It was the first time that Ma Yin saw the big sister look so sad, and she quickly comforted her: "Don't worry, big sister, there are demonic bodies on the immortal boat, and we won't have... suicide or anything like that here, don't think too much about it."

"No, Myne, when the critical moment comes, we may not even be able to commit suicide."

"Big sister, what do you mean by that..." Marin felt her heart skip a beat.

Nadezhda exhaled a long puff of smoke and said seriously, "I've done a thorough investigation. There's a girl named Kuronetō in the Hunter's army. Her Teigu is called [March of the Dead], which allows her to manipulate those who die under her sword through a curse."

"If one day our companions become her [weapons]...Main, you should know what to do, right?"

"Big sister, I..."

"No matter where we are, we must die like true soldiers—this Cloud Rider has set a good example for us." Najeta looked up at the light curtain and said calmly:

"If an unfortunate end ever befalls us, Myne... at least we should be like that Cloud Rider and keep our hands free from the blood of our companions."

-

"The group continued forward, but this time everyone's hearts were heavy. Fortunately, they didn't go far before they saw a large camp of Cloud Riders."

"Who are you? Tell me what you're here for!" Two Cloud Riders on guard held back the crowd.

"Wait! I know them!" One of the Cloud Riders recognized them just in time. "They're the general's guests. Fu Taibu has divined your presence. She instructed us to wait for your arrival."

"'Wait for us?'" Xing was keenly aware of the wording, "Fu Xuan isn't here?"

"Yes, after the Taibu Ming team stationed here, they led scouts to explore the front. It is said that the long-hidden secret of the Medicine King has appeared nearby, causing panic..."

Yunqi quickly regained his composure and said, "Thank goodness you've all arrived. The Grand Astrologer said that without you, Yunqi can't advance. Please wait in the formation until the Grand Astrologer returns, and we'll make our decision."

"The star core caused a strange phenomenon, and the Medicine King's secret sect abandoned its disguise. Walter suspected that something must have happened that they were unaware of, and planned to ask the Cloud Cavalry in the camp about it."

"They discovered two Cloud Riders detaining a follower of the Medicine King's secret teachings. Xing intended to interrogate him first."

"Have you ever seen a star core?" Xing asked.

"…Is it the glowing seed?" the believer suddenly became excited. "Haha, I've seen it before. It's really beautiful. Look inside, there's a voice inside that speaks…"

Sanyueqi leaned close to Xing's ear and whispered, "Xing, do you still remember... Cocolia?"

"The leader said that with this thing, we can breathe new life into Jianmu. Hehe, I didn't believe it at first. After all, we've tried so many methods and spent several lifetimes, but Jianmu hasn't shown any signs of coming back to life."

"The believers became increasingly excited and frantic as they spoke, some even starting to dance."

“But now you see—hehe, ‘Only the power of the Star God can reproduce miracles.’ That’s right, that’s right, the great Medicine King [Abundance]!”

"Is it the same plot?"

"Dan Shu, the leader of the Medicine King's secret sect, was bewitched by the voice within the star core... and cast the star core into the Jianmu tree's roots, causing unrest." Itadori Yuji scratched his head. "Then, if we can defeat Dan Shu, all problems will be solved."

"...Itadori, you make it sound so easy."

Atsuya Kusakabe's face had an expression that said "This guy is an idiot", which made Yuji Itadori a little unhappy.

"Unlike a major figure like Kokolia, whose life depends on the lives of an entire planet, Danshu is just a chief alchemist. While important, he's not crucial." Kusakabe Atsuya said, "If it were Jingyuan, his words might have some value in persuading him... Danshu is ultimately just a pawn."

"...The one who actually played chess against Jing Yuan was the one who brought the star core into the immortal boat."

"Otherwise, even if Dan Shu is extremely omnipotent, it's impossible for a Dan Shizhang to create a star core out of thin air, right?"

Chapter 142 Jinx: Xianzhou can’t make a gas mask, right?

"Master Taibu, you are back."

"Just as the interrogation was finished, Xing saw the Taibu returning with a group of cloud cavalry."

"Sorry for the wait, everyone. I've already uncovered the secrets of the Medicine King's secrets," Fu Xuan explained apologetically. "Sorry, to prevent leaks, the General and I are the only ones who know the secrets of the Medicine King's secrets."

"This is a secret organization plotting to overthrow the Alliance. They've been lurking in the shadows for years, but with the Star Core causing trouble, they've finally revealed their whereabouts. Furthermore, they have a unique connection to this disaster."

"When the battle was going badly, the Grand Secretary led the troops and personally explored the enemy situation. That's admirable," Walter praised.

“That’s…that’s nothing!”

Fu Xuan felt a little embarrassed by the compliment. He pretended to be humble, but he couldn't suppress the smile on his face. "For calculations, the fortune teller must be personally familiar with the matter and obtain first-hand information to get closer to the correct result..."

But she suddenly realized what was happening, her amber eyes widening. "Hey... wait! Who said the battle wasn't going well? The Medicine King's secrets have been planning this for a long time, and their methods are impressive, but our army isn't at a disadvantage either, so how can we say the battle isn't going well?"

"You're waiting for us, perhaps you have something else to ask for?" Xing was very self-aware.

Fu Xuan smiled slightly and nodded: "It seems you are prepared."

"Sigh, this is my first time meeting your Lady Yukong, and she said something nice..."

"Little Sanyue was in high spirits at the moment, ignoring Tingyun's disgruntled expression behind her. She pinched her throat and imitated Yukong's voice, saying, "This is the internal affairs of the Immortal Boat. Don't worry about it."

"How come all these tough jobs are being shoved down our throats in the blink of an eye? Even the company isn't as skilled at assigning people!" Little Sanyue complained discontentedly. "Besides, you're not planning on sending us off to the battlefield, charging with the Cloud Riders, are you?"

"Haha, how could that be? Jing Yuan has instructed that you are all a group of extraordinary troops brought here by chance, and that's the word 'extraordinary' for sure. The Cloud Riders' powerful attack just now was a demonstration of righteousness to the enemy. The time to use extraordinary tactics is now. Everyone, please follow me."

"Fu Xuan led everyone to the seaside. Along the way, she told them the history of the Luofu Dan Ding Division."

"After receiving the Jianmu, the Danding Department became the most important department of the Luofu Immortal Ship. After all... it was they who transformed all the people on the ship into immortals, and it was they who developed all sorts of incredible technologies from the Jianmu."

"But in the end, the alchemists were still not satisfied and began to take pleasure in manipulating life. Their research on Jianmu was like drinking poison to quench thirst... the deeper they delved, the more they desired."

When Fu Xuan in the light curtain finished speaking, in a palace in the Kingdom of Winter, Alechino glanced at Dotore with a sneer.

Dotole also sensed the sarcasm in his colleague's eyes and said slowly, "If what Miss Fu Xuan said is true, then the people of Xianzhou are truly foolish."

"Heh...I think they did the right thing."

Alechino's sharp nails scratched the icy tabletop, leaving a long, thin mark. "Those who manipulate life should indeed be punished with the most severe death."

The smile on Dotore's face slowly faded. Although he knew that the servant was dissatisfied with him, he didn't expect it to reach this point. It seemed that the former servant was more compatible with him.

"I understand the Xianzhou alchemists' thoughts. If I were in their shoes, I would also continue to study that magical wood. However, I need to correct one of Fu Xuan's statements. 'Manipulating life'... That's not an accurate description of the alchemists."

"On the contrary—I think they are the people who respect life the most on the Immortal Boat."

"Oh?" Alechino laughed as if she had heard some ridiculous joke. Her sinister laughter echoed throughout the empty hall. "You've become humorous, Dotole."

Dotole didn't respond to her sarcasm. He said leisurely, "After all, as long as we understand the mystery of life and the truth behind immortality, many of the problems of the Immortal Boat can be solved. Maybe one day the demonic body will be eliminated."

"As long as we can thoroughly study the power of the God of Plenty... what's the harm in sacrificing a few people? Ultimately, Xianzhou is still too cowardly. To grasp the truth, we must pay a huge price."

"Studying the power of gods?" Alechino narrowed her eyes. "Don't you think anyone who has such an idea is arrogant?"

"Gods are merely more advanced creatures," Dotole chuckled. "Besides, what's the point of a god's power? As a scholar, I must respect all possibilities. If I had enough resources and time, I could create a god myself."

-

"[The morning bell awakens me from a dream within a dream, mist and haze gather and disperse within my body]...Everyone, do you see that over there?"

"Fu Xuan led everyone to the seaside and pointed to a cauldron not far away that was still smoking. The swirling smoke drifted everywhere like a cloud of mist, and for a moment it looked like a fairyland or a palace in the clouds."

"This is where ancient alchemists expounded their celestial principles. They built furnaces here, drawing on the power of Jianmu (wooden tree), and transformed their fantasies into reality. Because of the constant smoke rising from the furnace, it was named 'Yun'ai Purple Mansion'."

Fu Xuan's face showed a hint of hesitation. He looked up at the others and said, "Although the name is elegant, it is a deadly place in military strategy. As long as the alchemy furnace is not extinguished and the clouds are swirling, we will not be able to get close."

"Is this the reason why the Cloud Cavalry lost control and became possessed?" Walter asked.

Fu Xuan nodded. "That's right. The Medicine King's secret teachings have been mixed into the mist that permeates the cave, including elixirs that induce the demonic Yin body. Unless they can hold their breath and march, the Cloud Cavalry will collapse without a fight."

Rune Continent, Zaun.

"Strange." Jinx looked away from the screen, puzzled. "The Immortal Boat Alliance clearly possesses the technology to fly into the Cosmic Bank, so why don't they even provide their soldiers with gas masks?"

"You can't even make this thing, right?" Jinx shook the simple mask in her hand. This little thing is a must-have item for every household in Zaun, which is filled with various nerve gases.

Although Zaun's technological level is not as good as Piltover, let alone the Immortal Boat, it is still common sense to wear a mask on your face to deal with this toxic gas.

"If the Immortal Boat can't even make a gas mask, then I'm really curious how they have survived in the galaxy for thousands of years."

Xierko explained, "They were probably caught off guard. Before the march, Fu Xuan didn't tell the Cloud Cavalry that their opponent was the Medicine King Secret Sect, so it's normal for them to be ambushed."

"If every member of this army were equipped with a mask... it would take a few more days to gather supplies. But the Immortal Boat can't wait any longer. If we let the Medicine King pass on his secrets for a few more days, who knows what will become of the Immortal Boat?"

Chapter 143 I don’t want to fall into the devil’s body so early!

"The Cloud Cavalry's initial assault was merely a cover. The Grand Diviner used the main force of the Cloud Cavalry to draw the enemy's attention, while we were sent to extinguish the alchemy furnace and stop the smoke." Based on Fu Xuan's casual words alone, Walter guessed the Grand Diviner's intentions.

"Yes. The Medicine King's Secret Sect abandoned a century of concealment and chose to reveal itself now, demonstrating its confidence in victory. However, despite its thorough preparations, it ultimately targets the Cloud Cavalry. The Medicine King's Secret Sect is completely unaware of your abilities and presence, and is unable to defend itself."

"Why not let the fox people and the vidyadhara try?" Xing asked doubtfully.

"You've misunderstood the Demonic Yin Body. It's not a curse that only affects humans," Fu Xuan said, shaking his head. "Foxes are not susceptible to the Demonic Yin Body because, although they are immortals, their lifespans are not infinite. And the Vajra Masters, through [Shedding Scales], have renounced their past lives. As far as the Demonic Yin Body is concerned, all immortals are equal..."

"However, those who taught the Medicine King's secrets never expected the general to dare to ask for external assistance, and certainly didn't make any preparations to deal with the short-lived species."

"Xing held his forehead and said: "It seems there is no other way..."

Fu Xuan lowered his eyes slightly and said, "I don't want to be manipulated by others. But people don't walk the path of destiny alone, unfettered. Everyone's choices not only shape themselves, but also push those who walk with them forward."

"A fortune teller's duty is to seek good fortune and avoid disaster. I don't want my choices to lead Luofu down a path of disaster."

"Since this was something only the train crew could do, Xing and the others had no intention of refusing. But as they were about to leave, Xing suddenly noticed Fu Xuan staring blankly at the alchemy furnace in the distance, his pretty face flushing slightly."

"Fu Xuan?" Xing patted the fortune teller's shoulder, but unexpectedly caused the little girl to cough violently.

“Ahem, it’s not too late to start practicing breath holding now…”

"But you look okay?"

"It's still a long way from the furnace. Although I'm not familiar with pharmacology, I know that discussing toxicity without considering dosage is just empty talk..."

But halfway through his words, Fu Xuan's arrogant expression finally gave way. He drooped his head timidly, his two pink ponytails swaying back and forth. "Hmph, even so... I'm still scared to death! I'm still young and don't want to fall into the devil's body so soon!"

"Hahaha, what's with Fu Taibu's arrogant, cowardly, and silly tone? It's so cute!"

In St. Freya's Academy, Kiana was amused by Fu Xuan's cute tone, but for some reason, when she saw Fu Xuan's expression, she always thought of Theresa for no reason.

If it's about my period... it wouldn't seem out of place to say this line~ No! It should be said to be very fitting!

Hmm... next time I meet her, I must hear her say this line with my own ears!

"Is that smoke really harmless to us?" Xing suddenly asked.

"You don't trust me, do you?" Fu Xuan's ears flushed with excitement. But when he remembered that he still needed help from the other person, his rising spirits immediately deflated. He muttered quietly, "Well... if I said I didn't know, you wouldn't immediately quit, would you?"

"...Well, let me just give you some peace of mind. You still don't know what a demonic Yin body is, right?"

"The doctor believes that the demonic body is related to memory. Although the immortal species has an extremely long lifespan, the capacity of their memory is ultimately limited."

Fu Xuan paused, then continued, "As centuries and millennia passed, the emotional threshold of the immortal species continued to rise, and their memories grew thin and weary under the erosion of time, leaving only the most extreme and vivid remnants. These were almost certainly the remnants of painful and regretful memories..."

"Do you understand? The fate of the Immortal Seed is to no longer feel joy and happiness, leaving only pain and hatred etched like scars in the heart. Under extreme emotions, the human self begins to collapse... This is the beginning of the demonic body."

"This feeling is very similar to wear and tear."

On Mount Ozang, True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng recalled the conversation they had with the Imperial Gear years earlier. Wear and tear were natural, beyond human control. It was not only a shackle imposed upon them, but also a consequence that even the gods of Teyvat could not escape. Over time, the wear and tear on the Immortals would intensify, draining them of both strength and consciousness.

Thinking of the Ruota Dragon King, it was because of wear and tear that he finally broke the original contract. In the end, the three immortals joined hands with the Emperor to suppress it under the Fulong Tree.

From this point of view, the appearance of the Ruota Dragon King is similar to the demonic body of Xianzhou. In the end, they both lost their minds and fell into madness.

"I initially imagined that the power of abundance could eliminate the wear and tear on our bodies, but it seems that this is completely impossible." True Lord Xueyue Zhuyang sighed, "I'm afraid we will eventually follow in Ruo Tuo's footsteps..."

"You two... don't make trouble for yourselves over this kind of thing." True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng glared at the two of them reproachfully.

Lishui Dieshan Zhenjun asked curiously, "Liuyun, aren't you afraid that after being worn out, you'll end up looking like Ruo Tuo?"

"Afraid? Well, I'm not afraid either." Liu Yun took a sip from his teacup and said calmly, "But if I'm afraid of wear and tear, does that mean I won't suffer wear and tear? Since things will always happen, why should I be afraid?"

"I've been living in Liyue Harbor lately, often interacting with those younger generations. Although they may not live as long as I do, there's something I find very useful—"

"They say... 'The sun rises in the east and sets in the west; it's a day of worry and a day of joy.' Haha, I'll let my future self worry about things like wear and tear." Liu Yun savored the faint aroma of tea lingering in his mouth, a satisfied smile on his face.

"...Let's start enjoying this cup of tea."

"After learning about the Demonic Yin from Fu Xuan, Xing set off for the distant alchemy furnace."

"The road was so thick with fog that we couldn't even make out the path. As we were groping for our way forward, San Yue Qi suddenly realized that Ting Yun was still with the group!"

"Wait, Miss Tingyun, why aren't you going back yet? We're very close to the alchemy furnace!" Sanyueqi asked anxiously.

"Thank you for your concern. I'm fine. The general ordered me to follow you, and I dare not disobey orders." Tingyun replied with a smile, seemingly completely unconcerned about the mist that was inducing the demonic body."

"Human lives are at stake. Miss Tingyun, please go back. We will explain to the general." Walter said seriously.

"Really? That's not necessary. Hehe, I've been traversing the universe for years. Even though I'm quite old, I only have a dozen or so years of experience." Tingyun's eyes quickly scanned the men. "I'm afraid all of you benefactors have lived longer than I have."

Chapter 144 Albedo: The biggest enemy I have ever encountered is a vixen!

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