As Expected of Lord Skyfire

It's not that she doesn't want to see the power of Shenzhou develop and support the future of civilization.

However, compared to the Schicksal and Anti-Entropy, who each possess a portion of the legacy of Previous Civilization, Shenzhou has too little foundation, and low-key development is their only option.

Furthermore, with the Herrscher appearing one by one, the Finality drawing ever closer. Under these circumstances, it's best to minimize the number of voices that dominate the world— the Previous Civilization has already demonstrated the consequences of a chaotic and diverse power structure, Fu Hua doesn't want to see the same thing happen again.

"You can talk to me about these things slowly when you have time. I'm not bragging, but when it comes to fighting Honkai Beast, you're worth hundreds of me. But when it comes to politics and public opinion, the gap between us is despairing. So leave these issues to me. When you're free, you can daydream or practice your boxing. That's your job."

Cang Xiaoxuan offered his advice in a serious tone, and then affectionately patted Fu Hua's forehead, just like he would pat a large dog at home.

Fu Hua agreed, but also smiled rather awkwardly.

"Well, I do have a big problem right now, and I wanted to discuss it with you."

"And we have to avoid Little Anqi, right?"

How did you know?

"Who do you take me for? I am the Grand Steward of Great Void Mountain, the personal little book spirit of Immortal Crimson Heron, the intelligent and wise Book of Cang Xuan! I can see through your little schemes even with my eyes closed!"

Cang Xiaoxuan tilted her head dismissively.

Fu Hua's thoughtful, hesitant, and lingering demeanor in the middle of the night, Cang Xiaoxuan could guess most of what was going on after just a couple of glances.

This was also the main reason why she temporarily sent Anqi away.

All I can say is that the wise and intelligent Chief Steward of Great Void Mountain truly lives up to his reputation!

So simple but delicious tea and snacks were laid out in the courtyard, and a group of elders from Great Void Mountain sat around them, listening to Fu Hua tell them about Anqi.

The birth and conspiracy of the Herrscher of Thunder, the fall of Changkong City, Anqi's past of losing her parents and being bullied, followed by her awakening and killing some of her bullies, then enrolling in school, and then to the present... she hesitates to approach the truth that is so close at hand.

After a brief narration, only a cool mountain breeze blew through the courtyard, and no one spoke.

Ji Lin silently sipped his tea, holding the teacup and feeling its smooth, rounded surface, before lowering his eyes in silence.

'It's a strange feeling to hear these things from other people.'

The hatred for one's parents is something that can never be forgotten.

Although the disappearance of the mastermind Cocolia has eased some of those emotions, Anqi is far from being indifferent, and perhaps never will be.

Cang Xiaoxuan pressed his forehead and sighed softly:

"I knew it! This blockhead would come up with something this difficult and complicated!"

"Feel sorry."

"No, I'm not blaming you, I was just saying. Anqi has a serious problem. It hasn't been easy for her to get to where she is today. We must make a thorough plan to prevent anything from happening to her again."

That's what they say, but Cang Xiaoxuan understands how tricky the problem is.

It's easier to handle when you know nothing about the truth, but when you've guessed the truth but stop there, it's truly impossible to know where to begin.

"Personality and abilities are shaped by the environment. That child's caring yet extremely vengeful nature was probably brewed in the despair of losing everything. In that light, behind that child's well-behaved and sensible demeanor, his emotions and reason are probably already on the verge of collapse. We must be extremely cautious and think twice before we act. Ji Lin, what do you think?"

Seeing Ji Lin's calm expression, Cang Xiaoxuan casually asked a question.

Ji Lin blinked blankly.

What was that again?

I take care of people because I like them, and besides, I'm already an expert at housework, so it's just something I do casually. As for holding grudges, I held grudges from my past life. For example, that old classmate who stole my research paper is still not graduating because of my little tricks. It probably has little to do with my experiences in this world, right?

Ji Lin took a sip of tea, moistened his lips, and then slammed his hand on the table, saying:

"I think Xiaoxuan is right. Anqi is such a pitiful child. We have to support her!"

Cang Xiaoxuan, Fu Hua, and A-Lin all nodded, acknowledging Ji Lin's correct but seemingly pointless statement.

Afterwards, the people of Great Void Mountain fully exchanged their opinions.

Cang Xiaoxuan was mainly analyzing the situation, while Fu Hua occasionally chimed in, and the clueless A-Lin and the pretending-to-not-understand Ji Lin nodded in agreement throughout.

However, they ultimately failed to come up with a foolproof strategy.

There is no perfect strategy for this kind of problem; Anqi will always get hurt, it's just a matter of degree.

After pondering for a long time, Cang Xiaoxuan shook his head wearily and sighed:

"Actually, at this point, prior arrangements are no longer very meaningful. What's important is that on the day the truth is revealed, we must have the confidence to protect Anqi no matter what. In other words, the key now is not Anqi or anyone else, but you, you blockhead!"

"Um?"

"You've become weak, so weak that Otto Apolcalypse can easily manipulate you, so weak that in the current situation you can't even be sure of protecting Anqi's life. The weak have no choice, and that's the root of your anxiety."

Cang Xiaoxuan said decisively, his gaze towards Fu Hua carrying a sharp light.

Fu Hua's hands trembled, and after a moment, she pursed her lips and lowered her head in silence.

Yes, if she were still the invincible Immortal Crimson Kite, then whether she supported Anqi to the end, stopped the conflict between Anqi and St. Freya's group while ensuring safety, or made other choices, it would all be Fu Hua's freedom.

But now, no matter which path she chooses, she has no absolute certainty.

The root cause of having no choice is a lack of power.

"My injuries are too severe. My body and mind are both overwhelmed... You're right. The reason I'm so uneasy is because I know that even if I risk my life, I can't absolutely protect Anqi."

"Then the problem becomes simpler. Don't dwell too much on the harm that can't be stopped in time, but focus on the day that is bound to come! On Anqi's most vulnerable day, we must ensure that she gets through it unscathed before we talk about the future."

"But even Otto doesn't seem to have a good solution for my injury; it's impossible for me to recover!"

"Don't panic, I have other ways, I've been communicating and preparing for a while now. Also, don't forget those two silly girls over there, you're not alone, you blockhead."

Cang Xiaoxuan's voice carried a hint of amusement.

Fu Hua looked over as instructed, and saw Ji Lin and A-Lin smiling at her, their two beautiful, clear, gem-like eyes filled with support and encouragement.

Fu Hua was stunned for a moment, and then her anxiety for Anqi, which had been lingering for a long time, suddenly eased.

Chapter 173 As expected of Lord Skyfire

As soon as Gray Serpent entered the conference room, he saw Jackal lying face down on the table, her thick brown curly hair enveloping her hot and voluptuous body, but her motionless appearance made her look like some kind of large canine that had lost its soul.

"Skyfire, what's wrong with the Jackal?"

"I studied the data on Fusion Warrior day and night, so when I first entered the room, I was practically floating."

"So you were overworking."

Gray Serpent looked at the Jackal lying down, his tone softening slightly.

Who wouldn't give a thumbs up to colleagues who dedicate themselves to a great cause?

Skyfire, with an air of noble aloofness, crossed her chubby little legs and said calmly:

"Perhaps we shouldn't have given her so much information all at once. I see a familiar yet unsettling fanaticism in her."

"Uh, you mean... that sir?"

Gray Serpent thoughtfully touched the chin of the mask.

The core information about the Fusion Warrior is actually classified and has long been stored only in the Gray Serpent's data network, never being made available to the Jackal.

It wasn't that they didn't trust her, but rather that the Fusion Warrior experiments were extremely radical, and their results were highly unpredictable. The enormous energy expenditure and the highly volatile experimental outcomes did not align with World Serpent's consistent operational guidelines.

If it weren't for the return of Skyfire providing the force to absolutely suppress the experimental unrest, coupled with the timely request from Great Void Mountain to treat Fu Hua, this data might have been sealed in the Gray Serpent's database forever.

Gray Serpent had no objection to the release of information, but he did object to Skyfire's veiled criticism.

"I think you're overthinking it. There's no comparison between Jackal and Doctor."

The affirmative tone revealed Gray Serpent's absolute reverence for Mobius, the founder of the Fusion Warrior.

I, Gray Serpent, admit that Jackal is a decent colleague, and his research capabilities are barely at the level of a cultural treasure, but compared to that Doctor, he is far inferior in every sense.

Then the Jackal raised its head, its golden beastly eyes coldly fixed on the Gray Serpent.

"I think I heard you looking down on me?"

"Jackal, your eyes?"

"Oh, it's nothing. I just did a little modification on a whim. Don't worry about it."

"Are you crazy? You've only had access to this information for a few days, and you haven't even conducted any related human experiments yet, and you're already adding Honkai Beast genes into your body? You're courting death!"

The Gray Serpent shouted sternly.

With the Herrscher appearing one by one, the window of opportunity for the Stigmata Project is drawing ever closer. At this time, a person with excellent research capabilities is crucial, and Gray Serpent cannot accept Jackal's self-destruction at this crucial moment.

Then, he realized what Skyfire meant.

Putting everything else aside, this kind of madness that others can't understand does indeed have a bit of Mobius's style.

The Jackal leaned back leisurely, twisting his neck and shoulders to ease the heavy burden on his chest, and said nonchalantly:

"Fusion technology and Hypermutation Surgery are both mature technologies from Previous Civilization, not unverified theories starting from scratch. What's the big deal? Besides, I'm perfectly fine, aren't I? Not only did I not go berserk, but my physical abilities have also improved to a higher level, giving me more time for thinking and research in the future. This is truly a great thing!"

The Jackal admired his own beautiful, translucent nails, knowing that these delicate fingers, seemingly works of art, already possessed the power to tear apart soul steel, and smiled with satisfaction.

The Gray Serpent suppressed the shock in his heart, his scarlet electronic eyes flashing for a moment before he coldly said:

"This is a one-time exception. Your self-modification experiments are temporarily classified as taboo."

"Hey! Aren't we in the same grade? What gives you the right to boss me around? In terms of merit and hard work, what do I lack compared to you?"

"But you're not thinking straight right now! Before the Stigmata Project is successfully implemented, your body and mind cannot afford to have any problems, and you are not allowed to do anything reckless!"

"What the hell! You think I'm being condescending?!"

The Jackal slammed its hand on the table and stood up, its sharp claws piercing through the steel plate, leaving five holes in the table, while staring menacingly at the Gray Serpent.

The tension was palpable, and it seemed the two World Serpent executives were about to clash when suddenly, a flash of fire streaked across the gunpowder-filled air, leaving a bloody gash on the Jackal's face.

"Have you argued enough?"

Skyfire slowly lowered her small hand that was holding the Burning Sword. Her tiny body sat upright on the miniature throne, her expression indifferent, yet astonishing heat and terrifying pressure spread throughout the room.

A moment later, the Gray Serpent and the Jackal both lowered their heads.

"My apologies, I acted impulsively, Lord Skyfire."

"Tch! I got it!"

They made different sounds, but both of them appeared to be giving in.

Skyfire's expression softened slightly, and he said:

"Gray Serpent's concerns are not unfounded. Jackal, I respect your professional skills, but you still need to be cautious. I don't want to deal with an experimental accident one day that comes from your body."

"Okay, okay, I'll try to control myself from now on, alright?"

The Jackal muttered something as it sat down.

The Gray Serpent silently breathed a sigh of relief.

This shrewd and capable yet difficult-to-control colleague sometimes really gives him a headache, but thankfully Skyfire keeps him in check! As expected of Venerable Lord Kevin's Armed Doll, he is truly reassuring!

After routinely reinforcing his faith in Kevin and Skyfire, Gray Serpent coughed and got down to business.

"Great Void Mountain inquired again about the treatment of Lord Hua. Jackal, how is your research on those materials progressing? Are you confident?"

"No!"

"Huh? Didn't you even modify yourself?"

Gray Serpent loudly expressed his disagreement with Jackal's self-righteous words.

Then the Jackal impatiently tapped the table, crossed his arms, and said:

"If you read even a little more books, you'd know that every Fusion Warrior is different, a unique individual! Especially Fusion Warrior like Lady Hua, who has survived for 50,000 years and is involved in the mental realm. Over such a long period of time, her physical condition and the traumas she has suffered have undergone extremely complex changes. Plus, I haven't even touched her body yet, so it would be a miracle if I were confident!"

"I... you... you can't have made absolutely no progress, can you?"

Faced with the Jackal's reasoned and well-founded rebuttal, the Gray Serpent's momentum weakened, but it still pressed on with questions, unwilling to give up.

The Jackal paused for a moment, then sighed:

"Well, if I had to say, I should be confident in healing the physical injuries... but that's all I can do. However, I have reason to suspect that her truly dangerous injuries are not physical; that's the most troublesome part!"

"In the realm of spiritual matters, is it possible for me to seek help from Lord Su?"

Gray Serpent subconsciously looked at Skyfire.

Skyfire was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"There's no need to specifically search for Su. He's in the Chikai Ichijo, yet he can see everything. If he can take action, he will. If he doesn't, it's either because he's powerless to help, or because he's already seen something and doesn't need to intervene. Therefore, we can focus on the physical injuries."