Three people cautiously moved forward along the narrow passage, the surrounding darkness feeling suffocating.
Tao Yao led the way ahead, while Hiyakura and Forget-Me-Not closely followed.
Suddenly, Tao Yao stopped and whispered:
"Great Hiyakura is still in the city; she hasn't passed through here. She must still be inside the city."
Hiyakura, hearing this, couldn't help but show a look of confusion.
She tilted her head, blinked her big eyes, and asked in a slightly naïve tone:
"Huh? Tao Yao, how do you know that?"
Tao Yao turned around, looking at Hiyakura's adorable expression, a slight smile appearing at the corners of her mouth.
With a tone lightly laced with affection, she explained: "This is a little secret between me and Past Hiyakura. We agreed that if anyone were to use this secret passage, they must leave a mark at the entrance that only we two could understand."
She pointed to the wall of the passage and continued:
"You see, there's no sign from her here, so I can be sure she's still in the city."
"And with her personality, she definitely wouldn't abandon Cherry Blossom City!"
Hiyakura suddenly understood and nodded.
But Tao Yao's expression turned serious all of a sudden, and she said hurriedly: "Great Hiyakura might be in trouble! We need to hurry and help!"
The three quickened their pace, continuing deeper into the passage.
As they got closer to the city, the surrounding environment became increasingly chaotic.
When they emerged from the exit of the passage, the scene before them was shocking.
The entire city was engulfed in flames.
Thick smoke obscured the sky, and flames licked like greedy claws, constantly devouring the surrounding buildings.
Screams, cries, and the growls of Disaster Beasts intertwined, creating an apocalyptic scene.
Hiyakura stood frozen at the sight, her face filled with hesitation and terror.
Seeing this, Tao Yao immediately urged:
"What are we waiting for? Quick, save the people first!"
This shout startled Hiyakura into action.
She took a deep breath, gripped the great sword in her hand.
In this crystal world, the weapon she envisioned became incredibly real in her hands.
"Okay! I'm coming!"
Hiyakura shouted, swinging her great sword towards the nearest group of Disaster Beasts.
Her swordsmanship was skilled and powerful, each strike accurately hitting the vital points of the beasts.
At the same time.
Little Forget-Me-Not also showcased her unique extraordinary power for the first time.
As she wished.
She truly was an extraordinary warrior.
Forget-Me-Not brought her hands together, closed her eyes, and suddenly the air around her grew cold, with chunks of ice appearing around her, slowly swirling about.
These petals appeared fragile.
Yet when they touched the Disaster Beasts, they would instantaneously freeze them.
With their combined efforts, the surrounding Disaster Beasts were quickly cleared.
Tao Yao looked around and then pointed to a tall building not far away, saying:
"That's the largest shelter in the city. Let's take these survivors there first."
Hiyakura and Forget-Me-Not nodded in agreement.
They began guiding the panicked residents towards the shelter.
Along the way, Hiyakura's great sword and Forget-Me-Not cleared a safe path for everyone.
When the last batch of survivors entered the shelter safely.
Tao Yao's expression became increasingly anxious.
She said eagerly:
"This won't do. We can't keep going like this. Cherry Blossom City has been breached; there must be a powerful Disaster Beast responsible, or it's possible that a new kind of fairy has been born..."
She paused, her voice growing more resolute.
"We must find the source of the disaster and eliminate it completely!"
After saying that, Tao Yao rushed into the sea of flames.
Hiyakura and Forget-Me-Not followed closely behind.
Flames danced around them, and waves of heat hit them head-on.
But the three felt no fear.
They ran along the burning streets, leaping over collapsed buildings and dodging flying ashes.
Tao Yao occasionally stopped to assess the situation before decisively pointing the way:
"Go this way!"
Whenever they encountered obstacles or dangers, Hiyakura would swing her great sword to clear the path.
And Forget-Me-Not's ice would extinguish the flames around, creating a safe route for them.
However, as they moved closer to the city center, Tao Yao's expression became increasingly anxious.
Her gaze constantly scanned the surroundings, murmuring:
"Where is Great Hiyakura?"
The three continued down the street amidst the ever-increasing heat.
Forget-Me-Not's ice struggled against the high temperatures; the crystals she released melted swiftly, dissipating into steam in the air.
"The temperature here is too high!"
Forget-Me-Not gasped, beads of sweat forming on her forehead:
"Older Sister, I can't hold on much longer."
Tao Yao glanced back at the small Forget-Me-Not, a trace of worry flashing in her eyes.
She reached out and patted Forget-Me-Not's head, comforting her:
"It's okay; you're already doing great. From here on, it's up to me and Hiyakura."
Hiyakura tightened her grip on the great sword and nodded.
She swung the sword, parting the flames ahead to clear a path for the three.
However.
As they ventured deeper into the city center.
The flames grew fiercer, and even Hiyakura felt somewhat strained.
"This isn't ordinary fire..."
Tao Yao said with a furrowed brow, "It seems to have some sort of consciousness, blocking our way."
Just then, a violent explosion echoed from ahead, followed by a heart-wrenching scream.
The three exchanged glances and instinctively quickened their pace.
When they finally burst through a cloud of smoke, the sight before them left them all in shock.
In the center of the sea of flames, two figures were confronting each other.
One was a strange figure made of blazing fire.
And the other, they quickly recognized.
"Hiyakura!" Tao Yao exclaimed.
Before their eyes, Past Hiyakura was lifted high by the fire figure.
A hand made of flames tightly gripped her neck.
Past Hiyakura's body appeared so frail under the fire figure's grip, her once glorious dress now tattered and stained with ash and blood.
Her face was covered with burn marks, her eyes filled with pain and despair.
Hiyakura gasped at this scene, unable to breathe.
She had never seen Past Hiyakura in such a pathetic state; it was hard to imagine that the one she viewed as more mature and graceful than herself was now so helpless.
It seemed Past Hiyakura noticed the three coming.
Struggling to move her neck, she wanted to say something, but the fire figure held her throat tightly, preventing any sound.
However, from the shape of her lips, it was easy for the three to guess what she wanted to express:
"Go... go quickly..."
Seeing this, anger flared within Tao Yao.
She was about to step forward when the fire figure suddenly increased its grip.
Flames spread from the fire figure's hand, instantly igniting Past Hiyakura's entire body.
"Stop!"
Tao Yao let out a heart-wrenching scream.
Hiyakura and Forget-Me-Not were also stunned into silence by what lay before them.
They watched helplessly as Past Hiyakura was engulfed by flames, unable to intervene.
Tao Yao could no longer control her emotions.
Her eyes turned red, and an unprecedented aura emanated from her.
She stepped forward, her entire being resembling a pink lightning bolt, racing towards the fire figure.
"Let her go!"
Tao Yao's voice was filled with authority and strength, a stark contrast to her usual gentle demeanor.
The fire figure seemed to be momentarily thrown off by Tao Yao's intensity.
But quickly regained its arrogant posture.
It let out a shrill laugh, its voice reminiscent of metal scraping, sending chills down one's spine.
"Another foolish human who doesn't know their place," the fire figure scoffed, "What do you think you can do? In the face of absolute authority, you are all but pitiful ants!"
As soon as the words left its mouth, the fire figure swung its free hand, shooting a series of fireballs towards Tao Yao.
Tao Yao skillfully dodged while continuously closing in on the fire figure.
Her movements were as swift as lightning, her figure danced like a butterfly among the flames.
Hiyakura stared wide-eyed, stunned. She had never seen Tao Yao fight like this.
Suddenly, countless pink petals appeared around Tao Yao, swirling in the sea of flames, forming a unique defensive barrier.
What surprised Hiyakura even more was that those pink petals seemed to have a consciousness of their own.
They continuously tracked the fire figure's movements.
Each time the fire figure attempted to attack, the petals would swiftly gather and block the flames.
At that moment, Tao Yao made a move that surprised everyone.
She reached into her bosom and pulled out a pink crystal flower that radiated dazzling light.
The flower bloomed in Tao Yao's hands, seeming to come alive.
Hiyakura's eyes widened.
She watched as the crystal flower rapidly transformed in Tao Yao's hands, ultimately becoming a beautifully exquisite longbow.
The bow was inlaid with countless tiny crystals.
Under the fire's illumination, it sparkled with a dreamlike glow.
The fire figure was taken aback at this sight.
Its fiery form trembled slightly, shock and hesitation filling its voice:
"Who... who exactly are you?"
Tao Yao didn't answer; she simply silently nocked the bowstring, and an arrow formed from pink light appeared on the bowstring.
Her eyes were resolute, and she radiated an otherworldly aura.
Hiyakura realized then that she had never truly understood Tao Yao.
She had never seen Tao Yao pull out a weapon before.
This was even the first time…
The woman with the crystal longbow before her exhibited a strength beyond her imagination.
The fire figure seemed to realize the seriousness of the situation as well.
It roared, its flames surging with rage, forming a massive fireball aimed at Tao Yao.
However, Tao Yao merely relaxed her grip on the bowstring.
The light arrow shot forth like a meteor, piercing straight through the fireball.
With a loud boom, the fire figure noticeably shrank.
It let out a painful howl, incredulity flooding its voice:
"This is impossible! What are you?!"
Tao Yao didn't answer; her attacks surged forth like a tide.
Each arrow was incredibly precise, piercing the fire figure's body and taking away portions of its flames.
The fire figure struggled to retaliate.
But against Tao Yao, its attacks seemed so feeble and insignificant.
Throughout the entire battle, Hiyakura and Forget-Me-Not stood in awe.
They had never seen such an intense and magnificent fight.
Every movement of Tao Yao was filled with power and grace, as if she were performing a ballet of death.
In the end, under a particularly powerful light arrow.
The fiery figure completely crumbled.
"I will return! I will definitely return!"
It let out one final, unwilling roar before disintegrating into countless sparks, vanishing into the air.
As the fiery figure dissipated, the strange and evil flames wrapping around Past Hiyakura gradually extinguished.
Tao Yao immediately rushed over, tightly embracing the fallen Past Hiyakura.
"Hiyakura! Hiyakura!"
Tao Yao's voice was filled with anxiety and panic.
When she saw Past Hiyakura's condition, Tao Yao couldn't help but gasp.
The sight before her was heartbreaking.
Past Hiyakura had no part of her body that was whole.
Her once brilliantly flaming red hair had been burnt completely, only some charred remnants stuck to her scalp.
Her face was utterly ruined.
Her skin was covered in horrific burns and cracks, with some areas even revealing the bones beneath.
Every inch of her skin was charred black...
There were even spots still emitting bluish smoke, giving off the smell of burning.
Tao Yao trembled as she gently stroked Past Hiyakura's scarred cheek, her eyes filled with heartache and reluctance.
"Hiyakura... what happened? How could it end up like this..."
Just then, the present Hiyakura caught up.
When she saw this scene, she froze completely.
Her eyes widened, lips trembling slightly, seemingly unable to believe what lay before her.
Despite being so severely injured, Past Hiyakura miraculously still clung to life.
Her feeble breaths sounded exceptionally clear in the silent air.
"Very ugly, right?"
Great Hiyakura managed a smile, but the expression was horrifically distorted.
Tao Yao couldn't care less about Past Hiyakura's current jest; seeing that Past Hiyakura was still alive, she immediately said anxiously: "Hiyakura, don't be afraid, I'm going to save you!"
She raised her hand, preparing to use her fairy powers to heal Past Hiyakura's wounds.
However, at that moment, Past Hiyakura's fire-scarred hand suddenly grasped Tao Yao's wrist, stopping her actions.
"Don't... your fairy powers... shouldn't be used here..."
Past Hiyakura struggled to speak, her voice hoarse and weak.
"What are you talking about? Now is not the time for this! I must save you!" Tao Yao said anxiously, already beginning to channel her fairy powers, yet there was absolutely no effect.
Clearly, this wasn't her field of expertise.
Past Hiyakura said:
"Tao Yao... I... have something to say, you listen..."
"What time is it? The most important thing now is to rescue you quickly!" Tao Yao said eagerly.
Yet Past Hiyakura persisted, using all her strength, weak but resolute, saying: "Tao Yao, don't... go against my wishes... there are some things I must let you know. It's right now, here... you must listen to me..."
Seeing Past Hiyakura so insistent, Tao Yao finally nodded, "Okay... okay, I'll listen."
Past Hiyakura let out a slight sigh of relief, "Bring your ear... closer..."
Tao Yao bent down, pressing her ear to Past Hiyakura's lips.
The present Hiyakura stood aside, watching this scene, filled with curiosity and unease.
She saw Past Hiyakura whispering something in Tao Yao's ear.
But the content was inaudible.
After a moment, Tao Yao raised her head, her eyes shining with complex emotions.
"Did you hear clearly?" Past Hiyakura asked weakly.
Tao Yao nodded gently, "Yes, I heard clearly."
Past Hiyakura revealed a look of relief, and although her face was horrifically scarred, a trace of tenderness still shone through that smile.
"It's good that you heard clearly..."
Her smile, so twisted on the burnt face, still bore a heartbreaking beauty.
"Tao Yao... let me hug you..."
Past Hiyakura said softly.
Without a moment's hesitation, Tao Yao bent down and gently embraced Past Hiyakura.
The two held each other tightly, as if wanting to merge into one.
The present Hiyakura watched this scene, overwhelmed by indescribable emotions.
She felt both familiar and strange, both close and distant.
In this warm embrace, Past Hiyakura's breathing gradually weakened.
Her body started to grow cold, the breath of life slipping away bit by bit.
Tao Yao sensed this change.
She clung tightly to Past Hiyakura, wanting to say something, but found all words caught in her throat, turning into silent sobs.
Past Hiyakura's hand slowly slid down, the light in her eyes gradually dimming.
She gave Tao Yao one last glance, the corners of her mouth slightly lifting as if she wanted to say something, but ultimately could not say it.
Thus, in Tao Yao's embrace, Past Hiyakura slowly closed her eyes and fell into an everlasting sleep.
Tao Yao held Past Hiyakura's body, remaining frozen in place.
She gently stroked Past Hiyakura's scarred face, murmuring:
"Hiyakura... Hiyakura..."
The present Hiyakura stood aside.
Watching this heartbreaking scene, her heart was filled with complex emotions.
She felt confused and sorrowful, unable to accept this reality for a long time.
She never expected.
That death would come so suddenly.
She hadn't even reacted yet.
In the past, she had already died before her eyes.
At this moment.
The night wind gently blew by, carrying away the last wisp of ash.
In the ruins of the city, only Tao Yao remained, holding Past Hiyakura's body, motionless.
With Past Hiyakura's departure, the entire world seemed to fall into silence.
Tao Yao still embraced the scarred body, as if time had frozen at that moment.
The present Hiyakura stood by, her heart filled with complex emotions, unsure of what to do.
However, reality would not stop turning for the departure of one person.
Cherry Blossom City had just experienced a calamity, with so many affairs needing attention.
Hiyakura glanced at Tao Yao, still immersed in sorrow, realizing she needed to step up.
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down.
She felt like she needed to do something!
Thus, Hiyakura began to take charge of the post-disaster proceedings.
First, she contacted the city's emergency department to coordinate rescue efforts.
Many buildings had suffered varying degrees of damage under the fire figure's rampage and needed immediate safety assessments and repairs.
Hiyakura personally participated in the resettlement of the affected populace, ensuring everyone had a temporary place to stay.
Next, she organized the cleanup of the city's ruins.
During this process, Hiyakura noticed many residents voluntarily joining the rescue efforts, which brought her some comfort.
She coordinated various resources to ensure the cleanup proceeded smoothly while keeping an eye on residents who lost loved ones in the disaster, providing them psychological support.
In the gaps between handling these affairs, Hiyakura's gaze would unconsciously return to Tao Yao.
That lively and cheerful Tao Yao now stood like a statue, motionless beside Past Hiyakura's body.
This scene tore at Hiyakura's heart, but she knew there were more urgent matters to handle.
Day after day, Hiyakura busied herself with the city's rebuilding efforts.
She coordinated various forces to push for the revival of Cherry Blossom City.
Under her efforts, the city gradually regained its vitality.
However, whenever night fell, she would return to that place, looking at the still-motionless Tao Yao, her heart filled with helplessness.
Finally, one night, Hiyakura could no longer endure the silence.
She gently walked to Tao Yao's side, took a deep breath, and gathered her courage to speak:
"Tao Yao... she needs to rest now..."
These words seemed to break some kind of spell.
Tao Yao slowly raised her head, a complex light flashing in her eyes.
She softly said, "Don't worry, I'm fine."
Tao Yao's voice was somewhat hoarse but surprisingly calm. She continued, "After today, once I get over it, I will still be the Tao Yao you know. And now, I just want to keep her company for a while..."
Hiyakura was momentarily at a loss for words.
She thought Tao Yao would be crying uncontrollably or hysterical, but the Tao Yao before her appeared so tranquil, which made her even more worried.
What kind of emotional storm lay hidden behind this calm?
Hiyakura opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but ultimately chose silence.
She stood quietly beside Tao Yao, accompanying her through this long night.
At dawn, Tao Yao finally moved.
She slowly released the now-cold Past Hiyakura, gently laying her on the ground.
Then, Tao Yao raised her head, looking at Hiyakura, and said something that surprised Hiyakura: "Burn her, with your fire."
Hiyakura was taken aback; she could hardly believe her ears. Burn Past Hiyakura's body?
The suggestion felt unbearable to her.
After all, it was another version of herself from a different timeline; although she had passed away, burning her like this seemed too cruel.
However, when Hiyakura saw the determination in Tao Yao's eyes, she understood this wasn't a casual decision.
After a moment's hesitation, she finally nodded in agreement to Tao Yao's request.
Hiyakura took a deep breath and focused.
Flames began to ignite in her palm; at first, it was just a spark, but soon it turned into a blazing inferno.
She carefully directed the flames onto Past Hiyakura's body.
The fire began to consume the scarred body.
Hiyakura watched this scene, her heart filled with complex emotions. This was another version of herself, yet also a stranger.
The flames burned ever brighter, completely enveloping Past Hiyakura's body.
Just then, a surprising sight appeared.
As the body was engulfed in flames, a bright red flower suddenly emerged from the fire.
The flower was stunningly beautiful, as if it condensed all of Past Hiyakura's life essence.
The red flower bloomed in the flames, radiating a soft yet intense light.
Its petals sparkled like the finest silk under the illumination of the fire, shimmering with a dreamlike sheen.
The flower heart seemed to contain endless vitality, exuding an air of mysteriousness that was hard to describe.
Tao Yao and Hiyakura were stunned by this sudden sight.
They fixed their gaze on the red flower, seemingly mesmerized by its beauty, unable to look away.
The flames continued to burn, but the red flower remained completely unaffected.
It floated above the flames, dancing with their movements; the petals of the red flower sparkled with vibrant light, sometimes as fierce as the flames, and other times as gentle as moonlight.
"This is..."
Hiyakura recognized that flower.
"The Fairy Flower?"