"Now broadcasting for you is the Purple Wisteria Tree region in the Northern Fifth District."
In a mix of propeller and wind noise, the host opened the hatch, and the gloomy sky and earth appeared on the projection screen, with countless residents of Four-leaf Crystal also sitting in front of their screens watching this scene.
The yellowed barren land, with dry soil particles and rocks exposed, had no vegetation at all. The entire land was like the back of a giant turtle, with rugged stones protruding from the soil, stretching as far as the eye could see.
The Autonomous Unit responsible for filming flew out from the interior of the rotary-wing aircraft, soared into the sky, and then moved forward. From that perspective, one could see a world that was tilted and dull, with only a patch of white in the far-off distance and the clouds on the horizon.
"Today is an important day because the Jade Skirt Purification Project will officially start today."
"After six months of preparation, with the involvement of approximately hundreds of large enterprises and nearly ten million people, and countless materials prepared, all for this day."
"Now, let's witness it!"
After that, the view kept pulling away, and then turned towards the sky.
One after another, huge airplanes with wingspans of nearly a hundred meters formed a line, slicing through the sky with a roaring sound. These iron-grey steel beasts stirred up a turbulent wave that shredded the clouds. When they aligned, they resembled a mountainous wave reaching the end of the horizon.
Dozens, hundreds, or perhaps thousands of planes stretched for nearly a hundred kilometers across the sky like a tidal wave, and subsequent to that, the bellies of the aircraft opened up, releasing countless white cylindrical objects resembling aerial bombs.
After these cylinders descended, they unfolded helical wings and gradually hovered in the sky, looking like countless dandelions spread across the entirety of the sky, spectacular beyond measure.
The large aircraft scattered them along their path, and afterward numerous 'dandelions' landed, forming a three-dimensional array in the sky, the topmost layer approaching ten kilometers high, with the lowest layer flying close to the ground.
Then, the aircraft slowly disappeared into the far reaches of the sky, and this world was filled with these 'dandelions.' Minutes later, a wave of invisible ripples spread, and each floating 'dandelion' lit up with blue-white flickering lights, then slowly unfolded.
The cylindrical shells flipped and hung down, revealing the transparent, flawless crystals placed inside—these 'Rhythmic Crystals' bore the mark of the Seven-Edged Wing.
"Now, let us listen to this song of hope."
A crystal-clear Rhythmic Crystal lit up in the sky, radiating a golden halo, resembling a crystal reflecting the orange hue of the setting sun. Then ripples spread, and the nearly kilometer-wide area of crystals around it lit up as well, spreading from one to another.
In almost an instant, thousands upon thousands of Rhythmic Crystals lit up, bathing the entire world in a sunset-red glow.
In a quiet concert hall, a girl in a dark red Rose dress sat on a wooden stool, watching this scene, gently playing the violin by her side, right up until the glow covered the entire sky.
After that, a gentle song began, and tiny ice crystals started forming in the sky, initially just a point, then extending in six directions, with the edges of the crystals slowly becoming more intricate. Then, these tiny ice crystals drifted down from the sky, colliding and connecting with each other along the way, forming fluffy clusters.
"Golden Rose's Praise" was a song Tilan had once heard Isenisha hum alone in a distant dream. Now, following her memory, she sang the song softly once more.
Initially, the song had no specific lyrics or name; it was a melody Isenisha had hummed whimsically. But as Isenisha became famous, countless lyricists and musicians composed and wrote lyrics for this melody. Even though there were some famous works among them, Tilan still preferred its original form because it represented Isenisha's truest heart.
Compared to other Songstresses, Isenisha's halo was too dazzling—Pioneer of the Rose Federation, the first Songstress, the Legendary figure who led civilization out of the darkness of the Fifth Epoch into revival, and so on. There are countless stories and myths about her. No one believed it was just a simple impromptu melody; it must contain Isenisha's most sincere emotions and wishes. It was the origin of everything, the sprouting of countless hopes, and so forth.
Compared to the "Cobalt Blue Tears," Emuralin's regret, Isenisha's life of the "Golden Flame Flower" was fulfilling. She had done everything she wanted to and left no regrets. Even as she approached death, she lay down peacefully and content.
Reminiscing about that afternoon in the dream, she wandered in the deserted castle, following the simple melody until she found the Songstress sitting by the small window, gazing out at the scenery, the image still so vivid.
Slowly, the melody came to an end, and Tilan opened her eyes again, looking far into the horizon.
The sky cleared as all the 'dandelions' and snowflakes fell to the ground, becoming exceptionally pure, so clear it was like translucent colorless glass, with a faint purplish blue hue. Even without being there, it seemed one could smell the clean and clear air.
The snow blanketed the land, covering the previously barren world with 'White Snow.' In time, this Transcendent material, condensed into 'White Snow,' would be collected and transported away. It would be put into mineral refining plants around the world, separated and purified into brand new special crystals. Then, the pollution and decay of the entire Northern Fifth District would be eradicated, and the world, no longer corroded by acid rain, would be reborn anew.
It was April again, and the train continued its journey along the undulating hills, moving along the tracks at a leisurely pace.