Honkai Star Rail: I Can Hear Their Secrets

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The resounding clash of swords echoed through the night sky.

Prior to this moment, Yanqing had anticipated Blade might attempt escape with his companion's assistance. However, he never expected Blade to rebel during their journey back to The Shackling Prison.

Blood shimmered along the obsidian blade, fragmenting violently as bloodred sword glares tore through the air, directed straight at Yanqing.

The man before him had descended into utter madness; he would not relent until every last person here lay dead.

Yanqing wiped away the blood seeping from the corner of his mouth, breathing heavily as he raised his sword to meet Blade's relentless onslaught.

This level of combat far exceeded what the Cloud Knights and Underworld Military Guards could handle. The gruesome deaths of those Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were still fresh in their minds; any who dared intervene would undoubtedly face another brutal, unequal slaughter.

Dozens of cloud-mounted elites lay grievously wounded, teetering on the brink of death. Had Yanqing not shielded them from the lethal bloodred sword glares earlier, they surely would have become yet more souls claimed by Blade's blade.

Tens of thousands of flying swords hung suspended in midair, swirling wildly with fierce intent, relentlessly assaulting Blade's body.

With a bloodthirsty gaze devoid of humanity, Blade had lost all reason, driven solely by primal instincts. He swung his weapon madly, shattering incoming flying swords upon impact.

As blades collided, sparks flew, but the sound emitted was not that of clashing metal. Instead, it resonated like a piercing wail, barely within human auditory range.

Yanqing gasped painfully for breath. In a split second, his defense faltered, allowing the crimson Dismembering Sword to pierce through the armor beneath his arm. His swift reaction saved him—had he not retreated hastily, that downward strike would have severed his right arm.

The raging gale failed to impede Blade's advance.

Unrelenting, Blade let out a low roar and leaped high, unleashing multiple bloodred sword glares.

His instincts told him that among those present, Yanqing posed the greatest threat. If he could eliminate Yanqing first, the rest would be easy prey for his slaughter.

Yanqing's gaze remained resolute as he narrowly dodged the bloodred sword glares. After prolonged combat, numerous wounds covered his body, and he gradually felt his strength waning.

Blade fought with a strategy of trading blows, yet showed no signs of fatigue. Astonishingly, even his injuries rapidly healed.

This remarkable regenerative ability reminded Yanqing of the Abundant Evil Creatures he had encountered on the battlefield.

Dealing with such formidable adversaries required unconventional tactics. To fail tonight would betray the years of training bestowed upon him by the general.

Tonight, Yanqing must fulfill his mission to return Blade to The Shackling Prison while ensuring every one of his brothers here makes it back alive.

Gritting his teeth silently, Yanqing, battered and weary, continued to fiercely engage Blade.

Having succumbed to Demonic Yin and lost rationality, Blade descended into madness. He relied solely on the sword techniques ingrained in his body, lacking any adaptability. Despite this, Yanqing still found it challenging to inflict damage on him.

With a dull thud, Yanqing felt a longsword pierce his abdomen, and a crimson bloom of blood blossomed from his chest. Blood seeped from the corners of his mouth, but he ignored the pain, allowing the blade to slice through his palm as he grasped the Dismembering Sword with one hand.

Simultaneously, countless flying swords hummed across the sky, their dazzling arcs resembling cascading silver waterfalls. They effortlessly penetrated every part of Blade's body, the fierce sword glares utterly shredding his pill furnace.

Thud.

Blade's blood-red eyes dimmed, and he collapsed heavily onto the ground.

Yanqing's own body swayed precariously.

"General, Yanqing has not failed your trust..."

Nearby, the Cloud Knights and Underworld Military Officials, shaken out of their stupor, rushed over anxiously to support Yanqing and tend to his wounds. However, none noticed that amidst the multitude of sword wounds, Blade's lifeless hand trembled slightly.

Normally, despite Abundant Evil Creatures' tenacious vitality and rapid healing, once their pill furnaces were destroyed or obliterated by immensely powerful forces from a fate path, they would struggle greatly to regenerate.

Aware of this, Yanqing had commanded tens of thousands of flying swords, not only demolishing Blade's pill furnace but also embedding six additional swords deep within his abdomen.

These six flying swords marked Yanqing's limit. The dazzling display of thousands of sword illusions was merely deceptive, with only these six true flying swords serving as his ultimate weapon.

"Quickly escort the criminal to The Shackling Prison to prevent further complications," Yanqing commanded weakly.

The Underworld Military Officials responded affirmatively, two assisting Yanqing to safety while the others chained Blade's body. Even if the Stellaron Hunter were dead, his remains must be taken back for imprisonment at The Shackling Prison.

However, just then, an unexpected turn occurred.

As the military guards approached Blade's body, his scarlet eyes suddenly snapped open, and he erupted with a swift strike.

Yanqing's pupils contracted sharply.

Several Underworld Military Officials, caught off guard by this sudden change, realized it might already be too late to evade from such proximity. From the destruction of Blade's pill furnace to his violent resurgence aiming to slay the guards, barely a minute had passed.

As multiple Underworld Military Officials faced imminent death under Blade's blade, countless chains abruptly shot through the air, securely binding them. Upon contact with the chains, the bloodied Dismembering Sword lost considerable power, preventing it from instantly killing the guards.

The sharp sword blades sliced through armor, tearing into their bodies and inflicting grievous wounds. However, with swift medical attention, their lives could still be saved.

"Leave immediately; I'll hold him off," Xueyi declared coldly, gripping her Demon-Breaking Awl tightly. Without hesitation, she charged forward to engage Blade in fierce combat.

"I...I can still fight!" Yanqing gritted his teeth, pressing on his wound while tightening the bandages.

The six flying swords he had embedded in Blade's pill furnace were now shattered. Holding his remaining longsword, shimmering like autumn waters, he disregarded the cloud riders' pleas and surged ahead relentlessly.

In an instant, the frenzied Blade faced two adversaries yet showed no signs of faltering. Unfortunately, as the renowned craftsman "Baiye" aboard the Zhu Ming Immortal Xianzhou, Blade was intimately familiar with Xueyi's mannequin mechanisms.

Before they fully engaged, Blade feigned vulnerability, sacrificing himself momentarily to easily sever Xueyi's right arm amidst the exchange.

Xueyi frowned slightly; this individual, deeply possessed, seemed just like her—unable to feel pain.

Continuing at this pace, his injuries would continually heal, while ours would worsen. In the end, only Yanqing and I will succumb.

"Yanqing, leave first!"

"As a mechanical mannequin, even if this foe damages my body, it cannot extinguish my consciousness."

"Hasten the general's arrival to confront such formidable enemies," Xueyi urged anxiously.

Yanqing clenched his teeth, "Abandoning comrades is not the way of the cloud riders!"

Clang!

A frigid, blood-red blade severed Xueyi's iron chains, sending sparks flying brilliantly.

Ignoring the risk of reopening his wounds, Yanqing stepped forward, sword raised, blocking the slashing attack.

Had this strike connected, it would have cleaved Xueyi's mannequin body in half.

Xueyi's expression remained icy. He effortlessly identified every weakness in Blade's attacks; against him, Blade's own mannequin form proved more of a liability than even the brave guard Yanqing.

"You...all must die!" Blade's gaze was cruel and bloodthirsty, his words sending chills down their spines.

As one already dead, Blade knew no fear among the Stellaron Hunters. He had always been the most dedicated to their missions, never faltering or causing trouble—except when matters involving the Xianzhou arose. The sight alone could trigger his Demonic Yin affliction, stripping him of all reason and transforming him into an unrelenting slaughterer.

"Hissss, pain—it hurts so much—"

"I'll kill you, Jingliu!"

Blade's face twisted between tears and laughter, tasting the bitterness of blood in his throat as he rasped out these words. With sword raised high, he lunged at Xueyi and Yanqing.

"Quick, get away!" Summoning all his strength, Xueyi thrust Yanqing beyond Blade's reach, facing the threat alone.

The excruciating phantom pain tormented his mind, making him perceive Xueyi as Jingliu before him.

If only he could tear through her skin with his blade, listening to her final anguished cries, all his torment would dissipate like smoke.

In a daze, Blade seemed to glimpse a star ferry swiftly hurtling towards the sky. However, it veered erratically, piercing the heavens like an arrow—a sight reminiscent of that familiar figure from his memories.

With a deafening crash!

The star ferry plummeted brutally into the ground, engulfed in roaring flames. Struggling amidst the wreckage emerged the silhouette of a fox girl.

Blade's eyes jolted, abruptly halting his sword swing. Before he could clearly discern the fox girl's form, Xueyi's Demon-Breaking Awl pierced straight through his chest.

Yet Blade reacted swiftly, countering with a merciless strike aimed at shattering Xueyi's mannequin body.

Just then, a warm and radiant golden light enveloped Xueyi instantaneously.

The clang of metal resounded as the sword struck Su Jinyan's protective shield around Xueyi, leaving fine cracks in its wake.

Yanqing exclaimed excitedly, "Teacher!"

Su Jinyan nodded towards Blade, lifting his hand gently as warm healing energy enveloped Yanqing's body, gradually mending his injuries.

Blade slowly turned, twisting his neck, and the light faded from his eyes. The brief return of sanity once again slipped away.

With a grim expression, Su Jinyan reverted to his true form and painstakingly dug through the burning wreckage of the star ferry, managing to rescue a figure engulfed in flames who emitted pitiful cries.

These were three unregistered cultivators, secret Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, whom he had specifically requested from The Shackling Prison. Now, due to his exceptional piloting skills, two had been burned alive, and the third lay critically injured, likely beyond saving.

Who exactly claimed foxfolk were natural-born aerialists?

"Go—" Su Jinyan commanded coldly, attaching Novas Destruction to the barely surviving cultivator. Then, using Mind Control, he drove the "Vengeance Flame Soul" directly at Blade.

A cruel smirk curled the corner of Blade's lips as he leaped high, fearlessly striking down with his sword, cleaving the Vengeance Flame Soul in half.

Boom!

Before Blade could react, an intense explosion erupted, sending a destructive gray mushroom cloud soaring skyward.

Yanqing and Xueyi watched, utterly astounded.

True to their teacher's reputation, he had instantly turned the dire situation around upon arrival.

Demonstrating remarkable restraint, they refrained from immediately questioning the origin of this Vengeance Flame Soul.

However, as the dissipating smoke revealed a familiar figure, Yanqing's heart gradually sank.

Under such intense explosive destruction, Blade was left grievously injured, with wounds too severe to describe adequately.

Even his sword-wielding arm had been obliterated by the Novas Destruction.

Yet within less than a minute, Blade's injuries rapidly healed at an astonishingly visible rate. The destroyed right arm swiftly regenerated, sprouting new flesh until it seamlessly reformed, perfectly matching his body.

With a tilt of his head, Blade regained his grip on the sword and instantly appeared behind Su Jinyan.

A swift swing of the blade severed Su Jinyan's afterimage. Without hesitation, Blade instinctively reversed his stance, striking backward, but once again missed his target.

Su Jinyan lightly waved his hand, unleashing a Mental Lash that caused excruciating pain in Blade's mind.

"Are you awake now?"

With a relentless gaze, Blade let out a savage roar and swung his sword once more.

Su Jinyan effortlessly evaded again, unleashing another Mental Lash. "Are you clear-headed now?"

"Ugh—"

Blade clutched his head in agony, every muscle trembling from the pain. Yet, the violent, bloodthirsty impulse within him persisted, driving him to tear apart the figure before him.

"You're swinging your blade without any technique, merely following your body's instincts against me," Su Jinyan observed coldly. "To be blunt, compared to your lucid state, you pose no threat whatsoever right now."

"I understand that succumbing to Demonic Yin was not your intention." He continued, offering one last chance, "I can still give you the opportunity to willingly return with me to The Shackling Prison. If you don't regain control, do not blame me for showing no mercy."

Struggling to regain some semblance of sanity, Blade managed to open his eyes and saw the familiar talisman worn by Su Jinyan.

"Jing... Jingliu! Bear witness to my suffering, to each move I make!" Blade cried out desperately.

In response, there came only Blade's frenzied howl and wild strikes. Just what psychological trauma had Jingliu inflicted on Blade to drive him this insane?

Su Jinyan's expression grew grave as he pointed through the air.

Ba-thump, ba-thump, ba-thump.

Blade's heart raced wildly, muscles convulsing like turbulent river currents beneath his skin, as a destructive force attempted to incinerate his flesh.

Yet each time his flesh began to combust, it was swiftly reshaped by the wondrous Abundance Force, restoring calm.

"Die!" Blade roared insanely as he charged at Su Jinyan.

Su Jinyan shook his head slightly; Blade had now become an unmitigated monster. To pacify his Mara-Struck state, they needed a different approach.

With this thought, he hastily evaded another of Blade's attacks and dialed Kafka's number, which Silver Wolf had provided him earlier.

Kafka's voice was remarkably gentle, almost possessing an uncanny magical quality. Through the speakerphone, she addressed Blade:

"Listen to me, A'Ren, you're feeling unprecedented tranquility now. Go ahead and have a peaceful sleep."

Upon hearing these words, Blade appeared dazed, his body swaying precariously. The restless beast lurking within him gradually settled down.

With a thud—

A'Ren's tormented spirit finally found respite, and he collapsed heavily onto the ground.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Kafka," Su Jinyan said mildly.

"You're welcome. I deeply regret any inconvenience A'Ren may have caused you," Kafka responded. "Given that everyone is safe, could I take him back with us?" she asked.

"No, not a chance. His fate is sealed—imprisonment in The Shackling Prison is the only option." Su Jinyan rejected her request without hesitation. "If I had arrived even a moment later..."

"Then Yanqing, Xueyi, and all these Cloud Knights and Underworld Military Officials who have sacrificed for the Ethereal Immortal Ferry could potentially lose their lives."

"Additionally, let me advise you - there's no need to try manipulating my mind; my mental resistance exceeds your imagination."

Kafka chuckled softly, "I understand what you mean.

"But none of that has happened yet, has it?"

"What if I told you everything tonight was already predetermined?"

"If you're unwilling to release him, then that is your prerogative."

"A'Ren caused you trouble, apologies," Su Jinyan said sincerely.

"Farewell." With that, he hung up the phone.

He then slowly approached the heavily injured Xueyi, extending his hand towards her, "Are you alright?"

Xueyi grasped his palm, struggling to stand upright, "Many thanks for your timely assistance."

"Teacher, couldn't you show some more concern for Yanqing?" Yanqing couldn't help but ask.

"She's just a mannequin; even if damaged, she can be replaced easily. But if Yanqing dies, it's truly irreversible," Su Jinyan responded bluntly. "Yanqing, should I really show concern for you? It's fortunate enough that I'm not blaming you. Why must you insist on playing the lone hero?"

"I wouldn't even dare to face such adversaries myself. So what if we let him escape? At worst, you'd only bear responsibility for negligence."

"Are you seriously contemplating martyrdom, trying to be some f*cking hero?"

Yanqing bristled with determination. "Even if Yanqing falls, it will be with honor. I shall not falter next time either."

"Allowing such a dangerous adversary to escape is akin to releasing a ravenous beast back into the wild."

"I would only regret disappointing your tutelage and failing the people of Xianzhou."

Su Jinyan couldn't help but chuckle. "Damn, you're quite skilled at justifying yourself; even I'm convinced now."

"All right, let's head back. Remember, he was once part of the High-Cloud Quintet—it's no shame to lose against him."

"But honestly," Su Jinyan admitted, "if we had continued fighting, the ultimate victor would undoubtedly have been him, not me."

"Why?" Yanqing asked, puzzled. "It seemed like Teacher was handling the fight effortlessly."

Su Jinyan patted Yanqing on the shoulder, his words carrying deep significance. "My spiritual energy was nearly depleted. If we had persisted, I would have surely lost."

"However, just as you fought until the bitter end for your reasons..."

"...Xianzhou needs individuals like us to defend it."

With his immortal celestial body, Blade could afford countless mistakes, repeatedly rising from the grave like a resurrected spirit.

Yet, if Yanqing made even one error, he would perish under Blade's sword—or ultimately succumb to exhaustion of spiritual energy, unable to continue battling.

Yanqing nodded hesitantly, still grappling with mixed feelings about losing to Blade. On the surface, he maintained that defeat was honorable, but deep down, resentment lingered.

Now, Su Jinyan openly confessed that had their duel continued unabated, the loser would undoubtedly have been him. This revelation significantly eased Yanqing's lingering frustration; if even his teacher acknowledged being outmatched, there was no shame in his own defeat.

The injuries sustained by both the cloud-mounted elites and the Underworld Military Officials were severe, bordering on life-threatening.

Fortunately, despite being only a half-skilled priest with rudimentary healing knowledge,

Su Jinyan's healing techniques significantly alleviated their injuries, pulling them back from the brink of death.

He continued, "My healing abilities can only alleviate your wounds, not completely cure them."

"Once you escort Blade to The Shackling Prison, seek proper medical attention for further treatment."

"Understood," Yanqing replied.

Xueyi's feelings towards Su Jinyan were undeniably complex. Within just a single day, her perception of him had been continuously reshaped by his actions.

When even fighting alongside Yanqing couldn't defeat such formidable enemies, witnessing Su Jinyan effortlessly vanquish them instilled a newfound admiration within Xueyi.

This phenomenon is known as "admiration for strength," referring to the psychological tendency to revere, admire, and favor those who demonstrate power or superiority—a common sentiment observed across various contexts.

It reflects human nature, which is particularly evident in the animal kingdom. In lion prides, for instance, only the strongest male lion typically becomes the pride leader, enjoying priority in choosing mates.

Thus, it was quite natural for Xueyi to develop a slight sense of admiration towards Su Jinyan.

However, amidst these feelings, other emotions inevitably mixed in.

Until recently, Judge Xueyi had deeply disliked Su Jinyan. His words had profoundly affected Xueyi, causing a significant impact on their beliefs and convictions. Consequently, when facing Su Jinyan, Xueyi experienced conflicting emotions—both disdain and fear, along with a hint of admiration and respect.

This newfound respect stemmed from what Su Jinyan had said to Yanqing; moments of crisis often reveal a person's true character most clearly.

If one could set aside their previous encounters, Su Jinyan might not seem so detestable after all.

Judge Xueyi, expressionless, cautioned him, "Recently, Luofu has been fraught with hidden turmoil and imminent dangers."

"Once you return, be extra vigilant," they continued. "Or perhaps, you could come back with us to the Underworld Palace. Its level of security far exceeds your imagination."

Su Jinyan replied, "No need, I have my own plans. You too should take care."

Xueyi acknowledged with a simple nod.

Yanqing watched them skeptically, wondering, Since when did the two of you become such good friends? If I recall correctly, Judge Xueyi, didn't you arrest Teacher as a criminal just this morning?

How had their attitude towards their teacher completely transformed within just half a day? Could this be Teacher's unique method of befriending people?

At this thought, Yanqing felt a sudden urge to learn from his mentor. Teacher, if you truly possess such exceptional social skills, don't keep them to yourself—Yanqing wants to master them too.

With newfound determination, Yanqing began visiting Master Gongshu daily to foster camaraderie and boost his favor with the esteemed craftsman.

This way, when purchasing flying swords from the Artisanship Commission in the future, Master Gongshu might offer him a discount—a perk he couldn't resist.

Su Jinyan smiled broadly. "Everyone has worked tirelessly tonight, and the Seat of Divine Foresight will not forget your sacrifices."

"Upon returning, all Cloud Knights can apply for double injury compensation and paid leave at the Seat of Divine Foresight. Just mention that I authorized it."

The injured cloud-mounted elites erupted in cheers. They risked life and limb for Luofu out of deep loyalty to their homeland. Every Cloud Knight, upon enlistment, memorized the pledge to protect the Xianzhou.

However, sentiment alone cannot sustain one; fair wages and benefits must be provided. These individuals were precisely those who deserved no less than due recognition.

An Underworld Military Official couldn't help but ask, "Sir, what about us? Do we receive anything?"

Su Jinyan feigned sternness, "Xueyi, they must not be neglected either; otherwise, I won't tolerate it."

Xueyi gently nodded, "Of course, I understand."

Amidst laughter and joyful chatter, everyone's tense nerves gradually relaxed, even momentarily forgetting their injuries as they discussed where to unwind during their upcoming leave.

Soon after, Xueyi securely bound Blade with chains forged from coral gold, ready to escort him away.

Yanqing and the others respectfully waved farewell to Su Jinyan.

Smiling, Su Jinyan reciprocated the gesture.

However, at that very moment, disaster struck—

A swift streak of purple light, moving too fast for the naked eye, pierced through Su Jinyan's chest, striking directly at the location of his Etheral Ferryman's pill furnace.

[You have been wounded by Pill Cynosure's [Profound Energy Devourer], acquiring the negative status effect [Life Devour].]

[For the next three minutes, your life points will continuously drain until completely depleted.]

The smiles on everyone's faces instantly froze.

Xueyi's expression underwent a dramatic shift, revealing a rare trace of terror.

"Hmph—"

The familiar yet cold voice resonated in Su Jinyan's ear.

Instantly, his mind conjured an image of Dan Shu's delicate and shapely figure, her full snow-white peaks, and curvaceous hips.

"Teacher—!" Yanqing's pupils trembled violently, nearly instinctively urging him to rush forward.

However, with just a gentle wave of her Blackwood staff, Dan Shu deterred Yanqing from taking another step closer.

"I've finally waited for this moment."

Dan Shu approached Su Jinyan barefoot, her eyes filled with deep-seated hatred.

"The legacy I painstakingly built over nearly thirty years—my Medicine King secret teachings, destroyed by you in an instant! It's all because of you!"

Su Jinyan glanced at the gaping hole in his abdomen and calmly cast Pain Suppression on himself.

Dan Shu observed him attempting self-rescue but made no move to hinder him.

[ The Life Devouring status affecting you has been removed. ]

[ Due to [Profound Energy Devour], you have acquired the negative status [Life Devouring]. ]

After repeated cycles of these messages, unmistakable fear finally surfaced in Su Jinyan's eyes.

Dan Shu's Profound Energy Devouring rapidly consumed the life force within Su Jinyan. It was only a matter of time before he would succumb to this swift depletion and perish.

"Meeting again, Head Pill Master."

"How does it feel to see the light once more?"

Su Jinyan tried to maintain his composure, but could not hide the tremble in his voice or the fear of impending death.

Dan Shu watched him coldly. "Even you can feel fear?"

"Behold, this is the true form that this venerable one has reconstructed through the path of immortality."

"Since Phantylia desires to enslave you, this venerable one will ensure her plans fail!"

"Su Jinyan, my current plight is entirely thanks to you!"

"Today, I shall make you experience every torment I have endured!"

Striving to keep calm, Su Jinyan replied, "I'm afraid by now, I may no longer feel pain."

Dan Shu reached out with delicate, pale fingers and cupped his cheek. "Fear not, your end won't come so swiftly," she said. "This venerable one will employ every means possible to slowly torture you."

Unaware of the slight tension creeping into their voice, Xueyi asked, "What do you intend to do to him?"

"Release him, and perhaps the Ten-Lords Commission will forgive your sins."

Dan Shu chuckled involuntarily, "Sins? What sins have I committed?"

"If my actions are sinful, then the ancestors of Xianzhou share the same guilt!"

"They accepted the gift of abundance, transforming their descendants into eternal life beings..."

"The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus merely followed the path they once tread, seeking transcendence—what sin is there in that?!"

"At that time, the World Tree's mystical roots enveloped the Ethereal Immortal Ferry, akin to a living entity."

"My clan dominated the star seas, unmatched by any. Each person could attain immortality, freely changing at will. The divine blessings descended upon the nine Xianzhou ships; it was truly an era of unparalleled glory..."

"But look at us now, how degraded our Xianzhou has become! Subjugated by demonic bows, repeatedly suffering under the Denizens of Abundance, even forced by the Ten-Lords Commission to forsake our eternal life."

Yanqing stealthily retreated several steps, aiming to seize an opportunity during Dan Shu's conversation with Xueyi for a surprise attack.

Unexpectedly, Dan Shu keenly noticed his movement and, with a cold smirk, waved her Blackwood staff. "How deceitful you are."

"I suppose it's time to teach you both a lesson..."

A dark flow of light burst forth from the Blackwood staff, swiftly targeting Blade under Xueyi's guard.

Blade, who had just regained his composure, opened his scarlet eyes once more, their depths flashing with bloodthirsty madness.

"Jingliu...! Jingliu!!!" he roared hoarsely. Had it not been for the coral gold chains binding him, a single swing of his sword would have instantly slain the unsuspecting people nearby, leaving them without even a burial.

Xueyi urgently shouted, "Quickly retreat! Create distance from Dan Shu and the Stellaron Hunters!"

No one anticipated that Dan Shu would transform the Demonic Yin-inducing medicinal pill into a powdered form and conceal it within his Blackwood staff.

A mere strike from that dark aura immediately plunged its target into Mara-Stricken Demonic Yin—a fate exemplified by Blade himself. It was likely that Blade's earlier inexplicable descent into Demonic Yin also bore Dan Shu's influence.

Su Jinyan sighed and discreetly produced a fruit with a golden-yellow exterior, heart-shaped, emitting a strong citrus fragrance reminiscent of oranges.

"If I hadn't prepared for this, we might indeed have fallen to your hands today."

"Head Pill Master, do you recognize this object?"

This heart-shaped fruit originated from a tree blessed by Yaoshi, reputed to be over fifty Amber Eras old. While its ability to grant immortality to the eater remained uncertain, it was undoubtedly an immortal evil entity itself.

Dan Shu's pupils contracted sharply, her eyes gleaming with greedy desire as she instinctively moved to seize the fruit.

However, in the next instant, Su Jinyan vanished before her very eyes. Suddenly, a menacing long spear thrust mercilessly into Dan Shu's pill furnace from behind.

"Regrettably, while you were constantly hiding, I couldn't directly confront you."

"But since you've willingly revealed yourself, don't blame me for crushing this delicate flower," Su Jinyan said grimly.

As he spoke, he swiftly withdrew the coiled dragon spear and tilted his head back to swallow the Divergent Wood Fruit.

[You have consumed the Divergent Wood Fruit. Your current HP has been restored to your maximum life limit.]

[All existing damage to your body will now be fully repaired.]

Yanqing and Xueyi watched firsthand as Su Jinyan's body underwent transformation.

In mere moments, his severely wounded form—with its gaping hole in the abdomen constantly corroded by profound energy—was fully restored.

Instantly thereafter, the potent power of the Abundance fate path enveloped Su Jinyan completely.

Su Jinyan was profoundly shaken; the description of the Divergent Wood Fruit made no mention of receiving Abundance's blessing...

Distracted, he inadvertently loosened his grip on the coiled dragon spear.

He saw Blade fiercely roaring, breaking free from the intricate chains forged of coral gold, and lunging towards him and Dan Shu with sword drawn.

He observed the expressions of terror on Yanqing and Xueyi's faces.

He perceived their movements slowed down countless times in his eyes.

From the distant night sky, he glimpsed a figure with six arms, effortlessly extending its sinuous, graceful limbs, joints fluid as if performing a cosmic dance.

The being's hair, akin to magpie feathers, blossomed amidst thousands of stars in the vast universe.

Su Jinyan finally had the rare fortune, coveted by countless individuals, to meet with the Aeon of the Abundance, Yaoshi.

"May all sentient beings attain their desires."

The myriad eyes on Yaoshi's body gazed upon Su Jinyan, its voice filled with compassion, as if expressing deep empathy.