Chapter 281: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [281]
Luo Qing looked around, momentarily distracted by the lush scenery.
By the sequence of events Lumine had experienced, wasn't he supposed to fight some monsters and cleanse the corruption first? How had he suddenly appeared in front of the World Tree?
Still, since he was here, there was no point in stopping.
With a thought, he willed his consciousness to delve deeper into the World Tree's roots.
Before he could get closer, a faint, melodic humming reached his ears.
"This is..."
Luo Qing recognized the tune immediately—Forever Together.
It was the song the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had once hummed in his presence.
Following the sound, he weaved his way through the massive roots of the World Tree.
Finally, on the other side of the roots, he saw the source of the voice.
A figure stood there, petite and elegant, with skin as fair as snow and long, white hair tied in a high ponytail. She bore a striking resemblance to Nahida, though her aura felt more ancient and dignified.
The girl paused her humming and slowly turned around upon hearing his footsteps.
"Luo... Qing...?"
Her voice quivered as she spoke his name, as though struggling to believe what she was seeing.
This familiar figure... She remembered him vividly. He had disappeared in her arms during the Khaenri'ah War after shielding her from a fatal blow. How could he be standing before her now?
"Yes, it's me," Luo Qing said softly, his voice gentle as a flowing stream.
Though the girl looked nearly identical to Nahida, Luo Qing knew better.
This was not Nahida.
This was the former god of Sumeru, the Greater Lord Rukkhadevata.
"You... but you..."
Her voice trembled with emotion, her words faltering. She leapt down from the swing she had been sitting on, her small, bare feet landing on the soft earth.
Stumbling slightly, she ran toward him.
"I told you, didn't I? I would always stay by your side, my Lady of the Tree..." Luo Qing murmured, catching her in his arms.
He gently stroked her back, trying to calm the emotions surging within her.
"You really did..."
Her muffled voice came from his embrace, trembling with both joy and sorrow.
"But it's too late now..."
Her gaze drifted toward the towering World Tree, tears welling in her eyes and spilling down her cheeks.
"I can never... be your bride anymore..."
"Why not?"
Luo Qing chuckled softly, crouching to wipe away her tears with his thumb.
"Because of the forbidden knowledge that's corrupted you?"
"Luo Qing, it's already become part of me. Unless I'm erased, it will never go away..."
Her voice faltered as she continued, "I understand... you're here to erase me, aren't you?"
"Wrong answer."
Luo Qing flicked her forehead lightly, a playful smile on his lips.
"I'm here to bring you back, my bride-to-be. Didn't you once promise me you'd be my bride?"
"But..."
"No buts."
Luo Qing ruffled her hair gently, his smile warm and reassuring.
"When we get back, you can pick out a wedding dress you like."
"Eh...?"
Before Rukkhadevata could process his words, Luo Qing extended his right hand. A tender green sprout appeared, pulsating with vibrant life.
"This is..."
Rukkhadevata's eyes widened, unable to believe the pure vitality emanating from the sprout.
"It's something to help you become my bride~" Luo Qing teased, grinning.
With a soft pat, he pressed the sprout into her chest.
[Detecting residual soul...][Beginning fusion with existing remnants...]
[Fusion complete.]
[Target's soul integrity verified. Initiating physical restoration...]
[Detected non-target impurities. Proceeding with cleansing...]
[Impurities cleansed. Continuing restoration.]
"Luo Qing, what's happening to me?"
Rukkhadevata's voice trembled as she felt the transformation within her soul.
When the green sprout merged with her remnants, she realized something extraordinary was happening.
The corruption from the forbidden knowledge was being eradicated by a higher-dimensional force.
Not only that, but her fractured soul was being repaired. Even the pure dream fragment she had hidden away was being completed.
"I'll wait for you outside," Luo Qing said softly.
Seeing that the system notifications indicated everything was progressing smoothly, he knelt down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
Then he vanished, returning to the real world.
When Luo Qing opened his eyes, he was back in the dark cave.
The divine canister of knowledge in his hand was now riddled with cracks, as though a bird was about to break free from its shell.
The cracks spread wider, emitting a faint green glow.
Finally, a brilliant burst of light shot forth, illuminating the entire cave.
The light coalesced into a sphere, hovering in the air.
The sphere expanded, taking the shape of a girl curled up in slumber.
Gradually, her features became more defined under the radiant glow—delicate curves and a serene expression.
"She's almost here..."
Luo Qing murmured, watching the glowing silhouette as it dimmed.
When the light faded entirely, a girl stood before him. Her bare feet touched the grass, and her long, snow-white hair flowed gently down her back. Her closed eyes and calm expression made her look like she had just woken from a long sleep.
"Uh-oh..."
Luo Qing's face froze.
The girl was perfect, her form unblemished—but there was a glaring issue.
The sprout had restored her body—but not her clothing.
And of all things, Luo Qing hadn't prepared proper attire.
Technically, he had clothing in his system inventory, but it was... specialized combat gear. Definitely not appropriate.
"This is bad..." Luo Qing muttered, panic creeping in.
Just as he was about to move, the girl opened her eyes fully, her gaze locking onto him.
"Luo Qing..."
Her soft voice broke the silence as she whispered his name.
"Luo Qing..."
"Yes, it's me," Luo Qing replied, trying to keep his eyes from wandering downward.
"Or should I say... long time no see, my Lady of the Tree."
Before he could say more, the girl stepped forward and threw herself into his arms.
"Ah... Buer, you—"
The soft warmth of her embrace sent a jolt through Luo Qing. He swallowed hard.
Ah... This feels... too real.
"Luo Qing... this isn't a dream, is it? It's really you, right?"
Her voice quivered with happiness, her slender arms tightening around his waist as though afraid he would vanish again.
"It's me," Luo Qing said softly.
Awkwardly, he tried to figure out where to place his hands. She wasn't wearing anything, and though he'd casually declared her his bride earlier, groping her now felt... improper.
"You really did it..."
Rukkhadevata looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with joy.
"Uh..." Luo Qing cleared his throat, meeting her gaze.
"Maybe... we should find you something to wear first?"
"Eh?!"
---
Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!
Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].
Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?
Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!
— Furina ✨
Chapter 282: This Trainee Fatui Harbinger is Too Unreliable [282]
But Luo Qing's reminder brought her back to reality. Glancing down, she realized she was completely unclothed.
If not for her chest pressing against Luo Qing, barely covering her most private areas, she would have been entirely exposed.
"Luo Qing, I... um..."
A blush crept across Rukkhadevata's fair cheeks.
If she let go now, Luo Qing would see everything. But staying like this wasn't an option either—they couldn't just keep hugging while she was undressed.
"I, uh... I have clothes," Luo Qing said, locking eyes with her and, for the first time in ages, showing a hint of embarrassment.
"Mm..."
Rukkhadevata nodded shyly, her face still flushed as she nestled in his arms.
"Though... the outfit doesn't cover much. I hope you don't mind..."
With that, Luo Qing willed a garment from his system inventory. With a grab at the air, he produced a black-and-white lace outfit—a rather unconventional maid dress.
Unlike standard maid dresses with modest, full-length skirts, this one was exceptionally short. Calling it a micro-skirt would have been an understatement—any sway of the fabric would reveal the smooth curves beneath.
The back was completely open, the navel framed with frilly designs, and the neckline plunged scandalously low.
This was, embarrassingly, the most "decent" outfit he had in his inventory.
Guess I really need to start carrying proper clothes... Luo Qing thought, silently lamenting his oversight. With an awkward expression, he held out the outfit.
"Oh..."
Rukkhadevata accepted it, staring at the folded fabric. She didn't immediately register what kind of outfit it was.
"Um... Luo Qing, could you turn around? Don't... don't peek, okay?"
"Of course."
Luo Qing carefully shifted his body while still in her embrace, turning his back to her.
The warmth pressing against his back made his breath hitch. His entire body felt electrified by the soft sensation, and his breathing grew heavier.
After a few moments, the pressure eased as Rukkhadevata released her hold and stepped back.
Peeking at him over her shoulder and confirming he wasn't looking, she unfolded the garment.
"Eh...?"
The black-and-white maid dress left her momentarily speechless.
This design... it's definitely Luo Qing's taste.
Glancing at his slightly tense back, she sighed softly, her green eyes shimmering with a mix of indulgence and exasperation—like a parent giving in to a mischievous child.
Lifting her foot, she began stepping into the skirt.
"Luo Qing... why isn't there any underwear?"
"Ah, well, about that..."
It'd just be inconvenient, wouldn't it?
"Sorry, Buer. I didn't think of that..." Luo Qing said, scratching the back of his head awkwardly.
"It's fine... no underwear is fine..."
Her voice carried a faint trace of amusement, coupled with the sound of fabric sliding over skin as she adjusted the outfit.
"I... I'm done," she said a little while later, her voice tinged with shyness.
"You can turn around now, Luo Qing."
"Alright..."
Luo Qing turned and was immediately stunned.
The black-and-white lace maid dress hugged Rukkhadevata's figure perfectly, emphasizing her curves and grace. The short skirt barely reached mid-thigh, revealing just enough to make his heart race.
Her silver hair cascaded down her back, framing her delicate features and flushed cheeks.
"Sorry, Buer. This is the only thing I had..." Luo Qing said, clearly embarrassed.
He did have other outfits in his inventory, but they were even less appropriate. In hindsight, he felt mortified. He'd remembered to prepare clothes during other revivals but had somehow forgotten this time—for someone as significant as Rukkhadevata, no less!
"This is unforgivable..."
"It's okay," Rukkhadevata said softly, shaking her head. Her silver hair swayed gently with the motion. With her hands clasped behind her back, she looked up at him with a faint blush.
"As long as you like it, Luo Qing, I don't mind."
"Ah, this..."
That direct response hit Luo Qing like a punch to the gut.
Is her affection meter maxed out already?!
"Luo Qing, where are we?"
Rukkhadevata looked around, her green eyes scanning the dimly lit cave. The glow of the two Gnoses and bioluminescent fungi revealed faint outlines of the cave walls.
She instinctively tried to release her divine senses to survey the area but found herself unable to do so.
"My power..."
She stared at her hands, her expression clouded with confusion.
"That's what I need to explain," Luo Qing said, stepping closer.
"Buer, I'm sorry. To cleanse the corruption from your soul, I had to retain only your soul and memories while reshaping your body."
"The new body doesn't possess your previous powers, so you can no longer use your divine abilities."
"In other words..."
"I'm no longer a god, but an ordinary person now?" Rukkhadevata asked gently.
"Yes."
Luo Qing nodded solemnly. The effects of the Verdant Rebirth Sprout were absolute, and there was no way to alter the outcome.
"I'm sorry, Buer..."
"You don't need to apologize."
She shook her head softly and stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist and resting her head against his chest.
"For me, there's only one thing left unfinished. Whether I'm a god or a human, it doesn't change that."
"What is it?" Luo Qing asked.
"You already said it just now, didn't you?"
She looked up, her emerald eyes sparkling with playful warmth. Her serene, breathtaking beauty was tinged with a mischievous charm.
"I want to be your bride."
"Uh..."
"And what about Nahida?" Luo Qing finally asked after a long pause, hesitating before voicing the question.
"You mentioned she's connected to me. I'd like to know more..."
His chest tightened as he awaited her response, dreading the possibility that she might say: "Yes, she's our daughter."
"Nahida..."
Rukkhadevata's expression softened with a maternal warmth.
"She is our child."
"..."
Luo Qing's brain short-circuited, his thoughts grinding to a halt.
Her words hit him like a thunderclap, leaving him dazed.
"She... she really is... our..."
"Our what?"
Rukkhadevata tilted her head, looking adorably curious.
"Y-you know..." Luo Qing stammered. "Our... biological... child?"
"Eh?"
Rukkhadevata's face turned red, her composure faltering.
"That's impossible! Nahida is a branch of the World Tree. How could she be biological? Besides, we haven't even..."
"Oh, so it's not like that..."
Luo Qing let out a massive sigh of relief.
"That's good... That's really good..."
---
Ahem! Gather close, esteemed audience! Do you comprehend the privilege of basking in my radiance? Truly, you're witnessing history in the making—a performance unparalleled in the annals of Fontaine!
Ah, but don't get distracted! Let me be clear: this brilliance isn't conjured from thin air. No, no, no! It requires effort, dedication, and… well, a touch of your generosity. If you fancy being part of something truly extraordinary, do step forward here: [patreon.com/WiseTL].
Oh, but wait! You're probably wondering, "Furina, how can someone as magnificent as you need assistance?" To that, I say: why deny mortals the honor of contributing to such greatness? Supporting me is supporting art, and who doesn't want to say they were instrumental in a legend's rise?
Now, off you go. Make your offerings, and perhaps, perhaps, I'll acknowledge you in my next soliloquy!
— Furina ✨
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