Hearing Xiao Xiao's words, Tao Yao's eyes widened slightly, and a look of surprise appeared on her face.
"Huh? Why are there so many?"
Tao Yao murmured softly, her brows slightly furrowing.
Her popularity in recent versions had been quite low, especially after the last dance.
According to her initial expectations, she would earn 100,000 popularity points from releasing videos,
So if she had 200,000 to 300,000 during the live broadcast, that would be quite good.
After all, she was already an old character in "Fairy Journey," and the time for her popularity to explode had long passed.
This was both a good thing and a bad thing.
The good thing was that her popularity could steadily increase, allowing her to harvest popularity points consistently;
The bad thing was that after each harvest, she had to spend on the new version's settings and provide benefits to players, leaving her with hardly any popularity points to use for herself, let alone exchange for five-star character cards.
But she truly did not expect the harvest from this live broadcast to exceed all expectations.
It even reached the point of being able to exchange for five-star character cards in one go.
[Master, this live broadcast was really successful!]
[Not only did it attract a lot of players' attention again, but most importantly, the way you interacted with the players during the live broadcast and your act of singing for Little Lei were also very much liked by the players!]
[In this case, you can enter the card pool!]
She said excitedly:
[When the card pool opens, I can hardly imagine how crazy the players will be! You will definitely become one of the most popular five-star characters!]
Upon hearing this, Tao Yao raised her eyebrows slightly, displaying a look of confusion.
"Enter the card pool? Why do I have to enter the card pool?"
Xiao Xiao seemed momentarily stunned when she heard this.
Her expression changed from excitement to hesitation, and she cautiously spoke:
[If you don't enter the card pool... are you really planning to give yourself away to the players like your four-star form did?]
When in her four-star form, Tao Yao was essentially given away.
This was already a well-known fact among the player community of "Fairy Journey."
But Xiao Xiao never expected that Tao Yao's five-star form would also be given away for free?
This completely overturned her understanding of game operation.
However, facing Xiao Xiao's confusion, Tao Yao showed a sly smile.
"Of course, I will give, but I need to harvest a wave of popularity points while giving!"
Looking at the slyness that flickered in Tao Yao's eyes.
Xiao Xiao realized that her master seemed to be brewing some undisclosed plan.
Her intuition from spending such a long time with her master told her.
Whenever Tao Yao showed this kind of expression,
It meant that the players would mostly suffer...
Xiao Xiao blinked, revealing an expression of helpless amusement.
[Master, you are so wicked!]
[You say you want to give gifts to the players, but every time the gift contains hidden knives.]
[This isn't giving gifts at all; it's clearly tormenting the players!]
Upon hearing this, Tao Yao extended her delicate fingers and lightly flicked Xiao Xiao's forehead.
The tiny fairy's body instantly wobbled, almost losing balance.
"If I don't do this, where will our popularity come from?"
Tao Yao said with a smile, her tone carrying a hint of teasing.
Xiao Xiao rubbed the spot where she was flicked and pouted in dissatisfaction.
She flapped her transparent wings and turned in the air.
Then, Xiao Xiao covered her forehead with both hands.
[If you don't have anything else, then I will go work first.]
After a moment, Xiao Xiao's tone carried a hint of eagerness, as if waiting for Tao Yao's permission.
At this moment, the development work for the new version "Old Days Flower Language" was in full swing.
As a system fairy, Xiao Xiao was responsible for important tasks like thinking of player perspective buff additions.
These were vital jobs entrusted to her by Tao Yao.
As the release date of the new version approached, Xiao Xiao had many tasks left undone, and she urgently needed to return to continue working.
Just as Xiao Xiao was preparing to leave, Tao Yao suddenly called her.
"Wait!"
Xiao Xiao's figure paused slightly in midair,
She turned around, tilting her head with a puzzled expression.
[Master... what's wrong? Is there anything else?]
Tao Yao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.
Her eyes squinted slightly, as if she saw through something.
"Xiao Xiao, the popularity points have surged so much all of a sudden, don't you have anything you want to tell me?"
Tao Yao's words carried a hint of probing.
According to Xiao Xiao's previous statements, the more popularity points accumulated, the more memories she could recall.
This time, with such massive popularity points from the live broadcast, if Xiao Xiao had not remembered anything, Tao Yao would definitely not believe it.
Under Tao Yao's fixed gaze, Xiao Xiao appeared somewhat uneasy.
She gently sighed, her tone carrying a hint of resignation.
[As expected, I can't hide it from you...](Optional)
Xiao Xiao's tone suddenly became heavy.
[Master... have you considered one possibility?]
Xiao Xiao hesitated for a moment and then continued:
[Actually, you are not the chosen one of the Goddess, but a backup left by the Goddess.]
[Or rather… you are the very essence of the Goddess?]
However, in response to Xiao Xiao's astonishing words, Tao Yao's reaction was unexpectedly calm.
She did not show the shock or confusion that Xiao Xiao had anticipated; instead, she appeared very indifferent.
"Mm, go on."
Tao Yao said softly, signaling Xiao Xiao to continue.
Seeing Tao Yao's calm response, Xiao Xiao couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
She had expected this astonishing guess to provoke a strong reaction from Tao Yao, but did not expect her to be so composed.
[Master, are you really not surprised at all?]
Xiao Xiao couldn't help but ask, her tone containing a hint of frustration.
Tao Yao smiled slightly and shook her head.
"Continue, I am very interested in your thoughts."
Xiao Xiao took a deep breath,
She organized her thoughts and began to narrate.
[According to the memories I've recently recovered, the whole story dates back to a very long time ago.]
[In the distant past, this world was still in chaos.]
[Until one day, a powerful Goddess appeared. She used her own power to create this game world, granting it life and vitality.]
[The Goddess created mountains, rivers, forests, and grasslands, bringing beauty and harmony to this world.]
[But she was not satisfied with this; she wished to create beings that could communicate with her, sharing this beautiful world.]
[But ordinary beings were too insignificant, never able to face the divine light of the Goddess.]
[Thus, the Goddess poured her wisdom and emotions into creating a marvelous race known as "fairies."]
[The fairies possessed various abilities, some could control plants, some could summon wind and rain, each held different powers and abilities. The Goddess bestowed these powers to them, hoping they could protect this world and maintain ecological balance.]
[At first, the fairies were indeed dutiful, living harmoniously with the Goddess and jointly guarding this beautiful world.]
[However, as time passed, some fairies began to grow greedy and arrogant.]
[They felt their powers were sufficient and no longer needed to submit to the Goddess's rule.]
[Gradually, this thought spread among the fairies, ultimately leading to an earth-shattering rebellion.]
[Those fairies who betrayed the Goddess united, using the powers granted by her to fight against their creator.]
[In the end, the rebellious fairies actually managed to defeat the Goddess.]
[However, the Goddess did not completely disappear. Before her fall, she left behind a seed representing hope. This seed contained the essence of the Goddess's power, hidden in a corner of the world, waiting for the right moment to bloom again.]
Xiao Xiao paused, looking intently at Tao Yao.
After listening to Xiao Xiao's narrative, Tao Yao remained silent for a moment, her brows furrowing slightly.
She slowly spoke, her voice carrying a hint of confusion:
"Even if that's the case, why do you suspect that I am the true essence of the Goddess?"
Upon hearing this, Xiao Xiao gently flapped her transparent wings, hovering in mid-air. Her eyes sparkled with complex emotions, as if recalling something.
[Because Master, you are too much like the Goddess... ]
Xiao Xiao's voice was gentle yet firm, as if stating an indisputable fact.
[Firstly, you both possess unparalleled kindness. The Goddess created this world, endowing all things with life, and you have been striving to make this game world better. You both have a deep love for this world.]
[Secondly, your wisdom is astonishing. The Goddess created a complex and harmonious ecological system, while you can easily navigate through various rules of the game world and even foresee future developmental trends.]
[Also, you both possess powerful creativity.]
[The Goddess created the whole world, while you continuously add new elements and gameplay to it.]
[Most importantly, you both possess the qualities of tolerance and understanding. Even in the face of betrayal, the Goddess did not completely destroy those rebellious fairies but left behind a seed of hope. And you, even when faced with various difficulties from the players, always manage to respond and resolve them with a calm attitude.]
[These similarities make me unable to help but doubt that you are the reincarnation of the Goddess, or rather, you are the true essence of the Goddess.]
Listening to Xiao Xiao's analysis, Tao Yao's gaze gradually deepened. Her thoughts seemed to drift far away, as if recalling something.
Suddenly, a dialogue flashed through her mind, so clear it seemed to happen just yesterday.
"Why choose me?"
The young Tao Yao stood in a ray of light, gazing up at the blurred silhouettes of the fans.
The pink silhouette gently answered, "Because you are much like me; you will become the person I hope to be. You will also fight to make this world beautiful. I believe you have the ability to complete the unfinished business of mine."
"But the beautiful ideals you speak of... Can I really achieve them?"
Tao Yao's voice carried a hint of uncertainty.
"You can, please believe in yourself, just as I believe in you. I can feel that we are of the same kind; your heart holds endless possibilities, and as long as you are willing, you can create miracles."
The memory suddenly ceased, and Tao Yao gently shook her head, pulling her thoughts back to reality.
She looked at Xiao Xiao, her voice firm and calm:
"I am not the Goddess."
Xiao Xiao was clearly taken aback upon hearing this response.
Confusion was written all over her small face, and her wings fluttered anxiously.
[But Master, if you are not the true essence of the Goddess, then how can the history you imagined ultimately become true? How do we explain that?]
Xiao Xiao flew in front of Tao Yao, her eyes filled with bewilderment.
[In Old Days Flower Language, every fairy you created genuinely exists. Their personalities, abilities, and even the history of betrayal entirely match reality. If you are not the Goddess, Xiao Xiao truly cannot think of how this could be accomplished.]
Upon hearing Xiao Xiao's words, Tao Yao also felt a headache.
Her expression became complex; her brows knitted tightly, her eyes revealing deep contradictions and confusion.
On one hand, she clearly remembered her experiences of meeting the Goddess after her card draw death.
That feeling of being chosen and entrusted with great expectations was still vividly imprinted in her memory.
Moreover, a voice deep within her told her she was not the Goddess.
But on the other hand, all the facts seemed to ominously suggest that she might be the reincarnation of the Goddess.
Her understanding of this world,
The astonishing alignment of the history she created with reality,
Everything she had experienced so far seemed to confirm this possibility.
Tao Yao felt as if she had fallen into a huge labyrinth.
Her identity, her existence, her mission, everything had become unclear.
Who exactly is she?
Is she what she believes—a chosen one?
Or, as Xiao Xiao said, is she the reincarnation of the Goddess?
Or is there a deeper truth waiting to be revealed?
These questions kept swirling in her mind, yet she could not find a clear answer.
Tao Yao took a deep breath, slowly calming the turbulence in her heart.
After a moment of silence, Tao Yao looked deeply at Xiao Xiao. She gently asked:
"Xiao Xiao, do you still remember the fairies that participated in the rebellion?"
Upon hearing this question, Xiao Xiao appeared momentarily stunned.
She hovered in mid-air, her eyes becoming dazed, as if searching for fragments of memory.
Her transparent wings gently trembled, reflecting a faint light.
After a long while, Xiao Xiao finally regained her senses.
Her expression became unusually serious, her voice tinged with uncertainty:
[Master, I recalled it carefully... Strange to say, it seems that all the fairies participated in that rebellion. However, I can't quite remember the specific details.]
Xiao Xiao's brows tightened further as she continued:
[I only remember that just before the rebellion broke out, I suddenly fainted. By the time I woke up again, I had already encountered you. I have no memory of anything that happened in between.]
Xiao Xiao paused, her gaze growing firm:
[However, there is one thing I clearly remember. Before I fainted, the Goddess entrusted me with an important mission. She asked me to use my system powers that can influence the world to assist you as much as I can. Master, this is the reason I have been working hard to support you all along.]
After listening to Xiao Xiao's explanation, Tao Yao nodded thoughtfully:
"I see..."
She fell into contemplation, her eyes revealing complex emotions.
This world seemed to be more mysterious than she had imagined, with each step deeper bringing more questions.
Just then, a gentle knock at the door interrupted Tao Yao's thoughts.
"Knock knock knock."
Tao Yao came back to her senses and walked slowly to the door.
She gently twisted the doorknob and opened the door.
Standing outside was a beautiful mermaid from the Sea Kingdom.
She had a shining turquoise fish tail, and her long golden hair gently floated in the water, adorned with tiny scales that shimmered enchanting light under the illumination.
Behind the mermaid, a familiar figure poked its head out.
It was Forget-Me-Not.
She waved at Tao Yao with a playful, cute smile on her face.
Forget-Me-Not's blue hair floated gently in the water, accentuating her bright, expressive eyes and making her look especially playful and cute.
The mermaid gracefully curtsied and then spoke:
"Respected Miss Taozi, Lord Coral requests your presence."
Her voice was like waves gently lapping against the shore, pleasant to hear.
Tao Yao first glanced at the mermaid messenger and then turned her gaze to Forget-Me-Not.
Seeing this, Forget-Me-Not shrugged, wearing a helpless expression:
"I don't know what's going on either; she has clearly been ignoring us lately but suddenly wants to come find us..."
Tao Yao pondered for a moment.
She turned to the mermaid messenger and smiled, saying:
"Alright, we'll go to meet Coral now."
Thus, Tao Yao and Forget-Me-Not followed the mermaid messenger to Coral's location.
They passed through the bustling streets of the Sea Kingdom, swimming through colorful coral beds.
Finally, they arrived in front of a magnificent crystal palace.
The palace was constructed from various rare underwater gems and corals,
Shimmering with a dreamlike glow under the refraction of the seawater.
The mermaid messenger led them into the palace, passing through several lavish arches, and finally arrived at a beautiful underwater garden.
Here, various strange underwater plants were cultivated,
Colorful fish swam freely among them, like a living painting.
In the center of the garden stood Coral, intently standing in front of a giant spiral shell.
It was a magical sea shell, clearly being used to record music.
Surrounding Coral were several mermaids proficient in various instruments providing accompaniment.
Some played the crystal harp, some played the coral flute, while others struck drums made from shells.
This scene was like a breathtaking underwater concert, simply exquisite.
In one corner of the garden, the ruler of the Sea Kingdom, Pearl, was also present.
When she saw Tao Yao and Forget-Me-Not arrive, a look of excitement spread across her face.
She quickly swam to the two, whispering:
"Sister Coral is recording a song, please wait a moment."
Tao Yao nodded slightly, carefully observing everything in front of her.
She noticed Coral's graceful posture and the focused, enchanted expression on her face while singing.
As the most renowned singer in the Sea Kingdom, Coral's voice indeed held a captivating power.
Her voice was like the gentle murmur of waves, or the mysterious calling of the deep sea, easily touching the listeners' hearts.
Each note seemed to carry the magic of the ocean, making people involuntarily immersed in it, forgetting the passage of time.
Tao Yao recalled that the blessing song she had given to Little Lei before was learned from Coral.
That song contained the vitality and energy of the ocean, bringing hope and strength to the listeners.
"So beautiful..."
Forget-Me-Not seemed entranced, unconsciously murmuring softly:
"If only it could be combined with Mommy Hiyakura's dance, how wonderful it would be..."
Tao Yao heard Forget-Me-Not's words.
She knew very well that the Hiyakura Forget-Me-Not referred to was the almost perfect one from Old Days Flower Language.
Not the somewhat clumsy Hiyakura who was interested in finding treasures and rummaging through trash bins in the current game main storyline.
Time slowly passed.
As the last note fell,
The music and singing suddenly came to a halt.
The entire underwater garden fell into a brief silence,
As if all the creatures were savoring this wonderful melody.
Coral slowly opened her eyes, revealing a satisfied smile.
She elegantly nodded to the surrounding musicians,
Then she slowly swam toward Tao Yao and Forget-Me-Not.
Coral came to stand in front of Tao Yao and Forget-Me-Not, elegantly bowing.
Her long hair gently floated in the water, embodying the softness of seaweed.
"I'm very sorry to have kept you both waiting."
Coral smiled and spoke, her voice like waves softly caressing the shore:
"I can't help but immerse myself in music. Whenever inspiration strikes, I can't wait to record it."
She pointed to the giant spiral shell behind her and continued explaining:
"This magical sea shell is a treasure of our Sea Kingdom. I often record my voice in it and then turn it into music shells for sale both within and outside the Sea Kingdom. This not only allows more people to appreciate wonderful music but also brings additional income to the Sea Kingdom."
The sparkle of love for music glimmered in Coral's eyes,
"For me, this is both work and pleasure. Being able to contribute to the Sea Kingdom with my voice makes me very happy."
After listening to Coral's explanation, Tao Yao nodded slightly in understanding.
However, she still asked directly:
"Miss Coral, did you suddenly summon us for something important?"
Coral's expression turned serious.
"There is indeed an important matter I must tell you."
She glanced around and then whispered:
"I recently received some news that I believe may be related to the Sea Fairy you Fairy Hunters are searching for. So I immediately thought of inviting you both to discuss it."
Forget-Me-Not perked up upon hearing this news.
She eagerly probed,
"What news? Can you elaborate?"
Coral nodded and began to explain:
"This news comes from Manju Academy on the Sky Island."
She paused, ensuring that Tao Yao and Forget-Me-Not were listening intently,
"They claim to have discovered an underground dark river, from which they detected a massive index of fairy power."
"I looked at the map and found that the location of that dark river happens to be at the junction of our Sea Kingdom and the Land of Dawn."