"Hello everyone, welcome to Little Gui's live stream!"
"A new main quest has arisen; we cannot stand still!"
"Join me as we follow the Astral Express Crew towards the Alchemy Commission!"
Excitedly, Guinaifen began narrating her experience within the stream.
The Alchemy Commission was known as a coastal blessed land, and Guinaifen had heard much about it beforehand. However, she never had the opportunity to visit until now. Through the lens of the game, she could finally witness its scenery firsthand.
Her mood was exceptionally high as soon as she arrived on this map, greeted by the sounds of waves crashing against the shore and seagulls calling out.
Closing her eyes, she could almost feel the refreshing sea breeze.
As Guinaifen continued exploring the map, something unexpected occurred.
A corpse suddenly appeared on the ground before her.
Yes!
Out of nowhere, a Mara-Struck body lay sprawled across her path.
She proceeded further.
More diverse corpses emerged—some strewn across steps, others blocking the road.
"This, this..."
"Who's so disrespectful, just littering with bodies everywhere..." Her initial excitement for sightseeing vanished instantly!
I'm not here to take photos and check off locations; I'm here to complete the main quest! Guinaifen reminded herself.
In the previous storyline,
the Roaming Cloud Riders had engaged directly with the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.
It seemed that the primary battlefield was within the Alchemy Commission itself.
"So many Cloud Knights have fallen."
"The intensity depicted in the game is probably only one-tenth of what it would be in reality."
"Thankfully, this game exposed Ruo Fu's vulnerabilities beforehand, allowing the Cloud Knights to launch a devastating surprise attack on Medicine King's Secrets. Otherwise, this grim scenario might have become true!"
"Gratitude to the developers, Feathered Spirit!"
"This game's significance goes beyond just entertainment! I feel it could bring peace to the universe!"
"A bit dramatic, mate, but I'm proud to be a Stellar Jade player!"
As the Astral Express Crew marveled at the enormity of the scene, Tingyun remarked, "Benefactor, you exaggerate; this hardly counts as significant..."
"Centuries ago, an Emanator from [Abundance], seeking to seize the Tree of Foundation, led an invasion on Luofu. They nearly destroyed half of the celestial abodes and decimated the Cloud Knights, leaving barely one in ten survivors."
"For eternal life beings, such past events scarcely qualify as history—it might as well be 'yesterday.' Compared to that, what we see here today is merely a minor skirmish."
Guinaifen couldn't help but comment, "Tingyun has quite the composure, remaining so unruffled amidst all these corpses. Even March struggles to crack jokes here."
The crew took a tour around the encampment.
They encountered shaken Cloud Knight soldiers alongside captured, frenzied disciples. Overall, the current battle situation was far from optimistic.
Rumors suggested that the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus employed a bewitching technique capable of disturbing minds, even transforming the Cloud Knights into Mara-stricken states, forcing them to turn against each other!
Upon Fu Xuan's return, she reported her observations of the enemy situation one by one.
It turned out that deep within the Alchemy Commission, numerous pill furnaces had been erected by the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.
Currently, the smoke emanating from these vats rapidly induced eternal life beings into Mara-Stricken states.
To dismantle these pill furnaces, they could only rely on members of the short-lived race—the Astral Express Crew!
"Alright, alright, looks like we're stepping up as surprise reinforcements once again," Guinaifen remarked, nearly accustomed to this role by now.
After several battles and shutting down three small pill furnaces, it was time to head for the Aureate Elixir Furnace and confront the Archon, the ultimate boss of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus!
"The vats...have been extinguished," murmured the leader of the Disciples before a massive pill furnace.
"No matter; what must come has finally arrived."
Welt, March 7th, Stelle, Tingyun, and Fu Xuan approached together.
"Dan Shu, meeting you again so soon." Guinaifen greeted her warmly.
During their earlier side quest with the Disciples, this leader had left a deep impression on Guinaifen. Despite being born blind, she had dedicated herself to medicine, healing others, and even supported young girls who shared similar fates. Yet such a person turned out to be the leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus—betraying Xianzhou and orchestrating this grand-scale conflict.
"Back then, the Tree of Foundation enveloped the Roaming Immortal Ark like a living entity. Our clan dominated the star seas, unmatched and invincible. Every individual could attain immortality, freely transcending their form. The Miracle of Abundance descended upon all nine arkships—a truly glorious era..." Dan Shu sighed wistfully.
"But look at us now—how far has the ark fallen?! Subjugated by demonic bows, suffering under the tyranny of Abundance, even forced to forsake longevity by the Ten-Lords Commission..."
"A lament indeed. I do not blame you for your ignorance; we were not born during the time when the Tree first descended, witnessing those wonders firsthand. However, today, there remains a chance to restore ancient traditions..." Dan Shu continued mournfully.
Fu Xuan stepped forward, interjecting, "I thought you might offer some profound insight, but it's merely the tired old rhetoric about seeking power at any cost, abandoning our humanity."
"The ancestors of Xianzhou fought alongside the Arbiter, destroyed the Tree of Foundation, established the Ten-Lords Commission to govern life and death—all to reclaim human existence anew."
"As for Adepts? There are no such beings on this ark. What 'Miracle of Abundance,' what manipulation of life and death? Your actions are nothing more than monstrous depravity!"
"Well said, Lord Fu Xuan!"
"Dan Shu, this time, you won't escape again!"
"Trading others' lives for your own immortality—truly laughable!"
"He's getting fired up! Quick, play 'Wildfire'!"
"For the Arbiter!"
"We'll grant you release right now!"
Guinaifen's gaze turned serious—she was fully committed to this battle now!
On the opposing side stood the newly introduced enemy type, "Disciple Leader of Sanctus Medicus," following the game update.
Unfamiliar with their abilities, she immediately brought March 7th and Natasha, two survival-focused characters! For support, she chose Tingyun.
Jing Yuan, as the sole main DPS, would lead the charge—a three-support-one strategy!
It proved that Guinaifen's choice was spot-on. The opponent had weaknesses against Physical, Ice, and Lightning attributes, making her team nearly perfectly suited to counter them!
March 7th's shield and Natasha's Skill could also dispel the enemy's petrification effects.
After almost ten minutes of intense combat,
they finally reduced the Disciple Leader of Sanctus Medicus to just 2% health!
Their own characters' HP fluctuated wildly throughout, but thankfully, they all survived.
Now, it only awaited Jing Yuan's Divine Monarch strike to finish off the leader of the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus!
"Goodbye, Dan Shu!" Guinaifen made a downward motion, as if controlling the Divine Monarch herself at that moment.
"Woosh!"
"I've taken down the Disciple Leader of Sanctus Medicus!"
A flush of excitement appeared on her face.
Who said turn-based games couldn't be immersive?!
However, the battle wasn't over yet!
Dan Shu gasped for breath, barely managing to speak, "Why... Why is it? She clearly stated..."
"The descent of the Tree of Foundation... would grant us immortal celestial bodies—"
"So the one who bestowed upon us the Stellaron... this means..."
Guinaifen's excitement evaporated entirely as she focused intently on every word Dan Shu uttered.
On her deathbed, Dan Shu was revealing astonishing secrets!
"Phantylia... The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus have succeeded..."
"It's time for Lord Ravager to fulfill his promise... Quickly! Now is the moment!"
Dan Shu's gaze shifted towards someone standing behind the protagonist group, observing the battle all along.
"Tsk tsk, why force me to intervene personally? It goes against my aesthetic of Destruction... little pawn," Tingyun said with a resigned and indifferent tone.
Guinaifen was utterly dumbfounded, scarcely believing her eyes!
In the live stream chat, question marks flooded the screen:
"???????"
"Huh?"
"What's wrong with you, Tingyun?!"
"Tingyun, what strange things are you saying?!"
"Miss Tingyun, don't take another step forward!"
Witnessing Tingyun's sudden betrayal, Guinaifen could hardly believe her eyes! She had never suspected Tingyun at all.
In fact, she felt that this fox maiden possessed the unique cunning and wisdom characteristic of Xianzhou inhabitants. Although lacking the altruistic intent seen in the Train Regiment, she embodied a true representation of many within the Xianzhou society.
Yet, it was precisely this character who always hid during perilous moments...
Who turned out to be the hidden mastermind all along!!!
At that moment, Tingyun gently shook her head, approaching Dan Shu with a courteous smile.
"Well, it seems I must find another way to shatter the Xianzhou from within... How unfortunate."
"I wanted more time to observe..." As she spoke, she extended a finger and lightly flicked the Mara-Struck Soldier.
***
A burst of flames erupted from beneath the ground.
"Since you've received the boon of [Abundance],"
"surely you can withstand...the blessing of Destruction?"
Amidst the purple fire,
the Mara-Struck Soldiers emitted agonized screams.
However, it was not long before they fell silent.
For they had been transformed into Voidrangers of the Antimatter Legion!
Tingyun seemed highly satisfied with this outcome.
Turning around, as if showcasing his masterpiece to the Astral Express Crew, he twisted his neck to its humanly impossible limit.
With a sudden "crack," his head formed a grotesque angle, yet his face still bore a radiant smile.
This sight sent shivers through Guinaifen and Sushang, eliciting simultaneous shrieks like frightened mice:
"Aaaaaahhh...!!!"
"Shangshang, didn't you say you'd protect me?! Why are you screaming even louder than I am? Ahh!"
In the live stream chat:
"Fuck, fuck, fuck!"
"Huh???"
"What's happening to Tingyun?!"
"It was just a slight shock at first, but now I'm terrified thanks to Little Gui and Shangshang."
"This episode scared me to tears when I watched it as a kid."
"Mama, can you get me a new pair of pants?"
"I'm seriously a hardcore Tingyun fan, do you know how this scene affects me?! Oh my dear Miss Tingyun, waaaaah!"
Just as Tingyun collapsed,
a radiant glow enveloped her body, and from within emerged a golden flame.
"My esteemed benefactors, allow me to reintroduce myself—"
The voice was no longer Tingyun's soft and delicate timbre but resonated like metal struck with jade, carrying a hint of condescending mockery:
"I am Lord Ravager, Phantylia."
"I have come here to shatter this Xianzhou, bringing about its self-destruction!"
As she spoke, a new battle commenced.
This time, their adversaries were entirely from the Antimatter Legion.
Guinaifen patted Sushang on the back and gently pinched her cheeks.
The child's face had turned pale with fright.
After pouring her a cup of warm water, Guinaifen joined the fray.
Having spent so much time aboard Xianzhou, encountering these monsters from the Antimatter Legion now felt almost familiar!
There were no resurrections, no negative effects—just pure damage output!
Swiftly, two waves of enemies were defeated.
Phantylia's voice echoed once more.
"The ones targeting this Xianzhou aren't Feng Feng or Xing Xiao—you're quite fortunate, you know."
"As for me, I abhor causing destruction with my own hands..."
"Unfortunately, the General insisted on showcasing me, so Phantylia must reluctantly perform."
"It's time to fulfill our engagement; please excuse me as I take my leave. May you enjoy your playtime with these actors..."
After defeating all their foes, they found that Phantylia had vanished.
Old Yang spoke up, "That flame called herself Lord Ravager, Phantylia. I've heard this name before from other members of The Nameless."
"She is one of the seven Monarchs under Nanook, reveling in the self-destruction of mortals. Many beings have been lured by her into an abyss from which there is no return..."
"In other words, the young woman from the Sky-Faring Commission was already bewitched and became a pawn of the Antimatter Legion?" Fu Xuan asked.
"I don't believe so. Phantylia delights in both spiritual and physical annihilation, guiding mental collapse towards bodily demise."
"But Tingyun's mannerisms didn't seem like those of someone bewitched or controlled. If she isn't the original Tingyun, it's more likely that Phantylia assumed her form," Fu Xuan continued.
"Uncle Yang, do you mean that the real Tingyun still..." March 7th spoke with a glimmer of hope.
"I'm sorry, March 7th, I cannot provide a definitive answer. With the disappearance of Tingyun's original body, we have no means to determine their whereabouts or when they were replaced. It remains merely my personal speculation...and wishful thinking. If it truly was Tingyun, why would Phantylia bother to erase evidence by transforming them? Wouldn't leaving the body before their friends align more with her aesthetic of destruction?"
"I believe this is precisely Phantylia's aim—to plunge us into chaos and suspicion, fully ensnaring us in her malicious plot."
Guinaifen took several deep breaths, gradually coming to terms with this reality.
Moreover...
Even now, within her team, there was a character named Tingyun.
"Then the Tingyun I drew, could she also be Phantylia in disguise...?"
"So not only did they share a Synergy fate, but there was also a hidden Destruction destiny lurking beneath? No wonder they often became the target of enemy fire..."
In the live stream chatroom, viewers were thrown into disarray!
"Lord Ravager infiltrated even inside the ship?! Mom, I'm scared!"
"Now I can't look at the Tingyun in my team without feeling uneasy."
"Don't worry, everyone, your Tingyun characters are genuine."
"Freaking out so much, my internet connection stuttered!"
"I saw Miss Tingyun just this morning! Oh no!"
"The Lord Ravager infiltrated the Xianzhou itself? Mommy, I'm scared!"
"I can't look at Tingyun in my team straight anymore."
"Don't fear, everyone; your Tingyun characters are genuine."
"Damn, Yuzhao's internet lagged from fright."
"I saw Miss Tingyun just this morning! She was listening to tales near the Exalting Sanctum! Now you're telling me Tingyun is actually the Lord Ravager?!"
"Capture her, capture her now!"
"Hurry and summon General Jing Yuan!"
"Don't panic! According to reliable information, the Roaming Cloud Riders have already initiated pursuit of Phantylia, and General Jing Yuan himself has gone directly to confront her."
"The Divine Strategy General anticipates events like a god!"
"Where will the final battle take place? I need to flee for my life, quick!"
"No worries, the General won't let that fiend harm any innocents!"
Within the Divination Commission.
Fu Xuan's expression was grave.
Based on previous plot developments, she had already deduced the general situation. Apart from the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, there were indeed external forces coveting Ruo Fu.
Now, this unfolding scenario confirmed her suspicions.
The one who brought the Stellaron was none other than the Emanator of Destruction, Phantylia.
Fu Xuan had already contacted Jing Yuan, seeking updates on his end.
After several minutes of waiting for the connection to establish,
finally, a response came through.
Jing Yuan's projection appeared over the sand table.
"Minister Fu, what brings you here?"
With a grave expression, Fu Xuan said, "Jing Yuan, I've just finished reviewing the plot developments, and it's confirmed that the one bringing the Stellaron is indeed from the Demon army—Phantylia!
"She undoubtedly aims to meddle with the Tree of Foundation, intending to seize Luofu's very essence. You must ensure all necessary preparations are in place!"
Jing Yuan nodded. "I've been following the plot as well."
"Regarding Phantylia, the Astral Express Crew informed me beforehand. Rest assured, I will minimize the disaster to the lowest possible extent."
"The traitor within Luofu shall be dealt with by you."
"Don't worry, leave it to me."
After ending the connection, Fu Xuan sat down slowly, releasing a deep breath.
"I can't tell if Jing Yuan's confidence is feigned or if he truly has everything under control..."
"Well, regardless, since he's expressed his readiness, I'll focus on my own tasks."
"This time, we owe much to this game."
"The Stellaron explosion minimized the impact on the growth of the Tree of Foundation."
"Now, it's up to you, Jing Yuan."
Within the Palace of Astrum, Yukong clenched her jaw tightly, her hand gripping the teacup trembling slightly.
With a sudden crack, the jade tea cup shattered under her grip.
"Damn Phantylia..."
"Damn Lord Ravager!"
"To manipulate Tingyun and then..."
Her eyes blazed with fury, almost as if flames were about to erupt from them!
She urgently called for General Jing Yuan!
In no time, his projection appeared before her.
"General, how is the situation on your end?"
"If preparations for the expedition against Phantylia have already begun..."
"I, Yukong, request permission to join the battle!"
Jing Yuan smiled slightly and responded, "Yukong, please calm down first."
"I understand you're deeply angered by what happened to Tingyun, and I empathize with your feelings."
"We will ensure that Phantylia pays the price it deserves."
"'We'?" Yukong paused, taken aback.
"Yes, there are already sufficient forces participating in this expedition against Phantylia. Yukong, your priority now should be to compose yourself and maintain the security of Xianzhou's internal airspace."
"And then,"
"simply await our victory news!"
Yukong glanced at the live-streamed scene unfolding before her.
In the game's storyline, they too were preparing to launch their campaign against Phantylia!
She closed her eyes briefly, and upon reopening them, she resumed her usual cold and resolute demeanor.
"Thank you, General."
"I will continue monitoring the situation here."
"If needed, Yukong stands ever ready to fight for Xianzhou!"