Chapter 148: Just How Strong isPhantylia,That Jing Yuan Alone Had to Seek So Much Help?
「 "While the Stellaron Hunters undeniably harbored ulterior motives, hah, her scheme to send you all here and escalate the situation, thereby forcing you to fight alongside the Xianzhou, has undeniably proven your sincerity… The Luofu owes you a debt of gratitude, and I should not presume to ask for more."
Jing Yuan's gaze lowered slightly, a flicker of solemnity in his eyes: "Yet, as Diviner Fu has stated, the emergence of Phantylia has rendered the situation uncontrollable. As the Luofu's General, I must borrow Dan Heng's strength and implore all of you for your full assistance."
"Even if Luofu's crisis were unrelated to the Stellaron, my nature would not permit me to stand idly by. However, my individual will cannot represent the Astral Express." Welt looked gravely at March 7th and Stelle, for now was the time to declare their stance.
"To explore, to understand, to build, to connect… The pioneering creed upheld by the Express crew comprises no more than these eight words. The journey is perilous, yet to embody them is a task harder than ascending to the heavens."#1
"Whether to advance or to depart, the destination of the Nameless must be their own choice… just as they cast their own vote when deciding a destination on the Express."
After Welt finished speaking, on March 7th, Stelle exchanged a knowing glance. Having confirmed each other's thoughts, they nodded in unison.
They approached Dan Heng, extending their hands, their eyes equally expectant of his response: "Dan Heng, you…"
After a moment of hesitation, Dan Heng finally offered his hand.
"Thank you, Dan Heng." Jing Yuan smiled.
"How am I still one of the Nameless? I stand here at the mercy of others without true freedom to speak..." Dan Heng shook his head, sighing before looking at Jing Yuan: "...But as a descendant of the Vidyadhara, I will fulfill my duty to the Luofu."
"Alright, everyone is as righteous and understanding as they were upon arrival." March 7th confidently placed her hands on her hips, looking up at Jing Yuan: "So, General, what brilliant plan do you have next?"
"No brilliant plan, only a gamble. A gamble on the Vidyadhara Elders' half-molt technique, a gamble that Dan Heng can reclaim the memories of the high elder..."
Though he uttered the word "gamble," not a trace of worry marred Jing Yuan's face. From start to finish, he maintained a confident, knowing smile. 」
「 .....」
〜Genshin Impact World〜
Natlan, Sacred Flame Colosseum—
"This Phantylia… she seems stronger than I anticipated."
As a leader herself, Mavuika could well understand Jing Yuan's cautious approach to a formidable foe. Yet, she also suddenly realized that there might be a vast disparity even between Emanators.
Jing Yuan, an Emanator of the Hunt, had already showcased his strength before them; his astonishing prowess remained unforgettable to Mavuika. Moreover, with the aid of the Divine Foresight, purely in terms of power, the entire Xianzhou Luofu could likely not find anyone stronger than him.#2
But even one as mighty as Jing Yuan sought the High Elder's aid, requiring the combined efforts of the Express crew to confront Phantylia. As an Emanator herself, just how powerful was this Lord Ravager?
"Could the strength of an Emanator be related to the Star God itself?"
Chasca noticed Mavuika's puzzlement.
"I recall Mr. Welt saying that the Star God of the Hunt is a relatively young Star God, and purely in terms of power, not particularly outstanding among the Star Gods."
"…That possibility cannot be ruled out."
Mavuika's lips curved slightly:
"But this only makes me more curious—excluding those Star Gods who exist only in legend and rarely truly act, the strongest I've personally witnessed on the screen is Jing Yuan… Yet, Chasca, aren't you curious about the combat performance of an Emanator who makes even him so wary?"
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「 "High elder?" Little March looked utterly bewildered.
Her expression was like that of a supporting character in a novel, suddenly realizing that the brother she'd been messing around with every day was secretly a Dragon King, and now that the three-year term was up, he was returning to his rightful place.
"When the Reignbow Arbiter severed the Ambrosial Arbor, remnants of the curse of the Plagues Author lingered." Jing Yuan turned to gaze at the High Elder statue in the center of the Grand Exorcism Hall: "To seal it, the Luofu invoked the power of the [ Permanence ] Long's Scions, making it possible to tame the Arbor's remnants."
The group followed Jing Yuan's gaze. Though time had passed, the colossal High Elder statue showed some signs of wear, yet his posture, spear pointed towards the Ambrosial Arbor, still conveyed the dashing and proud demeanor of the ancient High Elder, even after millennia.
"Under the guidance of the ancient High Elder, the Vidyadhara clan channeled the waters of the Ancient Sea, submerging the Scalegorge Waterscape and turning it into a vessel to seal the Ambrosial Arbor. To commemorate this grand feat and sacrifice, the Xianzhou Alliance erected Dragonvista Rain Monument in the Scalegorge Waterscape, leaving behind statues of the Vidyadhara."
As Jing Yuan explained, the group slowly walked to the base of the statue.
Only upon closer inspection did they realize that the statue bore an uncanny resemblance to Dan Heng!
"This statue looks just like Dan Heng! Could it be…" March squinted, scrutinizing Dan Heng from head to toe, "The person on the statue is…"
"—Dan Heng's brother!" Little March once again displayed her astonishing intellect.
"…" Dan Heng sighed silently, having thought for a moment that she might finally be growing a brain.
"Hah, merely a slight resemblance; that was a very long time ago." Jing Yuan smiled faintly. "If one were to insist, the appearances of successive high elders were indeed quite similar—this generation being the exception. The most recent successor did not inherit the same level of power, and their appearance is that of a child."
"Do you understand, Dan Heng? Since Dan Feng perished, the Luofu Vidyadhara no longer has an individual capable of performing such feats. But you, who once kept watch over the Arbor, should be able to open a way through to that great tree." 」
「 .....」
〜Genshin Impact World〜
Liyue, Bubu Pharmacy—
"So, Miss Bailu really is the High Elder?"
Xingqiu scratched his head, still finding it hard to believe.
"The esteemed High Elder of the Vidyadhara clan wanting to be a medic, isn't that a bit too…"
"Negligent of her duties?"
Baizhu finished Xingqiu's sentence, smiling faintly.
"…Uh, Mr. Baizhu, I didn't quite mean it that way."
Xingqiu was somewhat puzzled.
"As the High Elder, shouldn't she prioritize the internal affairs of the Vidyadhara clan? While it's wonderful that Miss Bailu enjoys healing and saving lives, if she were to abandon Vidyadhara affairs for it, it feels… a bit like chasing after trifles while neglecting the fundamentals."
"My view differs from yours."
Baizhu looked at the Liyue lanterns outside Bubu Pharmacy in the distance.
"While the High Elder is certainly important, a High Elder with incomplete power might not be as crucial within the clan. Compared to the power struggles among the clan's Dragon Masters, it's quite good that Miss Bailu can remain outside of it and live the life she desires; that alone is excellent."
"Moreover… although Miss Bailu possesses exceptional medical skills, her mind is still that of a child—innocent, kind… Such a person is easily manipulated by those with ulterior motives."
"If I were her… I would probably stay in the Alchemy Commission my entire life and never come out, wouldn't I?"
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