Chiyou's Heart.
Hei Ji Lin wielded the Hei Xuanyuan Sword as a war spear, charging wildly on her warhorse towards Ling Feng, aiming for a throat strike.
Ling Feng stomped his foot heavily, his body spinning and soaring into the air, evading the charge of the warhorse. With a swift motion, he swung the Xuanyuan Sword, slashing at Hei Ji Lin on the horse's back.
Hei Ji Lin reacted swiftly, leaning back immediately, her Hei Xuanyuan Sword held across her chest.
"Screech—"
Sparks flew!
Their figures, interlaced as they passed.
Upon landing, Ling Feng swept his hand across the blade of the Xuanyuan Sword, and a blazing inferno erupted.
Using his left foot as a pivot, his body drifted in a 180-degree rotation. His right foot stepped forward, stomping heavily, and he soared into the air, slashing at Hei Ji Lin once more.
Hei Ji Lin was an excellent rider. She maneuvered her warhorse in a turn, then looked up, raising the Hei Xuanyuan Sword and slashing out a single strike.
Swish!
Sword energy surged like a tidal wave, crashing forward.
The sharp edge of the Xuanyuan Sword forcefully cleaved through this "tide," carving a path through the torrent of sword energy.
Clang!
The two weapons clashed, instantly unleashing a powerful energy shockwave that spread in all directions.
Hei Ji Lin, horse and rider, retreated several meters with a "clatter-clatter-clatter" before dissipating the force and stabilizing.
Ling Feng was sent flying backward, but in an instant, he stabilized himself with the wind, nullifying the impact. www.kanshuwu.net
Free and Unfettered Sword Control Art!
Ling Feng quickly formed hand seals, murmuring incantations in his heart. True Qi surged into the Xuanyuan Sword, which then shot out with a hiss.
Like an arrow loosed from a bowstring, it traversed several meters in the blink of an eye, heading straight for Hei Ji Lin's face.
"Hah!"
The warhorse charged, and the greatsword thrust forward.
Clang!
The sword edges clashed fiercely, and the collision of the two forces produced a violent explosion. The entire heart region was engulfed by the shockwaves.
Stones caught in the energy wave were instantly pulverized into dust, and layers of dirt were stripped from the ground.
Wind whipped dust and sand, like cascading waterfalls of quicksand, falling into the void.
"Wow! The fight up there is so intense!"
"It makes this lady want to rush up and let that guy taste my power."
Kiana and the others stood on another island, gazing at the awe-inspiring scene with exclamations.
"Data analysis indicates the energy generated by their combat is extremely potent. If Kiana were to join, she would be blown away to an unknown location."
Bronya's voice was cold.
"What did you say!"
"Bronya is merely stating a fact."
"You! This lady will teach you a lesson! Let you know how formidable this lady is!"
"Alright, alright!"
Sagiri and Mirai quickly pulled the two who were about to fight. If they didn't intervene, with their bickering nature, they really would start fighting.
The heart region.
Ling Feng and Hei Ji Lin's combat speed and frequency increased, their sword light and shadows interweaving in red, blue, and purple hues.
Boom!!!
Accompanied by an explosion, Ling Feng and Hei Ji Lin were sent sliding several meters away.
This distance was but a moment for them.
As for Hei Ji Lin's warhorse, it had been obliterated by Ling Feng during the previous exchange.
"Barely S-rank."
Ling Feng silently evaluated Hei Ji Lin's strength.
As expected of Ji Lin.
After centuries of erosion, and absorbing the power of lingering obsessions, to still possess such strength.
"Haa, I can feel your loneliness and resentment... Allow me to help you find release."
Ling Feng looked at Hei Ji Lin with pity. The tragic end of this hero who protected the myriad lights of Shenzhou was truly sorrowful.
Sword Intent!
Ling Feng's eyes narrowed. He gripped the sword hilt with both hands and raised it high. The surging sword intent erupted from him, his aura continuously growing, like a sharp sword about to be drawn.
"What is this power?"
Hei Ji Lin could feel the terrifying nature of Ling Feng's sword intent, suppressing her and making it difficult to move.
Her remaining strength could not withstand or receive this attack.
There was fear in her eyes, but also a hint of anticipation for release from the depths.
"Thank you for protecting the land of Shenzhou for five thousand years... Now... rest."
Zheng!
The heavy sword descended, its light resplendent, rivaling the scorching sun.
An island that was originally immense instantly shrank by half.
This was primarily because the strike was not aimed at the land; only its aftermath caused such a spectacle.
The majority of its power struck Hei Ji Lin.
At this moment, Hei Ji Lin lay on the ground, gazing at the sky. Her previously vacant and indifferent eyes now held a trace of spirit and release.
In a daze, she seemed to see her friends smiling at her. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her body began to slowly dissipate into motes of light.
"Finally... I am free from this long solitude."
"Finally... I can be with you all."
"Thank you, young warrior."
"You have freed me from this endless darkness."
Ling Feng planted the Xuanyuan Sword into the ground and knelt halfway, showing respect.
Kiana and the others around them watched this ancient hero with complex expressions, all filled with genuine respect.
"Farewell."
These were Ling Feng's heartfelt words.
"Goodbye, ancient hero. I have truly felt your spirit of sacrifice to protect others."
Kiana closed her eyes and raised her hand, sensing the motes of light... They felt warm.
A moment later, Ling Feng stood up, drew the Xuanyuan Sword, and prepared to deal with Chiyou's heart.
Just then, an anomaly occurred.
The ground beneath them began to shake violently, and not just this island, but thousands of others as well.
"What's happening?"
Kiana's expression became flustered, her body swaying uncontrollably, causing her to fall to the ground.
"Unclear."
Mei knelt, driving her long sword into the ground to stabilize herself and Himeko.
"Deal with the heart first..." Ling Feng stomped his foot and flew rapidly towards Chiyou's heart.
Rumble!
Suddenly, the ground flipped over, as if the world had inverted.
This sudden shift caught Mei and the others off guard; below them was an endless abyss.
"Ah!"
Seeing this, Ling Feng immediately abandoned his attack on the heart and transformed into a streak of light to rescue them.
"Hong Hong!"
Whoosh!
Two streaks of light, one red and one golden, swept up the falling figures and then flew to an inverted island.
"Hoo..."
"So scary..."
"I thought I was going to die. This lady hasn't even become an A-rank Valkyrie yet, and I don't want to die young like this."
Kiana's legs felt weak, and she lay half-prostrate on the ground, her face filled with terror and sweat, still shaken by the recent events.
"Thank you, Ling Feng."
Mei slumped to the ground, expressing her heartfelt gratitude.
She had been saved by Ling Feng several times and didn't know how to repay him.
She'd have to search online later for how to express gratitude for saving one's life in Shenzhou.
"Theresa? Hello? Can you hear me?"
"It seems we're out of contact again..." Himeko sighed, unable to reach Theresa, and thus unaware of what was happening outside.
"You idiot, who are they? Explain yourself."
"Don't pull my ear! They are my teammates."
"Teammates? All women? Huh?"
"Ah! I'm not lying to you, it's true!"
Hearing Ling Feng's pained screams, the women turned to look.
A stunningly beautiful woman's face was filled with frost. With a dark expression, she annoyedly pulled Ling Feng's ear, eliciting continuous yelps from him.
"Hong Hong, wait a moment. Can I explain properly after I get this off?"
"Hmph."
Although Hong Hong was somewhat angry and displeased, she released Ling Feng's ear and stood aside, observing the girls besides Sagiri.
Ling Feng rubbed his ear, thinking that the path to a harem was fraught with difficulties.
"Himeko, have you contacted Theresa?"
Himeko shook her head and sighed.
"No contact. That situation just now was likely Chiyou turning over. We are, after all, inside its belly."
Ling Feng nodded, glanced at the "inverted" world, remained silent for a moment, then turned to look at Tu Shan Hong Hong, who was observing the women.
"Hong Hong, our top priority now is to get out. You and I will join forces to break through this guy's body."
Tu Shan Hong Hong, though still upset, nodded. From their conversation, it was clear they were trapped inside a massive being.
Tu Shan Hong Hong moved her smooth, flawless white feet and stood beside Ling Feng.
They acted in perfect sync, no words needed. They both soared into the air simultaneously, transforming into a rainbow-like light and smashing forcefully against the "ceiling."
Boom!
They both threw a punch with full force. Ripples spread out, but they did not pierce Chiyou's body. However, they did obliterate a considerable number of Chiyou's cellular tissues.
"Again!"
This time, they both unleashed a full-power punch. The previous strike was merely a probe; this was the real deal.
Boom! This strike directly penetrated Chiyou's body! Flesh exploded into a bloody mist.
Outside, in the Hyperion's main command center.
Theresa paced back and forth with a frown, agitated. Himeko, Ling Feng, and the others had lost contact again, their lives unknown.
Boom!
Just then, a dazzling golden light shot straight into the sky, disappearing in an instant, its immense power like a thunderclap.
The ensuing gust of wind surged outwards like a torrent.
"What's happening?!"
The Hyperion was also affected by the "torrent," its hull shaking. Theresa hastily inquired about the cause.
"Report! According to the detector, that golden light originated from underwater and shot upwards. We didn't have time to pinpoint the exact location."
In the command center, the young lady managing the detector information stood up to report.
Theresa heard this, crossed her left arm, placed her right hand on her chin, and lowered her head in thought.
Given the immense power of that golden light, could it be the emergence of a powerful Emperor-class Honkai Beast?
Her mind raced, but no conclusion was certain.
A short while later, an exclamation interrupted Theresa's thoughts.
"Headmaster, someone has flown out of the sea and is rapidly approaching the Hyperion... It's Major Himeko's Valkyrie squad!"
"Transmit the image!"
Theresa ordered. Finally, some good news. She looked up at the display screen and froze.
Good heavens!
The image showed Ling Feng carrying Himeko on his back, his left arm around Mei, and his right arm around Kiana. He was truly embracing them.
However... she remembered that Ling Feng's armor didn't seem to have a flight unit installed.
So how was he flying?
Could Ling Feng's control over Honkai energy have reached the point of brief flight?
And who was that orange-haired woman dressed like an ancient person from Shenzhou?
Never mind, she'd figure it out when they returned to St. Freya.
These were still critical times, and Chiyou hadn't stopped moving. She might have to call headquarters to dispatch the Immortal Extermination Squad.
A Judgment-class Honkai Beast, surviving from ancient times, might not be at its peak strength, but it was not something a single Hyperion could handle.
On the bridge, Ling Feng and the others soon landed safely.
Back on the bridge, the previously listless Kiana immediately became energetic again, constantly bothering Mei and chattering non-stop.
"Himeko, are you alright?"
Theresa's voice came through the communicator.
"We're fine. Although we retrieved the Xuanyuan Sword and Soul Steel, we couldn't stop Chiyou."
"It's not your fault. I'm already preparing to contact headquarters and have Otto dispatch the Immortal Extermination Squad. Chiyou is no longer something we can handle."
Regarding Judgment-class Honkai Beasts, the records only mentioned one: the dragon under the Second Herrscher, Sirin.
Back then, even a full-strength A-rank squad couldn't defeat it. Without Siegfried using the Fire of Heaven, it might not have been injured.
"Headmaster, how long until Chiyou reaches Shenzhou?"
This question came from Ling Feng.
"...After calculation, it's about another hour and a half."
"And how long will it take for the Immortal Extermination Squad to arrive?"
"At the earliest, two hours. They are at Schicksal headquarters, very far from here."
"I understand."
Ling Feng sighed, a decision already made in his heart.
"Ling Feng, don't worry. I'll immediately notify the Shenzhou military to organize civilian evacuation."
Theresa misunderstood, thinking Ling Feng was worried about his country. Once Chiyou landed, it would cause immense casualties.
"Uh, you've misunderstood. I just want to kill it myself..." Ling Feng said earnestly.
"Headmaster, don't notify the Immortal Extermination Squad yet. I want to continue stopping Chiyou."
"That's too dangerous, absolutely not!"
"Don't worry, I'm confident. Requesting permission to act!"
Theresa could sense a resolute tone in Ling Feng's voice. It was likely that even if she refused, he would act against orders.
In fact, she still didn't fully understand Ling Feng's strength.
However... someone had said... his strength was unfathomable.
"Sigh, permission granted. Prioritize your own safety."
Ling Feng nodded slightly and turned to go back into Chiyou to use the Fire of Heaven. This would also avoid exposure.
"Wait, I'll go too."
Ling Feng turned back. A red dress was still as stunningly vibrant as ever.
"Alright."
He knew Tu Shan Hong Hong's strength. Her True Qi combined with her demon power was equivalent to the late Golden Core stage. Two Golden Core cultivators might struggle against a Judgment-class Honkai Beast, but with strategy, it was manageable.
The two flew side-by-side, disappearing into the vast sea.
As they left, Ling Feng left a message for Sagiri, entrusting her with some matters.
If they encountered danger, she didn't need to hide her strength. Sagiri, at the Golden Core stage, was far stronger than an average A-rank Valkyrie.
Boom! Roar!
Beneath the sea, a fierce battle erupted. Waves churned, muffled thunder boomed, and the very seabed cracked, stirring up an underwater storm.
"Inch-Punch: Heaven Splitting!"
Her red dress was like blood. Compared to Chiyou, Tu Shan Hong Hong was as small as a mustard seed, but her beautiful face showed no fear as she punched decisively.
Her seemingly slender arms and legs caused the seawater to tremble and the earth to crack with every punch. The colossal beast couldn't help but take a step back, then another.
On the Hyperion, in the main command center, the "Detector" lady's surprised cry was heard.
"Headmaster, Chiyou's movement has stopped, it's even retreating!"
"What?!"
Everyone was shocked. It turned out Ling Feng and that woman were so strong.
Inside Chiyou's belly, Ling Feng found himself back in this place, hovering in the void. Sensing Chiyou's heart, he flew towards it.
Before long, Ling Feng arrived at the island of the heart. A greatsword appeared in his hand, its blade like molten gold, dazzling and magnificent.
To prevent Chiyou from absorbing the power of the Fire of Heaven to recover, it was better to use some unconventional power.
Ling Feng's grip on the sword tightened slightly. The power of the Law of Fire coiled around him like two small fire dragons, finally flowing down his arm into the crimson Herrscher core.
In an instant, flame patterns appeared throughout the Fire of Heaven, and with a boom, it shattered, blooming and ascending like a flower.
"Fire of Heaven—"
"Unsheathed!!!"
Chiyou over!