At the same time, the live stream's bullet comments erupted with even more fervor than the reactions at the scene.
Because of the live broadcast's perspective, the Production Team went wild the moment Cifera appeared. They immediately activated the Heaven's Eye System, locking onto her with unwavering focus.
As a result, viewers in the live stream were treated to a breathtaking view as Cifera soared through the night sky.
[Riding the moon's rays, gliding on the wind! This level of swagger! This grand entrance! Who else could pull this off?!]
[Mom asked why I was kneeling and crying, then screaming with joy!]
[So human evolution just skipped me, huh?! How is this even possible?!]
[Cifera: Let me show you what it means to truly reach for the stars!]
[The calling card was fulfilled perfectly! She even told us her methods, yet we still couldn't understand or prevent it!]
[So... how did the jewels float into the air? How did Cifera get up there? How did she phase through the wall?! And how did she suddenly sprout wings and fly?!]
[Stop asking, newbies! It's Cifera's magic tricks! It's the Coin of Whimsy! It's black tech!]
[Screw it! Tonight is Cifera's ascension to godhood! No one stop me from hyping her up!]
[Little Granddaughter: Big Sister, your performance is putting so much pressure on me!]
[More than just immense pressure—even a casual move by Cifera could be something Lu Yue might never achieve in his entire life!]
[Just a timid question: Could Sister Aya actually be Cifera?]
[Nah, probably not...]
[No need to doubt it. Everything adds up! Cifera wouldn't go through the trouble of disguising herself as Aya just to trick us, then personally craft a gown identical to Aya's, right? That's a true masterpiece! It's impossible to imitate so perfectly!]
The internet erupted into a frenzy after Cifera's actions.
Hashtags like "#CiferaCanActuallyFly," "#StarryLightStolen," and "#KittyPhantomThiefAscendsToGodhood" skyrocketed to the top of trending lists across all social media platforms.
Simultaneously, a massive controversy erupted: "Is Aya Actually Cifera?"
At that moment, the Expert Team stood rooted to the spot, gazing up at the night sky where Cifera had vanished. Their faces were etched with helplessness, shock, and a hint of indescribable... relief and admiration.
Liu Shanhe glanced at his colleagues and let out a long sigh.
"There's no doubt about it—we've lost this time.
"A complete and utter defeat, one we accept wholeheartedly.
"That little Cifera... she's practically a monster."
"..."
The others shared Liu Shanhe's sentiments.
Yes, we were utterly defeated.
None of our meticulously laid plans had any effect whatsoever; they crumbled at the slightest touch!
Cifera had warned us in advance, yet we could only watch helplessly as she spirited away the Starry Light, completely powerless to stop her.
Although the Production Team had announced a 24-hour pursuit window, promising that capturing Cifera and recovering the Starry Light within that time would secure our victory, everyone knew the truth. Letting her escape meant she would vanish like a bird into the sky or a fish into the sea!
Finding Cifera—with her mastery of disguise and hacking skills—in this vast sea of humanity seemed an impossible task.
From the moment she successfully fled, the battle to defend the Starry Light had been irrevocably lost.
[The Pursuit Team has it so rough. They've been played like pawns by Kitty Phantom Thief since the show started.]
[Even Old Liu has conceded defeat. The Pursuit Team's morale must be plummeting.]
[This is the difference between mortals and gods. No amount of effort can bridge that gap.]
[Are you Cat Fans insane? Calling her a god? Have you no shame?]
[Seriously? You Pursuit Fans still have the nerve to show your faces after this utter defeat? You're the ones who should be ashamed!]
[Exactly! Remember how arrogant you Pursuit Fans were when we Cat Fans still believed Cifera would appear? Now look at you—all swollen and bruised! What's the matter? Battered and bruised, still trying to scare people with your uselessness?]
[Damn! This guy's on fire! Great takedown!]
Amidst the Cat Fans' "gang beating" of the Pursuit Fans in the Bullet Comments, Nie Bing spoke up, her voice ringing with unwavering conviction:
"Master! We can't give up now. Even if there's only a sliver of hope left, we have to fight to the very end!
"The 24-hour deadline isn't up yet—anything can still happen! Everyone makes mistakes!
"That Cifera brat is probably gloating like crazy right now, but those who pop the champagne at halftime rarely get the last laugh!"
No one expected Nie Bing, Cifera's closest friend, to be the first to rally their spirits.
"Hahaha, Little Bingbing's right!"
Liu Shanhe looked at Nie Bing, a relieved smile spreading across his face. "This time, Cifera really knocked me down. I never thought I'd be lectured by you, Little Bingbing! Guess I can't deny my age anymore. People lose their fighting spirit as they get older, it's true."
He paused, the dejection vanishing completely from his face. His eyes regained the sharp focus of a legendary Criminal Investigator:
"I take back what I said earlier. We've only lost the first half. There's still the second half to play! Until the final whistle, no one is allowed to show that defeated look again. Give it your all!
"Even if we still lose in the end, so what? As long as Cifera moves on to her next target, we'll still have a chance to catch her.
"But if we crumble now, if we cower at the mere sight of her, we'll never catch her!
"Do you all understand?!"
"Understood!"
The Expert Team members replied in unison, their morale surging back, stronger than before.
[Tearing up! You guys on the Pursuit Team are amazing! Setbacks aren't scary—what's scary is giving up!]
[Exactly! Pursuit Fans, stop arguing with the Cat Fans. They're on top right now. When you're behind, you get the beatdown—that's how it works. But I believe Old Liu and the others will make a comeback!]
[Go get 'em, Pursuit Team! I've always believed justice will prevail! Final Heist!]
[Alright! Cat Fans, let's see how this plays out. May the best team win! Victory and defeat are normal. Just don't gloat when you're winning and stubbornly deny defeat when you're losing.]
The Pursuit Team's renewed spirit finally calmed the toxic atmosphere in the live stream's Bullet Comments.
Just then, Lei Gang approached, his expression grave.