Chapter 320
Inside the car, the Qingmei group had lost their usual enthusiasm for playing erotic games. Ruan Wutong stared blankly out the window, and all of them felt the heavy burden of a family member taking someone with cancer to see a doctor.
Astrid, sitting in the front seat and also acting as the vehicle's AI driver, glanced at the Little Idol in the back seat and said softly:
"We're almost at the castle. If you're not planning to come along, I'll stop at the hotel we booked."
Chen Yining hesitated. She definitely wanted to go with them. If she didn't get a result today, she wouldn't be able to sleep.
"I want to go, but... because I don't have their contact information, I haven't informed them at all. Visiting them at this hour feels very impolite."
Ji Shuzhu remained noncommittal. Having witnessed the brilliance of Xie Qingxuan, Tang Liuli, Chu Yuanqing, Kiriwake Yayoi, and even Chu Wangshu, she understood that the players on this team were all kind people who wouldn't mind such things.
But for Xiao Ning, who always prepares a gift when visiting someone's home, believing that this is the only way to be considerate, going to a "competitor" empty-handed would definitely make her feel very uncomfortable.
Liang Xiaoxiao opened her eyes, took out her phone, and looked down at the messages on the screen.
[Xiaoxiao, Astrid told me not to worry too much. I'll help you harness this power. Bring your friends over as soon as possible.]
The girl's expression was complex. Suppressing the restlessness surging in her blood, she forced a smile, showed everyone the text message, and said softly:
"It's fine if we go together, Xiao Qing already messaged me."
Chen Yining glanced at the content on the WeChat interface, somewhat surprised.
Did Chu Yuanqing understand Xiaoxiao very well, or was he simply gentle by nature? In any case, from the perspective of a helper, such an attitude is truly commendable.
The passengers in the carriage shared a unified stance.
Ten minutes later, Astrid led everyone to the castle hall. The first thing they heard was the melodious and clear sound of a harp, as beautiful as moonlight, echoing in the spacious room.
That person was sitting at the piano in the hall.
The girl's thick eyelashes drooped, and her silky white-gold hair cascaded naturally. The light and soft nightgown she wore looked like an evening gown on her, and even from behind, one could glimpse a delicate and graceful beauty.
Xie Qingxuan's expression was serene, with a dark cross outlined in her pupils. Her delicate hands danced on the black and white keys as she played Beethoven's "Moonlight Sonata" as if no one else was around, creating an elegant and solemn atmosphere.
Most remarkably, the dark, surging Heart Tide flowed like water, shedding the tyranny and domineering presence on stage, merely proclaiming the monarch's majesty through its very existence, greatly amplifying the amplitude of the sound, and giving the music a solemn chill like winter.
Xie Qingxuan's presence expanded infinitely, like a grand opera, overwhelming the minds of all who came, drawing all eyes to her slender figure.
Ruan Wutong subconsciously slowed her pace and stopped in her tracks.
Ji Shuzhu looked at this old acquaintance, and almost instinctively took out a Pocky, wanting to taste this dazzling treat that was completely different from the past, but she immediately tasted something different.
The choreographer suppressed her appetite, put away the Pocky she usually used as a condiment, and chose to stand still and listen quietly to the end of the piece.
The same goes for Chen Yining.
Liang Xiaoxiao felt the radiance of this Demon King, which, like a blessing, overwhelmed her body that had been swallowed by the cataclysm. Some kind of strange authority took effect on her body, and for a moment the cataclysmic energy within her soul and flesh disappeared.
--[The Titan's Authority].
These E-Class or so calamities were temporarily weakened, and Chu Yuanqing's remaining glory was powerfully elevated to a superior position.
Liang Xiaoxiao felt as if she had been reborn, freed from endless torment. In her relaxation, she almost collapsed, but fortunately, Lin Bao'er caught her and prevented her from losing her composure.
After Xie Qingxuan finished playing, she straightened her skirt, stood up, closed the piano lid, turned to look at Liang Xiaoxiao, and said softly:
"Long time no see, Xiaoxiao."
"Let's go to the third floor, Xiao Qing is waiting for you."
After speaking, he made no attempt to explain what he had done, and walked straight ahead, stepping onto the stairs, displaying an aloof and mysterious demeanor.
Ruan Wutong muttered under her breath:
"She's the type of person I'm worst at dealing with."
Chen Yining followed, savoring the magic flowing from the song "Moonlight," and sighed in wonder:
"Xie Qingxuan, isn't she a bit too much magic power compared to others in her year?"
Ji Shuzhu murmured unconsciously:
"The scent of 'Shining' has changed; how strange."
"Normally, unless there is a major shock that changes the course of one's life, such an idealistic thing should not undergo such drastic changes."
Lin Bao'er, supporting Liang Xiaoxiao, smiled happily and said earnestly:
"No matter what, she's a good person. That song just now really Xiaoxiao up a lot. She must be the type who's cold on the outside but warm on the inside, right?"
Upon hearing this, everyone turned to observe Liang Xiaoxiao's condition. They were pleasantly surprised and also gained confidence in the subsequent treatment.
Liang Xiaoxiao's expression was no longer as pale as before, and her emotions were much more lively, as if she had broken free from many debuffs. She said softly:
"Qingxuan's personality has always been like this. She is a very pure person. She will show her feelings through her actions, and she will speak her mind frankly when she dislikes someone. She will also help me in the same way."
As they spoke, the group went up to the second floor.
Xie Qingxuan returned to her room on her own, completely ignoring Liang Xiaoxiao and displaying a perfectly reasonable indifference.
"Honestly, at least say goodbye before you leave."
Seeing Xiao Xuan's behavior, Kiriwake Yayoi helplessly looked up at Liang Xiaoxiao and gave her an apologetic smile.
Then, her gaze shifted to Lin Bao'er beside the other person, she nodded thoughtfully, curled her lips, handed over the amulet in her hand, and continued:
"Xiaoxiao, please accept this as a gift."
Liang Xiaoxiao blankly accepted the pair of amulets given to her by Little Sakura. She was about to say thank you and ask about the color of the other person's eyes when she sensed warmth emanating from them.
The magical power, like cherry blossoms falling softly, continued to fall into the [Cocoon of the Heart], slowly nourishing the white light within, strengthening its intensity and stability, creating a truly wondrous effect.
"This is too precious, I can't accept it."
Liang Xiaoxiao has always been good at maintaining a proper distance from others. She knows that her relationship with Kiriwake Yayoi is at most that of a friend of a friend. They haven't spoken much to each other, so she shouldn't receive such a precious gift.
But then, a child prodigy emerged from Little Sakura.
Tang Liuli looked at her former roommate, then glanced at Lin Bao'er, her former temporary teammate, and said seriously:
"Take it, Xiaoxiao."
"Just think of this amulet as Yayoi's magic. Her drawer is full of these kinds of things, and... the other one is for Bao'er, she really needs it right now."
Lin Bao'er looked at the Green Eyed Cat, a friendly smile spreading across her face. She grabbed Liang Xiaoxiao's arm and said gratefully:
"Thank you so much, Liuli."
"I'll accept it on Xiaoxiao's behalf. I'll talk to you again after this is resolved."
Liang Xiaoxiao was somewhat dazed. She belatedly realized that after she had become a dangerous state of being neither human nor ghost, and could go berserk at any moment, she did not feel the disgust, fear, or hostility she had imagined.
Whether it's Bao'er, Xiao Ning, Wu Tong, or the usually aloof Ji Shuzhu, they are all helping me in their own ways. Even my roommates, whom I thought were starting to drift apart and wouldn't have anything to do with me anymore, showed their warm kindness.
Within the Sea of Consciousness, a ray of white light shone brightly, awakening past memories, and familiar whispers lingered in his ears:
But don't lose hope in this world, and don't lose hope in the future.
[There will definitely be many wonderful people waiting for you in the future. As long as you live life to the fullest and remain positive and optimistic, you will eventually meet someone who makes you feel genuinely warm and loved.]
[And when that moment arrives, even if the past hardships don't disappear, the happiness you experience can still make you feel that life has meaning.]
Chu Yuanqing's voice echoed deep within his consciousness.
These words once gave her the strength to stop crying and keep moving forward, but today they have taken on a different meaning, dispelling the loneliness and pain in her heart and giving her a firm will free from gloom.
--I want to live.
Sensing this strong will to survive, Liang Xiaoxiao pulled a piece of candy from her pocket, placed it in the Green Eyed Cat's hand, and flashed her usual bright smile. She looked at Little Sakura and whispered:
"Thank you for your gifts. I will cherish them and keep moving forward."
Tang Liuli wasn't used to this kind of sentimental drama. She simply ate her milk candy quietly, led the way to the third floor, brought the group of Little Idol to Chu Yuanqing's master bedroom, and then left with Kiriwake Yayoi.
Normally, because of the Magic Replenishment Day, both Xiao Xuan and Liuli would prefer to stay in the Pure White Witch's room until things were finished, so as to avoid wasting time on what to do next.
Unfortunately, this practice has been banned by the disciplinary committee.
Chu Wangshu wasn't stupid. During dinner, she astutely reminded Xie Qingxuan that she and the others were not allowed to do anything inappropriate to Xiao Qing.
After giving the warning, the Little Cotton-padded Jacket, who had learned her lesson the hard way, immediately realized that a verbal warning was meaningless. So she decided to supervise personally and said that no one could see Qing Bao before Chen Yining's group left.
Yes, that's an excessively one-size-fits-all approach.
Chen Yining looked at the master bedroom door and said with some hesitation:
"Neither Kiriwake Yayoi nor Tang Liuli went in. Shouldn't we stay outside too?"
After much deliberation, Ruan Wutong excitedly proposed:
"Shall we let Bao'er and Xiaoxiao go in? We can just wait outside. Anyway, we're so close, we'll know what's going on as soon as possible."
Ji Shuzhu objectively praised with an emotive expression:
"It's rare for you to say something that doesn't sound like an idiot. I agree."
Liang Xiaoxiao felt a little apprehensive about returning home, but she didn't hesitate for long before Bao'er politely knocked on the door and carefully opened it.
In an instant, a strong wind blew across the girls' hair, as if the cold, lonely moonlight were slanting down, and a powerful magic that resonated with their souls, like tangible mercury, swirled and intertwined, filling the entire castle.
--[Quicksilver Blood].
This was the first time Chu Yuanqing had used it to perform the spell within the [Silver Mirror].
The melody of the Song of Silver and Tin rises and falls, and the melodious singing echoes in the mountains and the sky.
The Pure White Witch hummed a song, her eyes lowered to the exquisitely refined blood-red crystal in her hand, which resembled a gemstone. Her golden pupils were calm, and the hem of her skirt, which fell to her ankles, was blown by the wind, making her appear pure and holy, like an ancient moon goddess.
Chu Yuanqing turned to look at Liang Xiaoxiao standing at the door. Her exquisite, almost divinely bestowed face broke into a smile, and she spoke without the slightest awkwardness:
"Xiaoxiao, you've come just in time. The medicine is ready."
Liang Xiaoxiao was somewhat stunned.
Although I saw Qing Bao with white hair and golden eyes in the video, the impact of seeing her in person was on a completely different level.
Even Ruan Wutong, who had never been attracted to neodymium, was left speechless and bewildered by the sight of this magnificent scene after the door was fully opened. She felt as if she had been overwhelmed and ravaged by beauty, like a fan who had lost the ability to think after being stunned by the dazzling sight.
Lin Bao'er also shamefully stared blankly for a while.
Ji Shuzhu seemed to see a human-shaped, shimmering fountain. Under Chen Yining's watchful gaze, she forcibly restrained herself from stealing a bite, and couldn't help but purse her lips.
Well, the first one to come to her senses was the Young Lady, who was terrified that her childhood sweetheart would be taken away. She relied entirely on love, friendship, bonds, and her fear of being NTR'd to forcibly overcome her beauty.
Liang Xiaoxiao stood there, looking completely bewildered and adorably dazed.
Chu Yuanqing turned her head in confusion. She took the initiative to walk over to the girl whose hair had turned gray and whose temperament and atmosphere had changed drastically, and waved the crystal in her hand at her.
Liang Xiaoxiao felt shy, yet reluctant to back down, and she stammered as she spoke:
"Xiao Qing, long time no see. Um... how are you? No, thank you for helping me."
Chu Yuanqing stroked her hair, as if petting someone else's puppy. Receiving Lin Bao'er's concerned gaze, her pink lips curled up, and she whispered:
"We're friends, aren't we?"
"Furthermore, if you use this power to fight against the Calamity Beasts in the not-too-distant future, then we will be comrades-in-arms again, and helping each other will be only natural."
After speaking, the Pure White Witch glanced at Lin Bao'er, who looked soft and easy to bully, and said with amusement:
"Alright, enough chit-chat, or your friend will complain. Let's try the [medicine] first."
Lin Bao'er immediately looked away guiltily, like a small animal whose tail had been stepped on.
Liang Xiaoxiao covered her head where she had been touched, and asked, seemingly understanding but not quite:
"Medicine? Is it this gem in your hand, Xiao Qing?"
Chu Yuanqing said frankly:
"Yes, it's my blood."
Since awakening [Quicksilver Blood] and advancing to the [River] Realm of magic, her body has undergone another round of evolution. Not only is the magic content in her blood extremely high, but the blood that flows out when she is injured can also be freely controlled in shape.
Coincidentally, she was pondering a question before Liang Xiaoxiao arrived: how to ensure that the other party did not lack magic power for as long as possible, and to prevent the accidental outburst of disaster energy.
The final conclusion was to use one's own blood as a carrier, infuse it with a large amount of magic power, and let it become a complete magic crystal.
In this way, the crystal, constructed entirely of magic, can not only be integrated into the [Cocoon of the Heart], but also be perfectly controlled by her to plan the rate of magic release and achieve a long-lasting energy-charging effect.
Liang Xiaoxiao was shocked by what she heard. She stared blankly at the blood crystal covered with silver carvings, as beautiful as a ruby. Just as she was about to say something, she was interrupted by the other party.
"I did a rough calculation, and if we consider [pool] level units, it probably stores about 10 magic units."
"If the negative energy within you stagnates, it's conservatively estimated that it will last for six months, or even longer."
"Of course, if you continue to be active on stage during this process, you can receive the radiance to recharge, and one day you will be able to fight against this power originating from the calamity."