Hua Yu's eyes were already bloodshot, and her fingers trembled incessantly.
At this moment, her lips were chapped, and her hair was disheveled.
Despite this, she still stared at the screen intently, her fingers dancing over the keyboard and mouse.
"I was so close just now. I can do it this time for sure..."
She muttered to herself, her voice hoarse.
The barrage in the live broadcast room had long gone from lively to sparse.
Only a few loyal viewers persisted.
"Streamer, you've been broadcasting for eleven hours straight..."
"Do you want to take a break?"
"There's really no need to go this far..."
Hua Yu turned a deaf ear and continued to maneuver Hiyakura through the beast horde.
Her movements had become nearly mechanical.
Every time she failed, she immediately restarted, as if trapped in some sort of insane cycle.
"No! I must get through! I can do it without the Tao Flower Lotus Soup!" she growled under her breath, her eyes glimmering with a near-obsessive light.
As time passed, the atmosphere in the live broadcast room grew more and more tense.
"Is it really twelve hours already?"
"Does the streamer seriously not consider using props? It feels impossible without them..."
"I can't watch anymore. This is too painful..."
However, faced with the viewers' persuasion, Hua Yu remained stubborn.
"No! I absolutely won't use it! This is a gift from Tao Yao; how can I waste it casually?" she shouted, her voice tinged with a hint of hysteria.
The barrage in the live broadcast room began to show division.
Some expressed understanding and support, while others could not accept Hua Yu's actions.
"I understand the streamer's feelings; this is an obsession with Tao Yao!"
"But isn't this just a game prop? It's meant to be used by players..."
"I think so too. But the result is the streamer refuses to use it..."
"I think the streamer is being a bit too obsessed..."
Faced with these questioning voices, Hua Yu suddenly erupted.
"This is my game! I'll play it however I want! Nobody can dictate my decisions!"
She roared, her voice filled with unassailable determination.
For the next hour, Hua Yu continued to attempt to clear the level.
However, no matter how hard she tried, she was still unable to break through the heavy siege of the 100th wave of beasts.
Finally, after battling for twelve continuous hours, Hua Yu's state began to deteriorate.
She rubbed her aching temples.
Only then did she notice that it was already dark outside.
Recalling that she had to go to the hospital to visit her younger sister tomorrow, Hua Yu finally decided to temporarily put the game down.
"Everyone, I'm really not in great condition today; I'm going to rest. I have some things to take care of tomorrow, and I'll return later to continue the challenge. Thank you all for your support." she said weakly.
After saying that, Hua Yu closed the live stream.
The last scene of the stream remained on the screen with Hiyakura, standing alone against a horde of disaster beasts.
...
While players across the internet were passionately discussing strategies for the new mode of "Fairy Journey," another scene was unfolding in a corner of the game world.
Near the map of the Sea Kingdom, which was yet to be opened in the game, there was a peaceful coastal town.
Golden sands stretched for miles, the azure sea gently lapping at the shore, and a few uniquely styled white buildings dotted the distance, forming a beautiful picture.
On the beach, a brightly colored sunshade was particularly eye-catching.
And beneath the shade, a young girl was peacefully napping.
This beautiful girl was Tao Yao, one of the original antagonists of the game.
Ever since she left the rift gate,
Tao Yao had bid farewell to Dual Cities and also left the Land of Dawn.
She came to this small town at the edge of the Sea Kingdom, using it as her temporary residence and hiding out for a while.
It was in this tranquil and beautiful place that
Tao Yao conceived many of the creative ideas for the "Old Flower Language" in the new mode.
The rhythm of the waves seemed to give her endless inspiration.
The warmth of the sun seemed to nurture one ingenious idea after another.
At this moment.
Tao Yao was immersed in a beautiful dream.
However, this tranquility was soon shattered.
A small figure suddenly appeared in the air.
It flapped its wings and hurriedly flew to Tao Yao's side.
This was the system fairy, Xiao Xiao.
"Master! Wake up quickly!"
Xiao Xiao exclaimed anxiously, her voice tinged with panic.
Tao Yao remained motionless, still lost in her dreams.
"Master! All the new mode content we prepared is almost about to be cleared by players!"
Xiao Xiao continued to shout loudly, her tone growing more urgent.
Upon hearing this, the girl lying on the chair finally reacted.
Tao Yao groggily opened her eyes, her gaze still somewhat unfocused.
"Master! Come to your senses!!"
Xiao Xiao continued to yell, her voice filled with urgency.
"Um? What's going on..." Tao Yao rubbed her eyes, her tone a bit lazy, "Isn't the new mode meant for players to clear? What's the big deal..."
"But this is too fast, right?!"
Xiao Xiao responded excitedly, "We've only made it to the 100th round, and we just completed the final adjustments yesterday, but today someone among the players is about to clear it... If that person had used the amplification item you specifically arranged for her, she probably would have cleared it by now!!"
Hearing this, Tao Yao finally fully woke up.
She sat up straight, her eyes flashing with surprise.
"Wait, what did you say? Someone is already about to clear it?"
Tao Yao asked, her tone filled with disbelief.
It was only at this moment that she began to grasp the situation.
She knew that the new mode she had prepared was intentionally designed with difficulty in mind.
It got increasingly difficult as it progressed.
Even if players were brilliant,
Logically speaking, they wouldn't be able to clear it for several days.
And during this period,
It was her prepared vacation time.
But now, just as her vacation was beginning, Xiao Xiao told her someone was about to clear the game?
"Yes!"
"And that player didn't use the Tao Flower Lotus Soup! I guess if she had been willing to use it, with her current progress, she would have cleared it by now!"
Tao Yao remained silent for a moment before continuing to ask, "Who is about to clear it?"
Xiao Xiao's tone was filled with disbelief as well.
"Master, it's a player named Hua Yu."
"She just finished a twelve-hour live stream and has gone to rest now."
"But even so, her progress in the new mode is the fastest, far ahead of second place!"
Upon hearing the name Hua Yu, Tao Yao's eyebrows slightly raised, and a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.
Of course, she knew this player and had even watched some videos made by her.
In her impression, Hua Yu seemed to have a special fondness for Tao Yao, often expressing her support and affection for her in the videos.
As a game character, being so beloved by players naturally brought joy to Tao Yao.
She just didn't expect that Hua Yu possessed such impressive gaming skills.
"You say she didn't use the items I prepared?"
Tao Yao continued to inquire, her tone filled with curiosity.
"Yes, Master."
"She insisted on not using the Tao Flower Lotus Soup. It's said that it's a gift you gave her, and she doesn't wish to waste it. Even when persuaded by the viewers in the live broadcast room, she still firmly held to her opinion and refused to use it."
Upon hearing this, Tao Yao couldn't help but rub her temples, her brows slightly furrowing.
The purpose of preparing such items was to allow players to have more options when facing powerful monsters, alleviating the pressure of subsequent gameplay.
She didn't expect that Hua Yu would stubbornly refuse to use it.
Tao Yao fell into thought, her fingers gently tapping on the armrest of the chair.
After a moment, she spoke up:
"How about this; when she continues preparing to clear the game, notify me. At that time, we won't use that rigid doppelganger; I'll personally go help her."
"I understand, Master."
Xiao Xiao nodded in response. Then, as if she thought of something, her tone turned a little hesitant.
"Uh... Master, since you're preparing not to use that doppelganger, do I still need to act as Little Fox?"
In response to Xiao Xiao's question, Tao Yao slowly said, "What else would you do? The new mode has consumed so much popularity value that it's already a bit over budget... Besides having you act as this Little Fox, I have no other options."
"Alright..."
Xiao Xiao replied somewhat reluctantly, her wings drooping slightly.
Suddenly, as if Xiao Xiao remembered something important, she hurriedly continued speaking.
"By the way, Master, there's something I just remembered... I think it's necessary to tell you."
Tao Yao raised her eyebrows, asking, "Hmm? What's the matter?"
"The goddess who created me, apart from Xiao Xiao, also created many other beings, and the little fox you created in the new mode is one of them..."
Xiao Xiao's tone carried a hint of uncertainty.
As if she too was confused by this suddenly emerging memory.
Upon hearing this, Tao Yao was taken aback, a flash of surprise crossing her eyes. She hesitated and asked, "Do you mean... the Little Fox really exists?"
"Yes, Master."
Xiao Xiao nodded in confirmation, her tone gradually becoming serious.
"The Little Fox you envisioned is extremely similar to one I have in mind... almost identical."
Tao Yao's expression became serious as she pressed further, "Then why didn't you tell me this earlier?"
"I... I also don't know why..."
Xiao Xiao hurriedly explained, her voice filled with confusion and anxiety.
"I had no recollection of this previously, nor could I remember such a thing. But after your popularity value increased, I suddenly remembered it."
"It's as if a layer of fog had suddenly lifted a little corner, allowing me to see some previously obscured memories."
After listening to Xiao Xiao's explanation, Tao Yao fell into deep thought. She murmured, "Could this be a coincidence?"
This question seemed to be directed more at herself than seeking an answer from Xiao Xiao.
After a moment of silence, Tao Yao continued to ask, "So how much do you remember about that little fox now?"
Xiao Xiao's expression grew pained.
She shook her head vigorously, as if she were trying to retrieve something.
"Um... can't remember."
Xiao Xiao's voice was filled with frustration and defeat.
"It's like there's a thick layer of fog in between. I know there's something there, but I just can't see it clearly. This feeling is really uncomfortable..."
Seeing Xiao Xiao in such pain, Tao Yao felt some compassion. She gently said:
"Forget it, if you can't remember, don't force it. Since you say it's because my popularity value increased that you remembered this, then once my popularity value increases enough, you should be able to recall more."
She paused for a moment before continuing:
"And from now on, we just need to focus on what we should do. Concentrate on the tasks at hand, and other things can come later."
After hearing Tao Yao's words, Xiao Xiao's emotions seemed to calm down a bit.
It gently nodded.
"I understand, Master. I will keep working hard."
Tao Yao stood up and stretched lazily.
The sunlight fell on her, coating her in a layer of golden glow.
She gazed out at the distant sea, her eyes flickering with a thoughtful light.
...
Blue Star, morning.
Hua Yu walked into the familiar hospital entrance with a lively step.
A faint smile graced her face, and her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
As usual, she was there to visit her dearest younger sister, Hua Lei.
In the past few weeks, Hua Lei's condition had shown significant improvement.
The doctors were surprised by her recovery speed and even began discussing her potential discharge.
This news made Hua Yu overjoyed; she had already started planning how to arrange the house to provide the best care for her sister when she returned home.
Hua Yu gently pushed open the door to the hospital room, and her sister's familiar face came into view.
Hua Lei was half-reclining on the bed, holding a mobile phone, and immediately looked up when she heard the door.
"Sister!"
A brilliant smile blossomed on Hua Lei's face.
But soon, her expression turned a bit gloomy.
"Sis, did you stay up late playing the new mode? Look, you have dark circles under your eyes..." Hua Lei frowned, her voice carrying a hint of reproach.
Hua Yu was momentarily speechless, awkwardly touching her own face.
She truly didn't expect her fatigue to be so apparent,
That even her sister could see it at a glance.
"Uh... how did you know?" Hua Yu attempted to cover her embarrassment, but the unnatural tone in her voice exposed her unease.
Hua Lei's eyes sparkled mischievously upon hearing this.
She raised the mobile phone in her hand and said proudly, "I watched your live stream!"
This sentence hit Hua Yu like a thunderbolt, turning her face a noticeable shade of red, akin to a ripe apple.
Recalling her various performances during the live broadcast, she wished she could find a hole to hide in.
She clearly remembered how she had shouted wildly to clear the level, disregarding her image, and had even made some exaggerated gestures due to excitement.
These images replayed in her mind, filling her with unbearable embarrassment.
"Ah hem..." Hua Yu lightly coughed twice, trying to ease the awkward atmosphere. She put on a brave face and sat down beside the bed, attempting to change the subject.
However, Hua Lei wasn't ready to let it go. The younger sister blinked her eyes and curiously asked, "By the way, Sis, did you clear it later?"
Hua Yu sighed involuntarily and gently shook her head.
"No, I don't want to use that prop, but it seems like I can't clear it without it..."
Her voice carried a note of disappointment and helplessness.
Upon hearing her sister's response, Hua Lei's eyes suddenly lit up.
She sat up straight, excitedly saying:
"If you can't clear it, why not let me try?"
Hua Yu was taken aback, a bit unable to believe her ears.
She hesitantly looked at her sister.
"You?"
Hua Lei's face broke into a confident smile as she puffed out her chest and said:
"Of course! I'm a pro."