Chapter 174: The Dragon Returns to His Homeland
〜Dragon Raja World〜
"To be honest, I also feel that the sacrifices made by Yukong and her companions were utterly meaningless."
Caesar gently swirled the champagne in his hand.
"The power of the Star Gods is akin to a nuclear bomb, incredibly efficient for annihilation. Wouldn't it be better to rely on such power, letting the Hunt Star God unleash a strike when danger approaches, and then simply harvest the battlefield?"
"No, it would not,"
Chu Zihang slowly shook his head.
"…It appears to be an efficient reliance on divine beings, but in reality, it's a slow suicide for the Xianzhou civilization's immune system."
"Could you use fewer overly academic terms?"
"Alright,"
Chu Zihang calmly replied.
"Simply put, if the Xianzhou people rely too heavily on the manifestation of the Reignbow Arbiter, then their demise will be a matter of time. A civilization that over-relies on divine beings will be annihilated the first time it loses its divine protection."
"Before the Cangcheng Xianzhou was devoured by the Living Planet, I refused to believe that no believers prayed for the Reignbow Arbiter's aid. Yet, judging by the destruction of Cangcheng… It's clear the Star Gods don't respond to every plea from their followers."
"Your words remind me of the Headmaster's—"
Caesar suddenly adopted the Headmaster's distinctive British accent.
"'Why do Half-bloods slay dragons? Because even gods have their slumber.' So, you believe Yukong and their sacrifices were meaningful?"
"Indeed. Only through generations of struggle and sacrifice can a stress-resistant gene be cultivated… that is a civilization's true immune system."
Chu Zihang stated faintly,
"The stories of those mortals who fell in battle before the Star God's descended endure longer than divine power itself—because what future generations need to remember is not 'we were saved by the Star God's,' but 'we are worthy of being saved by the Star God's.'"
—
「 "However…" Yukong's tone shifted. "I shouldn't make decisions for others based on my own fears… even if that person is my daughter. I've crudely interfered with your life choices, and for that, I apologize. It was a dereliction of duty as your mother."
Qingni's tears welled up, spilling forth. She understood that Yukong had finally come to terms with it, willing to let her become a Wingweaver.
"Mom… you don't need to apologize, truly you don't…"
Yukong looked at her gently. Having understood everything, she was finally ready to wholeheartedly support Qingni's dream.
"I worried you would follow my Path, and even more so that you would follow Caiyi's. But since this is your choice… I am willing to support you with all my might, until you regret it."
Qingni wiped away her excited tears. "Mom… I have one last small request…"
Yukong: "Tell me about it?"
"I want to… fly with you just once." Qingni looked at her with hopeful anticipation.
"Hmm…" Yukong slowly turned her head. "No, let's not. I won't fly again."
"But… why?"
Watching the Starfaring Skiffs darting in and out beyond in the distance, those fleeting streaks of light… Yukong calmly shook her head.
"...I guess I already touched the sky." 」
「 .....」
〜DanMachi World〜
At night. Hestia, who had just witnessed the mother and daughter reconcile, was lying in bed, her feet pattering against the back of the sofa, her frustrated voice echoing in the cramped dungeon room.
"Ahhh, Bell-KUN—! I can't sleep! Every time I close my eyes, my head is filled with Yukong, ahhh, boohoohoo…"
Bell expertly covered the blanket, which had been kicked off, over the goddess's legs, smiling faintly.
"Hestia-sama, please rest well. We can talk about Yukong's story tomorrow."
"Hmm… but…"
Hestia turned onto her side, looking at Bell, who was sleeping on the sofa.
"Hey, Bell-kun, if I were like Yukong and kept you at home, forbidding you from adventuring, what would you do?"
"Uh… that question…"
Bell scratched his head.
"I'd probably be like Qingni, wouldn't I? Like sneaking out or something… But would Hestia-sama really do that?"
"It's a hypothetical! Just a hypothetical!"
Hestia's fingers unconsciously twirled a strand of her hair.
"I would never trap someone important in a cage, n-not even if I feel about Bell-kun…"
The perfectly timed pause made the boy's ears flush crimson. Bell lowered his head, a little embarrassed. "H-Hestia-sama…"
Silence instantly spread through the dungeon room until the clock tower's chime sounded from outside.
Bell abruptly stood up.
"I-I'll go make a new pot of black tea! With double the sugar cubes!"
Hestia chuckled.
"You dummy, Bell-kun, changing the subject is too obvious! But I want triple sugar cubes, and stay up with me watching the sky until dawn!"
—
「 Watching Yukong and Qingni reconcile, Stelle finally felt a sense of relief.
Just as she was about to return to the hotel with Mr. Welt, her phone vibrated again. Another message had arrived.
Dan Heng, who had been recuperating since the great battle, was now recovering well. He wanted to take the opportunity while still in Xianzhou to meet the current Vidyadhara High Elder. This time, he invited Stelle to accompany him.
Arriving at the Synwood Pavilion, the agreed meeting spot in the message, Stelle spotted Dan Heng chatting with a Vidyadhara woman from a distance.
The woman's name was Huanxi, a handmaiden to the current Vidyadhara High Elder, Bailu. After discussing the arrangements for the audience, she herself had an unspoken request for Dan Heng.
However, before explaining…
Huanxi glanced at Stelle, who was slowly approaching Dan Heng's side. "Before this goes ahead... Oh, who might this be?"
"Just imagine I'm a street lamp, barely even here!" Stelle deadpanned, spouting nonsense.
"I'm sorry, but Xianzhou street lamps aren't in the habit of eavesdropping on conversations. I'm speaking with Master Dan Heng. I'm afraid this doesn't involve you — please take your leave."
Fortunately, Dan Heng timely explained Stelle's identity. After dispelling Huanxi's doubts, she frankly stated her request: "Then, I hope you will not meet with Miss Bailu."
"The High Elder's handmaiden presumptuously turns away guests on her master's behalf?" Stelle's brow furrowed; she sensed something was amiss.
Huanxi sighed, slowly explaining, "Perhaps you should know. Miss Bailu's ascension to High Elder was neither in accordance with regulations nor her own desire—it was the result of the previous High Elder Dan Feng's headstrong actions. His arrogance and self-will caused the interruption of the Luofu's [high elder succession]."
"The Preceptors heard of Master Dan Heng's return, and were uncertain whether it constituted good or ill fortune. However, many have surmised that the Luofu's high elder succession tradition will soon be back in force. If true, that is indeed something worth celebrating."
"Whether we find another suitable candidate in accordance with the laws of our people... or have you take up the position anew — everything can still be mended."
"But, if Master Dan Heng were to hand everything over to Miss Bailu, it could lead to great upheavals on the horizon. No good would come of it for her." 」
「 .....」