Chapter 429

Seeing Kiana lying there sighing, Fu Hua walked over and stood beside her. It was a rare sight to see this usually energetic girl sighing like this. What happened? Was it because her recent life had been too peaceful and she had become a little complacent?

"I was thinking about how many flowers I would have to put at the door if I married Shen Gonglin... Class President, don't try to persuade me. I know he's not old enough yet. I'm just thinking about it. Thinking isn't a crime, right? Where has that guy gone? He hasn't come back for so long. Has he forgotten about me?"

Kiana knew what the Class President wanted to say just by looking at her hesitant expression. The girl waved her hand to indicate that she was thinking clearly. It was just because she wasn't old enough. There's a saying that goes, "As long as there is love, age is not a problem." They were just too serious. She and Shen Gonglin had already done such intimate things, and now they were probably only missing a marriage certificate.

However, Kiana still cared a lot about this marriage certificate. To be honest, she had seen wedding dresses and knew she would look beautiful in one.

"Hmm, I think he's probably forgotten about you."

Fu Hua squinted and said something that really hit Kiana where it hurt. Who told her to hurt herself first? All she thinks about is marrying Shen Gonglin, she doesn't act like Valkyrie at all. Kiana is really hopeless. I have to give her a good beating during training... Tsk, this girl is not the easy-to-bully Kiana she was when she first entered school. If it's a real fight, Fu Hua has no confidence in winning against her.

"... Class President, you should comfort me at a time like this, instead of saying things that try to sober me up."

The Class President is still the Class President after all. Kiana's emotional intelligence seems even lower than hers. I really don't know how she can casually utter such chilling words. How could Shen Gonglin have forgotten about me? That's clearly impossible.

Bronya thinks Kiana should be more realistic... because Shen Gonglin can't possibly marry you.

Another voice interrupted their conversation. A girl with gray Roman curls in twin ponytails stood on Kiana's other side and immediately heard Kiana's comment about wanting to eat peaches. How could this girl be so carefree? How could she say something like that? How could Shen Gonglin ever marry her?

"Huh? Why, Bronya, what gives you the right to say that?"

Kiana's eyebrows furrowed. Why couldn't they marry each other? Kiana felt that the two of them were a match made in heaven. Bronya's words displeased Kiana, and she needed to give a reason.

"... It's just not suitable, and Bronya doesn't want to say why."

Bronya remained unyielding on this issue, calmly meeting Kiana's gaze. She was certain that she would marry Kiana. Although her figure was slightly less than ideal due to her current age, Bronya was confident that she would achieve a mature physique by the time she was old enough to marry. Considering Shen Gonglin's age, Bronya thought it over and decided that she was the most suitable person to marry Shen Gonglin.

Heh, these two wishful thinkers. The most suitable marriage partner for Shen Gonglin is clearly himself. After all, he and Shen Gonglin have already done "that" thing. According to Shenzhou's saying, the raw rice has already been cooked into porridge, and it's only one step away from being cooked.

Watching Kiana and Bronya argue, Fu Hua revealed a mysterious smile, as if she had a sure thing. Why was that? It was all thanks to the Herrscher of Consciousness taking over her body back then, otherwise she wouldn't have been able to do this.

"I don't think you can give any reason at all, Class President. Tell me, am I the most suitable person to marry Shen Gonglin?"

Perhaps because she was so bored, Kiana finally found something to do and dragged Fu Hua to be the referee. Kiana thought it over and over and felt that she was the most suitable marriage partner for Shen Gonglin. After all, look how much he likes her, and she likes him too. During the Herrscher of the Void incident, he was always by her side. Kiana felt that it would be hard to end this kind of unwavering love without getting married.

"Kiana's skin is getting thicker and thicker... Class President, when Shen Gonglin was treating Bronya's legs, we were already very close. And in terms of age, most marriages in Shenzhou involve men being older than women, so Bronya should be the most suitable marriage partner for Shen Gonglin."

Bronya retorted, revealing the girl's ambition in her words. Kiana had initially thought Bronya simply felt that Shen Gonglin was a bad match for her, but it turned out this little girl wanted to eat the peach herself. Fine, from now on, Bronya won't be a bridesmaid at the wedding. Let her sit at the ex-girlfriend's table, next to Durandal!

"Bronya! You're so young, how can you think about such things? Wake up, this isn't a game."

Kiana thought Bronya was just having a whim. This girl must have gotten carried away and thought marriage was something interesting. Although Kiana herself thought it was interesting, this kind of interesting is not the same as that kind of interesting. This silly little girl, this is not the time to join in the fun.

"Yes, that's right. Bronya is younger... but she's a good match for Shen Gonglin's age. As for older women like Kiana, it's best not to overthink it."

Chapter 100

"Old woman?" This was a direct attack on Kiana and Fu Hua in front of her. Fu Hua twitched her lips but had nothing to say. She couldn't refute the "old woman" label. Although it was directed at Kiana, Fu Hua felt like she was being shot even though she was lying in the wrong place. As everyone knows, a beautiful girl's age is entirely determined by her appearance. Bronya, that stupid little girl, simply doesn't understand that!

"Old woman? Bronya, don't you understand that I'm a fresh-faced teenage girl? I'm not even twenty yet, how could I be called an old woman? Class President, look at her! Bronya said something she shouldn't have!"

Bronya's words infuriated Kiana, who demanded that Fu Hua speak up for her, while Bronya, not to be outdone, turned to Fu Hua.

"Class President, who do you think is more suitable to marry Shen Gonglin? Kiana's personality is simply not suitable for marriage."

Bronya hadn't known Kiana had such ambitions before, but now that she did, she was naturally unwilling to back down. This was a time when she couldn't afford to retreat; she wasn't going to lose to anyone, whether it was Kiana or someone else. Bronya was determined to fight on.

"I think... Shen Gonglin is the most suitable person for me to marry."

Kiana and Bronya were chattering away, but Fu Hua didn't pay any attention. As soon as she heard the question, the girl subconsciously said that she was the most suitable candidate. Fu Hua felt that she was the most suitable one. She had known Shen Gonglin for about the same amount of time as them. Back then, Shen Gonglin had become her disciple and she had taught him the Great Void Sword Qi. From that time on, the relationship between the two of them slowly changed.

Knee pillow, belly pillow, and now it's like this... When it comes to feelings, Fu Hua feels that her relationship with Shen Gonglin is no less than anyone else's.

"Huh? Class President, what are you saying... Aren't you Shen Gonglin Jingu's teacher and guardian...?"

When Fu Hua spoke, Kiana and Bronya were a little taken aback. They looked at Fu Hua with complicated expressions. They had considered that the relationship between Shen Gonglin and Fu Hua might be a bit too close, but no matter who it was, they would subconsciously regard Fu Hua as their guardian. But now that Fu Hua had volunteered so readily... had her filial piety really turned sour?

"Huh?... Ahem, sorry, it seems like the Herrscher of Consciousness's thoughts interfered with me just now. What did I just say? I have no idea."

It seemed she had inadvertently blurted out her true feelings. Meeting their gazes, Fu Hua became somewhat embarrassed. The girl covered her head, feigning distress. She could only blame Little Herrscher of Consciousness for this; now was not the time to be honest. Even this little fairy, Fu Hua, had her pride. Between master and disciple... she was still a little embarrassed.

"Is it because of the Herrscher of Consciousness? Class President, is there still no way to track her down?"

So it was because of the Herrscher of Consciousness. No wonder the Class President wouldn't say something like that. But this shows that the Herrscher of Consciousness is also eyeing her pig. She really should act sooner rather than later; things might change if she waited too long. Having made this decision, Kiana asked Fu Hua about her condition with concern. The Class President would be like a mother-in-law to her in the future; she needed to build up her goodwill with her.

"There's still no way... By the way, Herrscher of the Void, Kiana, I heard you say that she didn't disappear. You also saw her during the last battle?"

Fu Hua seized the opportunity to change the subject. After Little Herrscher of Consciousness left her body, she seemed to have taken up residence in the spirit of Shen Gonglin. However, that playful Herrscher didn't seem to have any intention of staying put. She seemed to run off and wander around from time to time. Both Schicksal and Anti-Entropy's detection agencies had spotted that Herrscher. She even used her identity to swindle and deceive. This kind of thing was too easy for Herrscher who controlled consciousness. Fu Hua's reputation had already been ruined. Speaking of Herrscher, Fu Hua also remembered this matter. The Herrscher of the Void had not completely disappeared.

"Yeah, it seems to be related to Shen Gonglin... That guy didn't even tell me about this kind of thing, what an idiot."

Speaking of that Herrscher, Kiana's feelings were actually quite complicated. She and the Herrscher were both extensions of Sirin's wishes, except that she was the side of Sirin that yearned for a better life. But no matter what, the Queen of the Void and she were like two different fruits growing on the same tree. When the Herrscher disappeared, Kiana's mood was not good, but Kiana was quite happy to see her again this time.

Knowing that she hadn't disappeared, Kiana felt a huge weight lifted from her heart. But why was she following Shen Gonglin and saying those things? Kiana wouldn't happen to like that queenly style, would she?

If you really want to, you can learn it yourself.

"Perhaps Shen Gonglin has her own considerations... Speaking of which, based on the analysis of the signs that he used the Herrscher of the Void to jump through space at the base last time, we have roughly determined that he has arrived at a certain place. However, neither Schicksal nor Anti-Entropy can get close to that place, which proves the sphere of influence of that place."

He really is the Herrscher Slayer. Shen Gonglin has witnessed the abilities of Herrscher firsthand. Now the Herrscher of the Void and the Herrscher of Consciousness are with him, plus Kiana, Bronya... Fu Hua has lost count, but their conversations always revolve around Shen Gonglin. That guy doesn't even plan to come back now.

"Neither Schicksal nor Anti-Entropy could investigate further... so it must be World Serpent. I knew that guy must have gone to find Mei."

Given the current power dynamics in the world, Schicksal and Anti-Entropy have become inseparable partners for various reasons. And since even the combined forces of the two sides cannot explore certain places, Kiana really can't think of any other place besides World Serpent. No wonder that guy is so happy and doesn't want to leave; he's gone to find Mei.

Kiana was indignant. They were supposed to marry each other, so why was she still having an ambiguous relationship with her best friend? But if it was Mei, Kiana could understand. After all, it was Mei. Even Kiana herself had been infatuated with Mei before. If it weren't for Shen Gonglin, Kiana probably would have been with Mei.

Well, thinking about it this way... if Shen Gonglin and Mei are together, then marrying Shen Gonglin would mean I can be with Mei forever, right? Shen Gonglin and affectionate, and Mei could cook for them—that would be the perfect match.

Chapter 101

"Ah... I still can't type it, Mei, I feel so bad."

In the Elysian Realm, Shen Gonglin opened his mouth but couldn't sneeze. He felt like someone was talking about him. Whoever it was, Shen Gonglin didn't care. There were just too many people in the world talking about him. But the feeling of not being able to sneeze was so uncomfortable. Because of this, Mei, who had been talking to Vill-V earlier, had to put everything aside to take care of him. But no matter what methods the two of them tried, Shen Gonglin still couldn't sneeze. It was so uncomfortable.

"Never mind, I'll take care of it."

Mei was at a loss. Unable to bear it any longer, Vill-V stepped forward and deliberately approached Shen Gonglin. Mei tried to stop her, but as soon as she got close, Shen Gonglin sneezed loudly, and the spittle splashed onto Vill-V's face.

"Sorry, sorry, the smell of engine oil is really strong... I'm sorry, let me wipe it off for you."

Although Shen Gonglin usually likes to be self-centered, he is still very polite to people he doesn't know well. Seeing that Vill-V had her eyes closed and seemed to be brewing anger, Shen Gonglin quickly reached out to wipe her face. The Great Magician could only glare at him in annoyance, knowing that he shouldn't have been so kind.

"Alright, let's get back to the point. I'm not Elysia; I wouldn't do something like that without expecting anything in return. So, let's make a deal, Herrscher of Thunder. I'll give you my whole self in exchange for your complete self. When you pass through my perception, you'll have a clear view of my thoughts, even my most unspeakable secrets. But you... must also be completely unguarded so that I can do the same."

With a hint of annoyance, Vill-V pushed Shen Gonglin away and carefully wiped her face with a Mei before turning the conversation to Mei. If Mei wanted to reach the Deepest Place through him, this was the price she would have to pay. This was not something that could be done easily. Was she willing to completely reveal her inner self to him? This was not something that could be done easily either.

"... Okay, I promise you."

Mei's attitude surprised Vill-V. Did she not understand what she meant? She was so decisive. Was she not going to reconsider?

"I have no past that I'm ashamed to share, and besides... I'm exploring secrets, so I don't mind using secrets as a bargaining chip."

Mei was incredibly insightful. She believed that there was nothing shameful about her past or her memories. Whether it was her battles or her efforts so far, these were things that Mei could tell others. Even if there were some little secrets she didn't want others to know, Mei wouldn't back down in order to achieve her goals. Besides, wasn't Vill-V planning to show her the secrets? So it was only right that she should do the same.

"Oh, and there's one more thing. I can get you there, but I have no way to get you out of there, so... you know."

Since Mei had agreed, Vill-V didn't say anything more. The girl looked at Mei with a big smile, and no one knew what she was thinking, but Mei felt that she might be plotting against her... But even if she was plotting against her, she didn't have any good ideas right now.

"There's one last thing, Vill-V... Although I think it's better to keep things unspoken, I don't want anyone trying to deceive me to mistakenly believe they've succeeded. Every time, you've appeared just when my investigation hit a bottleneck, offering crucial help. So... is this all you've finally revealed to me... your true purpose?"

I feel like all my actions are part of Vill-V's plan, and her goal is to get all of me without any concealment. I don't know what her purpose is in wanting to know these things, but for now, she has achieved her goal. Even if I clearly understand this, there is nothing I can do to stop it. This matter... is indeed frustrating.

Hearing Mei's words, Vill-V's smile remained unchanged, revealing nothing from her expression. A master of facial expression management among the people of the Elysian Realm, this Flame-Chasers said, "Don't overthink it... Ms. Mei, the opportunity to be honest is right in front of you. Go and see for yourself."

Vill-V nodded slightly, her dazzling pupils gleaming with a light that Mei could not resist.

"And... you suspect someone else more than me, don't you?"

"Okay, let's go."

There was no time to hesitate, and Mei nodded in agreement without hesitation. Vill-V also used her ability on Mei, but all she had promised from beginning to end was to send Mei there alone.

"Welcome to the one-woman show by Vill-V!"

Such a performative style—that's the Great Magician.

In the darkness, Mei heard such a sound, and then another voice, that of Vill-V, rang out.

"I've said it so many times, I have no interest in getting involved in this kind of thing. Don't call the wrong person every time you call a scholar out, conductor."

This is the expert personality, Vill-V, and the person she is accusing is the conductor who is in charge of directing all the personalities. While Vill-V's original personality was dormant, it was the conductor who was in charge of the overall situation.

"Oh... really? Anyway, in my opinion, you two are the same."

The conductor didn't care at all. At this moment, another personality started to complain. With so many personalities, wouldn't Vill-V go insane? No, it seems that someone said that Vill-V separated each of her personalities into independent individuals, so there shouldn't be any impact. Then which personality did she kill back then and break free from the commandments?

Mei fell into deep thought.

"But... to conflate the two personalities is like saying there's no difference between sugar and salt, it's absurd..."

"But that's what makes me... the crazy and chaotic Vill-V!"

"Visitors... please help us..."

The endless stream of fleeting images made Mei break out in a light sweat, but before she could figure it out, a fleeting scene appeared before her eyes. Mei wiped her forehead, the Herrscher girl's eyes were very calm.

This isn't the whole story at all, Vill-V ... she's still deceiving herself. But now's not the time to dwell on that. If this is what she meant by passing through thought, then I should already be on the final path. It's time to move forward... Huh?

Where is Shen Gonglin?

Chapter 102 Facing Aponia

Mei Shen Gonglin, who should have been by her side, was not there. She was all alone. The girl was not panicked. With her sharp mind, she recalled what had happened before. Indeed, Vill-V had never agreed to send Shen Gonglin over. The only one she agreed to was herself. So, was this development all part of her plan?

It's really unpleasant to feel like you've been tricked... But now is not the time to back down.

Taking a deep breath, Mei knew that the key point of the Deepest Place was just ahead. If she wasn't mistaken, the monster should be waiting there. Mei gripped the hilt of her sword tightly, looking at the monster that had appeared ahead. The welcoming fireworks had already burst into bloom. Her goal was ahead.

"This wrong path...you shouldn't have stepped into it, Mei."

As Mei moved forward, a familiar figure came into her Mei's habit, which was mainly black and white, looked exceptionally pure. The person's eyes were filled with melancholy. After seeing her figure, Mei realized that everything she had thought before was correct.

"Aponia ... It really was you. This time, I will not let you manipulate me again."

Mei's goal is Aponia. No matter what happens next, it will all be part of Mei's plan. She will no longer let Aponia fool her. Mei has never believed in fate.

"So, has the day I foreseen finally arrived?"

Aponia's attitude remained unchanged. She sighed softly. None of this was what she wanted, yet everything was happening just as she had imagined. No one could escape the arrangement of fate, not Mei, and not herself.

"Mei... please forgive me one last time. I have no choice but to impose a true commandment on you. Miss Mei, please turn back, you shouldn't just... sink into your fate like this. I, too, once refused to believe that I was being manipulated. But what I saw and gained... in the end... was all scattered. Just like you right now... alone."

After leaving behind what blocked Mei, Aponia turned and left. Looking at the monster that had reappeared before her, Mei's eyes showed no hesitation. These things were old acquaintances of hers in the Elysian Realm. All she had to do was grip the hilt of her sword and keep going. Aponia, don't even think about escaping!

Having overcome numerous obstacles, Mei is no longer the helpless girl she once was. Now she can follow her heart and do what she wants, so this riddle-maker shouldn't try to stop her in this way.

"Mei ...even if everything else withers away...you still haven't realized that you've gone astray? Then, if even your friends leave you...can that delusion be erased?"

Following Aponia's footsteps, Mei entered another strange space. The scene, resembling a late autumn dusk, brought a sense of loneliness to Mei's heart. In this golden ocean, Aponia tried to stop Mei, but the girl's steps did not stop for a moment. The Disciplined Flame-Chasers sighed softly, it seemed that there was no way to stop her in the end.

"Alright, Raiden Mei, that's enough. Please stop here."

Finally, the two arrived at a solemn sky palace. Aponia's tone became extremely serious, and she called Mei's name directly. This was the final limit; if they went any deeper, she would really have to take action.

"You haven't crossed the final line yet. Before I step in to guide you, you still have a chance to turn back. Those who enter this place must abandon all hope. All admonitions end here. Raiden Mei, what made you decide... to fall so miserably into this predicament?"

The nun knelt on the ground as if she were devoutly praying to heaven. Faced with her admonition, Mei's goal remained as firm as ever. To give up on her pursuit because of such admonition would be to underestimate herself. The girl stepped forward and looked at the nun who exuded holiness before her, and slowly spoke.

"Aponia ... Good. Seeing you here actually puts my mind at ease. My last question has finally been answered. My death and my desire to go to the Deepest Place are indeed related. In fact, they are the same thing."

Aponia's actions fully proved Mei's conjecture. Was her claim that she would kill Mei in ten days the consequence of Mei's desire to explore the Deepest Place? Was it because Mei had come into contact with something she didn't want others to come into contact with that she made that prophecy about wanting to kill her?

"... Don't you understand my good intentions? What protects us actually becomes a constraint. People can only know so much in order to survive. The thirst for the unknown has already driven an era to its end. I just don't want... you to get involved in it too."

Aponia's words indirectly confirmed Mei's deduction. This exchange reminded her of a movie she had once seen. Aponia's concept of constraint was similar to the idea in that movie where someone wanted to protect the entire world with armor. And Mei ...

"No need to be so cryptic, Aponia. The essence of the matter is not complicated. In fact, you can't even see my destiny, can you? The so-called prophecy, the truth is... you don't allow anyone to explore the Deepest Place secrets. If someone like me dares to cross the line, you will surely take him down. But... it's not as unavoidable as you say. No matter how special you are in the Elysian Realm, just as I don't believe in the existence of destiny, I don't believe you are truly invincible."

Because she was investigating the truth of the Elysian Realm, Aponia made that "prophecy" targeting her. But that was not a reason for her to give up the investigation. She went into the Elysian Realm to investigate everything. Mei did not believe that Aponia was invincible. Just as she had always avoided seeing Shen Gonglin in the Deepest Place, it must be because there was a quality in Shen Gonglin that she could not see. That meant that she was not invincible.

"Shoot you down... Ah, what an apt description. Though you soar like a great eagle, nesting among the stars, I will surely pull you down from there... Since you already know I will do this, why risk your life?"

Chapter 103 Becoming Destiny, Becoming Reality

Though you soar like an eagle, nesting among the stars, I will surely pull you down from there... This seems to be an excerpt from the Bible. This feeling does fit the impression that Aponia gives. Mei breathed a sigh of relief. Now, there is no possibility of backing down.

"I've lingered in the Elysian Realm for too long, so... I'm determined to get it."

Mei had anticipated the separation from Mei Shen Gonglin, but even without Shen Gonglin by her side, Mei's determination to uncover the truth of the Elysian Realm would not change. Even if Aponia stood in her way, it wouldn't work. She was not someone who could be easily fooled, and being manipulated by Aponia like a puppet was not in line with Mei's aesthetics.