Six-Phase Ice · Shield Deployment.
Facing the combined assault of the three, March 7th didn't dare to be careless. Although her strength had improved, it hadn't increased by much.
After all, not everyone was like Wu Tong—a freak who had grown rapidly in just over a month, now firmly stepping into the fourth rank.
March 7th grumbled inwardly, but her movements didn't slow. With a thought, a massive block of Six-Phase Ice materialized instantly.
It formed a semicircular shield, nearly a meter thick, enveloping March 7th completely. The surging power of the Preservation Path was channeled into the Six-Phase Ice shield, bolstering its defenses even further.
Whoosh—
The moment the Six-Phase Ice met the flames, a thick plume of steam erupted.
Dense white smoke spread rapidly, soon obscuring everything in the arena.
...
Audience Stands.
"As expected of professional cosplayers from the Outcast community! They've not only imitated the appearance, personality, and looks but even the skills!"
"Only Outcasts can replicate skills like this. Ordinary people don't have supernatural powers—cosplayers can only mimic the exterior, not the soul."
"Wait… does this really feel like cosplay to you?"
"Are you… an anime fan?"
"Huh? No?"
"If not, how can you ask such a question? Use your brain. How could fictional characters appear in the real world? It's impossible, right?"
"Hey, aren't you getting off-topic? These girls are amazing! And the power of that combined attack is insane!"
"They're impressive, no doubt, but isn't this a bit too much? Someone should help her! Why are these girls so violent?"
"Oh crap, you're right! Someone save her! With flames that big, she'll be burned to a crisp!"
...
While the audience unanimously believed March 7th would be in trouble after that attack, Stelle, Hu Tao, and Kiana didn't let their guard down. Instead, they watched the smoke nervously.
They knew full well that an attack of that level wouldn't be enough to take down March 7th. After all, she was part of the chat group and had plenty of defensive tricks up her sleeve.
Their guess was spot-on.
As they kept their eyes on the smoke, the sound of a train's whistle gradually grew louder, echoing across the arena.
Choo-choo—
The sound grew from faint to clear, from distant to near.
In no time, a train appeared, riding on silver rails materialized out of thin air, gliding through the void and piercing through the smoke, revealing itself to everyone.
The retro design of the train unexpectedly exuded an aura of mystery and the unknown.
The audience's expressions turned peculiar at the sight of this sudden arrival. The reason was simple—they all recognized it.
The familiar silhouette and appearance made it instantly identifiable: this was none other than the Astral Express!
But no one would answer their questions now, as the fighters on stage were still busy with their battle.
"Hmph, Stelle, you little brat who's not even a year old—you're way too naughty! As they say, spare the rod, spoil the child.
So, are you ready? This time, I won't go easy on you!"
A voice rang out as a figure emerged from the smoke.
March 7th's voice carried a mix of seriousness and irritation as she glared at the trio opposite her.
When March 7th fully stepped into view, the audience's eyes nearly popped out of their sockets.
The reason?
Behind March 7th floated six black rings.
These eerily familiar rings, combined with the sudden appearance of the Astral Express, left no room for doubt.
These young spectators, well-versed in recent popular anime, instantly recognized what they were:
Martial Souls and Spirit Rings.
...
Audience Stands.
"Uh… isn't this a bit too much of a mash-up? March 7th from Honkai: Star Rail, using Martial Souls from Douluo Dalu, and she's even a Spirit Emperor? And her Martial Soul is the Astral Express? This is wild!"
"Shocking! Did the Astral Express derail, or did Douluo Continent cheat?"
"Bro, slap me. I think I'm dreaming."
"What kind of crossover is this? What's even happening?"
"I thought scenes like this only existed in fanfics. Never expected to see it in real life!"
"666, this is insane."
"I still feel like they might actually be the real deal."
"Is this really them? Since when does March 7th have a Martial Soul? I think this is a fanfic version of March 7th who broke through the fourth wall (nods confidently)."
"Wait, doesn't anyone find this strange? This clearly isn't an Outcast's ability!
What kind of Outcast can summon a train? And a floating one at that? If this were real, our country's tech would've skyrocketed by now!"
...
Some thought it was fake, some were indifferent, some deluded themselves, and others cracked jokes—
Such was the diversity of reactions.
But this only applied to most of the audience. The sharper ones had already sensed something was amiss.
...
Meanwhile, Himeko, Fu Hua, and the other spectators remained silent, simply observing the scene.
"The secret's out. Though I didn't expect Little March to lose her temper like this," Dan Heng remarked, sounding somewhat surprised.
"Mm… indeed. The March of the past wouldn't have gotten angry so easily. She must have grown after joining the chat group—seeing more of the world changes a person," Fu Hua added after a moment of silence.
Dan Heng paused at her words, then fell silent.
Though he knew Fu Hua wasn't the Marshal Hua of the Xianzhou, he couldn't help but think of the Xianzhou matters whenever he saw her.
Thus, while he held no grudge against Fu Hua, he chose to keep his distance.
"By the way, is it really okay to reveal the Martial Soul like this?"
(End of Chapter)