The sudden onset of "non-probabilistic misfortune" allowed Tie Jin to instantly experience the terror of Jing Liuli's "Domain: Innate Great Luck."
Ordinary Calamity-rank battles were typically collisions between domains—a contest of whose will or power could overwhelm the other. In this regard, even Tendo's "Infinite Time and Space" followed that rule.
However, built upon these foundations, there existed a very special category of domains: "Conceptual Domains." The formation of such domains was often untraceable because they materialized illusory concepts into reality.
Jing Liuli's domain was the complete materialization of the concept of "luck." This kind of concept, independent of "physical reality," was often difficult to influence by domains operating on a material level. In other words, Jing Liuli's Domain: Innate Great Luck could not be blocked by Tie Jin's Domain: Mechanoid Dominance, nor would it interfere with Tendo's Domain: Infinite Time and Space.
"Luck made manifest..."
A strange light flickered in Tie Jin's mechanical pupils. Even though he now had one foot in the grave, as a Machine Star Emissary, he felt neither fear nor resentment toward Jing Liuli, Tendo, or the others. On the contrary, he was filled with curiosity and... greed regarding Jing Liuli.
For the Machine Star Emissaries of the Iron Dome family, this kind of unknown "knowledge" was far more precious than life itself. If he could, he would have traded all his resources just to understand how Jing Liuli turned the ethereal concept of "luck" into a variable that could be manipulated at will.
Unfortunately, Jing Liuli was not going to give him that chance.
Whoosh.
Deep purple dream power erupted from Jing Liuli, working in tandem with her Domain: Innate Great Luck. It transformed into a boundless "sea of purple butterflies," surging toward Tie Jin.
These purple butterflies effortlessly bypassed Tie Jin's surrounding quantum shields, entering his mechanical core. The moment his consciousness was invaded, not only were his internal mechanical programs affected, but his once-perfectly controlled cybernetic augmentations also spiraled out of control.
Simultaneously, Tendo appeared behind him unnoticed, placing a hand on his back.
"Star Energy Art: Black Azure."
Boom!
A black vector energy sphere pierced through Tie Jin's body, causing his limbs to go limp as he collapsed to the ground. His ruptured chest exposed a mass of wires, and the leaking mechanical energy emitted significant radiation into the surroundings.
Yet, Tie Jin remained indifferent to it all. He stared fixedly at Jing Liuli, using his final reserves of energy to say something that caught Tendo and the others by surprise.
"Data... collection complete. New module established... Code name: Great Luck."
With those words, the light in Tie Jin's eyes faded completely.
Looking at the "deceased" Tie Jin, Jing Liuli felt a strange lack of the joy she had expected. The words he spoke before dying left her feeling a bit lost regarding their "victory."
Was this guy... or rather, were the old fogies behind him, deliberately pushing him out as a sacrifice? What exactly were they trying to do?
As Jing Liuli fell into thought, Tendo approached her and patted her shoulder.
"Don't overthink it. Just focus on what's in front of you."
Jing Liuli blinked, startled by his voice, but then her sweet smile returned. Then, to the surprise of Tendo, Caroline, and the others, she suddenly pulled out her mobile terminal and snapped a photo of Tie Jin and the battlefield. She even took a close-up selfie with Spirit Fox, her eyes brimming with excitement.
"Perfect! I have to send this photo to my fans. I need to tell them their Liuli has successfully ranked up, defeated the big bad guy, and protected the Federation!"
Tendo: "..."
It seems... I didn't need to say anything.
While Tendo stood there speechless, Caroline walked over, a rare smile appearing on her face.
"Not bad. You didn't drag us down; in fact, you were a huge help. When we get back, I'll make you star-fruit mousse for a week to celebrate your promotion."
"Hooray!"
Jing Liuli cheered, hopping around while hugging Spirit Fox. She instantly reverted to her childish persona, yet she could no longer hide the aura of a Calamity-rank powerhouse.
Just then, the figures of Yun Meng and Little Jin sped toward them. Little Jin's surrounding flame star power remained dense, while Yun Meng's face carried a hint of anxiety. Seeing everyone safe and sensing the Calamity-rank star power fluctuating around Jing Liuli, a relieved smile broke across her face.
"It's good that everyone is alright. Liuli, you... you've promoted to Calamity rank?"
"Mm-hmm!" Jing Liuli nodded vigorously, lifting her chin proudly as deep purple star power swirled around her. "I've reached Calamity rank! I even awakened a domain called 'Innate Great Luck.' I can bring good luck to everyone!"
As she spoke, she didn't forget to showcase her domain. A pale purple glow enveloped Yun Meng and Little Jin. Both instantly felt their fatigue vanish and their injuries begin to heal rapidly.
Little Jin circled Jing Liuli excitedly, letting out happy low growls and occasionally rubbing his head against her leg. Yun Meng smiled tenderly, gently stroking Jing Liuli's hair.
"Well done."
Sunlight filtered through the cracks of the abandoned spaceport, shining down on the group and reflecting their various colors of star power. Jing Liuli's deep purple, Tendo's pale blue, Caroline's silver-white, Yun Meng's pale pink, Spirit Fox's faint shimmer, and Little Jin's fiery red intertwined into a dazzling display.
Inside the underground factory, the paralyzed machines were lined up in neat rows. The once-cold danger had long been replaced by the warmth and joy of victory.
Jing Liuli leaned against Tendo while hugging Spirit Fox, playing with her terminal. She was busy editing a post for the Star Network while discussing her plans for their return. "When we get back, I'm going to hold a victory livestream! I'll tell the fans the good news about my promotion and upload a raid vlog. I'll include the highlights of us beating Tie Jin and take a special photoshoot for Spirit Fox so it can become a little star too!"
"Oh, and I have to treat everyone to five-star desserts to celebrate our victory!"
Watching her cheerful demeanor, everyone couldn't help but laugh. Tendo looked at Jing Liuli, feeling like an old father watching his daughter finally grow up. His efforts hadn't been in vain; not only had she completed her promotion, but she also possessed a powerful domain and the strength to protect herself and others.
Caroline's gaze toward her grew increasingly indulgent. She was already mentally planning to not only make the mousse but also help her organize the livestream footage. Yun Meng smiled gently, nodding in agreement with her plans, her eyes full of doting affection.
Jing Liuli finished editing her post and attached the photo she had just taken. In the picture, she was hugging Spirit Fox with a radiant smile. Behind her were Tendo, Caroline, Yun Meng, and Little Jin, with a pixelated Tie Jin in the background. The control console of the underground factory served as the backdrop, with the faint glow of purple star power visible.
'Fan babies, I'm back!'
'Not only did I successfully complete the mission, but I also promoted to Calamity rank and awakened the "Innate Great Luck" domain! We defeated the big bad guy and protected the Federation!'
'Thank you all for waiting and for your blessings. When I get back, I'll hold a celebration livestream with lots of surprises. Together with little baby Spirit Fox, I'll continue to guard our home!'
The post had just been sent when the Star Network instantly exploded. Blessings from fans flooded the screen.
#JingLiuliPromotesToCalamityRank#
#LiulisInnateGreatLuckDomain#
#ProjectLightTeamDefeatsTieJin#
The three hashtags instantly shot to the top of the Star Network's trending list. The comment section was filled with fans' cheers and congratulations. Many left messages saying they were preparing celebration gifts and were proud of her.
This reaction was due not only to Jing Liuli's high profile within the New Federation but also to the "mysterious" and "aloof" reputation typically associated with Calamity-rank experts. To most ordinary people, Calamity-rank Star Emissaries were unreachable beings. These individuals rarely appeared in the public eye, and the vast majority of them had no interest in social media.
But Jing Liuli was different. She was well-versed in social media and was a classic internet-savvy girl. Watching a "girl-next-door" become an "unreachable Calamity-rank expert" provided a sense of participation and achievement that other celebrities couldn't offer.
Consequently, within just a few minutes, Jing Liuli's inbox was overwhelmed by a massive wave of messages.
Looking at her fans' comments, a touch of warmth rose in Jing Liuli's eyes, and her smile grew even brighter. She knew that in this battle, she hadn't just completed a promotion and protected the Federation; she had also lived up to her fans' expectations and the support of her companions.
Tendo stepped forward, his voice steady. "Alright, it's time to head back. We need to hand Tie Jin over to the Federal Council and clean up this machine factory to prevent any hidden threats."
"Understood!" Everyone responded in unison, their voices firm yet cheerful.
Jing Liuli followed her companions toward the hangar of the abandoned spaceport, hugging Spirit Fox. Deep purple star power continued to swirl around her. "Innate Great Luck" wasn't just an active skill; it was also a passive one.
The aircraft slowly departed the abandoned spaceport, speeding toward the base. Inside the cabin, the atmosphere was exceptionally relaxed. The tension and oppression of battle had vanished, replaced by the warmth of victory.
Jing Liuli sat by the window, her fingers flying across her terminal as she replied to fans and discussed livestream details with Yun Meng. Her smile never faded.
"Sister Yun, which outfit do you think I should wear for the livestream?"
Jing Liuli opened her digital wardrobe, pulling up several beautiful outfits: shimmering gowns often used on stage, casual and sharp combat suits, and a new dress with pale purple star patterns.
"This star-pattern dress was custom-made. The patterns are the same color as my star power and even have little Spirit Fox icons. Wearing this during the stream will definitely win over more fans!"
Yun Meng leaned over and said with a gentle smile, "That star-pattern dress is lovely. It fits your idol persona while highlighting your aura as a Calamity-rank powerhouse. With your current deep purple star power, you'll look stunning."
"Really!" Jing Liuli nodded emphatically, her eyes sparkling. Then she looked at Caroline. "By the way, Caroline, do you want to join my livestream? I'll film you looking super cool; I guarantee you'll get tons of fans!"
Caroline, who was sitting at the console organizing data from the abandoned factory, didn't even look up. "No. I have to organize the files on Tie Jin for the Federal Council. I don't have time for your nonsense. And don't you dare talk about my business on air."
Jing Liuli stuck her tongue out and muttered under her breath, "Stingy. Don't worry, I won't talk about your business. I'll just promote you and say you're super amazing!"
As she spoke, she secretly snapped a photo of Caroline's profile while she was working seriously and saved it carefully, planning to reveal it as a surprise for the fans during the stream.
Tendo leaned back in a corner of the cabin, eyes closed to rest. His pale blue star power flowed slowly, recovering the energy spent during the battle. Occasionally, he opened his eyes to look at Jing Liuli. He could clearly perceive that her star power was becoming more stable. She was slowly becoming familiar with "Innate Great Luck"—though she hadn't mastered it completely, she could already use it flexibly. His efforts had not been in vain.
Little Jin lay curled at Yun Meng's feet, letting out faint snores. His flame star power had retracted, and though his face showed fatigue, his excitement was still evident. He occasionally lifted his head to rub against Jing Liuli's leg, as if looking forward to the food at the victory banquet.
About an hour later, the aircraft landed slowly at the base hangar.
As soon as the hatch opened, Jing Liuli rushed out with Spirit Fox. Deep purple star power swirled around her, and her "Innate Great Luck" domain opened quietly, a faint glow enveloping the base entrance as if bringing good fortune to everyone.
"I'm finally back!"
Jing Liuli stretched, a comfortable smile on her face. "I'm going to change first and then start the celebration livestream immediately to share the good news!"
She ran toward her room but stopped after a few steps to shout back at the group.
"Tendo, Caroline, Sister Yun! Remember to get ready! I want star-fruit mousse, star-wheat bread, and lots and lots of delicious food for the banquet!"
Watching her cheerful departing figure, everyone couldn't help but laugh.
Yun Meng shook her head helplessly. "That girl is always so impatient. But it's good to see her so happy."
Caroline nodded, her tone flat but tinged with indulgence. "I'll head to the lab to make her star-fruit mousse. You guys organize the data first. We'll set up the banquet just as she requested."
Tendo nodded slightly. "Alright. I'll go hand Tie Jin over to the Federal Council representatives and come back to celebrate with you all."
A short while later, Jing Liuli changed into the pale purple star-pattern dress. Her long lavender hair was loosely tied up, adorned with small star-shaped accessories. Her light makeup was both exquisite and spirited, perfectly blending her feminine idol charm with the presence of a powerhouse.
She sat before her streaming equipment with Spirit Fox, adjusting the camera and audio. Her eyes were full of anticipation. With a gentle tap, she started the celebration livestream.
As soon as it began, the viewer count skyrocketed. The chat was instantly flooded with messages, and the blessings from fans were so dense they nearly covered the entire screen.
"Liuli baby is finally streaming! we've waited so long!"
"Congratulations on promoting to Calamity rank, Liuli! You're so amazing, we're proud of you!"
"It's just good to see you back safe, Liuli. We were scared to death thinking you might get hurt!"
"Little baby Spirit Fox is here too! So cute! Just as pretty as Liuli!"