Chapter 181
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Chapter 181: Echoes of the Past, the Savior’s Lonely Shadow
Two days passed like flowing water.
In the underground base, the 165 contestants rushed in the final moments to prepare for the stage that would decide their fate.
After experiencing the "Flower Bloom," aside from training and restoring magic, Chu Yuanqing spent most of her time mastering the Patronus Magic that came from the blooming of the Flower of the Soul.
Although the meaning of the Tuhua flower and the blessings she made caused the "Pure White Ode" to take an extreme path with no return, the magical system that developed from this is a different matter.
Why is the "Flower Bloom" considered the moment that determines a magical girl’s fate?
Besides the blessings of the flower language, the key point is that after awakening the Patronus Magic, the Flower of the Soul gradually builds a complete set of magical formulas based on the nature of magic, Patronus Magic, the characteristics of the soul, and one’s wishes.
These spells are unique, like buds and leaves growing on different branches, and cannot be learned, with both their potential and effects remaining unknown.
The magic that Chu Yuanqing learned is quite strange; one could say it’s not very normal at all.
[Echoes of the Past]: This magic creates a shadow from the past. It can appear separately or strengthen itself. The length of its existence and specific abilities are determined by the amount of magical power.
[Broken Golden Cup]: Whenever a soul is broken, the speed of magic recovery increases by 500%. Whenever the body is harmed, the speed of self-healing increases by 500%.
These two magic spells are clearly related to her past. Considering that when [Pure White Ode] was formed, it included the deep journey of salvation from her soul, it is not surprising that it evolved into this.
In addition to these two, the Flower of the Soul also holds two other magic spells. Currently, only their names can be seen: [Annihilated Massacre] and [The Forgotten Ones].
The first one’s effect can be roughly guessed, but the second one is completely unclear.
A magic level like hers can only create four spells. It is likely that when her magic level evolves again and crosses the boundaries of rivers and seas, truly completing [Full Bloom], she will be able to build a complete system.
Chu Yuanqing is quite pleased with this. Compared to the initial stage effects of [Pure White Ode], she clearly prefers this magic that can be used on the battlefield.
Unfortunately, the magical power required for [Echoes of the Past] is too outrageous. Even if she exhausts her current magical power limit, the shadow summoned cannot return to its full glory.
On the other hand, [Broken Golden Cup] is very useful. As a noble passive ability, it slightly alleviates the awkward situation of losing magical power over time, providing some survival assurance, so that she has some health after temporarily losing the blessing of immortality.
In the two days that Chu Yuanqing was safely getting familiar with magic, Xie Qing Yu, who was sent to the second performance site, was busy without resting. Under the arrangement of Dream Weaver Rabbit, she used magic along with a little butterfly to search the entire Sea City for potential dangers.
As for the results, they cleaned out more than ten unhatched Calamity Seeds, found a hidden tunnel in the subway, as well as a pile of bones and bombs, and arrested several members of the Church of the Gods in the outskirts. During this time, they also caught a madman who had committed several murders.
These achievements in two days could be considered very efficient; sometimes, unreasonable magic is indeed more convenient than technology for tracking and investigation.
However, there were no practical results.
Although they cleared out some Calamity Seeds, seeing a cockroach indoors doesn’t make you naive enough to think that killing one means everything is fine.
In fact, this only proves that Sea City is really dangerous now, while the nearby Kyoto is calm and peaceful, as if there were no hidden crises at all.
As for the captured cult members, when Xie Qing Yu encountered them, they were already mentally deranged, showing signs of physical brain damage, and they could not provide any information, ending the clues here, with the second performance just around the corner.
In other words, the plan to eliminate the crisis in advance failed, and the only remaining tactic is to face whatever comes.
The officials set up a series of precautions at the venue and cleared out all people within a 10-kilometer radius a day in advance. A large number of barricades were put up, and special forces disguised as security personnel formed a long line leading to the performance site.
The audience entering this time will have their tickets checked 10 kilometers away. After passing through necessary security checks with high-tech equipment, they will board special cars that will take them along the planned route into the venue.
"Dazzling Stage" has clearly prepared for the worst. As long as there are no passersby nearby, even if five thousand audience members see the disaster beast, the officials can use some means to help them forget this memory and keep it hidden.
Therefore, the live streaming feature will be put on hold and will not be activated for the second performance.
The news that Xie Qing Yu will be a flying guest was also announced on the "Dazzling Stage" website, making the discussions about the second performance even more heated online. This has made the lucky ones who got tickets for the second performance extremely happy, feeling like they’ve hit the jackpot, and they can’t help but show off their tickets on various platforms, causing jealousy among many fans.
One of the earliest small fans promoting Pure White Witch is now the top lucky dog who is being attacked by everyone.
At this moment, in an apartment in Sea City, a girl ignored all the messages in the fan support groups that mentioned her, expressing jealousy, asking for real-time photos, and requesting autographs. She was happily humming a song, radiating a joyful atmosphere.
Xu Ling’s eyes curved into smiles as she carefully chose her outfit from the closet for going out later. For a moment, she hesitated, feeling a sweet and nervousness like a first love.
Pei Xiaotong sat nearby, holding a small dinosaur plushie that was also abandoned, looking at her cousin sister’s behavior with a mix of envy and resentment, unable to help but mumble:
"Honey Ling, remember to get an extra autograph for me if you get a chance to see Chu Yuanqing!"
Xu Ling’s bright eyes sparkled as she posed in front of the mirror with her new dress. She ignored her little cousin, whom she had treated like a slave for several days, and said with annoyance:
"Honey Tong, you can’t be so fickle! Just a few days ago, you said there was nothing interesting about ‘Dazzling Stage’ and that idols are not as good as otaku wives! How did you get swayed by Honey Qing so quickly? Now you even want to fight me for a signed photo!"
Even though Chu Yuanqing was already very popular and she hoped her popularity would grow, seeing her cousin so fond of Honey Qing gave her a strange feeling, as if her hidden treasure was being shared.
Pei Xiaotong opened her almond-shaped eyes wide in disbelief, feeling a bit puffy with anger.
How unfair! You were the one who got me into this! I thought you would be happy since I loved it after you told me about it! Besides, Honey Qing’s beauty hits me every day, and the stage is so powerful; isn’t it natural to like her?
It’s annoying! If anyone is to blame, it’s Honey Qing’s overwhelming charm!
Xu Ling placed the dress on the bed. Seeing the little girl sulking, she walked over, pinched her soft cheek, and smiled:
"Don’t worry, if there’s a chance, I will definitely get more signed photos."
"But it seems quite hard; there are 33 teams that need to perform once on stage, and in the second round, half of them get to go again. It will take at least three hours! We probably won’t have time for any other activities."
Pei Xiaotong felt even more envious, as if her mouth was stuffed with three lemons.
Three hours? That’s as long as going to a concert! You could enjoy performances from 33 teams that are not only of high quality but even better than the limits set in previous competitions—it’s a great deal no matter how you think about it.
How unfair! Honey Ling is so lucky! To get tickets for both the first and second performances is just unbelievable. Could it be because she prays to Honey Qing every day, reaching a level of true devotion?
Pei Xiaotong was puzzled. She felt she had to believe in her cousin sister’s luck and confidently said:
"It’s okay, Honey Ling."
"I believe you will definitely have the chance to ask Honey Qing for an autograph. Even if it doesn’t happen this time, you’ll be able to get it later!"
Xu Ling didn’t realize that her little cousin’s words were filled with confidence about being a lucky dog. She thought it was a sincere blessing. She took out a piece of merchandise from Chu Yuanqing’s endorsed product from her bag and said with excitement:
"Yes, yes! One day, I will get both Honey Qing and Miyuki to sign this!"
Pei Xiaotong looked at the postcard.
The Pure White Witch wore a holy wedding dress. She held the hand of Sakura Idol from a faraway land and walked together through the busy streets. The filter on the photo showed a style of light and shadow, bright and dark, like it meant the future would be difficult, but there would also be a rainbow after the rain.
The little girl’s eyes couldn’t help but twitch, and she complained:
"Honey Ling, does this count as dancing to the main character with your ship?"
Xu Ling carefully put away the postcard like a treasure and replied confidently:
"How can this count? It’s not like I made and printed the postcard myself. This is an official gift, and getting a signature on it makes perfect sense, right?"
Pei Xiaotong was silent for a moment. She thought if her cousin really succeeded, this postcard would probably become the supreme treasure of the "Meet You in the Mist" ship, shaping a perfect example of mutual fan adoration.
"…Honey Ling, as long as you’re happy."
Xu Ling wanted to tease her cousin a little more, but when she glanced at the time and saw that the show was starting in two hours, she hurriedly pushed the girl and her little dinosaur toy out the door.
The girl quickly changed into a chosen dress, grabbed her bag, and cheerfully said, "I’m off!" as she began her journey to the performance venue.
Today, the sky is a bright blue, the sun is warm, and it is a perfect sunny day.
Xu Ling had already put on sunscreen and was holding an umbrella. As she squeezed into the subway, she was sweating a lot. She held onto the handrail, standing in front of the subway door, looking at the blurred ads on the glass that rushed by, feeling a bit dazed.
This familiar yet strange scene suddenly reminded her of two months ago when she waited for Kirimi Miyuki in Zhelong Town.
How strange it is that only two months have passed, and the ads in the subway haven’t changed much.
That idol, who was nameless in a foreign land and struggled for seven years, still brave and passionate, alongside a girl new to the entertainment world and from a poor family, shone brightly on stages, becoming who they are now.
"Will the second performance be the start of your new journey?"
When Xu Ling thought of this, she felt a sudden urge of emotion. She knew she was not one of them, that the distance between them was far, and that this feeling would eventually be washed away by the mundane things of life, unable to last forever.
But isn’t that what idols are about?
You witness their youth and sweat, and through their shining light, you feel young again, as if you have lived once more in a parallel world. Just a few moments of deep emotion are enough to make this journey together meaningful.
In the midst of swirling thoughts, the subway announcement sounded:
"We are about to arrive at Longtai Station. Passengers going to Longtai Station…"
The girl’s lips curled into a smile, and she eagerly took a step forward, walking into the subway station. Yet strangely, just as her heel touched the ground, a blankness suddenly filled her mind.
Xu Ling lifted her gaze in confusion, only to find her vision was blurry, her heart pounding loudly, an instinctive feeling of danger piercing through her ears like a scream, as if a needle had stabbed her nerves, bringing intense pain.
At that moment, the LCD screen on the platform appeared hazy, a murky disaster aura slithered like a giant dragon, wrapping around the platform. It hid in a world of thoughts, sometimes appearing, sometimes fading, constantly twisting and changing shape, whispering mechanical, hateful, fearful, and nonsensical words:
"[Pure White], [Pure White]…"
"Destroy it, free… our kin, destroy it… our lord, kill them all… kill them all… that can destroy it…"
This voice echoed intermittently in her mind, a foreboding seed taking root in Xu Ling’s body, emitting a subtle disaster aura, growing like a virus, ready to strip away her soul and create a senseless monster.
But in the next moment,
"[witch]…avoid…"
This unknown disaster beast seemed to have a high level of intelligence. It suppressed its urge to kill and allowed the budding instincts to lie dormant, making all strange movements disappear.
Xu Ling’s mind returned, and she stared blankly at the bustling platform, confusedly blinking her eyes. She felt like she had forgotten something. Turning to look at the train’s closed doors, the strange feeling in her heart completely vanished.
The girl murmured to herself that she surely hadn’t slept well. She remembered Honey Tong’s words, "You should stop staying up late, or you’ll turn into a fool." Her heart raced for a moment, but after glancing at her friends’ envious remarks on her phone, she casually took a photo of the subway and carefree continued on her way.
Meanwhile, within a ten-kilometer radius of the venue, the audience heading for the second performance silently experienced similar events. The Ether Satellite [Fuxi], which closely monitored the area, failed to detect any abnormalities from beginning to end.
Therefore, Xu Ling and the other audience members arrived at the security checkpoint one after another. They all smoothly passed through the layers of tests, and after gathering a group of people, they boarded a special bus heading towards the giant venue, filled with positive feelings, eagerly anticipating the official start of the performance.
Xie Qing Yu sat in a single room waiting area. She had already "lit up" and completed her Magic Armor in advance. The colors of her dress were bright, a combination of purple and white, made from smooth velvet that looked mysterious and dignified, with a touch of elegance.
This was a rock-style Lolita dress, with a moderate length and a fluffy, wide skirt, featuring distinct layers of waves, giving it a musical theater style. It was a type that was difficult to pull off, yet wonderfully highlighted a unique charm on this national idol.
The girl put down her small parasol and worriedly said:
"Violet, are you sure you didn’t smell any disaster aura?"
The little butterfly was fluttering high above the venue, its wings sparkling with glowing powder like special markings, extending the magical girl’s spell far away, detecting any strange movements in the area. It replied at that moment:
"No, not at all, but according to the rules from the cartoons, there must be a bad guy hiding!"
Xie Qing Yu always had a very uneasy feeling.
The experiences that humans have gathered over 17 years, 99.9% are about how to effectively eliminate the Calamity Seed. This mechanical act of shooting at live targets has not brought much meaning other than making everyone aware of the existence of the forbidden area.
This is clear from the uselessness of Fuxi this time.
As for the disaster beast itself, the official information collected is at best a little helpful; no one can guess in what form the enemy will arrive.
So for now, she can only wait clumsily in the waiting room closest to the little idols and near the stage, ready to intercept any attacks from the disaster beast or its followers.
The little butterfly comforted her with an optimistic tone:
"Little Yu, don’t be afraid. We will definitely protect these children and help them finish their performance and get home safely!"
Xie Qing Yu looked at the projection screen, which showed the stage and audience just a hundred meters away. The audience was already taking their seats, and Dream Weaver Rabbit was on stage announcing the teams for the first round of competition, along with some voting rules.
Xu Ling was also among them. She took out her golden sparkly cheering stick from her bag, waiting eagerly for the performance to begin amidst the loud noise. Suddenly, she remembered something, took out her phone, and wanted to share the good news of her arrival in the audience with her group and share her happiness with Honey Tong.
"Huh? Why isn’t there any signal? Is it that ‘Dazzling Stage’ doesn’t want to show the second performance early?"
The girl looked at her phone with the lost connection and sadly imagined a reason. Then, without thinking much more about it, she turned her attention to the first team stepping on stage amidst the suddenly roaring cheers.
That was actually one of the current favorites to win.
— Ji Shuzhu, Chen Yining, Liang Xiaoxiao, Ruan Wutong, Lin Baor.
This team, 2A1B2D, was the first to take the stage, unveiling the curtain of the second performance amidst the audience’s cheers.
On the other side, the waiting room.
Chu Yuanqing said goodbye to the assistant sister, who helped her with her makeup.
The girl walked down the wide corridor, her porcelain-like pale face showing little emotion. Inside her clear eyes, there was a golden shimmer, boiling with a hot and fierce sense of danger, like the depths of an icy ocean, quietly bubbling within her chest, whispering in her heart:
"Why is there a smell of disaster beasts here?"
