Chapter 254

"Target locked, Staff of the Underworld... Prepare to load."

Night Owl's emotionless voice rang out as he pressed the device in his hand on the Herrscher. Before Shen Gonglin could stop him, the Herrscher suddenly let out a piercing shriek. Within inches of him, the Herrscher let out a long, sharp cry, accompanied by a blast of bone-chilling cold. Moisture in the air rapidly condensed into icy shackles, binding everyone present tightly. A flash of golden light, Shen Gonglin broke free of the shackles, glancing at Night Owl. Why did he suddenly launch such an attack...? Why did she feel like he was trying to provoke the Herrscher fleeing?

Maybe I'm overthinking it. After all, the World Serpent isn't Schicksal, so there shouldn't be that many traitors.

"Ugh... gulp... sizzle..."

You can hear the Herrscher making such a sound. Shen Gonglin can't understand the sound. At this distance, you can clearly feel the stinging pain on your skin. It feels like your breath is about to freeze. This kind of vague and strange syllable, even if the Herrscherization, the Herrscher should still maintain the normal way of communication of a human. But this reaction is undoubtedly the reaction of the Herrscher Persona and humanity fighting each other. The Herrscher is unconscious now.

Just as Shen Gonglin had thought, the Herrscher's body suddenly began to struggle and thrash, as if she were fighting with some unseen creature. No one understood what she wanted to do. It was as if what they saw in front of them was not Herrscher, but a mindless Suicide Squad. In this moment of hesitation, the Herrscher suddenly attacked the people around her. Tsk, she really had to fight after all.

"Looks like the battle has to begin, Mei. I'll borrow your sword for a moment."

Shen Gonglin reached out and grabbed the knife from Mei's hand within the golden halo. Now that he was the only one free, the task of fighting should undoubtedly fall to him, as Mei had other things to do.

"Mei, go save the Dodo and that other person first. The temperature is too low; they can't take it. Leave this to me!"

Holding Mei's sword in one hand, Shen Gonglin's deep purple eyes flashed with electric light. To the astonishment of the three behind her, Shen Gonglin transformed into a streak of red lightning and charged toward the Herrscher. Raven's eyes were filled with disbelief. This reaction was undoubtedly from the Herrscher of Thunder, but the Herrscher of Thunder... wasn't she right beside him?

But what about Shen Gonglin over there? Why are horns growing on her head? And what's with her clothes? Raven looked at Mei over there. Can the power of the Herrscher of Thunder be shared?

"Don't look at me, I don't know anything... I'm used to these strange things happening to this guy. How are you? Are you alright?"

Originally wanting to join the battle, Mei's sword was taken away by Shen Gonglin. With her Herrscher physique, Mei broke free from the ice that bound her and came to Raven's side, freeing the poor trapped dodo bird. Night Owl also escaped in his own way. Looking at the red lightning clashing with the ice and snow, Mei knew what Raven wanted to ask. If she could, she would also like to know the answer.

Chapter 84 Don't Offend Shen Gonglin

The power of the Herrscher of Thunder is quite useful. Ever since I sent Mei to work at World Serpent... I mean, after reporting to World Serpent, and after that farewell kiss with her, Shen Gonglin has acquired the power of the Herrscher of Thunder, just like the Herrscher of the Void and the Herrscher of Reason.

As long as I and those girls who possess the power of the Herrscher.

After a certain degree of intimate contact occurs, Herrscher Core will automatically condense in the body. It is because of this that Shen Gonglin can also use the corresponding Herrscher power, even though she does not understand the principle.

But it works quite well.

Although he rarely uses swordsmanship in combat, that doesn't mean that Shen Gonglin can't use swordsmanship. Putting aside the fact that he knows it himself, just by watching Mei train, he has already mastered most of the Hokushin Itto-ryu. Don't forget that even Fu Hua can only admire this guy's intelligence. Not to mention that he has also mastered the Great Void Sword Qi, which is a martial art that encompasses all aspects of martial arts. Swordsmanship is really not a difficult thing for Shen Gonglin.

Her form gradually transformed into Mei's appearance, and before she knew it, two demon horns grew on Shen Gonglin's head. With the power of the Shen Gonglin of Herrscher of Thunder, Rin, who had transformed into a red lightning bolt, suddenly approached the Herrscher. The Herrscher was currently in an unconscious state, but her fighting instincts remained. After getting close, Shen Gonglin could not see the face behind the black ice clearly, but now Shen Gonglin was certain.

Without a doubt, the Herrscher is Anna, Anna Saniyat!

It's really difficult for Shen Gonglin to remember this girl, given her face blindness and memory. However, Shen Gonglin still managed to remember her, since Shen Gonglin still owes her money. The bank card was obtained by Shen Gonglin from Anna. He also met Anna during the Wendy incident and even prevented her from Suicide Squad. Unexpectedly, this girl has gone even further this time, turning from Suicide Squad into Herrscherization.

How could she possibly pay her back now? Although it felt good to scam people out of money back then, Shen Gonglin couldn't rest easy if she didn't pay them back.

"So Anna, please wake up first."

Having dodged the sharp ice crystals, Shen Gonglin reached out to touch the black ice on the Herrscher's face. However, the Herrscher out a shriek and countless black ice crystals erupted from her body. Unable to get close, Shen Gonglin could only use the Key of Punishment to block all the ice crystals. Because of this, he lost the opportunity to get close to the Herrscher. Was it Anna's subconscious that was still at work, instinctively not wanting others to get close?

Is she afraid that getting close to others will hurt them? But such self-defense is more likely to hurt people.

Wielding her blade to shake off the ice crystals, Shen Gonglin prepared to approach the Herrscher again. The longer she Herrscherization, the more likely she was to run into trouble. Judging from her reaction just now, her human consciousness hadn't given up yet, but she had to hurry. Shen Gonglin gripped the necklace around her neck. Now that she had seen it, she couldn't ignore it.

However, the Herrscher seemed to sense the threat emanating from Shen Gonglin. Instinctively, she wanted to get away from Shen Gonglin... no, she wanted to get away from everyone. She couldn't stay near anyone anymore; her current state would hurt others.

A sudden blizzard swept through, instantly obscuring Shen Gonglin's vision. When the storm subsided, everything they could see was frozen in time, except for a massive ice wall standing before them. The Herrscher had escaped.

"She ran away."

Raven jumped down from the height. She bent down and the mercenary sensed the remaining Honkai energy in the ice crystals. Although she was very curious about Shen Gonglin's current state, since he also had two horns and looked like a couple with Mei when they stood together, Raven knew that now was not the time to study Shen Gonglin's state. The Herrscher had already gone far away and she had to catch up with her as soon as possible.

"Wait, wait a minute, it's too dangerous to pursue rashly. We've all witnessed the Herrscher's abilities; they're much harder to deal with than we imagined. Apart from Shen Gonglin and Raiden Mei, we have no way to fight back. We need a more comprehensive strategy... Hey, has he always been like this, acting on his own without listening to what people are saying? Raiden Mei, is this just his personality?"

Night Owl dusted off the ice crystals on his body and stood up. In just a short while, he had been covered in a layer of crystals. He wanted to come up with a new plan of action, but Shen Gonglin had already run off. In her Herrscher of Thunder form, she was incredibly fast, but her tendency to disobey orders seemed to remain unchanged.

"Perhaps you made it too complicated and he didn't understand... Anyway, let's catch up as soon as possible. We can't let him face the Herrscher alone."

Mei was speechless. Shen Gonglin was as willful as ever, suddenly chasing after Herrscher all by herself. Although she had a lot of confidence in him, Mei couldn't help but worry about his safety. After all, he was Herrscher, and she couldn't let him deal with it alone.

"Hmm... I really want to say that too, but just now, Shen Gonglin was running away in that direction with her sword in hand and a look of madness on her face. But... the Herrscher's reaction and the direction she retreated from should have been this way."

Having discovered a blind spot, Miss Dodo pointed in another direction with a complicated expression. After Shen Gonglin nimbly climbed over the ice wall, he chased after it in one direction. Although his chasing posture and movements were really cool, if Raven wasn't mistaken, this guy might have run in the wrong direction from the very beginning.

"...Forget about this. Don't mention it when you see him. This is my advice to you. Otherwise, that guy will definitely get angry. As for the consequences of making him angry, I don't want to say."

Mei covered her face speechlessly. How to put it? Mei was still Shen Gonglin. When would he ever be able to be handsome for more than three seconds? How embarrassing! How could her boyfriend be so embarrassing? Could she just throw him in the lake and get a new one?

Mei gave Raven this advice with a complicated expression: no matter what, don't mention this matter after you see Shen Gonglin. Mei knows the consequences of bringing it up. That time when she went shopping with him, this was the same situation. She only mentioned it slightly, and Shen Gonglin, who was so embarrassed and angry, rubbed her face all afternoon. She felt like her face was almost swollen from being rubbed.

For Raiden Mei, a cold- Herrscher, this is of course something that cannot be mentioned. In short, offending Shen Gonglin is a very dangerous thing, and others are better off not doing so.

Chapter 85 Reversing Time

The sudden disappearance of a major combatant, along with Raiden Mei's weapon, left the World Serpent trio slightly embarrassed. However, even so, the mission had to continue. Shen Gonglin was safe running in that direction; their current task was to continue the pursuit of the Herrscher. As for Shen Gonglin ...

Hopefully he'll realize he's gone the wrong way soon and come back. I don't expect him to do anything for the Herrscher; I just want him to return the weapon.

At the same time that the three World Serpent were acting, on the other side, in the eastern district of Coral Island, Durandal and Rita also arrived at the location where the Valkyrie team lost contact. Because it was far from the Herrscher, the frost on the ground was gradually fading. In the reflection of the sunlight, Durandal and Rita stood quietly in place, their eyes filled with sadness as they looked at the Valkyrie frozen in the crystals.

They arrived too late. The Snow Lotus Squad was wiped out, and the new Herrscher is likely to be the captain of the Snow Lotus Squad, Anna Saniyat.

Durandal held a Valkyrie communicator she had found at the edge of the battlefield. It contained the voice of a member of the Snow Lotus Squad. From it, they concluded that Valkyrie Anna Saniyat had become Herrscher after the Honkai outbreak. Ultimately, due to the Herrscher's corruption, she fought with her teammates, and the Snow Lotus Squad was completely wiped out.

"Rita, they are all brave warriors, take them home."

In the silence, Durandal spoke. The Valkyrie's voice was as steady as ever, but Rita could hear the suppressed emotions in her voice. After hesitating for a moment, the maid stepped forward and gently placed her hand on Durandal's shoulder.

"Durandal, they are all the most worthy Valkyrie. Even when faced with teammates whose minds were possessed by Herrscher, they did not give up. All the civilians in this area were evacuated without any casualties. The only casualties were the members of the Snow Lotus Squad. They did not fail the honor of the Valkyrie."

Rita stared at the ice crystal before her. The Valkyrie inside remained in a fighting stance until her death. From her frozen face, Rita could tell that she must have been crying, not out of fear of her own death, but because she was grieving for her comrades until her last breath. The entire Snow Lotus Squad had sacrificed themselves, but in return, they had saved the lives of all the civilians in the first location of the Herrscher outbreak.

"I understand, Rita. Get ready and then compile all the known intelligence and hand it over to World Serpent. Since we are now allies, there is no need to keep Anna Valkyrie's information a secret. As allies, it is our duty to provide each other with necessary information."

After entrusting Rita with this matter, Durandal turned away in silence. Rita was also very worried when she saw Durandal like this. Durandal possessed the most powerful force in the entire Schicksal, but she did not ignore any life because of this power. It was only natural that she would be sad in this situation.

"Charging forward like a pig... Why haven't we found that guy yet? Is he still up ahead...? Hey, Rita, Durandal, what are you doing here?"

Just as Rita and Durandal were mourning the Valkyrie who had perished here, a red lightning bolt flashed, Shen Gonglin appeared before them. Shen Gonglin, with two horns on her head, looked at the two of them in surprise. Didn't they say that Valkyrie couldn't directly participate in the battle because of the alliance? Then why were they on their way to chase the Herrscher?

Shen Gonglin? What's he doing here?

Durandal and Rita were equally puzzled. Wasn't this guy supposed to be with Raiden Mei others to fight the Herrscher? How come he's here? The Herrscher's reaction should be on the other side.

"So that's how it is... It seems that the despicable Herrscher used a trick on me, deceiving me into chasing her this way, while she actually ran in the other direction. It seems that this Herrscher is quite cunning. I was wrong to think that she was temporarily unconscious."

Having learned the truth, Shen Gonglin rested her chin on her hand and offered her own honest analysis of the situation. Durandal and Rita hesitated, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back. "You're really overthinking it. The Herrscher never intended to lure you here. You just went down the wrong path." Shen Gonglin should have already realized the truth of the matter.

I admire his stubbornness and refusal to admit his mistake.

"No matter what, we need to resolve the crisis of the Herrscher as soon as possible, otherwise, victims like the ones we are seeing now will continue to appear."

To save face for Shen Gonglin, Durandal didn't expose him. The Valkyrie gently stroked the ice crystals. Her comrade was already dead. As for things like covenants, she couldn't let such things restrict her actions. Durandal wanted to use her own power to end this Honkai.

"Hmm... Hmm? A victim? Durandal, step aside for a moment, let me see."

It was only then that Shen Gonglin noticed Durandal's somewhat sorrowful mood. His gaze then shifted to the Valkyrie frozen into statues. Sensing something amiss, Shen Gonglin pulled Durandal's hand away and placed his own palm on the ice. The icy temperature stung his palm, but Shen Gonglin could feel something still pulsating within it.

These are traces of life.

Perhaps there's still hope.

"Durandal, Rita, now is not the time to grieve. If we hurry, there might still be a chance to save them. Not just her, but her too... and her too. None of these Valkyrie have given up hope of survival. Although they have no vital signs, I can feel that their cells are not dead. I can save them."

Without hesitation, she made a decision and planted the Key of Punishment in the ground. The surging lightning transformed into a scorching torrent. Under the cleansing light of the electricity, the ice encasing the Valkyrie gradually melted, and all the Valkyrie sealed within collapsed to the ground, seemingly lifeless. However, at this moment, Durandal and Rita's eyes shone with hope. Shen Gonglin said he had a way, so they couldn't give up.

"It's been a while, I don't know if it's still okay... Hey, wake up, it's time for you to get to work."

Releasing the Key of Punishment, the red horns on Shen Gonglin's forehead quickly faded. He connected with another power within his body, and a pale red clock phantom bloomed beneath his feet. Time, let it return to before death.

Chapter 86

This is... Durandal and Rita stared in shock at the illusory clock beneath Shen Gonglin's feet. Under their gaze, Shen Gonglin's eyes subtly changed shape, and a golden clock slowly rotated within one of Shen Gonglin eyes. They had a good understanding of the various powers possessed by Shen Gonglin, something every organization would investigate. Controlling time— Shen Gonglin possessed what appeared to be the power to control time.

And now, is he trying to use this power to save these dead Valkyrie? Can he even do something like that?

Durandal and Rita looked at Shen Gonglin, who was standing at the center of the clock. This power was indeed beyond their comprehension.

"Don't be so surprised. Although it's called time manipulation, I can't help if someone has been dead for too long. If all the cells die, even a god can't save them. This method has great limitations. I've only ever tested it on Wendy. Rita, do me a favor... open your mouth."

Knowing what these two Valkyrie are thinking, it's indeed absurd that this power can be used without any restrictions, but how could such an absurd thing happen in this world? The best place to use this power is on Shen Gonglin herself. If it is used on others, the effect will be greatly reduced. If Shen Gonglin dies not long ago, she can reverse reality, but if she has been dead for some time, it will probably drain Shen Gonglin dry. And now, Shen Gonglin suddenly gave Rita such an order. What is he trying to do?

"Lord Rin, what are you trying to do... um!"

The maid stepped forward, and Shen Gonglin quickly poked her index finger to the maid's lips. As if struck by a sudden thought, the maid's face flushed crimson. "No way, is this how it's supposed to be? But isn't this a bit inappropriate now? And Durandal ..." Rita began to feel that Durandal was getting in the way. "At a time like this, Durandal, you should leave."

"Help me bite it... What's with that look? Did I say something weird? What are you doing here... Hey! Are you trying to take my pants off? I asked you to bite my finger, but I can't do it myself. I need my blood. Without blood, they can't be saved."

Heaven knows what this maid is up to. Shen Gonglin quickly took a step back. However, after understanding what Shen Gonglin was saying, the maid's already flushed cheeks turned even redder. Oh, so that's what it meant. She had completely misunderstood. She could feel Durandal's complicated and speechless gaze. Rita silently turned around and squatted down on the ground.

I want to die! Where are the Suicide Squad? Come quick and give her a stab! This maid doesn't want to live anymore! How could she do something like this in front of Durandal? Rita feels like she can move to another planet. On this blue planet, Rita has lost all will to live.

"What's wrong with you? Did you eat something bad?"

Shen Gonglin looked at Rita with concern, while the maid tried her best to turn herself into a mushroom. Shen Gonglin wanted to understand what was wrong with her, but the maid did not respond to his voice at all. In the end, Durandal helped Rita out of the predicament. The Valkyrie glanced at her adjutant, who probably wouldn't dare to see anyone for a while. But judging from her actions just now... Rita really has a sense of responsibility.

They are much better than me.

"It's alright, Rita is fine. Let's get on with what you need to do first."

Taking Shen Gonglin's finger, Durandal gently bit Shen Gonglin's fingertip. The pain made Shen Gonglin grimace slightly. He was still not used to pain. Durandal was quick to bite. Looking at the Valkyrie's mouth with blood on it, Shen Gonglin suppressed the strange feeling in his heart. He went to the bodies of the dead Valkyrie. At this point, he didn't care about hygiene. They were dead, so there was no need to care about such things.

With Durandal's help, Shen Gonglin dripped her blood into the mouths of the Valkyrie. Immediately, the illusory clock on the ground began to turn slowly. Shen Gonglin's blood contained great vitality. The blood she had fed the Valkyrie began to take effect in their bodies. The blood protected the cells that had not died, while the irreversible damage gradually flowed back to its original state under the effect of time.

Compared to the time when Wendy's Herrscher Core was removed, this kind of work is actually relatively easy. However, there are still more people to save this time, so it is still a considerable challenge for Shen Gonglin. Fortunately, it is her, otherwise, it would be difficult for others to give up so much life force.

"Shen Gonglin, your hair?!"

Noticing Shen Gonglin's condition, Durandal saw Shen Gonglin's brilliant golden hair turning gray at a visible speed. Time... Durandal quickly connected the dots and realized something terrible. She instinctively wanted to stop Shen Gonglin. If this was how to save these Valkyrie, Durandal would rather Shen Gonglin did nothing at all!

Hearing Durandal's exclamation, Rita, who was squatting on the ground, also looked at Shen Gonglin with worry. She shared the same feeling as Durandal; they couldn't accept this reality!

"Phew... Don't panic, I'm super steady, don't worry, I won't do anything irreversible."

Understanding what the two were worried about, and being able to clearly sense their concern for her, Shen Gonglin winked at Durandal and Rita. Her previously somewhat grayish white hair instantly returned to its brilliant gold color. This time, it was because she had saved too many people, and the spiritual power of the spirits within her was insufficient, so she used her own Shen Gonglin, that is, her own time.

This was exactly what Shen Gonglin had planned. After all, there were so many people, and Shen Gonglin's spiritual power simply couldn't support them. It was normal for him to use his life force. But don't think he's the kind of person who's willing to sacrifice himself for others. If he couldn't recover, Shen Gonglin wouldn't have done this even if you beat him to death.

Putting aside whether his strangely blessed body would suffer irreversible damage because of this, the fact that his body was frozen at the age of sixteen makes it impossible for such a thing to happen. It's not just his age that's frozen, but also his condition. His physical strength won't have its upper limit increased by training, nor will it have its lower limit decreased by certain events. Similarly, the same applies to Shen Gonglin's life force, which is time.

Chapter 87 The Maid Loses Her Temper

Just one more time, just one more time. Sure enough, the more mysterious the power, the greater the limitations in its use. Fortunately, the Snow Lotus Squad members haven't been dead for long, otherwise, it probably wouldn't have been so easy for Shen Gonglin to save them.

The dark red clock phantom gradually disappeared, and Shen Gonglin collapsed to the ground, exhausted. She had turned back their time to the moment of their death. However, the blood that had been injected into their bodies beforehand took effect, and their enhanced life force did not perish so easily. Once again, Shen Gonglin changed their future.

"It hurts... Oh right, Captain, Captain!"

The Valkyrie, who had been dead, woke up clutching her head. Her consciousness was still stuck on the battle with Anna, who Herrscherization. As soon as they awoke, they couldn't help but look around. The city covered in ice crystals proved that what they had experienced was not an illusion. Captain, the captain really had become Herrscher.

Shen Gonglin a deep look. He was currently leaning against Rita's chest, panting. Durandal had a clearer understanding of the power he possessed. Shen Gonglin was indeed the most mysterious person in the world. Such power... perhaps only he could control it without making people afraid. Suppressing these thoughts in her heart, Durandal knew that now was not the time to think about such things. She stepped forward to attract the attention of the awakened Valkyrie. Now was not the time to relax.

"Calm down, now is not the time to panic. You are all alright. I will take command of the Snow Lotus Squad now."

The calm voice gave the bewildered Valkyrie a sense of security. They turned to look at Durandal, and her proud, solitary figure instantly calmed them down. Wasn't this Lady Durandal? There wasn't a single Valkyrie who didn't recognize her. She was a legendary figure recorded in the Valkyrie textbooks. Now that she was leading the Snow Lotus Squad, they had absolutely no objections!

"Understood! I will obey your command, Durandal!"

Despite still being a little dazed, the Valkyrie all got up and gave Durandal a solemn military salute. The situation might be bad, but with Lady Durandal there, everything would be alright. And over there, the one lying in the maid's arms, acting coquettishly... Look closely, isn't that Shen Gonglin? The Snow Lotus Squad is quite familiar with Shen Gonglin's name; wasn't he said to have defected from Schicksal?

So why is he with two legendary combatants, the Immortal Blade?

"The Snow Lotus Squad is currently working with the Immortal Blade to resist the spread of Honkai, while also searching for survivors and protecting every life. Also, Alvit is sharing all the information we have with World Serpent. And... Shen Gonglin, how are you? Can you hold on?"

With the addition of these Snow Lotus Squad members, the search and rescue and other tasks became easier. After arranging everything, Durandal was finally able to come to Shen Gonglin's side. This guy had just done something beyond the imagination of ordinary people, and he was probably exhausted now.

Just look at how he's lying in Rita's arms, you can tell, Shen Gonglin is in a really bad situation right now.

"I'm so tired, I need Rita's kiss to get up."

Shen Gonglin said with a strong voice, looking nothing like someone who was tired. He was just instinctively trying to say something flirtatious. However, the maid obviously took it seriously. In front of Durandal and the Snow Lotus Squad members, the maid who was kneeling on the ground to provide him with a lap pillow immediately bent over when she heard Shen Gonglin's words. Before Shen Gonglin could react, a soft touch suddenly spread across his face, and now it was Shen Gonglin's turn to be stunned.

Good heavens, he was just saying it for fun, how could Rita be serious about it?

The arena fell silent. Both Shen Gonglin and Durandal were stunned, while the Snow Lotus Squad began to whisper among themselves. The Valkyrie also had their own forums, and thanks to that mysterious colleague who frequently updated gossip and fanfiction on the forums, they knew a bit about Rita Roseweisse's personal love affairs. Now it seemed that what was said on the forums was true.

This maid clearly has a Shen Gonglin; it wouldn't be surprising if she immediately defected with him and got married.

"Rita, what are you doing?"