Hiyakura suddenly charged forward, her fists enveloped in intense flames, aimed directly at Tao Yao's face.
This strike gathered all her anger and resentment, as if to pour out all her emotions.
Tao Yao slightly sidestepped, easily avoiding this fierce attack.
A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, but she quickly regained her calm.
With a soft sigh, a touch of helplessness and pity appeared in Tao Yao's gaze.
"Well, if that's the case, then it can't be helped..."
Before her words could finish, Tao Yao had already flashed to Hiyakura's back, delivering a cutting strike to her neck.
Hiyakura barely dodged, but felt a powerful wind rush past her face.
She hurriedly retreated, only to find Tao Yao's assault surging like a tide.
The two exchanged blows, fists and kicks.
Every strike from Hiyakura was engulfed in raging flames, while Tao Yao's movements resembled the gentle breeze caressing the willows, light yet forceful.
The aftermath of the battle swept through the surroundings, the ground scorched with traces, and the air filled with a burning sensation.
Not far away, Forget-Me-Not anxiously watched the scene unfold.
Her small hands tightly clutched her clothing, her eyes full of worry.
"Mom..."
She murmured to herself but did not intervene.
Forget-Me-Not knew well how dangerous the path of hunting fairies could be.
Even though Hiyakura's mom possessed the power of Flame Flower and held dominion over fairies, there still remained unknown risks.
Moreover, current Hiyakura's strength was still too weak, even weaker than her own.
The battle continued, with Hiyakura's pressure intensifying, and the flames burning hotter.
Yet no matter how hard she tried, she was always easily neutralized by Tao Yao.
Knocked down time and again, Hiyakura persistently stood back up to continue fighting.
"Hiyakura, give it up. Return to your friends' side..."
Tao Yao's voice rang in Hiyakura's ears, filled with helplessness and advice.
Hearing this familiar advice to retreat, Hiyakura's anger reignited within.
She detested this voice and this feeling of being treated as a weakling.
"Absolutely not!"
Hiyakura gritted her teeth in determination, steadfast flames burning in her eyes.
She once again summoned the power of the Flame Fairy within her, flames raging around her.
However, even so, she was still no match for Tao Yao.
Eventually, exhausted, Hiyakura collapsed before Tao Yao, fainting again from overexerting her fairy power.
Tao Yao sighed softly, taking a pink petal from her arms and carefully placing it in Hiyakura's palm, allowing her to hold it close to her heart.
Immediately, a pink glow slowly blossomed, enveloping Hiyakura completely.
As if time was flowing backward, Hiyakura's injuries from the Shadow Fairy and the recent battle rapidly healed, soon returning to her initial state.
At this moment, Forget-Me-Not cautiously approached, watching the scene with a tone of tension and unease.
"Mom... Tao Yao..." she hesitated, her eyes filled with confusion.
Tao Yao gently looked at Forget-Me-Not and said softly:
"Let's go, Forget-Me-Not. The matters here will be handled by Pearl soon..."
Just as Tao Yao was about to lead Forget-Me-Not away, a faint dragon roar was heard nearby.
"Aw..."
The Abyss Dragon lay weakly on the ground, letting out a low whimper.
Tao Yao turned back at the sound, walking slowly to the Abyss Dragon's side.
She reached out, gently stroking the dragon's scales while using the power of the petal to heal its wounds.
"You've worked hard."
Tao Yao said softly, her tone laced with gratitude and sympathy.
As Tao Yao treated it, the Abyss Dragon's injuries gradually improved.
Tao Yao continued:
"If possible, please remain by her side."
"Of course, if you truly dislike it, then return to your world, where you can find a better future."
The Abyss Dragon emitted a low whimper, its eyes full of reluctance and desire.
It struggled to rise, seemingly wanting to follow Tao Yao.
Tao Yao saw its intent and gently shook her head:
"Follow me? No, you should know well that I am not your best choice."
The Abyss Dragon remained undeterred, continuing to emit soft roars.
Tao Yao sighed and reached out to gently stroke its head.
"Alright, just rest obediently."
With her words, a faint thread of fairy power flowed into the Abyss Dragon's body.
The dragon's gaze gradually became calm, and ultimately it fell deep asleep.
Tao Yao stood up, taking one last look at the unconscious Hiyakura and Abyss Dragon.
A gentle smile graced her lips.
She was unsure why the Abyss Dragon was so attached to her.
However, she did not dislike it.
"Let's go, Forget-Me-Not," Tao Yao said softly.
Forget-Me-Not nodded, her small hand tightly gripping Tao Yao's clothing.
Tao Yao took Shiro along, and together with Forget-Me-Not, they gradually disappeared into the night,
Moving further away, until they vanished.
...
As night deepened, an abandoned lighthouse stood silently at the city's edge.
The weak light at the top of the lighthouse flickered, as if conveying some sort of silent message.
At the base of the lighthouse, a convoy waited in silence, the black vehicles reflecting a cold sheen under the moonlight.
Zhu Jin lowered her head, slowly walking toward the convoy.
Her figure appeared particularly thin in the moonlight, as if bearing an invisible burden.
Black Rose leaned against the front of a vehicle, arms crossed, her gaze fixed on Zhu Jin.
Zhu Jin stopped before Black Rose, her voice low and hoarse:
"Lady Black Rose, I have disappointed you..."
A heavy atmosphere filled the air.
This operation, aside from Zhu Jin, nearly all of the other members of the cult were wiped out.
Before they set out, they were all filled with confidence and ambition, attempting to capture the Disaster Beast.
They even arrogantly believed that even if they encountered fairies, they could take advantage of their weakness to subdue them.
However, reality delivered a heavy slap to their faces.
Black Rose stared at Zhu Jin, a slight smirk playing on her lips:
"Do you resent me for not letting you give it your all?"
Zhu Jin abruptly lifted her head, then quickly lowered it again, gently shaking her head: "I wouldn't dare..."
Black Rose sighed lightly, her tone carrying a hint of discernible concern:
"I know you blame me. But at that time, as you described, there were three fairies in a chaotic battle. Even if you were to succeed in a sneak attack, I'm afraid you'd still find it hard to retreat unscathed."
She paused for a moment, her voice softening, "You are important to me, and I do not want to lose you so easily."
Zhu Jin listened silently, a complex mix of emotions stirring within her.
Black Rose continued, "Moreover…"
She slightly paused, her gaze growing deep,
"You might not know that after you left, the fairy power index there showed another surge. It far surpasses what could have been caused by the three fairies."
Zhu Jin abruptly looked up, surprise flashing in her eyes:
"You mean..."
Black Rose's expression grew exceptionally serious: "Aside from the three fairies, there was a fourth fairy's fluctuation after you left. If it weren't for our cult developing advanced equipment, we might not have detected her presence from such a distance."
Zhu Jin gasped in shock, her eyes wide: "There's another fairy?!"
A scene suddenly flashed through her mind.
When she left, there had been someone standing in the distance, never making their move.
At that time, aside from that person and the three fairies in turmoil, everyone else had fallen.
Ironically, she once thought that person was scared off by the fairies...
A self-deprecating smile emerged on Zhu Jin's face.
She never imagined she had so easily overlooked a potential threat.
Black Rose seemed to catch on to Zhu Jin's thoughts, gently patting her shoulder:
"Alright, it's done, the outcome of the fairies' battle is no longer useful to us."
A sharp light flickered in her eyes, her voice low and powerful,
"And as a substitute, we next need to hunt a fairy that no one else will pay attention to!"
"Alright, everyone, it's time to move out."
As Black Rose's words fell, several individuals of varying heights revealed their faces not far away.
Upon seeing these people, Zhu Jin felt a slight surprise in her heart.
These were all experts from Black Rose's faction within the cult.
Usually, they were executing different missions.
Now, however, they had all gathered under Black Rose,
It was clear.
They were here to capture that fairy alive...
After a moment, the disciples of the Apostle Cult began to board the vehicles.
The entire convoy gradually vanished into the darkness.
...
On the other side.
The turmoil in Coral Port finally calmed down.
Pearl and Laurel stood at a high point in the port, surveying the entire city.
The streets that had been in chaos moments ago had now returned to order.
The extraordinary beings were patrolling the various districts, ensuring no further incidents occurred.
"Finally, it's over."
Pearl let out a long sigh, turning to Laurel, "Thanks to your help."
Laurel nodded slightly, her gaze still warily scanning the surroundings:
"No need for thanks, it's what I should do. However, we cannot let our guard down yet."
Pearl nodded in agreement:
"Yes, we need to deal with the remaining issues as soon as possible."
The two quickly issued a series of commands.
Soon, the captured cult members were concentrated and detained, awaiting further interrogation.
The civilians who had been injured in the chaos also received timely medical attention.
The most concerning Rift Gate, through the joint efforts of many extraordinary beings, was finally successfully closed.
With the last trace of foreign energy dissipating, Coral Port seemed to unburden a giant stone, and the air was filled with a sense of relief.
After handling all of this.
The two led an elite team, swiftly moving toward the entrance of the underground dark river.
When they arrived at the entrance, the sight before them drew gasps from everyone.
The previously hidden underground passage entrance had been completely exposed, and the surrounding buildings were nearly leveled.
Giant cracks marred the ground, as if the earth had been torn apart by some horrific force.
The air was filled with the scents of gunpowder and dust, mingling with a faint residual fairy power.
Pearl widened her eyes, incredulously surveying the ruins:
"Oh my god... what happened here?"
Laurel's expression also grew serious.
Pearl quickly regained her composure and loudly commanded the team behind her:
"Quick, rescue people!"
With Pearl's order, the rescue team sprang into action immediately.
They cautiously searched through the ruins, striving to find any signs of life.
Meanwhile, Laurel was anxiously searching as well.
Before long, she spotted her companions.
"Jasmine! Hiyakura!"
Laurel hurried over, carefully checking their conditions.
Although both were unconscious,
Fortunately, their vital signs were stable.
Aside from some external injuries and signs of overexerted fairy power, there was no immediate danger to their lives.
Laurel let out a breath of relief, instructing the medical personnel nearby:
"Please, check their conditions immediately, and be sure to ensure their safety."
After which, Laurel stood up, starting to closely observe the surrounding environment.
Her gaze swept over the various traces on the ground, her frown growing tighter.
The signs of battle here were complex and varied.
Some places left obvious scorch marks, likely caused by Hiyakura.
Others were covered with frost marks.
And there were also some unknown green substances...
Most notably, pink petals were scattered everywhere.
Through the fairy power emitted from these traces, Laurel felt an increasing weight on her heart.
"How many fairies participated in the battle?"
Laurel murmured, her brow furrowing tightly.
Just then, Pearl approached: "Laurel, what have you discovered?"
Laurel pondered for a moment before slowly responding:
"The situation is more complex than we thought. Based on these traces, an unimaginable horrific chaotic battle occurred here."
"And there are traces everywhere indicating the presence of fairies..."
Pearl's eyes widened in shock:
"This..."
At that moment, a team member hurriedly ran over to report:
"Lady, we found an injured dragon nearby!"
Pearl and Laurel exchanged glances,
They quickly followed the team member to the location where the dragon was discovered.
It was a giant black dragon, now weakly lying on the ground.
Its body was covered in wounds.
But strangely, these wounds seemed to have been magically treated and had begun to heal.
Seeing this, Laurel's expression grew even graver.
She did not recall the Abyss Dragon possessing such remarkable healing abilities.
Moreover.
The injuries on the Abyss Dragon right now.
Instead of healing.
Seemed more like...
Restoration?
As Laurel fell into contemplation.
Pearl also began searching for the remaining survivors.
"Where are Forget-Me-Not and Miss Tao? Where are they? Quick, find them!"
Pearl urged her fishman guards.
She had searched the scene for so long, yet could not find any sign of the two fairy hunters.
Her heart naturally grew anxious.
She usually had few friends,
In fact, she hardly had any at all.
However, no matter how she looked.
She could not find their traces.
For a time.
Pearl's heart became immensely frustrated.
"It's over, it's over... They wouldn't have been eaten by the fairies, would they?"
Pearl thought of the worst outcome, feeling a pang of terror.
…
Pearl anxiously scanned around, hoping to find any signs of Forget-Me-Not and Tao Yao.
Her heart was filled with worry and self-blame, constantly scolding herself for not arriving at the scene sooner.
Just then, a fishman guard rushed over, holding a delicate conch.
"Miss, Coral Lord is looking for you."
The guard respectfully handed the conch to Pearl.
Pearl paused for a moment, then took the conch.
She took a deep breath and held the conch close to her ear.
A familiar voice came through the conch.
"Sister, what's the matter?"
Pearl asked softly, her voice tinged with fatigue and anxiety.
On the other end of the conch, Coral's voice gradually emerged, gentle and steady:
"How is the situation? Is it all over?"
Pearl bit her lip, trying to keep her voice calm