Chapter 144

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Chapter 144: The Dying Flower Sea of Levatin, the World That Makes You Happy

Longing is poison.

Poison that seeps into the bones.

Xie Qingxuan once believed that if she gathered enough light with Heart Flow and solved enough Dream Puzzle pieces through meditation, she would feel fulfilled and joyful at the hope of defeating her sister’s dreams.

And indeed, that was true.

After plundering so much light and ravaging the C1 area, Xie Qingxuan felt a twisted, sickly, and chaotic happiness.

If she had not met Chu Yuanqing, the girl who effortlessly captured her heart, she would have likely drowned in this joy, becoming a true Stage Tyrant, and walking the path to crush her sister’s dreams.

But there are no ifs.

Xie Qingxuan had tasted the exquisite dish called love, and along with it came joy, mixed with heavy expectation and hope. For the first time, she found the flavor of being alive and discovered a reason to give meaning to the stage.

The desire for revenge that trampled on her sister’s dreams seemed so empty compared to this, that no matter how much [Heart Flow] stole or evolved, it felt dull.

"Little Qing, I miss you so much, I really, really do."

"It’s like… I’ve known you for a very long time."

Xie Qingxuan’s beauty was always top-notch, often wearing an indifferent or scornful expression, paired with the dark and terrifying [Heart Flow], making her a beautiful yet dangerous stage emperor.

But in a moment of murmuring,

The girl shed her hard shell, appearing so innocent and pure, even the dark star at the bottom of her eyes softened, losing its sharpness and revealing a tranquil beauty like autumn leaves. She stepped away from [meditation] and tiredly closed her eyes.

After comforting herself with Chu Yuanqing’s palm, the strange dream became clearer and more detailed, like bubbles rising from the deep sea, revealing its true form.

And when she awoke from the dream,

Xie Qingxuan remembered the last image.

It was a scene like those from a myth, a chapter that should be written in an epic, where a sea of colorful flowers flooded the land, filled with roses, daisies, dahlias, tulips, and irises, like a grand celebration of flowers organized by the whole nation.

A girl stood alone in the center of the flower sea, her skirt seemed to stretch to the ends of the earth, every breath she took resonated with the world, like a crowned queen, listening to the flowers gently whispering, laughing freely, and growing wildly in silence.

The flower sea flowed across the land, weaving the heartbeat, nurturing the cheer of destruction.

It was like the Aztec creation myth, where someone wanted to wash away unclean sins, melt all the gold, extinguish the sun hanging high in the sky, and overturn the fifth world where people lived.

Xie Qingxuan was seeing it from the first-person view, unable to see her face, but she could smell the fragrant scent of blood, reminiscent of the Rhodes roses born from blood in Greek mythology, so dazzling, yet so… sorrowful.

"Laevateinn."

In a daze, distant murmurs fell into her ears.

The giant crimson blade, as dark as night, fell like a shooting star, spreading endless rings of fire like a nuclear explosion.

In that moment, all the colorful and ominous sea of flowers softened and turned into pure pink.

Thus, the rings of fire burned away all that existed, and the pink flower sea, like dandelions in a strong wind, turned to ashes bit by bit, causing petals and ashes to pour down from the sky in a grand rain, a gentle melody slowly played amidst the roaring, weaving a scattered yet sorrowful song.

In dreams, pain cannot be felt.

In the last moment of Xie Qingxuan’s melting eyes, her retina reflected the majestic remnants of fire; she felt as if she had watched a beautiful and grand fireworks display, and the corners of her lips couldn’t help but curl up, revealing a smile.

Finally, cold droplets of water spread across her cheeks, and the whispers in her ears became unclear, as everything moved towards a void of silence.

When she woke from the dream, the images gradually faded away, and her memories felt as if they were continuously losing their clarity.

Xie Qingxuan had basically forgotten everything completely.

Only that beautiful scene of the solar crown and the sea of flowers blooming in the sky is forever etched deep in the soul, indelible.

Xie Qingxuan had a thought: if she could recreate such a shocking emotional impact on stage, could it surpass the performance during Little Qingsecondary’s rating?

This thought was fine at first.

But as she repeatedly merged with Dream Puzzle and deeply felt others’ visions and desires, she seemed to be affected, making this thought grow deeper and shape into a sincere wish.

So, just like a painter collecting different colors, she must gather more brilliance to build the towering structure that she longs for in her heart.

"I have rested enough."

"Fan Qiuling, Ji Shuzhu, take me to the most crowded place in area B1."

Xie Qingxuan’s eyelashes fluttered as she opened her eyes. After finishing her meditation, she stood up and walked out without looking at the two helpers beside her.

Fan Qiuling, feeling like she was under some spell, was drawn like a moth to a flame. Without thinking, her body moved ahead of her mind, and she quickly followed.

Ji Shuzhu didn’t care about this at all. She casually grabbed a box of stick-shaped biscuits and followed in the other person’s footsteps. She knew what Xie Qingxuan wanted to do, and since there would be good food, she naturally had to bring "rice" along.

Miss Choreographer kindly suggested:

"It’s afternoon now, and the cafeteria isn’t very busy. We can first check the entertainment area. At this time, it’s easier to find spots in the entertainment area."

Xie Qingxuan didn’t say anything, just nodded gently to show her agreement.

Fan Qiuling didn’t dare to speak and quietly followed like a little follower.

The entertainment area was very large, and many places were set as private spaces, so they couldn’t enter recklessly. There were very few people in the public areas.

After all, with only 12 short days left until the end of the month, the team still in the B1 area had to finish a Stage Battle, then go back to the A1 area to learn dance and practice singing again, and then do another Stage Battle. The schedule was very tight.

Half an hour later,

Xie Qingxuan looked down at the trainee who was kneeling on the ground, losing her smile. In her eyes, a dark mist reflected a real scene, deep in their consciousness, it buried one anchor point after another, pulling away and devouring the brilliance rooted within.

The girl’s eyes sparkled with a chaotic cross of colors, swallowing the shining moment and revealing a brilliant glow. She softly sighed and whispered, "

"It’s not enough; the shine that can be taken with just one glance is not what I desire."

Only this level of shine cannot weave the emotions that shake an epic.

After Xie Qingxuan spoke, she turned towards the practice room and said softly,

"Let’s go back and prepare for the Stage Battle."

"We must challenge all the teams in the B1 area within a week, taking their beliefs, dreams, talents, reasons for standing on stage, and the shine itself, as the foundation I want to create for my stage."

The corners of Ji Shuzhu’s mouth lifted slightly, savoring the delightful taste on her tongue. She happily crunched the cookie in her mouth and softly said,

"Yeah, I’m getting a bit tired of this level of shine too."

"You’re right; only the shines that can be taken on stage are worthy of being our target."

"Also, I have already prepared the new dance. As long as Fan Qiuling keeps up, we can officially make our challenge."

"But before we officially make our challenge, we should choose the best teammates and place her in the last position."

Xie Qingxuan paused for a moment and said softly:

"There’s no need. After our winning streak in the Stage Battle, there will naturally be qualified teammates willing to join us."

Ji Shuzhu seemed to think for a moment but did not speak again.

Throughout the conversation, neither of them considered Fan Qiuling’s opinion.

This clearly follows the spirit of the "Dazzling Stage" concept; even if Fan Qiuling is not part of Plunder Shine, the PUA spirit would not cause her any objections.

— The strong are respected.

In this team with two A-ranked members, the remaining Grade B member naturally has no voice.

…

…

On the same day, in the evening.

Chu Yuanqing lay back down in bed. Tonight, she hadn’t paid much attention to Little Liuli, nor had she chatted with Miyuki, who was sitting in the living room. After taking a shower in the private bathroom, she changed into her pajamas and decided to go to sleep.

There was no other choice; these past two days had been too exciting.

Last night, she had cuddled with Liuli in the bathtub, and then at midnight, next to her daughter, she stole Miyuki’s first kiss.

At noon today, due to a strong urge, she had kissed Liuli, and because of that, she lost her first time on her chest to Liuli. After that, she went to watch a movie with Miyuki, and afterward, they kissed for twenty minutes.

To be honest, if you look only at the events on this timeline, she seemed like a playboy skilled in time management.

Chu Yuanqing felt complicated emotions; in truth, she didn’t feel much burden being a playboy.

If it means saving the world, bearing more sins and bloodshed, even temporarily going against what people call morality, is a necessary and unavoidable choice. Compared to these, tricking a little girl into kissing feels like playing house.

Chu Yuanqing closed her eyes and smiled lightly, letting out a helpless sigh.

"I… have become more like my original self."

The life of a magical girl is based on a transformation of the soul; her past self has indeed kept her true heart, which has always been sincere and gentle.

But these original intentions are wrapped in layers of cold, hard ice. To save the happiness of more people, she is willing to sacrifice her own desires and will do everything possible to fulfill her duty.

Disaster will not become gentle because of your kindness; its cruelty and brutality are based on objective facts. The first step to fight against unreasonable despair and tragedy is to discard the burden known as "naivety."

Therefore, kindness and sincerity have also lost their meaning.

The only things that can remedy tragedy and fight against Disaster are the purest power and strength.

Chu Yuanying is the savior, but he never thinks he is particularly great or righteous, and he certainly doesn’t see himself as a so-called hero.

He cleared out all the followers who worshipped the Calamity God, even though there were also ignorant people misled by others under his command.

He slaughtered all the politicians who held back progress and tried to use refugees as bargaining chips, even if they had families and had their own struggles.

He fought against the Calamity God with his human body, even though the waves of the epic battlefield would inevitably harm innocent people.

He stood on a desolate land, having decided the fate of the planet based on his personal desires; even a small mistake in Charlotte’s plan could bring down the punishment of the Sea of Truth, causing the whole planet to shatter and collapse.

All these choices could not be gentle or sincere; he had to be firm, cold, just, correct, and even cruel. Otherwise, it would be impossible to carve out a peaceful era now, much like a New Game Plus, from such a desperate hell.

So, if she remained her true self, she could naturally suppress her most basic nature to make the right decisions without any hesitation.

Seventeen years of peace and seventeen years of living with his daughter slowly changed Chu Yuanying bit by bit.

The most decisive change, however, was based on a transformation of his soul.

It felt like shedding the calluses on his hands; when he picked up the guitar again, he still felt a twinge of pain. It was like spring returning to the earth, causing frozen ground to melt, breaking through a hard shell and revealing all the softness inside, laying everything bare on the surface.

So, every time, the lantern could easily show her inner personality and make everyone around her feel the charm that goes beyond her perfect appearance.

Is this a good thing or a bad thing?

"At least, from an idol’s point of view, it’s a good thing, right?"

Chu Yuanqing felt a bit complicated; she liked her current self more, but if it meant reliving the victories of the past, she would still be willing to forge a strong outer shell.

But…

"It’s not that time yet; I can wait a little longer."

Chu Yuanqing murmured to herself, turned off the little night light, and got ready to sleep deeply.

Just then, there was a loud knocking at the door.

Chu Yuanqing pulled off the blankets, sat up, and with a serious little face, she slipped on her slippers and walked to the door, thinking that if it were a cat, she would surely refuse any of its demands as a punishment!

When she opened the door, she found her lovely daughter looking at her eagerly, making her want to gently pat her head.

After patting her, Chu Yuanqing pinched her daughter’s cheek, her eyes crinkling into a smile as she asked:

"Little Shu, why did you come to find me? Do you want to hear a story?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Wang Shu felt a bit embarrassed and couldn’t help but think that she wasn’t as childish as Liuli. If it weren’t for Little Qing telling the stories, as a soon-to-be grown-up, she definitely wouldn’t want to listen to bedtime stories every day like a little kid!

But on the outside, she still softly replied:

"I do want to hear a story, but I came over just to chat with Little Qing. I feel like you’ve been very busy all day, so I wanted to talk while you’re still awake."

Chu Yuanqing felt quite guilty upon hearing this. Thinking carefully, she realized she hadn’t paid much attention to her lovely daughter today, partly because she was busy with Liuli and Miyuki, and partly because her daughter was so well-behaved and obedient, making it easy for her.

Oh no, this can’t go on! She needed to show some fatherly attitude and responsibility!

Today, she would have a candlelit talk with her lovely daughter and share more heartfelt words!

"Come in, it’s only eight o’clock now. Let’s sit on the bed and watch some TV together."

Chu Yuanqing took her daughter’s hand and pulled her into the room, turning on the two night lights inside.

Chu Wang Shu blinked innocently, quietly turned the lock, and couldn’t help but happily jump onto Chu Yuanqing’s soft big bed, pressing her nose against the fluffy quilt and smelling a comforting scent.

Yes, it really smells like Little Qing!

Chu Yuanqing thought it was cute. She turned on the TV, which was connected to the Dream Weaver database, and there was nothing she couldn’t find to watch.

By some strange chance, she started playing the show "Magical Girl Delaina," starring Tang Liuli, as background for their father-daughter chat.

Minutes later, the father and daughter lay in the blankets just like they did ten years ago, enjoying the gentle atmosphere while watching this children’s show.

Good will always triumph over evil, and the story ended sweetly and perfectly.

The struggles and lows throughout were just the worries of youth, untainted by anything belonging to society or adults.

As long as the main character remembers her desire to become a magical girl, she can defeat one strong enemy after another and embrace a happy future filled with laughter.

A true magical girl story should be like this.

Chu Wang Shu felt nostalgic about the past but found it magical and funny to see the young Tang Liuli on the screen, and softly said:

"Liuli acts so well, she doesn’t seem like her current self at all."

Chu Yuanqing knew a bit more; she understood that Liuli, while filming this TV show, was in the happiest time of her acting career, so she didn’t comment much and said softly:

"Little Shu, do you like this kind of story?"

"When you grow up and watch it again, will it seem childish?"

Chu Wang Shu naturally replied:

"I like it because for heavier things, it’s better to keep them in reality."

"Whether it’s childish or not doesn’t matter at all."

Chu Yuanqing felt dazed when she heard this. She suddenly thought that if she couldn’t resolve the dangers of the disaster beast, her daughter would eventually face the heaviness of a time that was not peaceful.

By that time, "Magical Girl Delaina" would be a fantasy story even further from reality.

The light in Chu Yuanqing’s eyes flickered, and the lantern hidden in her pajamas cast a soft glow. Her pink lips curled slightly into a gentle smile as she looked up at her lovely daughter, whose eyes were gradually opening wide. With a soft sigh, she gently touched the face she had watched grow over the years.

For a moment, she had so many things she wanted to say, but due to her role, she could only bury them deep in her heart.

At first, Chu Wang Shu felt shy, but this serious and gentle gaze gradually touched the softest part of her heart. A feeling of affection, like that of a baby bird, rose in her chest, making her feel warm and happy. Unable to resist, she nuzzled against Chu Yuanqing and quietly asked:

"Little Qing, I don’t know why, but sometimes I feel like you’re so mature, almost… almost like a reliable big sister… it makes me want to be close to you. Do you think that’s strange?"

Chu Yuanqing found it a bit funny. She squeezed her daughter’s cheek and softly replied:

"Don’t worry, not at all."

Chu Yuanqing thought for a moment, imitating Charlotte’s way of speaking, and continued to comfort:

"Little Shu can come to me anytime to talk, and she can also come to me anytime to be sweet. I am very happy to be your support, so you don’t need to feel shy or worried, just be happy."

Chu Wang Shu felt both happy and touched; her head was a little dizzy. She thought that Honey Qing was always so gentle to her, and she couldn’t help but blink her eyes and cuddled up to her. Just like a koala, she tilted her head to watch the TV.

As she watched, sleepiness began to grow, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep.

Chu Yuanqing looked at her lovely daughter’s sweet sleeping face, turned off the night light, and gently stroked her hair, whispering softly:

"Little Shu, I will do my best to create a world… where you will always be happy."