Hearing Hiyakura's warm response, Tao Yao showed a hint of surprise and emotion in her eyes.
She lowered her head slightly, seemingly pondering how to begin.
After a few seconds, Tao Yao raised her head, with a hint of uncertainty on her face, and said softly:
"I... I really appreciate your kindness."
"But what I'm about to say might indeed be a bit troublesome, and it could even bring you danger. Are you really sure you want to help me?"
Hiyakura nodded firmly and replied, "Of course, I've already said that as long as I can do it, I will do my best to help you."
Seeing Hiyakura's determined attitude, a complex emotion flickered in Tao Yao's eyes, both grateful and slightly guilty.
Taking a deep breath, she slowly began to speak:
"Okay, then I will be straightforward."
"In fact, most of the petals you've collected cannot be used directly."
Tao Yao paused for a moment, observing Hiyakura's reaction, then continued:
"To use them, you have to release them. And to release them requires a series of complex steps. I have memories regarding this now and can help you complete this step, guiding you to gain power related to it."
"In exchange…"
"I hope you can continue collecting more petals for me, to help me recover more memories."
After saying this, Tao Yao anxiously looked at Hiyakura, waiting for her response.
Without any hesitation, Hiyakura immediately responded:
"This is a win-win situation for me, of course I am willing!"
Hearing Hiyakura's reply, a relieved smile appeared on Tao Yao's face.
She gently nodded and said, "Thank you. Then, let's settle it this way. Neither you nor I can go back on our word."
"Go ahead, collect enough petals. Every time you gather a certain amount, I will appear to help you unlock new powers while also gradually restoring my memories."
After saying this, Tao Yao's figure began to grow blurry, gradually transforming into pink mist that dissipated into the air.
Just as she was about to completely disappear, her voice seemed to come from far away:
"We will meet again soon…"
At the same time.
On the game screen where Hua Yu was playing.
A new message gradually appeared.
As Tao Yao's figure faded away, a gentle light suddenly flickered on Hua Yu's game screen.
A new message slowly surfaced:
[Petal activated, relevant descriptions can now be viewed in Fairy Blossom.]
Following this, petals previously collected by Hua Yu, except for the first one, which could not be fully viewed, were unlocked and activated, revealing their corresponding information.
And every activated petal.
Emitted different glows and auras, with different names and descriptions.
[Dreamy Peach Heart: Presenting a soft pink color with faint white gradients along the edges, like blooming peach blossoms. Boosts all attributes by 3%, with a 5% chance to retain 1% of health when receiving a fatal blow.]
[Dawn Glow: This petal, vivid like the morning glow, emits a warm orange-red light. The player's agility attribute increases by 15%, and they gain the special effect "Gale Steps," greatly enhancing movement speed for a short time.]
[Moonlight: Presenting a soft silvery-white, as if condensed from moonlight. The player's magic attribute increases by 20%, and they gain the "Moonlight Sanctuary" effect, enhancing defense by 15%.]
[Flame Heart: This fire-red petal seems to flicker with tiny flames. Attack power increases by 18%, with attacks carrying the "Flame Slash" effect, each normal attack will deal additional fire damage.]
[Azure Wave: A vibrant blue petal like the deep sea, exuding a refreshing aura. The player's defense attribute increases by 25%, gaining the "Water Spirit Shield" effect, which can absorb a certain amount of damage.]
[Forest Soul: The emerald green petal seems to have leaf patterns on it. The player's health limit increases by 10%, gaining the "Life Drain" effect, with a chance to restore a small amount of health when attacking.]
These are the petals currently collected.
From the interface on the screen, it can be easily seen.
Currently, Fairy Blossom has only unlocked a limited slot that can accommodate five petals.
And if all goes well.
More slots should be unlocked later.
However, compared to these mechanical enhancements.
Hua Yu was more concerned about the fact that after handing over the petals, Tao Yao had left once again.
"If only I could have said a few more words…"
Hua Yu's tone carried a hint of regret.
With Tao Yao's disappearance, the bullet screen in the livestream seemed a bit gloomy.
"Tao Yao, don't go!!"
"We just met, why are you leaving again?"
"Why does Tao Yao give me the feeling of an NPC tool?"
"Upstairs, is it possible that's exactly what's going on right now?"
"Oh no, my wife has left again... it hurts!"
"This plot is too fragmented, right?"
Looking at these bullet comments, Hua Yu fell into contemplation.
The Tao Yao that appeared now indeed gave a sense of illusion.
Each time she appeared was to assign a task, and after a brief dialogue, she would turn into pink mist and vanish.
This mode left Hua Yu feeling somewhat disappointed and confused.
Taking a deep breath, Hua Yu addressed the livestream audience:
"Everyone, it seems that the storyline in this mode should be rather fragmented, and it won't be as dense as the main storyline."
"Tao Yao appears, but only at key stages amidst the countless beast waves. To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed because I actually want to see a more coherent plot."
Hua Yu paused for a moment and then continued:
"However, upon careful thought, this design is also reasonable."
"We need to pass each level and collect the corresponding fragments in the process for Tao Yao to continue appearing. This maintains the gameplay while also pushing the storyline forward."
"And, Tao Yao has always been by our side! She grows and becomes stronger with us! What could be more perfect than this form of companionship?"
Thinking of this, Hua Yu's eyes lit up with determination:
"For Tao Yao, I must clear this mode today!"
"Everyone in the livestream can also supervise the streamer; we won't end the broadcast until we've cleared it today!"
After speaking, Hua Yu took a deep breath and began a new round of beast wave challenges.
As wave after wave of monsters were defeated.
Hua Yu continuously gathered scattered petal fragments.
Every time a certain number was collected, Tao Yao would briefly appear to help unlock new powers while revealing some fragmented memory pieces.
Thus, Hua Yu tirelessly challenged wave after wave of beast tides with the encouragement and support of the livestream audience, collecting petal after petal.
Time flew by, and before she knew it, several hours had passed.
Despite feeling somewhat exhausted.
Hua Yu's heart was filled with anticipation and curiosity.
She knew each challenge brought her a step closer to the truth.
And the mysterious yet familiar figure of Tao Yao became her motivation to continue advancing.
As another wave of beasts came to an end.
Hua Yu looked at the increasing number of petal fragments in her hands, eagerly awaiting Tao Yao's reappearance.
She knew each encounter could bring new surprises and riddles.
And this was the charm of this new mode.
At that moment, the familiar pink glow appeared again.
...
Tao Yao lightly landed on a nearby broken stone wall, her expression carrying a hint of sorrow.
As usual, she helped Hiyakura activate the petals just collected.
Then, through these petals, she restored some corresponding memories.
Tao Yao's gaze became a bit distant, as if lost in recollection. She slowly began to speak: "Hmm... I remember some happy things that I want to share with you…"
Her voice was soft, carrying a hint of nostalgia:
"Speaking of which, I seem to have kept a pet before?"
"I remember, it seemed to be a Little Snow Fox with snow-white fur."
"When I met her, she was quite young."
"At that time, she didn't know where she came from, only knew she came from the stars, from beyond the heavens."
"I just mentioned a meteor shower, right?"
"I guess she must have come with the meteor shower."
At this point.
Tao Yao paused slightly, a smile appearing on her face.
"Meteor showers... what a beautiful thing! It's a pity that it seems we can't see them anymore…"
As soon as her words fell.
Tao Yao's figure began to grow blurry.
The entire game process was almost always like this.
Tao Yao's appearance was very short.
Generally, it wouldn't exceed a minute.
And in this less than a minute, she often shared her newly awakened memories briefly, while also activating the petals for the player.
Afterwards, her figure, as usual, dissipated into pink mist in the air.
After taking another happy glance at her wife, Tao Yao.
Hua Yu then continued to throw herself into the beast tide challenges.
Monsters were defeated wave after wave, and petals continuously collected.
...
Time flew by.
Soon, they arrived at the 52nd wave of beasts.
As the last monster fell, Tao Yao's figure reappeared once more.
This time, she wore a gentle smile as she began to tell the story of that snow fox.
"I'll tell you! That little fox was really cute."
Warm light sparkled in Tao Yao's eyes, "She always liked to curl up in my arms, wrapping her soft tail around my arm."
"One time I was working and fell asleep from exhaustion, and she thoughtfully covered me with a blanket and then used her tail as a pillow…"
Tao Yao chuckled as she continued:
"But she was very mischievous, would sneak into the kitchen, use her nimble little paws to open the fridge, and steal the fruits inside. Every time I caught her, she would show me a pitiful expression, and it was impossible to get angry."
"Though she was very clingy, she was really adorable."
"If possible, I really want to introduce her to you…"
Tao Yao's voice gradually lowered, carrying a hint of sadness:
"Unfortunately... I don't know where she is now. Do I still have a chance to see her again?"
After saying this, Tao Yao's figure once again disappeared.
Hua Yu felt the affection Tao Yao held for that little snow fox.
In her heart, she couldn't help but feel a thread of curiosity and anticipation.
Just hearing Tao Yao's description, she also felt intrigued by that fox.
...
The beast tide continued, and Hua Yu fought valiantly, quickly reaching the 72nd wave.
Tao Yao appeared again, and this time her expression seemed a bit complex.
"It seems we have entered a cycle." Tao Yao said thoughtfully, "Continuously facing wave after wave of stronger monsters. In fact, there is a way to stop it…"
Her voice suddenly became hesitant:
"But how to stop it exactly? I should know this…"
"Yet, why can't I seem to remember?"
...
When the challenge reached the 90th wave, Hua Yu suddenly noticed a change in the monsters on the map.
Large numbers of foxes appeared on the map, looking exceptionally frenzied, their eyes shining with a cold light.
What surprised Hua Yu even more was.
All these foxes were of the ice attribute, perfectly countered by her fire-based skills.
Originally, as the rounds progressed, the beast tide suddenly became much easier.
Hua Yu controlled Hiyakura, unleashing fire skills one after another, making the foxes fall one by one.
When the last fox fell, Hua Yu discovered a new petal appeared on the map.
This looked like a petal from a snow lotus, pure white and exuding a faint chill.
Just as Hua Yu picked up the petal, Tao Yao appeared again. This time, her face bore deep sadness.
"These foxes."
Tao Yao's voice was low and hoarse, "Are all from Little Snow's kin."
She took a deep breath and continued:
"I have remembered everything related to the Little Snow Fox, and I know where she is."
"Even until now, I still think she is really very cute…"
For some reason.
Looking at Tao Yao's attitude now.
Hua Yu suddenly sensed a knife's edge…
As expected.
The plot continued to develop.
Once the 99th beast wave ended.
Upon collecting new petals,
Tao Yao's face revealed a hint of a gentle smile.
But that smile seemed a bit forced.
Yet even so, her voice was still so soft:
"Thank you for accompanying me this far. I think, we are good friends now, right?"
Tao Yao paused for a moment, a flicker of hesitation in her eyes: "I know you've helped me a lot... but if possible, can you help me once more?"
Hua Yu didn't hesitate and immediately chose to agree.
There were no other options, and refusing might mean not being able to continue progressing in the game.
After receiving an affirmative response, Tao Yao's expression seemed to grow complex.
"If you want the little fox to appear, you should go nearby and gather some lotus seeds from the water lilies, make a bowl of flower soup, and sprinkle fresh peach blossom petals on it afterward."
"Lastly, place the flower soup in a convenient and visible place, and if she can catch the scent…"
"Then she might just appear…"
"If you succeed in the end and she appears in front of you…"
At this point, Tao Yao paused, then continued:
"Then please help her find freedom!"