager without any precise countermeasures, Bochang wasn''t certain if they could overcome this challenge. Stelle asked curiously, "Bochang... Earlier, you mentioned remembering a run under the setting sun. What did you mean by that? Have you ever run at sunset before? How did it feel? Should we give it a try later?" The gray-haired girl spoke rapidly in one breath. The sun was just beginning to set. If they wanted to experience a run under the setting sun, now would be the perfect time. Stelle had too many questions, leaving Bochang momentarily unsure how to respond. "Hmm... Did I really say that? My memory''s a bit hazy, but... If Stelle wants to try it, I''ll accompany you." Bochang gently took Stelle''s small hand. To truly explain it would be quite difficult; better to employ the art of feigning amnesia. This tactic proved effective as always. Stelle leaned her body towards Bochang, resting her head on his shoulder. With parted red lips, she said, "Let''s give it a try then... Perhaps we might remember something more." Shortly thereafter, Bochang and Stelle arrived at the Divination Commission aboard the star ferry. Fu Xuan, having received prior notice, was already waiting there with Qingque at the port. Given that Phantylia was sealed within Bochang''s body, it was entirely reasonable for Fu Xuan to personally greet them. Moreover, surrounding their star ferry were guards from the Cloud Knights, including Brave Guard Yanqing. Initially, Fu Xuan had planned for Bochang to use his teleportation ring directly to reach the Divination Commission, as he possessed one himself. However, Bochang and Stelle insisted on taking the star ferry to enjoy the scenery. Unable to dissuade them, Fu Xuan reluctantly agreed, gritting her teeth. As Bochang and Stelle emerged hand-in-hand from the star ferry, both Fu Xuan and Qingque''s expressions subtly shifted. They had never seen Bochang and Stelle so intimately close before; something seemed to have occurred between them. Nevertheless, this held little relevance for Qingque and Fu Xuan, who remained unconcerned. Their primary focus now was to properly manage the restrictions on Bochang, ensuring Phantylia could not escape and cause further harm. "Bochang, time is of the essence, so let us skip formalities," Fu Xuan said calmly, her tone slightly urging him along. "Please accompany us to the Matrix of Prescience immediately." Bochang knew Fu Xuan disapproved of wasting time, but he still insisted, "I understand Master Diviner''s urgency, but please bear with me for a moment. Stelle and I have something important to do." "What is it?" Fu Xuan frowned slightly. "Earlier, I promised Stelle that we would run together under the setting sun..." Bochang replied. [Dating Option activated.] Option 1: Invite Fu Xuan and Qingque to join, saying, "Master Diviner, Qingque, would you like to come along?" - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of reward will... Option 2: Ignore Fu Xuan and Qingque - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At Belobog Administrative District''s Central Plaza fountain, you can use one Praise of High Morals to retrieve a treasure from the fountain once. Note: This type of reward will... Praise of High Morals versus random items. Currently, Jim Rogers Bread-Flavored Soda was the only available item capable of replenishing stamina, making it valuable to Bochang. And if he wanted to obtain this soda, Bochang could only retrieve items by spending Praises of High Morals. This meant that Praises of High Morals actually had some value. However... For reasons unknown, Bochang wasn''t particularly fond of Praises of High Morals. Compared to those, he preferred drawing random items. Thus, the choice was clear. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang opted for the first option. "Master Diviner, Qingque, would you like to join us?" Bochang extended an invitation. Fu Xuan momentarily paused, then sighed softly and said, "Sorry, Bochang, this venerable one doesn''t have time to indulge in such childish games. Not to sound harsh... but can''t you be slightly more mature?" "That''s right, Master Diviner is correct," Qingque chimed in from behind. Being rejected was not unexpected. Just as Bochang considered whether to continue persuading them... An unforeseen event occurred. Fu Xuan continued, "Fine, if you truly wish to run under the setting sun, this venerable one will allow Qingque to accompany you." The smile vanished instantly from the mahjong girl''s face; she couldn''t understand why she suddenly found herself caught in the crossfire. ["Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received an item: Golden Apple. Consuming it will grant you a random BUFF."] "New items... seems intriguing, but I dare not eat them randomly," Bochang silently shook his head. A random BUFF¡ªwho knows what kind it could be? If it''s something peculiar and unexpected, that would only lead to trouble. In any case... It seemed destined for the trash bin. Initially planning to persuade Fu Xuan, Bochang reconsidered after hearing the system''s announcement. After all, the mission was already completed. Further persuasion would likely prove futile and exhausting, as Fu Xuan probably wouldn''t agree¡ªgiven her rather serious demeanor. Despite her cute appearance, which undermined her full authority, she remained steadfast. Seizing the moment, Bochang gently placed his hand on Mahjong Girl''s shoulder and smiled, "Then it''s settled, let''s proceed." Chapter 258 - 257: Initiating the Matrix of Prescience Chapter 258 - 257: Initiating the Matrix of PresciencePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Wait... Wh-what?! I haven''t agreed yet!" Qingque exclaimed. Undeterred, Bochang grabbed Stelle and Mahjong Girl, swiftly running away without hesitation. The trio sprinted towards the setting sun, their efforts leaving trails of youthful sweat behind. Watching their retreating figures, Fu Xuan couldn''t help but gently rest her forehead in her hand, murmuring, "Phantylia''s reputation is now truly ruined." Following such an unreliable individual, Phantylia''s standing, if not destroyed now, would inevitably crumble sooner or later¡ªit was just a matter of time. The run began swiftly and ended just as quickly. Soon, Bochang and Stelle returned to the entrance of the Divination Commission with Qingque, who had accompanied them throughout. Fu Xuan, patiently waiting, asked, "How do you feel now? Are we ready for the Matrix of Prescience?" "Absolutely, I''m already content. How about you, Stelle?" Bochang turned to the gray-haired girl beside him, and she nodded, saying, "Though it didn''t feel particularly special, being able to jog alongside Bochang... makes me very happy." This experience added another shared memory between them. Naturally, Stelle was delighted. However, the panting Mahjong Girl wasn''t quite as pleased and couldn''t resist complaining, "If it''s just running, that''s fine; I can handle it. But why did you two have to sprint so fast? Huff... It''s been ages since I''ve exercised this much. My legs are almost trembling!" Bent over with her hands on her knees, the Mahjong Girl wore a visibly displeased expression. Bochang smiled and replied, "With Master Diviner awaiting us here, of course we needed to hurry." "It seems the diviners of the Divination Commission could benefit from more physical exercise," Fu Xuan observed, glancing at Qingque. Qingque momentarily caught her breath and instantly straightened up. With a flushed face, she insisted stubbornly, "No problem, Master Diviner, I''m perfectly fine. This little jog is a piece of cake for the diviners of the Divination Commission." Qingque quickly straightened up, her cheeks flushed red. Firmly, she said, "I''m fine, Master Diviner. It''s just a minor run for us diviners at the Divination Commission, hardly any trouble at all." "Ah... that''s good to hear..." Fu Xuan responded with a warm smile. Bochang and Stelle exchanged glances. For some inexplicable reason, they suddenly found Fu Xuan somewhat intimidating, as if he had become distant and unfamiliar. The brief incident concluded. Bochang, Qingque, and Stelle entered the Divination Commission through its main gate. As time passed, the once nearly deserted Divination Commission now bustled with many diviners¡ªa stark contrast from when Bochang and his companions first arrived. During the outbreak of the Stellaron Disaster, most diviners fled, leaving only a few stalwarts struggling to hold on within the commission. In comparison, the situation at the Artisanship Commission was far better. Rumor has it, even when the Tree of Foundation tore the earth apart, many individuals there chose not to leave. Indeed, no harm without comparison... S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Wait... perhaps it''s because the Artisanship Commission frequently causes mishaps, so people have grown accustomed to staying despite the risks, hence... Upon reflection, Bochang suddenly felt that both scenarios were equally undesirable, with little difference between them. The journey proceeded mostly in silence. Bochang and his companions arrived directly at the Matrix of Prescience, where Fu Xuan would now add a layer of restrictions to Phantylia within him, essentially constructing a grand sealing array. This measure was crucial to prevent Lord Ravager from usurping control in the future. "Please step into the center of the Matrix of Prescience, Bochang," Fu Xuan said solemnly. "This venerable one will activate the array to help seal Phantylia." Although the Master Diviner had performed similar tasks before, this... Sealing a Lord Ravager was truly unprecedented. If accomplished successfully, it would undoubtedly leave a profound mark on Fu Xuan''s record. Come on, sealing a Lord Ravager? How incredibly impressive is that? Fu Xuan believed even history books millennia from now would bear her name, whether openly or in secret archives, ensuring her legacy for eternity. At the very least, many would remember the tale of a Diviner named Fu Xuan who aided an outsider in sealing the Lord Ravager¡ªPhantylia. "It seems this venerable one is one step closer to becoming a General." Fu Xuan''s lips curved slightly upward. Bochang nodded towards Stelle and then walked alone to the center of the Matrix of Prescience. Visible to the naked eye, the circular formation''s ground was adorned with intricate patterns, interspersed with various enigmatic objects embedded within. Glancing around, Bochang felt overwhelmed and decided not to scrutinize it further. "Come to think of it... as the possessor of the master key, could I also activate the Matrix of Prescience? This thing appears quite intriguing." The entire existence of the Divination Commission could be attributed to the Matrix of Prescience, underscoring its immense importance. While Bochang''s mind swirled with curious thoughts, Fu Xuan performed a series of hand seals at her chest, activating the Matrix of Prescience. Instantaneously, the Jade Abacuses on the ground came alive. A shimmering pink array emerged, engraved with trigrams from the I Ching and hexagrams rotating in different directions. Above them, rows of celestial bodies representing the cosmic cycle appeared and abruptly vanished. Standing at the center, Bochang felt a surge of mysterious energy enveloping his body, effortlessly lifting him off the ground. "Thinking back... The Matrix of Prescience was originally intended for Kafka. Who would''ve thought that after its repair, I''d be the first to test it instead of her," Bochang muttered inwardly as he floated in mid-air. Around him, various-sized rings, both large and small, continuously spun. As the array''s activation continued, Bochang sensed an increasing flow of mystical energy surging into his body. Before long, Bochang entered a trance-like state. During Fu Xuan''s process to seal Phantylia, Bochang didn''t need to do much; he simply had to remain calm, refrain from resisting, and cooperate fully. Closing his eyes, Bochang''s consciousness entered the spiritual realm. Once a world of pure emptiness, it now transformed into a vibrant and colorful landscape. This change could be attributed to both Phantylia''s influence and the effect of the Matrix of Prescience. At the very center stood the azure flames representing Phantylia. Not only were they encased by a layer of enchanting blue magic from the Sheep Talisman, A series of stars, arranged in peculiar formations, gradually approached Phantylia. Some even resembled insects burrowing into her body. As if sensing danger, Phantylia awakened, and her azure flames intensified dramatically. Her once beautiful face instantly contorted with malice. "What do you think you''re doing? No...you can''t treat me like this! Bastards, I am an Emanator of Destruction! If you dare harm me, Lord Nanook will not spare you!" "Hmph... Phantylia, the Xianzhou Alliance has already resolved to seek vengeance against Destruction. Do you truly believe such threats still hold sway over us? How naive. Your current state only brings amusement." Fu Xuan''s voice echoed within Bochang''s spiritual world. Bochang quietly observed their verbal exchange, showing no intention of intervening. The barely alive Phantylia could not resist Fu Xuan''s onslaught, bolstered by the Matrix of Prescience. One after another, the array formations penetrated deep within Phantylia''s body. Chapter 259 - 258: Hope You Don’t Underestimate Me Chapter 259 - 258: Hope You Don''t Underestimate MePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Phantylia screamed pitifully for nearly fifteen minutes before finally subsiding. Fu Xuan''s voice echoed from afar. "Done, Bochang. I''ve placed restrictions on Phantylia, allowing you to effortlessly draw upon her fate path power without any resistance from her." "You can even punish her if needed." "However... Phantylia''s strength is extraordinary. I recommend visiting the Divination Commission every six months for me to personally reinforce the seals, preventing Lord Ravager from breaking free." A great array cannot be set once and left permanently effective; it requires regular reinforcement and inspection. After all, Phantylia was an Emanator. If she were merely an ordinary energy entity, such extensive measures wouldn''t have been necessary. "I understand, Master Diviner," Bochang responded. "I have one more request, though. Is it possible for you to delve into Phantylia''s mind and locate Tingyun?" "This... I fear it might be challenging. Having just deployed the great array, this venerable one feels somewhat drained. Phantylia''s condition is also severely weakened and cannot sustain further exertion. Let us postpone this matter for now," Fu Xuan declined. Bochang felt slightly disappointed. "Alright, we''ll wait a bit longer." "Could Tingyun already be dead..." The thought crept into Bochang''s mind despite his efforts to suppress it. Soon, Bochang sensed the power of the Matrix of Prescience gradually fading from within him, indicating that Fu Xuan was departing. His gaze returned to the blue flame, where Phantylia lay exhausted after being forcibly awakened during her slumber. Bochang spoke directly, without preamble. "Phantylia, from now on, I am your master. I hope you understand your place." "Just because you say so... But what does ''master'' mean?" Despite Phantylia''s vast knowledge, she had never heard this term before. Bochang explained, "It means owner, a dialect term from our homeland. It''s understandable if you''re unfamiliar with it." "Heh heh... you wish! My master is Lord Nanook alone." Phantylia mustered her strength to glare at Bochang. Within the spiritual realm, Bochang now possessed a soul body as well. "No matter how stubborn you may be, it''s futile, Phantylia. You can''t escape anymore. From now on, obediently serve under me. If you disobey, I won''t hesitate to teach you a proper lesson." With these words, Phantylia fell silent, her condition rapidly deteriorating. Just a few more torments, and she feared she might truly perish. "If only I had known Bochang was still alive, I should have left immediately back then." Had Phantylia chosen to flee, no one could have stopped her; not even Stelle had the capability to do so. Given the situation now, Phantylia could only swallow her pride and endure. As long as she remained alive, there was always hope. Her survival instinct was exceptionally strong. "Where is Tingyun?" Bochang seized the opportunity while his opponent was conscious to ask again. Fu Xuan couldn''t intervene effectively at this moment, leaving Bochang to handle the interrogation himself. Frustrated, Phantylia retorted, "Tingyun, Tingyun... all you care about is Tingyun! What''s so special between you two? That girl... probably isn''t even as close to you as I am." "Ah? It doesn''t matter if we''re not close; caring for foxes is everyone''s responsibility," Bochang replied firmly. Phantylia sneered, "I bet you just lust after her body." "You''re merely a captive now. Why be so arrogant? Watch out, or I might subject you to severe punishment." Bochang glared sternly. Phantylia''s tone softened slightly. "Fine then... If you release me, I''ll tell you where Tingyun is. Deal?" "No deal." Bochang rejected the offer without hesitation. Given how far things had progressed, there was no way he could let Phantylia go. All their previous efforts would have been futile, wouldn''t they? Moreover, none of the others would agree to releasing her either. "Well, then you won''t know Tingyun''s whereabouts. Go find her yourself, benefactor..." Phantylia drawled dramatically. Bochang frowned and warned, "Aren''t you afraid I''ll kill you?" "If you intended to kill me, there would have been no need for such elaborate sealing measures. Heh heh, dear benefactor... I can hear your every scheme crystal clear." "I could still punish you." "Feel free to try if you''re not afraid of losing this humble maiden forever," Phantylia replied with a sense of resignation, as if she had nothing left to lose. After pressing her further without any response from Lord Ravager, Bochang finally gave up and departed. Stelle was waiting outside... Bochang couldn''t afford to waste more time on this matter. As soon as Bochang left, Phantylia peacefully slipped back into unconsciousness. When his eyes opened again, Bochang found himself cradled in Stelle''s arms, enveloped by her gentle fragrance, which brought him immense tranquility. "You''re awake." Stelle gently caressed his cheek. He responded, "Yes... I spent some extra time conversing with Phantylia just now." Once within the spiritual realm, Bochang lost most sensations related to his physical body. This posed quite a dilemma. It seemed that whenever entering the spiritual world in the future, having someone nearby to safeguard him would be essential. "Fortunately... even without entering the spiritual world, I can communicate with Phantylia and effortlessly draw upon her power." Bochang extended a finger, and instantly, a spark of electricity danced across it. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This was Phantylia''s strength, now readily accessible to Bochang at will¡ªaside from his innate Fire attribute. With this addition, he gained capabilities in Wind, Lightning, and Imaginary elements. Worth noting is that... once Phantylia fully recovers, Bochang could briefly attain Emanator-level power solely relying on Lord Ravager. However... such an opportunity might present itself only once. If during Bochang''s full utilization of Phantylia''s power, she interferes, it would accelerate the damage to the great array, potentially allowing Lord Ravager to escape. Unless they reach a mutual understanding, which seems highly unlikely, making it almost unworthy of consideration for Bochang. "Phantylia... let''s not talk about her now. Should we head back?" Stelle quietly met Bochang''s gaze before sitting up and looking around. "Where did Master Diviner and Qingque go?" Bochang asked. "They''ve already left; apparently, there were some matters to attend to at the Divination Commission," Stelle replied, tucking loose strands of hair behind her ear. With Fu Xuan overseeing the vast Divination Commission, it was unsurprising that she would be busy. Bochang helped Stelle stand up. "Well then, let''s head back to Yichen Inn. Considering the time, March and the others should be returning soon." Stelle dusted off her short skirt and whispered softly, "Mm...let''s go." At Yichen Inn. As Bochang and Stelle stepped through the entrance, they immediately bumped into March 7th and her group. The pink-haired girl stared at them, puzzled. "Bochang... Stelle? What''s going on with you two?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Tell the truth: "We had nothing else to do, so I took a stroll outside with Stelle..." - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Attempt to lie: "I just happened to run into Stelle while out wandering." - Completion Reward: Threefold Creepy Stare. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 3: Use Steal on March 7th - Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Booty Bag.] Chapter 260 - 259: Night Raid Chapter 260 - 259: Night RaidPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** This time, there was no real choice to be made. Bochang opted for Option 1 straight away. "We had nothing else to do, so I took a stroll outside with Stelle..." [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! You have received the item "I Love A Dog," which can trigger the reproductive instincts of females.] "Trigger reproductive instincts? Isn''t that some kind of aphrodisiac?" Bochang fell silent. The system truly had an abundance of peculiar items! Returning to their story, after spending considerable time at the Divination Commission with Stelle, Bochang found it was already quite late by the time they reached the inn. The moon had slowly risen overhead. Now, March 7th, Bailu, Serval, and others were gathered in the main hall of Yichen Inn, seemingly engaged in something unknown. "Really? When did you guys go out?" March 7th asked, looking puzzled. "In the afternoon," Bochang replied. "We visited the Artisanship Commission." "If I had known Bochang would be going out today, this miss should''ve accompanied you." Bailu placed her hands on her hips, her slender light purple dragon tail swaying back and forth behind her. A few days earlier, the Shimo Binding Lock used to seal her powers broke, leaving her tail bare for several days. Now, she sported a new one. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang glanced briefly at her tail. "And then at the Artisanship Commission, we encountered Phantylia..." From the Artisanship to the Divination Commission, Bochang recounted everything related to Phantylia without any intention of hiding it, sharing all the details with everyone present. Upon hearing this, March 7th exclaimed, "What?! Stelle has hidden powers too? Let me see your flame spear quickly." The pink-haired girl seemed more intrigued by Stelle''s new weapon than concerned about Phantylia. Since the flame spear was somewhat conspicuous, it had been stored in Bochang''s pouch for safekeeping. Instead, Stelle carried her black metallic baseball bat as her primary weapon. Then... March 7th snatched Bochang''s pouch, rummaged through it briefly, and finally pulled out Stelle''s flame spear. "Wow, that''s so cool!" she praised, holding the spear with both hands. Ignoring the pink-haired girl, Bochang turned his attention to Welt Yang and Dan Heng, who appeared hesitant. "Uncle Yang, Dan Heng... is there something you''d like to say?" They exchanged glances. Dan Heng subtly nodded, indicating for Welt Yang to speak first. "Hmm... Bochang, is it truly safe to have Phantylia sealed within you? Honestly, I don''t believe keeping the Lord Ravager inside your body is a wise decision; it might lead to complications." Welt Yang spread his hands. When he heard that Bochang had sealed Phantylia within himself, Welt Yang''s eyes widened in surprise. Dan Heng also displayed a look of agreement. Only after Bochang reassured them multiple times did the two finally ease their concerns. To be fair, with the great sealing array activated and bolstered by the power of the Sheep Talisman, Bochang believed Phantylia had virtually no chance of escape. Unless someone from outside intervened, she wouldn''t stand a hope of breaking free. After some conversation, Bochang learned why Welt Yang, Dan Heng, and others were gathered in the first-floor hall. It turned out March 7th spontaneously decided to hear everyone''s updates on what they''d been doing today, leading them all to congregate there. Coincidentally, just as March 7th mentioned Stelle and Bochang going missing, the duo returned. "Oh, so that''s how it is... I thought something serious must have happened for everyone to assemble like this..." Bochang shrugged. Dan Heng spoke up, "Based on what''s been shared so far, the most significant event today was probably you and Stelle capturing Phantylia." Everyone else had engaged in minor tasks or skirmishes. For instance... Serval and Bailu performed street acts together. Welt Yang and March 7th handled a Realm-Keeping Commission mission, investigating suspects potentially linked to the Stellaron Crisis. Their search led them to Luocha, but ultimately yielded no results. Dan Heng tackled the Poetic Robot''s quest assignments. As for Bochang and He Xing, well, they inadvertently captured Lord Ravager¡ªPhantylia. By this time, everyone had already finished dinner. So after some casual conversation... The group gradually dispersed. As Bochang opened his room door, Bailu attempted to sneak inside. However, just as she took a small step forward, March 7th grabbed her by the collar and unceremoniously dragged her away. "What are you doing...?" The crisp voice of the young dragon girl echoed through the air. Watching March 7th depart, Bochang couldn''t shake the feeling that she deliberately ignored him moments ago. "Is it because she saw me leaving with Stelle and got jealous? Although...it doesn''t seem too serious yet." Bochang gently shook his head. If it were more severe, the Dating Options system would have likely addressed it; it wouldn''t ignore such matters. "Just another exhausting day. Time to get some proper rest, hoping the Silver Wolf won''t disturb me tonight," Bochang muttered to himself as he closed the door behind him. He then proceeded to freshen up in the bathroom attached to his room. After changing into a white bathrobe, Bochang lay down on the soft, large bed and slowly closed his eyes, reflecting on everything that had occurred during the day. "It''s already my fourth day aboard Xianzhou Luofu." "The Stellaron Hunter threat is neutralized, and I''ve captured Phantylia as well." "Now, there shouldn''t be any immediate issues. It''s time to enjoy a peaceful life, just like back in Belobog." Bochang turned over in bed. Having absorbed excessive Footprints of Destiny earlier, he decided not to absorb any more for a while, to avoid destabilizing his foundation and risking wasteful consequences. "As for this last Footprint of Destiny, should I give it to Serval or not..." He pondered. Stelle definitely didn''t need it, given her recent awakening of two new Life Paths. Mastering these newfound powers was enough for now. Having just awakened two new fate paths, it would be impressive enough for Bochang to master these newfound powers. For now, there was no immediate need to enhance them further with Footprints of Destiny. As Bochang pondered, a wave of exhaustion washed over him, slowly lulling him into slumber. The clock on the wall ticked steadily. Soon, dawn approached. March 7th tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. She glanced at the dragon girl sleeping beside her, contemplated briefly, and finally climbed out cautiously, tiptoeing towards the door while frequently checking if Bailu had woken up. Perhaps due to their exhilarating day playing together, the young dragon slept deeply, showing no signs of stirring. Taking advantage of this... March 7th opened the door and stepped into the hallway, her thoughts tangled as she struggled with what to do next. "Should I go to Bochang''s room? No, no... Why would I even consider that?" The pink-haired girl halted. Still feeling discontent about being left out when Bochang went out with Stelle, March 7th grumbled inwardly. "But seriously, what''s going on between Bochang and Stelle? I really want to know..." "Should I ask Stelle instead? She would definitely tell me the truth." Despite these thoughts... March 7th''s body obediently moved towards Bochang''s room. Even passing by Stelle''s door, she didn''t hesitate for a moment, continuing straight ahead. Chapter 261 - 260: Electric Eye Pressure Chapter 261 - 260: Electric Eye PressurePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting its shimmering light to illuminate the tranquil night. March 7th gently pushed open Bochang''s bedroom door. She then slowly closed it, ensuring minimal sound escaped. Without turning on the lights, March 7th relied on the faint moonlight streaming through the window, cautiously stepping forward until she quickly reached the bedside. The subtle noises could not escape Bochang''s keen ears; startled from his sleep, he instantly opened his eyes. There stood the pink-haired girl silently beside his bed. The corner of Bochang''s eye twitched as he asked, "March? Didn''t I lock the door? How did you get in?" "Not your concern," March 7th replied evasively. Bochang didn''t dwell on it. "Alright... so what brings you here?" S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Can''t I just come see your room without any reason?" March 7th countered, adopting a confrontational demeanor. [Dating Option activated.] [Option 1: Assure her with confidence, "Of course." - Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Booty.] [Option Two: Firmly deny by saying, "Of course not." - Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Booty.] [Option Three: Lift the quilt and invite, "March, since you''re already here... why don''t we sleep together?" - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option Four: Overpower March 7th - Completion Reward: March 7th''s Big Booty.] The appearance of these options momentarily stunned Bochang. Regardless of affirming or denying, or even overpowering her, all would lead to getting beaten up. His only viable choice was Option Three. I understand now; March 7th is here to cause trouble. I must take control and not let her dictate the situation. Option Three. Having made his decision, Bochang lifted the quilt and invited, "March, since you''re already here... why don''t we sleep together?" "Ah? That...that doesn''t seem quite right." March 7th was taken aback by this unexpected hospitality, her prepared speech evaporating instantly. Bochang continued, "We''ve shared a bed multiple times before, so what''s there to worry about? Come on." "I''m definitely not afraid," March 7th declared, placing one hand on her hip, but her confidence wavered slightly. The pink-haired girl wore only a thin white nightgown, her cheeks slightly flushed, and a faint glow emanated from her entire body, captivating attention effortlessly. Bochang gently patted the empty space beside him, gesturing for March 7th to join him on the bed. After hesitating for a few seconds, she obediently climbed onto the bed and lay down next to Bochang. "She actually came up..." Bochang''s heart raced with excitement. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have received the item ''Yogurt'', just an ordinary box of yogurt.] Ignoring the system''s voice, Bochang turned on his side, focusing all his attention on March 7th. The lovely maiden lay flat on her back, clutching the blanket tightly with both hands, eyes firmly closed. From her breathing alone, it was clear that March 7th was equally nervous. This was their first time sleeping together alone, without Stelle or Bailu present during previous instances. But now... It was just Bochang and March 7th. The atmosphere suddenly became charged with subtle tension. Bochang silently gazed at the pink-haired girl, savoring this moment of tranquility. Even simply observing her, he found it unexpectedly enjoyable. "Don''t be nervous, March 7th, remember why you''re here." Taking several deep breaths. March 7th slowly opened her eyes. Bochang thought to himself, "This time, it''s undoubtedly about Stelle again. How should I explain this?" [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Embrace March 7th and say, "March... having trouble sleeping? Let me hold you." - Completion Reward: Random Skill.] [Option 2: Do nothing - Completion Reward: A Big Booty from March 7th.] [Option 3: Overpower March 7th - Completion Reward: A Big Booty from March 7th.] "It seems there''s no need for explanations after all..." "Option 1." There was hardly any hesitation needed. With his decision made, as soon as March 7th slightly parted her lips, Bochang swiftly wrapped his arms around her, placing one foot over hers, and said, "March... can''t sleep? Then let me hold you." He gently embraced March 7th with one arm around her waist. Bochang leaned closer, inching towards her. Initially intending to speak, March 7th''s mind went blank, making conversation impossible; her body stiffened like a wooden doll, yet remained softly yielding beneath Bochang''s touch. "He''s...he''s holding me now. What is he going to do next?" March 7th remained motionless, seemingly tacitly accepting Bochang''s actions. The intimate atmosphere intensified further. Even the room''s temperature seemed to rise significantly, making both feel inexplicably parched and restless. [Reward distribution in progress - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Electric Seductive Gaze''. When activated, any creature meeting your gaze will enter a state of arousal.] "Just when I thought it was some aphrodisiac...now it turns out to be a human-form aphrodisiac!" Bochang''s breath momentarily hitched. March 7th, still dazed, clutched tightly onto the blanket as she felt his large hands gently grasp her waist, causing her cheeks to flush even more deeply. However, Bochang made no further advances. As time passed... March 7th gradually regained her composure and muttered, "You''re such a scoundrel." "I''m not a scoundrel; I''m just a good guy," Bochang replied, leaving March 7th speechless and unsure what to say next. After a moment... "Tell me honestly, are you already dating Stelle?" "Hmm..." Bochang didn''t lie. Hearing this response, March 7th felt a sudden tightness in her chest. "You scoundrel," she repeated. Bochang said nothing, merely continuing to hold the pink-haired girl without any intention of letting go. March 7th gazed at the ceiling, her tone filled with resentment. "Couldn''t you have just lied to me?" "For something like this... I don''t think lying is appropriate; eventually, you would see through it anyway." The system showed no signs of intervening. Left on his own, Bochang hoped he wouldn''t inadvertently step on any emotional landmines. "You''re right... So, everything you said before, was all lies?" March 7th''s gaze seemed to grow distant and vacant. Bochang noticed this clearly. "What exactly did I say?" Bochang couldn''t recall, but he also couldn''t ask March 7th for clarification, so he simply replied, "No, I didn''t lie to you." Under normal circumstances, Bochang refrained from deceiving others. "You heartless jerk." A hint of sobbing crept into March 7th''s voice. With his free hand, Bochang gently stroked her pink hair, comforting her, "Alright, alright, I''m a heartless jerk." Just as he finished speaking, March 7th turned around, pushed Bochang away, and straddled him at the waist. Leaning over, she pinned him down and whispered into his ear, exhaling softly, "Then I''ll be a heartless jerk too." Chapter 262 - 261: Minor Incident Chapter 262 - 261: Minor IncidentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** What had been a peaceful night sky suddenly erupted with thunder. Lightning danced wildly across the heavens, resembling silver snakes writhing amidst chaos. Torrential rain poured down, striking the ground forcefully and splashing droplets everywhere, creating an incessant, irritating cacophony. Trees swayed violently in the storm, while flowers and grass were battered, unable to stand upright against the onslaught. "Rumble!" The brilliant lightning momentarily turned the dark night as bright as day, illuminating the entire Central Starskiff Haven. Startled, Stelle bolted upright and caught her breath. Gazing at the window rattling fiercely from the wind, she murmured, "What a torrential rain..." As she spoke... Stelle placed her hand on her chest, feeling inexplicably suffocated. It was as if something ominous was unfolding. "I can''t sleep..." She slipped on her shoes, stood up, and walked to the window. The restless gray-haired girl peered outside at the pouring rain, a faint sense of unease lingering within her. Raindrops fell like scattered pearls, striking the roof with dull echoes. "Bochang...are you sleeping well now? Have you woken up like me?" A ripple of concern surfaced in Stelle''s golden eyes. Meanwhile, across town... A blanket had slipped off the bed, lying unnoticed on the floor. With each thunderclap, Bochang struggled, pleading, "March... March, calm down." But his words left no impact on the pink-haired girl''s heart; she continued to press him down firmly. Their clothes became increasingly disheveled, revealing glimpses of intimate moments indoors. "Sorry, I can''t calm down." March 7th lifted her head, gazing at him with hazy eyes and said, "Don''t bother struggling, Bochang... It''s useless. Just obediently yield to me." This sudden torrential rain served as the perfect cover. Regardless of how loud March 7th and Bochang became in the room, their sounds would be drowned out by the rain and thunder, ensuring little would escape unnoticed. Bochang was certain he hadn''t used Watahatachi or Electric Eye Coercion on the pink-haired girl. How did the situation escalate like this? "So... what exactly is happening now? Mmmf..." The kiss, youthful and tinged with bittersweetness. March 7th clumsily sought everything she desired. Unlike Stelle, who had been assertive, the pink-haired girl was hesitant and passive. "She''s really giving it her all..." Bochang observed March 7th, completely taken aback by her actions. He found himself utterly clueless about what to do next. The "Dating Options" interface showed no sign of appearing. Bochang remained passive yet not rejecting, caught in this state. Time slowly passed without any change in the situation. ---A----Harmonious----Line----Dividing----The----Text--- Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Night deepened further. The torrential rain persisted unabated, with all pedestrians long vanished from the streets. Only flowers, trees, and shrubs stood solitary amidst the lanes, while the once bustling public square had transformed into a watery paradise. Inside Yichen Inn, lights shone brightly. Bochang couldn''t tell how long he and March 7th had been intimately engaged. In any case... An abrupt cell phone ringtone interrupted their moment. March 7th sat up, gazing at Bochang''s phone placed beside the bed. Her Xianzhou-style nightgown had slipped down to her waist. Lying beneath her, Bochang enjoyed an unobstructed view of the enticing scenery. "Someone sent me a message..." Bochang reached for his phone, but March 7th stopped him, saying, "Ignore those trivial matters, let''s continue." As she spoke... March 7th grabbed Bochang''s hand and placed it back on her waist. The pink-haired girl once again leaned over him. Bochang''s mouth was swiftly covered anew. "March... seems to really enjoy this position, although I prefer being on top," Bochang murmured to himself. If he had picked up his phone at that moment, he would have seen the bright messages on the screen: Stelle: Bochang, are you asleep? What are you doing...? Stelle: I miss you. Stelle: If you''re not asleep yet, can I come over? These messages were destined to go unanswered. Waiting for a long time without any response, Stelle assumed Bochang must be asleep. With a sense of unease, she drifted back into slumber, the sound of rain gradually soothing her troubled heart as peace washed over her. The next morning... Bochang opened his eyes and glanced at the sleeping pink-haired girl beside him. He couldn''t help but press his forehead gently, thinking, "Now... this seems to have become somewhat complicated." Due to March 7th''s initiative, Bochang found himself passively engaging in various activities. As a result, he gained a deeper understanding of the pink-haired girl''s body. For instance... March 7th preferred Bochang holding her waist. "Well, let''s cross that bridge when we come to it. It''s best to take things one step at a time..." Last night, Bochang didn''t resist; he allowed March 7th, who had extensively studied these matters, to lead the way. They didn''t go all the way to the final act. Instead, they utilized other means. --- A --- H --- A --- R --- M --- O --- N --- I --- O --- U --- S --- D --- I --- V --- I --- D --- E --- R --- "March, wake up quickly, no more sleep." Bochang nudged the peacefully slumbering pink-haired girl. March 7th rubbed her eyes and mumbled, "So early in the morning... What do you want... Wait, why... Oh..." Initially tense, March 7th suddenly relaxed as she remembered something. Bochang gently shook his head. "You''re not pretending like nothing happened, are you?" March 7th sat up, looking directly into Bochang''s eyes and said, "Don''t worry, I''ll take responsibility for you." "Shouldn''t that line be from me instead?" Bochang was slightly bewildered by March 7th''s thought process. With flushed cheeks, she held the blanket tightly around her body to prevent any indecent exposure. It seemed... As if March 7th was barely managing to hold herself together; perhaps she was embarrassingly overwhelmed at this moment. Her mind must have been in utter chaos, leading her to say such words. The pink-haired girl lowered her head and murmured, "I need to get dressed and go back now." "Hmm... then go ahead and dress yourself." "Turn around first." "We''ve already gone this far, do I really need to turn around? March...you..." Annoyed, March 7th gently pushed Bochang away, saying, "Just turn around when I ask, it''s not the same during the day... with you watching, I feel incredibly shy." "Alright, alright, March, I''ll listen to you." Bochang sighed and turned his back. Hearing the rustling sounds behind him, Bochang''s heart stirred once more, involuntarily recalling the blissful moments from the previous night. March 7th finished dressing and stepped off the bed. Her slender, beautiful legs brushed past him as she turned to look at Bochang and whispered, "What happened last night is our secret between the two of us. You''d better not tell anyone about it." Upon hearing this, Bochang slowly typed out a question mark, feeling overwhelmed with words yet unsure where to begin. Chapter 263 - 262: Hard to Change One’s Nature Chapter 263 - 262: Hard to Change One''s NaturePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "That line should be mine!" Bochang couldn''t help but roll his eyes. March 7th merely hummed softly and said, "I''m leaving now, see you later." Taking advantage of everyone still being asleep, March 7th casually exited Bochang''s room. The composed pink-haired girl, once outside, immediately lost her cool. She hastily returned to her own room, closed the door, sat down on a chair, leaned over onto the table, and felt utterly flustered. "Ugh... I can''t believe I did something like that in the heat of the moment... So embarrassing..." March 7th felt she might lose all face among others. Bailu, lying sideways, lazily opened her eyes and asked, "March... what are you doing, slumped over the table?" "N-nothing." March 7th shook her head nervously. Did Bailu notice that I wasn''t in my room last night? No, no, no... she probably didn''t, or she would have made a fuss already. The little dragon girl observed March 7th''s expression, momentarily puzzled. However... Bailu didn''t dwell on it too much. Meanwhile, Bochang still found it hard to believe that March 7th had so brazenly taken advantage of him; it felt almost surreal, like a dream. He gently slapped his cheeks. Bochang muttered, "I never expected such boldness from March." "It seems she''s been holding back for quite some time. Seeing me with Stelle yesterday probably triggered her, and that''s why..." Previously, it was always Bochang teasing March 7th. Now experiencing the tables turned felt surprisingly enjoyable, leaving Bochang wanting more. At this moment... Bochang picked up his phone and noticed the message Stelle had sent him last night. After a few silent seconds, suppressing his emotions, he typed: "Hey Stelle, are you awake yet?" "How come you were up so late last night...?" "Were you having trouble sleeping?" While replying, Bochang intentionally avoided certain questions. Shortly after, Stelle responded: "Just woke up. I didn''t stay up late; the thunder startled me awake, so I wanted to ask you..." "I wasn''t actually insomnia-ridden, don''t worry." "Oh, I see... Want to have breakfast together?" "Sure." "In that case, I''ll come find you." With that exchange concluded, Bochang put away his phone, got up to change clothes, and Xinggen did likewise. Almost simultaneously, they both stepped out of their rooms. They exchanged smiles. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang remained composed, his face unflushed and heart steady. "Good morning," he greeted warmly. Stelle got straight to the point, "Bochang, should we invite everyone else for breakfast together?" "Breakfast? Count me in!" March 7th opened her room door and stepped out. Behind the pink-haired girl followed Bailu, still half-asleep and rubbing her eyes. Noticing them, Stelle amicably greeted, "Morning, March and Bailu... Did you hear the heavy rain and thunder last night?" "Yes, we did." March 7th nodded. For some reason, Bochang felt that the pink-haired girl''s expression seemed slightly unnatural. Am I overthinking it? Quickly changing the subject, Bochang suggested, "Let''s wake up the others then." As they conversed, Serval, Dan Heng, and the rest emerged one by one. Together, they ventured out for a delicious breakfast. And afterward... It was yet another day of separate missions. Bochang decided to stay back and rest at home. March 7th, on the other hand, whisked away both Stelle and Bailu, claiming they would embark on tasks together. Bochang understood well. March 7th merely wanted to prevent Stelle from pulling any more diversionary tactics, secretly seeking alone time with him. Watching everyone depart, Bochang returned alone to Yichen Inn. In the first-floor lobby, only a foxfolk server was leisurely cleaning. Ignoring the scene, Bochang ascended to the second floor and woke Pascal, the robot squatting in a corner. "Master, how may I assist you?" The tall grizzly bear robot spoke with an electronic tone. Over time, Pascal''s intelligence had significantly improved. Now, unlike before, it no longer paused for long intervals while speaking. Bochang instructed, "Follow me inside. If anyone comes looking for me, tell them I''m very busy and ensure no strangers approach me." "Command received, Pascal initiating execution..." Under Bochang''s guidance, the massive robot entered the room. Next, Bochang sat cross-legged on the bed, sinking his consciousness into the spiritual world where he saw the blue flame. Phantylia''s condition appeared much better than before. However... There were still no signs of her regaining consciousness. This was evident to Bochang. Phantylia''s injuries were severe, leaving her unconscious. Allowing her to recover naturally could take an unimaginable amount of time. Therefore, Bochang decided to intervene personally. Using the power of the Sheep Talisman, he aimed to nourish Phantylia''s "body" and hasten her recovery. Watching as the blue flame gradually consumed the magic power from the green Sheep Talisman, growing steadily larger, Bochang felt like he was feeding a small creature. "Why do I suddenly have this sense of accomplishment?" Bochang muttered to himself. The Sheep Talisman continuously supplied its magic, with Phantylia acting like a bottomless pit, voraciously absorbing it all. Time passed from morning into noon. After several hours of nurturing, Phantylia showed no signs of spontaneous awakening. Unless there was a strong external stimulus, it seemed unlikely that this Lord Ravager would wake up anytime soon... Bochang had no intention of forcefully rousing her either. Instead, he continued to nourish the flame. Inside the room, noticing Bochang''s immobility, Sophia curiously emerged from Pascal''s body and called out a few times. Realizing Bochang remained completely unresponsive... Sophia climbed onto the bed and slowly ascended along his clothing until she reached her destination. Perched on his shoulder, Sophia thought, "No matter what I do now, he won''t react, will he?" With this mischievous idea, Sophia grinned slyly. After what felt like enough time had passed, Bochang opened his eyes to find Pascal, the robot, dutifully guarding nearby. Sophia, no longer on Pascal, was now perched atop Bochang''s shoulder. Realizing he had awakened, Sophia attempted to flee but was swiftly caught by Bochang. "What are you doing crawling onto my shoulder?" With one hand, Bochang firmly grasped the foul-mouthed Sophia, bringing her face-to-face with him. Their eyes locked in a glaring contest. Struggling, Sophia retorted, "Don''t...don''t hold your princess like this! It''s incredibly rude, do you know that?" "Alright then... I''ve ignored you for some time, and now you don''t even address me as ''Master.'' Seems like you need a reminder of your place." Bochang gently poked Sophia''s cheek. As the battle situation aboard Xianzhou Luofu escalated, having Pascal and Sophia around became too cumbersome. Thus, Bochang had been letting them roam freely, rarely checking on them. Pascal, being a robot, remained unchanged. However, Sophia showed slight signs of transformation; her attitude towards Bochang grew more disrespectful, lacking the previous deference. Of course... This truly reflected Sophia''s inherent nature. As the saying goes, it''s easier to change mountains than one''s character. Bochang felt that Sophia needed a small lesson. "I advise you to treat me better. I saw everything that happened last night, Bochang... You wouldn''t want Stelle to find out about spending the whole night with March 7th, would you?" Sophia glared defiantly at Bochang, her demeanor reminiscent of someone daring him to discipline her. Bochang''s expression subtly shifted. "So you witnessed it all," he said. "True enough, given that you don''t need sleep; stumbling upon unexpected scenes at night is quite normal. But do you really think this can intimidate me? Sophia, you''re far too naive." "Coincidentally, I''ve just acquired a new skill¡ªwhy not test it on you?" Bochang closed his eyes momentarily before abruptly opening them again. Piercing Gaze¡ªActivate! An invisible pink electrical wave shot from his gaze, directly striking Sophia''s eyes. In that instant... A peculiar sensation overwhelmed her. Sophia, who had intended to retort, found herself unable to speak, feeling a tingling numbness throughout her body. As she looked at Bochang, it was as if a filter had been applied, making him suddenly appear much more attractive. How strange! One more glance.jpg "Why... do I feel so odd? His face... seems different somehow." Sophia forcefully diverted her gaze. Bochang pondered, "Piercing Gaze can induce that state, but will it work on Sophia, being just a doll? It seems...after being resurrected by the Mouse Talisman, she counts as a living entity now. Hmm...this effect appears quite potent." "If used during combat...it might even turn the tide of battle." Through the touch of his hand and Sophia''s expression, Bochang could clearly sense: Sophia was already deeply affected. Her cheeks flushed red, and her body began to wriggle uncontrollably. "What have you done to me? Don''t...don''t...don''t! I was only joking earlier, Master, please don''t do this." Tears welled up in Sophia''s eyes. Bochang casually patted her small head and said, "Heh heh, feeling scared now, aren''t you, Sophia? Remember, never overstep your bounds in life; otherwise, the only one getting hurt will be you." "I...I understand, let go of me quickly, Master. I can''t take much more." Seeing her distress, Bochang released Sophia onto the ground, and she hastily scurried away, hiding back inside Pascal''s body, too afraid to emerge again. "You''re still too inexperienced to play games with me...little one," Bochang mused, unconcerned about Sophia spreading any rumors. After all... Sophia''s fate and life were entirely in Bochang''s hands, much like Qingque challenging Fu Xuan with futile strength, akin to an egg hitting a rock. It was bound to be ineffective. Stretching lazily, Bochang prepared to go out for dinner when he noticed a new message on his phone. The sender was Fu Xuan. Reading those startling words, Bochang''s pupils trembled slightly as he muttered, "Tingyun... really died? The Cloud Knights only found her remains. No way, could it have been that simple?" "No, I must still ask Phantylia," Bochang sighed deeply. He decided to postpone eating for now and wake up Phantylia, determined to extract information about Tingyun''s whereabouts from her. After all, he had been replenishing his energy just moments ago. Now equipped with the Eyes of Charm skill, Bochang was confident that he could torment Phantylia to the brink, ensuring she would reveal what he sought. Chapter 264 - 263: News of Tingyun Chapter 264 - 263: News of TingyunPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Initially, when Phantylia suggested making a deal, Bochang held onto the hope that Tingyun might still be alive. He pinned his expectations on Xianzhou Luofu, but Fu Xuan''s message revealing the discovery of Fox Lady''s remains shattered those hopes. With twists and turns, Bochang found himself once again relying solely on Phantylia. Returning to his bed, Bochang glanced at the water stains left by Sophia on the floor and thought, "The Eyes of Charm is potent, but...will it work within my spiritual world?" After some consideration, Bochang decided to give it a try, feeling optimistic about its effectiveness. He closed his eyes. Once again, Bochang''s consciousness entered his spiritual world. In the past, he would not have been able to access this realm so effortlessly. However... Since Phantylia merged within him, entering his spiritual world became as simple as drinking water. Gazing at the significantly enlarged azure flame, Bochang activated Fu Xuan''s Great Array, forcefully rousing it. Phantylia emitted a pained sound, saying, "Wh-what... what are you doing..." "I''ll ask you one last time, where is Tingyun?" Bochang looked coldly at Phantylia. Seeing the serious expression and hearing the icy tone, Lord Ravager felt somewhat apprehensive inside. "Damn... Why has he suddenly become so assertive? Could it be related to Tingyun... Curse it, I intended to conceal this for longer." Phantylia''s mental activity intensified. Bochang stated, "Won''t tell me? Then taste this move!" Their gazes met. An imperceptible pink glow merged with the azure flames. "Ugh... What is this...?" Phantylia''s voice abruptly shifted tone. Bochang confirmed that within the spiritual realm, his Eyes of Charm remained potent as ever. A peculiar sensation began to spread through Phantylia''s mind, one she had never experienced before. What has he done to me? Initially, Phantylia expected Bochang to activate Fu Xuan''s array against her. Instead, he employed a technique completely unfamiliar to her. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This complicates matters now. Bochang knew Phantylia was taken aback, but he wouldn''t resort to punishing her using the Great Array¡ªnot yet, at least. That would be ludicrous. After all, Phantylia served as Bochang''s reserve energy source, and it took him half a day just to restore some of her strength... Another punishment could easily render futile the efforts made earlier. Each activation of Fu Xuan''s array inflicted damage on Phantylia, necessitating time for healing afterward. It would only force Bochang to expend even more time on her recovery. This was precisely why Phantylia had been so fearless earlier. But now... Bochang unleashed his Eyes of Charm. Inducing Phantylia''s heat phase wouldn''t cause significant physical harm; instead, it primarily torments her mentally. Of course... Given Phantylia''s current fragile state, even with Eyes of Charm, he couldn''t overuse it too frequently. Otherwise, there was a risk she might not survive. "Oh...ahh...my body feels so strange...so uncomfortable...how peculiar..." The seductive blue flame continuously struggled within the Sheep Talisman''s magic power. Bochang silently observed Phantylia. In no time, that mesmerizing blue flame began emitting streams of blue plasma, much like Sophia''s trail of moisture on the ground. As for how long Eyes of Charm could sustain its effect, Bochang wasn''t sure, making this an opportune moment to observe. "You''ve...done something terrible to me... Stop! I confess, I''ll tell you everything." Filled with shame and indignation, Phantylia couldn''t endure for even three minutes before pleading for mercy. "Speak," Bochang commanded. "Tingyun... Tingyun was injured by me and abandoned on a planet called Jarilo VI. Now... now I don''t know if she''s still alive..." Phantylia revealed an unexpected answer. Bochang exclaimed, "Ah?" While Xianzhou Luofu was indeed close to Jarilo VI at present, it came as a complete surprise that Phantylia had actually discarded Tingyun there. This revelation was utterly shocking. Bochang pressed further. "Why did you throw Tingyun onto Jarilo VI?" "Because... because leaving a severely wounded person on a primitive planet to slowly await death is more tormenting." "Do you remember the exact coordinates where you left her?" "I just tossed her randomly; I don''t know the coordinates..." Bochang fell silent. It seemed unlikely that Phantylia was lying under these circumstances. Bochang sensed that under these circumstances, she had no reason to deceive him. "Alright," Bochang sighed softly. He proceeded to ask several more questions about Tingyun. Bochang then directly exited the mental space, leaving Phantylia''s echoes lingering deep within his consciousness. During the early hours of dawn, March 7th had repeatedly milked him like a dairy cow. Currently, Bochang didn''t have many worldly desires, and with Phantylia reduced to just an energy form, there wasn''t much visual appeal either. There was no need to linger inside her presence. However, her sultry voice could still be somewhat tolerable to listen to. Bochang returned to the real world. Phantylia exclaimed, "Y...you''re breaking your word! Why haven''t you stopped yet?!" "When did I ever promise to stop? Besides, I don''t even know how to halt it. You''ll just have to bear with it for now," Bochang replied nonchalantly. And so... Phantylia alternated between vehement curses and soft moans in her mind. Ignoring the voices in his head, Bochang gently touched the still damp bed sheets. Last night, there was heavy rain outside and light drizzle inside; even after so much time, the damp bedding remained wet. Bochang decided not to dwell on such trivial matters anymore. He had already made up his mind to search for Tingyun on Jarilo VI. "Now that I''ve finally received some leads, it wouldn''t make sense not to pursue them." He took out his phone and posted in their group chat about heading to Jarilo VI. After giving Pascal a few instructions, Bochang used his teleportation ring to contact Pela, the intelligence officer of the Silvermane Guards. As usual, the response was swift. Shortly after sending his request, Pela agreed. With a blinding flash of white light, Bochang traversed vast distances and arrived directly in Belobog. It was currently nighttime here. The chilling atmosphere, though still present, felt less intense than before. Pela, dressed formally, sat in the living room. As Bochang materialized amidst the white glow, he greeted her, "Good evening, Pela." "Good evening, Bochang. What brings you here this time?" Pela''s round face held a serious expression. [Dating Option activated.] [Option 1: Smile and say, "Can''t I visit Pela Big Sister just for fun even if there''s nothing specific?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option 2: Say solemnly, "Yes, I need your help finding someone." ¡ª Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At Belobog Administrative District''s Central Plaza fountain, you can consume one Praise of High Morals to attempt retrieving treasures once. Note: This type of item will...] Chapter 265 - 264: Searching for Tingyun Chapter 265 - 264: Searching for TingyunPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Why would something like this earn a Praise of High Morals?!" "Uh... wait... seems fair enough." "Rushing to find someone indeed deserves high morals." Bochang took a deep breath. "There''s no immediate rush to search for someone; let''s tease Pela first. Option 1." Bochang smiled. "Can''t I come visit Pela Big Sister just for fun without needing a specific reason?" [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have received the item: Grenade, a highly potent explosive grenade with instantaneous detonation upon pulling the pin.] "No delay?" Bochang was taken aback. This grenade seemed quite dangerous, practically a tool for suicide. However, for Bochang, it likely wouldn''t serve much purpose. One seat reserved for the trash bin. Hearing Bochang''s comment, Pela gently pushed her round-framed glasses and said, "Please don''t joke around... Mr. Bochang, since you''ve come all this way, there must be something important, right?" The intelligent girl with a round face remained undeterred, not letting his words disrupt her thoughts. Bochang also turned serious. "That''s correct, Pela... I need your help to find someone." He took out his phone and located Tingyun''s photo from his gallery. When they were together earlier, March 7th had taken numerous pictures of the fake Tingyun. Now, these photos proved useful. Pela glanced at the image and slightly furrowed her brow. "This person... has animal ears on their head? Surely Belobog doesn''t have anyone like that, does it?" "Not within the city, but we''ll search outside then. Tingyun is supposedly stranded on this planet; please assist us in finding him." Bochang earnestly pleaded for Pela''s help. After all, one individual''s capabilities have their limits. Thus, he needed the Silvermane Guards'' assistance to locate Tingyun. Currently... the harsh winter conditions on Jarilo VI had considerably eased up. With some luck, Tingyun might still be alive. Pela pondered for a moment. "Hmm... alright, I understand your request. I will immediately consult Bronya-sama and do my best to expedite things. However, I cannot guarantee finding the person; after all, this planet is quite vast..." "That''s fine, as long as you help search for her," Bochang added. "Just remember to mention Xianzhou Luofu''s name and our involvement... so Tingyun won''t hesitate to show herself." As soon as he finished speaking, Bochang''s teleportation ring signaled activity. Well-prepared, he promptly accepted. March 7th, Stelle, and Bailu materialized in Pela''s living room. Upon seeing the dragon little girl, the Silvermane Guard intelligence officer''s eyes widened slightly, betraying his astonishment at such a sight. "Ah, Bailu and March 7th, you''re here too." Bochang showed no surprise at their arrival. After all... Before leaving Xianzhou Luofu, Bochang had intentionally sent a message earlier. Although he only requested Stelle''s presence, it was entirely predictable that March 7th and Bailu would join in on the action. The reason for summoning Stelle? Naturally, it was to utilize her Dog Medal to locate Tingyun. Having recorded Tingyun''s scent previously, the gray-haired girl could precisely find her within a ten-kilometer radius. March 7th placed one hand on her hip and questioned, "Why did you call only Stelle? You sly..." Following last night''s events, March 7th''s attitude towards Bochang seemed to have grown more adversarial. March 7th''s attitude towards Bochang seemed to worsen slightly. "I''ve already explained this... March, Stelle used the Dog Medal earlier to record Tingyun''s scent. Having her search for him is simply the most suitable choice," Bochang reiterated patiently. Of course, March 7th knew that; she just wanted to pick a fight out of discomfort otherwise. "Fine... I get it now." She huffed lightly. Pela keenly sensed that the dynamics among these individuals were undergoing yet another shift, but it didn''t affect her much. I''m merely an ordinary intelligence officer; focusing on my duties is all that matters. With this thought, Pela instructed Bochang and the others to wait while she went alone to find Bronya. If Tingyun truly appeared in Belobog, locating him should be relatively straightforward¡ªafter all, Miss Fox''s distinctive features made her quite noticeable. After Pela left, Bailu approached the window and remarked, "These teleportation rings are truly magical! It was daytime just moments ago, and now suddenly it''s night. This planet is called Jarilo VI, right? Can I come back here for fun sometime?" "Sure, when we have time, I''ll bring you back for another visit," Bochang replied casually before turning to Stelle. "Next, Stelle, we need your assistance. Together, let''s head outside Belobog and search for Tingyun." Phantylia hadn''t discarded Tingyun in a completely inhospitable location; it wouldn''t align with Lord Ravager''s aesthetic of destruction. Now... On Jarilo VI, the only habitable area was near Belobog. "What about Bailu and me?" March 7th asked. Bochang pondered briefly. "March, why don''t you and Bailu explore Belobog while we''re away?" Seeing the pink-haired girl''s slightly darkening expression, Bochang continued earnestly, "Understand, March, my Cyber Sword can only comfortably carry two people. With three or even four, its speed would significantly decrease." His tone conveyed sincerity. At this moment, March 7th understood there wasn''t room for any mischief. "Alright, alright, go ahead then. Bailu and I will help by searching within the city. But... Bochang, are you certain everything Phantylia said is true? Could she be tricking you?" She voiced her doubts. After all, Xianzhou Luofu was quite far from Jarilo VI. It was understandable for March 7th to have such concerns. "I doubt she''s lying," Bochang replied sincerely. "If she is, I''ll make her pay." Phantylia continued chattering in his mind, with no end in sight... "Go ahead and search quickly; Tingyun''s safety is paramount. Don''t waste any more time," March 7th urged, waving them off as if shooing away flies. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. From his storage pouch, Bochang retrieved the Cyber Sword and Dog Medal. "We''re heading out now. March, Bailu, if you find anything within the city, remember to contact us." "Understood, Bochang," Bailu nodded in agreement. The two watched as Bochang and Stelle departed. Outside the door, Bochang held Stelle in one arm and gripped the Cyber Sword with the other. Just as they were about to take flight, he remembered something and asked, "Oh right... Stelle, did you put on safety shorts?" "Yes." She nodded earnestly. As someone frequently engaged in combat, wearing safety shorts was standard practice for Stelle, preventing various wardrobe mishaps. "Good," Bochang replied. "We''re about to take off, hold on tight." Stelle gripped him firmly with both hands. Moments later... They soared skyward, heading towards the outskirts of the city. What followed was a tedious period of searching that lasted until dawn. It wasn''t until daybreak that a breakthrough occurred. The first to receive news about Tingyun were not Bochang and Stelle, but rather the Silvermane Guards. The target location was¡ªBelo''s Lower District, Natasha''s Clinic. Chapter 266 - 265: The Fox Lady in a Wheelchair Chapter 266 - 265: The Fox Lady in a WheelchairPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Time flowed leisurely. After several days, Bochang found himself once again in Belo''s Lower District¡ªBoulder Town. Not much had changed here. However, Bochang underwent significant transformations, greatly enhancing his strength and deepening his relationships with Stelle and March 7th. As they stopped outside Natasha''s Clinic, Bochang encountered an old acquaintance¡ªSeele. Her unkempt blue hair draped casually over her shoulders, with a tuft sticking up like an antenna, inviting the urge to touch it gently. With a cold gaze, the girl in a blue dress leaned against the wall, cradling a large azure sickle in her arms. Seeing Bochang, Seele showed no emotional fluctuation. Her voice remained icy as she said, "Meeting again so soon, Bochang. I thought it might be a long time before our paths crossed, but here we are..." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "I''m back to take care of some matters." Bochang examined Seele''s tall figure from top to bottom. "I didn''t expect to return this quickly either, but... seeing you looking so energetic is genuinely pleasing." "And who is this?" Stelle had never met Seele before. Due to Bochang''s intervention, the Astral Express Crew had limited knowledge about the Lower District. "Seele, a member of the Earthfire Group. You must be Stelle, right? I''ve seen your portrait," the blue-haired girl introduced herself proactively. Stelle nodded in acknowledgment. Bochang had no intention of prolonging pleasantries and directly asked, "Seele, is Tingyun inside?" "If you''re referring to that peculiar person with ears and a tail, yes, she''s in there." Seele maintained her usual cold demeanor. Unfazed, Bochang led Stelle past the blue-haired girl and entered the clinic. As a renowned doctor in the Lower District, Natasha''s clinic was... often bustling with patients. Sometimes Natasha alone couldn''t manage the workload, requiring Seele''s assistance. Before Bochang had taken more than a few steps, he spotted Tingyun seated in her wheelchair. The Fox Lady was immobilized by numerous metal plates strapped to her body; she couldn''t move at all, looking quite pitiful. Upon seeing familiar faces, tears welled up in her eyes as she said, "Benefactors..." From Bochang''s earlier conversation with Phantylia, it became clear that during their game of hide-and-seek, Tingyun had indeed been switched out for a decoy. In a brutal act, Phantylia had tossed Tingyun onto Jarilo VI, causing severe injuries. As for what happened afterward, Phantylia remained unaware, nor did she care¡ªafter all, she believed her actions wouldn''t significantly impact the larger scheme. Before Bochang and Stelle arrived, March 7th and Bailu had already come down to the clinic. However, now only the pink-haired girl stayed by Tingyun''s side, while Bailu was busy discussing medical techniques with Natasha inside another room. March 7th, who was attending to Tingyun, turned around. "You two got here pretty quickly..." Ignoring March 7th, Bochang looked directly at the Fox Lady and said, "Long time no see, Miss Tingyun. We were terribly worried when we learned about Phantylia replacing you. I''m relieved to see you''re alright." Finally... Bochang''s long-held wish was fulfilled. Ever since uncovering Phantylia''s plot, his thoughts had constantly been with this Fox Lady. Seeing her safe now lifted a heavy burden from his heart. Feeling somewhat ignored, March 7th narrowed her eyes, determined to find an opportunity to show Bochang who''s boss. Tingyun, having learned from Bailu and March 7th that they were continuously searching for her, experienced a peculiar mix of emotions. "I am truly grateful for your concern, dear benefactors. If not for your efforts... I fear it might have taken me much longer to return to Xianzhou Luofu..." Tingyun''s fox ears drooped slightly, appearing somewhat dispirited. The Fox Lady was merely an ordinary administrative staff member. Stranded on Jarilo VI, such a remote and impoverished place, without any unforeseen circumstances, her chances of returning to Xianzhou Luofu would have been extremely slim. Fortunately, fate intervened. Bochang''s arrival reignited Tingyun''s hope of finding her way home. Curious, Stelle asked, "Speaking of which... why did you end up here?" "Well, you see..." Before Tingyun could respond, Natasha emerged from the adjacent office, followed by a young dragon girl savoring white lotus petals. It was evident that these were the same white lotuses Bochang had left behind earlier. Despite several days passing, they remained fresh as new. "Tingyun was found outside the city by Sampo and brought here," Natasha explained. "Fortunately, thanks to the white petals you left, she recovered swiftly. Her condition was quite dire initially." Natasha gestured with open hands. When Tingyun first arrived at the clinic, she could only lie on the bed, unable even to sit up¡ªa mere luxury at that point. After several days of continuous treatment... Tingyun finally managed to sit in a wheelchair. With a gentle sigh, Bochang reassured her, "Don''t worry, Tingyun, we''ve already avenged your mistreatment." "I''ve heard about it, benefactor. Thank you very much," Tingyun replied courteously. From the Fox Lady''s tone, Bochang sensed a hint of unfamiliarity. Indeed... The time Tingyun spent with Bochang was brief, while most of their interactions later were actually with Phantylia. This was not the genuine Fox Lady. Bochang asked, "Tingyun, when do you plan to return to Xianzhou Luofu? Should we depart now with you, or would you prefer to recover here for some time before we come back to fetch you?" "Let''s leave right away, benefactor," Tingyun replied. "I wish to heal my injuries aboard Xianzhou Luofu." Compared to Jarilo VI, Xianzhou Luofu offered far superior medical facilities. "I''ve already caused much trouble for Dr. Natasha; I cannot burden her further." Tingyun tried to turn and look at Natasha beside her but, after a slight effort, gave up. Bochang agreed, "Alright." "So you''re leaving again so soon?" Natasha suddenly spoke up, her red-eyed gaze fixed intently on Bochang and his companions. Tingyun responded, "Once my wounds have healed, I''ll visit again, Dr. Natasha. Your kindness will never be forgotten, and there will surely be a way to repay it someday." Without Sampo and without Natasha, Tingyun undoubtedly would have perished; how could she have survived otherwise? "Saving lives is a doctor''s duty," Natasha shook her head. "Miss Tingyun knows well that I do not seek repayment." "Dr. Natasha..." Tingyun seemed about to say something but ultimately held her tongue. Initially, Tingyun indeed referred to Natasha as her benefactor. However... Natasha disliked this title, so Tingyun switched to addressing her as Dr. Natasha instead. "Now, Xianzhou Luofu believes Miss Tingyun has sacrificed herself. It would be appropriate for you to return; otherwise, they''ll proceed with your funeral preparations." March 7th scratched her head. While Bochang and the others were searching Jarilo VI for Tingyun, Xianzhou Luofu had already started organizing the funeral ceremony. Dan Heng, Welt Yang, and Serval had been tirelessly busy with the arrangements. Bochang remarked, "Miss Tingyun returning now will surely give everyone quite a shock..." Chapter 267 - 266: Hopefully They’re All Right Chapter 267 - 266: Hopefully They''re All RightPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Tingyun''s body was immobilized by numerous steel plates, wrapped heavily in bandages, and fitted with a neck brace. She looked at Bochang, speechless. If possible, she didn''t want to return in such a manner, startling everyone. Tingyun didn''t want to return in such a startling manner. Natasha stepped forward and said, "Mr. Bochang, last time you left in haste, I couldn''t properly express my gratitude. This time...why don''t you stay for breakfast before leaving? It''s already prepared." "Alright," Bochang agreed without hesitation. He had been informed well ahead of the pioneer team''s arrival. Natasha anticipated this visit and arranged for a lavish table of dishes beforehand. While not quite as exquisite as the fare at Qlipoth Fort, these meals showcased the unique flavors of the Underworld district. Even Bailu, experiencing these dishes for the first time, couldn''t help but exclaim with delight. At the same table, Seele, unusually bashful¡ªa glimpse reminiscent of her White form¡ªcaught Bochang''s attention, prompting him to steal a few glances. Noticing this from across the table, March 7th subtly kicked him underfoot. "What are you doing..." Bochang knew immediately who was kicking him and swiftly shot a puzzled look back. March 7th turned slightly, showing no intention of responding verbally. Bochang began to understand. In that instant... A mischievous idea sprouted in his mind. So, he glanced again at Seele. The blue-haired girl, focused on enjoying her meal, remained oblivious, her antenna-like hair twitching, completely unaware of the subtle drama unfolding nearby. March 7th swiftly kicked towards him. Well-prepared, Bochang caught her foot with his Invisible Hand. Then, extending his own hand, he gently removed her shoe and tickled the sole through her thin sock. March 7th''s feet were not very large. With just a light touch, her five plump toes curled like pearls contracting inward. Shielded by the table, Bochang wasn''t concerned about others noticing his actions. A sudden blush stained March 7th''s fair cheeks, making her look exceptionally adorable. Unrelenting, Bochang continued to playfully tease, savoring the warm texture of her skin beneath his fingers. March 7th remained silent, enduring it quietly. "March, are you feeling unwell?" Stelle asked, concern evident on her face. March 7th''s body trembled slightly as she replied, "No...nothing''s wrong. It might be due to the day-night reversal; I''m just having trouble adjusting for now. Don''t worry about me..." Xianzhou Luofu''s daytime corresponded to Jarilo VI''s nighttime. March 7th''s explanation had some merit. However... Stelle keenly sensed that something was being kept from her. "Ever since this morning, March has seemed a bit off. What exactly happened? Could Bochang have upset her somehow? Their relationship feels somewhat strange too..." Stelle pondered, tilting her head in confusion. Noticing the gray-haired girl''s growing suspicions, Bochang decided to let March 7th off momentarily. The pink-haired girl felt relieved, as if granted amnesty. "Tsk... It seems that after our relationship grew closer, triggering the system has become much harder," Bochang muttered to himself. Previously, any intimate actions with March 7th or Stelle would almost invariably prompt the system options. But now, it no longer happened. Perhaps intimacy had become routine for them. With Stelle, casual kisses and hugs were commonplace. And March 7th? She was ever warm-hearted, reciprocating his affection abundantly. Although they hadn''t yet crossed certain boundaries, their interactions were already more thrilling than one might expect upon doing so. Bochang''s heart stirred slightly, grateful that the Phantylia-induced hallucinations in his mind had subsided; otherwise, it could have further fueled the situation. Speaking of... That Eyes of Charm skill is truly potent. With just one use, it made Phantylia scream incessantly for hours until she finally succumbed and passed out. If her stamina hadn''t given way, who knows how long she would have continued shrieking inside his head. "I must be careful not to misuse the Eyes of Charm..." Bochang savored his meal leisurely, pondering these thoughts. Strangely, he began to worry about Sophia. "Hope she''s alright..." After breakfast, the group returned to Tingyun''s side. Bochang said, "March, Stelle, you two should go back with Tingyun. I still have some minor matters to attend to in Belobog." "What kind of matters?" March 7th furrowed her brow slightly. Glancing at her, Bochang reassured, "Don''t worry about that." "I think..." Stelle began. Before she could finish, March 7th covered her mouth and said, "No, you don''t want to." "The young lady here wants to stay in Belobog for some fun; it seems quite interesting." Bailu wagged her tail enthusiastically. March 7th and Stelle''s gazes simultaneously focused on the dragon girl, taking note of her sincere eyes. Their resolve wavered slightly. Stelle reached out and gently patted Bailu''s head. "Alright then, Bailu will keep Bochang company here while March 7th, Tingyun, and I return to Xianzhou Luofu." March 7th felt something was off but, upon consideration, decided it wasn''t too concerning. Thus, she agreed, "It''s up to you both; I don''t mind. However... Bochang, don''t stay too long playing around. The Aerial Division Helmsman has invited us to attend the Spirit Consoling Ceremony..." "Don''t worry, I know," Bochang replied casually with a wave of his hand. Their relationship had deepened further, bringing both advantages and potential drawbacks. In the past, March 7th might not have easily let Bochang wander alone and could have chosen to accompany him instead. This likely would have triggered a chain reaction, leading even Stelle to remain behind. But now... March 7th seemed considerably more relaxed, perhaps thinking she had already thoroughly exhausted Bochang''s attention. As March 7th, Stelle, and Tingyun disappeared amidst a burst of white light, Bochang finally left with Bailu. Before departing, he naturally bid farewell to Natasha and Seele. Bochang headed straight for the Robot Settlement, remaining within Belo''s Lower District. His purpose was to deliver a gift to Clara. Earlier, he had drawn a pair of exceptionally soft, long white stockings, which seemed perfect to give to her. It didn''t take long for Bochang to reach the Robot Settlement. The place had changed significantly since his last visit. Once home to many vagrants, it now housed even more residents. Some had even constructed wooden houses, giving the area a clear semblance of a burgeoning small town. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. All these developments were due to Svarog and The Architects opening the connection between Upper and Lower Districts, making this location the sole transportation hub. As commonly known, economics thrive on circulation. Anyplace serving as a key transit point will gradually prosper over time. It wouldn''t be surprising if, before long, a brand new town emerged near the Robot Settlement, and who knows, Clara might even become its mayor... Currently, as Bochang and Bailu walked along the streets, they could hear whispers about something called the "Clara Protection Association" and other peculiar phrases. The silver-haired, red-eyed little girl held significant renown here. Perhaps luck was on their side; without much searching, Bochang found Clara distributing supplies to a group of vagrants. Everyone formed neat and orderly lines. Not a single person dared to disrupt the order. Chapter 268 - 267: Clara’s Gift Chapter 268 - 267: Clara''s GiftPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** No snowflakes drifted from the sky, yet a thick layer of white snow covered the ground. With each step, a crisp crunch could be heard. From a distance, Bochang and Bailu observed Clara. The young dragon tugged at his sleeve, asking, "Is that the person you''re looking for? Why isn''t she wearing shoes?" Clara, barefoot, had not yet noticed their arrival. However, the vagrants did spot them. It was inevitable... How could Bailu''s presence go unnoticed with her horns and tail, clearly standing out as unusual? The vagrants whispered among themselves, pointing and murmuring incomprehensible words. "That''s a good question," Bochang said, gazing upwards towards the sky. Only heaven knew why Clara didn''t wear shoes. Bochang had never asked her before; how could he possibly know? Without receiving an answer, Bailu retracted her gaze. Perhaps the vagrants'' hushed discussions caught Clara''s attention. In short... Clara noticed Bochang and Bailu silently observing from nearby. Her gaze lingered on them for a moment. Pausing her distribution work, Clara jogged over to Bochang. "Bochang-gege? What brings you to the Lower District? I heard you had already left Belobog..." "I had some unexpected matters to attend to, so I came back," Bochang replied, noticing how both her feet were immersed in the snow. "Also, I have a gift I''d like to give you." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Present Clara''s bra - Completion Reward: 100% increase in physique.] [Option 2: Offer super soft white thigh-high stockings - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At the fountain in Belobog Administrative Region''s Central Plaza, you can use one Praise of High Morals to retrieve a treasure from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] ?Impressive... yet again with the Praise of High Morals, huh?? Bochang internally rolled his eyes. However, this time when presenting Clara''s bra: Surprisingly, it didn''t result in obtaining Schwalow''s underwear as before. Instead, the reward was a 100% increase in physique. Instead of Svarog''s Big Booty, it offered a 100% increase in physique. "I guess this change occurred because Clara and I have grown closer... Before, when I retrieved the belly band, we weren''t well acquainted yet." "It seems like quite a beneficial option..." After a moment of hesitation, Bochang decided to choose Option One. He reached into his storage pouch. Bochang pulled out Clara''s belly band. Although called a belly band, it resembled more of a simple cloth with just the basic shape of a traditional belly band. Its purpose was merely to keep children warm and modest. Seeing the embroidered red belly band, Clara momentarily froze before asking, "This...this is what I used to wear as a child... Bochang-gege, why... do you have it?" Faced with the puzzled expression of the silver-haired, red-eyed little girl, Bochang did not respond immediately. The reason was straightforward - the system''s voice sounded, triggering that familiar warm sensation coursing through his body. Bochang''s physique increased from 96 times to 192 times its original strength. "Ah... feels amazing." Now, even if another Lord Ravager appeared, Bochang felt confident enough to challenge them. Even if he couldn''t defeat them outright, He likely wouldn''t be killed either. "Bochang?" Clara''s voice sounded puzzled. Bailu simply watched silently, unsure of what Bochang was up to. Clearing his throat, Bochang said, "My apologies, I grabbed the wrong item. This is the intended gift." Putting away Clara''s bralette, Bochang produced a pair of exceptionally soft white knee-high stockings. "Clara, these are for you." At that moment... Clara had not yet fully recovered from her surprise. "Wait, Bochang, can you explain...what was that just now?" Clara hesitated, not accepting the white stockings as she remained fixated on the previous incident. The bralette had always been kept carefully in Clara''s wardrobe until recently. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Just a short while ago, Clara discovered that her childhood clothes were missing, but at the time, she didn''t think much about it. Now, seeing the item in Bochang''s hands reignited her curiosity. It seems there''s no easy way out of this situation..., Bochang sighed inwardly. Bailu asked, "Clara, that piece of clothing just now... was it yours?" "I''m not certain, but it looked very similar..." Clara''s voice trailed off softly. The sudden appearance of her intimate garment in the hands of an adult male made Clara feel slightly embarrassed. To be honest, having lived long enough in Belobog''s Lower District and with Svarog as her mentor, Clara had learned quite a bit. "Could Bochang have stolen my... But why would he... Could it be..." Her young mind raced with thoughts unfit for public scrutiny. Bailu, hands on her hips, said, "Bochang, don''t you want to explain yourself?" "Uh... If I say that wasn''t Clara''s clothing, would you believe me?" Bochang managed a polite yet awkward smile. Clara''s face flushed crimson. "Well... umm... I, Clara believes in Bochang-brother..." Seeing the silver-haired, red-eyed little girl blush was truly endearing. Her skin fairer than snow, the contrast between her silvery hair and reddened cheeks was strikingly lovely. Even Bochang couldn''t resist the urge to gently pinch Clara''s dewy, rosy cheeks. [Dating Option activated.] [Option 1: Reach out and pinch Clara''s cheek ¡ª Completion Reward: Stalker''s Gaze. Note: Watch your back!] [Option 2: Pat Bailu''s head gently and ask, "What about you, Bailu?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] ?If Bailu weren''t around, I might have gone for it. Ugh... what am I saying? That sounds like something a creep would do...? Bochang shook his head inwardly. ?However... indeed, triggering Dating Options seems easier with acquaintances rather than close friends...? Two choices. There was hardly any room for Bochang to deliberate. ?Option 2.? Having made his decision, Bochang reached out and softly patted Bailu''s head, asking, "And what about you, Bailu?" "This young lady... never mind, since Clara doesn''t seem to care, you can call me whatever you want." Bailu quickly changed her tone, "I forgot to introduce myself earlier. Clara, this young lady is Bailu, a friend of Bochang." "Bailu... Clara remembers you now," said the silver-haired, red-eyed little girl with a smile. Then... Clara examined Bailu curiously and asked, "Those on your body, are they just decorations?" "Not at all, these symbolize the Vidyadhara''s High Elder." Bailu spread her hands to explain. Bochang chimed in, "Clara, Bailu is a guest from elsewhere... Although she may not look much different outwardly, she actually belongs to the dragon race; both her horns and tail are genuine." "And one more thing..." "Clara, please take these with you." Bochang forcefully shoved a pair of exceptionally soft white stockings into Clara''s hand. Chapter 269 - 268: A Strange Feeling Chapter 269 - 268: A Strange FeelingPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Clara hesitated for a moment but ultimately couldn''t refuse Bochang''s kindness. Bailu then asked, "Clara, why aren''t you wearing shoes...?" "Ah? Well... because I''m not accustomed to wearing shoes, so..." Clara looked down at her feet. Throughout her life, Clara had never worn shoes. Asking her to wear them now could trigger some undesirable reactions. Bochang suggested, "From now on, you can wear these long stockings instead. They''re quite handy... Plus, they have an automatic cleaning feature, very convenient." "Hmm..." Clara responded softly. Clara responded softly. She still harbored some lingering resentment over Bochang revealing her personal attire earlier. However... she had no intention of bringing it up again. "Um... Bochang, have you had breakfast yet? If not, I can prepare something right away." "No need, Clara. I''m about to take Bailu for a tour around, so we won''t disturb you further." Bochang glanced around, noticing many vagrants waiting to receive supplies. "It''s...it''s no disturbance at all," the silver-haired, red-eyed little girl waved her hands repeatedly. "I''m always happy when Bochang comes to visit." "That''s good to hear." Bochang smiled warmly and then gently patted Bailu''s small head. "Well, we should be on our way now, Clara. See you later!" "Goodbye, Bochang." After watching them depart... Clara resumed her work. Meanwhile, Bochang and Bailu proceeded through the furnace core directly towards the Overworld. Their destination was the Central Plaza in Belobog''s Administrative Region. Previously, Bochang had earned a commendation for Exemplary Virtue, which he planned to use now, treating it like a leisurely outing. Bochang leisurely strolled with Bailu for some time. News of the pioneer team''s reappearance in Belobog stirred excitement among The Architects. As Bochang reached the Central Plaza within the Administrative District... Two figures were standing there: Bronya Rand and Pera Sergeyevna. Both had long silvery-gray hair cascading down their shoulders. Bronya bore a striking resemblance to Silver Wolf; the only notable difference was one being fully mature while the other still developing. "The Silver Wolf has much room to grow," he murmured to himself. Bochang then turned his gaze towards Pela. They exchanged nods as a greeting. Speaking of which... With these two young ladies standing together, they formed quite an appealing sight, drawing many curious glances from passersby. Noticing them, Bochang waved and said, "Miss Bronya, it''s been a while." "In the name of the Great Guardian, greetings to you, Mister Bochang," Bronya responded solemnly. After a brief pause, Bochang said, "No need to be so formal; feel free to relax." "I understand." Bronya nodded gently. Bochang got straight to the point. "Miss Bronya, you and Pela here... Is there something specific that brought you?" "Just wanted to visit, Mister Bochang, and also to inquire... Do you need me to reserve some rooms for you?" Bronya''s tone was neither deferential nor assertive. "There''s no need for reservations," Bochang replied. "I''m simply taking Bailu on a casual stroll around Belobog. It shouldn''t take long... as I''ll soon depart from here. There are matters elsewhere that require my attention." "I see... If you have time, Mister Bochang, you''re welcome to visit Qlipoth Fort as our guest." Bronya''s gaze lingered briefly on Bailu before moving away. She had already met this new guest earlier. At that time... Bochang and Stelle were outside Belobog, searching for Tingyun''s traces. "Certainly, next time for sure," Bochang agreed readily. Bailu tugged at his sleeve, suggesting, "Why don''t we go there now?" Earlier during their meal, March 7th had mentioned how delicious Qlipoth Fort''s cuisine was, piquing Bailu''s curiosity. "Besides, the Spirit Consoling Ceremony isn''t until tonight..." Hearing the young dragon girl''s request, Bochang considered it briefly before consenting, "Alright, let''s do as you suggest... Miss Bronya, this afternoon, I''ll bring Bailu to Qlipoth Fort. We''ll have lunch, take a nap, and then leave by evening. How does that sound?" "Wonderful! I''ll make preparations right away." Bronya smiled warmly. Quickly adding, Bochang said, "Just remember, no grand parties or gatherings. A simple meal for our small group is enough; larger events can be quite troublesome." To be honest, Bronya had initially planned a large gathering, inviting all The Architects of Belobog to join in the festivities. However, she didn''t anticipate Bochang''s preference against such occasions, so she decided to scale back her plans. Bronya extended her hand. "Since you don''t favor gatherings, Mister Bochang, I''ll make simple preparations then. Hopefully, you won''t mind." "No worries at all, rest assured," replied Bochang, placing one hand on his hip. Bailu raised both hands excitedly, cheering, "Yay, time for delicious food!" "Mister Bochang, if that''s settled, I shall take my leave now. For any further needs, please contact Pela directly." Bronya glanced at the round-faced girl beside her. Pela stood tall and upright, saying nothing, just quietly observing Bochang. "All right, Miss Bronya." With that, Bronya turned and departed. Big Duck, clad in the Silvermane Guard uniform, displayed remarkably graceful curves. Her black silk-clad legs, accentuated by long black boots, were incredibly enticing, drawing lingering glances. "Pela, from now on, I will be your guide," said the round-faced girl, adjusting her glasses. Bochang rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Pela, there''s no need to be so formal. You can just call me Bochang from now on; adding ''Mister'' feels a bit awkward... or alternatively, you could call me Big Bro Bochang." Pela hesitated momentarily, unsure what to say. Earlier, Bochang had called her "Big Sister Pela," and now he wanted her to address him as "Big Brother Bochang." It seemed they were each sticking to their preferred terms without interfering with each other''s choices. "Alright, just kidding! Don''t take it seriously." Bochang smiled warmly, not wanting to waste more time on this exchange. Standing near the central fountain, Bochang promptly used his Exalted Virtue''s Commendation ability: [Rewards being distributed - Congratulations! You''ve received Jym Rogers Bread Soda. This beverage has a pleasant taste and quickly restores stamina when consumed. Note: Such items will...] I got this... Not bad at all. Bochang felt secretly pleased. Soon after... Bochang, Pela, and Bailu strolled through the streets of Belobog together. By midday, the trio arrived at Qlipoth Fort. Bronya was already there, leading a group to welcome them at the entrance. Unnoticed by everyone else, however, Cocolia silently observed Bochang, her eyes slightly narrowed as she muttered, "That guy..." She had a profound impression of the man who soundly thrashed her, causing numerous sleepless nights. Her feelings were difficult to describe. Cocolia didn''t think she harbored hatred towards Bochang; without his intervention, she would have undoubtedly committed unforgivable mistakes. "But... why do I keep thinking about him?" Cocolia couldn''t quite understand it herself. In fact, inviting Bochang to Qlipoth Fort this time was entirely Cocolia''s directive, which led Bronya to extend the invitation. Currently... Although Bronya held the title of Great Guardian, ever since Cocolia recovered, even from behind the scenes, she exerted considerable influence over Belobog. It felt akin to ruling by proxy, with Cocolia pulling the strings. Bronya expressed no dissatisfaction with this arrangement, or rather, she preferred it. With Cocolia overseeing the broader picture, the burden on Bronya significantly lessened. However, Cocolia often seemed preoccupied, which slightly bothered Bronya. Despite trying various approaches, she couldn''t fully restore the former Great Guardian''s mental state. But today felt different when Cocolia asked Bronya to invite Bochang as a guest to Qlipoth Fort. "Why is that?" Bronya wondered, unsure of the reason behind this change. Meanwhile... As they conversed, Bochang, Pela, and Bailu entered Qlipoth Fort together. Watching them disappear from sight, Cocolia finally turned away and retreated to her room for preparations. On another note... Bochang engaged in lively banter with Bronya. Although Big Duck, like Seele, exuded an air of aloofness, during their conversation, Bronya displayed exceptional social skills. She effortlessly found suitable topics, ensuring the atmosphere remained warm and engaging. Walking alongside Big Duck, Bochang felt remarkably at ease. "If only Seele could be as articulate as Bronya." "What a pity..." Recalling their meal at Natasha''s clinic, Seele had barely spoken throughout, focusing solely on eating, much like Bailu. Fortunately, March 7th''s lively presence kept the atmosphere at the dinner table engaging. Under the watchful gaze of numerous Silvermane Guards, Bochang and his companions traversed the corridors. They arrived at Qlipoth Fort''s grand reception area, adorned with opulent decorations that clearly signified immense value¡ªevery corner exuded an air of extravagance. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bailu, visiting this place for the first time, looked around curiously. The room shimmered with golden splendor, filled with attendants standing nearby. Despite the lack of advanced technology, the service was impeccable. As someone well-traveled, Bailu remained unfazed. Being the High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan, she was accustomed to being served by many in her daily life. On the other hand, Bochang wasn''t quite used to such treatment. Having a crowd observe them while dining felt rather peculiar. So, he spoke up, "Miss Bronya, do we really need so many people standing around while we eat?" "No problem, Mister Bochang. If you''re not comfortable... I''ll have them withdraw." Bronya waved her hand, addressing the attendants, "All of you, please leave." There were six attendants in the room: four genuine servants and two Silvermane Guards. Upon receiving the Great Guardian''s command, none dared to disobey. After the attendants stepped outside... Cocolia emerged, her eerily purple eyes flickering. Upon seeing this, Bochang thought to himself, "Strange... Didn''t her eyes turn gray before? Hmm... Could it be that purple is actually her true eye color?" Chapter 270 - 269: The Museum Curator Chapter 270 - 269: The Museum CuratorPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** If Bochang''s memory served him correctly, after he soundly thrashed Cocolia previously... Her eyes had indeed changed to gray. "What the heck... Or did she put on colored contacts?" Bochang remained uncertain and didn''t feel inclined to investigate further. He glanced briefly at Cocolia before turning his attention away. "Come to think of it... I believe they aren''t related by blood either..." During a casual conversation with Dan Heng earlier, this topic had been mentioned. Bronya was an adopted child of Cocolia, with no biological connection between them. Naturally... their appearances also didn''t suggest any familial ties; their features were distinctly different. Cocolia''s attire hadn''t changed much from before¡ªstill predominantly white with green accents. However, the Great Guardian emblem that used to adorn her chest was now noticeably absent. Cocolia had already handed that artifact to Bronya. Upon meeting, Cocolia briefly exchanged pleasantries with Bochang before inviting everyone to take their seats at her prompting. In Belobog, the stark contrast between the Upper and Lower Districts was evident even in their dining experiences. Especially for Bochang''s group, situated within Qlipoth Fort¡ªthe very heart of power in Belobog. Natasha''s meticulously prepared breakfast now seemed inferior compared to the lavish dishes served here. "Mr. Bochang, during your morning tour of Belobog today, did you notice the building under renovation near Fountain Square? It''s our city''s History and Culture Museum, undergoing its routine ten-year refurbishment." With Cocolia''s arrival, the conversation shifted; she took over talking with Bochang while Bronya occasionally chimed in but refrained from initiating topics herself. Bochang vaguely recalled the History and Culture Museum mentioned by Pela when serving as their guide. However, due to ongoing renovations, they couldn''t visit it. "Yes, I noticed... Is there something specific about it?" Bochang paused, unsure why this topic was brought up. He wasn''t particularly interested in history museums. Bochang paused eating, unsure why Cocolia brought this up. He had no interest in history or culture museums. Dan Heng might appreciate them, though; rumor had it that whenever they visited a civilized planet, he diligently collected all available information, cataloging it meticulously into his knowledge bank¡ªa task more akin to a scholar than a bodyguard. Bochang stopped momentarily, uncertain of Cocolia''s intentions. "Nothing specific, I just wanted to ask... If possible, would Mister Bochang be willing to serve as the museum''s director?" "After all, the pioneer squad has greatly assisted Belobog." "I''ve been thinking lately, and I believe offering some form of gratitude would be appropriate..." Cocolia continued at length, leaving Bochang momentarily baffled about her true motive. "Become the museum''s director? Well...I don''t have the time for such commitments. Each day on the Astral Express is already exhausting, focused on trailblazing new worlds. Plus, there are several young ladies who need my attention..." As if anticipating Bochang''s concerns, Cocolia reassured him, "Mister Bochang, you needn''t worry... You won''t be burdened with managing the museum''s daily affairs. Those tasks can be handled by Pela and the other deputy director." "Of course... should Mister Bochang have any directives, the museum will follow accordingly." With Cocolia''s reassurance, Bochang realized she wanted him to serve merely as a figurehead museum director. Is she trying to tie me down to Belobog? Cocolia...she certainly knows how to play her cards. If this were my past self, I would have agreed without hesitation. Gently shaking his head, Bochang stroked his chin and asked, "What benefits would there be for me in becoming the museum director?" "Of course, there are benefits..." Cocolia smiled, her mature face radiating a distinct glow. "As the museum director, it becomes your personal property. You can reside in the rear annex, essentially having your own dwelling in Belobog. Additionally, you could even collect admission fees from visitors. How does that sound?" Upon hearing this, Bronya and Pela felt slightly unsettled. However... S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Intimidated by Cocolia''s authority, neither of them spoke up, only thinking, Mrs. Cocolia must have her reasons; best not to overthink it. A residence? Having a place to stay in Belobog would indeed be convenient if I visit often. The prospect of owning his own house was something Bochang couldn''t easily resist. "Well, since you put it that way, I gratefully accept Mrs. Cocolia''s gift." Hearing this response, Cocolia''s smile grew even brighter. This was the first time Bronya had seen her mother laugh so joyously, startling her enough to hastily take a sip of water to calm herself down. Cocolia responded, "No need to thank me; this is simply what Belobog should do." While Bochang seemed slightly pleased, Pela wasn''t as thrilled. "Ugh... I already have plenty of work, and now managing the museum too? Wait... If I take on this role, couldn''t I provide even better education for the children? Especially those from the Lower District." With that thought, Pela suddenly felt reinvigorated. As a caring "big sister," Pela deeply cared about Belobog''s children and desired them to receive quality education. This sentiment led her to previously share Belobog''s history with a group of youngsters within the city. After everyone had their fill, as the midday feast neared its end, Bochang''s phone rang. Opening it, he found a message from the pink-haired girl: March 7th: It''s getting late, still not back yet? Seeing this text, Bochang strangely felt like a doting wife at home urging him to return. Bailu leaned over and asked, "Who''s that?" "It''s March, she''s rushing us to go back," Bochang replied. Upon hearing this, everyone''s attention turned towards him. Cocolia, Bronya, Pela, and Bailu¡ªall focused their gaze on Bochang. Even the former Great Guardian held her breath momentarily. The dragon race little loli pouted, "Nope, no way! This miss wants to play here a bit longer. Didn''t you just say we should rest for the afternoon before leaving?" "Indeed, it would be good to catch some sleep," Bochang agreed... ...as he yawned. Due to March 7th''s antics last night, Bochang hadn''t gotten much rest. Then, rushing to Belobog to find Tingyun had further drained his energy, taking up half the day. Feeling slightly weary, while he could certainly go without sleep, having established a routine, Bochang preferred the comfort of a proper nap. Cocolia stood up and suggested, "Since Mister Bochang wishes to rest, let''s conclude lunch now... There are rooms available at Qlipoth Fort; I''ll escort both of you there." "Bronya, you and Pela proceed with transferring the artifacts to the museum." Upon receiving this command... Bronya and Pela, who had already paused their actions, also rose from their seats. Chapter 271 - 270: Forbidden Size Transformation Chapter 271 - 270: Forbidden Size TransformationPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Today, Belobog basked under the blazing sun. Since the resolution of the Stellaron Crisis... Global temperatures have risen, and clear skies like these have become increasingly common. Bronya and Pela emerged from Qlipoth Fort together, feeling the warmth as golden sunlight bathed their bodies. They paused momentarily. Bronya glanced back, her mind filled with countless thoughts that swiftly vanished... Despite the myriad emotions swirling within her, her expression remained unchanged¡ªcold and impassive. The surrounding Silvermane Guards stood vigilant, eyes unwavering. Pela spoke up, "Miss Bronya, Mrs. Cocolia''s sudden decision to appoint a new museum director caught everyone off guard. Convincing the old director to willingly step down won''t be easy." "Proceed boldly; seize this opportunity. It''s also time to reorganize The Architects'' ranks," Bronya replied, her tone icy. Ever since ascending to the position of Great Guardian, Bronya has been dedicated to revitalizing Gelou Beru''s spirit and energy. These actions inadvertently conflicted with the interests of some individuals within The Architects, hindering the smooth implementation of her policies. The old director of the Cultural History Museum was among those opposing forces, and a confrontation between Bronya and him seemed inevitable¡ªjust like lighting three fires to assert authority upon assuming a new position. Now... Bronya intended to leverage Bochang''s influence to initiate a purge within The Architects, eliminating dissenters. Once key figures under Cocolia, these individuals now faced a change in leadership. Unfortunately, politics dictate that each ruler brings their own loyalists. Those unable to adapt to Bronya''s pace would inevitably be cast aside by her. This must have been the reason behind Cocolia entrusting the museum to Bochang; Bronya had fully grasped the situation. Pela responded, "I understand." Meanwhile... Bochang and Bailu followed Cocolia into one of Qlipoth Fort''s guest rooms. "Miss Bailu, let me show you another room nearby." Like Bronya, Cocolia wore long black boots, causing a rhythmic tapping sound with each step. Glancing at those shapely legs encased in black stockings, Bochang couldn''t help but think, "If her feet were sweaty... that tangy aroma..." With knee-high boots extending past her knees and snugly hugging her thighs, it created a perfect environment for fermentation. Compared to Bronya''s slender figure, Cocolia''s legs had more curves. Naturally... they tapered from fuller thighs down to slimmer calves. Her hips and bust size were also larger than Bronya''s. Yet, Cocolia carried no excess fat; everything was just right... evident through her form-fitting attire, making these physical attributes unmistakably noticeable. It must be said... Cocolia exuded the allure of a mature woman, akin to Himeko and Serval. Before, Bochang hadn''t closely observed her features. Now, taking a closer look, he felt a myriad of emotions stirring within him. The white skirt provided minimal coverage, resembling a front panel like a loincloth and tapering asymmetrically behind, almost like a swallow-tail hemline. Most striking were the tight black stockings torn around her waist and hips, revealing large expanses of smooth, fair skin. As Bochang discreetly observed the former Great Guardian, Bailu protested, "No... This miss wants to sleep with Bochang." With that, the little dragon girl reached out and firmly grasped Bochang, showing no intention of letting go. "This..." Cocolia appeared troubled; this wasn''t what she had envisioned. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Send Bailu to another room - Completion Reward: Random Skill.] [Option 2: Allow Bailu to stay - Completion Reward: Random Item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] ? Dating options triggered... If I choose for Bailu to leave or stay, will different events occur? ? ? Should I let her leave or allow her to remain? ? ? It feels like something significant might happen... ? Since both options offer rewards, Bochang could make his choice more casually. After a moment''s contemplation, Bochang said, ? Hmm... Alright, let Bailu stay then.? ? Option 2. ? Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Having made his decision, Bochang said, "Let Bailu stay here." "Alright, then I''ll take my leave now. If anything arises, Mister Bochang can call for me." With a hint of disappointment, Cocolia turned and departed. [Reward being distributed - Congratulations! You have obtained the item: Immortal Binding Rope. It automatically targets visible enemies and binds them securely. Note: This equipment has been stored in the system space and can be retrieved for use at any time.] [Note 2: The equipment requires blood binding to establish ownership.] "Immortal Binding Rope? I''ve heard about this before... Never expected to actually obtain it. This draw wasn''t too bad after all." A slight smile curved Bochang''s lips. Bailu tilted her head and asked, "Why are you smiling?" Caught off guard, Bochang gently patted the little dragon girl''s head. "It''s nothing... I just remembered something happy, so I couldn''t help but smile..." "What is it that makes you so happy?" Bailu persisted. Bochang had no intention of pursuing this topic further. He replied, "Don''t worry about it. Let''s get some rest; I''m feeling sleepy." "Uh..." The little dragon girl plopped onto the bed, gently tapping its surface with her tail. This room was specially prepared by Cocolia for their stay. It was spacious, and the bed remarkably soft, ensuring Bailu''s comfort even while lying down. On Xianzhou Luofu, beds were never this plush. As Bochang sat on the mattress, it sank slightly beneath him. Instead of rushing to sleep, he took out his phone for a quick glance. Earlier, he had sent a message to March 7th. Bochang wanted to check if she had replied yet. "Hmm... Still no response, maybe she''s already asleep." At Xianzhou Luofu... It should be late at night now. Bochang put down his phone and rubbed his eyes. He felt a slight dip in the mattress. Turning around, Bochang noticed that the little dragon girl''s body had once again grown larger. Her explosive transformation couldn''t be fully concealed by those tiny clothes. Instinctively covering his eyes, Bochang pleaded, "Bailu, please behave normally, I''m scared." Previously, when dominated by March 7th... After enduring a relentless night of pushing, despite the exhilaration, Bochang was still recovering from the experience. Seeing Bailu suddenly transform elicited this natural reaction. "I just wanted to change my form; there were absolutely no malicious intentions," Bailu protested innocently, sitting cross-legged and engaged in beetle fighting with her hands. Her vulnerable demeanor truly evoked sympathy. "You''d better..." Bochang delivered a gentle chop on Bailu''s head, "Remember, transformations are prohibited here. Also... unless it''s dangerous or you have my permission, don''t randomly change your form." "Alright, I understand now..." Bailu rubbed her head, emitting a blinding white light as her curvaceous figure rapidly shrank. She transformed back into a stoic little loli. Ignoring Bailu, Bochang lay down to sleep without further ado. Rest time passed swiftly. Unfortunately... Before Bochang could fully relax, Cocolia burst into the room, exclaiming, "It''s urgent, Mister Bochang! Belobog''s Antimatter Legion... they''ve suddenly awakened." Chapter 272 - 271: The Awakened Antimatter Legion Chapter 272 - 271: The Awakened Antimatter LegionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Cocolia''s sudden intrusion startled Bochang awake. He sat up in bed, one hand clutching the soft sheets, momentarily dazed. Being rudely awakened from a pleasant dream was never enjoyable. Bochang turned around. "What is it, Cocolia?" He hadn''t clearly heard what she said just now. "Gelou Beru''s Antimatter Legion... has been resurrected..." Cocolia''s breaths were rapid, and beads of sweat glistened on her smooth forehead, indicating she had rushed over hurriedly. Bochang finally understood the reason for her uncharacteristic distress. "So it''s the Antimatter Legion... Wait... they''ve been resurrected? Already?" Initially, Bochang didn''t fully grasp the situation, but as realization dawned, his expression shifted to one of surprise. The existence of numerous antimatter legions on Jarilo VI was no secret. When Bochang and his team resolved the Stellaron Crisis, they had witnessed those frozen monsters. At the time, he had even pondered that once these creatures thawed, it would likely lead to another catastrophe. Yet unexpectedly... The Antimatter Legion had revived so swiftly, which seemed truly inconceivable. Wait... Could this be Phantylia''s doing...? thought Bochang. Bochang thought to himself. The Silver Wolf had also warned them earlier: "Don''t leave Phantylia behind; it will lead to problems." Considering this, Bochang suspected that Lord Ravager might be orchestrating these events from the shadows. "You''re right. The Silvermane Guards outside the city have already spotted numerous traces of Antimatter Legion soldiers and engaged with some. According to intelligence, a massive horde is advancing towards Belobog. The vanguard forces... are expected to reach the northern outskirts within an hour," Cocolia spoke rapidly. Despite her composed demeanor at the dinner table moments ago, even the golden-haired beauty seemed unsettled now. "The protective shield won''t hold for long, Mister Bochang. What should we do? With only Belobog''s strength, we cannot possibly withstand the revived monsters..." Cocolia, who had just begun contributing to the reborn Belobog, could not bear to watch the last city descend into the Abyss. Now... Cocolia could only place her hopes on this young man who appeared even younger than herself. The enemy''s formidable strength was evident, hailing from beyond the heavens. Surely, there must be a way to address this issue. "Don''t worry," Bochang reassured her, "I''ll find a solution. Let''s head to the city walls first and assess the situation." He swiftly got out of bed. "Bailu, you..." He turned back to glance at Bailu, surprised to see her still asleep despite Cocolia''s entrance. "She sleeps so soundly." Bochang softly sighed. No wonder March 7th managed to sneak away unnoticed last night; once this little one fell asleep, she was truly undisturbed... Cocolia suggested, "Since Miss Bailu isn''t awake yet, let''s proceed without her. It will give her some more rest." In the former Great Guardian''s view, the young dragon girl was merely a child, unable to contribute much assistance. "I''m taking Bailu with us." Bochang had no intention of leaving her behind. With the Antimatter Legion approaching menacingly, he couldn''t risk abandoning Bailu alone at Qlipoth Fort. Keeping her close seemed like the safer option, not to mention her combat capabilities were quite impressive for a young dragon. In case of any unforeseen complications, she could lend her assistance. To be honest... Once Bailu transforms into her giant dragon form, she would easily sweep through all of Belobog... The only concern is whether there might be formidable adversaries within the frozen Antimatter Legion. "Well... Mister Bochang, it''s your decision," Cocolia responded without objection, leaving the choice to Bochang instead. She gently nudged the little dragon girl awake. "Wake up, Bailu, it''s time to rise," said Bochang. "Hmm... What''s going on?" Bailu opened her eyes, looking dazed. Bochang pinched the cheek of the young dragon girl. "A sudden surge of the Antimatter Legion has appeared outside Belobog..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Before he could finish, Bailu instantly perked up and exclaimed, "What? The Antimatter Legion? We should hurry and make our escape!" Upon hearing this, Cocolia placed a hand on her forehead, her beautiful purple eyes conveying a sense of helplessness. Cocolia couldn''t predict what choice they would ultimately make, leading to mixed emotions within her. Bochang reassured them, "It''s just the Antimatter Legion... Let''s go take a look first before jumping to conclusions. Bailu, stop thinking about running away all the time; you''re the future High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan. Show some courage, won''t you?" As long as Lord Ravager himself didn''t intervene, the Antimatter Legion posed no significant threat beyond their sheer numbers. Bailu scratched her head, finding Bochang''s words quite reasonable. The little dragon girl followed closely behind without mentioning escape again. The trio swiftly exited Qlipoth Fort. Bright sunlight flooded the earth, illuminating all of Belobog. Behind this radiant facade, however, a more perilous disaster was approaching. Unaware of the impending danger, the people of Belobog rejoiced in the resolution of the Stellaron Crisis and the restored access between upper and lower districts. Bochang extended his hand. "Mrs. Cocolia, if it''s not too much trouble, allow me to escort you from here on." This sudden invitation caught Cocolia off guard. Cocolia hesitated and asked, "Send me on my way?" "Indeed, flying is faster than running. Given the urgency of the situation, I don''t have time for leisurely travel." Bochang spread his hands. Cocolia knew that her counterpart possessed flight capabilities. As for herself... When she had access to Stellaron power, Cocolia could indeed fly. However, after losing the Stellaron''s power, she no longer held the ability to soar. "Would you carry me while flying? But then... wouldn''t we be in close proximity... Might this be... inappropriate?" Numerous thoughts raced through Cocolia''s mind within an instant. Observing the silent former Great Guardian, Bochang realized something and said, "Uh... unwilling? Then I''ll head to the city walls first." As he spoke... Bochang reached into his pouch, retrieving the Cyber Sword. The more people it carried, the slower the Cyber Sword''s speed became. If Cocolia didn''t join them, it was just as well. Bochang and Bailu could swiftly investigate what exactly was happening. Just moments ago, when Bochang and Stelle were searching for Tingyun outside the city, not a single member of the frozen Antimatter Legion showed any signs of movement. "Wait... I''m willing!" Cocolia reached out to stop Bochang, who had already prepared to take off with Bailu. The surrounding Silvermane Guards turned their attention towards them, unable to help but notice Cocolia''s sudden reaction. "Not...I''m just offering you a ride, not proposing marriage! Don''t get so excited; it easily creates misunderstandings," Bochang silently grumbled to himself. He then cleared his throat and said, "Alright, Mrs. Cocolia, please hold on tight and steady yourself." "Yes." Cocolia nodded solemnly. Chapter 273 - 272: Writing a Reflection Chapter 273 - 272: Writing a ReflectionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Today, Belobog gained another striking spectacle: It was... the grand sight of Bochang flying through the sky with Cocolia and Bailu. All three stood upon the sword. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Cocolia led at the front, followed by Bailu, and Bochang brought up the rear¡ªjust like yesterday. Holding someone aloft with his arm, as he had done with Stelle, wasn''t practical for carrying three passengers. Additionally, Bochang wanted to avoid any misunderstandings; if people from Belobog saw him flying with the former Great Guardian cradled in his arms, rumors would undoubtedly spread uncontrollably. When Stelle and March 7th returned later, it could lead to complications. Bochang preferred to be proactive. Sometimes, the "Dating Options" system didn''t trigger prompts, so he had to rely on his own judgment. Of course... They weren''t standing unprotected on the Cyber Sword. Using the Invisible Hand, Bochang created a barrier serving as a guardrail to ensure everyone''s safety¡ªa literal reminder to hold on tight. Witnessing this scene, Pela near the window couldn''t help but gasp aloud. Bronya, nearby, was deep in thought about how to handle the opposing Architect when she heard Pela''s exclamation. Looking up, she asked, "What is it, Pela?" "I... I think I just saw Mrs. Cocolia, Bochang, and Bailu flying in the sky." In the blink of an eye, the trio vanished. "Mrs. Cocolia and Bochang flying in the sky? Are you sure you didn''t missee something? Doesn''t Bochang usually rest in the afternoon? How could..." Bronya couldn''t believe it. Pela looked puzzled and said, "I''m not certain either; perhaps I did mistake it." Cocolia had yet to inform Bronya about the Antimatter Legion''s sighting, as they aimed to prevent public panic by withholding the information temporarily from most citizens. Of course... This secret wouldn''t remain hidden for long. It should reach Bronya''s ears soon enough. During their flight, Cocolia gripped both Invisible Hands tightly, recalling how she was once bound by these very same forces. A myriad of emotions surged through her mind. Her former enemy had now become a reliable teammate. With Bochang beside her, Cocolia felt a sense of profound reassurance. Due to Bailu''s small size, With two and a half passengers on the Cyber Sword, their speed remained relatively swift. After flying for several minutes, the trio arrived at the northern city wall. According to reports, the location where the massive Antimatter Legion was spotted lay beyond the northern snowfield. Indeed, numerous ice-encased monsters could be seen in that direction. Currently... The Silvermane Guards stationed here were already preparing for battle. As Bochang descended with Cocolia and Bailu from high above... A Silvermane officer promptly approached them. This officer, named Dunn, wore heavy armor, wielding a long spear and a large shield, exuding an imposing presence. For some reason, Bochang sensed a hint of hostility emanating from Officer Dunn. His Spider Sense triggered a warning signal. Bochang narrowed his eyes, remaining silent but curious about what might have provoked such animosity. Dunn''s gaze fell upon the former Great Guardian. "Mrs. Cocolia... What should we do next?" Regarding this predicament, Cocolia had no immediate solution either. She simply turned to Bochang and said, "All of this...we must entrust to you, Mister Bochang." "Hmm... I''ll first go assess the situation outside before deciding on further actions." From Cocolia''s explanation, Bochang only gleaned that they faced a large contingent of Antimatter Legion soldiers. However, the exact number remained unknown to him. Naturally, he needed to personally observe the situation. If it was within his capabilities to handle, he would take care of it. But if it exceeded his abilities, he would have no choice but to seek reinforcements from Xianzhou Luofu. General Jing Yuan likely wouldn''t refuse such a small request; in fact, he might eagerly anticipate engaging with the Antimatter Legion... "Mrs. Cocolia, surely we can''t...rely solely on outsiders?" Dunn gritted his teeth, speaking hesitantly. Cocolia''s gaze sharpened, her deep yet dazzling purple eyes flickering slightly. "Mister Bochang is not an outsider, Officer Dunn. From today onwards, he is the curator of Belobog''s History and Culture Museum. We are all part of the same family; please refrain from using such distant language." "Also... Where''s Gepard?" Cocolia scanned the area but couldn''t spot any trace of the Silvermane Guard commander nearby. Logically speaking, he should have been stationed here. Dunn replied, "Mrs. Cocolia, moments ago, sporadic Antimatter Legion soldiers appeared in the eastern snowfield... Commander Gepard has already gone to resist them." "Do you need me to assist?" Bochang extended his hand. Cocolia declined, "No assistance is required. Since it''s only sporadic Antimatter Legion soldiers, Gepard can handle it." As she spoke, Cocolia deliberately emphasized the word ''sporadic.'' She harbored doubts about whether Gepard truly went to the eastern snowfield. Perhaps... Gepard simply didn''t want to encounter Bochang, considering this fellow had whisked away her sister Serval. Sensing something subtle, Dunn''s expression shifted, but with his helmet obscuring him, no one could discern his reaction. "Alright, I''ll go assess the situation first. If it''s manageable, I''ll handle it; otherwise, we''ll discuss further options," Bochang replied casually, waving his hand. Under the radiant sunlight, his profile gleamed brilliantly. Whether it was his tousled hair, handsome features, or confident tone, each aspect struck deeply into Cocolia''s heart. Her heartbeat quickened, and a blush spread across her delicate face. "Let''s go, Bailu." He gently took hold of the little dragon girl, and using the Cyber Sword, Bochang soared into the sky like a shooting star heading towards the outside world. Left behind, Cocolia watched enviously as Bailu flew nestled in Bochang''s arms. "No, no... What am I thinking?!" Cocolia felt unsettled, her emotions spiraling out of control. She had managed to suppress these feelings before meeting Bochang, but now she found herself struggling to maintain composure. "I wasn''t like this before. Has he done something to me?" Cocolia plunged deep into self-doubt. As Bochang and Bailu took flight, Dunn immediately whispered, "Mrs. Cocolia, can we truly place our hopes on them?" "What choice do we have?" After Bochang''s departure, Cocolia regained her cool demeanor. "Dunn, you should learn how to properly treat Belobog''s esteemed guests. Once this incident is resolved, write a self-reflection report upon your return." "As ordered, Mrs. Cocolia." Dunn responded with his head bowed. The former Great Guardian''s authority weighed heavily; Dunn dared not defy Cocolia''s command, knowing fully well he had offended Bochang. However... Dunn remained unconvinced. Mid-flight, Bailu remarked, "Something seemed off about that Cocolia just now." "Indeed, but I doubt she harbors any ill intent." Bochang also sensed it initially, thinking Cocolia merely wanted to curry favor with him. Only moments ago did he realize: Perhaps the situation was different from what he imagined. "I beat her up so severely before, yet why... Could Cocolia be a masochist?" Chapter 274 - 273: Monsters Roaming Outside the City Chapter 274 - 273: Monsters Roaming Outside the CityPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Regarding whether Cocolia was a masochist or not, Bochang didn''t dwell on it much; it wasn''t particularly important. "I didn''t expect to receive gifts from Cocolia only to immediately assist her afterward. Hmph... Is this deliberate, perhaps?" It all seemed too coincidental. It was understandable for Bochang to have such thoughts. Bailu clutched his shirt, her expression earnest. "I''ve heard you were once enemies... But her attitude towards you doesn''t seem like that of adversaries at all." "Cough... Bailu, let''s not dwell on this matter." Bochang looked helpless; he hadn''t even figured it out himself yet... How could he explain it properly? Seeing his reaction, the little dragon girl fell silent, pouting slightly as if sulking. She appeared quite adorable in that moment. Moving forward... Bochang led Bailu northward towards Belobog''s vast snowfields. The little dragon girl''s gaze was quickly captivated by the unique and breathtaking scenery, eliciting occasional gasps of awe. Her behavior suggested she had rarely seen snow before. Indeed, Bailu seldom ventured outside the forbidden residence, making it difficult for her to experience such scenic beauty firsthand. This snowy planet, compared to their first visit, now showed significant signs of thawing. As Bochang scanned the landscape, he spotted several small streams crisscrossing the snowy ground, their clear waters flowing gently. It seemed that it wouldn''t be long before Jarilo VI could regain its former vitality. After flying for several minutes, the unchanging snowscape began to induce a sense of weariness in Bochang. He had initially planned to rest properly but was unexpectedly caught by Cocolia for more work. The position of the History and Culture Museum''s director certainly came with its challenges. Just as Bochang started to lose focus, Bailu, with her keen eyes, pointed into the distance and exclaimed, "It''s the Antimatter Legion." Indeed, Bochang and Bailu encountered soldiers from the Antimatter Legion. These wandering monsters were slowly advancing towards Belobog. As commonly known, the intelligence quotient of Antimatter Legion soldiers is typically low. Without leadership, they become mere scattered rogues. The hundreds of Antimatter Legion soldiers Bochang now faced appeared to be such disorganized stragglers. "Are these the vanguard mentioned by the Silvermane Guards?" Bochang, uncertain yet undeterred, decided to eliminate them first without further investigation. Under his command, the Cyber Sword hovered motionless in mid-air. "Hmph... Accept your Trial!" Bochang released his grip on Bailu, aiming instead at the approaching Antimatter Legion below, ready to unleash Dragon Blast. The Antimatter Legion also spotted their presence. Among them, soldiers with flight capabilities immediately charged towards Bochang and Bailu. Looking down at the feeble Voidrangers, Bochang declared, "Perish." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. A massive pillar of flame shot forth. With a deafening explosion, a crater nearly a hundred meters wide appeared on the ground. The forceful blast even stripped away a layer of snow from the surrounding area. In the ensuing detonation, those hundreds of Antimatter Legion soldiers... met their demise silently. The little dragon girl clung tightly to Bochang, wrapping her tail around his thigh as an extra precaution against falling. "Wow, impressive..." she praised. Bailu praised Bochang''s action. "It''s nothing," Bochang replied. "Besides, Bailu could effortlessly achieve the same feat, right?" When the little dragon girl transformed, she became an absolute force to be reckoned with. Unless confronted by an Emanator, few could easily halt her onslaught. "That''s only possible thanks to Bochang." Bailu was well aware of the source of her power. Without Bochang''s strength, she would never have been able to transform into a colossal dragon on her own. As they chatted... Bochang and Bailu continued their journey aboard the Cyber Sword. Soon, they encountered more of the Antimatter Legion. Apart from various types of Voidrangers, surprisingly, there were also dragon-shaped Doomsday Beasts among them. Bochang quickly estimated that several tens of thousands of soldiers from the Material Legion had gathered, slowly advancing towards Belobog. It seemed these creatures temporarily lacked strong offensive intent. Perhaps they were still recovering from their frozen state or possibly assembling additional Antimatter Legion forces. Hiding discreetly, Bochang and Bailu observed the scene. They noticed new Antimatter Legion soldiers joining the ranks periodically. "Is this the vanguard of the Antimatter Legion? Or perhaps even its main force?" Bochang squinted thoughtfully. Tens of thousands of Antimatter Legion soldiers posed an overwhelming challenge for present-day Belobog. The entire Silvermane Guard numbered only around a thousand members. Even with the addition of the Earthfire Group and Svarog''s mechanical forces, their total strength would not exceed three thousand. Facing the massive Antimatter Legion numbering tens of thousands, Belobog had no chance of victory. Just relying on the three resting Doomsday Beasts alone should be sufficient to annihilate the entire city, let alone with the support of tens of thousands from the Antimatter Legion... Even Bochang, against such a formidable enemy force, would require considerable time to eliminate them all. Nevertheless, he was confident in his ability to wipe them out, albeit it might demand significant effort. However... Bochang did not know if there were more Antimatter Legions lurking behind. Thus, he refrained from immediate action and continued exploring further. After some time, Bochang discovered that there were indeed no additional Antimatter Legions following. In other words... The tens of thousands already present constituted the main force, rather than any vanguard units. Alternatively, perhaps the creatures swiftly dispatched earlier were the actual vanguard. "It''s good I didn''t hastily seek General Jing Yuan''s assistance for this; these insignificant foes can be handled by me alone." Still, Bochang remained patient, as the Antimatter Legion showed no immediate signs of attacking Belobog. He decided to wait, allowing more soldiers to gather around the area. This way, when the time came, he could eliminate as many monsters as possible in one go, minimizing future instances where Belobog might need his help. It would indeed be troublesome. Not helping felt morally uncomfortable, But assisting seemed too inconvenient. Bochang also wasn''t certain if he''d consistently have the time available; he had his own life to attend to and couldn''t constantly run around for Belobog''s minor issues every day. Meanwhile... At the northern wall of Belobog, Cocolia, Bronya, Pela, Gepard, Dunn, and others had gathered, standing at full readiness as they gazed towards the north. One of the Silvermane Guard officers remarked, "Mister Bochang has been gone for two hours now... Is it really alright that he hasn''t returned yet?" "The loud explosion from the northern snowfields earlier was undoubtedly caused by Mister Bochang," Cocolia said confidently, familiar with such detonation sounds. "He is likely eliminating those monsters right now. We just need to wait patiently." Cocolia understood that some Silvermane Guards might question Bochang, either doubting his abilities or his character. However... She chose to believe in him. Chapter 275 - 274: Firepower Suppression Chapter 275 - 274: Firepower SuppressionPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Time passed leisurely. Bochang, accompanied by Bailu, sat atop a mountain peak, discreetly observing the movements of the Antimatter Legion. Everything proceeded according to plan. The Antimatter Legion was gradually amassing its forces. Compared to when they were first discovered, The current size of the Antimatter Legion had nearly doubled. However... Everything has its limits. Bochang could sense that as the numbers approached one hundred thousand, the growth rate of the Antimatter Legion abruptly slowed down. "Wait a bit more... Let''s see if any additional stragglers join; I''ll deal with them all at once." Bochang slowly closed his eyes. Since this incident began, Bochang hadn''t contacted Phantylia, feeling there was no need to do so. After all... If the Antimatter Legion truly consisted of such a small force, he might have indeed misunderstood her. Even if she were reckless, it would be improbable for her to expend strength on awakening mere stragglers while being so weakened... just to confront him. In the present situation: On one hand, it could be pure coincidence. On the other hand, it''s possible that Lord Ravager Phantylia''s presence passively stimulated these soldiers of the Antimatter Legion, causing their sudden resurgence. During the waiting period, Bochang didn''t remain idle. He continued to stabilize and enhance his fate path power. Meanwhile, Bochang continued doing small tasks within his capabilities. As for Bailu? The little dragon girl was gleefully playing with snow, behaving like a southerner who had rarely seen it before, full of enthusiasm. Bochang refrained from disturbing her, despite her possibly being older than himself. However... In Bochang''s eyes, she remained a child, and indeed, her demeanor closely resembled that of one. As dusk approached and darkness began to envelop the land, the Antimatter Legion finally surpassed a hundred thousand soldiers. During this time, Bochang also shifted positions multiple times, even getting discovered by some antimatter troops. For those fortunate ones, Bochang swiftly dispatched them with a single blast, causing minimal disruption. "Now... we can''t wait any longer. Let''s take care of these guys in one shot. First, I must control my power carefully to avoid affecting Belobog." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang gazed into the distance. After waiting for so long... the slow-moving Antimatter Legion army finally neared its target. They had finally reached within twenty kilometers of Belobog. Standing atop the northern city wall, they could now clearly see the dense ranks of the Antimatter Legion approaching. The Silvermane Guards were visibly unsettled. Facing such a vast Antimatter Legion and the colossal Doomsday Beast slowly crawling forward, everyone felt an unprecedented pressure. Drops of sweat dripped from Dunn''s forehead as he said, "Mrs. Cocolia, perhaps... it''s time to abandon our hopes." In contrast to the Silvermane Guards'' panic, Cocolia remained remarkably calm. She had already observed Bochang standing with Bailu on a mountain peak, overlooking the scene from above, gazing at the backs of the Antimatter Legion soldiers. Although unclear why they took so long, and did not return to notify anyone, still... the fact that Bochang hadn''t fled meant there must be hope remaining. Before Cocolia could speak, Bronya calmly stated, "Don''t rush, Dunn. Mister Bochang is ahead of us." Gepard also spotted Bochang and Bailu''s figures. Gepard''s gaze towards the man who whisked away his sister was somewhat conflicted. Initially, he had tried to dissuade her, but Serval insisted on leaving... Ultimately, there was nothing he could do but let his sister pursue the freedom she desired. Following Bronya''s prompt, Dunn remained silent, merely observing Bochang from behind without a word. Then... Facing the vast Antimatter Legion, Bochang lifted Bailu effortlessly with his Invisible Hand and slowly raised both hands. Two pillars of flame, several meters wide, shot forth towards the enemy ranks. "Boom! Boom!" The fiery beams struck the Antimatter Legion. Two Doomsday Beasts were hit head-on, causing explosions that instantly spread flames across thousands of meters. The previously dim sky suddenly illuminated brightly as dazzling light radiated outward in all directions. A white shockwave swept through, nearly unbalancing even the Silvermane Guards atop the city walls. Only three individuals remained unaffected: former Great Guardian Mrs. Cocolia, current Great Guardian Bronya, and the guard commander of the Silvermane Iron Guard. Everyone else appeared visibly shaken. These two blasts annihilated over ten thousand members of the Antimatter Legion, reducing them to ash amidst the intense heat. All that remained were massive craters exposing the permafrost beneath. "Whoa..." Witnessing this spectacle, the Silvermane Guards collectively gasped. With ease, Bochang had decimated one-fifth to one-quarter of the Antimatter Legion. The scene was overwhelmingly shocking, leaving everyone momentarily speechless. "Is this...his true power? It''s unimaginably strong..." Dunn''s pupils trembled slightly. Despite considering himself among the stronger officers of the Silvermane Guards, he could only handle a few Antimatter Legion Voidrangers simultaneously. The thought of annihilating over ten thousand with just two shots was utterly unfathomable. "Could this be the strength Big Sister witnessed back then?" Gepard felt chills creeping up his spine. No wonder these individuals were able to resolve the Stellaron Crisis. "He seems even more powerful now." Both Cocolia and Bronya shared this sentiment; they could sense that Bochang had not unleashed his full potential yet. Bochang appeared completely at ease, even finding time to pat Bailu on the head. "It looks like this is merely a trivial matter for him." As Cocolia sighed in relief, she also experienced an inexplicable surge of tension. Bochang''s immense strength exerted an overwhelming pressure invisibly while simultaneously evoking a thrilling excitement within her. The battle continued unabated. Bochang showed no signs of slowing down his barrage. Two shots, four shots, six shots, eight shots¡ªthe battlefield became engulfed in relentless artillery fire. With Bochang''s firepower covering the entire area, the three Doomsday Beasts were swiftly dispatched before they could mount any significant resistance. After dozens of salvos... The Antimatter Legion crumbled, their formations scattering as soldiers fled, too afraid to advance further. It was a dazzling fireworks display across the northern snowfields. This onslaught continued for several minutes. The deafening roars persisted without pause, and blinding flashes lit up the twilight sky like daylight itself. Terrified, the residents of Belobog sought refuge indoors, too scared to venture outside. By the time Bochang finished warming up, not a single soldier of the Antimatter Legion remained on the battlefield¡ªeither fleeing or lying dead. For Belobog, what had been an imminent threat of annihilation was effortlessly repelled by Bochang. "Whew... It''s over. The remaining stragglers can be handled by Belobog themselves. Bailu..." Before Bochang could finish his sentence, the nearby ice-covered mountain suddenly collapsed. Huge black claws tore through the snow and ice. An indescribable monstrous creature slowly emerged. Bochang''s eyes widened slightly. "What is this thing...? Looks incredibly powerful." This beast dwarfed even the Doomsday Beasts in size. Chapter 276 - 275: Ancient War Weapon Chapter 276 - 275: Ancient War WeaponPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Upon careful recollection, Bochang realized he had seen similar creatures within the meteorites released by Phantylia. Although only half of its body had emerged, the monstrous creature, resembling a colossal mountain, was already visible to Cocolia and her companions. "I wonder how powerful that thing is..." Bochang felt slightly exhilarated, "Should we engage it in close combat?" "Nah, let''s try using the Creation Engine instead." During the afternoon, with nothing else to occupy his time, Bochang had repaired the Creation Engine he previously destroyed with a single blast. Combining the Horse Talisman''s magic power with robotic repair and upgrade techniques, it was remarkably easy for him. Bochang completed the maintenance and upgrade of the Creation Engine within just one hour. Taking out his phone, Bochang asked earnestly, "Bailu, want to play a game?" "Game? What game? Shouldn''t our focus...be on that monster right now? Let''s quickly use light waves to take care of it." Bailu''s eyes sparkled with excitement. Witnessing Bochang display such divine prowess thrilled the little dragon girl; she couldn''t wait to join in and unleash her own might. However... Bochang did not allow Bailu to intervene. "Didn''t you want to face monsters earlier? Now''s your chance..." Bochang accessed the game interface, revealing its control panel. "Watch closely and learn." With that, Bochang initiated the game. The dormant Creation Engine within the icy mountains roared back to life. Bochang, gazing at the incredibly realistic game interface, slowly stood up amidst distant rumbling sounds. The cacophony of noise mixed with the monster''s cries as it broke free, creating confusion about the situation. "Why has Mister Bochang suddenly stopped moving? Why not kill that monster? Is he running out of strength?" the Silvermane Guards whispered among themselves. Cocolia remained unperturbed; she knew Bochang must have his reasons for this approach, and all she needed to do was wait patiently. "I''ve been standing here for so long today... my legs feel weak," Cocolia thought to herself. Not only were her legs feeling weak, but witnessing Bochang''s immense might, decimating the Antimatter Legion, stirred deep memories within her. As these recollections surfaced, she felt a slight dampness spreading across her pants. Unaware of these developments, even Bochang himself, let alone Bronya and the Silvermane Guards nearby, did not notice anything unusual. At most, they might have observed Mrs. Cocolia''s cheeks appearing slightly flushed, adding to her feminine allure¡ªa departure from her usual demeanor as the aloof and all-controlling former Great Guardian. Bronya kept her gaze fixed on Bochang. By now... her admiration for Cocolia''s judgment of people had grown even stronger. "No wonder Mother entrusted him with the entire museum..." "For Bochang''s friendship, offending a few Architects is inconsequential; it wouldn''t matter if we angered them all." Might determines everything. Bronya firmly believed that with Bochang''s support, any opposing force would be nothing more than paper tigers¡ªfragile and easily shattered. However, a concern arose within her, "But... considering Bochang''s immense power, can offering just the position of museum curator truly secure his strong backing for Belobog?" However, it must be acknowledged that Bochang''s immense power itself is also a cause for concern. "Is there any more reliable way...?" Bronya pondered. Meanwhile, the black monstrous creature had broken free from its confinement. Standing nearly a kilometer tall, this grotesque behemoth resembled a deformed giant beast as it charged towards Bochang, causing continuous earthquakes in its wake. On the other side... Bochang maneuvered the Creation Engine out of the mountains, coming into full view of Cocolia and her companions. The setting sun cast cold metallic reflections off the massive robot''s surface. After Bochang''s maintenance and upgrades, the Creation Engine appeared brand new, as if freshly constructed. "That is... The Architects'' ancient machine, the Creation Engine? Wasn''t it damaged beyond repair? Is this a different one? How can Bochang control it?" Surprise flashed through Bronya''s mind, followed by a cascade of questions. Cocolia was equally shocked but quickly felt a surge of joy. The existence of the Creation Engine held significant meaning for the Great Guardians, as their lineage traditionally possessed the ability to command such machines. Cocolia sensed that with her will, she could easily contest control over it. However... She knew better than to act impulsively at this moment. A combination of mecha and monstrous creature simultaneously appeared on Belobog''s northern snowfields. Bochang skillfully maneuvered the Creation Engine to grab hold of the black monster''s tail, then swung it forcefully, slamming it into the unending mountain range. This effectively halted its advance. Although the Creation Engine seemed smaller than the black monster, it held its own during combat without any signs of weakness. As expected from The Architects'' ancient war machine, its power was truly formidable. "Boom! Rumble!" Deafening sounds echoed incessantly as Cocolia and others watched two colossal beasts fiercely battling at the edge of the mountains. Each clash caused nearby peaks to crumble one after another, sending massive clouds of snow cascading down. Consequently, even within Belobog, it began to snow again; however, most of these falling flakes turned into rain halfway through, dripping onto the city below. Despite not knowing what the Creation Engine was, the Silvermane Guards could clearly see... This mechanical creation had come to assist them. That realization alone sufficed. "Groin Kick, Monkey Snatches Peach, Toe Stomp!" Bochang operated the controls on his phone like playing a game, relentlessly keeping the black monster off-balance. Seeing how engrossed Bochang was, the little dragon girl couldn''t help but pout. She tugged at his sleeve, whining adorably, "I want to play too, I want to play!" Seeing this, Bochang handed over the phone, allowing Bailu to control the Creation Engine. With the switch, the previously dominant Creation Engine suddenly fell into disadvantage, getting pummeled by the black monster on the ground. Fortunately, they had ventured deep into the mountains where the Silvermane Guards couldn''t witness the Creation Engine being overwhelmed. Otherwise... their morale would have taken a severe hit. Not that their morale mattered much anyway. This battle was entirely Bochang''s solo performance. The three Doomsday Beasts and the entire Antimatter Legion were no match for him. Only the final black monster posed some interest. Bochang could sense that his opponent was currently in a weakened state. In fact, not just the black monster but all the soldiers of the Antimatter Legion seemed quite feeble. Having only recently awakened from their frozen state likely contributed to this weakness. Without such a handicap, even with the Creation Engine alone, suppressing the enemy might not have been as straightforward. Bailu gritted her teeth, desperately trying to control the battle. Unfortunately, it had no effect. Bochang could only suggest, "Try clicking on Auto-Battle." Chapter 277 - 276: Unable to Repay Chapter 277 - 276: Unable to RepayPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** To prevent mishandling, Bochang specifically included a feature for one-click activation of Auto-Battle. Or rather... The Creation Engine originally possessed an Auto-Battle function, and Bochang merely added a manual control system as an option. By clicking Auto-Battle, the engine would revert to its default state. Feeling thoroughly outmatched and unwilling to continue, Bailu activated Auto-Battle, ready to enjoy the ease of letting it run autonomously. And so... the previously battered Creation Engine regained its composure and began pummeling the black monster in return. Without Bailu''s micro-management, the Creation Engine''s performance significantly improved. It swiftly mounted the black creature, delivering a lesson through brute force. Mountains crumbled, snowfields tore apart, and the intense melee continued for several minutes. Then... everything returned to calm. The black monster was beaten to death by relentless blows from the Creation Engine. The blood-red eyes of the black monster dimmed. Just like its fellow Antimatter Legion comrades, it disintegrated into ash and vanished amidst the boundless mountains. Finally, it was over. Now, Bochang could return to Belobog with Bailu. No further monsters emerged afterward. With their clothing rustling softly, Bochang and Bailu descended from the sky, landing steadily on the city wall. The surrounding Silvermane Guards'' gazes underwent a significant change. Having witnessed Bochang''s prowess, they unconsciously became more deferential, their expressions filled with both fear and admiration. As Bochang''s gaze swept across them, they instinctively lowered their heads, as if responding to a powerful aura emanating from him. Cocolia stepped forward and said, "Mister Bochang, it seems your strength has greatly improved." "Indeed," Bochang replied with a slight smile. Without wasting time on pleasantries, he got straight to the point, "Mrs. Cocolia, regarding the Antimatter Legion outside... I''ve eliminated all of them just now. Although some managed to escape, they were merely scattered remnants." "Belobog should be able to handle them now; there''s no immediate need for concern about those monsters." Bochang spread his hands. During the artillery barrage just moments ago, no more than a hundred Antimatter Legion soldiers managed to escape. It was unlikely they could pose a significant threat to Belobog. Cocolia acknowledged, "Mister Bochang, your efforts have been commendable. However... there is one thing I don''t understand." "You wish to ask about the Creation Engine, correct?" Bochang had already guessed her question. Cocolia nodded. "Yes... The ancient machine should have been completely destroyed. How did Mister Bochang manage to operate the Creation Engine against our enemies? Did you find it outside?" All eyes focused intently on him. Bochang shook his head. "No... Mrs. Cocolia, this is the same Creation Engine that appeared at the sealing site of the Stellaron. Although it was damaged initially, I took some time earlier today to repair it." "Repaired it?" Cocolia was astounded. Fixing the Creation Engine within just an afternoon seemed almost unbelievably swift. "No wonder... No wonder Mister Bochang didn''t return earlier," Bronya murmured with a slight frown. "However... given Mister Bochang''s capabilities, there should have been no need for him to repair the Creation Engine himself... What could be his purpose behind this?" "Could it be..." Bronya seemed to grasp something. Bailu placed her hands on her hips and chimed in, "That''s right... I watched Mister Bochang fix it; it looked pretty straightforward. He finished within an hour." Cocolia and Bronya slowly exchanged puzzled glances. Repairing the Creation Engine in just one hour? What kind of insane speed is that? sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Both Great Guardians were stunned. The other Silvermane Guards, though not fully understanding, sensed it was indeed impressive. "Cough... Actually, it wasn''t that simple. It still took some effort to get it working again," Bochang admitted. Judging by their expressions, none around him seemed convinced. However... It wasn''t important. Bochang shifted the topic, saying, "I repaired the Creation Engine specifically to hand it over to you, Mrs. Cocolia... After all, I''ve already eliminated most of those monsters'' main forces. With the help of the Creation Engine, encountering the Antimatter Legion in the future shouldn''t be as concerning." "Indeed... he repaired the Creation Engine to hand it over to us," Bronya thought, unsurprised as she had already anticipated this. Cocolia took a deep breath. "Mister Bochang, Belobog owes you more and more favors." "What favors? That makes it sound too formal between friends." Bochang gently shook his head. Realizing it was almost time, Bochang said, "Let''s leave it at that for now. I must be going. If anything comes up in the future, feel free to contact me. Oh, and... I left the Creation Engine behind; please claim it when you have a moment." While repairing and upgrading the Creation Engine, Bochang did not tamper with The Architects'' control over it. After all, this gesture was akin to borrowing flowers to offer Buddha¡ªa reciprocal act. She gifted him an entire museum, so returning a small present along with a fireworks display seemed entirely appropriate. Reaching out, Bochang grasped Bailu, preparing to activate his teleportation ring and return to Xianzhou Luofu. Just then, Cocolia extended her arm to stop him. "Mister Bochang, there is one more minor matter I''d like to discuss privately with you, if it''s convenient now." "Can''t you just tell me here?" Bochang blinked. Cocolia shook her head. "I believe this matter is best discussed privately." "All right..." Bochang wasn''t in any rush, so he followed Cocolia with Bailu and Bronya trailing behind. One didn''t wish to leave Bochang''s side, while the other accompanied them at Cocolia''s indication. The group of four entered an empty fortress bunker. Turning towards Bochang, Cocolia solemnly began, "Mister Bochang... First, you helped Belo Beru overcome the Stellaron Disaster; then, you eliminated the Antimatter Legion outside our city; and now, you''ve gifted us the Creation Engine." "Such immense kindness and gratitude we owe you, beyond what my daughter and I can ever repay..." With deep reverence, Cocolia bowed profoundly. Bronya mirrored her mother''s gesture. Caught off guard, Bochang hastily used his Invisible Hand to steady both women. "Mrs. Cocolia, Miss Bronya, my actions were merely trivial efforts. There''s no need for such grand gestures; it truly makes me uncomfortable." Bailu observed the scene calmly. Cocolia straightened up and asked, "Mister Bochang, what do you think of Bronya? She remains unmarried to this day..." The sudden mention of such matters left no doubt about her intentions. A giant question mark slowly formed on Bochang''s face, reflecting his bewilderment. It wasn''t just him; both Bronya and Bailu also looked puzzled. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Readily accept Cocolia by saying, "Yes, I agree to this marriage." - Completion Reward: Expulsion from the Astral Express.] Chapter 278 - 277: Spirit Consoling Ceremony Chapter 278 - 277: Spirit Consoling CeremonyPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Option 2: Politely decline with, "Mrs. Cocolia, I feel this proposal is rather abrupt." - Completion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At the fountain in Belobog Administrative Region''s Central Plaza, you can use one Praise of High Morals to retrieve treasures once. Note: This type of item will...] This time, there were only two options presented. Seeing the reward of Praise of High Morals, Bochang felt his heart nearly skip a beat. Well, considering the circumstances, it seems like my only choice here. Chances were high that the Silver Wolf was covertly watching nearby, along with Bailu present beside them. If Bochang dared to readily accept, he could expect a swift trial upon their return. And so... Bochang politely declined, stating, "Mrs. Cocolia, I believe this proposal is somewhat hasty." [Reward being issued¡ªCongratulations! You have received a Praise of High Morals.] Just earlier today, he had used one already. Now, Bochang had received yet another accolade, the Praise of High Morals. Upon hearing this response, Cocolia felt slightly disappointed. Bronya''s emotions were complex; she worried both about Bochang agreeing and disagreeing. Bailu placed her hand on her hip and remarked, "I thought it was something significant... turns out you just wanted to propose an alliance through marriage with Bochang." "It was merely a casual suggestion. Since Mister Bochang finds it too abrupt, let''s allow you two more time to get acquainted first." Cocolia''s expression remained unchanged. Bronya hesitated, unsure what to say. Bochang simply smiled and said, "Miss Bronya is exceptionally intelligent, and I am certainly open to getting to know each other better. However... I have pressing matters at hand, so I won''t linger any longer." Taking Bailu''s hand, Bochang activated the power of his teleportation ring. After a few seconds, the connection resonated from the other side. A blinding white light enveloped Bochang and Bailu. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. In an instant, they vanished. Leaving behind only Cocolia and Bronya standing there. "Mother, regarding that proposal... why didn''t you discuss it with me beforehand?" "It happened too suddenly; there was no time." Cocolia shook her head. Bochang''s refusal fell within the former Great Guardian''s expectations, so she found it unsurprising. "For now, I''ve merely informed him of our intentions." "But I..." "Bronya, for Belobog''s future, small sacrifices are necessary." Cocolia turned to gaze at the distant, war-torn plains, scarred by relentless bombardment. "It''s not just about you; if Bochang were willing, even I..." Her voice trailed off as she placed a hand on her full chest, feeling its heavy heartbeat. Bronya remained silent. Meanwhile... Bochang returned to Xianzhou Luofu, appearing alongside Bailu in Stelle''s room. The gray-haired girl, clad in her nightgown, lay sideways, quietly observing them. "I''m back," Bochang said. "Still asleep, Stelle?" "It''s only 5 A.M...." Stelle yawned. The gray-haired girl''s slightly squinted eyes suggested she was still drowsy. Smiling, Bochang said, "Alright, I won''t disturb you then. Goodbye." "Don''t leave... Stay here and keep me company." Stelle reached out to stop him. Just as Bochang took a step forward, he paused, glancing down. Bailu quickly chimed in, "I''m feeling sleepy too; I can only nap on Stelle''s bed." With that... Bailu rushed to Stelle''s bedside, removed her shoes, and hopped onto the bed. Noticing this, Bochang realized any deep conversation with Stelle would be impossible at the moment. So... Bochang sat beside Stelle, gently ruffling her hair, and said, "Go ahead and sleep, I''ll stay here with you." "Miss me needs head pats too!" Bailu swiped her tail against Bochang''s hand. Stelle pondered for a moment. "Did anything significant happen while you were in Belobog? I''d like to hear about it." "Well, speaking of which...we did encounter something noteworthy," Bochang shared the news of the Antimatter Legion''s resurgence with Stelle. Bailu added one more detail at the end. "Cocolia still wants to arrange a marriage with Bochang..." A slight ripple passed through Stelle''s golden eyes. "I didn''t agree to it," Bochang reassured her promptly. With these words, he managed to appease both young women. As time swiftly moved forward, morning arrived. The first rays of sunlight peeked through the window. March 7th opened the door and paused upon seeing Bochang and Bailu in Stelle''s room. "Well then... you returned without even coming out to greet us?" "I wouldn''t want to disturb your rest," Bochang explained. March 7th pouted slightly. "You always have excuses. It''s time to get up for breakfast anyway, and after that, we need to visit the Sky-Faring Commission..." By the time the Astral Express group finished breakfast and arrived at the Sky-Faring Commission, Lord Yukong was already waiting at the entrance. "It seems...we''re a bit late," Welt Yang observed, gazing at Yukong. "I arrived too early," she replied. "Now that everyone has gathered, let us proceed together to witness the ceremony." The Spirit Consoling Ceremony. In the words of short-lived beings, it was akin to a funeral. However, for the eternal life inhabitants of Xianzhou, matters concerning death remained a distant and abstract concept. After all... On ordinary occasions, before signs of Mara possession appeared, the Ten-Lords Commission''s guides would escort individuals to the Causality Hall. There, they would recount their life experiences before passing peacefully into oblivion. Everyone had grown accustomed to brief farewells rather than elaborate burial rituals. The only ones who placed significant importance on posthumous ceremonies were the foxfolk, with their limited lifespan of just three hundred years. During the recent Stellaron Disaster, many civilians, including some cloud knights, met sudden deaths. Therefore... the Sky-Faring Commission decided to organize a Spirit Consoling Ceremony. The deceased''s belongings would be placed aboard star ferries, sent off from Xianzhou, and navigated towards the stars, merging their radiance with those celestial bodies. This ritual not only comforted the departed souls but also provided solace to all living residents of Xianzhou. Apart from members of the Sky-Faring Commission, representatives from the Seat of Divine Foresight, Divination Commission, and others... would all participate. Notably, prominent figures like Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan were expected to attend as well. As they walked along, Yukong turned to Bochang and expressed gratitude, "I owe you another favor." Previously, Bochang had facilitated an improvement in Yukong and Qingni''s relationship. Now, he also helped locate Tingyun. Acknowledging another favor owed seemed entirely appropriate. "It''s a small matter; Lord Yukong need not concern himself," Bochang gently shook his head. "Rather than that...how is Tingyun doing now?" "Miss Tingyun is currently receiving treatment at the Alchemy Commission. With some time, she should be able to resume her duties normally." "Hmm..." Suddenly, Bochang realized he had seemingly forgotten to use the Horse Talisman''s power to heal Tingyun. However... Since there were no significant issues with her health, all she needed was proper rest and recuperation. The group swiftly advanced and soon arrived at the location where the Spirit Consoling Ceremony was taking place. One by one, the deceased''s belongings were loaded onto star ferries, which then set off together, departing from Xianzhou Luofu. They embarked on their journey through the vast cosmos, resembling a dense fleet heading towards battle¡ªa remarkably grand spectacle. Chapter 279 - 278: Special Envoy of the Xianzhou Chapter 279 - 278: Special Envoy of the XianzhouPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Spirit Consoling Ceremony did not last long. Once the multitude of star ferries flew orderly out of Xianzhou Luofu... the ceremony concluded. Although this event had come to an end, many people still lingered in a somber mood, struggling to shake it off. Bochang felt somewhat melancholic. Each of these numerous star ferries represented wealth, especially considering they carried precious mementos of the departed. Now floating aimlessly in the cosmos. If intercepted by nefarious individuals... Yanqing stood beside Jing Yuan and said, "General, with the Spirit Consoling Ceremony concluded, it''s time for you to rest." During the battle against Phantylia, even though Herta had assisted Jing Yuan, his current physical condition remained poor. After all, this cloud-mounted general was already advanced in age, unable to withstand excessive strain. Bochang curiously observed the Cloud Knight Lieutenant. To be honest, during their time on Xianzhou Luofu, Bochang had heard Yanqing''s name mentioned several times. However... This was his first encounter with the individual himself. Yanqing appeared to be quite young, likely no more than a middle or high school student back in March 7th''s previous world. "Let us wait a moment longer; I have a few words I wish to share with our friends from the train," Jing Yuan looked at everyone present. "Before you depart Xianzhou Luofu, there are two items I would like to gift to the train group." "A gift? Has he finally found his conscience and decided to compensate us for all our hardships along the way?" March 7th whispered conspiratorially. Although her voice was soft, ... Everyone still overheard it. Recalling Bochang''s treatment in Belobog, Stelle suggested, "Could it be that he intends to give us houses?" "It''s too early to reveal the answer now. So then... let''s meet again at the Seat of Divine Foresight." Jing Yuan chose not to address the question immediately and turned to leave with Yanqing. Bochang glanced around, his gaze shifting momentarily before landing on Yukong, the poised Helmswoman of the Aerial Division. She stood tall, gazing intently in the direction where the star ferries had departed, without uttering a word for a long while. From snippets overheard during Welt Yang and Dan Heng''s casual conversations, Bochang knew that Yukong was likely still deeply immersed in her grief. Thirty years ago, she had presided over a similar ceremony aboard the Fang Huo Immortal Ship, and at that time... Yukong lost her dear friend¡ªColored Wings, Qingni''s true mother. Following this tragedy, Yukong relinquished her military duties and joined the Sky-Faring Commission, taking up administrative roles instead. Bochang, March 7th, and the others decided not to disturb her. They quickly tidied up and proceeded together towards the Seat of Divine Foresight. As the residence of the General of Luofu, no matter how many times one visited, it exuded an aura of awe-inspiring majesty. Jing Yuan stood atop the platform. "Ladies and gentlemen... Today, we have gathered everyone here to reaffirm Xianzhou Luofu''s profound gratitude for the noble deeds of The Nameless from the Train Regiment." Looking down upon the crowd, Jing Yuan spoke at length. The two items mentioned by Jing Yuan were first, a Jade Abacus symbolizing an alliance, and second, the pardon for Dan Feng''s offenses. Regarding the latter, there was little to say; it had already been promised as a gift to Dan Heng. The primary focus was the Jade Abacus symbolizing the alliance. Thousands of years ago, when alliances were formed, various Xianzhous pledged their oaths together, inscribing them on Jade Abacuses as proof. Through heaven''s desolation and earth''s demise, these vows remain unbroken. This green Jade Abacus not only recorded the commitment of the Luofu Cloud Knights to the Train Regiment but also served as a beacon. Holding this Jade Abacus, akin to a military command token, allowed one to send a message to its corresponding half held by the Luofu Cloud Knights. Regardless of the distance, upon receiving the signal, they would swiftly come to provide support. Such a gift indeed represented a significant investment. After all... Long-distance communication often encountered unexpected issues. A Jade Abacus capable of stable long-range messaging is valued nearly as highly as a teleportation ring. Moreover, this Jade Abacus could summon assistance from the Luofu Cloud Knights¡ªan Emanator-level force, making it incredibly precious. "Lastly... there''s one more small matter. Members of the Astral Express, I intend to send a special envoy to accompany you on board. What are your thoughts?" General Jing Yuan extended his hand. The crew members of the Astral Express exchanged glances. Intrigued, Bochang asked, "A special envoy? Who might that be?" "Qingque, please step forward." Jing Yuan gently clapped. Dressed in the uniform of the Divination Commission, Qingque emerged from the side with a cheerful smile on her petite face. Bochang was taken aback. Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses and said, "We would naturally welcome Miss Qingque aboard the Astral Express." "Absolutely," March 7th nodded repeatedly. Although upon their initial meeting, Qingque had seemed quite unreliable... As time went by, they discovered she was indeed a very interesting person. Naturally, March 7th expressed her warm welcome. General Jing Yuan crossed his arms. "Very well... Qingque, from now on, embark on adventures with the Astral Express team. Don''t worry; since they have teleportation rings, you can return at any time." "I understand, General." Qingque nodded in agreement. Initially, when designated by the cloud-mounted general to join the Astral Express, Qingque felt somewhat reluctant. However... Upon realizing she could essentially get paid for lounging around twenty-four hours a day, with the option to return to Xianzhou Luofu anytime, her resolve wavered. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. These reassurances swayed Mahjong Girl''s resolve. Ultimately, she agreed to accept Jing Yuan''s mission and became a proud member of The Nameless. With this, matters concerning Xianzhou Luofu reached a temporary conclusion. Welt Yang and Dan Heng decided to return first to the Astral Express. March 7th planned to bring gifts for the conductor. Stelle intended to bid farewell to her friends she had met on Xianzhou Luofu. Initially, Bochang had no specific plans and wanted to head straight back to the train. However... Welt Yang stopped Bochang and entrusted him with a small task¡ªa mission related to healing. Apparently, there were numerous children aboard Xianzhou Luofu with physical disabilities, living in great suffering. These individuals were known as heavenborn deficient. Unlike short-lived beings, the physical conditions of eternal life beings are often determined from birth. Their appearance, intelligence, height¡ªthese traits become permanently fixed in their genetic makeup from the moment they are born. Defects that could be rectified through machinery or surgery in short-lived species proved futile for immortals. No matter what means were employed or what devices implanted, an immortal''s body would invariably restore itself to its original state. This was the price of their extraordinary regenerative ability. Welt Yang sought Bochang''s expertise in finding a solution. As for whether... Even Bochang was uncertain about the solution; they could only try and see. Welt Yang provided an address, directing Bochang to seek out a child named Xiaoyu. And so... at the Seat of Divine Foresight, their paths diverged. Bailu was escorted by the Cloud Knights back to the Alchemy Commission. As the future High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan, her prolonged absence had left the dragon masters anxiously awaiting her return. For the first time in a while, Bochang found himself alone, wandering the streets of Xianzhou Luofu. He slowly searched for the blind little girl called Xiaoyu. Chapter 280 - 279: First Encounter with the Aeon of the Abundance Chapter 280 - 279: First Encounter with the Aeon of the AbundancePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** With Welt Yang''s address, finding Xiaoyu proved quite straightforward. It didn''t take long before Bochang located the blind girl standing at a street corner, silently gazing towards a nearby pavilion. This spot was frequently visited by Dan Shu, who often lingered here along with other heavenborn deficient individuals. After all... As a fellow heavenborn deficient, Dan Shu regularly assisted those sharing his condition. Naturally, this fostered a sense of unity and mutual support among them. Many held him in high regard. If not for Welt Yang''s revelation, Bochang would never have believed that Archon Dan Chu had such a compassionate side. To him, the Head Pill Alchemist was merely the leader of the Medicine King''s secret disciples¡ªthe very instigator behind Xianzhou Luofu''s chaos. Xiao Yu appeared to be around ten years old, dressed in a light green dress. Her large black eyes showed no trace of light; instead, they were clouded with a pale white hue. Bochang took a few steps forward, approaching the blind little girl. "Who is it?" Although Xiao Yu couldn''t see, she could hear and sense someone standing before her. "I''ve been entrusted by someone to examine your eyes," said Bochang. "Xiao Yu, is now a convenient time?" "Entrusted... Did Archon Dan Chu send you?" Xiao Yu perked up, as she hadn''t heard any news about Dan Chu for quite some time and was deeply concerned for his safety. Bochang shook his head. "No... It was Mr. Welt who requested me to come." "Ah, that kind gentleman... Big brother, Xiao Yu appreciates your and his concern, but... there''s no cure for heavenborn deficiency, we all know this truth. So... please don''t trouble yourselves." Xiao Yu placed her hands behind her back, gently swaying with a hint of bashfulness. The blind little girl, with her hair styled in princess-cut bangs, kept her head lowered. "I just want to know if Archon Dan Chu is doing well? Some friends, like me, are very worried about her current situation... Ever since she delivered medicine to us last time, we haven''t heard from her again." As for Dan Shu''s present condition, Bochang genuinely wasn''t sure. After being defeated at the Alchemy Commission, Fu Xuan had taken her away, and it was likely she remained incarcerated in The Shackling Prison. After all... Dan Shu orchestrated the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus'' assault on the Alchemy Commission. Her actions spurred the revival of the Tree of Foundation, attracting Lord Ravager, leading to widespread suffering among the people of Xianzhou Luofu. Under the weight of these crimes, even if Dan Shu didn''t face execution, she would undoubtedly never leave The Shackling Prison again. For the rest of her life, she''d be confined to prison sustenance. After a moment''s thought, Bochang replied, "Dan Shu has gone to a very distant place and may not be able to care for you anymore." "Went to a very distant place... does that mean he died? Just like my mommy and daddy," Xiao Yu looked up. Being too young, Xiao Yu didn''t fully grasp the concept of death, but she knew her parents had left this way and never returned. Hearing this, Bochang couldn''t help but gently ruffle Xiao Yu''s hair. "Something like that, so... from now on, you must take good care of yourself. Let''s set aside other matters for now; let me see your eyes first." Even if Dan Shu hadn''t perished outright, his fate was likely no different than death itself. "Big brother... it''s really useless..." Xiao Yu felt somewhat uncomfortable, especially since she wasn''t familiar with Bochang. Being touched on the head by someone made her uneasy. Noticing her unease, Bochang promptly activated the power of the Horse Talisman, dispelling all external afflictions. A surge of potent energy flowed into Xiao Yu''s body. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Um... I feel warm and cozy, what did big brother do?" Xiao Yu hadn''t experienced such comfort in a long time, as the physical pain plaguing her seemed to vanish instantly. In an instant, it seemed to vanish completely. This was akin to a divine miracle, surpassing even the abilities of the Alchemy Commission''s physicians. Bochang asked, "Xiao Yu, how do your eyes feel now?" "My eyes... I still can''t see..." came Xiao Yu''s response. Bochang slightly furrowed his brow. Indeed... The Horse Talisman''s power is meant to expel external forces. Against innate defects, it has no effect. However... considering how both the Sheep and Dragon Talismans have been utilized beyond their original purposes, perhaps the Horse Talisman could be adapted similarly. Bochang continued channeling the Horse Talisman''s magic, closing his eyes to carefully sense its flow within Xiao Yu. The Horse Talisman''s magic surged through Xiao Yu''s body. Bochang focused all his attention on her eyes. Hiss... It seems there''s nothing unusual; the Horse Talisman''s power truly cannot heal this... Wait... Should I try using the white lotus? The Horse Talisman''s strength lies in expelling external forces. Even if a flawed artifact is repaired, it remains imperfect and cannot transform its inherent nature. However, the white lotus was different. This skill manifested solely for healing purposes. It should be capable of curing congenital disabilities as well, Bochang thought. With that, he withdrew his hand and gently blew a breath over it. He then caught several floating white lotuses with his fingers. Handing them to Xiao Yu, he said, "Eat these, let''s see if they have any effect on your eyes." "This..." Xiao Yu hesitated slightly. Nevertheless... Recalling Welt Yang, Dan Shu, and the miraculous sensation she just experienced, Xiao Yu couldn''t bring herself to refuse. If her eyes could return to normal, she undoubtedly wanted to live as an ordinary person rather than a heavenborn deficient. Despite her verbal reluctance, deep down, she held onto a glimmer of hope from Bochang. Holding the flowers in her hand, Xiao Yu deliberated for a few seconds before following his instructions. She consumed several white lotus petals. At that moment... An indescribable sensation surged through Xiao Yu''s body, swiftly finding its target and rushing towards her eyes. The previously hazy white pupils instantly regained their clarity. Xiao Yu''s once vacant eyes slowly became lively again. "I can see... I can actually see! Big Brother..." Xiao Yu trembled with excitement. A vibrant world of colors unfolded before her. This was the world everyone else spoke about, no longer shrouded in darkness. "Wait, Xiao Yu," Bochang said, "this is just the beginning..." With that, he placed his hand on Xiao Yu''s head, invoking the power of the Horse Talisman once more. This time, Bochang observed something new. Within Xiao Yu''s restored eyes, another force was gathering. Although it didn''t cause immediate effects now, ... It wouldn''t be long before this force would overwhelm the white lotuses. Her eyes would revert to their previous state, indicating a rejection reaction due to their enhanced healing ability. Is there any way to prevent this? Bochang attempted to interact with this newly emerged mysterious force using the power of the Horse Talisman. In the instant their energies met, Bochang felt as if he were completely immobilized and locked down. This suffocating sense of dread reminded him of something... "Aeon?" In the next moment, Bochang''s soul seemed to be extracted from his body. Amidst a vast emptiness, he beheld an immense figure gazing down upon him, adorned with golden antlers, six arms, and two legs... It was the Aeon of Abundance - Yaoshi! Covered by a delicate veil, Yaoshi possessed exquisite features and skin like white jade. However, the flatness at its chest proved unfortunate, lacking any appeal to gather hearts. Chapter 281 - 280: If I Had Three Days of Sight Chapter 281 - 280: If I Had Three Days of SightPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "I just wanted to cure an illness; why did you have to show up now, seriously?!" Bochang couldn''t help but mentally grumble. Yaoshi''s striking appearance instilled both awe and fear, primarily due to the countless red eyes scattered across its body. These eyes appeared fixed intently on Bochang, sending chills down his spine. "Bochang, I know you well. Aha mentioned your potential to become the next Aeon, and it seems...indeed accurate. Your power is so profound that even I cannot fully comprehend it." Yaoshi didn''t speak aloud; instead, the delicate voice directly resonated within Bochang''s mind. Instantaneously... Bochang''s thoughts cleared, becoming tranquil. "Become the next Aeon?" "Yes, but... becoming an Aeon requires immense sacrifice. Are you truly prepared for this?" Yaoshi gazed at him with a gentle smile. Bochang was certain he hadn''t spoken aloud, yet Yaoshi responded to his unspoken thoughts. "Can It hear my inner voice?" "Indeed, for an Aeon, such a feat is effortless." Yaoshi''s tone remained unchanged. "I perceive great talent in you. Would you like to become one of my Emanators?" The Aeon of the Abundance extended an olive branch. Bochang was stunned. Yaoshi gently tapped on one of the numerous eye-like fissures covering its body, dislodging a red orb. "Eat this, and you shall become an Emanator of Abundance, enjoying an endless lifespan..." Only now did Bochang realize that the countless eye-shaped cracks on Yaoshi''s body were not actual eyes. It was as if He tore open His own skin, revealing something nurtured within. Using the Aeon''s body to cultivate this red orb seemed utterly inconceivable and deeply unsettling. Would Bochang become the Fertility Envoy? Absolutely not. Becoming an Emanator granted immense power but also subjected one to control by another entity. Just as he had refused to be the Elation Envoy before, he would not now accept becoming the Fertility Envoy. A hint of pity flickered in Yaoshi''s gaze. "Is this your answer?" "Wahh! Medicine Master, you meddling old fraud! He''s my chosen toy; how dare you interfere?" interrupted a voice with an orange clown mask abruptly entering the scene. It was none other than the Aeon, Aha. Seeing him instantly reminded Bochang of his past humiliation. Not again, playing games with him! I really can''t take much more... With Aha''s arrival, the space previously dominated solely by Yaoshi became divided between the two Aeons. Trapped in the middle, Bochang could only silently observe them, finding no opportunity to interject. "I didn''t interfere; he came seeking me on his own accord. Hmm... that power contained underlying principles, quite delectable." Yaoshi smacked his lips, his smile suddenly turning sinister. "Indeed, he''s someone I''ve taken interest in." Aha''s form, akin to the Fertile Aeon''s, filled the sky, eclipsing everything. "Old thief Medicine Master, since it was a misunderstanding, grant me some face and let him go." With those words... A powerful multicolored beam emanated near the Aeon of Joy, radiating outward and forcing Yaoshi back. Bochang''s soul swiftly descended. In the final moment, Bochang seemed to hear Yaoshi sigh. His eyes opened again. Beside him, a concerned voice rang out. "Big brother, big brother, are you okay...?" Xiao Yu stood nearby, pacing anxiously and gently patting Bochang''s waist, her worry evident. Gently shaking his head, Bochang reassured her, "I''m...I''m fine, just got momentarily distracted." At that instant... Bochang discovered two new fate paths had activated within him. Elation and Abundance fate paths. Wow... now the fate paths within me rival those of celestial bodies. Stelle had unlocked The Hunt, Destruction, Preservation, and Trailblaze. Similarly, Bochang opened Elation, Abundance, Destruction, and Trailblaze. However, whenever Stelle activated his fate paths, he immediately gained significant power from them. In contrast, Bochang could only gradually develop his abilities through training. Xiao Yu sighed with relief. "I thought something was wrong with you, big brother. I''m glad it''s not... But how did you manage it? My eyes suddenly recovered! Will they revert back to their original state later?" The little girl clung tightly to Bochang''s trench coat, unwilling to let go. Honestly, after experiencing the vibrant world of colors firsthand, Xiao Yu knew she could no longer bear living in darkness. To describe her feelings aptly, one might say¡ªI could have borne the darkness if I had never seen the sun. "I''m not certain," replied Bochang. "Let''s observe further; don''t resist." As he spoke... Bochang gently placed his hand on her head. Onlookers, witnessing Xiao Yu''s restored vision, murmured in amazement. This wasn''t merely fitting prosthetic eyes but directly healing Xiao Yu''s sight. Could this potentially free her from the curse deep within her bloodline? Some individuals, observing the flickering white light emanating from Bochang''s palm, pondered thoughtfully. Recalling the fierce battle at Exalting Sanctum earlier, many lives were saved by that same white glow. Many lives had been saved by that white glow. However... Xianzhou Luofu''s official announcement attributed it to "the Aeon''s divine manifestation," preventing anyone from questioning Bochang further. After all, he didn''t resemble an Aeon at all. Once again, the Horse Talisman''s magic flowed into Xiao Yu''s body. Regrettably... The unfamiliar force swirling around her eyes persisted. Bochang lacked the ability to completely eliminate it. Initially, he was unsure what it represented, but now he knew: It was the power of the Aeon of the Abundance. When Bochang previously attempted to touch this force, Yaoshi caught him off guard. If not for Aha intervening, only heaven knows what the Aeon of the Abundance might have done to him. Perhaps... Yaoshi could have forcibly transformed Bochang into a Fertility Envoy. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. After encountering another Aeon, Bochang gained a deeper understanding of their immense strength. It felt as though they existed on entirely different dimensions. Although Bochang hadn''t directly engaged them yet, he sensed an overwhelming and suffocating disparity between them. Xiao Yu obediently stood still, motionless. After a moment of silence, Bochang withdrew his hand and said, "It appears my power cannot fully heal your eyes." "What..." Xiao Yu looked crestfallen. "There really is no way?" If her eyes could only be restored temporarily, then... Xiao Yu felt she should cherish this brief period immensely. After pondering for a moment, Bochang continued, "It''s not entirely hopeless. Theoretically, if you consistently consume these white lotuses, your eyes could remain in a normal state, akin to that of any healthy person." "However... I''m uncertain about any potential side effects." Bochang proceeded to blow out another dozen or so white lotuses. Xiao Yu watched intently. "Um... are those very expensive?" "It''s not about expense," Bochang shook his head. "Here''s what we can do... Take these white lotuses to the Alchemy Commission and seek out Bailu. Perhaps she has additional ideas on how to help." Bochang handed over the newly created white lotuses to Xiao Yu. As a physician, Bochang was far from exemplary. Nevertheless... Since the white lotuses could treat Xiao Yu''s eyes, combining them with Bailu''s medical expertise might yield remarkable results. Chapter 282 - 281: Parry My Sword Strike Chapter 282 - 281: Parry My Sword StrikePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Bailu... is she the Medicine-Bearing Dragon Girl from the Alchemy Commission?" Xiao Yu had heard this name before; many sought her aid for their ailments. Unfortunately... The future High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan was not easily accessible. "Yes, my name is Bochang... Just mention me, and Bailu will see you." As Bochang spoke, he noticed Sushang passing by and promptly greeted her. Big Pillow Li stopped, saying, "Huh? What brings you here? I''m currently on patrol... Is there anything I can assist with?" "Sushang, could you please take this child to the Alchemy Commission and have her meet Bailu?" Bochang extended his hand. Sushang rubbed her chin, puzzled. "Why? Is she sick? She looks... Wait... Isn''t this Xiao Yu? Your eyes are healed?" "Sushang-jiejie... This is my first time seeing Sushang-jiejie''s face clearly; you''re truly beautiful." Just by hearing her voice, Xiao Yu recognized this elder sister as Sushang, the cloud knight who often helped her before. Big Pillow Li scratched his head, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Heh... thanks, I guess." "But... what happened with your eyes? Bochang, did you do something?" Sushang asked, astonished. Bochang replied casually, "Just a little trick, nothing much." The scene fell silent. "...Alright," Sushang eventually responded. "Yes, deliver the child to the Alchemy Commission to see Bailu, understood. Xiao Yu, come along with me." Big Pillow Li held out his hand. Any remaining worry within Xiao Yu vanished completely upon Sushang''s arrival. Taking Big Pillow Li''s hand, she followed him a few steps before turning back. "Da-gege, goodbye." "Yep, goodbye." Bochang gently waved farewell. Having Sushang''s assistance made things remarkably convenient, sparing him an extra trip. As he watched them depart, Bochang took out his phone to send a few messages to Bailu. Taking Big Pillow Li''s hand, Xiao Yu took a few steps before turning back and saying, "Big brother, goodbye." "Uh-huh, goodbye." Bochang gently waved. Having Sushang''s assistance was indeed convenient; he wouldn''t need to make another trip himself. As he watched them depart, Bochang pulled out his phone and sent a few messages to Bailu, briefly summarizing what had transpired here. Great, the commission is completed. Now should I head straight back or go find March 7th and Stelle first? Bochang fell deep in thought. After considering for a moment, he decided it would be best to return to the Astral Express. Suddenly, his phone rang. Upon checking, he found it was unexpectedly from Pascal, who shared some startling information: There''s something suspicious about Luocha. According to Sophia''s animal friends, the Stellaron was brought in by a tall, blonde-haired man with blue eyes, carrying a massive box on his back. These distinctive features immediately reminded Bochang of Luocha. Unbelievable, wearing Otto''s face sure doesn''t bode well... "Strange... Didn''t Uncle Yang already investigate this matter?" Bochang wondered. "Why is there still no breakthrough?" Unaware of the reason, Bochang realized he might need to disturb Jing Yuan again soon. However... After taking only a few steps, Bochang sensed someone was trailing him. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Turn into the alleyway - Completion Reward: Encounter with a Stranger.] [Option 2: Activate teleportation ring to leave - Completion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] "Who could it be this time?" Bochang pondered, eyeing the phrase "Encounter with a Stranger." For a moment, he couldn''t fathom whom he had offended now. "It seems...the hostility isn''t particularly strong." If the stranger harbored intense hostility, it wouldn''t have been labeled as an encounter but rather a surprise attack. Although activating the teleportation ring seemed like the correct choice, Bochang decided he wanted to meet this individual face-to-face. And so... Bochang chose the first option. Entering the narrow alleyway, he didn''t proceed far before stopping and turning around to face the woman nearby. She stood on the gray stone pavement, clad in a black-and-white pleated skirt with her eyes concealed behind a dark veil. Her figure was elegantly curved, posture upright, reminiscent of an unsheathed sword. "Who are you?" Bochang asked. "Why have you been following me?" "Oh, little brother, I''m merely quite curious about you." Jingliu crossed her arms, gazing at his covered eyes. A realization dawned on Bochang. "Ah... Are you seeking my help to treat your eyes?" "No... My eyes aren''t blind; I wear this veil simply because I wish to avoid certain sights." Jingliu shook her head. Frowning, Bochang queried, "Then why did you approach me? It''s not for a fight, is it?" "I heard that you have a very close relationship with Bailu." Jingliu''s voice remained steady. The black veil could not hide her delicate features but rather added an air of mystery to her appearance. An urge stirred within Bochang to pull down the veil and see what she truly looked like. "Bailu... indeed, we have a close relationship." Bochang placed one hand on his hip. For some time now, Bailu had been constantly clinging to him. "How... is that a problem?" "No problem at all," Jingliu replied with a gentle shake of her head. "I know you possess a sword. Would you like to learn swordsmanship from me?" Feeling somewhat puzzled and unsure of Jingliu''s intentions, Bochang responded straightforwardly: "No, I wouldn''t." "In that case... how about taking a strike from my blade?" As soon as she spoke, the temperature around them dropped significantly. Bochang narrowed his eyes and said, "I decline." He activated a skill, instantly immobilizing Jingliu for one second. However... Bochang did not launch an attack. Instead, after the second passed, Jingliu''s expression abruptly changed, and she took a large step backward. "Just now... what did you do?" "If I intended to kill you, you would already be dead," Bochang stated. "So... I advise against seeking further trouble." "Misunderstanding, it''s all a misunderstanding. Please don''t let your tempers flare too much, gentlemen." A blue-eyed, blonde man appeared beside Jingliu. Bochang''s pupils slightly contracted as he asked, "Luocha, what brings you here?" "Both of you are my friends; naturally, I must step in to diffuse this situation." Luocha smiled. Knowing that Luocha was the culprit who brought the Stellaron onto Xianzhou Luofu, Bochang had no favorable opinion of him. In fact, he suspected Luocha might be harboring nefarious intentions even now... [Dating Options activated.] Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Option 1: Expose Luocha''s malicious intent by saying, "Friends? You and I are not friends... Luocha, if I''m not mistaken, it was you who smuggled the Stellaron onto Xianzhou Luofu, wasn''t it?" ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain Skill, Imprisonment Circle. Activate a domain, confining enemies within a hundred-meter radius centered around yourself.] [Option 2: Employ the strategy of retreat, activate your teleportation ring, and say, "Since it''s a misunderstanding, I''ll take my leave now. Luocha, may our paths cross again someday." ¡ª Completion Reward: Obtain Skill, Strategic Retreat. Using this skill opens a wormhole for arbitrary teleportation within a one-kilometer range.] [Option Three: Few words but decisive action; capture both Luocha and Jingliu¡ªCompletion Reward: Increase Agility by 100%.] Chapter 283 - 282: The Xianzhou Still Has Me, Remember? Chapter 283 - 282: The Xianzhou Still Has Me, Remember?Please support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Three options. Two skills¡ªone for enhancing agility. The rewards are quite appealing. One skill to restrain enemies, another to escape dire situations. As for the remaining option, increasing agility naturally speaks for itself. "However... this is not the place for a fight. One misstep could lead to yet another disaster." Bochang wasn''t certain if he could instantly defeat these two opponents. Using his Time Stop ability might be effective. But... If it failed, Exalting Sanctum would face yet another calamity. Since Luocha brought the Stellaron onto Xianzhou Luofu, he could potentially be the Fertility Envoy that Jing Yuan has been worried about¡ªa formidable adversary not to be underestimated. As for this peculiar woman, even without her making a move, Bochang sensed an overwhelming sword intent from her, clearly indicating she was no ordinary opponent. "If I truly engage with them, obtaining the ''Draw Prison'' skill is crucial. It will help minimize harm to innocent bystanders. Come to think of it... why haven''t the Stellaron Hunters responded to such a situation?" Bochang''s thoughts raced with conflicting emotions before ultimately choosing Option 1. The corner of Bochang''s mouth gently lifted as he said, "Friends? We''re hardly friends... Luocha, if I''m not mistaken, it was you who brought the Stellaron onto Xianzhou Luofu, wasn''t it?" Luocha''s smile vanished instantly. They believed their actions to be well-hidden; how could anyone possibly know they had smuggled the Stellaron aboard? However... Bochang didn''t learn this from people but through small animals. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have unlocked the skill, Barriers of Earth.] Luocha met Bochang''s gaze and slowly began speaking. "Although I don''t know how you found out, since you''ve guessed correctly, let me be honest with you." "Yes, it was I who brought the Stellaron onto the Xianzhou, but I am also Yaoshi''s enemy. "Bochang, rest assured, I am not aligned with Abundance." A moment of silence ensued. Bochang hadn''t anticipated Luocha''s swift admission. "It matters little to me whether you stand with Abundance or are Yaoshi''s enemy, Luocha... All I know is that your introduction of the Stellaron onto Xianzhou Luofu led to these calamities. Do you still have any excuses to offer?" "That''s correct; I admit...I did bring some trouble to Xianzhou Luofu," Luocha continued. "However...with me still here, even if things spiral out of control, I can certainly help the Xianzhou overcome adversity." Spreading her arms wide, she added, "Bochang, you must understand, to counter Yaoshi...such insignificant sacrifices are necessary." The corner of Bochang''s mouth twitched slightly. If Welt Yang were to hear these words, he might instantly erupt with violence. "Luocha, you''re meddling too much," Jingliu said sternly, summoning a frost-like longsword with a wave of her hand. Luocha turned slightly. "I had no intention of witnessing your dispute." "If you hadn''t intervened...at most, I would have just tested his mettle with a single strike. But now that he knows our affairs, how can we let him leave so easily?" Jingliu''s voice grew colder, chilling the surrounding air as if countless ice crystals were descending. Bochang narrowed his eyes and retorted, "Such arrogance! Do you truly believe you can stop me?" "Whether I can stop you or not, we''ll only know by trying." Jingliu took a cautious step forward. Given their earlier encounter... Jingliu was now highly vigilant. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. This time, Luocha remained silent, seemingly acquiescing to Jingliu''s approach. "It''s no longer on the main path... Even if a fight breaks out here, it shouldn''t cause major issues. Besides, I now have an additional skill to control enemies." Bochang activated his ability - Barriers of Earth. A faint red glow emanated from him at its center and rapidly spread outward. Before either Luocha or Jingliu could react, a potent confinement fell upon them. They found themselves trapped within a hundred-meter radius centered around Bochang, unable to escape. "What is this..." Luocha felt slightly exasperated. He was aware that Bochang possessed peculiar abilities, gleaned partly from Sushang''s information. With Bochang having a teleportation ring, he proved exceptionally difficult to handle. If Bochang truly intended to flee, Luocha believed neither he nor Jingliu could stop him. Thus, engaging Bochang as an enemy was undesirable. However... Jingliu paid little heed to such concerns. On impulse, Luocha decided to confront them directly. However, when he tried to mediate, Bochang and Jingliu showed no willingness to cooperate. Now things were getting complicated. Bochang drew his Vow Spear from his pouch and asked, "Next... will you attack together or one at a time?" Facing someone who might be an Emanator like Luocha, Bochang summoned all his focus, giving it two hundred percent effort. "Little Brother, let me teach you some humility before you get too full of yourself." Jingliu''s stance subtly shifted, indicating she was about to strike with her sword. Bochang''s Spider Sense triggered a warning, causing his pupils to slightly contract. While keeping a close eye on Jingliu, he also remained vigilant against Luocha. Contrary to advancing, the golden-haired man took a step back. "This is between you; I won''t interfere," Luocha stated. Would Bochang believe him? Of course not. Luocha might be contemplating how to launch a sneak attack... Bochang''s vision blurred as Jingliu initiated her attack. With her icy longsword held behind her, she lightly tapped the ground with her black boots before swiftly charging forward. Unlike Himeko, Serval, and Cocolia, who had fuller, more mature figures, Jingliu resembled a slender young girl. Her limbs were elongated, her figure slim, and every movement exuded gracefulness. A thrust. A slash. Two simple yet unadorned moves, infused with such intense cold that they sent shivers throughout one''s body. Even the surrounding air seemed to freeze over. Bochang parried the attacks with his Vow Spear, resulting in sharp "pings" and "bangs." Two strikes, four strikes, eight strikes... Jingliu''s onslaught flowed like a raging river, relentless and continuous, causing frost to accumulate steadily around her each strike. Bochang defended flawlessly, gradually retreating with every step cracking the ground beneath him¡ªa method to dissipate force. If this continued, Jingliu would undoubtedly run out of stamina first. Neither combatant exerted great strength nor utilized much power from their fate paths. Instead, they primarily relied on skill for their sparring match. Amidst the crisp metallic clanging, numerous ice crystals had formed on Bochang''s Vow Spear, hindering its use to some extent. Thus... Bochang broke the stalemate first. "Not bad, your skills are impressive." Flames blazed fiercely around Bochang as he swung the Vow Spear, melting the ice crystals effortlessly. With a sweeping thrust, he forced Jingliu back. After these initial probing exchanges, Jingliu realized that her opponent was significantly stronger than anticipated. The combination of Justice''s Companion and Big sister Slayer buffs proved formidable. Facing Jingliu, Bochang''s attack power had quadrupled, making them formidable indeed. With such enhanced strength, Bochang could even challenge an Emanator, let alone Jingliu. Luocha looked on with surprise. Despite Jingliu''s exceptional swordsmanship, they were evenly matched against Bochang. Chapter 284 - 283: The Intoxicated Childe Chapter 284 - 283: The Intoxicated ChildePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** "Your attacks have ended, so...now it''s my turn." Bochang shattered the ground beneath their feet and swiftly charged towards Jingliu. The fiery spear clashed repeatedly with the icy sword, emitting explosive sounds that distorted the surrounding air. As they passionately exchanged blows, nearby walls and buildings suffered from the aftershocks, crumbling one after another. Their battle proved more efficient than any demolition crew. Fortunately, within a radius of a hundred meters, Bochang''s skill¡ªBarriers of Earth¡ªcontained the conflict, preventing it from affecting the outside world. When Bochang and Jingliu began their fight, the other immortals onboard quickly fled. The Barriers of Earth skill allowed Bochang to selectively target enemies, ensuring... that only innocent bystanders within this hundred-meter radius remained affected. They had already departed. Now, Bochang and Jingliu could engage fearlessly in battle. Luocha didn''t intervene but observed briefly before turning his attention to study the faintly red spherical barrier imprisoning them. The fight lasted less than a minute. Bochang swiftly gained the upper hand over Jingliu, even without exerting his full strength. If he were to remove his clothes and activate the ''In a Hurry'' skill, defeating Jingliu would be virtually guaranteed. However... sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. the ''In a Hurry'' skill can only be used once per day, so Bochang needed to seize the right moment. Ideally, it would be best to simultaneously control both Luocha and Jingliu. Currently, the greatest threat wasn''t Jingliu, but rather Luocha. After careful examination, Luocha realized that the pale-red confinement was impenetrable; not even the sky above or the ground beneath offered escape. He then turned back and said, "Mister Bochang, why go to such extremes?" "Although you also carry the scent of Abundance, I...know we aren''t enemies. Perhaps we should each take a step back..." Luocha observed the continuously clashing figures. [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Release Luocha and Jingliu, saying, "You''re right." - Completion Reward: A mysterious gift from Luocha.] [Option 2: Decide to capture Luocha and Jingliu, stating, "If you want to leave, defeat me first!" - Completion Reward: Obtain a random skill.] "What rewards? I don''t want any enigmatic gifts; Luocha... touching me?" Without hesitation, Bochang chose Option 2 and declared, "If you want to leave, defeat me first!" [Reward being granted - Congratulations! You have obtained the skill ''Drunken Noble Son''. When drinking alcohol, all your physical attributes will be enhanced, with a maximum increase of up to two times. Note: The more you drink, the greater the enhancement.] [Note 2: Please avoid drinking to unconsciousness.] Seeing the description for Drunken Noble Son, Bochang suddenly recalled another skill that had appeared not long ago... Tippler. This combination with Tippler was truly perfect. One allowed maintaining clarity and control even while intoxicated, The other boosted all physical attributes through drinking. Together, they could make one incredibly formidable. Unfortunately... Back then, Bochang had chosen the Mahjong Saint and pursued playing mahjong instead of becoming a Tippler. "If you insist on this path, I''ll have no choice but to intervene." Seeing the situation escalate, Luocha drew his longsword. Unlike Jingliu''s blade, his appeared even more slender and elongated, resembling not so much a sword as a thin, pointed dart. Unfazed, Bochang declared, "Then let''s begin!" However, Jingliu seemed displeased. She took two steps back, leaped gracefully into the air, and spun effortlessly before landing elegantly atop a mostly collapsed wall. "Luocha, this is my battle; your assistance isn''t needed," she stated firmly. "We don''t have time to waste, Jingliu." Luocha stepped forward, his voice calm. "We must end this swiftly. Afterward...there are other matters to attend to. Don''t forget why we''re here." Only now, after battling for some time, did Bochang learn their names: Jingliu... A moment of contemplation passed. Standing high above, Jingliu turned toward Bochang and declared, "I will defeat him." The corner of Luocha''s mouth twitched slightly. Taking a deep breath, Bochang unleashed Fire Lotus Blossoms. A wave of scorching heat surged like tongues of flame. Countless mesmerizing red lotuses charged relentlessly towards Jingliu, their beauty belied by lethal intent. Jingliu''s expression shifted as she leaped into the air and swiftly struck with her sword multiple times. Frosty sword qi, resembling waning crescent moons, descended from above to collide with the fiery tongues, creating a deadlock between the elements. "So strong... She can directly resist Fire Lotus Blossoms." "Jingliu''s power is nearly on par with an Emanator." Bochang marveled internally. Just from this exchange, it was clear that Jingliu surpassed Blade significantly in strength. Luocha didn''t remain idle either. Without waiting for Jingliu''s consent, he intervened, slamming his coffin forward. Countless thorny green vines burst forth, racing towards Bochang. "The departed... shall return!" Luocha''s voice turned icy cold. In response, Bochang swiftly raised his hand and unleashed a Dragon Blast. Jingliu soared through the air, her sword gleaming with a chilling aura. Bochang jumped backward, narrowly evading Jingliu''s strike. Jingliu evaded Bochang''s sword strike effortlessly, her movements akin to a graceful dance. With a swift spin, she lightly swept her longsword across the ground, unleashing icy sword qi that tore through the earth, heading straight for Bochang. Even Dragon Blast couldn''t halt Luocha''s assault. The thorny green vines continued unabated. Above Bochang, a massive spectral coffin emerged, exerting immense pressure from above. As if doused with cold water, the flames engulfing Bochang instantly extinguished, significantly weakening his strength. This reminded Bochang of the Silver Wolf who had previously imposed vulnerabilities on him. Luocha''s power shared a similar effect, albeit targeting and dispelling buffs within others. Now, Bochang could no longer utilize even the first-rated power of the Dragon Talisman. He also found himself unable to enchant the Vow Spear with the strength of his Destruction fate path. If combat power were displayed numerically, Bochang''s would undoubtedly have dropped considerably. "Phew... Thankfully, the system''s buff skills aren''t affected. Despite Luocha''s powers being incredibly potent, they can''t interfere with the system." "Assassin of Older Sisters" and "Messenger of Justice," both these skills remained fully operational. Knowing this, Bochang felt reassured. As his thoughts raced... Two attacks had already reached him: a green vine and icy sword qi tearing through the earth. Unfazed, Bochang activated the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power, causing a magnificent pillar of flames to erupt beneath his feet. With remarkable speed, he evaded the assaults, akin to teleportation. The green vine collided with the icy sword qi, creating a massive gust that instantly leveled all structures within a hundred-meter radius. However... The pale red confinement persisted. Once Barriers of Earth was deployed, unless Bochang himself deactivated it, it was challenging for others to disrupt. Luocha frowned slightly; being trapped here was far from ideal for him. Chapter 285 - 284: A Ray of Moonlight Chapter 285 - 284: A Ray of MoonlightPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** This wasn''t Bochang''s first battle in the Exalting Sanctum. Previously, he had faced Phantylia''s incarnation¡ªthe fake Ting Yun. In their previous encounter, due to insufficient preparation, many innocents were inadvertently affected by the battle. This time, with Bochang employing Barriers of Earth, he effectively confined the combat within a hundred-meter radius. Despite Luocha and Jingliu''s numerous attempts, they could not escape. As the fight continued... Within the restricted area, countless ice crystals drifted down, scattering gracefully through the air. Wherever they landed, frost formed swiftly. Soon, the heart of the conflict transformed into a world of ice and snow. The situation did not go unnoticed by the residents of Xianzhou City. However... Unlike typical onlookers drawn to spectacles, the citizens fled without hesitation, showing no inclination to stop and watch. Instead, several Cloud Knights gathered nearby, vigilantly observing the icy realm unfolding before them. Three indistinct figures weaved amidst the chaos. By this point, the ground had been utterly torn apart, reduced to flying debris. All that remained was a small world enveloped in faint red light, filled with smoke, dust, and ice. Bochang, Luocha, and Jingliu fought primarily in the air, generating continuous deafening roars. The Cloud Knights watched, awestruck. It seemed peculiar yet fitting; despite being mere inches away, beyond that thin veil of red light lay another world entirely. Both sides coexisted without interference, as long as neither crossed the boundary, there would be no issues. The Cloud Knights dared not interfere. Earlier, someone attempted to extend their formation blade into the spherical ice world. In the next instant... The blade shattered instantly. The level of combat inside was far too high. The Cloud Knights had no chance of participating and could only anxiously watch from the sidelines. Luocha now fully realized that to escape this place, they must defeat Bochang. Consequently... Both Luocha and Jingliu unleashed nearly all their power. A massive phantom hearse descended from the sky, exerting immense pressure on Bochang. Jingliu released countless crescent-shaped frost sword auras, launching relentless waves of attacks. As previously surmised: Luocha possessed Emanator-level combat capabilities, making him even more formidable than Jingliu. For a moment, Bochang struggled to fend off their combined assault. Now, he had three options: Remove his clothes.Drink alcohol.Activate Time Stop skill. Currently... With the phantom hearse suppressing him from above, Bochang couldn''t utilize the first-rated power of the Dragon Talisman, meaning he couldn''t rely on flames to maintain modesty. Stripping in public seemed like a non-starter; thus, it could be eliminated as an option. That left drinking alcohol or activating the Time Stop skill. Both were his ultimate trump cards, with the Time Stop skill limited to use once per day. Bochang needed to employ them judiciously. "Alright... I choose you then, Flammable Oolong Tea!" From his system space, Bochang retrieved an item that had been gathering dust for quite some time. Hovering mid-air, he uncorked the bottle and downed it in one gulp. This potent mixed beverage contained high alcohol levels. With just a single swig, Bochang felt invigorated throughout his body. The Drunken Noble Son skill activated, enhancing all his physical attributes significantly. It proved even more formidable than skills like Big sister Charmer. Smoke and ice danced within a circular domain, forming dense mists. Luocha, carrying a coffin on his back, pierced through the fog to confront Bochang, wielding the Hundred Birds Phoenix Spear technique with one hand. The flurry of spear shadows overwhelmed the eye''s ability to follow. Undeterred, Luocha thrust his sword precisely at Bochang''s weakest defense point, forcing him to retract his spear quickly and block the attack first. Unlike Jingliu''s straightforward sword style, Luocha preferred exploiting vulnerabilities. Each of his sword strikes made Bochang feel that advancing further would leave him open to counterattacks. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Despite using a long spear and initiating the assault, Bochang found himself pressured by Luocha''s subsequent moves. After briefly clashing with Luocha, Bochang still struggled to adapt to this type of offensive strategy. He favored Jingliu''s concise and forceful swordsmanship over Luocha''s, which felt somewhat nauseating due to its relentless pursuit of critical openings, akin to a calculated artistry. Just as Bochang began engaging with Luocha, Next, Jingliu emerged to attack again. Bochang slightly glanced back, spotting the silver-haired woman with red eyes. As the battle progressed, Jingliu had already removed her eyepatch. Those crimson pupils, though strikingly beautiful, held a hint of madness. Involuntarily, Bochang recalled Blade''s demeanor. "Is this guy...perhaps from the same sect as Blade? Not only do their sword techniques resemble each other, but even their gazes..." Before Bochang could finish his thought, Jingliu spun around, sweeping her frost-covered longsword in a wide arc. It is often said: A beam of moonlight, nine hundred births and deaths in its path. Jingliu''s sword technique was breathtakingly exquisite. With every strike, Bochang felt like he was witnessing a graceful dance. Of course... This was partly due to Jingliu''s penchant for spinning while executing her moves, making it seem akin to dancing. If she just slightly arched her hips more, it would undoubtedly look even more captivating. After all... The Hip-Swaying Sword Technique reigns supreme. Facing the incoming sweep of the frost sword, Bochang could only retreat hastily. This was partly because he held his spear in one hand while gripping a wine bottle with the other. "He''s...drinking?" Both Jingliu and Luocha detected the faint aroma of alcohol in the air. Despite being in the midst of intense combat, they were surprised that Bochang had the presence of mind to drink. Right before their eyes, Bochang lifted the wine bottle once more, taking a large gulp, which unleashed an unknown surge of power within him. The phantom hearse above attempted to suppress Bochang but had no effect on him. The System''s amplification ability took precedence over the phantom hearse, rendering Luocha''s power completely ineffective. It only managed to seal two minor skills developed by Bochang himself. With just two gulps, Bochang consumed nearly half of the flammable oolong tea. Its potency seemed even stronger than the fierce liquor they once drank in Belobog. Feeling the alcohol kick in, Bochang activated the Dragon Talisman at its third-rated power and thrust his spear towards Jingliu. Boom! Overwhelmed by this immense force, Jingliu was pushed back several dozen meters before slamming directly into the pale-red barrier. With a swift tap of his toes, Jingliu quickly regained his footing and returned to the fray. The trio engaged fiercely in battle. However... This time, Bochang held the upper hand. Luocha momentarily puzzled over how his opponent''s strength suddenly surged, despite the suppression from the phantom hearse. Somehow, Bochang found a way to enhance his capabilities amidst it all. "Could that wine... be some kind of secret treasure?" wondered Luocha. Bochang unleashed relentless attacks on both adversaries, gradually tipping the scales of victory in his favor. This was achieved without using either the Time Stop or Undressed skills. Frustration grew within Luocha; if this continued, he feared that he and Jingliu would meet their demise here. "It seems we have no choice but to use that move." Luocha sighed inwardly. If they didn''t unleash their full strength now, once Jing Yuan arrived, it would become even more troublesome. Chapter 286 - 285: Capturing Jingliu Alive Chapter 286 - 285: Capturing Jingliu AlivePlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Standing beneath the pale red sphere, swords clashed as Jingliu asked, "What... have you done?" "That''s none of your concern." Noticing her momentary distraction, Bochang promptly utilized the Invisible Hand technique. Countless unseen black-purple hands surged towards Jingliu. Aiming at her delicate limbs, slender waist, and swan-like neck¡ªall vulnerable targets. However, before making contact, Jingliu detected the attack. She swiftly retreated, unleashing several blasts of frosty sword qi. With swift movements, Bochang waved his Vow Spear, effortlessly dispersing them. "Surrender yourselves; there''s no escape for either of you." Bochang wasn''t eager to defeating them. This level of intense combat provided an ideal opportunity to hone his own power. As the battle progressed, the previously unstable fate path energy within him began stabilizing, showing signs of further advancement. Jingliu and Luocha stood positioned separately. Forming a stable triangle with Jingliu. Both Luocha and Jingliu were now within thirty meters of Bochang. Using "I''m in a Rush," Bochang could pause their time simultaneously, allowing him to defeat them one by one. Jingliu stood poised, sword at hand, her feathered sleeves gently fluttering. If earlier Jingliu resembled an unsheathed sword, then now...she was like a fully drawn blade, radiating a dazzling aura that almost seemed blinding. Her crimson eyes, cold yet tinged with madness, added to this impression. Combined with her delicate features and slender figure, she gave off an unsettling vibe reminiscent of a disturbed yet beautiful maiden. Luocha slammed his coffin forcefully onto the ground before him. "Bochang, if you let us leave now, there''s still a chance for your survival. If you persist in ignorance, don''t blame me for showing no mercy." Ideally, Luocha didn''t want to reveal his trump card just yet. After all... It was originally meant for Yaoshi. Unleashing it now felt premature. "Luocha, since you''re so confident, why don''t you give it a try?" Bochang took a deep breath. Luocha had his trump card, but did Bochang not have one as well? Beyond stripping clothes and using Time Stop, Phantylia, sealed within Bochang, had been recuperating during this period. It was now time to unleash her power. Although the Emanator of Destruction hadn''t fully regained her peak strength, she would still provide significant assistance. Upon hearing this response, Essentially, this move was within Luocha''s expectations; he merely wanted to give it one last try. What''s that ancient saying from Xianzhou again? "Courtesy before combat." Luocha adhered precisely to this principle. Bochang quietly observed the man who had fought fiercely for hours without even a speck of dust on his clothes. Naturally... All three present were remarkably clean. With a serious gaze, Luocha declared, "Since you insist... then watch closely, Bochang. This grand gift prepared for Yaoshi shall be tested first on you." As soon as he finished speaking, the phantom hearse in the sky contracted inward. Luocha gently tapped his hand. The coffin abruptly opened, its lid slamming down to reveal countless twisted, thorny green vines. Unlike the previous illusionary forms, these vines now... were tangible entities. Moreover, amidst the movement of the vines, a faint humanoid shape could be discerned. Ever courteous, Luocha said, "Now... it''s your turn to act, please..." "You owe me a favor," rasped a voice from within the coffin. Immediately after... Countless prickly green vines burst forth from the coffin, obscuring the sky like intertwined pythons, charging forward in chaotic entanglement. Anyone with trypophobia would likely collapse at the sight. This attack bore some resemblance to Phantylia''s Profound Root Transformation. Although visually less imposing, their power felt significantly stronger. "Inside the coffin...there''s actually someone? Who is this fellow...he seems incredibly potent." The azure vines swiftly closed the distance, as if intent on dragging Bochang into the coffin. Dodge it? There was no time to evade now. Bochang didn''t even have the chance to use the Dragon Talisman at its third-rated power level. Stripping off clothes wouldn''t help either; besides, that tactic seemed bizarre and repulsive. Bochang had no desire to engage with such a method. Thus... He immediately activated his Time Stop skill¡ªI''m Running Late. Within a thirty-meter radius, time instantly entered a three-second pause. The menacing, thorny green vines halted right before Bochang, unable to advance further. Luocha''s expression remained placid, as though performing a mundane task. Jingliu stood aloof, detached from the world around him. His eyes flickered with an eerie red glow, conveying a sense of indifference, as if none of this concerned him. [Dating Options enabled.] [Option 1: Act now... or when else? Use the immortal-binding cable to capture Jingliu alive¡ªCompletion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] [Option 2: Stay calm, Luocha poses a greater threat. First, use the immortal-binding cable to catch him¡ªCompletion Reward: Random ability.] "Calm down? How can I stay calm? Between Luocha and Jingliu, isn''t it obvious who should be captured first?" Bochang immediately chose Option 1. Taking advantage of the paused time around them, Bochang activated the Dragon Talisman''s third-rated power level and performed the blood recognition ritual on the immortal-binding cable. Approaching Jingliu, without hesitation, Bochang unleashed a fiery punch to her stomach. As she flew backward, he swiftly tossed the immortal-binding cable, securing her instantly. The beautiful silver-haired woman with red eyes was swiftly bound by Bochang, striking an aesthetically pleasing pose that emphasized key features prominently. "This immortal-binding cable... quite skilled, indeed..." Bochang observed Jingliu''s forced change of position, inwardly marveling. In just one second, Jingliu had been swiftly captured alive. However... Bochang couldn''t help feeling uneasy. The strength of the immortal-binding cable''s defense was uncertain; if Jingliu managed to break free, it could become quite troublesome. Fortunately, the system came to his aid. [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have obtained the equipment: Demonic Muzzle. When fitted over the mouth, it causes complete weakness, prevents speaking, and inhibits the use of special abilities. Note: This item has been stored in the System space and can be directly retrieved for use.] Bochang''s eyes lit up. A valuable item indeed... This is fantastic! Without hesitation, he retrieved the demonic muzzle from the System space. In another swift moment, he secured it on Jingliu. Bochang considered briefly. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Since Jingliu was already captured, tightly bound, and further restrained by the demonic muzzle, it would be best to directly toss her into the storage pouch. This way, she couldn''t be rescued later by Luocha. Bochang also tossed the black eye veil and frost-covered longsword into his storage pouch. With these tasks completed, only half a second remained before time resumed. Bochang swiftly turned towards Luocha and launched an attack, racing against the clock. Raising his hand, he unleashed a powerful Dragon Blast at the demon. At this point, whether it killed him or not was beyond Bochang''s concern. The entity released from the coffin far exceeded Bochang''s expectations. Now, his sole focus was on destroying that thing. Chapter 287 - 286: Devour Chapter 287 - 286: DevourPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Dragon Blast possessed immense power. With just one shot, flames engulfed the entire small world, instantly sweeping away all ice, snow, and debris. Everything adhered to the pale red walls, forming a hazy, gray sphere. Using the Invisible Hand, Bochang deflected the shockwave. Then, he glanced at Luocha on the other side. The disheveled, blue-eyed, blonde man knelt half-prostrate on the ground, struck by the Time Stop... For him, it was...a rather novel experience. "What just happened? Why did Bochang suddenly appear over there? How come his attack had no effect? And..." Luocha''s thoughts were tangled in confusion. After traversing this world for so long, she had never encountered such a bizarre situation. Additionally, Jingliu also vanished abruptly. It truly felt like encountering the supernatural. Compared to Luocha, Jingliu was even more bewildered. One moment, she was calmly observing from the sidelines. The next, Jingliu found herself in a dark place, bound by thick ropes. Not only was she unable to exert her strength, but her position was incredibly humiliating. Her hands were tied behind her back, and her long, white legs were forcibly spread apart. Jingliu knelt on the ground, with a gag tightly secured over her mouth. She couldn''t speak nor access her fate path abilities. Attempting to close her thighs proved futile due to the unyielding rope restraint, forcing her to maintain an upright posture. Any slouch would cause discomfort at her shoulders. "Just what is going on here..." She scanned the dim surroundings. Jingliu spotted her longsword nearby, emitting a soft glow. "Have I been...captured? How did Bochang manage this?" Her entire body felt numb... She attempted to kneel and slowly move, but each step was excruciatingly uncomfortable, especially with the ropes binding sensitive areas tightly. Any movement caused intense friction. Realizing the futility, Jingliu quickly decided to remain still, avoiding any further embarrassment. Apart from kneeling, she could also lie down. However, once prone, getting back up would be quite challenging. Moreover... While lying on the ground, she couldn''t bring her legs together; just imagining the awkward spread-eagle position discouraged her from seeking a more comfortable stance. Kneeling may have been uncomfortable, but... for someone with Jingliu''s physical prowess, it wasn''t unbearable. The main issue lay in the overwhelming sense of humiliation. The thought alone was deeply unsettling. At this moment, even the pain in his abdomen seemed trivial. Jingliu could hear sounds emanating from an unknown source¡ªit was the monster within the coffin... "Fascinating... Fascinating power. I sense the essence of underlying rules, boy... If I were to consume him, it might accelerate my own growth." Despite being hit by Dragon Blast, the coffin emerged unscathed, showing no signs of damage whatsoever. "What the hell?" Bochang''s lips twitched, caught off guard by the enemy''s unexpected strength. Even Dragon Blast had little effect on it. The last time he felt so powerless was against Aha and Yaoshi. As the fallen coffin expelled green vines, it slowly rose back upright, creating an eerie scene. Luocha remained kneeling, seemingly unable to recover immediately. Seizing the opportunity, Bochang gulped down the remaining half-bottle of flammable oolong tea. The fiery sensation from that bottle of wine burned all the way from Bochang''s throat to his stomach. Luocha lifted her head and urged, "Hurry up, we''re running out of time..." "I know..." The coffin launched another attack on Bochang. This time, he was well-prepared. Using the Dragon Talisman at its third-rated power, he swiftly evaded. Surprisingly... As the green vines struck against the pale red confinement, Bochang''s heart skipped a beat. Even his Earthbound Prison skill seemed momentarily destabilized. Despite having consumed too much alcohol, ...his thoughts remained clear. No, if I want to fight this thing, I must go all out... Or perhaps...retreat is the wiser choice? Luocha''s trump cards were somewhat peculiar. Bochang considered fleeing as a viable option. All it would take is teleportation. "You won''t escape..." A raspy voice echoed through the air. Feeling something amiss around his feet, Bochang looked down to see them entangled by green vines. When did this happen...? Just as this thought crossed his mind, a powerful force began pulling him. It was difficult to resist. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Moreover, Bochang felt a growing discomfort throughout his body, as if some toxin had entered him... Within moments, he was yanked directly in front of the coffin. Realizing this confrontation could not be avoided, Bochang decided to unleash his full potential without holding back any longer. In an instant, he shed his clothes. "Phantylia!" Bochang mentally shouted. The next second... Bochang was pulled into the coffin, and its heavy lid slammed shut before crashing down onto the ground. Luocha paused for a few moments, then slowly stood up. "Blossoming White Flower." Luocha produced a pendant and cast a healing skill on himself, feeling noticeably better afterward. He muttered, "What a terrifying enemy... Bochang, I''ll remember your name, but..." "Why did he take off his clothes?" Luocha pondered, gazing at the discarded garments strewn around. After Bochang was swallowed by the coffin... the Earthbound Prison skill automatically deactivated. As for Jingliu''s whereabouts, Luocha had no intention of searching; instead, he needed to swiftly depart before more Cloud Knights gathered. Although individually weak, their increasing numbers posed a burden even for Luocha, considering there were still formidable officers among them. As the Cloud Knights witnessed the Earthbound Prison vanish, they involuntarily took half a step back, eyeing the large pit with caution. Luocha hoisted the coffin onto his back and swiftly leaped out. The Cloud Knights erupted in exclamations: "Don''t let him escape!" "Capture him!" With swift leaps, Luocha broke through the Cloud Knights'' blockade, leaving them far behind. Inside the coffin... Only after entering did Bochang realize that this coffin also utilized space-folding technology. The interior was surprisingly vast. He gazed upon the colossal figure towering towards the clouds, entwined with azure vines, and couldn''t help but marvel inwardly. "Come now... little one, merge with me..." Who would willingly fuse with a freak like you?! Bochang''s feet were still bound by the azure vines. After using the Horse Talisman''s power to purge the toxins... Bochang swung his Vow Spear, severing the thick azure vines effortlessly. The raspy voice continued, "Your clothes are already off; there''s no point in struggling. Be obedient!" Just as these words echoed, Turquoise, thorny vines surged forth like a tidal wave, enveloping every direction. Bochang nearly unleashed his full power to withstand this onslaught. "Phantylia, do you know anything about this creature?" he asked urgently. Chapter 288 - 287: Something’s Off About You Chapter 288 - 287: Something''s Off About YouPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** The Vow Spear danced with unwavering precision. Whenever turquoise vines approached, Bochang swiftly severed them, his body ablaze with both turquoise and crimson flames, shining as brightly as the sun itself. It was akin to installing a high-powered light bulb within the darkness of the coffin, illuminating even the deepest shadows. Phantylia, still groggy from being awakened again, used the strength borrowed from Bochang to perceive their surroundings and remarked, "This... What kind of monstrous entity have you provoked?" "You don''t know?" Bochang responded, slightly disappointed. Phantylia shook her head. "The universe is vast; how could I possibly know everything? Besides... why should I provide explanations for you? Are we that familiar?" she questioned. "I suggest you behave yourself; otherwise, I won''t hesitate to use Eyes of Charm on you again," Bochang warned menacingly. Although Phantylia didn''t know what "Eyes of Charm" meant, she could vaguely guess it referred to that unsettling ability that made her involuntarily scream all night¡ªa perverse power unlike anything she had ever experienced before. Recalling those extraordinary sensations, Phantylia''s emotions stirred. "You... shameless, depraved..." "Thank you for the compliment." As Bochang spoke, he focused his energy to channel Phantylia''s power and enhance himself. Dual-colored flames burst forth from the spear tip. The turquoise vine was now unable to advance further. With Naked Truth combined with Phantylia''s abilities, Bochang had fully revealed his trump cards and could now effectively counter their opponent. Facing the monstrous entity within the coffin, he no longer lacked the strength for battle. "That is... Emanator''s power, Phantylia? Wait, you can''t be an Emanator, nor truly Phantylia. Could it be... you''ve sealed Phantylia within your body?" "Wonderful, absolutely splendid! It seems Luocha has indeed gifted me a grand surprise." The raspy voice echoed inside the coffin. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Did you hear that, Phantylia?" Bochang said. "We''re now like grasshoppers tied to the same string." "Don''t you have a teleportation ring?" Earlier, Bochang had visited Jarilo VI. Since Bailu was present upon his return, only one energy slot was consumed. With one slot initially available and another replenished this morning, Bochang now had two energy slots at his disposal. Unfortunately... He didn''t have time to use the teleportation ring just now. Instead, employing his One-Second Strip skill, Bochang found himself completely naked. However, with his strength further enhanced, Bochang indeed had ample opportunity to use the teleportation ring. But... He didn''t want to depart stark naked. "I advise you to flee quickly, for this entity... Even at my peak, I fear I might not be a match for it, let alone now when you''ve been drawn into its domain where it excels. We don''t know what other trump cards it may still possess..." "It''s possible...that it hasn''t even unleashed its full power yet," Phantylia urged. Bochang''s earlier assessment was accurate; they were truly bound together like grasshoppers on the same string. Now, Bochang and Phantylia were like grasshoppers tied to the same rope. After all... If captured by Bochang, he would merely imprison Phantylia and extract her power. By enduring this burden for some time, once Bochang passed away naturally, Phantylia could completely free herself. In fact, she might not even need to wait that long; if she regained enough strength, she could potentially break through the seal on her own. But falling into the grasp of those turquoise vines... The outcome would be uncertain and likely unfavorable. "Hmm... You''re right, but before we leave, I must deliver one last parting gift to Luocha. Otherwise...I won''t be able to swallow this indignity." The burning tip of his spear swept through the air. Bochang asked, "Phantylia, can you still use that meteor-summoning ability?" "It requires immense energy, and even if I attempt it, its power may not be as strong as you imagine. The previous battles have left me significantly weakened." "As long as you can use it, that''s sufficient." Bochang disregarded the concerns. With a hint of resignation, Phantylia explained, "That move is called Lunar Eclipse, and it''s quite challenging to execute... You must briefly relinquish control of your body to me; otherwise... I won''t be able to use it." "That''s fine," Bochang responded generously. Time was pressing, with a formidable enemy right before them. Bochang trusted that Phantylia wouldn''t dare cause any mischief. He slightly loosened his grip on the Great Array. Instantly, Phantylia took control of Bochang''s body. Although she could manipulate his movements, she had limited access to the power within him and his various items. The sensation of someone else controlling one''s body felt somewhat peculiar. "Bochang" raised a hand and softly commanded, "Lunar Eclipse." A massive, gleaming meteorite tore through the sky, plummeting rapidly towards the ground. Upon witnessing this, the turquoise vine swiftly extended its tendrils to resist, inadvertently easing much of the pressure on Bochang. "You never used to announce your moves before..." Bochang couldn''t help but internally grumble. Phantylia replied, "Announcing the move name is purely because my current state is weakened... It helps increase the chances of success even slightly." "Is there such a thing?" "My knowledge is limited." With that, Phantylia relinquished control back to Bochang. There was no other choice... If Phantylia continued controlling Bochang''s body, it was highly likely they would be captured by the turquoise vines and forced into various compromising positions. "Speaking of which... why didn''t you use Eyes of Charm against Him?" "I wish I could have... but without eyes, what can I do..." Bochang once again swung the Vow Spear. To successfully employ Eyes of Charm, direct eye contact is essential. In the previous spiritual realm encounter, Phantylia had glimpsed a faintly visible face. However, with this current enemy, there were no discernible eyes, rendering Eyes of Charm ineffective. Phantylia suddenly realized: "Oh... so that''s how it works! Benefactor, now I understand; next time, I''ll close my eyes." "Don''t mimic Tingyun''s speech, and remember... just because your eyes are closed doesn''t mean I can''t deal with you," Bochang sneered internally. "Believe me or not, I could still impregnate you instantly." Bochang shed his outer garments, harnessing Phantylia''s power to greatly enhance his abilities. Now fully capable of matching the enemy''s speed and even leaving room for escape, Bochang remained composed, with time to casually converse with Lord Ravager. Phantylia slowly typed out a question mark, momentarily unsure if the issue lay with herself or Bochang. For a moment, she was speechless. "You might be disappointed, as beings like me, pure energy forms, cannot reproduce... To create a new generation would require exceptionally unique methods." "My apologies, but I possess a special ability called Forced Conception. Regardless of your fertility, once I decide you shall conceive, it will happen without fail. Phantylia, if you''re interested, we can give it a try." Bochang''s words left Lord Ravager silent, seemingly digesting the immense implications contained within them. Time flowed swiftly like a fleeting white horse, and circumstances changed rapidly like shifting clouds. After a brief moment... With solemnity, Phantylia replied, "Please, let me experience this." Now it was Bochang''s turn to type a question mark. "Something''s not right with you." Chapter 289 - 288: Flight Is the Best Strategy Chapter 289 - 288: Flight Is the Best StrategyPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** Stars plummeted from the sky, adding numerous suns to this dark realm. Countless towering turquoise vines surged upward, resembling menacing tentacles attempting to control the falling meteorites. However, many were scorched significantly before they could even approach closely. Confronting such a formidable Emanator''s skill, even the terrifying entity within the coffin could not afford to ignore it. This provided Bochang with an opportunity to strike. Previously, the sheer abundance of turquoise vines entwining around the colossal figure had left Bochang uncertain about breaching its defenses. But now... A significant portion of the turquoise vines stretched towards the sky. Bochang could clearly see the pale skin of the giant figure, as white as that of a corpse. "With so many vines protecting itself, I suspect...its body must be quite fragile." Ignoring the Phantylia in his mind, Bochang targeted the vulnerable gaps on the massive silhouette and unleashed a full-power attack using the Dragon Talisman. His stamina rapidly drained away. The resulting blast annihilated countless turquoise vines in its path. Directly striking the enemy''s exposed skin. "Boom!" An explosive sound reverberated, accompanied by a gust of wind. Bochang immediately activated his teleportation ring, setting his destination to Bailu at the Alchemy Commission. As for why he didn''t choose March 7th, Stelle, or others¡ªit was because Bailu was most likely already back at the restricted residence, where fewer people would be present. Choosing March 7th, Stelle, or similar individuals might land him on a bustling street, exposing their naked bodies to public gaze¡ªan embarrassment Bochang wished to avoid. "Aaahh! You little scoundrel! Are you courting death?!" The raspy voice suddenly turned shrill. Bochang observed a massive hole appearing on the giant figure''s pallid skin, from which golden blood began to flow profusely. The creature within the coffin swiftly sealed its wound with more vines. Additional turquoise vines surged forth, ready to attack. Bochang sensed that his teleportation ring had received a response and displayed a scornful expression. With a flash of white light, Bochang instantly vanished from the scene, leaving countless vines grasping at empty air. "How dare you escape?! Shameless thief! Next time we meet, I''ll surely claim your life!" The enraged monster focused its power and explosively shattered the meteorite in the sky. Luocha faintly perceived what transpired inside the coffin. "Did Bochang manage to flee again?" She felt somewhat disappointed, not expecting his teleportation ring to function even within the confines of the coffin. Meanwhile... Bailu, who was initially gazing wistfully out the window, suddenly perked up upon sensing her teleportation ring''s activation. As she turned towards the shimmering white glow beside her, she thought: "Bochang? How could he arrive so quickly? Is it because he missed me already?" "As expected... Bochang simply can''t do without this young lady by his side..." Bailu''s tail wagged excitedly, her eyes sparkling. Then... A naked man materialized amidst the white light. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Eek!" Bailu let out a startled cry, hastily covering her eyes but couldn''t resist peeking through a slight gap between her fingers. Bochang emerged, holding his storage pouch in one hand and the Vow Spear in the other¡ªboth cherished possessions of immense value. As Jingliu''s confinement vessel, the storage pouch held immense importance. During his swift undressing, Bochang had tightly clutched the pouch to prevent it from falling out of reach. Otherwise... If someone else found the pouch, things could have gotten quite interesting. After all, it lacked any security measures like passwords. Anyone could easily open and search through its contents. Considering Jingliu was imprisoned inside, Bochang couldn''t help but imagine various 18+ scenarios unfolding. His gaze swept across the room with its antique charm before finally settling on Bailu''s face. "Do you have any clothes suitable for me here? I''ll need something." Compared to the storage ring and Vow Spear, the significance of Bochang''s clothing paled significantly. In the urgency of the moment, he hadn''t had time to toss them into the storage pouch. Now, standing naked... Bochang could only use the pouch to cover his lower half. Bailu, blushing slightly, replied, "I don''t have any clothes suitable for Bochang here, but...but I do have my bath towel; you can wrap it around yourself for now." "Alright." With this response, the little dragon girl turned, her tail swishing as she ran to the wardrobe to search for a bath towel. Meanwhile, Bochang began observing the room. Bailu''s living space was not adorned with lavish decorations. However... There were numerous furnishings and items scattered throughout. Despite Bailu being away from home for many days, not a speck of dust could be seen on any of these arrangements. It seemed likely that after the suppression of Disciples of Sanctus Medicus within the Alchemy Commission, someone had come to maintain the place. Behind Bochang stood the bed, with a dressing mirror and wardrobe nearby. On the other side, there was a bookshelf filled with volumes, mostly medicinal texts, along with some novels and similar reading materials. In front of him, a delicate, gauzy screen partitioned the area, allowing faint glimpses through its thin fabric. Beyond the aligned screens, one could presume the presence of Bailu''s living room. The little dragon girl swiftly returned with a white bath towel and handed it to Bochang, saying: "Here... for you." Bailu presented it as if offering a precious treasure, holding it carefully with both hands. Bochang set down the Vow Spear, reached out to take the towel, and wrapped it around his waist, covering his lower body. Of course, his upper body remained completely bare. However... It didn''t really matter. Since Bochang was male, exposing his upper torso wasn''t an issue. Bailu finally had a chance to inquire, "Bochang... what happened? Why did you come here without any clothes on?" "Oh... I just had an intense fight, so I took them off," Bochang replied softly, exhaling gently. Although he wasn''t sure if Luocha had been captured, now... Bochang could finally relax. "Why would you undress before fighting?" Bailu looked puzzled. If March 7th were present, her eyes would have widened, interrogating Bochang aggressively. Regrettably, the pink-haired girl wasn''t present. "You''ll understand in the future," Bochang replied with an innocent smile. Bailu scratched her head, puzzled. As they continued their conversation, someone entered the room and asked, "Lady Bai Lu, what happened just now? Was there some unexpected incident?" It was a female voice speaking from behind a screen. Bailu shook her head. "Nothing serious, just a surprise visit from my friend," she reassured them. "A friend?" From behind the screen, the intruding servant faintly saw a tall figure. "May I come in?" the servant asked. Bailu glanced at Bochang, who nodded slightly. The little dragon girl said, "It''s alright, you may enter." "You should recognize him; it''s Bochang. The dragon masters mentioned his name today on our journey. Thanks to that...I was able to directly contact Bochang." Bailu displayed her teleportation ring. Meanwhile, within her storage ring, Jingliu was crawling stealthily along the dark floor. Gradually drawing closer to his frost sword. Chapter 290 - 289: Automaton Maidens Can Become Pregnant Chapter 290 - 289: Automaton Maidens Can Become PregnantPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** According to Dragon Holder Master Timing, Bochang was considered somewhat renowned. Therefore... Bailu''s maids did not trouble Bochang but instead hurriedly fetched him some clothes. While waiting, Bochang sat on Bailu''s bed and discreetly contacted General Jing Yuan, informing him about Luocha''s capture. He also mentioned Jingliu''s involvement. Naturally... He omitted the fact that he had personally apprehended Jingliu. As it turned out, this decision proved wise. From Jing Yuan, Bochang learned a surprising truth: Jingliu was actually Jing Yuan''s master, and like Dan Heng, Jing Yuan, and Blade, they were all members of the High-Cloud Quintet. "If Jing Yuan or Dan Heng found out I captured Jingliu..." Bochang scratched his head. It seemed best... To keep this matter hidden from everyone. Meanwhile, the Cloud Knights discovered Bochang''s discarded clothing at the Exalting Sanctum. Rumor has it that Jingliu had already been delivered to the Alchemy Commission. Now, Bochang donned the attire of the Alchemy Commission and spent time with Bailu in her room, engaging in activities like reading books, sipping tea, and playing board games together. The hours flew by swiftly. Xiao Yu and Sushang arrived at the Alchemy Commission slightly ahead of those delivering clothes, thanks to Bochang''s assistance. Their visit went uninterrupted as they met with Bailu without any hindrance. Upon seeing Bochang, Xiao Yu expressed surprise, "Big Brother? What brings you here...?" "Just happened to have some business nearby and thought I''d drop by. Don''t let me distract you; carry on with your tasks," Bochang replied with a smile. Subsequently... Bailu examined Xiao Yu''s eyes. "There seem to be no immediate issues, but maintaining this won''t be sustainable long-term. Let me try combining the white lotus with certain medicinal herbs to see if we can fully cure Xiao Yu''s eyes." "If successful, it would indeed be beneficial for Xianzhou Luofu. However..." Bailu paused, then continued, "Unfortunately, only Bochang possesses the white lotus. Even if we succeed, it will remain exceedingly rare." Bailu placed her hand on her chin, deep in thought. Bochang had anticipated this situation from the start. "Additionally," Bailu continued, "I cannot guarantee that I''ll truly cure your eyesight. This would merely be an experiment, and I''m unsure if there might be any unforeseen side effects. Xiao Yu, you should consider it carefully first." "No need to consider, I trust Big Sister Bailu and Bochang-gege." Xiao Yu''s expression was resolute. This was her best chance to regain her sight. Missing this opportunity could mean spending her entire life as heavenborn deficient, so naturally, she must seize the moment. Bailu nodded. "Alright, then for now, you should temporarily reside at the Alchemy Commission. This will allow me to closely observe your body''s response. Bochang, before leaving Xianzhou Luofu, can we reserve some additional white lotuses for the commission?" Given that these white lotuses could potentially heal the affliction of heavenborn deficiencies, Bailu wanted to ensure they had a supply available. "Absolutely no problem," Bochang agreed immediately. For Xianzhou Luofu, the white lotus was a precious medicinal ingredient. To Bochang, however, creating more white lotuses was merely a simple task. Following Bailu''s request, Bochang produced several large chests filled with white lotuses and stored them at the Alchemy Commission. At this moment, the person delivering clothes arrived. From the Ten-Lords Commission¡ªthe Judge of Juggernaut Puppets, Xueyi. The automaton maiden bearing a striking resemblance to Hei Xi appeared before Bochang. "Here... your clothes." Xueyi''s expression remained composed. Bochang sighed, "Ah... I didn''t expect Lord Xueyi herself to bring my clothes. It truly is an honor beyond expectation." "There''s no need for such formality, Mister Bochang. You can simply call me Xueyi. In truth... I''ve also faced that Luocha in combat. He wounded me swiftly with just a few moves, whereas you... managed to battle him for quite some time. That is genuinely admirable." Xueyi, with her black hair, red eyes, and dressed in a Judge''s uniform, showed no excess emotion on her face, reminiscent of the stoic little azure dragon. "Just luck, pure luck," Bochang responded humbly, then expressed concern, "Were you injured, Xueyi? Is everything alright?" "No worries, my body is a mechanical construct. Any injuries can be addressed by simply replacing parts." Xueyi gently shook her head. With the task completed, this Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission had no intention of lingering. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Xueyi spread her hands and asked, "Mister Bochang, do you require further assistance from me? If not, I must take my leave." [Dating Options activated.] [Option 1: Raise your hand and inquire, "Mechanical creations... can Xueyi still become pregnant?" - Completion Reward: 100% increase in mental energy.] [Option 2: Gently shake your head and say, "No, that''s all." - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: Such items will...] The sudden appearance of these options made Bochang ponder. Asking such a question in front of a girl felt slightly embarrassing. However... Compared to his earlier blunder at Gelou Beru, where he publicly questioned Pela about her measurements, this situation was considerably better. Moreover, the rewards were quite enticing. If his abilities continued to enhance at this rate, the next time he encountered Luocha, it would undoubtedly be a massive surprise for them¡ªespecially regarding the terrifying entity within the coffin. "Option 1!" Bochang raised his hand and asked, "Mechanical creations... can Xueyi still become pregnant?" Silence fell. Xueyi quietly regarded Bochang. After three seconds, her eyes shifted slightly within their sockets, as if deep in thought. Then, with eyebrows furrowed, she rested her chin on one hand. "Hey, hey, hey, why did you ask such a foolish question? Mechanical maidens definitely cannot become pregnant... Wait, do you plan to use your skill on her? Come on, I was clearly first in line!" "Phantylia, can''t you be more reasonable for once?" Bochang sighed inwardly. For some reason, Phantylia seemed interested in producing offspring. Perhaps entities like her, composed of pure energy, were increasingly rare in the universe. Of course... It could also mean that Phantylia had something mischievous in mind, possibly leveraging a child to manipulate Bochang. The thought lingered persistently in his head. After hesitating for a moment, Xueyi slowly spoke up. "Theoretically, it is possible for them to conceive... The Artisanship Commission has developed technology that allows mechanical creations to bear children. However, this technology is strictly prohibited. If not for your esteemed status as a guest aboard Xianzhou, I certainly wouldn''t have mentioned it." Bochang''s eyes widened slightly. Who said automaton maidens couldn''t conceive? Clearly, they could indeed become pregnant. The inability to do so was solely due to insufficient technology. Xueyi inquired, "Why do you ask this? Are you considering purchasing an automaton and then...?" "Cough... Xueyi, you''re reading too much into it. I have no such intentions," Bochang shook his head. With March 7th and Stelle by his side, Bochang certainly didn''t lack suitable companionship. Moreover, he had also captured the portable Jingliu mirror, making any need for automaton creations redundant. "Well, even if you wanted to buy one, obtaining components that allow pregnancy would be beyond my capabilities." Xueyi shook his head. Chapter 291 - 290: Troublesome Talent Chapter 291 - 290: Troublesome TalentPlease support me on Patreon, where you can read a bunch of extra Chapters, not just for this novel, but for all the novels I''m working on. I upload at least 2 times daily for each novel. Patreon.com/ThatGreatStuff ****** [Rewards being distributed¡ªCongratulations! Your mental energy has been increased by 100%.] A refreshing sensation spread from Bochang''s mind throughout his entire body. He felt as though undergoing a profound transformation. Xueyi did not linger further, exchanging a few more casual words before the Judge from the Ten-Lords Commission departed. Outside Bailu''s room, Sushang suddenly emerged and tapped Bochang on the shoulder. "Oh ho, never realized your relationship with the Ten-Lords Commission folks... is quite close?" "No, Xueyi just came to deliver some clothes," Bochang shrugged. The matter concerning Luocha was yet unspoken between them. If Sushang learned that the person she had been helping all along had smuggled a Stellaron onto Xianzhou Luofu, it would undoubtedly break her heart. "Hmm... I''m quite curious too, why were your clothes with the Judge of Juggernauts? And if you were looking for Bailu, why did you give Xiao Yu to me... Wasn''t that unnecessary?" Sushang''s curiosity bubbled like a child''s. "Ending up at the Alchemy Commission was purely coincidental, and..." Bochang paused, uncertain whether he should reveal the truth about Luocha. After some thought, he decided it would be better to inform Sushang. The warrant for Luocha''s arrest would likely be issued soon anyway. Even if Sushang couldn''t read, she could still recognize him from the image. To prevent Luocha''s smooth talk from leading Sushang astray, Bochang felt it prudent to prepare her beforehand. He reached out and said, "Here''s the thing, Sushang, do you remember that outlander named Luocha?" "Luocha... I remember him; it was even I who rescued him from Cloudford..." Sushang placed her hands on her hips. "How... does this incident involve him?" "It does indeed, and quite significantly so," Bochang sighed. This response piqued Sushang''s curiosity. "What exactly happened? Don''t keep me in suspense¡ªyou''re making me itch with anticipation." "Luocha... is the one who brought the Stellaron onto Xianzhou Luofu," Bochang stated bluntly. These words... left Sushang utterly bewildered, confusion filling her brown eyes. "Huh? Are you joking with me?" She scratched her head, her long ponytails swaying gently beside her ears. With her soft, lustrous hair framing her pure and uncorrupted demeanor, there was an inexplicable urge to tease her just a bit. Of course... Bochang had no intention of teasing Sushang. It merely crossed his mind for a fleeting moment. "I''m not joking at all." Bochang shook his head. "I fought Luocha at the Exalting Sanctum, and by this afternoon, you should see his wanted poster lining the streets." "This...could there be some misunderstanding?" Sushang still found it hard to believe Bochang''s words. During their time together, she had always considered Luocha as quite intriguing and unlikely to engage in malicious acts. "You''ll know the truth once you see the arrest warrant, so...when you encounter Luocha again, don''t fall for his lies. It could lead to serious trouble." Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Sushang appeared naive and easily deceived, making it difficult not to worry about her. "If what you say is true...I will apprehend Luocha." Sushang clenched her fist determinedly. Bochang shook his head repeatedly. "No...the next time you see Luocha, I strongly advise keeping your distance. Sushang, if I hadn''t run fast this time, he might have gotten the better of me." "In Luocha''s coffin...there resides a terrifying creature." Recalling their earlier confrontation, Luocha had claimed it was a grand gift intended for Yaoshi. However... From Bochang''s perspective, that entity fell far short when compared to Yaoshi. It seemed that the creature within the coffin was still growing. "Ah? Really? In his coffin... there''s another monster?" Sushang felt her mind struggling to comprehend this information. What is going on here... After vividly describing the horror of the creature inside the coffin, Bochang finally let Sushang off. At that moment... Bochang''s phone rang. Picking it up, he saw three messages from the conductor: Pom-Pom: Are you there? Pom-Pom: Hello? Pom-Pom: Are you available? Bochang replied: What''s wrong? Pom-Pom: Something strange is happening on the train; feels like there''s an invisible presence... Pom-Pom: Please come back when you can! Aaaah!! ?Hiss...? Bochang sucked in a sharp breath. "What''s going on? The conductor getting spooked?" Thinking for a moment, Bochang responded: I''ll rest a bit longer and return soon. Pom-Pom: Alright Pom, try to be quick. We absolutely cannot depart until this issue is resolved, Pom! Everyone says... Pom-Pom effortlessly keeps track of everyone''s movements on the train. How could something infiltrate the Astral Express unnoticed? This situation seems peculiar. First, I should contact Stelle and March, Bochang pondered. He wondered where those two might have gone off to. Sushang tilted her head slightly and asked, "What are you looking at?" "The conductor has called me back to the train. Our journey on Xianzhou Luofu is temporarily over, and I should be heading off now." Bochang put away his phone. Sushang said, "Oh... Whenever you visit the Xianzhou again, remember to look for me, okay? We can enjoy tea together and listen to storytelling." Bochang nodded. Having completed his task of escorting Xiao Yu to the Alchemy Commission, Bochang''s next goal was to investigate the situation with Luocha. Thus... Sushang hastily departed from the Alchemy Commission. Bochang stayed behind to spend some time with Bailu before leaving. During this period, he also contacted March 7th and Stelle via his phone; they had received messages from the conductor as well. It seemed Pom-Pom was genuinely urgent about something. Bochang arranged a meeting with March 7th and Stelle accordingly. Before long, the group of five gathered at Central Starskiff Haven. March 7th, Stelle, Serval, and Qingque were all present¡ªthese four girls had often been seen together during their previous endeavors. Upon reuniting, March 7th immediately asked, "Bochang, I heard you got into a fight with Luocha?" "That''s correct, but how did you know?" Bochang hadn''t yet shared this incident with anyone on the Astral Express. Qingque pointed to her own face. "Master Diviner just sent me a message about it." "Oh... so that''s how," Bochang realized. As a member of the Divination Commission and currently serving as the special envoy from Xianzhou to the Astral Express¡ªa role akin to a diplomat¡ªit made sense that she would be informed promptly of any developments involving Bochang on Xianzhou Luofu. It was only natural for Fu Xuan to inform Qingque first about what Bochang had been up to on Xianzhou Luofu. "Hey...do you have some innate talent for causing trouble?" March 7th couldn''t help but tease lightly. "How do you manage to get into fights everywhere you go?" "It''s not my fault," Bochang defended himself. "Heavens know how I inadvertently stumbled upon Luocha''s plot! That guy hid his true intentions too deeply; if it weren''t for Sophia''s animal friend discovering it, I''d still be completely clueless..." Chapter 292 - 291: Garden of Recollection Chapter 292 - 291: Garden of RecollectionBochang provided a brief explanation regarding the incident. Neither March 7th nor Stelle seemed particularly concerned. After a short exchange, they continued towards the Astral Express. They took a star ferry to Cloudford and found the docked Astral Express. One by one, Bochang''s group boarded. Qingque, no stranger to the Astral Express, looked around curiously from side to side. This would be her home... Qingque was preparing for an extended stay aboard. As Bochang led his team into the train''s main hall, they spotted Pom-Pom standing anxiously in the center... along with Welt Yang and Himeko nearby, seemingly searching for something. The usually adorable conductor appeared somewhat flustered. March 7th and Stelle bypassed Bochang, approaching Pom-Pom. "We''re back, Conductor," March 7th said. "Where is this strange creature?" "I''m not sure, but it''s definitely on the train, Pom-Pom can feel it! Nobody knows Akivi''s trains better than me; if there''s something odd onboard, I''ll sense it!" The small lop-eared rabbit looked at the returning group. "Please help search with us; we must find it." "Of course, Conductor, leave it to us." Bochang patted his chest confidently. Serval, March 7th, and others sprang into action. Bochang scanned the train''s main hall but found nothing out of the ordinary. "Should we check other areas?" he wondered. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Serval, March 7th, Qingque, and even Dan Heng ventured off to search elsewhere. Just as Bochang was about to leave, something caught his eye. "Hold on... Was there a mirror here before? And it''s broken too." Bochang frowned slightly. The full-length mirror stood in one corner of the train''s main hall. It appeared shattered, with a large hole at its center, yet through that gap, glimpses of something peculiar could be seen. The longer Bochang looked, the more eerie it felt¡ªespecially since no one else seemed to notice it, making it all the stranger. "Could this...be the strange thing Pom-Pom mentioned?" Bochang narrowed his eyes. Suddenly, Stelle darted towards the mirror like a gust of wind, apparently having noticed it as well. And then... She struck a pose in front of the mirror. "Aren''t I just adorable?" Bochang remained speechless. Stelle didn''t linger long before the odd mirror; after a quick glance, she started asking around about it. Both Himeko and Welt Yang claimed they couldn''t see any mirror. When Stelle shared her discovery with Pom-Pom, the conductor responded with a tremulous voice. "Wah! P-P-Pom-Pom knows there''s s-something strange going on here!" "Quickly, think of something, Stelle!" Pom-Pom urged. Stelle glanced at Bochang, who understood without her needing to ask. He smiled and said, "I can see that mirror too; it is indeed peculiar." "Only the two of you can see it?" Welt Yang frowned, his thoughts unclear. Pom-Pom prompted them both to take action immediately. After a moment''s consideration, Bochang reached into his storage pouch, feeling around until he found the Super Flashlight. This artifact had the ability to dispel illusions¡ªperfect for dealing with a mirror invisible to others. Welt Yang, seeing the familiar flashlight emerge, instantly guessed Bochang''s intention. Stelle''s eyes also lit up. Without further ado, Bochang activated the flashlight. A pure white beam shone forth, instantly enveloping the mirror. The space around it began to distort. In the sight of Himeko, Welt Yang, and Pom-Pom... An eerie, shattered mirror appeared before their eyes. "T-t-that''s it!" Pom-Pom, hiding behind Welt Yang with her tiny hands clutching his knees, trembled as she spoke once more. Only half of her adorable blue eyes were visible. No one ventured closer to the mirror. However... Within its reflection, a hooded girl emerged. Her face was obscured by a peculiar mask, making her features indistinct, but her figure seemed quite graceful. While Bochang continued to observe, the girl stepped out from the mirror onto the floor of the Astral Express. Bochang''s eyes widened slightly. It wasn''t just him; Stelle, Himeko, Welt Yang, and Pom-Pom all witnessed this as well. "Wow, is this the Astral Express?" asked the peculiar hooded girl. Unconcerned with pleasantries, Stelle swiftly drew her metallic baseball bat and swung at the figure. "Take this, fiend!" Unfortunately... The bat passed right through the girl''s body and then through the mirror itself. As if they didn''t exist at all. "Hold on, I''m not here to harm anyone," the girl hastily spoke up. "I am a Messenger from the Garden of Recollection. For the coming days, I''ll be taking refuge aboard your esteemed train. Please guide me." The Garden of Recollection was an organization devoted to Aeon Fuli. As Messengers of Memory, they had forsaken their physical bodies and traversed the universe as memes, seeking the most precious memories across the star sea for Fuli. Now... A Messenger from the Garden of Recollection had arrived specifically for memories. Under Stelle''s questioning, the Messenger revealed much information. "Actually, we could have secretly followed you without anyone noticing. However... The Memory Court believes you to be exceptional, possessing exceedingly rare and precious memories, with more yet to come in the future... So I thought it would be better to introduce myself..." As she spoke, Ka, the Messenger from the Garden of Recollection, suddenly felt something was amiss. Everyone seemed to be staring at her. Although the girl wore a mask, concealing her expression, they could sense her surprise through her voice. "Wait... You can all see me?" Himeko placed one hand on her hip, her gentle and lovely oval face nodding slightly. Welt Yang adjusted his black-framed glasses, saying, "It appears the rumors are true. Emanators of the Garden of Recollection lack physical form and can only be perceived by those they choose." "Huh? But didn''t you all see me just now? What''s going on? Wait... Could it be that..." The girl glanced at Bochang and the ultra-powerful flashlight he held. Regarding this artifact... The Garden of Recollection actually had some knowledge about it. It was astonishing how effortlessly her disguise as a Messenger had been penetrated. "The Astral Express is not a place for you to casually wander, Pom!" exclaimed Pom-Pom, resembling a lop-eared rabbit, visibly upset. The Messenger girl hastily waved her hands. "Please let me explain first. I have a reason for being here, and I mean no harm to the Astral Express." Himeko spread her arms wide. "Go ahead, we''re listening." Under the glare of Bochang''s ultra-bright flashlight, the Messenger girl dropped the act. Straightforwardly, she revealed her purpose: In essence, the Garden of Recollection sought to engage in a trade with Stelle and Bochang, offering material goods and Light Cones in exchange for their precious memories. Of course... These memories would not disappear; the Garden of Recollection merely aimed to create copies, without forcibly taking them away. However, the Messenger girl''s explanation did little to sway opinions. The group on the train remained skeptical. "Dealing with the Memory Court is too risky, especially when it involves trading memories," Welt Yang stroked his chin thoughtfully. Chapter 293 - 292: Endless Echoes Chapter 293 - 292: Endless EchoesInitially, the Garden of Recollection intended to transact only with Stelle. However, upon discovering Bochang''s ability to see through illusions and his use of the Super Flashlight, which left no hiding place for the Messenger... The girl wearing the peculiar mask changed her stance, including Bochang in the deal. Nevertheless... Regarding material possessions and Light Cones, Bochang remained indifferent. Himeko, Welt Yang, and others shared this sentiment. It was only Stelle who expressed interest in trying it out. After some negotiation, Himeko reluctantly agreed to let the Messenger stay aboard the Astral Express. Stelle played the primary role here, decisively opting to test the waters with a single transaction. She stood still, unmoving. Meanwhile, Bochang casually informed Welt Yang about Luocha''s involvement, even mimicking their words: "You know, there''s always me on Xianzhou! I can easily..." Welt Yang''s forehead veins bulged as he responded, "Alright, alright, so Luocha is indeed the mastermind behind the scenes. If you knew this, you should have contacted us sooner." His gaze towards Bochang held a hint of reproach. "Well... it happened suddenly, and just after I discovered it, Luocha confronted me." Bochang scratched his head. Currently, only a few individuals possessed teleportation rings: Welt Yang, Dan Heng, and others. For now, none of them had received one yet. In the sudden encounter, even notifying Welt Yang and Dan Heng would be futile. It was more practical to directly summon Bailu and Fu Xuan, or perhaps Stelle. However... Fortunately, Bochang didn''t summon any of them; otherwise, if devoured by the terrifying entity within the coffin, the situation could have been dire. Even with all his trump cards played, Bochang barely managed to survive against that monstrous creature. If it were Bailu, Fu Xuan, or others instead... They might not even get a chance to activate their teleportation rings before being instantly defeated. It''s a harsh reality. "Hmm... But I am curious, why did Luocha target you? Similarly, the Stellaron Hunters also approached you out of nowhere last time." Welt Yang frowned slightly, choosing not to mention Phantylia. After all... Bochang had repeatedly tricked her, making retaliation expected, but Blade and Luocha''s motives were less clear. What could they possibly gain from this? Just to invite a beating? "I''m not entirely sure," Bochang cautiously responded. Welt Yang didn''t press further, opting to speculate instead. Perhaps there was something about Bochang that intrigued them. Upon reflection... Bochang indeed possessed numerous intriguing artifacts, making him quite the tempting target for petty thieves¡ªit was perfectly normal to attract such attention. The Astral Express was gradually departing from Xianzhou Luofu. From here, one could still see countless star ferries dancing amidst the starry sea, heading towards distant horizons with no apparent end to their journey, perhaps forever roaming without pause. Xianzhou Luofu''s voyage had concluded. The next stop for the Astral Express would be Penacony¡ªa prison planet once used by corporations to exile criminals. At least, that was its purpose during recorded times. However... After the Stellaron Crisis erupted, this planet embraced the Homologous Aeon. It is rumored to have been transformed into an incredibly prosperous Dreamland now. Most matters concerning the Astral Express at Xianzhou Luofu were resolved. Once the conductor was ready, everyone could prepare for the transition jump to Penacony. Everyone was busy. March 7th, Qingque, Himeko, and Serval had gone off to play mahjong. Bochang returned to his room, where Herta mannequin remained idle, sitting motionless on the chair. Hesitating briefly, Bochang decided against playing with the mannequin. "Since there''s nothing else to do, why not check on Jingliu?" he thought. With this idea in mind, Bochang opened his storage pouch and stepped inside. As long as nobody locked the pouch from outside, it was quite simple to exit. Light from the external environment streamed through the circular opening above, illuminating the entire storage space. The storage space inside the pouch was quite limited¡ªonly about ten cubic meters. Simplifying the calculation, it resembled a cylindrical chamber with a diameter of roughly 2.5 meters and a height of two meters. With the circular opening above, it felt like being at the bottom of a well. Upon entering, Bochang saw Jingliu lying on her back, her spread white legs seemingly welcoming him in a ceremonial gesture. He stroked his chin, assessing their surroundings. Jingliu appeared to be reaching for her frost sword, almost close enough to grasp it¡ªjust one centimeter away. Noticing Bochang''s approach, Jingliu quickly withdrew her fingers and activated the Earthbound Prison skill, controlling only the internal space of the pouch. A pale red glow sealed the entrance, preventing any sound from escaping. "Jingliu, you can''t escape," Bochang declared. Taking two steps forward, he lifted Jingliu''s chin and tossed the frost sword aside. Trapped by the immortal-binding cable and demonic seal mouth gag, movement proved exceptionally difficult for this woman with white hair and red eyes. It was unclear how long she had struggled just to reach the point where she could barely touch the frost sword¡ªa distance of slightly over a meter. And now, even that effort was discovered by Bochang. Feeling despondent, Jingliu defiantly stared at him with her crimson eyes. "You seem rather dissatisfied, don''t you?" Bochang observed. "Would you like me to release you for another round?" Jingliu''s eyes lit up, and she immediately nodded. The corner of Bochang''s mouth curved upwards. "I was just joking with you. If you think I''d release you that easily, dream on. I''m not foolish," Bochang teased, observing Jingliu''s gaze, seemingly ready to spit fire. Continuing, he said, "Now, honestly tell me about your plans with Luocha, and...why did you target me?" Jingliu rolled her eyes. With her mouth gagged, preventing drool from flowing uncontrollably was already quite an effort for her. Demanding speech under these conditions seemed truly challenging. Realizing this, yet still cautious about removing the demonic seal mouth gag, Bochang feared losing control over Jingliu. Given her strength, if she managed to destroy his pouch, it would be far from amusing. Instead, Bochang commanded the immortal-binding cable to loosen its grip, freeing one of Jingliu''s hands. Similar to the Vow Spear bound by blood oath, the cable responded instantly to Bochang''s thoughts, allowing him various ways to restrain his captive. As soon as Jingliu gained freedom with one hand, she attempted to remove the mouth gag, but Bochang swiftly intervened. "Disobedient, aren''t we? Then don''t blame me for getting angry." Bochang seized Jingliu''s wrist. Applying slight pressure, he left a red mark on her delicate, pale skin. Jingliu frowned deeply, the pain continuously stimulating her brain. Seated cross-legged, Bochang ordered the immortal-binding cable to wrap Jingliu tightly like a caterpillar... He promptly placed her across his lap. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Jingliu struggled, but with both her hands and feet bound, she couldn''t muster much resistance. Although this position was less humiliating than before¡ªallowing her to close her legs¡ªit still... Fostered an ominous feeling within Jingliu''s heart. Without warning, Bochang lifted the fish-tail skirt at her back. His large hand raised high and then forcefully descended. The sound of slaps echoed incessantly. Chapter 294 - 293: A Small Punishment Chapter 294 - 293: A Small PunishmentTears welled up in Jingliu''s eyes. As one of the High-Cloud Quintet and Jing Yuan''s master, when had she ever endured such indignity? Muffled whimpers escaped from her throat, and a crystalline droplet of saliva dripped through the gap in the demonic seal mouth gag. This time, Jingliu could no longer hold back. The circular mouth gag became damp, tears streaming down her face. She now deeply regretted meddling with Bochang for no reason. Time slowly passed amidst the continuous slapping sounds... After administering a small punishment, Bochang finally released Jingliu. He then retrieved ink and, adhering to principles of frugality, used the water pooling from her tears to grind the inkstone. As Bochang continued his assault, he spoke firmly, "From now on, I''ll ask questions, and you will answer. If you don''t comply, my temper might flare again." After venting his frustrations through this barrage, Bochang felt considerably relieved. To be fair, Jingliu''s skin was firm and elastic, making each strike quite satisfying¡ªa sensation that lingered endlessly. Faced with Bochang''s oppressive presence, Jingliu dared not resist. Under the silver-haired woman''s writing hand, Bochang gleaned a wealth of information, though unable to discern its truthfulness. Nevertheless, it greatly satisfied his curiosity. The High-Cloud Quintet, Bailu... Luocha''s schemes. A flood of revelations left Bochang momentarily overwhelmed with a headache. "Please let me go," Jingliu wrote on the white paper. Bochang shook his head, retightening the immortal-binding cable around her hands. "I never said I would release you. For some time yet, Jingliu, you''ll need to stay here obediently." With those words, Bochang took flight and departed from the storage pouch. Jingliu remained silent as the ropes tightened further, feeling almost like being bound by steel wires. Even moving became a distant hope. "I really need to use the restroom..." she thought, still experiencing pain in her buttocks, which felt swollen from the beating. Bochang exited his room. Upon entering the train''s main hall, Bochang found Stelle still engaged in trade with the Messenger girl. With Welt Yang nearby, Bochang felt no concern. He casually took a seat on the sofa. "Pascal, prepare a pot of hot tea." Bochang snapped his fingers. When everyone returned to the Astral Express, Pascal had naturally brought Sophia back as well, even arriving earlier than Bochang himself. "Understood." The robot Pascal promptly carried out the task. As Bochang gazed at the stars outside the window, he reflected on his gains since arriving at Xianzhou Luofu. Among them... the greatest rewards were undoubtedly Jingliu and Phantylia¡ªan Emanator and one nearly equivalent. Now, he could slightly command Phantylia. Jingliu, however, could only be treated like a slave, confined within his storage pouch. In fact... even aboard the Astral Express, Bochang dared not take Jingliu out for fear of March 7th finding out, which would surely lead to trouble. "You''re right... From now on, I guess I''ll have to take care of Jingliu''s needs¡ªproviding food, clothing, and shelter won''t be easy..." To simply release Jingliu was unthinkable; he couldn''t bear it after all the effort put into capturing her. "In comparison, maintaining Phantylia is much simpler¡ªa bit of Sheep Talisman''s magic power suffices." At this thought, Bochang recalled Phantylia''s enticing proposition from their initial encounter. As commonly known, Phantylia is an energy being. However, to acquire an indestructible physical form, she possesses extraordinary creation abilities, enabling her to directly craft a body. This means that regardless of what type Bochang desires, Phantylia can manifest it accordingly. The price for this transformation would be... Phantylia giving birth to a child. Bochang harbored concerns and feared Lord Ravager''s potential tricks. Ultimately, he shook his head, declining the offer. Shortly after, Pascal brought the requested tea to Bochang. After taking only a couple of sips, Stelle approached from the side, sat down next to Bochang, and let out a long sigh. "How was your experience?" Bochang casually asked. "A bit dizzy..." Stelle replied. "I didn''t expect there to be actual combat inside." "Combat?" Bochang was taken aback. Stelle nodded. "Yes, the Messenger said intense stimuli help relax my subconscious defenses, allowing them to replicate my memories." "I see... Does that imply we could potentially enhance our skills through that realm?" Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. Gaining practical combat experience has always been a fast way to improve one''s capabilities. "Yes, and there are even rewards to be earned. However..." Stelle spread her hands, explaining, "the Messenger allows only two of us to enter at a time." Welt Yang, Himeko, and others could only stand nearby watching. Without Bochang''s super flashlight, they wouldn''t have had the chance to encounter the Messenger girl at all. Bochang placed his teacup on Pascal''s tray and said, "That sounds intriguing. Perhaps I''ll accompany you inside sometime later." "Great," Stelle replied with a radiant smile. The two settled onto the sofa, sipping tea and engaging in casual conversation. Dressed identically in matching outfits, they appeared every bit like a couple. Of course... They indeed were a couple. Unfortunately, this cozy atmosphere didn''t last long. Since Himeko and Serval decided against playing Mahjong anymore, there was now a game short of players. March 7th promptly grabbed both Stelle and Bochang, rushing them over. Time flew by during their Mahjong session. By the time Bochang returned to his room, it was already evening. However, aboard the Astral Express traversing through the star sea, distinguishing between day and night became difficult. One had to rely solely on the clock to determine the time. Inside the room, Herta mannequin remained seated on the chair, seemingly idle as ever, without any signs of activity. Unless provoked, Herta''s mannequin would likely stay dormant. Unless something unexpected occurred... With Jingliu temporarily set aside, Bochang once again accessed his storage pouch. This time, he wasn''t seeking information but simply wanted to assist her with basic physiological needs, such as eating and drinking. For tasks like eating and drinking. With everything taken care of, Bochang peacefully drifted off to sleep, while Jingliu, unable to rest but lacking the strength to resist, remained silent. Late into the night... Bochang''s phone suddenly rang with a loud, piercing sound. The blaring volume instantly jolted Bochang awake from his deep slumber. Grumpily rubbing his eyes, he checked his phone. Ah, great. It was messages from the hacker girl: Silver Wolf: I''m boycotting your supermarket! xN Seeing these repetitive and nonsensical texts, Bochang immediately understood what she was doing. Apparently, this explained why Silver Wolf occasionally woke him up at odd hours. "It''s fine... From now on, I''ll just turn off my phone before sleeping." True to his word, Bochang powered down his device and lay back down to resume his rest. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Unfortunately, peace didn''t last long. Before Bochang could fully drift off again, the phone''s ringtone sounded once more, even though it was turned off¡ªa futile attempt. Luckily, after being disturbed for the second time... Silver Wolf did not interrupt again, allowing Bochang to finally get some uneasy sleep. The next day arrived. Himeko prepared a lavish breakfast to welcome Qingque, the newest member aboard the Astral Express. As for the Messenger girl? Being from the Garden of Recollection, she wasn''t officially considered part of the Astral Express crew. To be precise, If not for Stelle''s presence, neither Himeko nor Welt Yang would have agreed to let her stay. Chapter 295 - 294: Hear My Clever Excuses Chapter 295 - 294: Hear My Clever ExcusesThere was still some time before the Astral Express departed for Penacony. Since the conductor hadn''t completed preparations yet, Bochang and others could only wait. In the morning, Bochang, Stelle, March 7th, and Qingque continued their game of Mahjong. After just a few rounds, March 7th pushed aside her tiles with both hands and said, "Ah... this is getting boring. How about we switch to a more interesting stake?" "What kind of stake?" Qingque tilted her head curiously. Until now, they had been playing with Credits as stakes. However, March 7th was growing weary of it. Stelle suggested, "What if whoever loses has to remove one item of clothing? How does that sound?" "Sounds thrilling, I''m up for it." Bochang gave a thumbs-up. Startled, Qingque instinctively covered her mouth and exclaimed, "Eh? Are you guys serious? Count me out then." "Agreed, why don''t we change it to drinking instead? Whoever loses takes a shot," proposed March 7th. March 7th suggested her own twist with a roll of her eyes at Bochang and Star. Stripping off clothes? How could they even propose such a thing? Upon hearing this suggestion, everyone exchanged glances before ultimately agreeing to March 7th''s version. Thanks to Son of Drunkeness'' influence, Bochang had stocked his pouch with ample wine, making it perfectly suited for their game now. After several rounds of drinks, blushes appeared on the faces of March 7th, Stelle, and Qingque. Although Mahjong Girls typically don''t drink much, it seemed Qingque wasn''t particularly skilled with alcohol; despite consuming the least, her face flushed as red as March 7th''s and Stelle''s. As time went on, Qingque''s mahjong skills steadily declined, leading her to keep drinking more. Bochang emerged as the clear winner. In an attempt to defeat him, the three girls teamed up, coordinating their moves strategically. Sneakily, March 7th even tried using her bare feet to distract Bochang. By the third round of drinks, around noon, most were nearly incapacitated. Bochang, having consumed less and possessing a higher tolerance, still retained some clarity. March 7th, Stelle, and Qingque slumped over the table, sound asleep, with no telling when they would wake up. "Even with your underhanded tricks, you can''t beat me." Bochang stood up, stretching lazily. Gently, Bochang picked up Stelle, Qingque, and March 7th from their slumped positions at the table, placing them neatly on the bed... ensuring they wouldn''t sleep with their arms pinned beneath, causing numbness. Lying side by side, the girls in short skirts revealed their bare legs, creating a visually pleasing sight. From left to right: First, Stelle, followed by March 7th, and then Qingque. Naturally... Bochang arranged them by height. If it were based on chest size, March 7th should have been placed before Stelle. Don''t ask how he knew; let''s just say measurements were taken. In the pink-lit room, the three intoxicated girls looked irresistibly charming, making Bochang subtly swallow his nerves. [Dating Options activated.] [Option One: Stelle''s thighs are truly amazing, go ahead and touch them - Completion Reward: Agility increased by 100%.] [Option Two: March 7th''s thighs are truly amazing, go ahead and touch them - Completion Reward: Obtain a random item, ranging from small as a matchstick to large as a star destroyer. Note: This type of item will...] [Option Three: Qingque''s thighs are truly amazing, go ahead and touch them - Completion Reward: A swift kick from March 7th.] [Option 4: As an honorable gentleman, I would never take advantage like this. Pretend nothing happened¡ªCompletion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At Belobog Administrative Region''s Central Plaza fountain, you can spend one Praise of High Morals to retrieve a hidden treasure from the fountain once. Note: This type of item will...] Seeing these four sudden options, Bochang fell deep into thought. After a moment... Bochang chose Option 1. Touching his girlfriend''s thigh isn''t illegal. What surprised Bochang was... Why touching Stelle''s thigh would yield a reward at all. Logically speaking, only by touching Qingque''s thigh should he receive a reward, but due to their insufficient relationship level, random groping could only result in receiving Big Biodou¡ª specifically, March 7th''s Big Biodou. "It seems there might be some unexpected circumstances here." Bochang pondered briefly before stepping onto the bed. He then gently extended his hands and caressed Stelle''s thighs. With her tall stature, slender legs, and regular exercise regimen... The sensation of touching Stelle''s thighs was quite pleasant. Compared to March 7th and Qingque, Stelle''s thighs were slightly thicker but equally attractive, exuding strength. They clearly looked made for running races. Bochang''s hands reached the leg bands on Stelle''s thighs. In her tipsy state with flushed cheeks, the gray-haired girl sensed something unusual. She gently opened her eyes, noticing Bochang''s face close by. Then, she silently closed them again. A faint moan escaped from her lips, stirring Bochang''s blood fervently. "Hmm... Maybe I should bring Stelle back to my room," thought Bochang. With March 7th and Qingque nearby, he felt somewhat constrained. "But first, I need to claim my rewards." Bochang continued providing the massage service. Just then, the door to March 7th''s room swung open, and Serval entered, saying, "Bochang, Himeko called you all for dinner...uh..." As she took in the scene before her, Serval''s words caught in her throat. After a brief pause, Serval managed a polite yet awkward smile. "Sorry for interrupting, please continue." As the door slowly closed, a series of Dating Options triggered. [Reward being distributed¡ªCongratulations! You have received a 100% increase in Agility.] A warm sensation surged through Bochang''s body, heightening his senses significantly. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. [Dating Options activated.] **[Option 1: Since you''re here, invite Serval to come in and sit down¡ªCompletion Reward: Random item, ranging from a matchstick to a star destroyer. Note: This type of reward will...] [Option 2: Chase after her and say, "Serval, let me explain."¡ªCompletion Reward: Random skill.] **[Option 3: Pretend nothing happened and carry on with your activities¡ªCompletion Reward: Praise of High Morals. At the fountain in Belobog Administrative Region''s Central Plaza, one Praise of High Morals can be used to retrieve a treasure once. Note: This type of reward will...] "Huh? Quite a high drop rate for these Praises of High Morals today," Bochang muttered to himself. Option 3 could be immediately ruled out. Between options 1 and 2, this time Bochang chose the second. There was no particular reasoning; he just felt that he had already obtained numerous items and wanted to try acquiring a skill instead. Bochang jumped off the bed and hurried after Serval, calling out, "Serval, let me explain." She stopped, turning to look at Bochang as he grabbed her wrist. "Huh? Excuses? What excuses do you have to make? You and Stelle were clearly... Everyone could see it already, but I didn''t expect you''d even get March 7th and Qingque drunk." Detecting the lingering scent of alcohol in the air, Serval immediately understood what had transpired. She smiled softly. "You''re not trying to drag me into this too, are you?" Chapter 296 - 295: Homesick Chapter 296 - 295: HomesickServal was well-prepared for such situations. Seeing Bochang''s flirtatious behavior did not surprise her at all. In fact, she felt slightly embarrassed when he abruptly grabbed her wrist. Moreover, his mention of "excuses" seemed misplaced, as there was nothing between Serval and him. Even if Bochang completely ignored her, she wouldn''t find it particularly troubling. Thus, witnessing Bochang rush out and accuse her of making excuses left Serval both flustered and secretly pleased. However... She managed to conceal these emotions, maintaining a composed expression on her gentle face, which went unnoticed by Bochang. Once again, the system''s voice echoed in his mind: [Reward distribution in progress¡ªCongratulations! You have received the skill ''Mandatory Contraception.'' As the name suggests, it allows you to prevent unintended fatherhood.] "Huh?" Initially taken aback, Bochang quickly felt a surge of delight. With this skill, he could avoid many unnecessary complications. Serval''s beautiful blue eyes flickered slightly, feeling the warmth on her wrist where he held it. "You...you''re smiling about something? Is there anything strange in my words?" "No...not at all, I just suddenly remembered something joyful." Bochang shook his head, then released her hand and changed the subject, "Has Himeko finished preparing lunch already?" Slightly disappointed that Bochang avoided discussing their previous topic, Serval replied, "Yes, were you planning to eat? However... it seems March 7th, Stelle, and Qingque won''t be able to join for lunch." The blonde woman shook her head. All three had been thoroughly intoxicated by Bochang. There was no chance they''d wake up in time for lunch. "It''s alright," Bochang said, "Just save some food for them." "So, would you like to join me for lunch or..." Serval glanced at March 7th''s room, her meaning clear. "I think I''ll stay behind and take care of them. With their drunken state, it might be inconvenient, especially if they end up vomiting..." Bochang scratched his cheek, leaving any additional thoughts unspoken¡ªonly heaven knew what else was on his mind. Serval, being highly perceptive, had keenly observed the dynamics between Bochang, March 7th, and Stelle as an outsider. Her understanding was sharp. Therefore, Serval found it unsurprising that Bochang wanted to remain; the only awkward presence was Qingque, the Mahjong Girl. Concerned about potential mishaps, she suggested, "Then...I''ll bring your meal here later and we can catch up. We''ve been so busy lately, with hardly any chance to talk." Indeed, Bochang hadn''t spent much one-on-one time with Serval recently, except during their initial days aboard Xianzhou Luofu... "Sounds good," Bochang agreed. The two parted ways in the train corridor. As Bochang entered their room, he found Stelle already sitting up, her head turned towards the door as if waiting for someone. Upon seeing him, she lay back down and mumbled, "Bochang, I want some water..." Under the influence of alcohol, the gray-haired girl seemed like a playful child, her cuteness level rapidly increasing. "Alright, alright, I''ll pour it right away," Bochang responded promptly. Although the three girls were visibly intoxicated, they... hadn''t completely lost consciousness yet. Bochang noticed this when carrying them to the bed earlier. When lifting Qingque, she protested with a flurry of "no''s" and gently pushed against his chest with her small hands. This reaction only served to heighten his excitement. March 7th and Stelle appeared to be handling the intoxication better, especially Stelle. It was evident from the last time they got drunk too; even then, the gray-haired girl had enough strength to overpower Bochang. Bochang filled a glass with warm water for Stelle. He walked over to the bedside, carefully propped up her delicate body, and placed the cup near her soft lips, saying, "Take your time drinking." Watching Stelle, half-lidded eyes and flushed cheeks, slowly sipping the water stirred Bochang''s heart. Just then... A not-too-large hand suddenly pinched the soft flesh at Bochang''s waist. This familiar sensation¡ªwithout even guessing, Bochang knew exactly who it was. March 7th''s hand slid down from his waist. Maintaining composure, Bochang discreetly glanced back. The pink-haired girl lay on her side, eyes slightly open, revealing her exquisite profile and delicate collarbones effortlessly visible against her fair skin. The blush on her cheeks stood out strikingly against the snow-white complexion, creating an enchantingly captivating sight. Her ample assets were equally enticing. Bochang''s gaze briefly swept over her before finally settling on March 7th''s slightly parted cherry lips. It seemed as if she was trying to say something, her hand still restlessly moving. Despite attempting to read her lips, Bochang couldn''t discern what she intended to convey. March 7th didn''t retract her hand, nor did Bochang plan to stop her. Their relationship had already reached a level of intimacy beyond mere physical closeness; there was no need for excessive shyness. Although he hadn''t yet delved deeply with Stelle, However... Bochang knew that if he expressed any desire, Stelle would not refuse him. The key lies in whether he chooses to guide things further. For now, Bochang wasn''t particularly rushed. Soon, Serval arrived carrying food. Bochang had already positioned Stelle''s head gently resting on his lap, softly stroking her hair. At some point, March 7th''s mischievous hand had retreated. Both girls were asleep. Serval placed the packed meals on the table and said, "Let''s come over and eat first." "Here you go." Bochang quickly moved over and sat next to Serval. The meals were served on two separate plates, their enticing aroma reaching Bochang even from a distance. As they ate, they engaged in casual conversation. "How are March 7th and Stelle doing now?" "They''re still asleep; I doubt they''ll wake up until this afternoon," Bochang replied. Over time, the alcohol''s effects intensified, making it impossible for even March 7th and Stelle to resist the drowsiness. They had fallen into deep slumber, likely unshakable at this point. Serval swallowed her bite of food and asked, "What are your plans after this?" "Well... not sure yet, probably just stay nearby to look after them." Bochang picked up a piece of lean meat with his chopsticks. "After all, I got them drunk, so I should take responsibility." "Responsibility..." Serval gently sighed inwardly. The blonde woman tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear before saying, "Himeko mentioned that she will lead the next Trailblazing expedition." "Oh, yes, I know. Is there something specific about it?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. Bochang nodded. It seemed like there was now a rotation for leading missions on the Astral Express: First trip led by Dan Heng, second by Welt Yang, third by Himeko. Perhaps during the fourth trip, Bochang could also take charge and have some fun. After all... With Bochang''s capabilities, leading an expedition would be more than manageable. Serval poked at her meal with chopsticks. "Hmm... How to put it? I don''t plan to go on the next journey; instead, I''d like to return to Belobog for some rest." "Ah? After just these few days, you''re already homesick?" Chapter 297 - 296: I Want It All (End) Chapter 297 - 296: I Want It All (End)Having been away from Belobog for only a couple of days, Serval''s desire to return surprised Bochang. However... For those possessing teleportation rings, traveling between the Astral Express and Jarilo VI was akin to simply stepping out for a stroll. Previously, Pela and Lynx were even summoned to Xianzhou Luofu... "If you need rest, then take it easy. To be honest, I''m not keen on participating in the next journey either. Maybe we should both relax." Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. Executing two consecutive trailblazing missions had indeed been exhausting. Additionally, his confrontations aboard Xianzhou Luofu against formidable foes left him feeling drained¡ªa natural response under such circumstances. Serval joked, "Why not make it a vacation in Belobog?" "Sounds great," Bochang agreed instantly. Taken aback, Serval hadn''t expected him to concur so readily. "How... surprised are you?" Bochang asked. "Not really... just feels somewhat surreal," Serval shook her head. "I imagine you have plenty to do, right?" "Well, when you put it that way, indeed I do." Bochang lifted his head. He had yet to fully unlock the potential of various talismans within him, including those related to his fate paths. Currently, the most developed was only the Dragon Talisman. This was due to the sheer variety and quantity of powers he possessed, coupled with limited time for himself. There simply wasn''t enough energy to explore them all. "However... precisely because I have so much to do, I need this break to unwind." "I see..." Serval responded, and their conversation shifted to other topics. The delicious lunch concluded amidst casual chatter. Meanwhile, Qingque, March 7th, and Stelle were still asleep. In the pink room, Serval and Bochang... engaged in a board game. Serval stayed until the three girls woke up before leaving the room. Throughout this time, Bochang didn''t forget about Jingliu either. Whenever he could spare a moment, he assisted her with certain physiological needs, treating her like a helpless infant. It couldn''t be helped. The demonic seal mouth gag resembled a black ball gag, potent in its sealing capabilities but seemingly lacking strong defensive features. Bochang worried that allowing Jingliu to manage on her own might lead to complications, necessitating his direct involvement. As time passed, night fell once again. In Bochang''s room, two uninvited guests arrived one after another. March 7th and Stelle claimed they came to play cards but stayed even past bedtime without leaving. Naturally, they ended up sleeping over. Bochang lay in the middle, with March 7th and Stelle on either side. It had been some time since they settled down to sleep. However... Bochang couldn''t drift off. The lingering fragrance surrounding his nose was intoxicating. March 7th and Stelle breathed evenly, seemingly already asleep. But not long after... Bochang realized he was mistaken. March 7th''s slender fingers began subtly stirring mischief. Bochang tried resisting several times, but eventually gave in, reaching out his own hand. Seizing the opportunity, March 7th pressed her body closer, clinging like a koala. Bochang gently restrained her wandering limbs and whispered, "Behave." "Stelle is deeply asleep; she won''t wake easily," March 7th murmured into Bochang''s ear. Seeing the pink-haired girl becoming increasingly passionate, Bochang could only swiftly take March 7th into his pouch... and activate the Earthbound Prison skill, creating a small isolated world to prevent any sounds from escaping. As for Jingliu... Bochang wasn''t concerned about March 7th noticing her. The silver-haired, red-eyed woman had already been concealed within a wooden box. Jingliu could still observe the scene outside. However, for March 7th, it was difficult to see Jingliu clearly amidst the darkness. As heavy breathing echoed from beyond the barrier, Jingliu tightly closed her eyes, recalling past heartaches instead. This helped shield herself from being affected by the unusual emotions nearby. With his newfound skill, Bochang''s confidence swelled. Taking control, he decisively broke the distance between them, becoming even more intimate. ----A----Harmonious----Break----Line---- The battle within the storage space continued unabated. Jingliu watched with flushed cheeks and racing heartbeat. Whether real or imagined, she felt that Bochang''s gaze kept inadvertently drifting towards her. "Oh no, if I don''t escape, one day soon, it will definitely happen to me too..." At this thought, Jingliu shuddered involuntarily. After a passionate night, the satisfied Bochang emerged from the pouch with March 7th. Stelle showed little reaction. In his post-coital sage mode, Bochang, feeling slightly guilty, embraced Stelle gently, startling the gray-haired girl awake. "Hush, March is right here..." Stelle whispered softly. Bochang''s roving hands did not pause. "It''s alright, March is asleep; she won''t wake up easily." Physically, Bochang was remarkably strong. In this dominant scenario, March 7th couldn''t handle it all. She had eventually passed out from sheer exhaustion. Bochang didn''t even need to use the pouch for Star anymore. "How about...we go to my room?" "No." "Why not?" "It''s more thrilling like this." Bochang gently blew into Star''s ear, causing her crystalline ears to instantly flush red. Strangely... Bochang felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu witnessing this moment. Star made no resistance. Within mere seconds, his sage time elapsed. The slumbering beast within Bochang awakened once again. This time, Bochang did not spare Star. Still unsatisfied, he effortlessly claimed the gray-haired girl as well. Breaking through their second barrier. ----Harmonious dividing line---- At one point, March 7th briefly opened her eyes but ultimately fell back into deep sleep. Time leisurely moved forward to the next day. Feeling refreshed and invigorated, Bochang slowly opened his eyes. Unbeknownst to Bochang, March 7th and Stardust were nestled close beside him. Suddenly, he worried they might both wake up simultaneously. So...to prevent that from happening, Bochang quietly got out of bed. Just as he stepped away, Stelle and March 7th opened their eyes at the same moment, briefly glancing at each other before averting their gazes simultaneously. Herta mannequin seated nearby turned its head, watching Bochang''s back as he dressed. Its eyes flickered with an enigmatic gleam. The journey of the Astral Express continued unabated. Bochang did not participate in Penacony''s operation plan; instead, he took a vacation to Belobog with Serval. This was precisely what the Stellaron Hunters wished for, even urging Bochang to extend his stay outside for a while longer, suggesting he shouldn''t return just yet. However... Bochang firmly disagreed. During his time in Belobog, he focused on recuperating while diligently developing his other abilities. Time slipped by stealthily. Years later, Bochang would still reminisce about those joyful moments during his travels. Lying on the large circular bed, Bochang stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Who should I call tonight? Maybe Jingliu?" "According to my information, Jingliu attempted her three hundred twenty-first escape this morning and has successfully hidden within the starry sky," Phantylia communicated telepathically. Bochang grinned widely. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality. "Easy enough to recapture him. My shadow army has already been dispatched." Phantylia remained silent. By now, the Astral Express had gained immense renown as it traversed the galaxy. The train also welcomed many new faces aboard. Without exception, they were all Bochang''s close friends, journeying together through the endless star sea towards unknown horizons.