Collapse Iron: Cosplaying the Near-Death Star, but with a full destiny.

Luofu.

"Loosen the cuffs! Loosen them! These pants are new! The seamstress just mended them with gold thread!"

At the dock plaza of Xingchahai Central Hub, a "human-dog war" that transcends species and civilizations is unfolding.

One of the main characters is the cunning demigod, Saifeier, who has just been resurrected and hasn't had a chance to enjoy her wonderful life yet.

On the other side was a mechanical beast, Di Ting, with a bronze body, huge ears, and a tail that stood upright like a lightning rod.

This divine beast, which is usually so aloof in the Shence Mansion that even Jing Yuan has to coax it to move, is now biting hard at the hem of Sai Feier's loose lantern pants.

Its four paws gripped the ground firmly like suction cups, and no matter how much Saifeier swung its legs, it remained motionless like a heavy weight.

Its electronic eyes, flashing with a ghostly blue light, were fixed on Saifei's... tail.

Its nose kept twitching, making a series of "buzzing" electrical sounds, as if it had smelled some wonderful scent that would cause it to uniformly overload.

"What the hell is this thing?!"

Saifei broke down.

She originally intended to use her prized thief skills to throw the iron lump away with a backflip.

As soon as he exerted force, he heard a "sizzle" sound.

The trouser leg didn't even last half a second before it was ripped open.

"Woof!" (Synthesized electronic voice)

Di Ting let out a satisfied bark, and taking advantage of Sai Fei'er's momentary stiffness, it even went so far as to rub its head against her calf.

The cool, metallic touch against her skin sent shivers down Saifei's spine.

The cat's ears stood straight up, and its tail was stretched taut like a stick.

"Help! Why are the dogs here made of metal?! And they're being indecent!"

Saifei looked at her companion with a look of despair.

"Wan Di! Stop watching! Get this thing away from here!"

Wan Di stood to the side with his arms crossed, holding his exaggerated heavy weapon (which was actually made of red crystals; because he was unfamiliar with the power after being resurrected in reality, Wan Di could no longer put the weapon he had condensed back).

He watched this scene, laughing so hard his shoulders shook, showing absolutely no intention of helping.

"Move it away? How am I supposed to do that?"

"This is clearly a mythical beast native to Luofu. If we damage it, we'll be bankrupt!"

"Besides..."

He stroked his chin, a smug look on his face.

"I think it likes you quite a bit. Maybe it sees you as... a giant version of catnip?"

Amidst this chaos, more and more Cloud Cavalry soldiers gathered around.

They had originally gathered around because they detected energy fluctuations from an unidentified creature.

They gripped their spears tightly and drew their swords half an inch from their sheaths, creating a tense atmosphere.

But when they saw the faces of these "suspicious people"...

The chilling atmosphere instantly changed.

A young Yunqi soldier stared wide-eyed at Saifeier, who was trying to pull Diting off her lap.

The spear in his hand almost fell to the ground.

"Wait... that short silver hair... those cat ears... and that arrogant expression..."

"This...isn't this the phantom thief Sai Fei'er from 'The Golden Elegy'?!"

That shout was like pouring a ladle of water into a pot of boiling oil.

The entire dock square instantly erupted in chaos.

"Holy crap?! It really is Sergio Ferrari?!"

"And that big guy over there... the one wielding the greatsword... is that 'Invincible Shield' Wan'er?!"

"Look over there! That blonde, with such a noble air... Oh my god! It's Her Highness Queen Aglaia!"

"Alive! Alive!"

Crowds flocked to the scene.

The fox-people merchants, the Vidyadhara tourists, and even the diviners who had just finished get off work, who had been watching the spectacle from the sidelines, all rushed over like sharks that had smelled blood.

Countless mobile phones were raised, their flashes creating a continuous barrage that illuminated the area brighter than midday.

"Your Majesty! I'm a fan! Could you please sign my autograph? Just on my fan!"

"Brother Wan Di! I want to learn your 'Whirlwind Slash'! Could you teach me?"

"Little cutie Feng Jin! Quickly eat this Ming Lotus Root Cake!"

The Golden Descendants were completely dumbfounded.

Although they were also celebrities in Onphalus, their awe was based on the rule of theocracy.

I've never seen anything like this before...

This kind of passion seems to want to devour you?

"this……"

Aglaia was surrounded by a group of enthusiastic fox-girls.

Her hands were stuffed with flowers, sachets, and even several boxes of pastries that looked very sweet.

Even this leader, who was used to grand occasions, could hardly maintain his perfect smile at this moment.

"What exactly is going on?"

She tilted her head slightly and asked in a voice that only the person next to her could hear.

Golden threads peeked out from the cuffs, as if hesitating whether to tie up this group of overly enthusiastic people.

"Perhaps it's... cultural export?"

Standing next to her, Hoshi shrugged.

She had anticipated this scene.

Not long after the events at Onphalos ended, the stories about that place were adapted into various versions of storytelling, fantasy plays, and novels, which were then spread throughout the universe via the interstellar network.

And in Luofu, a place where the entertainment industry is extremely developed.

"Titanfall: The Golden Elegy," also known as "As I Wrote," has recently become a popular play in teahouses.

It is said that Mr. west Yan drank three days and three nights of herbal tea (Sterculia lychnophora) in order to tell this story well.

"Everyone! Friends of Luofu!"

Hoshi cleared his throat and stood in front of Aglaia.

She raised her hands and pressed them down, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"We feel everyone's enthusiasm!"

"But! Our 'actors' are still a bit airsick after just getting off the spaceship!"

Give me some space! Give me some air!

Although she didn't use a megaphone, her voice was extremely penetrating because she was someone who carried the destiny of several Star Gods.

The crowd quieted down a little.

Taking the opportunity, Hoshino turned around and winked at Hoshino and March 7 behind her.

"These guys are yours to handle."

"Take them to Jinren Alley for a stroll, have some good food, and while we're at it..."

She pointed to Di Ting, which was still hanging on Sai Fei'er's leg.

"Let this mythical beast lead the way."

"Since it likes Saifei so much, it probably considers her one of its own."

"With it around, no one will dare to really harass you."

"Leave it to us!"

March 7th excitedly gave an OK sign.

She had wanted to take Feng Jin to try the soda soy milk there for a long time (although it was a kind of punishment game).

"Come on, let's go! Kazejin! I'll take you to eat something delicious!"

"Sister Aglaia, there's some really beautiful silk over there!"

With the combined efforts of March 7th and Xing, and the help of Di Ting, the local bully (or dog?), clearing the way.

The main force of the Golden Clan finally broke through the encirclement and marched in a mighty wave towards Golden Man Alley.

Leaving behind a trail of amazement and the sound of camera shutters.

Watching their departing figures.

Hoshino let out a long sigh of relief.

She turned around and looked at Danheng and Walter, who had been standing silently to the side.

The playful smile on his face gradually faded.

Instead, there is a calm that comes with the anticipation of going to the battlefield.

"alright."

Hoshi adjusted his collar.

My gaze passed through the bustling Star Chariot Sea and landed on the magnificent building floating above the sea of ​​clouds in the distance.

Shence Mansion.

"We should get down to business."

……

The road to Shence Prefecture is not far.

But with each step on the bluestone slabs, one can feel the weight of thousands of years that this celestial vessel has accumulated.

Danheng walked at the very front.

Although Luo Fu has dropped the warrant for his arrest, he is still not used to being in the spotlight.

especially……

When he set foot on this homeland again.

Every time I cross an intersection or see a familiar scene, those long-forgotten memories surge up like a tide.

Hoshi walked beside him.

She could feel the taut muscle lines on Danheng's body.

"Relax, Mr. Danheng."

She nudged Danheng with her elbow.

"We're here as guests, not to break into prison."

"Besides, General Jingyuan, that old fox... cough, that good-natured man, has probably already brewed the tea."

"I'm not worried about Jingyuan."

Dan Heng said in a low voice.

His gaze swept over the patrolling Cloud Cavalry.

What I'm worried about is... your plan.

"Resurrect Bai Heng."

He uttered those four words in a very low voice, as if saying them would attract thunder from the heavens.

"If this gets out, the entire Immortal Ship Alliance will be shaken."

"The judges of the Ten Kings' Division will probably be waiting for you at the gate of the Shence Palace with chains in hand."

"Then let them wait."

Hoshi smiled indifferently.

She raised her right hand.

In the sunlight, the newborn hand has a translucent, jade-like appearance.

The manifestation of the highly compressed power of "abundance" and "fertility".

"Rules are rigid, but people are flexible."

"The tragedy of that year was due to the wrong methods and the loss of control over the power."

"But now..."

She clenched her fist suddenly.

A loud bang was heard in the air.

"I am confident that I can make the result perfect."

"As long as the result is perfect, I think the general will turn a blind eye to any minor 'violations' in the process."

Walter walked last.

He adjusted his glasses but didn't interrupt.

As an elder, he chose to trust the judgment of the young people.

and……

He was also very curious.

Just how much of a ripple can the Star of the End, possessing the power of the end, create in this world that emphasizes "causal bondage"?

The gates of the Shence Palace were right in front of us.

The vermilion pillars soar into the clouds, and two enormous stone lions stand majestically.

There were no guards at the entrance to stop them.

The gate was wide open.

It was as if... the host had anticipated the guest's arrival.

Nihoshi stopped in his tracks.

Take a deep breath.

I adjusted my expression.

He switched from being a "troublemaker" to a "well-behaved and sensible junior".

"Let's go."

She was the first to step across the threshold.

Walk through the courtyard and around the corridor.

Inside the study.

That familiar figure was sitting in front of the chessboard.

He held a black piece in his hand, hesitating to place it.

And opposite him.

A brightly colored magpie is hopping around pecking at the chess pieces on the chessboard.

"General."

Hoshino's voice broke the tranquility of the study.

"If this game of chess isn't played soon, even the birds will have eaten their fill."

Jingyuan's fingers twitched.

He raised his head.

Those eyes, always half-closed, held a gentle smile.

He didn't act like a general at all; he was more like a friendly older brother next door.

"You're here?"

Jingyuan casually tossed the chess piece back into the chess jar.

Startled, the magpie fluttered its wings and flew onto his shoulder.

"It's a little faster than I expected."

"Looks like we weren't held back by Xingchahai's enthusiasm along the way?"

"Almost."

As if he knew the place well, Hoshi walked to the table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

"It's mainly because Saifeier is a dog lover."

"I fought my way out of the encirclement with great difficulty, and I came here especially to give you this 'big gift'."

"A big gift?"

Jingyuan's gaze lingered on Shihoshi for a moment.

Then it moved to Danheng, who was standing behind.

His eyes flickered slightly, carrying a hint of nostalgia and a touch of relief.

"It's certainly a gift to have old friends come back and visit."

"but……"

He then looked at Walter.

"What made the people on the Star Train go to such lengths, even resorting to the power of 'The End'?"

"This gift..."

"Isn't it a bit too hot to handle?"

General Shence lived up to his name.

Even without seeing the actual product, I could already guess seven or eight parts of it just by feeling.

The smile on Hoshino's lips widened.

She leaned forward.

He placed his hands on the table and looked directly into Jing Yuan's eyes.

"It's definitely going to get hot."

"After all, this thing..."

"They were fished out of hell."

She lowered her voice.

Every word is like it has a hook.

"General."

"Do you want to...?"

"Want to look at that purple sword one more time?"

"Let's hear it one more time... that voice calling you 'Jing Yuanyuan'?"

The air in the study.

It has completely solidified.

The sparrow on Jingyuan's shoulder seemed to sense some kind of terrifying aura and flew out of the window in fright.

Jingyuan's smile vanished.

He looked at the star.

For the first time, something was revealed in those golden eyes…

The sharp edge belonging to the "Divine Strategy General".

"Star Girl".

His voice was very soft.

Yet it weighs as much as a thousand pounds.

"Some things, once said..."

There's no turning back.

Hoshi shrugged, seemingly unconcerned.

"That's me."

"Never go back on your path."

"I'll just walk..."

"The road to a happy ending."

Zheng—

A clear, sharp metallic sound, yet carrying a chilling edge, instantly shattered the previously peaceful atmosphere in the study.

Jing Yuan did not get up.

He remained seated behind that large mahogany table, his posture unchanged.

But the hand that was playing with the chess pieces now grasped a formation blade that appeared out of thin air.

The blade was not made of ordinary iron, but was constructed from countless fine golden runes, flowing with the chilling divine power of the "Hunting" Emperor Bow Master.

The tip of the knife hovered in mid-air, only an inch away from the center of Hoshino's brow.

The sharp edge hadn't even touched the skin before it pierced through the protective aura on the surface, causing the stray hairs on Ye Xing's forehead to move without wind.

"cost?"

Jing Yuan's voice fell completely silent.

Those golden eyes opened fully, and what surged within them was no longer the gentle smile of usual, but a resolute and ruthless power capable of severing stars.

"Miss Xing, now that you know about that past, you should understand what those two words mean in Luofu."

"Seven hundred years ago, I also had a close friend who was exceptionally talented and confident that he could use his abilities to reverse life and death."

"And the result?"

Jing Yuan's gaze passed over the star, lingered briefly on Dan Heng, and then withdrew like a sharp sword.

"As a result, he created a monstrous dragon that devoured flesh and blood, destroying half of the Scale Abyss Realm and also destroying the Five Heroes of the Clouds."

"Are you telling me now that you want to repeat the same mistake?"

The air pressure inside the Shence Mansion was terrifyingly low.

The sunlight outside the window seemed to be frozen by this murderous intent, unable to penetrate even a fraction.

This sense of oppression is enough to make any ordinary person on their life's journey kneel down and beg for mercy on the spot.

But the star did not retreat.

He didn't even blink.

She looked at the array blade that was so close to her.

Looking at the golden halo flowing on the blade.

Sudden.

She reached out her hand.

It wasn't the left hand that was used to holding a baseball bat.

Rather, it is that newly born right hand, reshaped by the power of "abundance" and "fertility," and then finalized by "the end."

That hand looked fair, delicate, and even had the fragility of a newborn's.

It slowly lifted up, its movements as gentle as if brushing away fallen petals from a shoulder.

My fingertips touched the blade.

Nourishes—

Two completely opposite forces erupted at the point of contact, producing a teeth-grinding friction sound.

The killing power of "Hunter" instinctively wants to cut through all obstacles.

But a strange membrane of light appeared on that seemingly delicate palm.

That is the resilience of life.

It is an absolute vitality that can encompass death and even draw nourishment from it.

"Don't be so nervous, General."

Hoshino's fingers exerted a slight pressure.

They actually managed to deflect the array blade, which was powerful enough to kill the evil creature, a few inches to the side.

The blade grazed her cheek, severing a few strands of hair.

The strands of hair fell, turning to ashes in the air before they even hit the ground.

"The concept of 'cost'."

Shihoshi withdrew his hand, and even went a step further forward, placing his hands on the table and looking down at Jingyuan.

The smile on his face not only didn't fade, but became even more unrestrained.

"That's the punishment for the 'incompetent'."

"For those who have mastered the rules..."

"The so-called cost is nothing more than a bargaining chip in an equivalent exchange."

Jingyuan's hand holding the knife remained completely still.

But the murderous intent in his eyes froze for a moment because of these words.

"Do you know the rules?"

He gave a cold laugh.

"Even the Star Gods wouldn't dare presume to claim mastery of the rules, and you're just a mortal..."

"mortal?"

He interrupted him.

She raised her right hand, palm up, fingers spread.

It's like displaying a rare treasure.

"General, you should know this as well."

"The Danfeng of yesteryear... oh, who is the predecessor of the current teacher Danheng."

Why did he fail?

"Because he was too greedy and too ignorant."

"He attempted to use the 'Dragon Transformation Technique' to forcibly change the life form of a fox-person, wanting to turn the fox into a dragon."

"This goes against the fundamental logic of life and also against the repulsion of the soul."

"He only had a hammer (abundant flesh and blood) in his hand, so everything looked like a nail."

Hoshino closed her fingers one by one.

With each gathering of a single strand, a completely different fluctuation of destiny would erupt from her body.

"But I'm different."

Thumb down.

An extremely ancient force, carrying an aura of decay yet pointing towards new life, emerged.

"I have an 'end'."

"I can forcibly rewind that person's timeline to the second before her body collapsed and her soul dissipated."

"I don't create new life; I just retrieve the 'old' her from the garbage heap of time."

Click down with your index finger.

A pale purple shimmer danced at my fingertips.

"And 'memory'."

"Although Fuli is not talkative, he remembers everything."

"Add to that the impressions of you, Jingliu, Ren, and Danheng-sensei."

"I can recreate her personality, memories, and even the wrinkles around her eyes when she smiles, one-to-one."

"Guaranteed to be original and authentic, with absolutely no tampering."

The middle finger is tucked down.

The vibrant green life surged wildly, causing the potted plants in the study to sprout and bloom instantly.

丰饶

"The purification factor, generously sponsored by Ms. Ruan Mei, has removed those messy mutation tendencies."

"Only the purest life force is provided to fill her broken body."

The ring finger is clenched.

The faint chirping of insects filled the air, carrying with it a chilling sense of proliferation.

"Control the rate of cell division so that her body can be remodeled in a few seconds, instead of expanding out of control like the evil dragon."

At last.

Clasp your little finger down.

Fist clenched.

All the forces were forcibly combined at this moment.

This forms a perfect closed loop.

"at last."

Ye Xing looked at Jing Yuan, a meaningful smile curving his lips.

"I need one more thing."

"That's the 'Hunting' in your hands."

"Hunting?"

Jing Yuan frowned slightly.

Even he needed some time to digest this barrage of theories.

But he understood.

This is indeed... fundamentally different from Danfeng's crazy actions back then.

Danfeng is a product of "creation".

The girl in front of us is undergoing "repair".

"Yes, hunting."

Ye Xing pointed to the array blade in Jing Yuan's hand.

"The power of abundance is too active and easily goes astray."

"So I need the fastest and most accurate knife."

"During the reshaping process, we cut away all possible 'impurities'."

"Like a scalpel in surgery."

"Only the sharp edge of the Imperial Bow Master can suppress the grace of the Pharmacist."

After she finished speaking this long speech.

A deathly silence fell over the study.

Dan Heng stood in the corner, his face pale.

He stared intently at Hoshino's retreating figure.

This theory...

too crazy.

That's just too...perfect.

It was so perfect that even he, the successor of this "failure case," couldn't find any reason to refute it.

If Danfeng had these conditions back then...

If back then there had been a way to rewind time, anchor memories, and balance life and death...

So, is it really possible that that tragedy will never happen?

"This is my plan."

Hoshino spread her hands.

He looked completely at ease.

"Full Fate Flow Resurrection Technique".

"Doesn't this sound a lot like those super-strength pills sold at roadside stalls?"

"But it works."

Jing Yuan remained silent for a long time.

The array blade in his hand finally lowered slowly.

The tip of the knife touched the ground.

It made a soft sound.

He looked at the star.

This time, there was no murderous intent in his eyes.

Instead, an extremely complex emotion arose.

There was shock, doubt, longing, and a hint of...

Fear of the unknown.

"you……"

Jing Yuan spoke, his voice somewhat hoarse.

"You have fused these several absolutely conflicting forces into one."

"Aren't you afraid of playing with fire and getting burned?"

"not to mention."

He raised his head and looked directly into Hoshino's eyes.

"You must use the power of 'Abundance' to resurrect someone who has long since died, under the watchful eyes of the Emperor Bow Master in the Immortal Ship Luofu."

"This is against the rules."

"This is challenging the bottom line of the Star God."

"Bottom line?"

Hoshi smiled.

She laughed so hard she almost fell over, as if she had heard the biggest joke ever.

I've laughed enough.

She suddenly composed herself.

He leaned forward, his entire face almost touching Jing Yuan's.

Those golden eyes reflected Jing Yuan's slightly bewildered face.

"General Jingyuan."

Her voice became very soft and slow.

Every word struck Jing Yuan's heart like a heavy hammer.

"As the Divine Strategy General, you were a master strategist who ruled Luofu for hundreds of years."

"You follow the will of 'the Hunt' to hunt down the evil creatures of 'abundance'."

"You revere the star gods and regard them as inviolable laws of nature."

"but."

Hoshino stretched out her finger and pointed to the top of her head.

He pointed to the vast, boundless, yet indifferent starry sky.

"I want to ask you a question seriously."

"In this universe where the so-called 'destiny' can cause countless deaths, turn best friends into enemies, transform heroes into monsters, and shatter all that is beautiful..."

"you……"

"Can we trust the Star God?"