Boarding the returning starship, Feixiao looked in confusion at Jing Yuan and Huaiyan, and asked: "Why would Elder Yuan do such a thing? If he only wanted to confirm something, he didn't need to put himself in such danger."
At this question, Jing Yuan turned toward Huaiyan.
As the only truly seasoned elder present, Huaiyan's experience was stellar, at least compared to Jing Yuan, who had been given urgent command to lead the heavily battered Luofu forward.
Huaiyan had far more time and energy to deal with other intricate matters.
And there was another, even more important reason.
In terms of connections and influence, General Huaiyan was far more welcomed within the Alliance than Jing Yuan.
"Based on my understanding of Elder Yuan, he most likely wanted to make a gamble."
"A gamble?"
"That's right." Huaiyan gave a slight nod and continued: "For the Vidyadhara, Elder Yuan's lifespan has already entered twilight. Soon, he would undergo Hatching Rebirth. But as we all know, after Rebirth, aside from retaining an appearance somewhat similar to the previous life, a Vidyadhara becomes an entirely different person."
If it were only about losing memories, that would be one thing. But during the cycle of Hatching Rebirth, what emerges could change drastically.
It's possible that before Rebirth he was a gentle and kind man, but afterwards, shaped by later influences, he might turn into a easily angered person, it's not impossible.
The Vidyadhara Preceptors from the Luofu had already shown them that Hatching Rebirth could be altered, that memories could indeed be preserved.
As for Elder Yuan, only he himself knew. Not even his teacher could fully conceal the truth.
Outsiders could never tell how many times he had reincarnated, nor how many lifetimes of memories were stacked upon one another.
Endless years wear down a person's heart. When the Foxians reach the end of their life, they close their eyes forever.
When the Xianzhou reach a certain age, they fall into the state of Mara. The Vidyadhara undergo Hatching Rebirth.
All three endings mean the consciousness and memory of this lifetime vanish, this is their destined cycle.
The Preceptors' methods may allow memory to be retained, carrying fully into the next youth.
But... Elder Yuan had already lived long enough.
Since birth, he had been striving to find a new path for the Vidyadhara. He achieved nothing.
And now, a brand-new road, filled with possibility, appeared before him. Even if that path led through a steep path paying a dear price, he would walk it.
"Too many years will wear away one's will. That is exactly what happened to Elder Yuan." Huaiyan shook his head slightly, letting out a soft sigh.
"But perhaps this is good too. Let him finally rest." After speaking, Huaiyan turned his gaze toward Jing Yuan.
"If possible, I ask General Divine Foresight to give more consideration to Elder Yuan's petition. The Vidyadhara cannot afford to fall further."
At those words, Jing Yuan's expression grew solemn. He nodded firmly.
"Rest assured, Elder Yan. If that day truly comes, I will stop at nothing to see it through. Moreover, ever since the day the three swore their pact, the Xianzhou, the Foxians, and the Vidyadhara have been one."
The Xianzhou Alliance had risen to the very top of the cosmos within just eight millennia.
The unity of the three races was the most crucial key.
Reignbow Arbiter had only established the Alliance's exalted standing.
But had even one of the three races harbored malice during the invasion of the Abundance Coalition, had they failed to repel that assault, the Alliance would have vanished into the void long ago.
If the great problem of Vidyadhara continuation could be truly solved, it would be an immeasurable blessing for the Alliance.
And if both Mara and Vidyadhara Hatching Rebirth could be resolved together, that would be even better.
But then again, such a solution would also unsettle countless worlds in the universe.
Still, better that they be uneasy than the Xianzhou being uneasy.
As for those who had been swayed by Elder Yuan, they were simply remnants cleared away in advance for Jing Yuan, to ensure everything would proceed smoothly.
As they spoke, a "planet" trailed its "smoke-tail" along the path back home.
....
The whole affair was cleanly handled.
Aside from some who saw or paid attention to where that Emanator Giant-Sting and its swarm were heading, most of the rest treated the incident as if nothing had happened.
Even those within the Alliance who knew the truth did not publicize it.
For the worlds scarred by those pests, the matter was now over.
....
As for Godzilla, he neither knew nor cared about what was happening outside.
If those fellows really had the ability and courage to attack him, he would be delighted.
After all, why waste a punching bag delivered right to his doorstep?
After this stretch of enjoyment, the Astral Express had departed the Honkai world and set off once again into the stars.
This mysterious world was tempting, but unfortunately, they already had a set course.
Of course, that wasn't the main reason.
In truth, Penacony's Paperfold University had sent the Astral Express an invitation.
And since this world was relatively peaceful, aside from the occasional Honkai beasts, Himeko decided it was time to return to the Silver Tracks.
"Paperfold University, huh! A rich and colorful campus life is the perfect match for unstoppable, radiant young girls!" March 7th clenched her small fists and cheered loudly.
"Paperfold University..." Stelle blinked her eyes.
Now that she thought about it, she really had never experienced campus life.
Not her fault, she was born on a space station, battling doomsday beasts from the start.
So tough, so relentless.
'Hehe. Well, that's just who I am, the brightest firework in the night sky.'
Seeing the two youngsters so excited, Himeko chuckled softly.
"Paperfold University allows outsiders. You can both experience the campus atmosphere as visitors. As for the tedious paperwork for that, leave them to Welt and me."
Welt gave a slight nod: "Let's hurry, we shouldn't keep them waiting."
"Uncle Yang~~," March 7th dragged her tone teasingly, grinning. "Don't tell me Dr. Tesla said something to you again?"
"Cough, cough... well, for some reasons, Tesla and the others asked me to bring back more extraterrestrial souvenirs next time." Welt fell silent for a moment.
Before departing, he had returned to reality to explain his absence.
Upon hearing the news, Tesla, already furious that Welt had gone off adventuring without a word, leaving her behind to worry, exploded in anger.
All sorts of contraptions designed to torment Welt were unleashed one after another.
And in the end, she demanded he bring back plenty of good things next time, or else the Titan Army wouldn't recognize him.
To avoid being greeted by another scolding when he returned home, Welt had sworn over and over on his chest that he would.
"Paperfold University... there must be all sorts of fun things inside. I can't wait."
It would be her first true taste of campus life, and Stelle was filled with anticipation.
"Haha, you should listen in as much as you can. Learning more knowledge never hurts. Who knows, perhaps one day even the Erudition will take notice of you." Himeko chuckled.
Speaking of which, she had always been paying attention to Stelle's education. It's just that Stelle's various… well, remarkable proficiency made her hold back from taking certain measures.
But now, being able to visit classes at Paperfold University was still a good thing.
"Eh, really, really?! If I can also join the Genius Club, what kind of code name should I give myself, hehe."
"How about 'Smart March 7th'?"
"Ah, that's too flashy. I always stick to the rules of keeping a low profile."
It wasn't long before Paperfold University would be welcoming the arrival of the two of the greatest pranksters it had ever seen.
...
The emergence of Chiyou, The Herrscher of Wind ravaging the entire Oceania Branch and the city it was in, The Herrscher of Ice freezing the entire Coral Island.
All sorts of incidents stacked together, to the point that not even Schicksal could completely cover them up.
In fact, ever since the Chiyou attack, conspiracy theories had grown rampant.
In the past, only a handful of fools were obsessed with such things. But now, reality proved that this world was not nearly as safe as it appeared on the surface.
The masses, however, were blind. Throw out one or two distractions, shift the topic, and with time plus blockades from all sides, public opinion was barely controlled within a limited range.
But managing that, that was Schicksal's business.
For World Serpent, things were much simpler.
"Lord, I'll head back first." The woman in a jackal mask, her face half-hidden.
Jackal, World Serpent's scientist.
In research, Kevin acknowledged her talent. Many useful studies inside World Serpent were developed by her. What's more, her tendencies in research often reminded Kevin of a certain scientist.
As she turned, Jackal brushed past a man with closed eyes.
Her gaze flickered slightly, she paused for a moment, then continued walking.
With eyes closed, how did he even see clearly....
"Su." Seeing the newcomer, Kevin was the first to speak.
"She seems to have a certain potential," Su replied, glancing back.
That kind of feeling, he knew it all too well.
After all, many of his former colleagues possessed such potential. And often, people like that would stir up… unexpected waves.
Kevin made no comment. If she didn't have such potential, he might not have even bothered with her.
"How is Griseo adapting?" Kevin suddenly asked.
"With Hua's guidance, Griseo has gained a basic understanding of the current world. From here on, she'll have to explore on her own."
Speaking of Griseo, Su's eyes softened with tenderness.
Yes, the original reason they agreed to let her carry out the ARK Project was because they didn't want her to face an unwinnable battle.
But drifting through the cosmos, alone…. Honestly, that wasn't much better.
If they'd had any other option, they would never have let Griseo undertake the Ark Project.
Fortunately, Griseo was safe, she grew up well.
And now, fifty thousand years later, she returned to Earth and reunited with them.
"When do you plan to continue?" Su suddenly asked.
"When Hua is ready." Kevin replied calmly.
Su gave a small nod. Yes, what lay ahead was the return of the strongest MANTIS and the problems that she would bring.
For now, all they could do was wait for Fu Hua to recover her strength. In this, even St. Freya had been lending their efforts.
But Fu Hua's case was unique. To awaken her true power still required time.
If only there were a catalyst....
....
St. Freya Academy.
After finishing his repairs, Chen Tianwu hurried straight to St. Freya at the fastest speed.
"Remember, no matter what happens, you must not act recklessly, and especially not with your hands. But you can try to wake Anna. According to you, you and Anna have an established bond."
Theresa nagged on and on about the precautions inside St. Freya.
If not for Chen Tianwu being able to prove his connection with Anna, she would never have agreed to let him in.
By the way, St. Freya was currently on vacation.
Almost all the students had either gone home or were out traveling.
No matter what Theresa said, Chen Tianwu only nodded obediently.
He was very aware: if he dared to provoke the headmistress in front of him, not only would he not be allowed to see Anna, he wouldn't even be able to get within St. Freya.
Theresa had the power to enforce that.
"We're here."
After walking a bit further, Theresa finally stopped before a villa.
Yes, St. Freya had ample funds, teachers' housing was nothing short of luxurious.
Most importantly, it was far enough from the teaching area that any disturbances wouldn't affect the school.
Anna Shariac. She lay quietly on the bed, like a sleeping beauty from a fairy tale.
The chilling aura seeping from her body filled the entire room with biting cold.
"Ever since becoming the Herrscher of Ice, Anna has been like this. Even with the special means we used to bind her, we couldn't stop it. Luckily, the effect has now been reduced to just this room, so we don't need extra arrangements."
Looking at Anna like this, Theresa couldn't help but sigh.
"If you really are connected to Anna, perhaps you can truly wake her."
As long as Anna woke up, nothing else would matter.
If the Herrscher of Ice dared to appear in St. Freya, Theresa would show her what it meant to fight on home turf.
"Anna..." Chen Tianwu's throat tightened, countless words stuck there, unable to rise or fall.
....
Meanwhile, inside the consciousness space.
The Herrscher of Ice raised an eyebrow, lips curling in an inexplicable smile. In a flash, she appeared beside Anna, and whispered softly.
"Things just got interesting. You remember this person, don't you?"
The ethereal voice stirred Anna's sealed memories.
Sealed, because they were memories she could neither forget nor bear to recall.
"You haven't forgotten, right? That was your wish!"
"Shut up!" Without warning, Anna erupted, glaring angrily at the nonchalant Herrscher of Ice.
"My, my, what's with the temper? That's not like you." The Herrscher of Ice chuckled, unbothered as Anna struck her with fists and kicks. Her body, formed of frost, remained unmoved.
Unless it was that blonde monster outside, no attack here could threaten her existence.
Watching Anna's expression, the Herrscher of Ice teased.
"Tell me, if I were to tell him what happened back then, how do you think he'd react?"