Collapse Iron: The Five Heroes of the Clouds Won't Let Me Go

The ultimate hero possesses a heart that embraces the stars. —Xianzhou, *A Comprehensive History of the Universe*

Cheng Xiao greatly admires the seafaring knights who champion extreme individual heroism.

These agile wanderers of the universe believe in eliminating evil and upholding justice. They travel on their hunting expeditions, liberating one planet after another.

When Yingxing led Chengxiao to Lamancha, the face was exactly the same as the one he remembered.

However, their attire was rather unique, resembling that of a waiter.

The chivalrous warriors were all straightforward and eloquent, but they never expected their leader to be so gentle and refined, a true male wife.

Although she was smiling, it was a forced smile; the sadness, confusion, and melancholy in her eyes were unmistakable.

Lamancha is very tired.

"Mr. Cheng Xiao, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've long admired your name, and it's a great honor to meet you in person today."

"No need for formalities, Mr. Lamancha. I'm happy to help if the wanderer needs my assistance."

Yingxing tactfully left the room, leaving her man space to entertain himself, while she went to prepare some tea and snacks.

Since Cheng Xiao had already shown honesty, Lamancha no longer concealed anything.

He stretched out his right hand, and three Heavenly Nails pierced his wrist. Just looking at them was painful, but Lamancha seemed to ignore them.

"You must know that the patrolling sea knights besieged and destroyed the envoy Zhu Luo, but do you know the outcome of this pyrrhic victory?"

Lamancha forced a smile that looked more like a grimace.

"This all-consuming shadow in my hand swallowed up Zhu Luo and my compatriots, ending that bloody storm."

"This power is immense, but also terrifying. I fear that one day it will devour me as well, so I sealed it away with this action."

After speaking, Lamancha gestured to the Heavenly Nail in his hand, which Cheng Xiao could recognize as Yingxing's craftsmanship.

"After saying all that, I'm actually here to apologize."

Lamancha gave a wry smile, and a rich aura emanated from his body.

It happened in an instant!

Cheng Xiao's eyes narrowed, and he threw over the [Pig] talisman, discovering that there was extremely chaotic energy within Lamancha's body, characterized by conflict, riot, and distortion.

Lamancha didn't go crazy... Should we say he had a strong will, or that he was already numb?

"I'm sorry, but before you destroyed Shuhu, I rushed from Zhuming to Luofu. If Luofu has no way to deal with Shuhu, I intend to use this shadow in my hand to perish together with him."

"However, with you taking action, I didn't need to resort to such a tactic. But I didn't expect that the sudden attraction to the shadow was extraordinary; it still went wild and broke free of my control, devouring a portion of the flesh that was trapping you."

"If you hadn't successfully drawn the attention of the gods and made them feel threatened by the powerful energy, it probably would have uncontrollably devoured everything around it."

Panic and worry showed in Lamancha's eyes. He kept suppressing his superfluous thoughts and focused all his energy on suppressing the desire to devour.

Cheng Xiao knew his predicament, and the power of Yin and Yang balance slowly appeared, balancing the mixed energy in Lamancha's body.

The shadow that used to be prone to violence has fallen silent, losing its violent and devouring instinct.

"Wow! Amazing!"

Lamancha felt a wave of relief wash over him, as if a blocked passage had been cleared, leaving him feeling refreshed and invigorated.

"Thank you...you actually managed to do it! How much did it cost?"

"Do I need your money? I'm only doing this because of the Coast Guard. As the leader, you naturally deserve my respect."

"Thank you... thank you..."

Lamancha slowly turned around.

"Then I won't bother you any longer. If Mr. Cheng Xiao needs any help, I'm always ready!"

Lamancha's somewhat desolate figure emerged from the doorway, and Cheng Xiao called out to him to stop.

"If one day you are unable to stop your comrades from sacrificing themselves and being destroyed, do not falter. Come to me, and I will help you."

"I will not ask the patrolling rangers to do anything. Whether you sacrifice or dedicate yourselves, it is your own choice. The universe still needs the pure hearts of chivalrous heroes."

Lamancha laughed, this time a carefree laugh.

"Then I'll gladly accept your offer! I'll do whatever you tell me to do."

Men don't need to say much about their feelings. Lamancha knew he had come to the right place; Xianzhou was indeed a trustworthy partner.

No sooner had Lamancha left than Yingxing returned with tea and snacks, as if he had expected it.

"Have some, don't waste it."

So Cheng Xiao enjoyed the good things Ying Xing had prepared all by himself.

Yingxing served tea and water like a virtuous wife. You should know that when you're out and about, Yingxing is a genius whose talent is unmatched from childhood to old age. She is a star that all craftsmen look up to.

Even today, she remains full of vigor and continues to produce outstanding works.

The room suddenly fell silent, with only the sound of running water.

"Yingxing...I have something I'd like to discuss with you."

"Okay, go ahead."

"How long do you want to live?"

"have no idea."

Yingxing kept his head down, focused on making tea, seemingly unmoved by Chengxiao's question, and answered without hesitation.

Aren't you surprised I asked that?

"It's alright, I knew you had something to say to me, but I didn't expect it to be this."

Yingxing finally raised her head and stared straight at Cheng Xiao. She was no longer the timid girl she once was.

"Your eyes can't hide anything from me, and you won't hide anything from me either. I'm glad you're straightforward and honest."

Yingxing sat upright in the wooden chair and took a sip of tea.

"Thank you for listening to my opinion. I thought... you would grant me immortality behind my back."

"How could that be? Of course I will respect you."

"Thanks."

Ying Xing raised her eyes, her gaze flickering.

"Once, immortality was such a luxury for me. I doubted myself because I was bound by the shackles of the short-lived species. But now, looking back on the road I have traveled, everything seems like a passing cloud."

"In my mere fifty-odd years of life, I have created countless wonders. The weapon in Yunwu's hand remains the lifelong goal of countless craftsmen. If I were to pass away prematurely due to the limitations of my lifespan, I would surely leave my name on the Immortal Ship for eternity."

Yingxing chuckled softly as the tea in his hand swayed.

"I've said since I was a child that I would prove to those mediocre, immortal beings that Yingxing's short life is more precious than their endless lifespan!"

Cheng Xiao felt a tightness in his chest. He was somewhat annoyed, even though it was indeed Ying Xing's goal and he had strongly supported it at the time.

But hearing it again now only brings me sadness and melancholy.

Because this would mean losing Yingxing, which he could not accept.

"Xiao..."

Ying Xing suddenly stood up, walked to Cheng Xiao, and sat directly on his lap.

With her arms wrapped around Cheng Xiao's neck, Ying Xing quietly whispered her feelings.

"I have already achieved great success. I have proven the will and ability of short-lived species. Lifespan is not a limitation. Only one's ambition, execution and talent determine future achievements."

"At forty, one is no longer perplexed; at fifty, one knows one's destiny. Now that I have reached the age of destiny, what is there for me to be unable to let go of? I have no regrets; I only have one enduring goal."

"Live well with you and with my cherished friends..."