"Crack!"
A crisp sound.
Jingliu's hand gripped the fire poker tightly. No matter how hard Daziel tried, he couldn't move it even a fraction.
That hand, slender and pale, no different from an ordinary person's, contained a terrifying power capable of crushing steel.
Daziel's heart sank. He knew the situation was bad. Without hesitation, he raised the baseball bat in his other hand and swung it down, the whistling wind carrying its force as it slammed towards Jingliu.
"Clang!"
A clear metallic clang rang out. Jingliu's other hand had somehow already moved her sword, the blade accurately blocking the baseball bat's attack.
The collision of sword and bat erupted in a shower of sparks. The immense force of the impact traveled down the bat to Daziel's arm, numbing his hand and sending a sharp pain through him.
"Ugh!"
Daziel grunted, unable to hold onto the bat any longer. It slipped from his grasp, arced through the air, and flew more than ten meters away, landing limply on the cold ground with a "clatter."
Having lost his weapon and being held captive by Jingliu, Daziel's heart plummeted to the depths.
Bean-sized beads of sweat slid uncontrollably from his forehead, tracing paths down his cheeks before dripping onto the ground.
The warning of impending doom echoed in his mind.
Daziel could clearly feel the increasingly dangerous aura emanating from Jingliu, a sign that her Mara-Struck state was about to fully erupt.
He suddenly looked up and saw Jingliu holding her sword high. A cold light glinted off the blade, radiating an intense killing intent. The sword seemed ready to fall at any moment, slicing him in two.
The shadow of death loomed over Daziel's heart.
Just at this critical moment, a pillar of purple energy, like a raging dragon, surged upwards and violently struck Jingliu.
"..."
Jingliu's movements abruptly froze. The sword she held high could no longer fall, as if bound by an invisible force.
Her body began to tremble slightly, seemingly struggling against the purple energy.
Seizing this rare opportunity, Daziel whipped his head around. He saw Fu Xuan standing not far away, her hands clasped together, forming intricate hand seals. Her face was as pale as paper, and her forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat, clearly indicating she was at her limit.
"Daziel! Run!"
"Grand Astrologer, I can't leave you!"
Fu Xuan's voice was weak and anxious. "I... I can't hold on much longer!"
Daziel gritted his teeth and shouted loudly.
He knew that Fu Xuan was barely holding on to save him. Once she was exhausted and Jingliu broke free, both he and Fu Xuan would surely die.
"Just go when I tell you to go!"
Fu Xuan's voice carried a hint of anger. "I am the Grand Astrologer! This matter concerns the future of the Xianzhou, so it's naturally our Xianzhou's business! If you stay, you'll only be a burden to me. I don't need your help!"
This girl, even at a time like this, she's still being tsundere...
Daziel muttered helplessly in his heart.
Now wasn't the time for Fu Xuan to play the hero, but there was no time to find anyone else to help...
His only hope lay within himself.
"System! System! Is there any way to solve this? Hurry!"
Daziel frantically called out to the system in his mind, his voice trembling slightly.
He desperately needed an answer, one that could stop Jingliu and save both him and Fu Xuan.
"Ding!"
The system's cold voice rang in Daziel's mind, bringing a glimmer of hope.
[System prompt: The Mara-Struck state is essentially a disease. The special liquid ability you previously obtained can purify it.]
Special liquid ability... purification...
Wait, now?
Here, in front of Fu Xuan?
Seriously?
"What are you thinking, you idiot? Hurry up and leave! This seat... this seat can't hold on much longer!"
Fu Xuan shouted with all her might, her petite body trembling violently. Sweat poured down her pale, delicate face, soaking the hair on her forehead.
She was reaching her limit.
The sword in Jingliu's hand hummed, emitting a chilling buzz.
Strands of black energy, like living things, writhed and shifted on the blade, as if about to break free from their restraints.
Daziel no longer hesitated. He directly lifted Jingliu's skirt and pressed himself against her...
This operation stunned Fu Xuan.
The Grand Astrologer's mouth hung open, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Wait, you... what on earth are you doing?!"
"Ah!"
[Character Jingliu's Corruption Value increased by 1%! ]
This was the fastest time Daziel had ever experienced, it seemed like only a few seconds.
He never imagined he would have a day of being a quick shooter.
In that short time, he almost recalled every suggestive image his group chat friends had sent him in his previous life.
As he left Jingliu's body, the liquid arced through the air and accurately splashed onto Jingliu.
"..."
A soft sound, like a drop of water falling onto a red-hot iron plate. The liquid touched Jingliu's body and instantly turned into a cloud of white mist, quickly seeping into her.
"De... ABA... ABAJAKOJ OBOJ!"
Jingliu let out a painful roar, her voice even more shrill and frantic than before.
She released Daziel. Her body trembled violently, as if enduring immense pain.
White mist filled the air, completely enveloping Jingliu's figure.
Daziel and Fu Xuan watched the movements in the white mist nervously, holding their breath.
Time seemed to freeze at this moment.
A few seconds later, the white mist began to dissipate.
Jingliu's body no longer trembled as violently as before, but slowly calmed down. Her originally ferocious and terrifying face gradually returned to its former delicate and beautiful appearance.
However, her eyes remained empty and dazed, without a trace of spirit.
"This... is the Mara-Struck state suppressed?"
Fu Xuan's voice was filled with shock. The scene that had just unfolded had almost shattered her worldview.
She couldn't believe that the Mara-Struck state, which had plagued the Xianzhou people for years, could actually be resolved in this way?
Then, when I get older, wouldn't I be able to find Da...
Daziel also couldn't quite believe it. He looked at Jingliu and tentatively asked, "Jingliu? Are you... are you alright?"
Jingliu's empty gaze flickered slightly, as if responding to Daziel's call, but immediately after, a sharp flash of sword light streaked towards Daziel.
"Careful!"
Fu Xuan exclaimed in alarm, but it was too late.
Although this sword strike was not the "Frosty Herons," enhanced by "Transmigration," it was still Jingliu's signature move—"Flashing Light Without Flaws," incredibly sharp and swift as lightning.
"Three inches to the left of the Gen position, dodge quickly!" Fu Xuan shouted urgently, her voice trembling slightly.
Almost instinctively following Fu Xuan's instructions, Daziel leaned to his left, narrowly avoiding the fatal blow. The sword energy brushed past his ear, leaving a stinging sensation.
Jingliu's gaze fell upon her lifted skirt, and she quickly used her hand to flip it back into place.
Her eyes instantly turned cold and menacing. She stared intently at Daziel, gritting her teeth as she said, "What did you do to me, you bastard? Your strength isn't much, but your methods are truly... despicable!"
Daziel was shocked. This was the first time he had seen a woman who could maintain normal logic after experiencing the "fire poker" and "that kind of thing," and whose Corruption Value had only increased by 2%.
...
What's going on?
"System! What exactly is happening?" Daziel asked in his mind.
"Ah!" The system's cold voice sounded.
[Master, the Mara-Struck state is a kind of mental erosion. Her spirit was already riddled with holes, so she is less susceptible to meme erosion and can maintain normal thinking in most situations.]
What? Afflicted by the Mara-Struck state, yet able to resist memes?
This... this is a new line of thought.
However, Jingliu didn't give Daziel time to overthink. Another sword strike came, the sword light like a rainbow, carrying a bone-chilling coldness.
"Dodge quickly, Daziel! Rely on your instincts to dodge! Avoidance of Calamity is used up!"
Fu Xuan shouted anxiously.
Hearing this, Daziel had no choice but to brace himself, raise the "fire poker" in his hand, and subconsciously counterattack.
"Clang!"
A crisp metallic impact sound rang out. Daziel felt a tremendous force coming at him, his hand went numb, and the "fire poker" in his hand almost slipped out of his grasp.
But to his surprise, the power of this strike was much weaker than before, seemingly only half of what it used to be.
At the same time, Daziel felt his own strength seemed to have increased a lot.
A hint of astonishment flashed in Jingliu's eyes. She looked at Daziel in disbelief, her voice trembling slightly as she said, "You... you bastard, what did you do to my body? Why is my body... so weak?"
Weak...
Increased strength?
Daziel then suddenly remembered, it was "Shadows Drawn In"!
"Shadows Drawn In" had taken effect!
There was hope now!
Thinking of this, the corners of Daziel's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a smug smile. "Crazy woman, you beat me up pretty badly just now!"
"Now, it's time to begin... turning the tables!"
Daziel gripped the fire poker tightly and fiercely attacked Jingliu.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!"
The fire poker whistled through the air, striking Jingliu's body again and again, producing dull thuds.
Although Jingliu tried her best to defend, due to the effect of "Shadows Drawn In," her strength was far less than before.
After a few rounds, Jingliu was forced to retreat repeatedly by Daziel, looking utterly disheveled.
"De...!"
Another heavy blow landed. The intense heat, coupled with the stinging pain, finally made Jingliu unable to hold on. Her body staggered, and she fell to the ground.
At this moment, Fu Xuan suddenly made a move. With a wave of her hand, several strands of purple light flew from her fingertips and instantly wrapped around Jingliu's body, firmly binding her.
The strands outlined alluring curves on Jingliu's body, perfectly highlighting her figure.
"Ah!"
[Scanning in progress!]
[Scan successful!]
[New strategy target added: Jingliu]
[Corruption Value: 50%]
[Mission: Reach 50% Corruption Value for Jingliu]
[Mission Reward: Recipe for a 12+ Stellaron Meme]
Daziel stopped his movements, looked at Jingliu who was bound by the purple threads, took a deep breath, and said, "Now, can we calm down... and have a good talk?"
Jingliu looked up at Daziel, her eyes complex, her tone carrying a hint of unwillingness and doubt. "You... you bastard, what kind of dirty and despicable abilities are you using?"
Her tone was full of questioning, as if scrutinizing an incomprehensible anomaly.
Too unbelievable, not the righteous path!
Fu Xuan walked to Daziel's side, looked at Jingliu, and said slowly, "It is precisely because he possesses these abilities that you should listen to him. Haven't you always been pursuing... searching for the power to kill 'Yaoshi'? Perhaps following him would be a better choice."
Jingliu listened to Fu Xuan's words, then looked at Daziel again, falling into a brief moment of thought.
After a moment, she gently shook her head and said, "No... to ask me to temporarily abandon my hatred for 'Yaoshi' and instead follow you... to fight an enemy that even you yourselves don't know... how can you convince me?"
"I can understand your thoughts... but I can't do it!"
After speaking, a hint of madness crept into Jingliu's tone, and a slight change appeared in her beautiful pink pupils once again.
"Careful! She might enter the Mara-Struck state again!"
Fu Xuan's voice rang out again, carrying a hint of anxiety. She stared intently at Jingliu, afraid that she would lose control again.
Daziel took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. He looked at Jingliu and said firmly, "Senior Jingliu, please calm down! Otherwise... you wouldn't want to have another special treatment, would you?"
These words seemed to have an effect. Jingliu's body trembled slightly, and her eyes, which had begun to turn red, slowly regained their clarity.
However, her face turned crimson, recalling the memory from just now. She glared fiercely at Daziel, her eyes carrying a hint of annoyance and... shyness?
"...!"
Jingliu bit her lip, seemingly wanting to say something, but couldn't bring herself to speak.
Seeing this, Daziel knew his words had worked. He pressed his advantage and said, "Please listen to me, Senior Jingliu. The disaster facing this world might be greater than you imagine. Perhaps you have gradually realized that this world is starting to go wrong."
He paused, observing Jingliu's reaction. Seeing that she didn't refute, he continued, "The rise of lewdness is definitely abnormal. And right now, I need to obtain an ability from you, an ability that is key to saving the world."
Jingliu frowned slightly, seemingly contemplating Daziel's words.
Seeing that she was somewhat moved, Daziel further explained, "I don't want to stop you from avenging yourself against Yaoshi, but before that, please follow me for a while. During this time, you might become stronger. What do you think?"
His tone was sincere, and his eyes were filled with anticipation.
Jingliu was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing the pros and cons. She looked up at Daziel, her eyes complex. "You... let me think about it."
The abnormality in her eyes gradually disappeared. Finally, she nodded lightly, as if she had made up her mind.
"Yeah, the generals of the Divine Bow and even Luocha are just pawns in the gods' chess game. Following them might not lead to success... I'm tired of walking on a predetermined path."
Then, she asked Daziel, "Hey, kid, what should I do?"
Daziel's heart leaped with joy, knowing he had successfully persuaded Jingliu. He quickly said, "You come with me to the Astral Express, but... we have to sneak on. You're currently a wanted criminal on the Xianzhou, so we need a less conspicuous way to bring you onto the train."
Hearing this, Fu Xuan pondered for a moment and said, "This seat will first untie you."
However, Jingliu shook her head, rejecting Fu Xuan's kindness. "No need. Having restrictions is good, in case my Mara flares up again. Put my blindfold on too."
Daziel was taken aback, not expecting Jingliu to actively request the blindfold.
He was a bit puzzled, but still did as she asked. He walked to Jingliu, picked up the blindfold that had fallen on the ground, and gently put it on her.
The blindfold covered Jingliu's eyes, but it couldn't hide her exquisite beauty. Daziel looked at the former Sword Champion before him, his heart filled with emotion.
He looked at Jingliu, whose clothes were tattered by the fire poker but still clung to her shapely figure, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. The baseball bat, which had just been used in battle, also had a slight reaction.
This kind of abstinent character is too much of a rule breaker when tied up!
"Cough cough."
Daziel coughed lightly, trying to cover up his Gaffe.
In the Scalegorge Waterscape, old friends reunited.
In the vast open space, Jing Yuan, Dan Heng, and Blade faced each other.
Blade frowned and spoke first, "Isn't she coming? I thought she would definitely come... but all I see are you two spoilsports."
Jing Yuan chuckled lightly, his tone carefree. Bringing up the past was like stirring up muddy water, only leading to unpleasantness.
"No wine, only bitterness. This kind of gathering is truly indescribable."
Blade sighed and hugged his sword, turning to leave.
Jing Yuan turned to Dan Heng and said, "Fortunately, she didn't come, thus avoiding a conflict, which is for the best for the newly reborn you."
Dan Heng, who had been silent all along, nodded slightly at Jing Yuan after hearing these words. "In that case, General, I will also take my leave. I'll contact you when I have time."
"Farewell."
Jing Yuan waved goodbye to Dan Heng.
After seeing off his old friend, Jing Yuan looked up at the sky, his eyes carrying a hint of profound meaning, as if he could see through the sky to the endless sea of stars.
In the Central Starskiff Haven, Luocha looked at his phone.
Jingliu hadn't replied to his messages for a long time and had completely lost contact.
Since his companion was gone, he no longer had any reason to stay on the Luofu Xianzhou, nor did he need to find a way to enter the Cloudford Prison.
He shook his head slightly, not knowing what he was thinking.
Turning around and carrying the coffin on his back, Luocha boarded the merchant ship at the harbor that was about to set sail.
As per March 7th's special request, Daziel returned to the Astral Express with Dan Heng.
Daziel carried a large suitcase and followed behind Dan Heng as they stepped into the train car one after the other.
As soon as they entered, a familiar warmth rushed towards them. Before Daziel could fully adjust, a pink figure rushed over like a cannonball.
"Daziel!"
March 7th, with a cheerful laugh, flew directly into Daziel's arms and hugged him tightly. "Daziel, you're finally back! I was so worried about you!"
Daziel subconsciously caught March 7th, feeling her soft body and familiar fragrance.
He gently patted March 7th's head and softly comforted her, "I'm back safe and sound, aren't I? Don't worry, I'm fine."
However, March 7th still held him tightly, unwilling to let go, her voice carrying a hint of coquetry. "Hmph, you, you didn't come back for so many days! How could you not make people worry!"
At this moment, Himeko walked over with two steaming cups of coffee, a gentle smile on her face. "Welcome back, Daziel, Dan Heng. Here, welcome back coffee."
She handed one cup to Daziel and the other to Dan Heng.
Daziel looked at the coffee in Himeko's hand, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
"This... Sister Himeko, I'm still not worthy of your coffee. Thank you for your kindness."
He really didn't dare to drink this coffee.
March 7th reluctantly stepped back from Daziel's embrace, but still held onto his arm. She blinked her big eyes and asked with a hint of anticipation, "Daziel, are you going to my room tonight? I've been waiting for so long!"
Daziel thought for a moment and shook his head with a slight hint of apology. "I'm sorry, March 7th, but maybe not tonight. I'm a bit tired. I've been busy all day and want to rest early. Tomorrow! I'll definitely go to your room tomorrow, okay?"
Hearing Daziel's refusal, a hint of disappointment flashed in March 7th's eyes, but she also knew that Daziel must have his own reasons.
She pouted and said somewhat aggrievedly, "Alright... but you have to keep your word. You must come tomorrow!"
"Don't worry, it's a promise!" Daziel guaranteed with a smile.
At this moment, Pom-Pom waddled over, holding a mop in its hand and humming a little tune.
Suddenly, it tilted its head and looked back and forth between Daziel and Dan Heng with a puzzled gaze. "Daziel, Dan Heng, did two of you get on the train?! Pom~"
Daziel's heart skipped a beat. Sure enough, he couldn't hide this from Pom-Pom.
He quickly made a shushing gesture to Pom-Pom and whispered, "Of course it's two people, Conductor. You didn't see wrong, it's just me and Dan Heng."
Pom-Pom's eyes rolled around as if it was thinking about something.
However, Pom-Pom ultimately didn't press the matter.
It shrugged its round shoulders and said in its peculiar tone, "Alright then, you two should rest well. The Conductor is going back to cleaning, Pom~"
After speaking, Pom-Pom wiggled its bottom, continued humming its little tune, and dragged the mop away.
Daziel watched Pom-Pom's departing figure, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
At this time, Daziel seemed to remember something and turned to look at Dan Heng beside him, asking curiously, "By the way, Dan Heng, how did you feel about this reunion of old friends?"
Hearing this, Dan Heng's originally calm expression became a bit strange.
He frowned slightly and said in a somewhat subtle tone, "It was a bit... inexplicable. Maybe for you, reuniting with old friends would be filled with emotion, but for me, my feelings for the High-Cloud Quintet aren't that deep. After all... that was a past life's matter."
Dan Heng paused and continued, "Moreover, this gathering was missing someone."
"Missing someone?"
Dan Heng nodded. "Yes, Jingliu... she didn't attend this reunion. I don't know where she went."
Hearing these words, Daziel's heart jumped violently, but he tried hard to maintain his composure on his face.
He scratched his head awkwardly and said with forced lightness, "Is that so? Missing someone, that's indeed a bit awkward, hahaha... Who knows where she went? Maybe something held her up, hahahaha..."
Daziel's laughter was a bit dry, clearly carrying a hint of guilt.
Dan Heng seemed to notice Daziel's unusual behavior. He looked deeply at Daziel, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.
Daziel felt a little uncomfortable under Dan Heng's gaze and quickly changed the subject. "Cough cough... well, Dan Heng, after all the commotion today, I'm also a bit tired. I'll go back to my room to rest first. You should rest early too."
After speaking, Daziel hugged the large suitcase and hurried towards his room.
Holding the suitcase, Daziel quickly walked back to his room, closed the door, leaned against the door panel, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Daziel felt that his back was completely soaked with sweat. It was really too dangerous just now.
He turned around and slightly opened the zipper of the suitcase, revealing a corner of silver hair.
Gently pulling open the entire zipper of the suitcase, a stunningly beautiful figure with a black blindfold covering her eyes and her whole body bound by ropes appeared before Daziel.
Feeling the zipper being pulled open, Jingliu breathed softly, a little saliva dripping from the ball gag in her mouth.
Only then did Daziel feel the weight lift from his heart.
The clouds leave no trace means—
Are there no traces of clouds left in the sky?
Of course, because she has already been taken away by me!
Hehehe...
Volume 2, No Trace of Clouds, End.
_____
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