Team Recovery and Lin Ya's Legacy
The side hall of the Star Radiance Court was comfortable and serene. The winged clan's healers were highly skilled, combining the dome's unique starlight energy and precious herbs, allowing everyone's injuries to recover at an astonishing speed. The gruesome tear wound on Zhamisi's snake tail was healing with visible muscle tissue regeneration under Lin Ya's continuous nourishment of life radiance and the winged healers' secret medicines, greatly alleviating the severe pain. Kayla's overconsumed thunder frost power was rapidly replenished in the energy-rich environment. Yuyuer's affinity with ice elements was steadily recovering. Arya gently held Fa's hand, massaging her right eye that was faintly aching from overuse of the star eye. Rex inspected his armor, with nano drones buzzing around him, repairing battle damage. TISK wiped his lava hammer, checking the integrity of the runes. Salsa's mechanical cat shell quietly crouched by the window, amber electronic eyes gazing at the star radiance orchids outside.
Lin Ya was even more in his element, rooting himself in the court's garden where emerald radiance intertwined with star radiance. Not only did his own condition recover rapidly, but the life aura he emitted made the surrounding star radiance orchids bloom more brilliantly. Several winged healers surrounded him, their eyes filled with curiosity and admiration.
Lin Ya began teaching the wood-based healing magic and life force application techniques he mastered. He extended his hand, condensing a ball of emerald light in his palm, and said in a low voice: "The essence of wood magic lies in harmony with nature. You must learn to listen to the voices of plants, feel their vitality, and convert it into healing power."
With a gentle wave, several tender vines sprouted from the soil beneath his feet, growing rapidly and weaving into a verdant barrier. Then, he infused life force into it, causing the vines to emit a soft glow. An injured winged healer stepped forward, and upon touching the vines, the wound healed at a visible rate.
"This is the 'Life Vine Net,'" Lin Ya explained, "It can absorb natural forces to provide continuous healing for the wounded. The key is controlling the flow of power—not too strong, not too weak."
A young winged healer raised her hand and asked: "Lord Lin Ya, how can we combine wood magic with our Feather Radiance Healing Art?"
Lin Ya smiled and replied: "The Feather Radiance Healing Art focuses on energy transmission, while wood magic emphasizes life's nourishment. They complement each other and can create stronger healing effects. For example, you can use the Feather Radiance Art to condense energy, then diffuse it into plants via wood magic to form area healing."
He demonstrated by summoning a star radiance orchid and infusing a ball of Feather Radiance light into it. The orchid instantly bloomed with brilliant light, enveloping the surroundings. Several healers felt their fatigue swept away, spirits invigorated. They marveled at this novel technique, expressing how much they benefited, and buried themselves in taking notes, preparing to practice diligently.
The Guardians' Final Vote
Meanwhile, Wyrselon and the thirty-six guardians gathered in the council hall, seated around a massive crystal round table, the atmosphere tense and heavy. The golden-winged guardian leader, Leon, presided over the meeting, his voice resonant and authoritative: "Everyone, today we discuss whether to release Celestia and allow her to join the outsiders' adventure team to jointly combat Doomsday Rebirth."
An angelic-winged guardian named Eliza stood up angrily, the holy flames on her wings trembling slightly: "Absolutely not! She's a traitor! She betrayed our kin, brought in those Doomsday Rebirth monsters, causing countless casualties! She should receive the harshest punishment, imprisoned forever in the Tower of Contemplation!"
Another demonic-winged guardian, Dak, calmly rebutted: "But she was used by Doomsday Rebirth. Her original intent was to save Aelius. We cannot deny her pain and sacrifice. She ultimately defected and helped us annihilate the Doomsday Rebirth legion—this cannot be ignored."
"Sacrifice?" Eliza sneered, anger flashing in her eyes, "Her sacrifice was built on our kin's blood! How many comrades did she kill with her own hands? Have you forgotten those miserably dead warriors and the ruins of our homes?"
"We have not forgotten," Ankris spoke slowly, his voice carrying fatigue and steadiness, "But hatred and punishment won't solve the problem. Doomsday Rebirth still exists; their threat hasn't dissipated. We need all available forces to combat them. Celestia's abilities are unmatched; if she can fight for justice, perhaps she can redeem her sins."
Leon nodded, adding: "Her power is indeed great, but is her mindset stable? Will she betray again? This is what we must consider."
Dak suggested: "We can make her wear sealing shackles to restrict her power and monitor her actions. If there's any anomaly, we can stop it immediately."
"This is a feasible plan," Ankris agreed, "Moreover, the outsiders are willing to give her a chance. Their judgment is worth our trust."
The debate lasted an entire day, with guardians holding firm opinions, the atmosphere intense and deadlocked. Some believed Celestia was unforgivable and should die to atone; others thought she was forced and should be given a chance to reform. Finally, Leon announced the vote to begin.
After a long count, the result was revealed: nineteen votes in favor, eighteen against, passing the decision to release Celestia by a narrow majority. Leon solemnly announced: "The guardian council decides to release Celestia and allow her to join the outsiders' adventure team. But she must wear sealing shackles to restrict her actions and power, and be monitored by designated personnel." If she harms the winged clan again or turns to evil, the chain of atonement will instantly detonate the sealed power within her, with the guarantor (Fa) responsible for executing the judgment.
When the news returned, Fa and her group breathed a sigh of relief. Led by Ankris and a court guard captain, they headed to the "Tower of Contemplation" at the dome's edge, deep within the cold rock walls.
Celestia's Choice
The tower's interior was dimly lit, bone-chillingly cold. The deepest cell was built from "Mana-Suppressing Star Diamonds" that suppressed magic. When the heavy stone door slid open with mechanical sounds, everyone saw Celestia.
She sat leaning against the cold corner, her once sharp aura completely gone. Those four wings symbolizing power and glory—pure black feathered wings and shadow leather wings—were now tightly bound at the roots by specially made energy shackles flowing with star radiance runes, forcibly folded behind her, unable to spread at all. Her wrists and ankles also wore shackles of the same material, intricate runes wrapping like chains, not only imprisoning her body but also suppressing the violent purple-black energy deep within her core, leaving only faint, uneasy fluctuations. She wore a rough gray prison garb, her blood-stained battle armor long removed. Her hair, once possibly like black night satin, was now disheveled over her pale cheeks. Most heart-wrenching was her gaze—empty, dead silent, as if all emotions, whether towering hatred, destructive madness, or endless pain, had been thoroughly drained after the truth was revealed and she slew her "kin," leaving only boundless void and fatigue. She was like a beautiful porcelain with its soul extracted, only a shattered shell remaining.
The guard captain signaled Fa could approach to talk, then retreated outside the door.
Fa walked to the cage's edge, through the cold star diamond bars, calmly speaking: "Celestia," breaking the cell's dead silence, "We've come to see you."
Celestia slowly raised her head, her gaze carrying fatigue and wariness, but no response.
Arya stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm: "We know you've endured much pain. You were used by Doomsday Rebirth, doing many things that harmed the winged clan. But we believe that wasn't your true intent. You took this path to save Aelius."
Celestia's eyes flashed with pain, murmuring lowly: "Aelius... he..."
"We know he's in Doomsday Rebirth's labs," Fa continued, "Salsa saw him being treated as experiment material firsthand. We'll do our best to rescue him, but we need your help. Your power and understanding of Doomsday Rebirth are crucial to us."
Celestia shook her head, her voice hoarse and low: "I... I no longer qualify to fight. I betrayed my kin, harmed our homeland. My hands are stained with blood..."
"You have a chance to atone," Kayla interjected roughly, a glint of battle intent in her eyes, "As long as you're willing to fight for justice, help us defeat Doomsday Rebirth, save Aelius and more innocents, your sins aren't irredeemable."
Celestia was silent for a long time, her gaze slowly sweeping over everyone's faces. She saw Fa's determination, Arya's gentleness, Kayla's boldness, and Elder Ankris's complex yet kind expression. She asked lowly: "You... really willing to trust me?"
"Yes," Fa said firmly, "We believe everyone has a chance to reform. Your abilities are strong; if you join us, we'll be like a tiger with wings."
A spark of hope flashed in Celestia's eyes, but it dimmed again: "But... the winged clan won't forgive me. They've locked me here, I..."
"King Wyrselon has agreed to release you," Ankris stepped forward, his voice comforting, "The guardians voted to give you a chance to atone. But you must wear the shackles as punishment."
Celestia looked at Ankris, complex emotions surging in her eyes: "Elder... I'm... sorry..."
Ankris sighed, speaking earnestly: "Child, your actions did harm our kin. But if you can use your power to protect more people, perhaps time can dilute everything."
Celestia closed her eyes, took a deep breath, seeming to undergo her final inner struggle. Moments later, she opened them, her gaze firm: "Alright, I'm willing to join you. I want to personally destroy Doomsday Rebirth and rescue Aelius!"
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Fa stepped forward, grasping Celestia's hand: "Welcome, Celestia."
The Secret of the Corpses
On the other side, while Fa and her group headed to the Tower of Contemplation, Salsa's mechanical cat found Rex and TISK.
"Tin can, big beard," Salsa's electronic voice was lowered, with a trace of imperceptible excitement, "Help out. Those slain mutated winged corpses haven't been disposed of yet, right?"
Rex's electronic eye flickered: "According to inquiries, the corpses are temporarily concentrated and sealed in the 'Ice Breath Abyss' isolation zone, awaiting purification. Salsa, your intent carries risks and ethical controversies."
"Risks? Ethics?" Salsa's mechanical cat tail swished impatiently, "Get this straight, those things weren't natural life to begin with! They're killing weapons pieced together by Doomsday Rebirth through live experiments! Their 'corpses' are the best intelligence library and... future weapon raw materials! Rex, don't you want to scan and archive Dr. Zheng's disgusting modification data, find weaknesses and origins? TISK, aren't you curious about that technology fusing flesh and metal? Maybe we can reverse-engineer some countermeasures!"
TISK stroked his big beard, eyes lighting up: "Hmm... you little bad cat makes sense. Those monsters' shells and energy circuits do have something to them..."
Rex performed a zero-point-second logic calculation: "...Intelligence value assessment: Extremely high. Potential tactical applications: Feasible. Risk management: Must be conducted in isolated environment, ensuring process without external interference. Conclusion: Action permitted. I will handle environmental monitoring and data collection."
"That's right!" Salsa's voice carried satisfaction, "Follow me, we'll find King Wyrselon and make our request."
So the three found King Wyrselon and proposed: "Majesty, may I examine those mutated winged corpses? Their memory fragments might reveal more secrets of Doomsday Rebirth."
Rex and TISK also stepped forward to express willingness to accompany. Rex said calmly: "My scanning technology can analyze their structures, store data, perhaps find Doomsday Rebirth's weaknesses." TISK patted his lava hammer: "I need to check these monsters' materials; maybe I can forge new equipment."
King Wyrselon nodded in agreement: "You may. You saved the Light Feather Dome; those corpses can be handed to you for research, but cannot be taken away. Please be careful; they may carry unknown dangers."
Led by patrol soldiers, they delved into a naturally formed, chillingly cold massive ice cavern below the court island—the Ice Breath Abyss. The temperature here was extremely low, like a natural freezer. Looking around, the thirty mutated winged corpses were scattered on the ground, the air filled with thick death aura. Their forms varied: some with eagle claws and bat wings, others with insect compound eyes and cicada wings, all bearing traces of Doomsday Rebirth's twisted life.
"This is it! TISK, Rex, get that patrol soldier out, guard the door! Block anyone approaching, or just knock them out!" Salsa's mechanical cat jumped to the ice cavern's center, amber electronic eyes scanning these cold "materials," her soul body trembling slightly with excitement.
After TISK sent away the guide, he hefted his war hammer and stood at the only entrance passage like a door god. Rex's armor silently opened, dozens of micro reconnaissance drones flying out silently, positioning in the shadows around the ice cavern entrance, forming an invisible alert net. Meanwhile, his shoulder's multi-spectrum scanner activated, pale blue laser grids covering the nearest crocodile-headed mutant's corpse like probes, beginning deep dissection-level scans, recording muscle fibers, skeletal structures, energy residues, implant distributions, and more in minute detail into the core database.
After confirming the environment was safe, the ethereal blue soul light in Salsa's mechanical cat shell eyes suddenly blazed! The shell's head armor slid open, dense, almost asphalt-like dark soul energy surged out! This energy was no longer just chill soul power but fused with the death aura from the other shore of the Styx that Salsa comprehended deep in the Chill Silence Ice Palace. The soul energy spread across the ice cavern floor, rapidly outlining a massive, eerie array composed of inverted pentagrams and ouroboros runes. The array's edges burned with cold purple-black soul fire, illuminating the ice cavern with ghostly eeriness.
Salsa's soul body emitted low, obscure incantations, the sound seeming from a ten-thousand-foot abyss. The mechanical cat's claws pressed on the array's core. Dense death soul energy like black tides madly surged into the thirty cold corpses along the array's patterns!
Sizzle sizzle sizzle—!
Teeth-gritting bone friction and ice crystal shattering sounds rang densely! Those frozen corpses trembled violently! Deep in their shriveled eye sockets, two points of eerie, flickering purple-black soul fire suddenly ignited! Then, the frozen flesh began to writhe and swell eerily, severed limbs reconstructing rapidly from pure dark energy and frost, forming ferocious black bone blades or frost-covered giant claws! Purple-black meridians protruded and spread like living things under the ashen skin, emitting thick undead aura and bone-chilling cold.
One, two, three... thirty once-belonging-to-Doomsday Rebirth killing weapons rose slowly and stiffly from the ice platforms, then stood straight. Their movements were still somewhat sluggish, but the purple-black soul fire in their eye sockets uniformly turned toward Salsa, conveying absolute obedience and cold killing intent. The entire ice cavern's temperature plummeted, the air filled with undead-specific decay chill and ominous purple-black mist. An undead army constructed from frost and shadow silently awakened in the deepest ice abyss of the Light Feather Dome.
Rex calmly recorded the energy peaks and structural changes of the undead transformation process. TISK widened his eyes, muttering lowly: "Whoa... this little kitty plays real dark... But using the enemy's corpses to fight the enemy, hey, that's got guts!"
Salsa looked satisfied at her "new legion," the mechanical cat's electronic eyes flickering with dim light. With a thought, the thirty undead mutated winged people knelt uniformly on one knee, issuing a silent oath of submission to their undead commander. The purple-black soul fire connected into a dim star sea in the ice cavern.
"Data collection complete, undead transformation initially stable."
Salsa retracted her soul energy, the soul fire in the undead legion's eyes instantly dimming, returning to cold "corpse" state like powered-off machines, though the lingering undead aura was hard to fully conceal. She controlled the mechanical cat to jump out of the array, and Rex quickly cleared the energy residue traces.
Meanwhile, Rex deployed scans, his electronic eyes emitting pale blue light, detailed data streams jumping in his vision. He analyzed the mutated winged structures, storing data in the database: "These corpses fuse tech and bio-modification, with micro energy cores inside, perhaps the source of their power. I need more time to study."
TISK squatted down, tapping a corpse's shell, murmuring: "This material is harder than I thought; taking some back might forge new weapons."
Once the three confirmed that their surroundings were safe, they left the Abyss of Ice Breath with satisfaction and returned to the royal court. Meanwhile, several winged guards stationed near the entrance shivered inexplicably and looked around in confusion. "Strange, why does it suddenly feel like a chilling wind is blowing..." Their actions not only added a hidden strength to the group but also laid the groundwork for future battles.