After Tao Yao left the city area with Shiro.
Her steps gradually became slower, and her complexion grew increasingly pale.
Shiro noticed something was wrong and quickly came forward to support Tao Yao.
"Miss Tao Yao, are you okay?"
Shiro asked with concern, her brows furrowed.
Tao Yao forced a smile, but soon doubled over from a severe coughing fit. Shiro hurried to support her and couldn't help but complain:
"Miss Tao Yao, I already told you not to use your demon power, but you just wouldn't listen. Your body is already very weak, and now, well, for a long time to come, you probably won't be able to take care of yourself and will just have to lie in bed for me to take care of you."
As Shiro spoke, she carefully helped Tao Yao.
Her tone was both reproachful and full of concern.
Hearing Shiro's words, Tao Yao couldn't help but smile gently and softly said, "You're really nice."
These simple three words made Shiro's face instantly turn red.
She lowered her head, trying to hide her shyness, but the blush on her ears still betrayed her inner feelings.
Tao Yao looked at Shiro's reaction, and a hint of tenderness flashed in her eyes. After thinking for a moment, she spoke again:
"By the way, Shiro, when we move next, I'm afraid I'll need to trouble you a little more."
Upon hearing this, Shiro immediately raised her head and firmly said, "Miss Tao Yao, you don't need to worry. No matter where you go, I will follow you."
Tao Yao smiled and nodded, then gently leaned against Shiro's shoulder.
The two slowly walked into the night, disappearing on the distant horizon.
After the crisis ended, a few days passed.
During this time, Tao Yao was busy designing her character image for the new version of the game event.
She spent a lot of energy ensuring that every detail perfectly presented what she wanted to express.
Time flew by, and in just a few days, the new version of "Fairy Journey" was finally updated as scheduled.
In a group chat named "Sakura Fubuki's Cozy Nest," there was a lively atmosphere.
"The version has been updated!" someone excitedly shouted in the group.
Pure Widow: "Little piglets, get up! The version has been updated."
Lemon Spirit: "Let's start drawing! Lily, I'm coming!!"
Subsequently, the group began a flurry of messages:
"Fairy Journey, activate!"
"Fairy Journey, activate!"
"Fairy Journey, activate!"
...
At the same time, the streamer Sakura Fubuki also started her live broadcast. Compared to when the game first launched, her stream had seen a significant increase in popularity.
From just a few dozen viewers in the beginning, she now had over 900 regular audience members.
And the heat was still rising.
Although she couldn't compare to those top streamers.
For Sakura Fubuki, this was still a huge improvement.
Much of this could be attributed to the video she previously released about resisting the whitewashing of villain characters.
She discovered that as long as she criticized the game villain Tao Yao, she could gain a lot of traffic.
This discovery excited her and strengthened her resolve to continue doing so.
For this reason, Sakura Fubuki decided to first play through the new version's main storyline to see if the game's narrative had changed and how it differed from the closed beta version.
Then, she planned to create a detailed analysis video.
If the response was good, she intended to make it a series.
After entering the game, Sakura Fubuki followed the viewpoint of the game's protagonist Hiyakura and arrived at Qingyang City.
In the plot, Jasmine and Violet from the protagonist group needed to leave for a while, allowing the game's protagonist to explore the city on her own.
Therefore, Sakura Fubuki controlled the protagonist and began exploring Qingyang City.
On her way, she opened several treasure chests and rummaged through a few garbage bins, and before she knew it, she had arrived near an orphanage.
At that moment, the main storyline continued.
At the entrance of the orphanage, Sakura Fubuki saw a surprising scene.
Tao Yao was playing a guessing game with a group of children, the scene warm and harmonious.
Tao Yao sat on a small chair in the yard, surrounded by a dozen children.
She wore a gentle smile, and her eyes sparkled with loving warmth.
The children excitedly clustered around her, eager to guess the answers.
"I know! It's the moon, right?"
A little girl excitedly raised her hand and shouted.
Tao Yao laughed and shook her head, "No, that's not it. Think again."
"Oh! I guess it's the stars!" another boy shouted.
"That's not it either," Tao Yao said softly, "but you're getting very close."
The children discussed eagerly, the atmosphere lively and joyful.
Tao Yao patiently listened to each child's guess, occasionally giving small hints.
Her gaze was filled with warmth and affection, as if these children were her own family.
Seeing this scene, Sakura Fubuki was stunned.
She stared at the screen, unsure how to react for a moment.
"That's not right!" Sakura Fubuki suddenly said to her live audience, "This scene wasn't in the closed beta! Did they just add this in this version??"
She began explaining to her audience: "I remember this part of the main storyline involved encountering some troublesome issues in Qingyang City, essentially a whole bunch of long and tedious errands. Most importantly, it was part of the main storyline, and during the closed beta, this part of the main quest was criticized. Then, later on, we faced a crisis led by Tao Yao involving disaster beasts. I'm certain this segment must have just been added!!"
The chat room immediately exploded with messages:
"Wow, did the streamer really hit the nail on the head? Is the official team really trying to whitewash Tao Yao?!"
"Otherwise, why would there be this scene?"
"Tao Yao, that wicked woman, looking so kind in front of these kids... is this for real?"
"I don't believe it, this must be an illusion!"
"Could it be that the official team was threatened by the beauty fans of Tao Yao?"
"Wait, could it be to set the stage for the future storyline?"
"I think they might want to create a complex villain character?"
"No matter what, I still think Tao Yao is untrustworthy!"
Looking at these comments, Sakura Fubuki fell into deep thought. At that moment, more comments began to urge her:
"Streamer, stop stalling! Go take a look!"
"Yeah, hurry up and see what's going on!"
"I can't wait any longer, hurry up, streamer!"
Sakura Fubuki came back to her senses and nodded:
"Okay, I'll go over now. Let's see what this Tao Yao is up to!"
Sakura Fubuki was just about to control her character to walk towards the orphanage when a child suddenly ran up to her and pulled her over.
She still wore a gentle smile, her eyes flashing with friendliness.
Then.
The plot continued to unfold.
She participated in the game.
Until the game ended, and the children had gone to eat.
Only Tao Yao and Hiyakura remained.
The two beautiful girls finally began to confront each other.
Then the ensuing conversation.
Mainly revolved around Hiyakura wanting to ask Tao Yao about a lot of things due to previous incidents.
And Tao Yao also showed an attitude of being willing to respond.
At the very end.
Tao Yao even brought up a request in exchange for some of her little secrets.
"These children are so cute, right? I want you to buy some supplies for the children at the orphanage. I've already bought some, but we still need a few more. Since you're here, I'd trouble you to make a trip, okay?"
The system popped up a mission prompt:
[Accept Mission: Purchase Items for the Orphanage]
Sakura Fubuki accepted the mission and began to head towards the market according to the mission instructions.
Then.
At that moment.
She received news from Jasmine and Violet.
They had confirmed that the demon apostle Tao Yao was hiding in Qingyang City.
To avoid a potential crisis.
She needed to cooperate in this operation to capture the demon apostle.
Then.
After accepting the mission, the three protagonist families acted separately.
Game streamer Sakura Fubuki followed the mission's instructions.
Returning to Tao Yao's side, she clicked to start the conversation.
"It seems you've run into some trouble. Are you lost?"
Tao Yao smiled and said, "Sorry, I didn't think this through... how about I accompany you?"
So, Tao Yao began to guide the protagonist through the market.
They picked out toys, books, and clothes together, exchanging a few words from time to time.
This process was both warm and fun, like a pleasant date.
Tao Yao occasionally pointed at an item and laughed, saying:
"Look, this toy is so cute; Xiao Ming will definitely love it."
Or, "This book is perfect for Xiao Li; she loves reading fairy tales."
Sakura Fubuki controlled her character, following Tao Yao through the bustling market.
They chatted and laughed, sometimes stopping to admire street performers, other times sampling local delicacies at snack stalls.
This warm and natural interaction left Sakura Fubuki somewhat dazed.
At the same time.
The audience in the live stream was also deeply captivated by this scene.
Messages flooded in like a tide:
"Is this really Tao Yao?! I can't believe my eyes!"
"How does this villain look so much like the friendly big sister next door!"
"Tao Yao's smile is just too beautiful!"
"Gentle and considerate Tao Yao, I'm in!"
"I can't take it anymore; I feel like I'm going to fall for her..."
"Oh no, brothers, even knowing this might be an act, I'm starting to like Tao Yao. What should I do?"
Seeing these comments, Sakura Fubuki furrowed her brow.
She paused the game and said to the live audience:
"You all can't be fooled! As I said, this is a classic act of turning the villain into a hero."
"Even if the plot has changed, the result won't change. Tao Yao will likely still be the villain, just like in the closed beta, getting into the weekly dungeon. She's behaving very friendly now, but later she'll show just how wicked she can be. I've seen this kind of trick many times; everyone must not fall for it!"
Despite Sakura Fubuki's warning, many viewers in the chat still expressed their fondness for Tao Yao.
Sakura Fubuki shook her head and continued to push the game's story forward.
After completing the shopping mission, the main character Hiyakura and Tao Yao arrived at a quiet corner.
Tao Yao's expression suddenly became serious as she spoke softly:
"Hiyakura, I have an impractical but somewhat crazy ideal..."
Hiyakura looked at her curiously, waiting for her to continue.
Tao Yao took a deep breath, her eyes flashing with complex emotions, "Don't you think this world is really messed up?"
Hiyakura was momentarily taken aback, unsure how to respond.
Tao Yao continued, "I want to... change this messed-up world..."
Just then, Jasmine and Violet suddenly appeared in the distance, walking this way.
Tao Yao's words were abruptly cut off, and her expression instantly returned to her usual gentleness.
"Let's talk more next time."
Tao Yao smiled at Hiyakura, "We'll see each other again another day."
With that, she threw a smoke bomb and escaped.
Afterwards, the scene was left with a confused Hiyakura.
This unfinished conversation evoked various reactions among players.
Many began to speculate about the unfinished words of Tao Yao:
"I want to... completely destroy this messed-up world!"
"Could it be 'to... rebuild it'?"
"Maybe 'to... completely change it'?"
"Could it be 'to... rule it'?"
"Surely, saying 'completely destroy' sounds best!"
Various speculations flooded in, and players debated endlessly.
Some believed Tao Yao was still a threat, while others insisted she might be a misunderstood character.
Sakura Fubuki, watching these discussions, also fell into deep thought.
Although she personally also leaned toward the view that Tao Yao wasn't a good character, this part of the story indeed left a deep impression on her.
"Although the plot has changed a lot, Tao Yao's character should not have changed."
Sakura Fubuki said while progressing through the story:
"Turning the villain into a hero, turning the villain into a hero. Based on my experience, the fan-friendly side of Tao Yao has already been shown, and the dark side is also becoming more apparent. If all goes well, the next step should be to fully reveal her dark side."
Sakura Fubuki was firm in her convictions, her expression confident.
At the same time, she didn't stop her hands and continued advancing the game.
Jasmine said with frustration to Hiyakura: "We let that dangerous individual escape again! You must not be deceived by that bad woman. Tao Yao is a very dangerous character, and the image she has shown you is probably just a trick to confuse you. You must remain vigilant and not fall into her trap."
The dialogue continued as the story moved forward.
Later.
The protagonist group re-established a capture plan.
After a period of waiting.
They gathered at the door of Tao Yao's house, preparing to carry out the capture operation.
However, unexpectedly, Tao Yao did not resist but rather walked out voluntarily, letting them restrain her.
Just when everyone thought everything had been settled, an unforeseen disaster struck.
The Apostle Cult suddenly stirred up quite a commotion.
Immediately after, a massive Abyss Dragon descended from the sky, plunging all of Qingyang City into chaos.
From the players' perspective, it seemed like Tao Yao had plotted this entire scheme.
The power of the Abyss Dragon far exceeded the protagonist group's imagination, quickly overwhelming them, leaving them gravely injured.
At that critical moment, the restrained Tao Yao suddenly emitted a strong wave of demon power.
Then.
The Abyss Dragon submitted.
Seeing its obedient demeanor.
It was clear that it was under Tao Yao's command.
Following that, Tao Yao also repaired the cracks in the city, stabilizing the entire situation.
Though it was unclear why Tao Yao would do this.
She indeed fixed the cracks.
Then, she left behind a statement that she would provide an explanation for this matter.
With her maid, she walked past the severely injured group and left the broken battlefield.
As the short animation concluded, the game protagonist Hiyakura, controlled by Sakura Fubuki, stood on the ruins of the broken battlefield and slowly approached Jasmine and Violet, who were talking.
Jasmine said with a grave expression:
"The instruments have detected something. Just now, the demon power index from Tao Yao reached a very dangerous level. I never would have expected that she was afflicted by Demon Affliction Syndrome, and it has progressed to such a degree..."
Upon hearing this, Violet's expression also became very serious, her tone carrying a hint of hesitation.
"Hmm... that level of demon power index has already reached a dangerous out-of-control range."
Jasmine nodded in agreement:
"Yes, this level of fluctuation may already be second only to the rumored evil fairy. So Violet, we must find a way to eliminate her."
Hiyakura couldn't help but speak.
"Eliminate... eliminate her?"
Jasmine turned to the newly arrived Hiyakura, her tone firm as she said:
"Yes, the data from the detection instruments does not make mistakes."
"From Tao Yao's demon power fluctuations and her recent behavior, I have reason to suspect that Tao Yao has thoroughly betrayed the human alliance."
"She is likely trying to summon the legendary evil fairy through some kind of ritual, which aligns with my impression of the Apostle Cult."
Violet supplemented: "The disaster here has already exceeded what we can manage. I have contacted my senior; we can only fully resolve this trouble after she arrives."
Jasmine said to Hiyakura:
"And before my senior arrives, Hiyakura, you may have to assist in the rebuilding of Qingyang City..."
As soon as she finished speaking.
The game screen displayed the words "To Be Continued."
The main storyline temporarily came to a halt here.
After playing through this segment of the story, Sakura Fubuki stretched and then said:
"See, just as I said. Although some content has changed, the general plot hasn't changed. Ultimately, it has returned to the right track, and if this pace continues, just like during the closed beta, Tao Yao probably won't survive the next version."
Messages in the live chat also periodically popped up.
"To be honest, I think the changes are quite good."
"Although it still looks average, at least it's much better than the closed beta."
"By the way, I feel the characterization of Tao Yao is a bit strange, but I can't quite say what's strange about it."
"Is it... am I the only one who thinks Tao Yao might be a good person? Just misunderstood."
"Streamer, what do you think of this storyline?"
Sakura Fubuki glanced at the comments, casually responding to a few before continuing:
"Alright, the main storyline has finished. We'll have to wait for updates for what comes next. Now, let's draw the current limited UP Lily and test her strength. Then I'll see how to summarize it in a video."
Just then, an eye-catching comment caught Sakura Fubuki's attention:
"Streamer, streamer, test the character later, hurry up and go check out the newly updated event! This event is not only abstract but also very exciting, absolutely beyond your imagination!!"
"Yeah, yeah, the new event is so interesting; hurry up and check it out!"
"I just played for a bit, and I feel it's even more interesting than the main storyline! Although I keep wanting to curse while playing, I just can't help but want to keep playing…"
"Streamer, hurry up and experience it; it will definitely shock you!"
"This event's design is really innovative; it completely overturned my impression of this game! I've seen games that don't treat players as people, but I've never seen one that's so blatant about it!!"
"Hurry up and check it out; I think it's perfect for you, streamer!!"
Seeing these enthusiastic comments, Sakura Fubuki hesitated.
She clicked on the corresponding icon, starting to search for the newly updated event.
"Okay, since you all recommend it so much, I'll go see how amazing this new event really is," Sakura Fubuki said as she operated the game interface.
Just as she was about to click to enter the new event, the screen suddenly went black.
Then an unexpected interface popped up.
"This is..."
Looking at the event page.
Sakura Fubuki's eyes widened, momentarily unsure how to react.
She could hardly believe it.
The extremely abstract and explosive event before her.
Could it be something the official team could concoct?!!