Watching Ming Yu's receding figure, Chiyou could only let out an unwilling roar before it had to close its mouth. Since the cooked duck had already flown away, there was no need to waste more effort. After all, activating this devouring ability was not without its costs.
But at least, it wasn't a total loss this time.
Half-submerging its head in the water, Chiyou began its journey towards the continent again, to carry out the mission it was given.
Hearing the roar of the giant beast behind him, Ming Yu didn't dare to linger for a moment. He flew at full speed with Bronya and Himeko towards the Hyperion high above, leaving a clear trail in the thin clouds of the lower atmosphere.
Upon entering the battleship, the medical staff, who were already prepared under orders, quickly took Himeko from Ming Yu's hands and rushed her to the infirmary at top speed.
Seeing Himeko receive treatment, Ming Yu breathed a slight sigh of relief and turned his gaze to Theresa not far away.
Looking at the disheveled Ming Yu and Bronya, Theresa sighed a long sigh, a flash of guilt in her eyes. But she still took a few steps forward and said in a low voice, "You've worked hard! But now I need to know what exactly happened?"
"As you can see, after we came out of Jiu You, we encountered Chiyou. In order for us to have a chance to escape, Fu Hua chose to stay behind."
Leaning against the nearby wall, Ming Yu pursed his lips and said in a lukewarm tone.
In terms of results, he had revealed Chiyou's existence, successfully brought Himeko out, and incidentally gave Fu Hua a reason to participate in the final battle. It could be said that everything went smoothly.
But when he thought of his powerlessness against Chiyou, Ming Yu's heart was filled with disappointment, and his initial joy was instantly swept away.
Even though he had done his best to become stronger in the past six months, he was still so weak when facing a Judgment-class Honkai Beast like Chiyou.
Glancing at Ming Yu, whose face was so calm it was almost grim, Bronya quietly handed the Xuanyuan Sword to Theresa and said in a low voice, "I'm sorry, Principal. Class Monitor, she..."
Thinking of the scene of Fu Hua being swallowed by Chiyou, Bronya couldn't help but feel regret, regret for her incompetence and cowardice.
If she had been a little stronger, perhaps she could have helped everyone, and Fu Hua wouldn't have had to...
But there were no 'ifs' in reality.
Taking the golden ancient sword from Project Bunny's hands, Theresa gently stroked the straight blade, a deep sadness welling up in her heart. The image of the girl who always wore a blue training uniform flashed before her eyes.
Although sacrifices were inevitable when Valkyries performed missions, this was a mission she had personally signed off on. And someone had specifically warned her about it beforehand.
But she had paid it no mind at all.
If she had listened to Ming Yu's advice seriously and prepared the action plan with caution, Fu Hua wouldn't have...
Sniffling softly, Theresa did her best to suppress the grief in her heart and said seriously to Ming Yu, "Ming Yu, I was wrong this time. I shouldn't have disbelieved you. I know you're very sad about Fu Hua's matter, and I know that no matter what I do, I can't make up for my mistake. But I can promise you, as the Principal, that I will definitely kill Chiyou to avenge Fu Hua! No matter the cost!"
Noticing Ming Yu's low spirits, Theresa's heart was filled with mixed feelings. She was happy that Ming Yu had formed bonds in the Far East Branch, but she also felt even more guilty for her mistake.
Hearing Theresa's words, Ming Yu felt a mixture of amusement and exasperation. He fought back a smile and asked Theresa, "Principal, why would you think Fu Hua is dead?!"
"Eh? But didn't you say she was swallowed by Chiyou?" Blinking her sapphire-like eyes, Theresa exclaimed in disbelief.
"...Even from here, I can still feel the presence of those controlled mechs. Fu Hua is naturally still alive and well."
After a few seconds of silence, Ming Yu raised the Jizo Mitama in his hand, gave Theresa a look of concern, and patiently explained.
Even a B-rank Valkyrie wouldn't die immediately after being swallowed by Chiyou, let alone Fu Hua!
Silently looking at the Divine Key in Ming Yu's hand, Theresa instantly felt like she had been played, and her small face flushed red.
Staring at the innocent-looking Ming Yu, the Principal stomped her foot and said in exasperation, "You..."
Before she could finish, the Xuanyuan Sword suddenly burst with a brilliant golden light. A young girl dressed in an ancient Shenzhou ceremonial robe appeared above the sword, her deep amber eyes gently sizing up the people present.
"Greetings, brave warriors! It seems Chiyou has reawakened. I apologize, this should have been my battle. Though it may be too much to ask, I implore you to seal Chiyou once more and save the continent of Shenzhou!"
The girl pleaded sincerely, her tone full of apology.
Theresa stared blankly at the suddenly appearing girl, speechless for a moment.
Looking at the Yellow Emperor Xuanyuan of this world, Ming Yu couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions.
Although he had anticipated it, seeing this legendary figure in person still left Ming Yu stunned. This girl, who looked no older than Bronya, was actually the Xuanyuan of countless legends.
But Ming Yu eventually remembered his current situation. After giving Ji Lin a solemn bow, he asked, "Then, what should we do?"
Although Ming Yu had a rough idea of what to do, having the guidance of an "authoritative figure" like Ji Lin would make things much more convenient.
Nodding gently at Ming Yu, the girl said softly, "Chiyou's core is inside its body. Only by entering it and destroying the core can Chiyou be sealed again. During this process, I will also use my remaining power to help you."
After saying this, the girl's figure became faint and ethereal, as if she would disappear in the next moment.
Watching the fading Ji Lin, Ming Yu suddenly remembered something and quickly asked, "Excuse me, does the Stigmata you possessed still exist?"
Although in the chronicles, Ji Lin's Stigmata had never appeared and should have dissipated along with her body, since a part of Ji Lin's consciousness could exist in the form of Dark Ji Lin, perhaps her Stigmata could also have been preserved in some form.
Faced with Ming Yu's question, the girl simply showed a mysterious smile before disappearing into thin air.
It was only after the light from the Xuanyuan Sword completely subsided that Theresa snapped back to reality. She quickly threw the ancient sword aside, grabbed Bronya's slender arm tightly, and yelled, "A ghost~~~"