With the newly trained Jing Yuan by her side, Guinaifen enthusiastically continued her questline!
In the original storyline,
she had dreaded encountering the Disciple of Sanctus Medicus, known for their exceptionally high piercing damage.
This enemy would summon two Demonic Yin Body minions each time, and as long as these minions remained alive, the main attacker could continuously regenerate health through its piercing attacks!
Even with Himeko's area-of-effect skills, they could only chip away a portion of the enemy's health bars.
Ultimately, it was always up to Dan Heng to eliminate them one by one.
But now!
Guinaifen couldn't contain her excitement, itching for a fight!
Summon minions? The more, the merrier!
Jing Yuan's abilities were all geared towards crowd control!
The moment Divine Monarch descended, the screen filled with massive damage numbers!
And the visual effects!
That overwhelming presence!
It was exhilarating beyond words!
At this point,
the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus quest had reached its second phase, titled "[Blind Illumination: Heaven's Outcast]."
Dan Shu's research on 'Dragon Coiling, Serpent Leaping' had yielded results.
She truly lived up to her title as a "Genius Head Pill Alchemist," impressively knowledgeable in her field.
During the course of her investigation,
Guinaifen accompanied Dan Shu to assist a blind little girl.
Following this, Dan Shu expressed her intention to gift the Trailblazer with something.
Guinaifen complained, "Throughout this entire quest, there hasn't been a single monster for me to even hit!"
"I'm outrageously strong now!"
"I'd slap any stray dog that crosses my path!"
The gift mentioned by Dan Shu turned out to be a longevity and vitality-enhancing medicine called "[Cloud-Eating Dew-Bearing Pill]."
Two options promptly appeared:
[Swallow it whole]
[Set it aside]
Before, Guinaifen would have hesitated.
Why suddenly am I being prompted to take medication within the storyline?
Her sensitivity towards the word "medicine" had heightened due to this quest's events.
However, now...
She possessed Jing Yuan!
As if she could "punch fierce tigers on southern mountains and kick mighty dragonfish in northern seas"!
Her confidence soared immensely!
Without a second thought, she chose [Swallow it whole].
"(My head suddenly hurts... What's happening...?)"
"(No... Something's not right. My body feels so hot and uncomfortable... It's getting hard to breathe...)"
In the visual perspective, numerous branches abruptly emerged!
Spreading from all directions, they seemed intent on enveloping the screen entirely.
Guinaifen was taken aback.
"What's going on?!` ˇ?"
"I've heard of a sedative called Spring Breeze Powder in the jianghu; its effects seem somewhat similar to what the Trailblazer is experiencing now."
"Could it be that Dan Shu has developed lustful intentions towards us?"
"What kind of thoughts are those?! Can't you see these branches closely resemble the color of a Demonic Yin Body?"
"Huh?"
"Dan Shu targeting us? There's no reason for it—she even helped a little girl just moments ago! Clearly, she's a decent citizen!"
"(This situation is peculiar; let's head to the Seat of Divine Foresight and consult with Qing Zhu.)"
Guinaifen had now regained much of his composure.
If the protagonist were transformed into a Demonic Yin Body, it would be all over!
They swiftly made their way to the Seat of Divine Foresight.
Meanwhile, on the screen, more branches appeared, and yellow leaves began sprouting from their tips.
"(Uh... my headache is flaring up again... Could there really be something wrong with Dan Shu's 'Cloud-Feasting Dew Pill'?)"
"(What's happening? Isn't this the Seat of Divine Foresight? Why are so many Demonic Yin Bodies appearing here...?)"
"(No... we can't let them... get any closer...)")
The battle Guinaifen had anticipated finally arrived—but unexpectedly, it was within the Seat of Divine Foresight against Demonic Yin Bodies.
Combined with the protagonist's current state, everything seemed deeply unsettling!
However, the fight had already begun, leaving no choice but to engage.
"By the radiant might, heed my command: Execute without mercy!"
Jing Yuan had been equipped with the best Relics from his family. With just one Skill followed by his ultimate ability, he effortlessly cleared the first life of a Demonic Yin Body. The subsequent attack from the Divine Monarch then perfectly dispatched its second life.
"Jing Yuan's damage is insanely high!"
"We're killing these monsters in just two rounds now!"
"Battle! So exhilarating!"
"No, wait! The names above these creatures are human names!"
"This isn't the Demonic Yin Body! These are Cloud Knights!" Guinaifen finally realized the crucial issue.
However, she couldn't control the Divine Monarch's Follow-Up Attacks; even if she wanted to stop, it was too late.
[Combat concluded.]
Qing Zhu's voice echoed, "Stelle! What happened to you?! Be careful, don't hurt her..."
"The Trailblazer! Trailblazer! Wake up quickly, are you alright?!"
Suddenly, all the branches retreated as if consumed by some unseen force.
"Oh, thank goodness! You've finally regained consciousness. I feared something terrible might happen; it scared me so much I broke out in cold sweat."
"You entered the Seat of Divine Foresight and suddenly started wielding your weapon uncontrollably."
"The way you lost control...was identical to those who succumbed to the Demonic Yin Body."
At the Divination Commission:
When adverse symptoms emerged after the Trailblazer took the [Meal of Clouds and Dew] pill, Fu Xuan immediately issued an order—proceed to Exalting Sanctum and arrest Head Pill Alchemist Dan Shu without delay!
However...
Upon reaching their destination, the Cloud Knights found themselves thwarted.
Dan Shu had already left Exalting Sanctum, taking with him all his documents, medicinal ingredients, and supplies!
As this information reached Fu Xuan, his expression darkened.
"That traitor, just as suspected!..."
"Transmit my command: issue a warrant for Dan Shu's arrest across the entire Xianzhou!"
"And one more thing!"
"Send envoys to investigate the Alchemy Commission thoroughly!"
"Having remained hidden in Luofu for so long, now that his true identity is exposed, he will surely resort to desperate measures, committing even more horrifying acts."
While issuing orders, Fu Xuan continuously performed divinations.
Suddenly, a look of shock flashed across his eyes.
"The Stellaron... Disciples of Sanctus Medicus..."
"Could their target be...the Tree of Foundation?!"
In The Shackling Prison.
Jingliu and Luocha approached Yanqing.
With Jingliu's face veiled by black silk, her emotions remained unreadable. In contrast, Luocha displayed a compassionate expression.
They revealed golden ornaments in their hands.
A flash of azure light illuminated.
Yanqing's body trembled slightly on the ground, and with a swift motion, he sprang to his feet.
His wary gaze scanned the surroundings, but upon realizing that these individuals had saved him, he relaxed somewhat.
"Many thanks to this big brother...and uh...this big sister," Yanqing said, his eyes subtly narrowing as he sensed a dangerous aura from the veiled woman.
He then glanced at the nearby ice wall, completely isolating them from the outside world and the Cloud Knights.
His mouth involuntarily parted in surprise.
This situation was entirely beyond his expectations!
It seemed the two rescuers were not ordinary individuals either!
Despite feeling uneasy, Yanqing mustered courage and stated, "Honored friends, if you assist me in capturing these three wanted criminals, Luofu will forever remember your kindness!"
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
The blades wielded by the Stellaron Hunters...
Upon hearing Yanqing's plea, Blade burst out laughing as if it were the greatest joke he had ever heard.
"Hahahahaha..."
"Boy, do you even know who that person beside you is?!?"
His lips curved into a sickle-like grin, revealing a disturbingly "cheerful" smile. Brandishing his ancient sword, Blade charged towards Jingliu.
Yanqing's gaze sharpened, and instinctively, he drew his own sword to help shield Jingliu.
However, Blade swung with frenzied force.
A streak of crimson sliced through the air!
Yanqing's pupils contracted sharply.
The sword in his hand was instantly knocked away, sending waves of intense pain throughout his body!
Meanwhile, Blade leaped high like a ferocious beast, dark red light shimmering from his blade—a clear intent to deliver a decisive blow!
Just then, a golden glow appeared on the ice-covered ceiling, followed by a massive blade descending.
Overwhelmed with surprise and gratitude, Yanqing blurted out, "General!!!"