Dan Heng had already completed the process of parting the sea.
The submerged palace reappeared before them.
Jing Yuan and Dan Heng both observed their surroundings intently.
At the end of the path, the phantom of a dragon-like figure materialized.
There—where the enemy they were about to face awaited.
The Anti-matter Legion—Phantylia.
Jing Yuan's gaze was heavy with concern.
If he had to face this battle alone, the odds of survival would be slim.
Fortunately, those accompanying him this time were more than capable.
Even if only half of them fought, it would be enough.
Beside him, Dan Heng—who had regained the memories of the Dragon Sovereign—remained silent for a long time, his expression complex.
The tense atmosphere of an impending storm loomed over them.
Then, an untimely voice suddenly rang out from behind.
"What?! The game even specially animated the sea-parting scene?!"
"And they even composed a song for this moment?!"
"My recording was all for nothing!"
March 7th and Stelle were huddled together, watching the in-game footage of the sea parting.
A battle theme began to play.
The sound immediately drew the attention of Dan Heng and Jing Yuan at the front.
"The game's story just reached this part too."
"Seems like Yu Ling even wrote a song specifically for you."
Dan Heng was momentarily stunned.
A song?
All he had done was part the ancient waters to open the path to the Arbor. It wasn't as if they had already won the battle.
Why would Yu Ling release a song at this moment?
He opened the first video on Yu Ling's page—Water Dragon's Chant.
"Past… tides…"
"Carved my scars into dragon scales."
"Breath brewing storms…"
Dan Heng's expression faltered slightly.
These lyrics…
They struck a chord deep within him in an instant.
"Bloodline… roots…"
"Beneath my skin, entwined as fate."
"A dragon born of scorching flames."
A jolt of electricity seemed to run through Dan Heng's body.
Every word pierced his heart, shattering his defenses.
All the grievances and hardships he had endured over the years were laid bare.
His fists clenched.
Gritting his teeth, Dan Heng felt something wet glisten in his eyes.
No matter how many trials he faced, no matter how much suffering he endured, he had never broken.
But now…
He was undone.
"Bones of steel… my framework."
"Let the storm… break free from my throat."
"Remake me through legends."
"Reforge me through pain."
Dan Heng had to shut his eyes.
This wasn't just a song—
It was as if another version of himself was roaring in defiance against fate!
Had he not used the Cloudhymn technique, two small pearls would have undoubtedly fallen to the ground.
And then—
The song escalated from restrained intensity to unrestrained power.
As if he had finally broken free from the chains of destiny.
Especially the final lines—
"I shall be cloaked in starlight, descending once more above the abyss!"
Something inside Dan Heng shattered.
Like a lighthouse piercing through the fog, it illuminated the path ahead.
"I, Dan Heng, as a Nameless of the Astral Express… will not stand idly by!"
Jing Yuan glanced at him in surprise, then smiled approvingly.
At the back, March 7th and Stelle were stunned.
It took them a while to react.
March 7th conjured a piece of six-phase ice and pressed it to her forehead.
"Wow… the sea-parting scene with the background music is just too impactful!"
"Mr. Yang, now I understand how you felt watching us fight Cocolia while experiencing the game's battle at the same time."
"This game is even more thrilling than reality!"
Jing Yuan approached from the front.
"Everyone, we have two options."
"First—we act immediately and engage Phantylia."
"Second—we watch the in-game battle first to analyze her abilities and prepare accordingly."
Silence.
No one responded.
The scene was awkward.
Instead of the expected rallying cry, the group remained unmoved, still engrossed in the game's cinematic.
In the game's story, aside from the Express crew, only the local forces of the Luofu—Jing Yuan and Fu Xuan leading the Cloud Knights—participated in the battle.
Yet Jing Yuan chose to have Fu Xuan and the Cloud Knights hold their position while he alone joined the Express crew to confront Phantylia.
The Cloud Knights protested:
"General! We wish to accompany you! Do not leave us behind!"
"Even if our skills are lacking, we are sworn to protect Xianzhou! How can we let outsiders risk themselves in our stead?"
Jing Yuan replied firmly:
"Your resolve is clear, but our foe is no ordinary Abundance spawn—she is an Emanator of Destruction, the Annihilation Herald."
"Beyond this path lies the clash between the Reignbow Arbiter and the Ruin Author."
"You have a greater duty. Cloud Knights—hear my order!"
"If the waters reclaim this path after I enter, follow the Master Diviner's command!"
The Cloud Knights responded in unison: "Yes!"
Jing Yuan then turned to Fu Xuan.
"Fu Xuan, if I do not return… the responsibility of reporting the truth to the other Xianzhou falls to you."
Fu Xuan nodded solemnly.
"I won't say empty words like 'You must return.'"
"I will fulfill my duty."
Jing Yuan chuckled.
"Spoken like a true general."
Comparing the game to reality, March 7th sighed.
"The game's version is way more dramatic."
"General Jing Yuan was ready for a desperate last stand, life or death uncertain."
"But here… it feels more like a senior leading a sightseeing group."
After Jing Yuan's proposal, no one answered.
Characters like Blade, Kafka, and Luocha—each with their own allegiances—were only here because of the game's early spoilers.
Fighting Phantylia was just an afterthought.
It was Jingliu who broke the silence.
"Jing Yuan, don't treat this like your in-game script."
"No one here will follow your orders."
"That pawn of Destruction has crossed the line. Since she uttered those words, she won't leave here alive."
Her tone was calm, but her words were lethal.
Without hesitation, Jingliu drew her sword—a blade like frozen moonlight—and leaped forward.
She charged alone into the depths of the Arbor's roots.
Jing Yuan couldn't even stop her.
Soon, Phantylia's voice echoed through the space.
Now closer, her words were clearer—and far more mocking.
"Oh? The Luofu's general doesn't step forth himself?"
"Instead, he sends small fry to die in his place?"
"No matter how many ants come, they'll only add to the tally of destruction."
Hearing this, Blade could no longer remain still.
With a low growl, he pursued Jingliu.
Jing Yuan and Dan Heng exchanged a glance. They had already agreed on their course of action.
Dan Heng signaled to the Express crew before joining the fray.
Jing Yuan gave one last order to the Cloud Knights:
"Hold the line!"
Together, they advanced.
In an instant, four of the legendary Five Cloud Knights had set off to battle Phantylia.
Those left behind wore mixed expressions.
March 7th shook her head.
"Phantylia really has a death wish."
"Let's hurry in before the fight's over!"
Stelle raised her jade device.
"Can't we just watch it in the game? Might even be more exciting."
"True, but the game's battles can be replayed."
"Seeing those four fight together in person is a once-in-a-lifetime sight."
To be continued…
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