"Even so, you must think carefully."
"Forcing your way through my Resonance power carries risks. The slightest misstep will push you into Overclocking, reducing you to an empty husk."
"And you know full well the agony of Overclocking is beyond what ordinary people can endure."
"Worse still, you may be dragged into a Temporal Rift—where both body and mind are torn apart and reconstructed day after day, never finding peace."
Jinhsi said firmly, "But I can correct the temporal deviations."
"Isn't this why you saved me all those years ago?"
"What I must do is no different from your own defiance of fate to protect Jinzhou."
Jué remained expressionless. "I still offer you a final choice. If I freeze time, you will emerge unscathed."
Rover chuckled. "Don't forget, I'm here as backup."
Lucian cleared his throat. "Actually, I have an elixir that can push our bodies to the limit without triggering Overclocking."
Everyone turned to look at him.
Lucian spent 3,000 points in the system shop to exchange for two pills—"Laughing Half-Step to the Peak"!
["Laughing Half-Step to the Peak": After being modified by the system, all toxicity has been completely removed.]
[Effects: The consumer will maintain a constant smile. After battle, they can push their physical limits to unleash their full power without suffering Overclocking damage. Duration: 6 hours.]
The group stared at the two yellowish-brown pills in Lucian's hand.
Lucian: "This pill is called 'Laughing Half-Step to the Peak'. It ensures we won't fall into Overclocking."
"But it has a minor side effect."
Jinhsi: "Whatever the cost, I will bear it if it means saving Jinzhou."
Lucian nodded slightly. "The side effect is... after taking it, we'll be stuck smiling—"
Changli tilted her head. "How is that a side effect?"
Lucian grumbled, "Well, Jué probably doesn't want to see the two of us grinning like fools while fighting, right?"
Rover mused, "That's fair. If someone fought me with a big smile, I'd think they were mocking me."
Jué: "If this pill truly works as you say, the danger of this battle will be minimized." Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by novel·fiɾe·net
"As for the smiling... I will not mind."
Without hesitation, Jinhsi took one of the pills from Lucian's palm. "This is nothing. Just a smile..."
Lucian watched as Jinhsi swallowed the pill.
Instantly, her lips twitched uncontrollably, stretching into a wide grin that bared her teeth.
Changli laughed. "I don't think I've ever seen Magistrate Jinhsi smile ."
Lucian grinned. "Magistrate, I know you're excited about saving Jinzhou, but... maybe just a normal smile would suffice?"
Jinhsi pursed her lips, forcing the grin into a closed-mouth smile.
She said cheerfully, "Mm... better."
Rover: "This is supposed to be a serious moment. Why does it feel so absurd?"
Changli smiled. "Actually, it's nice to see Jinhsi smile more."
Then Lucian took the pill as well. "HAHAHA—"
Rover: "...Why are you laughing so hard?"
Lucian's laughter subsided into a smirk. "You can control it, but the urge to laugh hits you suddenly after swallowing it."
Jué turned to Rover. "Lady Arbiter, you need only permit me to transfer my power to them when necessary."
Rover: "I'll do everything I can to help them."
Jinhsi: "Even if my spirit scatters, even if I face eternal damnation—I refuse to die a meaningless death."
"So long as I draw breath, even if only for an instant to bear your power, it will be enough to secure a future free from your prophecy—and to protect you."
Lucian waved a hand, grinning. "Enough dramatics. None of us are dying. And the temporal anomaly at Mt. Firmament will be undone."
Jué admired their courage. "Very well. Magistrate Jinhsi. Lucian."
"Follow me to the summit of Mt. Firmament—and show me everything you've got!"
With that, Jué soared away.
Lucian stretched out a hand. "Hey! I wasn't on board yet!"
He stomped his foot. "Damn it! Couldn't you carry us up?!"
Rover smirked. "Seems Jué isn't keen on being ridden by you."
Changli took the first step. "Then let's climb slowly. The view from Mt. Firmament's peak is worth the journey."
Loong's Crest, formerly Soaring Cliff.
Long ago, the people of Mt. Firmament carved the cliff's pillar into Jué's likeness to honor the Sentinel's protection.
Thus, Soaring Cliff was renamed Loong's Crest.
Across Mt. Firmament, many places bear the name "Loong" in gratitude for Jué's divine presence.
Atop Loong's Crest, snow swirled in the air, blanketing the earth in white.
Lucian trudged through the deep snow, leading the way as flakes battered against him.
"I could just shapeshift and fly up. Why are we walking?!"
Rover: "You don't want the Fractsidus spotting you in Sentinel form and picking a fight, do you?"
Lucian scoffed. "Fractsidus? A bunch of losers, not worth mentioning!"
"Rover, you should've seen it—when Phrolova dragged me into that space, I took her down with one punch and one palm strike!"
Rover smirked. "Oh really? Because I heard you had a rough time."
Lucian flipped his hand dramatically. "Know what this means?"
Changli blinked. "What?"
Lucian declared, "With a flip of my hand, I command the clouds and rain. The Fractsidus? As easy as turning my hand!"
Rover: "That's pushing it."
When they finally reached the summit, Lucian squinted at the scenery. "What's there to see? Just a bunch of snow."
Changli smiled. "Once the storm passes, its true beauty will be revealed."
Jué was already waiting. A golden orb materialized within the coils of their body.
"This gate leads to my Sonoro Sphere. I will await your challenge within."
"Lady Arbiter, this battle will decide Jinzhou's fate. Only you can open the gate—the key to the future is in your hands."
Rover checked their resolve. "Ready?"
Jinhsi: "I've been preparing for this moment all my life."
"Jinzhou's future must be bright."
"Now, I will protect Jinzhou my way—as Jinhsi, as its citizen, and as its Magistrate."
Lucian laughed heartily. "Ten years of drinking ice cannot cool my burning blood! Battle—I crave battle!"
The Laughing Half-Step to the Peak was already taking effect—he could feel his Resonance frequency stirring eagerly.