"Spirit Masters versus Outcasts, Western fantasy's Fallen Angels against Eastern fantasy's Qi Practitioners, Kamen Riders battling cultivators, dragons versus humans - we even have the esoteric faction facing off against the technological faction. This Luotian Grand Ritual can truly be called a gathering of demons and monsters."
Tsukasa Kadoya walked over with a teasing grin. "Hah, absolutely! It's just like the Tournament of Power from Dragon Ball, except theirs was a battle among twelve universes within their own world. Ours spans multiple worlds - 'Multiverse Martial Tournament' might be more fitting, don't you think? I wonder if those Quanxing folks will suffer Dao Heart Collapse when they see our battles and try to flee. Should we set up a barrier to prevent their escape?"
Gu Ruoli approached, her expression concerned after hearing Tsukasa's words. "Let's ask the Old Heavenly Master after registration," Xiao Yan replied leisurely, with Xiao Xun'er by his side. "It's his event after all - we shouldn't overstep as guests."
"Fair point," Wu Tong said dismissively. "Besides, Quanxing isn't our main objective - they're just a sideshow. Our real purpose is helping Chulan establish cooperation with the government. Even if Quanxing scatters, their troublemaking nature will eventually draw the state's wrath. Their fate is sealed regardless."
"You're right," Gu Ruoli mused, then brightened. "Let's hurry! After hearing 'Brother Tsukasa,' I can't wait any longer!"
"Right away, honored guests!" Zhang Chulan immediately transformed into an obsequious guide, grinning obsequiously as he led the group forward.
The others exchanged amused glances before following.
Dragon Tiger Mountain, Backwoods
Luotian Grand Ritual Venue
Registration Area
With registration nearly closed, the crowd had thinned to about a dozen participants. Those remaining chatted casually while subtly probing for information about potential opponents - though they might never face each other, caution never hurt.
Their conversation gradually shifted from tactical reconnaissance to genuine camaraderie - until one participant suddenly pointed excitedly toward the entrance:
"Holy shit! Look! It's Rex Lapis, March 7th, Hu Tao—!"
"???"
The others frowned. Had this guy lost his mind? Game characters don't just appear in reality.
Yet when they turned, their jaws dropped in unison.
Holy shit, did the dimensional barrier break?
Familiar yet impossible figures approached:
MiHoYo Characters: Zhongli, March 7th, Welt Yang, Himeko, Dan Heng, Hu Tao, Fu Hua, Kiana, Bronya...
Anime Characters: He Xi, Yan, Zhixin, Rimuru, Milim, Kanna, Lucoa, Gabriel...
Tokusatsu Characters: Tsukasa Kadoya, Daiki Kaito, Yusuke Onodera...
"Since when did the dimensional wall break? Is this an anime invasion?"
"Zhongli...so handsome! That aura of absolute security feels completely authentic!"
"Teacher Himeko and Kiana appearing together - she really didn't die! I'm crying!"
"Wait, look carefully - that's the Astral Express's Himeko!"
"How dare you shatter my Dao Heart like this (╬￣皿￣)!"
"Isn't that Masahiro Inoue? Why's a Japanese guy here?"
"Are you delusional? These are obviously just cosplayers - though I didn't expect Outcasts to cosplay."
"Isn't that discrimination? Who says Outcasts can't cosplay?"
"Are there really cosplayers this accurate? Did they actually walk out of the screen?"
"Honestly, I'm going to ask Welt Yang to take commemorative photos later - maybe he'll perform 'Yang Beyond' for us!"
"Great idea! Let's go together!"
"Wait, there's even a Kanna cosplayer? So cute ＼(^▽^＠)ノ."
"Yeah! Wait...you watch this kind of 'moe' anime too? Kindred spirit! Let's exchange WeChat!"
"Kanna's great, but Lucoa's more my type. That figure...does such a body really exist in reality? Hehehe..." (nosebleed)
"Absolutely perfect! And she's wearing the full cosplay outfit too - a true saint bestowing blessings upon us, worthy of the Imperial Ancestral Temple!" (nosebleed while thumbs-upping)
The dozen or so participants erupted into passionate discussion at the sight of Wu Tong's approaching group. Since the Luotian Grand Ritual's registration was limited to Outcasts under thirty, the crowd consisted mostly of enthusiastic youths well-versed in anime and games. Seeing such phenomenally accurate cosplays naturally thrilled them.
Ding-dong—
(Chapter End)