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The camera view transitioned to the Jade Tower Immortal Ship.
After Jing Yuan presented Fu Xuan's suggestion, the Arbiter-General of the Imperial Bow deliberated with others, ultimately approving this audacious plan.
Subsequently, the Jade Watchtower General personally visited the Divination Commission.
Whether this scheme was feasible or could be executed hinged, in the end, on the Head of the Jade Oracle Division's assessment.
Upon hearing the plan's outline, Su Qing pondered thoughtfully, "So, using the Mirror of Cloud Observation to summon Imperial Bow's light arrows?"
[Firefly: Wow! It's White-haired Su Qing!]
[At this moment, Su Qing's once-black hair has turned completely white. However, aside from that, there are few visible signs of aging; their appearance remains remarkably unchanged.]
[Silver Wolf: This look is also super cool! Rating it as uniquely stylish!!]
[Stelle: The aesthetic-driven little Silver Wolf strikes again!]
[Himeko: Let's be honest, they do look incredibly dashing and fresh.]
[Jingliu: +1]
[Kafka: +2]
[Kafka: @Silver Wolf, remember to share screenshots later.]
[Silver Wolf: I didn't take any screenshots!!]
[A short while later, Silver Wolf shared files in the live stream chat.]
[Stelle: ?? Ha ha, should we call Silver Wolf our hero now or admit she talks tough but acts otherwise?]
[Silver Wolf: Call me Hero.]
[March 7th: Speaking of Fu Xuan, he's been on the run for quite some time, isn't he?]
[March 7th: Has it really been over a hundred years since Su Qing took charge of the Divination Commission?]
[Ruan Mei: Yes, though judging by Su Qing's current state, it seems like they might rapidly age and wither only at the very end of their life.]
[Fu Xuan, watching Su Qing on the screen, felt distinctly different emotions compared to everyone else.]
[Fu Xuan rarely acknowledges the fact that her master is not an eternal life being.]
[But now, his white hair serves as the most evident proof.]
[What struck Fu Xuan even more was a subtle detail—her master, once impervious to cold and heat, was clearly wearing several extra layers of clothing. This realization brought a pang of sadness to Fu Xuan's heart.]
[While a century seemed to have left no visible change on herself, her master's life was nearing its end...]
[Though aware that fate cannot be easily altered, Fu Xuan couldn't help but wonder—if she had chosen to stay by her master's side back then, would things have turned out differently?]
In response to Su Qing's question, the Jade Watchtower General nodded. "Yes, this plan originates from Luo Fu's diviner, proposed by General Jing Yuan of Luo Fu."
"Of course," continued the Jade Watchtower General, "the final decision ultimately rests with you."
Hearing familiar names felt quite peculiar to Su Qing.
Then, recalling something, he asked, "May I know the name of that Luo Fu diviner?"
The Jade Watchtower General recollected, "I believe it was called... Fu Xuan?"
Upon hearing another familiar name, even Su Qing paused momentarily. His brows furrowed before relaxing again.
"...So that's how it is."
As the mist dispersed, the divination proved true. The past events connected seamlessly.
Su Qing wondered why the divination outcome had been so uncertain; it became clear that Aeon's involvement played a crucial role.
With Fanghu facing grave danger, Su Qing had initially considered whether he should defy Abundance's gaze and rejoin the battlefield himself.
[Stelle: Wow, straight out of a military comeback story!]
[Silver Wolf: Military comeback?! You've got quite the knack for phrases! But it really fits!]
However, the third Fertile Alliance invasion was colossal, ranking among the most significant events in Xianzhou's history. Even if Su Qing joined the battlefield, it might not make a decisive difference.
As a millennium-long cloud rider and a century-long Grand Diviner, Su Qing's immense power had led to certain patterns in his thinking, focusing primarily on how he himself could resolve challenges.
Fu Xuan's approach, however, genuinely surprised him.
Feeling quite pleased, Su Qing smiled and deliberately mentioned, "Fu Xuan is indeed my disciple, though she later went to Luofu."
[Earlier, Fu Xuan managed to endure criticism.]
[But with this statement from Su Qing, even as Luofu's current Grand Diviner, her eyes welled up with emotion.]
[My master takes pride in me, but having fled from his side...do I truly deserve such recognition?]
"Indeed worthy of being your disciple," praised the Jade Tower General before inquiring, "Given your perspective, do you consider this plan feasible? And would you...be willing to carry it out?"
Su Qing pondered for a moment before responding, "Overall, its feasibility is very high. As long as we can transmit the signal, the Arrow of Fate should respond accordingly."
"As for whether I am willing," Su Qing said with a smile, "I am already nearing death. The previous Grand Diviner disregarded all opposition to entrust me with the Divination Commission, and now, it is time for me to repay that faith."
"...Your noble sacrifice is deeply appreciated," the Jade Tower General said, rising and offering a slight bow.
Leading one of the six administrations without being an eternal life being was already legendary. Now, Su Qing had further committed himself by personally undertaking such a crucial mission. Even as the highest commander of Yu Que, the general could not help but express his utmost respect.
***
The situation on the battlefield remained dire.
Once confirmed by the Grand Diviner of Yu Que, the plan swiftly went into motion.
The Xianzhou Alliance's celestial observatory instrument, the Skyview Mirror, was transported to the immortal ship Fanghu.
Su Qing wasted no time either. After divining the final location of the Arrow of Fate, he promptly arrived at the front lines.
Under his guidance, the Cloud Knights, foxfolk star ferrymen, and other allied forces, despite still engaged in battle, gradually retreated while fighting, withdrawing from the central area.
On the opposing side, the Fertile Alliance hesitated, uncertain how to react.
This presented their best—and likely only—chance.
Alone, Su Qing ventured to the very heart of the battlefield.
It had been a long time since he last faced Abundant Evil so closely.
Many paradises aboard Fanghu had already fallen. Before him stretched the seemingly endless ranks of the Fertile Alliance.
Buli Ren, Winged Ones, Huiyin... Having fought alongside the Cloud Knights for years, Su Qing felt familiar with numerous types of these evil creatures.
The approaching Ji Dou mirage on the horizon also reminded him of another activated celestial body—the Ravenous Eclipse that had destroyed Cang City and ravaged Luofu.
[Stelle: Huh? So it wasn't the same one as with Cang City and Luofu?]
[Sushang: Oh, I almost thought they were identical too; their names are quite hard to remember.]
[Qingque: The ability to animate an entire planet into such a monstrous existence... The Fertility Force is truly terrifying...]
Su Qing reached the heart of the battlefield.
Moments later, behind him at a great distance, the Skyview Mirror emitted a beam of light soaring into the heavens, disappearing amidst the boundless starlit sky.
Simultaneously, Su Qing experienced a sudden epiphany, a flash of insight striking his mind. It seemed the opportune moment had arrived to use the [Foresight] he had previously acquired.
***
The scene then shifted, transitioning to an observer's perspective.
An event like the manifestation of the Arrow of Fate, so precious and rare, would undoubtedly be recorded by the Xianzhou Alliance. The Yuque Imperial Divination Bureau employed long-distance observation techniques for this purpose.
In Luofu, Fu Xuan also went to great lengths to obtain footage of the spectacle. With the prophecy now fulfilled, there was neither room nor need for further evasion.
Yet, witnessing his master's solitary figure amid the battlefield, Fu Xuan could only watch helplessly—unable to provide any assistance or utter a single word.
Initially, when Su Qing arrived alone, it did not attract significant attention.
But as the Skyview Mirror's beam pierced the heavens, it drew attention from both friend and foe alike.
On the distant battlefield,
a foxfolk star ferryman emerged from her burning vessel, covered in blood and grime.
[One viewer instantly recognized her.]
Tingyun (exclaiming): Lady Yukong?!
Yukong paused, momentarily disoriented, scanning her surroundings.
As far as she could see, countless wreckage of aircraft and fallen comrades lay strewn about...
Then, with a grimace, she wiped at the blood on her parched lips and looked up to the sky.
The Ji Dou mirage, that living, animate planet, seethed with activity. Its unfiltered celestial expanse was the most beautiful sky Yukong had ever witnessed. Yet all she felt was unbearable sorrow.
She could only crawl like a damned ant upon the earth, helplessly watching it draw near.
Is this the end...?
Suddenly, Yukong spotted a beam of light soaring into the heavens.
She couldn't clearly discern Su Qing's figure or identify the glow of the Skyview Mirror's beam.
Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat—she knew this was the Xianzhou taking action.
From the enemy side, the Fertile Alliance had also noticed the beam of light but made no immediate move.
When Fu Xuan first proposed his plan, even the Xianzhou crew found it audacious and absurd. Needless to say, the Fertile Alliance had no inkling of its implications.
In truth, upon witnessing unusual behavior from their adversaries, most would hesitate before acting rashly. After all, who could tell if the enemy was about to unleash a powerful ability? Approaching recklessly might invite devastating consequences.
[Stelle: But this isn't just any ordinary ability!]
[Topaz: Alas, although we were aware that the Xianzhou Alliance could contact Aeon...]
[Topaz: No one anticipated they could actually summon The Hunt's arrows... ]
[Silver Wolf: Feeling envious?]
[Topaz: Don't spoil the fun, okay?!]
[Silver Wolf: Relax, if your company keeps pushing boundaries, maybe you'll earn Amber King's hammer too, hm?]
[Topaz: That's enough already!]
[Sparkle: Delightful.]
***
A vast audience watched this unfolding scene with bated breath.
Their emotions ranged from sorrow to heaviness, predominantly serious.
However, amidst this tension-filled moment, just before the storm was about to break, one individual brought a hint of comedic relief to the viewers.
Phantylia appeared at the edge of the battlefield, her head tilted with curiosity as she gazed up at the figure standing in the sky.
[Qingque: What?!?]
[Fu Xuan: Who is it?]
[Stelle: Oh no!]
[Kafka: ?]
[Himeko: ?]
[March 7th: ???]
For a brief instant, question marks flooded the chat, not directed at Phantylia but rather Stelle's exclamation.
[Stelle: ...(somewhat awkward) Ahem, apologies, it was a knee-jerk reaction. Just pretend you didn't see that.]
[Stelle: (changing the subject) Phantylia, it's you! When did you arrive?!]
Ever since being severely weakened by Su Qing's flying sword pursuit at Luofu nearly eight hundred years ago, time had swiftly passed.
It remained unknown how many hardships Phantylia endured during this period. Her experiences might even have made for an epic tale if recorded. Now, she had ascended to become a Lord Ravager.
[Sparkle: Le, surprisingly, this feels quite inspiring!]
One could call it the butterfly effect.
The earlier encounter with Su Qing's blade had instilled deep resentment towards Xianzhou within Phantylia. Now, as the Fertile Alliance attacked Jade Pot, Lord Ravager felt compelled to join the fray and lend her support.
However, upon reaching the battlefield, she witnessed this unexpected stalemate unfolding.
Phantylia possessed methods to remotely observe distant scenes. As she gazed at the figure in the sky, something seemed oddly familiar—no, extremely familiar...
Memories from the depths of her past gradually surfaced. Phantylia suddenly recalled:
Is that... Su Qing?!?!
Even if his hair were ash-white, or turned to dust, Phantylia would recognize him—it was indeed him!
[Stelle: Le.]
[Silver Wolf: Le.]
[Sparkle: Absolutely dying of laughter.]
[Sparkle: I've seen red-hot rage many times in this live stream, but encountering someone who hates Su Qing so intensely is genuinely a first. ??]
It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Phantylia's experience with Su Qing was etched deeply into her memory. At the time, he was merely a somewhat powerful sui yang, yet he left an indelible impression on her.
Traditionally, it was always sui yang absorbing human emotions. Who dared reverse the natural order, eyeing them like delectable dishes, and actively hunting down sui yang instead?
[Bronya: Actually, seeing it from Phantylia's perspective, it must indeed leave a lasting impression.]
Upon first spotting Su Qing again, Phantylia's immediate reaction was still disbelief—What the hell?!
Su Qing had been highly renowned back then, and she had specifically sought information about him.
When she heard of Su Qing perishing alongside Shuhu, Phantylia felt both elated and slightly disheartened, as it meant she could no longer exact her revenge personally.
Now, encountering Su Qing once more, Phantylia naturally yearned for fierce retribution. She didn't even plan to kill him swiftly but intended to keep him alive, slowly tormenting him and absorbing his emotions of fear...
[Sparkle: Can I admit that I'm somewhat intrigued by the defeat CG where Phantylia captures Su Qing?]
[Stelle: Your tastes can be niche, but not downright twisted!]
[March 7th: Feeling a bit worried, @Herta. Has Phantylia become incredibly powerful now?]
[Herta: According to my data, Phantylia favors "spiritual" destruction. This includes instigating internal conflicts within belief systems, dismantling spiritual pillars, eroding trust within civilizations, and utterly abandoning hope.
[Herta: While she has orchestrated the collapse of numerous planets and worlds, she typically operates behind the scenes. Instances of direct combat are exceedingly rare.]
[Herta: However, as an Emanator of Destruction and a Lord Ravager, Phantylia is undoubtedly a formidable opponent.]
[Fu Xuan: Reasonable.]
While Phantylia was driven by a thirst for revenge,
her style as a mastermind Monarch actually made her quite cautious and cunning.
Noticing beams of light emanating from the Xianzhou and seeing Su Qing striking an enigmatic pose,
Phantylia chose to observe cautiously, avoiding getting too close.
***
On the battlefield's central point,
Despite becoming the focus of all attention, for a moment, no one disturbed Su Qing.
He took this opportunity to close his eyes, fully immersing himself in the enhancements brought about by Foresight mode.
It felt as though his thoughts had leaped to a higher level, allowing him to scrutinize and view himself from above.
In this state, Su Qing reviewed the numerous skills he had mastered.
Many previously perplexing problems and barriers that had held him back now seemed to dissipate like smoke, effortlessly resolved.
[Photography lv2 → lv3]
[Head Pat Kill lv2 → lv3]
[Theoretical Deduction lv3 → lv4]
[Culinary Arts lv4 (12/100) → lv4 (20/100) → lv4 (26/100) → lv4 (30/100)]
Meanwhile, with Sword Control Art being closest to lv5, he had also applied theoretical deduction to it earlier.
Now, a series of notifications similarly echoed.
[New inspiration strikes, enhancing Sword Control Art.]
[New inspiration strikes, enhancing Sword Control Art.]...
[Sword Control Art lv4 (90/100) → lv4 (99/100)]
Within just a few minutes, nearly all talents related to Insight received significant boosts.
[Seele: Shocked!]
[Stelle: So many level-ups?!?]
[Bronya: Insight skyrocketed instantly!]
[Jingliu: Su Qing's thousand years of warfare culminated in this moment of profound realization; it seems quite fitting.]
[Qingque: ...But even Level 4 skills getting such substantial upgrades? Isn't this Foresight state too powerful?]
[Herta: It's just Foresight, not jealous at all.]
[Sparkle: ?? Self-incriminating much!]
[Ruan Mei: (Smile) @Herta, don't you agree though? For us, occasional flashes of insight and moments of realization can be truly invaluable.]
[Herta: Alright, maybe I'm a tiny bit envious.]
[Herta: But only just a little, mind you.?]
[March 7th: Ha ha ha, Su Qing is really amazing now! Even Herta is impressed!]
[Silver Wolf: Humph.?]
[Firefly: Hee hee.?]
[Stelle: One acting boastful as if embodying Su Qing, the other gleefully pretending to be his girlfriend. Both of them are quite entertaining.??]
Su Qing opened his eyes.
As he once again verified the coverage area of the Cloud-Viewing Mirror, during his calculations, he detected a familiar presence. It reminded him vividly of that first exhilarating sip from an ice-cold cola when purging Phantylia long ago.
He quickly recognized it.
Ah.
It was the distinctive sui yang he had encountered eight hundred years prior.
How had its aura become so powerful now?
This also posed a threat to Xianzhou. With a subtle thought, Su Qing included it within the scope of his impending strike.
[Sparkle: (bursting out laughing) hahahahahaha!!]
[Sparkle: Joyful, Su Qing: Dear friend, long time no see, here's a grand gift upon our reunion.?]
[Stelle: ?? Laughing my head off, Phantylia truly has the worst luck ever!!!]
[Silver Wolf: Ha ha, they say arriving at just the right moment is better than being early indeed!]
Apart from this familiar presence, another gaze that had troubled Su Qing for quite some time fell upon him once more.
The Abundant Yaoshi.
Being in close proximity to evil creatures drew His attention anew. However, unlike the Fertile Alliance, Yaoshi was well-acquainted with the "old friend" relentlessly pursuing him.
Upon sensing The Hunt's approach, Abundance's gaze mysteriously vanished from him at some point.
Qingque: Ah??? Is this even possible?
Stelle (Yaoshi): Time to slip away, bye-bye.
Sparkle: Imagine seeing through Yaoshi's perspective:
Sparkle: Just moments ago, he spotted and greatly admired that lesser command envoy who, for once, wasn't avoiding him. Yet when Yaoshi arrived, Su Qing had summoned his deadliest rival, ready to slay Him. ??
Herta: Laughed. Despite your exaggerated description, it's quite amusing.
Fu Xuan: Don't anthropomorphize the Plagues Author! He lacks human emotions and wouldn't have such thoughts!
Jingliu: +1
Yukong: +2
Sparkle: Why so serious? It's just for entertainment, you know~
Stelle: Mainly because Su Qing's move is truly remarkable—using The Hunt to ward off Abundance's attention.
Silver Wolf: Straight into an Aeon's battleground, huh? That's pushing it too far!!
Abundance's gaze departed, but it was not enough—not nearly enough. For next time, whenever their paths crossed again, Su Qing would still be under scrutiny.
To completely escape Yaoshi's "affection," Su Qing needed to obtain an equivalent Hunting Blessing.
Moreover,
Su Qing's decision to activate Foresight at this moment wasn't solely for the preceding level-ups. The true purpose lay beyond the current phase of Foresight.
Soon after, all factions closely monitoring the situation on the field noticed:
Su Qing slightly lifted his head and gazed in a particular direction.
[Stelle: It's about to happen.]
[Qingque: Really coming?!]
[Silver Wolf: Detected incoming fusion strike!]
[Needless to say, the viewers from Xianzhou, along with representatives from companies, the Genius Society, and even a certain lurking Nihility Emanator, all intensified their focus.]
[Su Qing's experiences are becoming increasingly legendary.]
[Initially, everyone thought this live stream would only reveal Little Firefly's past secrets.]
[Yet unexpectedly, as we continued watching, we're now witnessing an Aeon personally intervening...]