Chapter 243: A Foxian Tale of the Haunted 『 Part Eighteen 』
「 The group arrived at the Dragonprayer Terrace, only to find the area encircled by a swirling vortex of countless flying blades.
Guinaifen speculated that this must be an illusion conjured by the Heliobus. She urged Huohuo to ring her spirit-pacifying bell to see if they could snap Yanqing out of it. However, Yanqing, who stood with his back to them a short distance away, let out a cold laugh and slowly turned around. "An illusion? Since each of you can see it, wouldn't that mean you'd fallen into the illusion as well?"
"There is no need for alarm. To my eyes, this sword formation is a veritable treasury of martial truth. One need only gaze upon any single blade within it to see a thousand techniques unfolding and evolving—an infinite progression that far surpasses anything I have learned in the past."
"Furthermore," he continued, "It seems to welcome all who seek a higher realm of mastery to catch a glimpse of its secrets."
The sword formation was, in fact, the manifestation of the Heliobus. He had promised to reveal the flaws in Yanqing's swordsmanship and help him ascend to the next level. Yanqing had brought him here specifically because this was the site of his most crushing defeats.
At that moment, a boastful voice echoed from within the sword formation: "Young man, with me here, everything changes. Whether it be the Imbibitor Lunae, the Stellaron Hunters, or even that woman who first taught you the way of the sword—your achievements shall eclipse them all. Your potential is limitless." 」
「 .....」
〜Zenless Zone Zero World〜
"It seems this place left some serious psychological scars on Yanqing,"
Wise remarked.
"Brother, if you were a child prodigy in swordsmanship and then got systematically thrashed by a former Sword Champion, a Stellaron Hunter, and a High Elder one after another, you'd have some trauma too."
Belle sat cross-legged on the sofa, grabbing a bag of chips offered by Eina.
"I believe Yanqing will eventually become the Luofu's Sword Champion, but that mindset of his… I guess he still needs more tempering."
Fairy's voice suddenly drifted down from the ceiling.
"Master, according to my data analysis of 2, 365 wuxia novels, the failure rate for a protagonist training at the site of their psychological trauma is 87.3%. Within that, the probability of failure due to 'qi deviation' or spiritual possession is 62.1%. However, once a breakthrough is successfully achieved, the probability of becoming the world's greatest is 97.6%. Conclusion: Seeking death usually leads to death, but seeking death with style might lead to godhood."
"For once, I actually find myself agreeing with Fairy,"
Wise said with a slight smile.
"But the way Yanqing looks while possessed is very reminiscent of someone falling into a state of madness. Can Trailblazer, Huohuo, and the others really wake him up? I have my doubts."
"Proxy Number Two need not doubt. According to my emotional data analysis, young Master Yanqing is currently in a state of extreme euphoria, which fits the basic profile of spiritual possession. Suggested treatment protocols include: finding a girlfriend, developing a hobby other than swordplay, and ceasing all contact with individuals such as Dan Heng and Blade."
"Fairy, shut it,"
Wise frowned.
"Why is 'finding a girlfriend' even in your suggestions?"
"It is quite logical. A woman's heart is more complex, inscrutable, and volatile than any Xianzhou sword technique. Based on the analysis of Yanqing's personality and emotional data, he does not appear to be the type capable of deciphering a girl's thoughts."
"So it's a distraction tactic?"
Belle rested her chin on her hand, thinking it over.
"But Yanqing looks like he's 'sword-sexual' through and through. Does a guy like that even need a girlfriend?"
—
「 "You've arrived at the perfect time. I have just gained fresh insights from this sword formation. Why don't I use you all as whetstones to test its edge?"
Without further ado, Yanqing drew his blade and initiated the attack, disregarding whether the others were willing. With the Heliobus possessing him, Yanqing's strength had increased exponentially. Even the Stelle was nearly wounded by his sword aura, stumbling back several paces.
Sushang was even less of a match. She could barely protect Guinaifen and Huohuo, and in a momentary lapse, she was grazed by the intent of his blade, leaving several bloody gashes.
Seeing this, Yanqing lost all interest and sheathed his sword. "Your skills are far too crude. Continuing this would be utterly meaningless…"
The Heliobus's voice rang out in mid-air, tempting him: "In that case, why not simply cut them down?"
"Cut them… down? I thought this was merely a duel." A look of panic flickered across Yanqing's face. He was more than happy to spar, but he had no desire to commit slaughter in the process—especially since Sushang was a fellow member of the Cloud Knights.
Yet the Heliobus continued to entice him, arguing that swordsmanship was the art of victory. The idea that the victor lives and the loser dies was the law of the universe; only the sword of the winner could be passed down.
"But…" Yanqing remained reluctant, shaking his head in distress.
"Are you resisting me?!" The Heliobus's voice spiked in volume. "Pointless mercy! If you cannot cast aside these distractions, how can you ever take the next step? Raise your sword!"
While Yanqing wavered, Sushang stepped forward, shouting at the Heliobus: "Hmph! 'The victor lives, and the loser dies,' my foot! You put on the act of some grand master, but you're just a nasty piece of work who manipulates others to satisfy your own bloodlust."
"The Xuanyuan Sword in my hand is a family heirloom. When my mother entrusted it to me, she said, 'A swordsman's paper cannot be folded many times.' I used to wonder what on earth she meant by that."
"But standing here today, I think I've finally figured it out. She probably meant 'The sword may break, but the will cannot be bent,' right?" Sushang looked at Yanqing with a serious expression. "Lieutenant Yanqing, that fight isn't over yet. Don't go deciding for me that 'it's meaningless to continue'!" 」
「 .....」
〜Honkai: Impact 3rd World〜
"She's as… 'literary' as ever,"
Rita chuckled softly, covering her mouth.
"Uh… haha."
Li Sushang laughed awkwardly. But looking at the determined glint in the other Sushang's eyes, she couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement.
"But she said it well! I feel like I'm burning up just watching! As expected of my counterpart!"
"Indeed. With that courage alone, she does not bring shame to her family name,"
Rita said, taking a sip of tea.
"However, her swordsmanship is indeed far inferior to Yanqing's. Continuing the fight offers no chance of victory, and blades have no eyes… I fear Miss Sushang may meet with an accident."
Li Sushang was also breaking out in a cold sweat.
"I'm worried about that too. It's nerve-wracking to watch… Sigh, I really want to go in there and fight for her. Sushang's sword techniques aren't mature enough; she can't use many of the finer points yet. Otherwise, how could Yanqing ever get the upper hand?"
"Oh? Does Sushang believe her own swordsmanship would surely defeat Yanqing?"
Rita's smile was like a spring breeze.
"Of course! Besides my family's techniques, my Edge of Taixuan focused on the Heart before the Form. It's not a bit inferior to Yanqing's."
As she spoke, Li Sushang puffed out her chest proudly.
"I admit, he's definitely gifted. But in the world of swordsmanship, who wasn't a prodigy when they were a kid?"
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