Chapter 159
"Xiao Qing, you're so gentle to everyone."
"In the future... let's not do that."
"Because I'll be jealous, very jealous, very jealous."
Chu Yuanqing quickly shook her head, putting those bothersome words out of her mind. She looked up at her teammates and asked:
Should I answer it?
Little Sakura felt uneasy. She still couldn't forget the dark cross star in those eyes, and the palpitation that felt like she was being entangled when she was being stared at.
"I've put a bit of a gamble on our future stage."
"That is, love for Chu Yuanqing."
At this moment, those words, which seemed like a joke back then, echoed in my mind, appearing all the more profound.
Kiriwake Yayoi frowned and remained silent. The unease in her heart, after seeing the PK invitation, was like a fuel that continued to climb to its peak, as if reminding her of something.
At the same time, a wisp of Black Mist took root and entwined within the [Cocoon of the Heart] deep within the soul, waiting for the opportune moment to truly penetrate it and form a pact with it.
Clearly, the key question is whether or not to engage in battle.
Little Sakura a sense of doubt and began to ponder to herself:
"Could it be... just like she didn't lie about being forcibly kissed, that absurd declaration was also true?"
"If it's true, then it might be related to her [Flow State] ability. Just like how others can't guess that the core of my ability is [Perfect Performance Method], Xie Qingxuan's dominance and control are merely an extension of the application of this ability."
"But using a specific emotion as a bet is far too fantastical; it completely exceeds my definition and understanding of idols."
At this moment, for the first time, Kiriwake Yayoi felt bewildered by the increasingly supernatural power of [Flow State].
Regardless, she didn't have many options left.
Chu Wangshu and Tang Liuli were both looking at her, clearly waiting for her to make a decision.
Kiriwake Yayoi a deep breath, casting aside her unease and doubt. A vibrant, tangible cherry blossom pink appeared in her eyes, the corners of her eyes turned up, and a confident smile graced her lips, radiating an infectious aura. She spoke softly:
"Why won't you answer?"
"Xie Qingxuan has only been in the A1 area for two days, and even the dance music was only drawn yesterday. Ji Shuzhu is indeed a choreography genius, but even if we count three days later, we only have a total of five days of training time."
"Under these circumstances, we have no reason to disagree, much less to back down."
Chu Wangshu and Tang Liuli exchanged a glance and nodded in agreement.
Chu Yuanqing had no objections.
Kiriwake Yayoi pressed her fingertip on the envelope and wrote a crooked "receive". The Black Mist inside the [Cocoon of the Heart] then truly took root and fell, forging a contract that surfaced in her heart, lingering like a nightmare.
Before Little Sakura could investigate the specific information, the Stage Battle PK request instantly completed the corresponding procedures through the intelligent system, and a prompt window popped up in the Living room.
--[Should we publish this to the A1 area channel?]
--[whether.]
There is no need to cover it up.
Kiriwake Yayoi simply clicked "Yes," then began reading the information that suddenly surfaced in her mind. Her heart trembled, and the cherry blossom pink in her eyes deepened, like arcs of light dancing with flowing cherry blossoms, revealing a melancholic and poignant beauty. She couldn't help but purse her lips.
[Contract: The final battle will be fought on the stage; the loser will be stripped of their love for Chu Yuanqing.]
These absurd words emerged from the Black Mist within the [Cocoon of the Heart].
The stage determines destiny.
This famous line from the Dream Weaver Rabbit became a perfectly true reflection of reality at this moment.
At least for now, what is called a girl's first love, which is in some sense equivalent to a dream, has been placed on the stage in a ridiculous way, and its ownership will be determined by the winner.
At first Kiriwake Yayoi was bewildered, then anxious, and then slowly rose to anger. She took a deep breath, but could not suppress the resentment in her chest, causing increasingly terrifying Heart Tide to surge deep within her soul.
--The first stirrings of love.
--A stage that embodies the meaning of idols and even the ideals of many.
This contract completely defiled both of them at once, utterly trampling on what was most sacred to her.
Most importantly,
"This isn't the first time you've used this ability, is it?"
"How many people's dreams have you trampled and insulted along the way?"
"In those 14 Stage Battle, how many people's tears were hidden behind your victory?"
The more Kiriwake Yayoi thought about it, the angrier she became. She even overcame her fear of loss, all for the sake of raising the banner of rebellion against the increasingly Demon King, tyrannical, and Imperial Fierce Tiger, and cutting him down!
Yuki, you absolutely cannot like this kind of idol!
The girl lowered her gaze to the gradually crumbling invitation, her expression indifferent, the smile fading from her lips, and she whispered:
"Xie Qingxuan, I... won't lose to someone like you."
Whether it's for the dream of becoming an idol or to prevent the sacred emotions in one's heart from being plundered and tainted, this Stage Battle must not be lost.
From this moment on, the Stage Battle between them was no longer simply about advancing, but had officially escalated to a clash of ideologies. It was as if a hero favored by the gods was determined to defeat the Demon King was ravaging the world, a battle that could be described as destiny!
Meanwhile, in another practice room in area A1.
Inside the bathroom, steam rose from the ceiling.
Xie Qingxuan wrapped one arm around her almost overflowing fullness, a few drops of foam flowing from her fair skin. Her damp, platinum-blonde hair clung to her slender, soft back, revealing a silky texture. Sensing something, she murmured to herself:
"The contract is established."
Inside the [Cocoon of the Heart], there are dozens of jet-black threads, like a spider web, stretching and intertwining. The ends of these threads are divided into two parts: one end is at the core of the cocoon, and the other end crosses the void, grafting onto dozens of victims in a way that is like Mind link.
This is the final image presented after stealing the spotlight from players in two different regions.
In fact, after the contract was established, she could unilaterally sever these threads, thus enabling her to truly and permanently plunder them.
But from the beginning, she had no intention of plundering permanently.
Xie Qingxuan was merely borrowing it. After quickly deciphering the dream puzzle using [Meditation State] and dismantling and absorbing its advantages, these shining qualities, aside from serving as a backup hidden energy source to stir up Heart Tide phenomena, had little other use.
Since it's useless, it should naturally be returned; otherwise, it would be very impolite.
Xie Qingxuan applied shower gel to her entire body, her slender hands gliding over her smooth, soft skin, diligently and carefully covering her legs with the gel. She then looked down as the foam dissipated, revealing the smooth, beautiful lines of her legs.
The girl's clear, black-and-white eyes were lowered, and a natural, innocent, and adorable smile, like that of a clingy puppy, graced her beautiful face as she whispered:
"Xiao Qing... I'll be able to see you in three days."
Splash, splash.
The flowing water washed away the foam, but it couldn't wash away the lingering thoughts.
The sound of skin rubbing against skin echoed in the bathroom, like vines exploring an unknown mountain wall.
The sound of water continued incessantly, and longing lingered tenderly.
On the other side, a detached dormitory building.
"A contestant in Zone A1 has initiated a stage PK."
"Challengers: Xie Qingxuan, Ji Shuzhu, Fan Qiuling, Chu Qiushuang."
"The challenged parties: Kiriwake Yayoi, Chu Yuanqing, Tang Liuli, and Chu Wangshu."
"The two teams have agreed to face off at noon three days from now. All players can watch the match via the virtual screen in the practice room."
Liang Xiaoxiao had just stepped out of the bathroom. She shuffled to the sofa in her slippers, her delicate skin still seemingly misty. Her beautiful face held a complex expression as she murmured to herself:
"Xiao Qing... are you going to have a showdown with Qing Xuan?"
Three of the players on these two teams were former teammates, and they were on opposing sides. No matter who won, she wouldn't be happy.
Most importantly, Chen Yining challenged Xie Qingxuan's team yesterday, deliberately setting the deadline on the last day, which theoretically gives them a significant advantage.
However, the release of this news undoubtedly signaled that their challenge had been rejected.
At this moment, the Young Lady sitting on the sofa was filled with a low-pressure atmosphere, which was extremely terrifying.
Volume 1: 155. Blocking and challenging others to a duel, Magic Replenishment, the Witch system. (5K2)
Chen Yining's raspberry-red hair cascaded down her fair shoulders, with a few strands falling onto her full chest, which was heaving violently with her breath and bound by her dress. She glanced at the familiar names in the group, her crimson pupils flickering like flames, burning with a dark and gloomy hue.
[Results are everything; victory or defeat on stage is everything.]
[If you really want me, then... come and take me yourself.]
Ji Shuzhu's words from that time are still fresh in my memory.
She thus awakened [Flow State], overcame all obstacles, conquered three cities, and became one of the first trainees to advance to the A1 area.
In order to wait for her childhood sweetheart to arrive in Area A1, launch a stage PK against her, and win her back, she even chose to lead the entire team and wait until the end of January.
But now...
This refusal to fight renders all the effort and perseverance a joke.
"Fraud."
A mocking sneer curled at the corners of Chen Yining's lips. The possessiveness and love that had been festering in her heart were thrown into a furnace in that instant, burning away her own and others' passions. Her rose-red pupils became unfocused, and a terrifying surge of Heart Tide swept over her as she felt denied, betrayed, deceived, and trampled upon.
The bracelet on the girl's fair wrist trembled incessantly, its fern-like swirls and marquise-shaped and round white diamonds gleaming brilliantly, greedily absorbing the vast amounts of magic power seized from her Heart Tide's surge, continuously linking and merging with her soul. Her expression turned cold, and she repeated softly:
"Fraud."
"Xiaozhu, you didn't even give me a chance to take you back."
As soon as she finished speaking, the entire Living room turned into an ice cellar. Due to her emotional outburst, she had entered a state of "Flow State," which greatly amplified Young Lady personal aura, making the atmosphere exceptionally heavy and solid, as if she were trapped in an endless swamp burning with raging fire.
A pure white mist filled Liang Xiaoxiao's eyes. The [Cocoon of the Heart] constructed by the Savior's grace acted as if in response, protecting its master and stirring up a defensive Heart Tide of energy. It forcibly exempted her from the bizarre illusion created by this person's aura. Her expression was somewhat envious.
Chen Yining is different from herself. The person she cares about is her childhood sweetheart, and they have a relationship that is comparable to that of family. The other party has the right and reason to feel betrayed, and has a reason to be angry at this time.
But what about myself?
A tree without roots, a drifting duckweed in troubled times.
This feeling had no place to stand, and she seemed to have... no reason to pursue it any further.
It's strange. I've achieved the [Flow State] that I once longed for but could never reach, yet I'm even further away from Chu Yuanqing now.
The piano piece played in the music room was like a lyrical farewell poem, revealing the deep emotions in that person's heart.
How beautiful, how sacred.
How lonely it is, as lonely as the Valhalla Temple collapsing and crumbling in Ragnarok, its past glory twisted in blood and fire. In the distance, the World Tree sings its mournful song, Nighogg devours life with his serpent horde, and the fire giant awaiting the end of the world has also pulled out Laevateinn.
Chu Yuanqing is a desolate yet magnificent palace, where epic tales of the past linger, and are etched with the fierce clash of swords. It is filled with a sea of flowers that once flourished and then withered into ashes. All who wish to step into it and try to unlock its secrets must share its joys and sorrows and feel its pain.
Otherwise, one cannot bear the weight of the past, much less the loneliness.
If you can't do that, it means you're only holding onto false love.
Liang Xiaoxiao ran away at that moment. She knew she was gradually sinking into a quagmire. She kept telling herself that as long as she got closer to the other person and stayed by their side a little longer, it would be fine, but her heart still moved uncontrollably toward them.
People who lack love are always like this: a temporary separation will only make their brains idealize that warmth. Overwhelming loneliness will make them toss and turn at night, and when they are trapped in the corridor of nightmares, they will crave and yearn for that selfless love even more, and finally sublimate and soften it into the clearest ray of moonlight.
If this is true even before meeting, how much more so after a long separation?
The melody of Edelweiss unveiled a corner of Chu Yuanqing's true heart, moving and shocking her, and making her realize for the first time that she was uncontrollably developing feelings for Chu Yuanqing that she shouldn't have.
Liang Xiaoxiao hesitated, terrified, so she chose not to meet them and left alone.
"Like a moth drawn to a flame, you'll only cause Xiao Qing trouble."
"I... don't want this to happen."
Liang Xiaoxiao was lost in her emotional reflections, seemingly forgetting the crisis her team was facing.
Ruan Wutong yawned. This pretty short-haired girl was casually playing her Switch. Her light purple-streaked hair swayed, and Black Mist swirled in her eyes. The chaotic [Cocoon of the Heart] ignored her captain's low mood and smiled, stirring things up:
"Didn't they say they'd do it in three days?"
"Captain, why don't we just go to their practice room tomorrow and ambush your choreographer? We can't have the official PK for the advancement, but can't we arrange a private stage PK?"