Since the film was going ahead, there were some things that had to be settled beforehand.
The story they chose was a legend that had circulated on the Cangyan Xianzhou for centuries.
Even though some people still remembered every detail of that legend as if it were yesterday, adapting it into a movie inevitably required some creative reinterpretation—some "secondary creation"—to suit modern audiences.
More importantly, when the Federation of Hope learned that the film's protagonist, like Hoshigaki Sora, would have multiple forms…
They immediately sent something they'd once witnessed directly to the Cangyan Xianzhou.
"Our Federation believes that, without changing the core of the story, it would be better if the protagonist had a form like this."
The Federation's representative, Jobs, placed a design draft directly in front of Jin Xing.
Depicted on that paper was the Mugen Damashii, which had once illuminated the galaxy in a rainbow brilliance.
No one in the Federation could forget what had happened back then.
Now that they'd finally found an opportunity, naturally, they wanted to fulfill the wish they'd held onto all this time.
And most importantly, this time the protagonist was once again Hoshigaki Sora.
Having Sora wear this form—how could anything be more perfect?
To be honest, Jin Xing didn't want Sora wearing any other armor.
If she had her way, she'd only ever let him wear that purple figure bound to her by their bond.
But this wasn't something she could decide alone.
Since the Federation had made their request, she naturally had to accommodate it.
After receiving a positive reply, Jobs left.
Jin Xing put away the designs. Just when she thought filming could finally begin, a few more visitors arrived.
"I heard Sora already has the Mugen form representing the people's wishes, and the Cangyan form symbolizing leadership and unity."
"So why not add one more—a form symbolizing companions and bonds?"
A group from the Iron Cavalry approached Jin Xing, presenting something they'd long desired.
"Firefly Sword! This is a form forged from bonds with companions!"
Once they'd stepped into this territory, she had to meet it head-on.
Companions and bonds? Wasn't that exactly what mattered most to her right now?
Why had she been made responsible for this film?
Wasn't it because every three days she revisited those memories, again and again, just to ensure that nothing from back then faded?
On the entire Cangyan Xianzhou, if anyone understood that past clearly…
Jin Xing could rank second, and nobody would dare claim first place.
And why had she cared so deeply, for so long?
Wasn't it precisely because of her bond with Sora?
Together, they'd forged the most magnificent scenery in all the Cangyan Xianzhou.
The Ten-Thousand-Zhang Icefield was proof of what they'd shared.
A mere rooftop duel—how could that compare to eternal, unmelting ice?
So when the Iron Cavalry mentioned a form centered around bonds, it naturally seized nine-tenths—no, ten-tenths—of her attention at once.
When their design unfolded before her eyes, she froze, eyes widening.
Clean yet elegant, armor plates trimmed subtly in gold, and that silver-white blade—it captivated her instantly.
Yet one thing didn't sit right with her…
"I think the chest could use a dragon motif carved onto it," she said. "Otherwise, it's a bit too plain."
Yes. The only thing she was dissatisfied with was that the armor was undeniably cool, but lacked dragons entirely.
How could she tolerate that?
The first two forms—one already set by Feng Liqi and Ahri, and the other demanded by the Federation—were fixed in place. Altering them would delay the entire schedule.
But now, in front of her, was another design—simple, tasteful, and clean.
Most importantly, this was a private request from the Iron Cavalry.
Which meant… there was room for changes.
Jin Xing's interest immediately flared up.
She eagerly suggested every idea she had.
After listening to her suggestions, some members of the Iron Cavalry nodded; others frowned.
Adding a gilded dragon emblem to the chest—they could accept that.
But as Jin Xing continued, some changes were simply too drastic.
Would the armor still resemble the Firefly Sword they remembered after such edits? That was the issue.
After discussing among themselves and weighing their options, they ultimately decided to abandon the collaboration.
"Thank you for your suggestions, Dragon Lord," they said, "but we'd still like to preserve the image we hold in our hearts."
Back then, when everything around them had been lies, when Serus only wanted to exploit them—it was that person who shattered their past with iron fists, then cut them free with a single slash.
From now on, I'll help you face this world.
Even now, they remembered those words.
After further discussion, they let the idea go.
"Is that so? I understand."
Jin Xing found it regrettable, but since they'd made up their minds, she wouldn't push further.
"But after hearing your explanations, Dragon Lord… it sounds like you're quite experienced in this area."
Although the collaboration hadn't worked out, goodwill remained.
From the professional terminology Jin Xing had used, Mitsutake realized she had considerable experience designing forms like these.
"Heh-heh. Naturally!"
The moment the topic came up, Jin Xing's back stopped aching, and her legs no longer felt tired.
Fangyuan Dragon Lord Jin Xing had a dream...
To have Hoshigaki Sora personally wear a form symbolizing their bond!
After this exchange, they realized that setting aside old preconceptions, she and the group actually had much in common.
So they stood there and chatted.
And ultimately, every piece of equipment in the story was finalized.
When Sora received the script and skimmed it, he wore a speechless expression.
"Isn't this exactly the kind of suit-battle fest Toei loves? How did it spread here, too?"
Indeed, once certain things from the past were stripped away, the script was thick with a familiar vibe.
Sora looked through all the marked forms from start to finish.
Good grief—wasn't this exactly the suit-battle gauntlet he knew so well? Since when had this world caught that virus?
Realizing this, Sora suddenly lost optimism about the box office.
More than anything, he feared he'd drag Robin down.
If word spread that the great galactic singer Robin had acted in a film that bombed. Wouldn't that become a galaxy-wide joke?
So Sora went to persuade her otherwise.
But, surprisingly, Robin took the opposite view.
"I think this movie's pretty good."
Robin said, "The main thread is clear, the supporting cast has solid characterization, and the finale—everyone uniting to complete the Heaven-Mending Creation—is emotionally impactful."
With those strengths, at least it should get decent reviews.
"R-really?" Sora still sounded doubtful.
"Relax. If I'm not worried, why should you be?"
Robin suddenly tilted her head and smiled. "But if you really feel bad, think about how you'll make it up to me if the film bombs."
"Huh?" Sora looked utterly lost. How had things turned back to this?
"For example, go shopping with me. Or let me buy you an outfit—trust me, my taste is definitely better than whatever you're wearing now."
"Huh? Oh… okay."
Sora nodded, though something felt off.
Only after returning to his room did he realize—
Wait—Robin's participation had nothing to do with him. Why was he supposed to "compensate" her?
The more Sora thought about it, the stranger it felt. He remembered clearly...
He'd even specifically advised her not to join the filming.
She'd decided to participate after hearing about the female lead.
Why, then, should he have to make it up to her?
But ultimately, Sora chose to accept it. Shopping together wasn't exactly a big deal.
Given their relationship, spending time together was perfectly normal.
But…
"Is my fashion sense really that bad?"
Sora glanced skeptically at his clothes.
In truth, it wasn't important whether his taste was bad. What mattered was who had chosen the clothes he currently wore.
And so, under these circumstances, filming began for the massive cinematic epic of the Cangyan Xianzhou—Heaven-Mending Creation.
As expected, Feng Liqi became the female lead.
Putting everything else aside, her personality made playing this role far too easy.
After all, she really was timid and shy by nature; some scenes were basically just her being herself.
What intrigued Sora more was the director. He wondered what kind of director the Cangyan Xianzhou and Federation had chosen.
Then he met the woman in charge.
She wore a red yukata, a fox mask tilted atop her head.
A half-smile rested on her lips, and the symmetrical beauty marks under her eyes made it unclear whether she was smiling or crying.
Her smooth, bare legs were crossed, the slight softness of her thighs making the scene… undeniably suggestive.
"Heh-heh. Nice to meet you, Mr. Male Lead. I'm Director Sparkle—hello!"
Sora silently stared at her, then turned and walked away.
We gotta replace her. She had to be replaced!
Of all people, why a Masked Fool? That practically guaranteed the film would bomb!
Seeing his expression, Sparkle instantly lunged at him.
"Wait—Mr. Sora!"
She instantly put on a tearful expression. "I'm really here to direct this time! I absolutely won't cause trouble—please don't replace me!"
Her trembling voice spun out a tragic tale.
In short, it boiled down to—
A gambling father, a disabled mother, a younger brother still in school, and self-hate…
Once that miserable story came out, the entire set seemed steeped in sorrow.
Sparkle was indeed gifted—her storytelling was gripping to the very end.
"…So I can't lose this directing job, Mr. Sora!"
Sparkle dropped to the ground, clutching Sora's hand as tears streamed down her face, looking utterly pitiful.
"Sora, maybe we…"
"Yeah, she's crying so much. Shouldn't we at least give her a chance?"
Even some crew members began pleading for her.
They were shocked that Sparkle was a Masked Fool, but surely this kind of crying couldn't be fake, right?
Hearing their appeals, Sora let out a heavy sigh.
Seizing the chance, Sparkle kneeled there, gripping his hand, launching into her next plea.
"Please, Mr. Sora! I can't lose this job!"
"If there's anything I can do, I'll do it!"
At that, every eye on set turned to Sora.
"Anything, huh…"
He glanced down at Sparkle, still kneeling before him. "Fine. I'll trust you—just this once."
Sparkle's expression flipped instantly from sobbing to delighted. Even a veteran actor couldn't have matched that speed.
Sora continued, "But this is your final warning."
"If I catch you secretly fooling around or delaying production, you're out. Leave this set immediately."
With those words, Sora expressed his willingness to trust Sparkle—for now.
But if he found even a trace of her causing trouble, she'd be gone.
With Sora's approval, Sparkle burst into tears of joy.
When Sora returned to the break room, Robin quickly approached him.
Towel in hand, she carefully wiped the spot where Sparkle had grabbed his hand.
Yet curiosity got the better of her…
"Is this really necessary?"
"Not usually, but she's a Masked Fool."
Sora glanced toward Sparkle again. She no longer looked remotely tragic.
Now, her eyes wore a mischievous glint, as if waiting to see what might unfold, while she energetically directed people to tidy up the set.
No one knew what she was really thinking or what her goal might be.
Perhaps she genuinely wanted to direct. Or perhaps there was some hidden scheme beneath.
But did it matter?
She was a Masked Fool. No one could know if the face she wore was a mask or her true self.
Such was the nature of the Masked Fools—one of the galaxy's most unpredictable factions.
And as for what Sora thought, Sparkle didn't seem to care. Right now, she could finally direct in peace!
"Everyone to your positions! We'll start filming scene one in one minute!"
Sparkle bounced off energetically again.
The faint glimmer of light near her hip indicated which AEON she belonged to.
Filming had officially begun. But even before this, a question had been lingering in Sora's mind.
In the original events, it was Ahri—that kid—who had discovered him.
But the movie replaced Ahri with Feng Liqi, leading to various changes.
That raised the question: where was Ahri?
Feng Liqi hadn't directly answered, nor had she given a clear reason.
As for why…
Well, naturally, that involved certain delicate matters best left unsaid.
...
On a dim planet far from any star, a starskiff landed, and only a few figures emerged.
At their forefront was Ahri—the very person Sora had been wondering about.
She'd come to this remote, starless planet for a deal.
The moment they landed, the Foxians accompanying Ahri sniffed the air.
Oxygen levels here weren't particularly high, but that was precisely why they'd chosen it—to find their targets easily.
To them, the stench of a Borisin couldn't be hidden.
Thanks to this, they quickly found the enemy's hideout.
A bonfire burned there, yet the figures illuminated weren't Borisin—they resembled Foxians.
They sat in meditation, eyes closed, seemingly contemplating something.
Only when Ahri approached did they open their eyes and look her way.
"It's been a long time, leader of Tushan Realm."
The figure at the front gave Ahri a slight nod—an unusual greeting ritual particular to them.
"It certainly has, Elder Jueming… and everyone from Danlun Temple."
Ahri sat down calmly across from them, quietly observing the group.
"I heard that on the Cangyan Xianzhou, the Heaven-Mending Creation was successfully held again. Such peace is truly enviable."
Elder Jueming spoke with a sigh. The frequent holding of Heaven-Mending Creation was a testament to the peace on the Cangyan Xianzhou.
It was precisely that peace they sought but could never attain.
Firelight flickered across the dark planet, illuminating their bodies and casting their true forms as shadows upon the ground.
Behind Ahri, a shadow showed a six-tailed fox sitting upright.
Behind Elder Jueming, a shadow depicted a muscular werewolf.
Yes. The one meeting Ahri here was an enemy she'd once faced—the Borisin.
But Elder Jueming was no ordinary Borisin. They were outliers among their kind.
Among the Borisin clans—bloodthirsty beings who worshipped strength and power—there existed an unusual organization known as "Danlun Temple."
They refused to harm any living creature, instead preaching a doctrine of salvation.
As a symbol of their vow to uphold discipline and never kill, they wore metallic rings around their bodies.
They stood as a counterweight to the Borisin's bloodlust, drawing the gaze of HOOH, AEON of the EQUILIBRIUM.
Yet they didn't claim the AEON's blessing for themselves, instead using it to maintain peace within their temple.
Thus, every departure from the temple was an enormous risk.
Even so, Elder Jueming had chosen to leave that sanctuary to meet Ahri here.
"So, Elder Jueming—why did you ask to see me?" Ahri asked.
Truthfully, Ahri felt no goodwill toward the Borisin. She'd never forget the centuries of oppression her people endured under Bolue.
Yet she'd learned something important from Sora: judge matters as they come.
That was why Danlun Temple could reach out to her.
"This time, we contacted Tushan Realm's leader to warn you: you must increase your vigilance in the days to come."
"What do you mean?"
Ahri frowned slightly.
"Recently, our clans received a self-proclaimed prophet named 'Mangusi.' He's been in frequent contact with various splintered clans…"
"He also brought with him a portion of the Master of Immortality's blessing—significantly empowering those clans, who've now chosen to follow him closely."
"After investigating, we suspect the prophet's true target may be the Xianzhou. Thus, we're alerting you so the Cangyan Xianzhou can remain vigilant."
The Master of Immortality was another name the Borisin used for YAOSHI, AEON of ABUNDANCE.
In other words, this prophet had appeared within Borisin clans carrying the blessing of Abundance.
"Who exactly is this prophet?"
"We don't know. He appeared suddenly—mysterious, yet deeply trusted by many clan leaders."
Elder Jueming shook his head. He, too, had tried and failed to discover this prophet's identity.
"But I do have some insight into the source of his 'blessing'—something that might aid your understanding."
Ahri fixed him with a steady gaze. "Tell me, then. Whose blessing of Abundance is it?"
"Has the leader of Tushan Realm ever heard of… Shuhu?"
At this, Ahri visibly flinched.
Shuhu was one of YAOSHI's Emanators—perhaps the most notorious Emanator in all of the Xianzhou.
Long ago, under a joint attack from the previous Luofu general, Teng Xiao, and Baiheng of the Cloud Five—striking simultaneously from both sides—Shuhu had suffered grievous injuries.
Grievous injuries—but not death.
Though reduced to countless chunks of flesh, it still clung to life.
If it revived at the right moment, it could sweep back in an instant.
The Xianzhou Alliance had always been wary of it. Ahri hadn't expected to hear its name here.
So, the blessing of Abundance circulating among the Borisin clans… came from Shuhu.
"We came to inform Tushan Realm's leader, hoping you will swiftly pass the message along."
Elder Jueming pressed his palms together and bowed with closed eyes.
"If this message can save tens of thousands of lives, then we of Danlun Temple will be satisfied."
Once he'd spoken, the other Borisin present also pressed their palms together and bowed with closed eyes.
Ahri was their only hope. No other Xianzhou would ever listen to them.
Only the Cangyan Xianzhou, which stood against racial discrimination, would maintain contact with them.
Thus, Elder Jueming had hurriedly arranged this meeting with Ahri, hoping to deliver the warning.
Only…
"You're satisfied far too early!"
Figures burst from the darkness all around, scrambling forward on all fours with terrifying speed.
From their movements alone, their species was unmistakable—Borisin, eyes burning with bloodlust!
"I told you—follow those useless idiots, and you'd hook something good. See? Didn't it work?"
"Tch, tch, tch. Just a few Foxians? That's barely enough to entertain us."
"Easy. Just make them run. Whoever's slowest, we eat part of their hands and feet."
They'd trailed Elder Jueming, and now they'd hooked a big fish.
Those blood-red eyes fixed on Ahri, who remained calmly seated.
To them, Foxians were merely toys.
And Foxians who lived on the Xianzhou were entirely different from the war-slaves they kept.
Xianzhou Foxians always had some kind of faith.
Slowly devouring their limbs, crushing that faith, and watching despair spread across their faces…
That kind of pleasure was something their captive slaves could never offer.
The Borisin rushed from every direction, forming a blockade so tight not even water could slip through.
They eagerly planned how to torment these Foxians—what expressions they'd savor.
Seeing this, one of Elder Jueming's disciples pulled out a bottle of pills.
"Tushan Realm's leader—these pills counter Wolfsbane. If you take them, perhaps you can fight your way out!"
"I'll clear a path for you!"
He immediately rose to face his kin.
But before he could even steady himself, Elder Jueming firmly pulled him back down.
"Anren. Endure. Sit quietly."
The bottle of pills clattered and rolled to Ahri's side. She picked it up, but did not consume any—only smiling softly.
"I appreciate your kindness, but I don't need this."
Anren looked stunned.
Wolfsbane was an innate Borisin trait, capable of inducing fear in living beings exposed to their pheromones.
That talent made the Borisin nearly unstoppable in war.
Without a special antidote, anyone facing the Borisin was at a severe disadvantage.
Yet Ahri had refused the pills he'd offered. Anren couldn't understand why.
"Tushan Realm's leader, these pills are absolutely pure—you don't need to worry about poison."
Thinking she feared sabotage, Anren swallowed two pills himself to prove their safety.
In his eyes, taking the antidote and rushing through the encirclement together was the only option.
The news of the Borisin clans' movements—and the revival of Shuhu—had to reach the outside. Otherwise, countless lives would be at stake.
But Ahri still did not move to take the pills.
The Borisin surrounding them burst into laughter.
"HAHAHAHA—look at that fool!"
"If he weren't an idiot, why would he join Danlun Temple?"
"These Foxians are too scared to even think. Give it up."
The Borisin encircling Ahri and the temple group never ceased their vulgar jeers.
To them, the victims trapped inside were already helpless prey. None would escape.
Humiliated and angry, Anren stood once again, ready to confront those monsters head-on.
But Elder Jueming again dragged him back down.
"Anren! 'Kṣānti-pāramitā'—abide in patience. How can you live up to your dharma name like this?"
"Sit down. Chant!"
Chant? At a time like this, what good would chanting do?
Anren couldn't understand where his master's confidence came from.
If Tushan Realm's leader died here, wouldn't everything Danlun Temple had done become meaningless?
The Cangyan Xianzhou would likely go to war with the Borisin—how many would perish then?
Yet when Anren glanced around, he saw the other disciples with his master hadn't budged at all.
Each sat, eyes closed, murmuring softly, reciting something endlessly.
"Chant, Anren. For the sake of our kin…"
"…Chant the final Rebirth Sutra."
The Rebirth Sutra? Wasn't that reserved for the dying, or those already dead?
Anren didn't understand—until suddenly, he did.
Ahri stood, gently patting his shoulder.
"I appreciate your kindness. I hope the fire in your heart never fades."
Then, step by step, she approached the circle of Borisin.
"Look! That woman's volunteering to die!"
"Hahaha—I've smelled her meat for a while now. Let me take the first bite—"
The jeering Borisin never finished that sentence, because what he saw next left him stunned.
Ahri moved forward slowly, thick fur rapidly covering her body with each step.
Soon, standing in that space was a pure white snow fox, more than ten meters tall, with six graceful tails.
"…That's—The Heavenly Fox, Tushan Ahri."
Staring at the towering six-tailed fox, a Borisin muttered her name in a daze.
Of the Cangyan Xianzhou's three strongest fighters, Jin Xing and Yu Yi both had clear sparring records within the Alliance.
Only Ahri had none.
Not for any reason other than that she only fought enemies.
She was the Foxian awakened amid the Abundance Resonance triggered by Bolue!
Absorbing ABUNDANCE, she'd transformed the Foxians from beasts back into human form—at the cost of her tails growing longer.
Her six tails swayed without wind, symbolizing the true strength she'd carried into this meeting.
Ahri didn't even need to move. Just standing there caused every Borisin around her to freeze in terror.
Instead, the Borisin themselves appeared stricken by Wolfsbane—paralyzed by an indescribable fear.
"Elder Jueming, I'll relay your message to those in charge on our side."
What happened next finally made Anren understand why his master had told him to chant the Rebirth Sutra.
The sound of flesh tearing echoed around him.
Anren closed his eyes tightly.
So this was…
What his master meant.
---
T/N: WHY ARTE THE CHAPTERS SO LONGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG
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everyone is on vacation so no character notes this week
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