A Thousand-Person Herrscher's Personal Opinion

The Gray Serpent remained silent, its expression indifferent.

After a long pause, Cocolia spoke in a soft, innocent tone, "As you know, the conservatives are very unhappy with me because of the Changkong City incident."

"And then?"

"And then I sold you out."

"...Cocolia!"

What did she mean she sold me out? Was this how an ally behaved?

The red light in the Gray Serpent's mechanical eyes suddenly brightened, and a killing intent spread.

"Schicksal's Oceania branch successfully completed their Gem of Desire fusion experiment. The new artificial Herrscher is named Delta, and she can contend with that monster Durandal. Plus, she's stable and controllable. Unfortunately, Otto personally showed up and purged the entire Oceania branch's leadership. All my prior arrangements went to waste."

"Uh... oh..."

"Schicksal headquarters has been searching for the Divine Key Chikai Ichijo. It seems they've made some progress. It's a shame I got involved too late; it will take some time to follow up thoroughly."

"Right, right."

"Oh, and the Far East and Siberia regions will be shipping a batch of goods to Shencheng Pharmaceuticals soon. Conservatively, the amount is over 30 billion US dollars. Hmm, what was your question again?"

"Nothing, I was just saying, it's truly an honor to have an ally like you, Ms. Cocolia!"

The Gray Serpent spoke kindly to Cocolia, who seemed to have a poor memory. If it weren't a mechanical being, and if it had a face that wasn't covered by a mask, it would surely have shown a similarly pleasant smile.

Mystics can still be investigated, right?

Besides, with the first three Herrschers appearing one after another, our World Serpent is about to become more active. It will be known by more people sooner or later; a year or two won't make a difference.

It's a win-win cooperation, nothing to be ashamed of!

The red light in the Gray Serpent's eyes dimmed, like a loyal, honest, and harmless robot.

Only then did Cocolia, holding the investigation report, say with a troubled expression, "We've basically confirmed that the ruins discovered on the seabed near the base are the legendary Nine Nether Ruins. According to ancient texts, the so-called Xuanyuan Sword is likely a Divine Key. However, all signs also indicate that Chiyou might not be completely dead. I'm having a headache now, how should I deal with this unstable threat?"

"I'm aware of the situation. We'll discuss it internally and report back to you on how to proceed, shall we?"

"Alright, then you all help me think of a good solution. Sigh, there are so many things happening lately, I feel like my brain has gotten dull. I'll have to rely on Mr. Gray Serpent for your advice."

"You flatter me. This is what we should be doing."

The communication was cut off with a harmonious atmosphere between the two parties.

Then, Gray Serpent: "Tch! Vixen!"

Cocolia: "Tch! Gray Serpent!"

"Mommy played me right into her hands again!"

An said disdainfully, leaning on the table.

Immediately, Cocolia hugged her head and gave her a fierce kiss.

"Oh my, my little An is so cute again today!"

"I don't believe your sweet talk, Mommy!"

"Then I'll kiss you until you believe me. Mwah, mwah, mwah!"

"Hehehe~~"

Under Cocolia's fervent and adoring affection, An, who considered herself mature, could no longer maintain her cool and proud facade, and soon began to squirm and giggle uncontrollably.

"Mommy, stop fooling around!"

"Alright, alright, go play with Rosaliya and Liliya. Mommy still has work to do!"

"Tch, it's just a Honkai Beast that's been dead for thousands of years! Give me a BT and I'll go help Mommy solve it right now!"

"Don't be silly. The scale detected so far is already astonishing; it's a monster that ordinary powers can't handle. I'm wondering if it's better to drag the Leader into this, or to throw out more bait and let Schicksal deal with it for us."

Cocolia picked up a document and tapped An's head, appearing somewhat conflicted.

However, after An reluctantly left the office, Cocolia leaned back, gracefully raised the report in her hand, and a cunning, meaningful smile curved her lips.

"Gurgle~"

Bubbles rose from the giant white mecha slowly descending under the immense pressure of the deep sea, floating slowly in the dark water.

"This is Chiyou!"

Its steel feet sank into the mud, and finally stepped onto an incredibly solid foundation—that was Chiyou's body, unsoftened even by the corrosion and wear of five thousand years.

Inside the mecha, Koala and Titan Anqi gazed at the undulating terrain, so vast it was impossible to see its entirety, like a mountain range at the bottom of the sea. They were silent for a moment.

"The craftsmanship of the Honkai is truly terrifying!"

"Theoretically, the Dominion Authority is above the subjective consciousness of a Honkai Beast. If we were to insert a core, it should be able to turn it into one of our own."

"But that's just theory. This clearly isn't a regular Honkai Beast, so it might not follow these rules."

"You're right. If it were to resist, the entire eastern coastline could be flooded. If it were to regain consciousness and break free from our control, the entire cultural sphere of Shenzhou might be doomed."

"We need to gather a force that can forcibly suppress it, even in the worst-case scenario... Let Cocolia make arrangements. Bring in a bunch of high-end combatants to back us up before we make a move."

The Anqis sighed in unison.

Of course, they would have preferred to make a fortune quietly. And theoretically, Delta had a grasp on suppressing this monster. It was just that there was no legitimate way to have Delta appear alone here.

If they wanted to take down this monster and obtain the Divine Key, but also avoid accidentally devastating all of East Asia, then they had no choice but to take a risk and organize a grand event.

Conveniently, they had plenty of insiders. If designed properly, it wasn't impossible to orchestrate a win-win situation for the Anqis!

Chapter 77: Classmate Fu Hua Cannot Refuse

"Whoosh!"

"Clang!"

In a secluded training room with no audience, swords clashed against swords.

Fu Hua kept her left hand behind her back, her right hand holding her longsword with a natural, light grip. With effortless movements, the longsword danced like a dragon around her, easily deflecting a storm of attacks.

Anqi also held her sword with one hand, her fair little face tense. She sent her blade forward in a continuous wave, her unleashed sword energy slamming into the ground and walls, leaving behind deep, terrifying marks.

"Master, I've basically mastered the twenty-one forms of the Four Lines of Form Resonance. Combined with the Still Water Sword Heart, my combat power has indeed increased significantly. But what is this Soul Resonance you mentioned? I just can't grasp it."

"Clang!"

Sword energy scattered like wind, splitting earth and piercing stone.

Fu Hua looked at Anqi before her. The surging wind ruffled the little girl's soft, light golden hair, giving her a lively and playful air. This made Fu Hua's lips curve upwards. With a gentle smile, she parried Anqi's attacks and said, "The Way of the Sword is ever-changing, and the sword itself is merely a vessel. The secret of Soul Resonance is to make all weapons like the sword in your hand, meaning you have a sword in your heart, unconstrained by the sword's form. Only then can you be considered to have achieved mastery in swordsmanship."

"Master, that's too abstract! Take this move, Sword Transformation: Falcon!"

The incoming sword suddenly seemed to split in Fu Hua's eyes. It was swift as the wind and agile as a bird, striking towards her brow in the blink of an eye.

Fu Hua felt a warmth in her heart and swung her longsword.

"Whoosh!"

"Boom!"

Anqi was violently thrown back. She glanced at her trembling palm and puffed out her cheeks indignantly.

Fu Hua let out a light breath and said with a smile, "It's passable, but you still need a lot more practice!"

"Hmph! Try taking a few more moves from me, Master!"

"Don't be impatient. Taixu Sword Qi is most afraid of a restless mind. If your mind is restless, your sword heart will become clouded. Once your sword heart is in disarray, you won't be able to fully control your true qi, and all subsequent sword moves will lose their power. As for Soul Resonance... simply put, you need to practice more and think more. Train Form Resonance until your sword moves with your heart, and diligently cultivate your sword heart. You will naturally come to understand it slowly."

"Then what is Intent Resonance, Master?"

"Intent Resonance is not a move. It requires a special sword weapon, resonating with the sword, achieving oneness between man and sword. You don't need to worry about this. When the time comes, you will naturally have the opportunity to try it."

Special sword weapon... you mean the Xuanyuan Sword, the Key of Domination, right? Anqi thought to herself, her expression unchanging.

After chatting for so long, she finally got to ask the question she cared about most:

"And what about Divine Resonance, Master?"

"Divine Resonance..."

Fu Hua blocked Anqi's incoming sword energy, her eyes momentarily unfocused. Then, with a soft sigh, her sword, with incredible speed and angle, instantly rested at Anqi's throat.

Anqi froze on the spot.

She hadn't understood this move at all.

While Anqi was still immersed in the wonder of the move, Fu Hua reached out, flicked her finger, and gently tapped Anqi's forehead.

"Little girl, you have quite the ambition. Your sword heart has only just begun, and your sword form isn't even proficient yet, yet you're already asking me about the Sword God? Aiming too high is a punishable offense!"

"Master!"

Anqi puffed out her cheeks and stomped her foot angrily.

Fu Hua knew that if she didn't appease her, her little disciple would soon switch to a docile, clingy, and adorable demeanor, then hug her and start acting spoiled with that mouth of hers, which could be sickeningly sweet.

Fu Hua took a step back, sighing helplessly, "Alright, alright, I'm scared of you! Divine Resonance is the sword of the heart that encompasses everything, integrating true qi strength, mental strength, and willpower. You need at least the fourth layer of sword heart to even have a chance of meeting the minimum requirement. But historically, only two or three people have managed to cultivate Divine Resonance. Even reaching the highest level of sword heart might not be enough, so don't set your expectations too high."

Although Divine Resonance possesses infinite power to break through energy limitations, the prerequisite for its use is an unimaginably high amount of Honkai Energy and mental power.

Therefore, the fourth layer of sword heart is required, using the highest level of Honkai Energy control to drive it with the most stable sword heart.

But if it were a Herrscher, perhaps they wouldn't need a sword heart at all. They already possess sufficient Honkai Energy, and maybe only enough willpower would be needed to activate it forcefully—Honestly, what am I thinking? How could I possibly teach a Herrscher Taixu Sword Rage Qi?

Fu Hua chuckled, finding her sudden whimsical thought somewhat absurd.

At that moment, Fu Hua looked down and saw Anqi gently tugging at her sleeve, gazing at her intently with her big, watery eyes. "But Master definitely wants me to learn it, right? I know it, I can feel it!"

Anqi blinked her eyes, smiling proudly.

Fu Hua froze for a moment, then her gaze softened as she gently stroked Anqi's head, saying:

"As your master, of course, I hope you surpass me. But don't feel any pressure. No matter what, you're my proud disciple... Speaking of which, when did we start referring to each other so naturally as master and disciple?"

I never intended to take on a disciple!

Fu Hua's mouth twitched, and she lowered her head, a headache forming.

Anqi, meanwhile, intimately wrapped her arms around Fu Hua's, nuzzling her growing, soft chest. She said with a cute smile:

"I'll take good care of you, Master, from now on! Don't be shy, Master. You teach really well, you're the best master in the world!"

"That's not true. I'm just doing my best. It's mainly because you're very diligent."

"Master is too modest! Let's go, let's go! Today, I asked Sister Mei to buy a lot of ingredients. I'm going to cook for you!"

"Eh, wait. Yesterday, the day before yesterday, and the day before that, I ate at your place. How about we skip today..."

Fu Hua's small face showed a hint of hesitation, and she quietly resisted.

Logically, Fu Hua didn't want to have any more deep contact with others, especially since Kiana, a surveillance target, was in their home.

But the warmth from Anqi's arm wrapped around hers, and her sweet "Master" calls, made Fu Hua's resistance seem insincere. Fu Hua always subconsciously wanted to resist Anqi's closeness, but ultimately found herself unable to.

Fu Hua also didn't realize that as Anqi forcefully dragged her forward, a faint smile would involuntarily appear on her helpless expression, carrying a gentle and nostalgic feeling.

Anqi, can someone like me truly be your master? Getting too close to me will bring misfortune...

A sour, inexplicable emotion welled up in Fu Hua's heart. She knew that memories would fade, but the pain of constantly losing those around her would always remain.

"Master, why are you sighing?"

"It's nothing, just... thank you, Anqi."

"Hm?"