Chapter 154

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Chapter 154: The Terrifying Women’s Battle, Hero vs. Demon King

The next day.

In the practice room, the atmosphere was filled with gloom.

Tang Liuli sat on the sofa, wearing an oversized sweatshirt that covered her shorts, revealing her long, fair, alluring thighs. Her snowy feet slipped into slippers, with her toes resting on the cool surface of the shoes, slightly pushing down, showcasing the curve of her arch.

The girl glanced at the three teams on the projection that were erased by a virtual red line, her pretty face showing an unhappy expression, and she said passionately:

"Avoiding the battle is a bit too sly!"

Little Sakura wore a snug yoga outfit that clearly outlined her charming figure. She topped it with a sports jacket that looked like it belonged to a local club, hiding her striking curves. Her slender yet curvy thighs sat on the sofa, creating delicate shapes, full of youthful energy.

The girl slowly faded from her cherry blossom pink eyes, showing hints of helplessness. She felt very guilty and said with a hint of apology:

"I’m sorry, I didn’t think no one would accept the challenge."

Yesterday, they practiced until dinner time, and a group of people challenged their chosen team through the system. But within five minutes, the other side showed they were avoiding the battle and declined the PK invitation.

After that, they challenged two backup teams one by one but received refusals within an hour. Then, they simply discarded their original cautious strategy and challenged a Grade B team and several other strong teams.

The result…

"The teams we challenged later didn’t even respond."

Chu Wang Shu looked at the clock showing 10 o’clock and muttered:

"Even if they don’t agree, they could just refuse us directly."

Kirimi Miyuki hesitated for a moment and gave a reply she herself did not quite believe:

"Maybe they didn’t see it, or perhaps they were too busy to reply?"

To be honest, the PK invitation notifications are very noticeable, just like how Dream Weaver Rabbit’s holographic projection can appear freely in 99% of the underground base’s corners; similarly, the PK invitation will also use holographic projection to show a very splendid animation of the process.

Even if the challenged team was practicing their dance moves at that moment, it would be impossible for them not to see it.

In fact, unless they spent the whole day in the entertainment area watching movies, playing games, or shopping, which led the smart system to humanitarianly not display the battle invitation, they should be able to see it no matter what.

As for being too busy to reply? For a major event related to advancement, it’s impossible to be too busy to reply.

The fact that these teams might be "too busy to reply" can only prove that they are unwilling to accept the challenge, or they have already found another opponent and simply chose to hide the notification, so we don’t know about it.

The situation is very bad.

Because when you count the total teams that rejected them, plus the recent messages about stage battles, most of the teams in Area A1 have already found their opponents. Their team seems to be somewhat isolated, and their situation is quite awkward.

Tang Liuli did not take advantage of Little Sakura’s misfortune. She realized what was happening, feeling very angry and said,

"It’s not your fault; it’s Dream Weaver Rabbit’s fault!"

"Our Stage Battle is always live-streamed, and after editing, it is very visible on major websites. They intentionally announced the new rules at this point in time and gave all contestants three hours to explore outside information."

"Once the news goes out today, our competitors will probably just have finished watching those performances where we gave our all and learned about the regular effects that [Heart Flow] can unleash on stage. So… unless they improve a lot, it would be impossible for them to agree."

The conversation ended.

Chu Wang Shu and Kirimi Miyuki were momentarily surprised; their thoughts were so pure. During those three hours, they were all busy talking with their families or replying to fan messages. Although they had seen some information along the way, they never thought about this situation.

Chu Yuanqing felt a bit worried; she had suspected this situation yesterday.

But in fact, this cannot be blamed on Miyuki, because even if they hadn’t watched the Stage Battle livestream, their luxurious setup of 3A1B is still quite impressive.

It can be said that even if the challenge invitation was sent a week earlier, those who would refuse would still refuse. Knowing earlier might make everyone feel less motivated to practice.

In theory, she should not worry about being eliminated.

After all, whether it’s the audience outside or the "Dazzling Stage" itself, they will not allow the six Grade A contestants, who are given the Artificial Lantern, to be eliminated for such a silly reason.

In other words, her team actually has a special protection.

Even Little Shu, who is not included, would see it as a good thing to leave the mysterious "Dazzling Stage" early from her own perspective.

Chu Yuanqing feels troubled now because she just made a promise with her daughter today. If they lose the Stage Battle, or if no one participates, her lovely daughter, who won’t be able to see the performance, might end up leaving early and not get to perform again…

She can hardly imagine how sad and upset the child will be at that time. She probably will feel extremely guilty, imagining Chu Yuanying arriving at the performance site but being disappointed when he can’t see her, making her cry even more.

Chu Yuanqing didn’t dare to think further. Her little face was serious as she said:

"Let’s not worry about those teams that haven’t given us an answer. We should prepare ourselves and look for teams that are in the same situation as us."

Kirimi Miyuki understood the implication.

Although their 3A1B team setup was very luxurious, so luxurious that no team dared to take the risk to engage in battle, there were other equally strong teams in area A1 that were also unable to find opponents.

The green-eyed cat counted on its fingers and murmured:

"Xiaoxiao, Baor, Chen Yining, and the one who was said to have turned the tables using [Heart Flow], Ruan Wutong."

"The quality of this team is quite high. I heard the young lady’s [Heart Flow] ability is very mysterious and has a strong effect on stage. If those teams want to minimize risk, forget about teams with double [Heart Flow]; I’m afraid any team with [Heart Flow] would not engage in battle."

"So, they should be in the same situation as us, where no one is fighting."

Tang Liuli felt a bit guilty as she read this.

There were just too many familiar faces in this team!

Xiaoxiao was her roommate; their relationship was good enough, but it couldn’t be counted as very close friends. On the other hand, she was definitely much closer to Xiaoxiao than to Xie Qingxuan. Xiaoxiao was one of the few people who didn’t make her feel socially anxious, so they could be considered ordinary friends.

As for Baor…

This orange outsider has been in a tough spot because of her. After finally joining a good team, now she rushes over wanting to defeat the others so badly that they suffer a terrible loss. That’s really unfair.

After all, if we really compete with this team, the final choice of teammates, from a logical and benefit perspective, would certainly first exclude the generally capable Liang Xiaoxiao, then exclude Lin Baor, who shares the same role, and finally choose between Ruan Wutong and Chen Yining, both from [Heart Flow].

So, if we think about it carefully, this is a complete case of favoritism.

Chu Wang Shu held back her impatience; she wasn’t very familiar with the people on that team, and she only knew Liang Xiaoxiao from having breakfast together a few times. She hadn’t considered this layer yet and analyzed calmly:

"The risk is too great. Joining this team is a choice we should make only when there are no other options."

Kirimi Miyuki agreed:

"Yes, just like Xie Qingxuan’s [Heart Flow] can take the lead, Liuli’s and my [Heart Flow] both have their own functions. None of us know what their [Heart Flow] capabilities are, and if there happens to be any counteracting connections, that would be bad. The information is very unstable."

"On the other hand, they were among the first to advance, so they have practiced much longer than we have."

"The Stage Battle is about paying attention to details. The fewer points you lose in the beginning, the better your chances are. We are not like Xie Qingxuan and Ji Shuzhu; we can’t handle everything perfectly in a short time, so we will definitely be at a disadvantage."

For a moment, the whole place was silent.

There are six Grade A participants in total. Three of them are from our side, one is Chen Yining, and the other two are in another team.

Simply put, it is a classic process of elimination; if we don’t challenge Chen Yining, we can only challenge Xie Qingxuan.

This system, which allows avoiding battles, is forcing them to compete against each other.

Just as everyone was silent, a brilliant light shimmered in the living room, grand fireworks and stage illusions exploded, and a graceful yet ancient black envelope floated down like a wild wind. It was the PK invitation that they were worried about.

Chu Yuanqing’s delicate hand touched the wax seal of the envelope. With a motion like unlocking a fingerprint, it opened on its own, revealing the team number, names of the members, and the challenge message instantly in front of everyone.

— Team Number: 12.

— Team Names: Xie Qingxuan, Ji Shuzhu, Fan Qiuling, Chu Qiushuang.

Later, there were words outlined in the air like a silver hook.

"The time is set for noon three days from now. Do you dare to accept the challenge?"

Chu Yuanqing felt a strange emotion. The thought of possibly meeting the other person on stage made her a bit dazed, and she suddenly remembered Xie Qingxuan’s whispered words at their farewell:

"Little Qing, you are so gentle with everyone."

"From now on… it’s better if you don’t do that."

"Because I will be jealous, very jealous, very jealous."

Chu Yuanqing hurriedly shook her head to forget those troubling words. She raised her head to look at her teammate and asked:

"Shall we accept?"

Little Sakura felt uneasy; she still couldn’t forget the dark star-shaped cross in those eyes and the heart-pounding sensation of being watched, almost like being wrapped up in something.

"I have placed a bet on our future stage."

"That is—my love for Chu Yuanqing."

At this moment, the words that once felt like a joke echoed in my mind, becoming more profound.

Kirimi Miyuki frowned in silence, her feelings of unease grew stronger upon seeing this challenge invitation, as if fueled by something, climbing ever higher, as if reminding her of something.

Meanwhile, deep within her soul, a thread of darkness from the "Cocoon of the Heart" took root and twisted, waiting for the right moment to fully immerse itself and make a pact.

Clearly, the decision to engage in battle was crucial.

Little Sakura felt a doubt arise and couldn’t help but think:

"Could it be… just as she didn’t lie about being kissed, is that absurd declaration also the truth?"

"If it’s true, then it might be related to her ‘Heart Flow’ ability, just like how no one can guess that my core ability is the ‘Perfect Interpretation Method’; Xie Qingxuan’s presence and dominance are merely extensions of her ability."

"But using a specific emotion as a bet is a bit too fantastical; it goes beyond my understanding and definition of an idol."

At this moment, Kirimi Miyuki felt confused for the first time about the power of [Heart Flow], which was increasingly approaching the supernatural.

Yet, no matter what, her choices were limited.

Chu Wang Shu and Tang Liuli both looked at her, clearly waiting for her to make a decision.

Kirimi Miyuki took a deep breath, setting aside her unease and doubt. Her eyes sparkled with a bright pink hue, the corners of her eyes lifted, and a confident smile appeared on her lips, creating an infectious atmosphere as she whispered:

"Accept it, why not?"

"Xie Qingxuan has only just entered the A1 area for two days, and she only drew the dance yesterday. Ji Shuzhu is indeed a genius choreographer, but with only three days left, that makes a total of just five days of training."

"In this situation, we have no reason to disagree, and we have no reason to be afraid of battle."

Chu Wang Shu and Tang Liuli exchanged glances and nodded in agreement one after the other.

Chu Yuanqing had no objections either.

Seeing this, Kirimi Miyuki pressed her fingertips on the envelope and wrote a crooked number on it. The black mist from "Cocoon of the Heart" truly took root and formed a contract that appeared deep in her heart, lingering like a nightmare.

And before Little Sakura could investigate the specific information, the PK request for Stage Battle quickly completed the process through the intelligent system, popping up a notification window in the living room.

— "Should it be announced to the A1 area channel?"

— "Yes/No."

There was no need to hide it.

Kirimi Miyuki simply clicked "Yes," then started reading the information that suddenly appeared in her mind. Her heart trembled, and the cherry blossom color in her eyes deepened, dancing like arcs of light and flowing sakura, revealing a beautiful sense of melancholy. She couldn’t help but bite her lip.

[Contract: In the stage battle, the loser will be deprived of love for Chu Yuanqing.]

This absurd statement emerged from the black mist within "Cocoon of the Heart."

The stage decides fate.

This famous line from Dream Weaver Rabbit became a true reflection at this moment.

At least now, in a certain way equal to dreams, the first love called a girl is placed on the stage, where its belonging will be decided by winning or losing.

Kirimi Miyuki initially felt confused, then anxious about gaining or losing, and after that, a slow-burning anger began to rise; she took a deep breath, but it was difficult to suppress the turmoil in her chest, causing her soul to churn with increasingly terrifying tides of emotion.

—The first spark of love.

—A stage that carries the meaning of an idol, even representing the dreams of many.

This contract has completely soiled both things, trampling her most sacred matters to dust.

The most important thing is,

"You must have used this ability before, right?"

"How many dreams of others have you trampled and insulted along the way?"

"Behind your victories in those 14 Stage Battles, how many tears are hidden?"

The more Kirimi Miyuki thought about it, the angrier she became. She even overcame her fear of loss just to raise the banner of rebellion against the increasingly Demon King-like, tyrant-like, villainous Imperial Ruthless Tiger and bring him down!

Little Yuki must never like this kind of idol!

The girl looked down at the gradually fading invitation. Her expression was cold, the smile on her lips disappeared, and she whispered softly:

"Xie Qingxuan, I… will not lose to someone like you."

Whether it was for the dream of becoming an idol or to protect her pure feelings from being tainted, she could not lose this Stage Battle.

From this moment on, the Stage Battle between them was no longer just a simple competition to advance, but had officially evolved into a clash of beliefs. It was like a hero blessed by the gods, determined to defeat the Demon King who brings harm to the world—a battle of fate!

…

…

At the same time, in another practice room in Area A1.

In the bathroom, steam was rising.

Xie Qingxuan wrapped one arm around her nearly overflowing fullness, a bit of foam flowing down her fair skin, her wet platinum hair sticking to her slim, soft back, showing a silky texture. She felt something and murmured to herself:

"The contract is established."

Inside the "Cocoon of the Heart," dozens of dark threads stretched out like a spider’s web. Their ends split into two sides: one end was at the center of the cocoon, and the other crossed through the void, connecting to dozens of victims as if linked by a thread of the mind.

This was the final image presented after stealing the brilliance of two regional players.

In fact, after the contract was established, she could unilaterally cut these threads and permanently steal.

But from the beginning, she had no intention of permanent stealing.

Xie Qingxuan was just borrowing it. Quickly using meditation to solve the Dream Puzzle and breaking down the advantages, these shone for her. Besides serving as a hidden energy source that stirred her emotions, they didn’t have much other use.

Since it is useless, she should return it; otherwise, it would be rude.

Xie Qingxuan applied body wash all over herself; her delicate hands glided over her soft skin, carefully and earnestly covering her legs, watching as the foam washed away, revealing the smooth and beautiful lines of her legs.

The girl’s sharp black-and-white eyes lowered. On her pretty face, she showed a natural and innocent smile, as adorable as a cuddly puppy, and softly whispered:

"Little Qing… I will see you in three days."

Splash, splash.

The flowing water washed away the foam, but it could not wash away the lingering thoughts.

The bathroom echoed with the sound of skin rubbing together, like vines exploring an unknown wall.

The sound of water continued non-stop, entwined with deep longing.

…

…

On the other side, the single dormitory.

"In Area A1, players have started a stage battle."

"Challengers: Xie Qingxuan, Ji Shuzhu, Fan Qiuling, Chu Qiushuang."

"Challenged: Kirimi Miyuki, Chu Yuanqing, Tang Liuli, Chu Wang Shu."

"The two teams have agreed to meet for the challenge at noon three days later. All players can watch through the virtual screen in the practice room."

Liang Xiaoxiao had just come out of the bathroom. She shuffled in her slippers to the sofa, her pink skin still seemed to be misty, and her pretty face showed a complex expression as she murmured:

"Little Qing… is going to have a battle with Qingxuan?"

In these two teams, three are former teammates, and they are now on opposing sides. No matter who wins, she will not feel happy.

Most importantly, Chen Yining challenged the team Xie Qingxuan is in yesterday and purposely set the time for the last day, which is theoretically a very generous situation for the opponent.

However, the announcement of this news undeniably declared that their challenge has been rejected.

At that moment, a certain young lady sitting on the sofa was filled with a low pressure, and the atmosphere felt extremely terrifying.