When Qingluan helped Iris out, the industrial park of the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau had become a wasteland.
The clear sky made the surroundings a little hot—or perhaps it wasn't due to the weather.
The remaining traces of magic crackled and burned like flames in the nearby ruins.
Some wrecked Calamity Beast lay on the ground, whimpering and twitching, refusing to die.
The already desolate scene was further amplified by the view rising upwards, revealing the sky above Jiangming City filled with Calamity Beast.
A scene resembling a painting of hell.
The long, drawn-out shadows cast by the sunlight fragmented Jiangming into pieces.
It was as if it were the end of a trial.
Especially since these Calamity Beast are still slowly melting, their polluting magic dripping and evaporating like asphalt.
After just one glance, Qingluan felt she was likely to have nightmares that night.
With that thought flashing through her mind, Little White emerged from the Miracle Seed, frantically checking her body. "Are you alright? Are you alright? You scared me to death, Little Qing..."
"Fine."
Comforting her, Qingluan gave Iris a tighter hug, "Have you seen this in the Beihai too?"
"Huh? Uh, it's alright, I've seen similar ones..."
Looking at her friend beside her, who was also terrified and out of her mind, Qingluan couldn't help but find it amusing.
They relaxed.
With this idiot around, Qingluan felt she could laugh even on a horror movie set.
Iris knew that she was actually quite timid, mainly because she was afraid of ghosts and the dark.
She'll probably have nightmares tonight; she'll likely cling to me again to keep her company.
Turning her head, she saw Chilian crawling on her knees in the center of the desolate land not far away, along with the purple magical girl in front of her.
I took a deep breath.
Although I had already witnessed the terrifying magic and precision of control firsthand in Beihai, experiencing it personally still left me feeling incredulous and awestruck.
Full Bloom, right?
As she was thinking this, a phantom appeared behind Chilian and embraced the woman who had aged beyond recognition.
Qingluan and Iris were taken aback for a moment. They both recognized the illusory figure as they looked at it.
"Hey, isn't that Shi Xin, the magical girl who once perished together with an S-class Calamity Beast?"
Iris frowned and examined it carefully. "This is... Mental Image Domain? Compressed within Chilian's body?"
"A fragmented Mental Image Domain." Qingluan took a breath. "So that's how she influences reality?
Magical girls have a wide range of uses for their Mental Image Domain. It's not impossible for them to compress their Mental Image Domain into someone else's body, but it's very difficult.
After the magical girl dies, she wants to leave behind Mental Image Domain.
It's something that can only be achieved by Full Bloom.
Because Qingluan failed to obtain her own Mental Image Domain, she studied this thing extensively.
However, it is clear that this incomplete Mental Image Domain was compressed into Chilian's body after her Shi Xin.
Was it a miracle created by the wishes of Shi Xin that had died?
Or was it simply that her teammates helped with it?
"Mother..."
Hearing Chilian's last murmur, Qingluan was slightly taken aback.
However, Shion acted as if she hadn't seen or heard anything, and simply raised her magic spear.
"Wait..."
Before the words were even finished, sharp magical energy pierced through the witch and the magical girl, transforming into a raging inferno.
It was like an execution.
The already incomplete Mental Image Domain was completely destroyed, leaving no trace of Chilian, only ashes scattered in the wind.
Qingluan stretched out her hand, her expression showing a hint of regret.
Magical Girl Shi Xin is a hero of the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau, she saved them...
"It's just an illusion." Iris, who seemed to have noticed something, patted her shoulder. "Don't be so discouraged."
"Hmm, I just thought that Chilian might be Shi Xin's missing daughter."
"Let's just pretend we don't know..."
The legendary magical girl from the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau, whose daughter ended up joining the Witch Association and becoming its head.
It's somewhat scandalous.
My heart was filled with mixed feelings.
Even at the very end, the magical girl Shi Xin's remaining power did not lead to a counterattack; she simply embraced her daughter in her final moments...
The magical girl who had killed Chilian glanced at them, and Little White immediately shrank behind her in fright.
Qingluan was also a little scared, and she gripped the Iris tightly.
Instead, Iris smiled and nodded—since she couldn't move her body, nodding was the only option—"The Sect Master of the Azure Cloud Sect is not bad!"
Having said that, she raised her head even higher. " Shion, you truly are my nemesis! I'll consider this a win for now, but don't get cocky! Iris- sama will win back her glory sooner or later!"
Shion glanced at her but didn't pay any attention, and simply turned to leave.
"Wait a moment!"
Qingluan released her grip on Iris, who, paralyzed and unable to move, Iris out "Ouch!" and fell to the ground.
Qingluan turned her head and glanced at her, then told Little White to help her up, and continued chasing after her ahead.
As expected, Shion stopped in her tracks.
He turned around, and in his hand appeared the spear that had just executed Chilian.
Qingluan stopped abruptly, raised her hands, and stammered, "I... I have no hostility, no, I didn't intend to fight you..."
However, they quickly calmed down.
After all, she is Qingluan, a mature, calm, and composed magical girl.
But Iris, whether still harboring resentment from the fall or simply caught up in her own excitement, suddenly shouted, "It's alright, Qingluan! Even in battle, Shion won't kill you! Fight! Fight! You can't shine without fighting!"
Qingluan was sweating slightly. "Do you really want me to die...?"
"Believe it, belief needs no reason!" Iris waved her numb hands frantically, like a dutiful fan cheering on her. "It's okay, I fought her twice and didn't die. Shion doesn't kill people randomly. Go all out and show me your strength, Qingluan! For me, use [ Final Descent ] on her!"
" Little White, shut her up!"
" Qingluan, you coward, boohoo..."
Once Iris's mouth was gagged and she quieted down, Qingluan breathed a sigh of relief and cautiously observed her.
Thankfully, she wasn't angry. She slightly bent her legs to make sure she wasn't looking down at the other person and appearing too arrogant. She subconsciously wanted to put her hands on her legs, but that felt like talking to a child, which was a bit impolite.
She quickly withdrew her hand, and cautiously asked, "Are you... are you in Full Bloom now?"
"Half a step."
Half a step? What does half a step mean?
The Iris behind him looked eager to show off, but with her mouth gagged, she couldn't speak and could only watch anxiously.
"Uh, so that means it's not at Full Bloom?"
"Um."
Qingluan showed a hint of disappointment.
She thought the Azure Cloud Sect would have a magical girl who could safely enter the Full Bloom.
Seeing such a powerful magical girl, one can't help but feel that she has already reached the Full Bloom.
Every Full Bloom magical girl is a legend, and in Qingluan's eyes, only those at the Full Bloom level can rival this magical girl named Shion.
As a result, even after all this, it's still not Full Bloom...
"In short, thank you for your help. The Disaster Countermeasures Bureau will always remember your assistance and will be happy to assist you with any requests..."
Send money, the more the better.
Qingluan blinked, thinking she had misheard. "Huh?"
"Then let's get some Full Bloom Seed."
It's still about money...
Thinking this through, Qingluan paused for a moment, then scratched her head, ultimately daring not to speak carelessly, " Full Bloom Seed are very rare even in the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau..."
Then he added, "As for money, our Disaster Countermeasures Bureau has ample funds. We can contact the Azure Cloud Sect later to arrange payment..."
"Oh."
Hearing the other party's emotionless response, Qingluan secretly glanced at him.
Shion looked slightly unhappy.
I felt apprehensive and also realized that my gratitude was not sincere.
We absolutely must not anger the sect leader of the Azure Cloud Sect.
She was a mature, calm, composed, and quick-witted magical girl, and she quickly tried to salvage the situation, saying, " Full Blossom, can Full Blossom's unclaimed seeds be used?"
Shion tilted her head. "You have?"
He quickly took out two seeds from his person and handed them over, "I have two Full Blossom Seed that I collected from the Witch Association. The Disaster Countermeasures Bureau doesn't really need them. If you like them, consider it a thank you..."
Before he could finish speaking, the two seeds in his hand had already disappeared.
Seeing the girl, who had been expressionless, show a hint of satisfaction, Qingluan felt a little relieved.
Then, my gaze was involuntarily drawn to that delicate and beautiful face, and I was momentarily lost in thought.
He only snapped out of his daze when the girl turned to look at him, and lowered his head, his cheeks burning.
"Do you... do you know anything about Full Bloom?" Qingluan asked somewhat flusteredly. "I'm very curious about Full Bloom, but the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau doesn't allow research on it..."
"I don't know much about it."
Shion put away the seeds and said calmly, "All I know is that entering the Full Bloom means death."
With a sigh, Qingluan knew about this matter as well.
However, it's uncertain when they will die after entering the Full Bloom, because historically, there have been magical girls who remained active for a period of time after entering the Full Bloom before disappearing.
Some died immediately, while others died after the battle was over.
Magical Girl Shi Xin only gradually died after she reached her Full Bloom and killed that S-rank Calamity Beast.
"One of my seniors, a few years ago, while trying to save someone, slightly touched the realm of Full Bloom, and then the seed malfunctioned, causing her to lose consciousness. She hasn't woken up since, and the doctor says she'll probably remain like this until she dies."
Taking a breath, Qingluan said softly, "I want to save her."
"Oh."
" The Disaster Countermeasures Bureau doesn't want me to continue investigating Full Bloom's case, nor do they want to save her. Therefore, I want to join the Azure Cloud Sect Azure Cloud Sect use their power to save her. I don't know if it's possible, and I don't know if you're willing..."
She spoke nervously, telling the whole truth.
Although lying might be more acceptable to the other party.
For example, they might say they admire the Azure Cloud Sect or worship its power—although Qingluan does admire its strength now, it has nothing to do with her wanting to join the Azure Cloud Sect.
So it's best to tell the truth and win the other person over with sincerity.
After all, she, Qingluan, is a mature, calm, steady, quick-witted, and honest magical girl.
Qingluan was already somewhat tempted when Shuiling invited her before.
After personally experiencing Shion's power, this idea became even more firmly established.
Regardless of whether the Azure Cloud Sect has a way to save her predecessor, at least here, she can study the secrets of Full Bloom.
No need to worry about the Witch Association after you.
It wouldn't be so bad that the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau would stop them.
"Go to Beihai and find the person in charge to participate in the sect test."
Following the rules of Bingtang, Shion explained the details to the other party before continuing, "The sect test fee is five thousand yuan, cash only."
Incidentally, Bai Mei's four disciples are still not officially recognized disciples of the Azure Cloud Sect.
Because I have never participated in the sect test, nor have I paid the entry fee.
Therefore, there is no salary.
He can only be considered Bai Mei's private disciple, and according to the rules, he cannot mention the name of the Azure Cloud Sect when he is outside.
However, Bingtang believed that the requirements for branching into different sects should be lowered, so in her eyes, the Azure Cloud Sect in Jiangming City was developing quite well.
It's possible that other regions are even worse.
After saying that, Shion left quickly without waiting for Qingluan's reply, who was still in a daze.
These medicinal herbs Magic Crystal scattered all over the land are waiting for her to pick; she has no time to waste on them.
Qingluan chased after her for a couple of steps, "Wait, wait a minute, where, where are we going to look?"
However, Shion was too fast and disappeared in the blink of an eye. Qingluan chased after her for a couple of steps before stopping.
What if we can't find the person in charge of the Azure Cloud Sect? What if we fail the test...?
She quickly suppressed her slight panic.
After thinking about it, Bai Mei should still be in Jiangming City.
You can go find Bai Mei yourself.
I felt relieved.
Just as she was pondering how to find Bai Mei later, she suddenly heard Iris behind her shout excitedly, " Qingluan, Qingluan, look!"
Looking back, she saw Little White being held in Iris's hand and being casually swung around, and she felt a little unhappy.
Upon seeing Iris holding a magic wand in her other hand, she paused for a moment, then her displeasure vanished instantly. "You, your seed has been restored? You can become a magical girl again?"
"No, I still can't transform, but I can Magical Armament Manifestation."
As she spoke, Iris took out the seed, the black contamination on it had vanished without a trace, and purple flames were burning inside the seed.
These flames gradually transformed into the blue magic of Iris.
" All Phenomena Weightlessness, All Phenomena Weightlessness, All Phenomena Weightlessness!"
After calling for a long time, the seed, though possessing magical power, stirred slightly, but did not immediately spring forth to create magical armor for her.
"Although I still can't transform, I can feel the power of the seed has returned!" Iris flashed a bright smile. "As expected, I am the strongest! Even the Witch Association's despicable tactics can't stop me, Iris, in the slightest! The strongest magical girl in the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau will never fall to such schemes!"
Sniffing, Qingluan rushed over and hugged her best friend, "Idiot, you almost really could never be a magical girl again! And you can still laugh!"
"Anyway, even if I really can't transform anymore, there's nothing I can do about it," Iris said cheerfully. "It just shows how despicable the Witch Association; it's not like anyone else did it. Besides, even if I can't transform, I'm still the strongest beautiful girl, Iris. I haven't changed at all."
With that, Iris confidently declared, " Iris is Iris, whether I'm a magical girl or not makes no difference. Even without the powers of a magical girl, I will still become a hero who saves everyone!"
"Whoosh!"
The power within the seed surged forth, rushing towards the Iris!
"Haha, I knew it! It's not that I'm reluctant to part with the magical girl's power, but rather that the magical girl's power is reluctant to part with someone as powerful as me..."
"Lord Iris, transform again!"
However, halfway through her laughter, Iris suddenly stopped laughing.
Because only half of the magical armor had been generated on her body, the girl with only half of the blue magical armor looked somewhat comical.
Qingluan beside her couldn't help but laugh, "It suits you perfectly."
"Yeah, right! What is this thing?! It's an insult to me, the strongest beautiful girl! Get out of here right now!"
Seeing the fussing Iris, Qingluan breathed a slight sigh of relief.
No matter how carefree and optimistic a magical girl is, losing her seed is like losing half her life.
How could I not feel anything?
She absolutely did not want to see Iris secretly wiping away tears in the middle of the night, nor did she want to see Iris pretending to be happy in front of others when she was clearly in pain and heartbroken.
Iris, that's all that matters. May you always remain sunny and confident, and always keep smiling happily.
Qingluan will handle the rest.
Whether it's the Witch Association or Full Bloom's affairs.
If it were Shion, such a powerful magical girl, she could definitely...
" Qingluan? Qingluan?"
Suddenly snapping out of her daze, Qingluan looked at Iris and smiled, "What's wrong?"
"The weather's so nice today, let's go out for barbecue to celebrate!"
"Take a good look around you. The Disaster Countermeasures Bureau is going to be very busy right now, so come and help out."
"Reject any job that doesn't concern me."
Your refusal is invalid.
"You're invalid; you're invalidating my refusal."
Qingluan's tone immediately softened, "Good Iris, please help me, okay?"
"But I'm currently the strongest support magical girl at the Beihai Disaster Countermeasures Bureau, and I absolutely have to go eat barbecue right now."
As a mature, calm, composed, quick-witted, honest, and not competitive magical girl, Qingluan gritted her teeth, "You win the second time."
Iris, who had walked halfway, immediately ran back and patted Qingluan's hand.
"Deal! My two-time loser is yours now!"
"Hateful..."
Ruoyun waited until the magical girl from the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau left before quietly entering the ruins.
Then they found the mask.
Jiang Motu's mask.
Although I arrived late and don't know what happened, Jiang Motu has probably already left.
Why didn't they come looking for me?
Do you feel inadequate as a Holy Church Member?
Or is this a test for myself?
It's alright, Ruoyun doesn't care.
If Jiang Motu doesn't come looking for me, then I'll go looking for him.
If you've decided to join the Holy Church Member, you must persevere to the end. Giving up at the slightest setback would render your resolve to say goodbye to your teacher meaningless.
Therefore, all we need to do is keep moving forward.
No matter where Jiang Motu went or what his destination was, she would keep searching.
As long as you keep moving forward, the road will continue to extend... until you reach the Holy Church.
To become, the Holy Church Member.
Or give up being a magical girl.
I only have these two paths...
Therefore, she will absolutely not stop.
" Ruoyun?"
A familiar voice came from behind her. She turned around and saw Shuiling, holding a flute, smiling broadly in the sunlight. "What are you doing here? Did you also come to ask the Disaster Countermeasures Bureau Disaster Countermeasures Bureau for help? Although you almost died with them, thankfully you survived. Let's go back together. Teacher Bai Mei must be worried sick if she can't find us..."
"I have already left the Azure Cloud Sect."
Ruoyun slowly put on the tattered mask, faced Shuiling, and stepped back. "I am now Holy Church Member, Ruoyun of the Holy Church Member."
What are you talking about?
"I've already spoken to the teacher." Ruoyun concealed her expression behind her mask. " Jiang Motu, Holy Church Walker, defeated the teacher. I felt there was no future in following the teacher, so I joined the Holy Church Member. When you return, the teacher and Qian Jing will tell you what happened."
Shuiling stood there, stunned, seemingly processing Ruoyun's words for a long while, before saying slowly and deliberately, "You're really planning to quit? It was you who always insisted that everyone get along well and become family!"
"That was all my immature past self, let's forget about it."
"What's wrong? Are you unhappy with us? Or did someone upset you? Is your teacher not good to you? Why are you suddenly saying such mean things?"
Ruoyun shook her head. "There's nothing wrong with it, it's just that I don't want to keep playing house anymore."
Shuiling's face finally showed anger. "Do you think we're just playing house?"
"That's how it is for me." Ruoyun turned her back to Shuiling without looking back and left. "We have nothing more to say to each other."
"Don't even think about leaving!"
Shuiling took out her wand, stomped her foot, and unleashed a burst of magic, shouting, "Even if I have to break your legs, I'll take you back!"
"The prologue is the final note!" Shuiling pointed her wand at her friend, both angry and sorrowful. "Play my rhapsody!"
The magic transformed into musical notes and swept over her. Ruoyun, with her back to her friend, sighed and drew her pistol.
"Load." The magic note was deflected. Ruoyun looked up, her voice gradually turning cold beneath her mask, "Safety deactivated."
"Transform!"
My editor told me I need to try and improve my ranking on the November monthly ticket chart, so I'm letting you all know in advance that I'll be updating four chapters on November 1st, about 20,000 words, which is practically ten chapters. I hope you'll save some monthly tickets for me. I'm working hard to save up chapters and will try to update more on the 1st. I hope you'll all leave me your monthly tickets! I'm so grateful! bang bang bang