Chapter 105 - 104: I Shall Embrace Starlight - The High-Cloud Quintet Requests to Engage!

Scalegorge Waterscape. Dan Heng had successfully completed the Sea Opening sequence. Before their eyes, the submerged palace reappeared. Jing Yuan and Dan Heng observed their surroundings closely. A shadow resembling a dragon manifested at the end of the path. That was where the Prototree Mysteries lay, and also the location of their impending enemy—the Demon army led by Phantylia. Jing Yuan's gaze grew solemn. If he were to face this battle alone, the odds would likely be against him. Fortunately, he wasn't without support; even if only half of his companions joined the fray, it should suffice. Beside him, having regained the memories of the High Elder, Dan Heng's expression turned complex within moments. He stood still, remaining silent for a long while. The atmosphere before the great battle rapidly intensified with an impending sense of storminess. Just then... Suddenly, an out-of-place conversation emerged from behind: "What?! Feathered Spirit made a video showcasing the parting of the sea?" "And even composed a song for this segment!" "Then my footage wasn't recorded in vain." March 7th and Stelle had gathered around Silver Wolf, engrossed in watching the game's live recording of the sea parting. A battle hymn began to play, immediately capturing the attention of Dan Heng and Jing Yuan at the front. "The game's storyline has reached this pivotal moment as well," said Jing Yuan. "It seems Feathered Spirit also wrote a special song just for you. Shall we watch it together?" Dan Heng was taken aback. A song? He had merely parted the ancient sea waters to open the path towards the Prototree Mysteries; he hadn't yet claimed victory in the battle. Why would Feathered Spirit release a song now? They opened the first video on Feathered Spirit's page—titled "Water Dragon's Lament." As they clicked play: "In past...tidal waves..." "My scars etched deep, transformed into dragon scales." "With every breath, brewing tempests within." Dan Heng's expression subtly shifted. These lyrics... instantly resonated with his heart. "Bloodline...roots entwined..." "Interlaced beneath my skin, weaving destiny." "Rooted within the blazing heart of a dragon." Dan Heng felt a surge of electricity coursing through his body. Each word seemed to strike deep within him, piercing straight through his emotional defenses with just a few lines. These sparse verses encapsulated all the injustice and hardships he had endured for so many years. His fists clenched tightly, teeth grinding together. A glimmer of moisture began to sparkle in Dan Heng's eyes. Indeed, despite facing countless doubts and pain, he had never wavered. Yet now, astonishingly, these brief lyrics breached his fortitude! "Honed...like metal...becoming my bones, "Unleashed...like hurricanes...escaping from my throat, "Reforged by legends, "Remade through agony." Dan Heng couldn't help but close his eyes. These weren't mere lyrics... They were akin to another version of himself defiantly questioning fate! Fortunately, he had employed the Vocalized Cloud Technique; otherwise, two tiny pearl-like tears would undoubtedly have fallen onto the ground beneath him. As the song progressed, it transitioned from restrained anticipation to an unrestrained outpouring of emotion, as if breaking free from destiny's shackles. Especially the final line, "I shall don starlight once more, returning above the Heavy Abyss," resonated deeply with Dan Heng, feeling like something inside him explosively ignited! It was akin to a lighthouse amidst mist, instantly illuminating his path forward! Within Dan Heng's heart, something felt like it exploded with a resounding boom! It was akin to a lighthouse by the mist sea, instantly illuminating his future path. "I, Dan Heng, as a member of the Astral Express's Nameless Ones... hereby assume the responsibility of Vidyadhara High Elder!" Jing Yuan glanced at Dan Heng with surprise before breaking into a smile of approval. Behind them, March 7th and Stelle were utterly dumbfounded, taking several moments to regain their composure. March 7th hastily created a hexagonal ice piece and placed it on her forehead. "I can't take this anymore; I need to cool down." "The dramatic scene of parting the sea paired with that background music is just too intense!" she exclaimed. "Uncle Yang, now I understand how you felt watching our battles against Cocolia while experiencing it like a game," Stelle added. "This game surpasses reality in its impact!" "How do you mean by 'surpasses reality'?" Jing Yuan interjected, stepping forward. He continued, "Everyone, we have two options: "First, we act immediately and launch an expedition against Phantylia. "Second, we observe the battle unfolding in the storyline first, assessing Phantylia's abilities and strategies, ensuring we know both ourselves and our enemy for a guaranteed victory." For a moment, no one responded, creating an awkward silence. It was not the expected scenario where everyone eagerly agreed upon his call to action. Instead, the current atmosphere starkly contrasted with the pre-battle scene from the storyline. In the game's narrative, apart from the Astral Express Crew, only local forces from Luofu participated in this battle—led by Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan, with a contingent of cloud riders. Despite this, Jing Yuan still chose to have Fu Xuan and the Cloud Knights remain at their post. He intended to confront Phantylia alone with the Astral Express Crew. "General!" the cloud riders pleaded urgently, "We too wish to accompany you! Please do not leave us behind!" "That's right, General. Although our abilities may be modest, we bear the duty of guarding the Xianzhou as Cloud Knights. How could we stay in the rear while foreign travelers take on the risks for us? If you'll allow it, please let me lead the way." Jing Yuan responded, "I understand your intentions well, everyone. "However, the adversary ahead is not merely the Abomination of Abundance... but the Lord Ravager of the Antimatter Legion. Beyond this path lies the confrontation between the Bow of the Emperor and the Ruinous Ancestor... Your responsibilities are paramount. Hear my command, Cloud Knights! "After I venture deep into the Tree of Foundation, if the sea returns to its original state, immediately withdraw and reseal the Celestial Grotto. Follow all instructions from the Diviner." The Cloud Knights promptly erupted in a resounding response, "Yes, sir!" Then, Jing Yuan turned to Fu Xuan with further instructions, "Fu Qing, should I fail to return, the crucial task of reporting the outcome to the other Xianzhous falls upon you..." Fu Xuan pondered briefly before replying, "I won't utter clichés like 'please come back personally to report.' Rest assured, I will fulfill the mission entrusted to me without failing." "Hah, starting to sound more like a general now," Jing Yuan remarked. March 7th scratched her head and murmured, "The game version seems more intense and thrilling." "General Jing Yuan is prepared for a do-or-die battle, with uncertain outcomes regarding both life and victory." "But looking at this scene... it feels like a group of seniors on a guided tour." After Jing Yuan's proposal, there was a momentary silence from everyone present. Jingliu, Blade, Kafka, Luocha... each held unique positions. They had only gathered here due to the premature exposure of the Xianzhou plotline. As for the mission to confront Phantylia, it seemed almost secondary. It was Jingliu who spoke first. "Jing Yuan, don't impose your storyline dynamics on us. No one will heed your words. She's merely a pawn of Destruction; since she has revealed such information, we cannot let her leave today." These harsh sentiments were delivered in the calmest tone. Subsequently, Jingliu grasped her greatsword, seemingly forged from three feet of moonlight, and leaped upwards. Unexpectedly, Jingliu charged alone towards the deepest recesses of the Profound Tree Root. Jing Yuan was too late to stop him. Soon after, Phantylia's voice echoed throughout the space. Perhaps due to her proximity now, her words became clearer, resonating like thunder above them. "Oh? The general of Luofu doesn't grace us with his presence himself but sends these insignificant underlings to their doom instead? "No matter how many ants swarm forth, they only add to the tally of destruction." Upon hearing this taunt, Blade could no longer remain idle! "Enough noise!" He swiftly pursued in the direction where Jingliu had disappeared. Jing Yuan and Dan Heng exchanged glances; they had already agreed on their course of action beforehand. There was no reason for them to merely stand by now. Dan Heng addressed the Astral Express Crew, while Jing Yuan turned to Yanqing, saying, "Yanqing, stay here with them." "Sir!" With that, Jing Yuan and Dan Heng set off together, joining the fray. In an instant, four members of the former High-Cloud Quintet embarked to confront Phantylia. Those left behind wore expressions filled with mixed emotions. March 7th sighed, "Phantylia sure has some guts." "Let's quickly follow them; we wouldn't want to miss the end of the battle," Stelle suggested, raising her Yuzhao device. "We can still watch it through the game, though—it might even be more thrilling that way." "You're right. But while battles in the game can be replayed, witnessing these four fighting together is quite rare."