Chapter 280

Speaking of which, why do all these girls have to be after my Shen Gonglin? They can just do their own thing, why do they all have to drag Shen Gonglin into it? Kiana really can't imagine what other use he has besides causing trouble. I really don't know what these women are thinking.

"Kiana, what are you thinking about?"

Standing beside Kiana, the perceptive Bronya noticed Kiana's expression. The girl was gritting her teeth, looking like she wanted to bite someone. Seeing Kiana like this, a hint of nostalgia flashed in Bronya's eyes. This was the Kiana she remembered. In the past few days, Kiana had always acted... very mature, giving people a very reliable feeling. But Bronya was not familiar with this side of Kiana. She felt that Kiana would be better off being a little silly.

Just like now, it has that same feeling as before. Is it because she's about to see Shen Gonglin that she's reacting this way? It turns out that the Kiana- like Kiana hasn't disappeared. She's just temporarily hiding under that mature exterior. Under certain people and certain circumstances, Kiana is still that Kiana -like Kiana.

Chapter Sixty-One

"I'm thinking about how to give Shen Gonglin a good beating later... This guy is getting more and more arrogant!"

Kiana squeezed out these words through gritted teeth, her face dark. The incident she and Bronya had witnessed at the hotel was still vivid in her mind. How dare that girl act like the Class President! Just thinking about it made Kiana's heart ache. She had been the one to do it first, but now someone else had beaten her to it without her noticing. She was furious. She had to teach Shen Gonglin a lesson when she caught her.

They've only been apart for a short time, and this guy has already put such a green hat on someone's head, and the main target is the Class President. Losing to Mei and Kiana is acceptable, but as for the Class President... how is she stronger than him?

No matter how you look at it, I'm definitely better than the Class President. Look at those legs, look at that waist, and look at that figure... Isn't that much better than that flat-chested Shenzhou? Is Shen Gonglin stupid? It's obvious that she should target herself.

"He definitely needs to be taught a lesson... However, Bronya thinks that Shen Gonglin is a good kid. It must be the Class President who led him astray. Just as Bronya said before, the current Class President very different from the previous one."

Bronya nodded in agreement, empathizing with Kiana. After all, she had experienced it all firsthand, and Bronya felt even more miserable than Kiana, because she had been brutally beaten by Fu Hua and had her bank card stolen. The couple's suite was booked with Bronya's money. The feeling of being both murdered and emotionally devastated was not pleasant, so Bronya was determined to get her revenge.

Even if she's the Class President, she can't be bullied like this. She was careless last time, but this time she'll definitely let her taste her true power. Whether she's normal or not, Bronya will absolutely not swallow this insult!

The girl stared at Mount Tai Xu before her. She could sense a familiar yet eerie presence waiting for them on the mountain. This feeling of familiarity and strangeness was just like that of Herrscher. Bronya was also concerned about the strange things that had happened to the Class President. Everything would eventually be revealed.

"Indeed, if it were the old Class President, she would never have progressed with Shen Gonglin so quickly. The Class President is very honest. Although she doesn't resist Shen Gonglin's coquettishness at all, that guy Shen Gonglin is actually just a cowardly fool. He seems fierce, but if you just lie down and let him do whatever he wants, he will back down first. If something really happens, it must be the Class President who led it... Could it be that honest people become so powerful after letting loose? The Class President is really abnormal."

Kiana, chin in hand, frowned as she analyzed the situation, while Bronya silently turned her head away. The abnormality she described and the abnormality Kiana described seemed to be different things. But Kiana ... she really knew Shen Gonglin well; the facts were indeed as she said.

Shen Gonglin may seem like a predator, always trying to take advantage of others, but deep down he's a coward. If things really came to that, he'd be the one who'd feel ashamed. He's the epitome of a tough talker. And all that evidence in the hotel... it's probably definitely orchestrated by the Class President. The Class President is really strong now. Whether it's her general behavior or her actions towards Shen Gonglin, her offensive style is top-notch.

"We should be able to see the Class President and Shen Gonglin soon, Kiana. Cheer up, Bronya thinks things might not go so smoothly."

The entire view of Mount Tai Xu is now visible. Bronya is controlling Helios to search for a suitable landing spot. Besides finding Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua, the purpose of this trip is for them to learn how to control the power of the Herrscher. Mount Tai Xu where the Class President has lived for so long, so they should be able to gain some inspiration and help from it.

"Phew, thinking back on these memories is really unpleasant. I used to be so hesitant and indecisive. I always waited for others to make decisions for me and never had my own true thoughts. It was really annoying. I definitely don't want to be like that now."

Emerging from the illusion, Hi Fu looked as if she had eaten a rotten orange, while Chiyuan, who was with her, remained calm. Just now, Chi Yuan had shown herself many past events, and after each memory, she would complain and criticize herself. However, Chiyuan was very composed. From beginning to end, she might have regrets, but the events and history were still unfolding.

"... You can't look at the past with your current perspective, and we can't predict the future."

Unable to resist speaking up to advise Hi Fu, Chiyuan was like an older sister at this moment. Looking back now, she might have made a mistake before, but that was based on the fact that it had already happened. So, it was a paradox.

"It was unpredictable, but avoidable. I didn't want to do it at the time, and I felt that doing so might result in losing someone important. But in the end, I didn't say anything and just followed Cang Xuan's proposal... If I had followed my heart and rejected it directly, even if it seemed a bit heartless at the time, those monsters wouldn't have been created. If I had forced her to stay, Danzhu wouldn't have died. Now that I think about it, it's all because I didn't do anything back then."

As he recounted what had happened many years ago, Hi Fu's expression was very displeased. It was that war that caused him to lose his two best friends. If he had followed his own wishes and not let them be so willful, perhaps they could have survived.

"At that time, the rebellious Chi You almost destroyed half of the South China Sea, and many people lost their lives as a result. I was protecting those civilians in the South China Sea."

Chiyuan explained that she was overwhelmed with other matters. While she was needed on the battlefield, she was also doing other things that required her attention. Therefore, by the time she arrived, it was already too late.

"That's exactly what I mean! I don't understand. War inevitably involves sacrifice. Why would I think the lives of these civilians are more important than my friends or my capable assistants? Why don't I put everything else aside and rush here as quickly as possible to eliminate Chi You and save my friends?"

Hi Fu questioned Chiyuan with great displeasure, asking if she still didn't think they had done something wrong back then!

Chapter Sixty-Two: You Are Not Who You Think You Are

Hi Fu's words stirred up memories Chiyuan didn't want to recall. Yes, if she had abandoned those civilians and rushed back as quickly as possible, perhaps Danzhu and Cang Xuan wouldn't have died sealing Chi You, and her friends would be by her side. But if she had ignored those civilians in the South China Sea...

After considering that choice, Chiyuan finally shook her head, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "... I must put the well-being of all mankind first."

Chiyuan's answer successfully enraged Hi Fu. Who did she think she was? Did she think the earth could keep turning without her? As if the whole world depended on her alone. This reaction made her very unhappy because she knew that even if she had to do it all over again, she would still make the same choice. Why couldn't she listen to her?

"Nonsense! Must? Who decided that? Dr. Mei? Why should I listen to her? All these years have passed, where is this so-called well-being of all mankind?... By the time I arrived, Chi You had already been sealed away, and all that was left were those ordinary rotten fish and shrimp. It was all too late, too late, you know?"

Waving her arms, Hi Fu excitedly spoke these words to Chiyuan, her red eyes filled with regret and anger. If it were her, she would never have made that choice. She would have saved Cang Xuan and Danzhu, even if they might be angry and break off their friendship with her afterward. At least then they could have survived.

This Chiyuan is really infuriating Hi Fu. If Shen Gonglin were to face the same situation one day, would she also choose to sacrifice Shen Gonglin to protect that illusory well-being of all mankind?

This old relic is really terrible!

"I... have always deeply regretted this..."

Memories of the past surfaced in her mind, Chiyuan clenched her fists. Did she think she wasn't in pain? Chiyuan didn't even want to recall these things; they were the root of her suffering.

"Because you are me, you can understand my pain. See, we are not incapable of understanding each other. Don't be upset, think about it... how many mistakes have I made in my life?"

As if sensing Chiyuan's pain, Hi Fu changed the subject. She was her own clone, and a clone with the same mindset as before. It was too cruel for her to recall those things, but there was nothing she could do. After all, she thought she was the original.

"For example, back when the Schicksal Expedition took place 500 years ago, Otto was just a brat whose mind was only filled with love. If I had been able to see his twisted mentality back then and twisted his head off, none of this would have happened. So there's no point in reminiscing about the past. What matters is the present."

He reached out and summoned another phantom, which depicted a devastated battlefield. Chiyuan was familiar with this scene, especially the white figure in the very center— Kallen ...the only untouchable thing in Otto's heart, that saintess, whom Chiyuan also admired.

"Oh, not just Otto, but this woman too. I should have killed them both back then. It's strange. If it were Honkai, I would have gone all out, but I just stood by and watched the war. Strictly speaking, the number of people who died in the war was several times that of the Honkai. That's enough."

Hi Fu waved his hand, and in the image, Otto and Kallen's bodies were like a piece of weathered paper, blown away by the wind and slowly disappearing. This act of desecrating the dead made Chiyuan's eyes narrow, and she couldn't help but sternly stop Hi Fu's behavior. She should not be treated like this.

"Stop!"

"What? You know this is fake, it's just for fun. This is my illusion, I can do whatever I want."

Ignoring Chiyuan's attempts to stop her, the entire illusion turned to ashes in Hi Fu's hands. Who did she think she was? Did she think she was Shen Gonglin? Only he could force her to do things she didn't like. She could do whatever she wanted with other things. Besides, it was just an illusion. What did she do mean? What was there to worry about?

"Don't you understand? Look at what you've done, don't you understand?"

She couldn't let her deceive herself any longer. Although the truth was cruel, Fu Hua already understood what was going on. She looked at the woman in front of her who had the same appearance as her. Not only herself, but she must have realized it as well.

"What do I understand? No riddles allowed. Just say what you want to say."

Hi Fu also stared at Chiyuan, then gave a cold smile.

"I understand the power I possess, I understand the responsibility I bear! I understand even more how to accomplish all of this! Without relying on Dr. Mei, without relying on Otto, without relying on Kevin and his World Serpent, at most... at most with a little help from Shen Gonglin, we will walk side by side, I, Fu Hua! I will save humanity in my own way, I will defeat the Honkai!"

Hi Fu raised her hands high. It proved that everything she had done before was wrong. Now the world needed a completely new her. Her smile was powerful and confident. She was now in her prime and could do whatever she wanted!

"No... I can't let you do that."

Despite Hi Fu's impassioned speech, Chiyuan remained calm and shook her head. She knew Hai Fu had gone astray and she needed to pull her back.

"You're such a spoilsport! You always argue with everything I say. You're such a contrarian, aren't you? I'll definitely send you to a construction site sometime; you're a master at arguing."

"... Haven't you realized yet that you are not the person you claim to be?"

Ignoring Hi Fu's suggestion to find her a job, Fu Hua was perfectly content as the Class President at St. Freya and didn't need to change jobs. Not only was she the Class President at St. Freya, but she was also Shen Gonglin's mentor. Fu Hua was satisfied with these positions and didn't need to change anything. What was more serious now was this girl's problem. She was still deceiving herself. She wasn't Fu Hua at all.

"Sigh, here we go again. Seeing how persistent you are, I can't bear to call you out. Hey, you little girl over there, you're just a feather. You have to accept this reality and stop deceiving yourself."

He shrugged helplessly. This feather was getting overly self-conscious again. What was she trying to question? To him, she was just a feather. He was only telling her so much out of kindness, so why couldn't she understand?

Chapter Sixty-Three Dispute

She was not a mere speck of dust; it was she who needed to face reality. Even if it was cruel, she had to tell the truth. After observing for so long, Fu Hua had confirmed her suspicions. She never thought she would have such a day. Her body, which was meant to fight Honkai, had been taken over by Honkai. And the crucial thing was that Honkai didn't even recognize her as Honkai. Was her body really that appealing?

"Listen carefully, you are not the owner of this body. You are completely different from her, and there are many inexplicable questions... Think carefully, Feather Dust has been destroyed, and you only have a few feather clones. Why can you control consciousness and memories and create the environment?"

The girl tried to persuade Hi Fu with this reasoning, and it did work. Hi Fu couldn't answer the question, and it was obvious that she was a little flustered. She took a step back and then thought of an explanation. Was she questioning herself?

"... I spent every day with Feather Dust, and my body developed muscle memory for him."

"No, it would be impossible to exert such power that way."

"Enough!"

Hi Fu didn't want to listen anymore, but Chiyuan had to continue talking; she couldn't let her escape any longer, there was no time left.

"You finally figured it out..."

"Found what? I didn't find anything. You're just being annoying. It's just a feather, don't point fingers at me..."

He tried to stop Chiyuan from continuing, but wouldn't stopping her now make him seem guilty? So Hi Fu suppressed the urge to use his power to shut her up. This girl kept disturbing his mind, trying to make him deny his own existence. It was so awful, it was like she was Honkai. Could she be Honkai?

"Your awakening has a reason. A body without a soul cannot generate consciousness out of thin air. You are not fighting against the Honkai. Think about it carefully. All your actions, such as destroying Schicksal and attacking World Serpent, are actually carrying out the will of the Honkai. No matter how legitimate your reasons are, your actions do not lie. You will only do one thing, and that is destruction."

She recounted everything Hi Fu had been doing recently, believing that Hai Fu was simply doing whatever she wanted. However, all of this was actually being guided by the Will of Honkai. Chiyuan hoped that Hai Fu could understand this, but Hi Fu lowered her head deeply.

"Enough! Stop talking!"

"Because you are a Herrscher."

After she stated her conclusion, the scene suddenly became very calm. Hi Fu lowered her head and stared at her feet, as if she was seriously considering her accusations. However, Chiyuan knew very well that this was just her usual way of escaping. She was thinking, she was looking for a direction that could cover up her accusations against her. In this way, she would no longer be the one to try to make a mistake. She always wanted to dominate all the conversations.

However, Fu Hua continued to wait, still hoping that she would come to her senses—after spending this time together, Fu Hua knew that this Herrscher possessed a special power, a power that could be used to do many things.

"Class President ..."

After an unknown amount of time, Shen Gonglin was fast asleep, turned over and murmured Fu Hua as if he were dreaming. This sound woke up Hi Fu, who was deep in thought. How did she manage to get so swayed by her? This girl is really good at bewitching people.

"... You say I'm a Herrscher, but my belief has always been to fight against the Honkai, hasn't it? Would the Honkai allow such an apostle to exist, taking its power while simultaneously raising the sword of rebellion against it? That doesn't make sense, does it?"

She tried to use this argument to refute what Chiyuan had just said, but Chiyuan could still explain her question.

"The Honkai and Herrscher of this generation are different from those of the past. Shen Gonglin's physique is special and will not be evaluated. His Herrscher power was obtained from those girls, and he expresses his power in the same way as them. Besides him, there are other examples you want, such as Joyce, Welt, and Kiana, who all fought against the Honkai as Herrscher."

"But then what does it matter whether I'm Herrscher or not? Just like them, as long as I stand on the side of humanity, that's fine, isn't it?"

Why can they do it but I can't? Even if I were in the same situation as her, wouldn't it be enough for me to be like those other examples? Besides, I might not even be in the situation she described.

"What matters is not your thoughts, but your actions—in my opinion, although you believe you are fighting for humanity, everything you do Honkai the Honkai. You have destroyed Schicksal and World Serpent, which are the most steadfast Honkai opponents in the present world. Judging from your attitude, you will do the same to Anti-Entropy given the chance."

Chiyuan trusted her own judgment, which was evident from her wandering eyes, but Hi Fu still stubbornly defended himself.

"I would never destroy Anti-Entropy... At most, I just don't trust it. It has recruited many high-risk individuals: Kiana, Bronya, Mei, and Seele. The first three have already become Herrscher. Can you deny that? Aren't Theresa and Seele also potential Herrscher? All of this is very likely part of Otto's plan. I don't want to become Otto's pawn... No, I'm getting a bit off-topic."

A little agitated, Hi Fu rubbed his temples to calm himself down. He couldn't trust Anti-Entropy either. After all, that organization was always divided into two factions. There was nothing worth considering about what she said. He was the one who was right.

"You accuse me of being a Herrscher, but your evidence is completely weak. You want to say I'm a threat, but you can't come up with a reasonable explanation. I'd like to ask you, are you sure you're right?"

It was just a feather, so why was she questioning her like that? Did this guy still not understand the master-servant relationship between the two of them? After being questioned by her, Hi Fu finally remembered her place. Compared to herself, she was clearly more suspicious!

"You say the voice in my head is the Honkai Consciousness bewitching you, then aren't you even more suspicious? You don't even have a physical body, and your medium is the Herrscher Core from the previous generation. If one of us is a traitor to the Honkai, then you are clearly more suitable than me!"

Faced with Hi Fu's questioning, Chiyuan calmly spoke up.

That was definitely not me.

"Huh? I could say the same thing. What's the point of saying that!"

Chapter Sixty-Four: Let's Fight

Angry, Hi Fu retorted to Chiyuan, then took a deep breath, adjusted her emotions, and forced a smile onto her face. No, no, she couldn't get angry. Getting angry would only make her seem impatient. She had to reason with people. Calm down, calm down.

"Look, there are only the two of us here. I could destroy you without lifting a finger, but I didn't. Why? Because you are my friend, you are another version of me, and I like you! I won't kill you just because you offended me. Isn't that solid proof that I still have humanity?"

Thinking of this, Hi Fu couldn't wait to say it. She looked at Fu Hua expectantly, just like a student longing for praise from the teacher. Yes, that's right. This feather has already angered her so much, but she has never had the idea of extinguishing her consciousness. Although she has threatened her, she has not taken any action. She said that she is Honkai. If she is Honkai, how could she be so humane?

Therefore, everything she just said is wrong!

"... This is just proof that you don't know who you are. You kept me here not because you like me, but because you need another person to support you and affirm you... And you know that if you kill me, Shen Gonglin will never forgive you, that's all."

Fu Hua spoke softly, hoping to soothe the seemingly irritable little girl with her voice. Although she was Herrscher, she was different from those Honkai Apostles. Fu Hua hoped that she could guide her in the right way. However, despite Fu Hua's attempt to comfort her, the cruel truth in her words stung Hi Fu. Why couldn't this girl listen to what she was saying?

"Ugh!!! Seriously, there's no way to communicate with you! Let's just have a fight. I know you're weak right now, but I'll give you the stamina you need for a fight. Let's see who's the best!"

Hi Fu was getting a little frustrated. This girl clearly didn't understand anything, so why was she looking at her with the same pitying gaze she would give a child? This kind of pitying look made Hi Fu very unhappy. No matter how she tried to reason with her, she wouldn't listen. In her impatience, Hi Fu even rolled on the ground. No, if words couldn't work, then she would have to prove herself with strength.

Grabbing Fu Hua's arm, Hi Fu transferred the Honkai energy within him. The power surged into Fu Hua's body like a mighty river, instantly solidifying the girl's previously unsteady form. This was as simple as eating and drinking for Hi Fu. Since he had decided to test his skills against her, he couldn't let her spar with him in such a weakened state.

See? I'm just that fair and genuine. Isn't this Fu Hua good?

"This is pointless."

Clenching her fist, Fu Hua felt this rare moment of abundant power. The Honkai energy that Hi Fu had just injected into her was quite a lot, enough to support a thoroughly enjoyable battle. Of course, this was limited to physical combat, but such a thing was meaningless. Would she acknowledge her as Herrscher if she won? That was impossible.

"Whether it's worth it or not, let's fight first and see!"

She charged forward with clenched fists, without using Honkai energy or her ability to control her own consciousness. Just as Hi Fu had said before, she was a very fair person. She would definitely not be convinced if she defeated this big-talking Feather with other tricks. She would just use her visceral, Cun Xin Fist to subdue her. That was what she was going to do now.

"... Alright, Fu Hua, please enlighten me... Ouch, you attacked me from behind!"

Having gotten into position, Fu Hua reluctantly prepared to fight her, but before she could finish speaking, Hi Fu rushed up and punched her in the eye. This guy actually attacked her from behind; he really has no sportsmanship at all.

"There are too many flaws. I couldn't help myself. What era are we living in? Why are you still sticking to this kind of thing? Just lie down on the ground obediently!"

Two figures, one in black and one in red, clashed in a fierce battle. Using the same fist techniques and understanding, they exchanged blows, the powerful force of their punches disturbing the slumbering Shen Gonglin. He frowned, slowly opening his eyes. It had been a long time since he'd slept so soundly; this deep sleep felt wonderful. But waking up on a girl's soft lap would be even better. Sleeping on a rock was truly uncomfortable... Wait a minute, what are those two doing?

Her slightly vacant purple eyes slowly regained their luster. Recovering from her low blood pressure, Shen Gonglin turned to look at Hi Fu and Fu Hua, who were locked in a fierce battle, completely bewildered. How did she suddenly fall asleep? And why did the two of them suddenly start fighting? The way they were punching each other so hard... it looked like they were really fighting. Why were they fighting?

She wanted to go up and stop them, but before she could even get up, Shen Gonglin gave up the idea. If the two of them were really fighting, it wouldn't be like this. What they were doing now was more like a brawl between high school girls, and they were just short of pulling hair and slapping each other.