Wait, How Did My Digital Girlfriend Become a Sword Immortal? Chapter 907: It's Too Late

Following the Purple-Gold Flame Bear's lead, the Jadewater Jiao also ceased its hesitation, becoming another subject for Chen Huaian's unique 'alchemy-driven beast-to-human transformation.' The outcome solidified a crucial truth: achieving a profound level of Dao mastery, even short of Sage status, was already potent enough for use in the Lower Realm.

This direct method of refining beasts into human form was an feat achievable only by a being of Chen Huaian's caliber, possessing a Golden Immortal Divine Soul. It was akin to exploiting a game's loophole, a max-level player entering the starting zone with overpowered gear. Even without unleashing his full might, the sheer power of his equipment was enough to dominate the entire beginner area.

In a short while, the Jadewater Jiao also completed its transformation.

Gazing at its new form and the revitalized power coursing through it, the Jadewater Jiao spoke no further. With both hands, it lifted its hundred-thousand-year World Ring and World Bone overhead.

"Master!" it exclaimed, tears welling up, "I deeply regret my earlier ignorance. I was as blind as a frog in a well, doubting your incredible abilities. Please accept this World Ring and World Bone as recompense. Should you require anything else, I can also assist in promoting this transformation method. You seek World Rings and World Bones, do you not? If so, an endless stream of hundred-thousand-year-old World Beasts will soon seek you out."

Chen Huaian accepted the Jadewater Jiao's World Ring and World Bone, his expression inscrutable, though inwardly he was overjoyed.

This was precisely the outcome he had orchestrated.

"Ah, countless hundred-thousand-year World Beasts... this is proving quite challenging for this venerable one. After all, these medicinal herbs are rare treasures. This venerable one cannot possibly bear all the costs personally..."

"Master, you are absolutely correct!" the Purple-Gold Flame Bear beside them chimed in urgently. "We were thoughtless and did not consider this thoroughly. Please provide a list of the medicinal herbs you require. We World Beasts who desire transformation will naturally procure these herbs ourselves. Furthermore, we shall undoubtedly offer you, esteemed elder, heavenly treasures and earthly valuables as payment."

Chen Huaian feigned a reserved demeanor and nodded slowly. "Very well, this venerable one shall act the benevolent benefactor just this once. If any hundred-thousand-year-old or older World Beasts arrive, you may direct them to seek me out."

Both the Purple-Gold Flame Bear and the Jadewater Jiao offered their profound gratitude.

Soon after, Little Rabbit also presented her World Ring and World Bone.

This particular encounter, excluding the casual demise of the North-South Green Bean Haimi and the utterly bewildered members of the Battle Soul Hall led by Bixixi, could only be described as a spectacularly successful gathering for all involved.

"That concludes our affairs for today," Chen Huaian stated casually, casting a brief glance at Bixixi before continuing in a calm tone. "With three new World Rings and World Bones secured, this venerable one must now oversee my disciple's digestion of these acquisitions. You may all return whence you came; there is no need for you to accompany us."

"Uh..." Bixixi was momentarily taken aback. "Then... you and Li Qingran will not be returning to the Battle Soul Hall?"

Chen Huaian offered no direct reply, instead posing a question. "Would you prefer to witness countless hundred-thousand-year World Beasts launching an assault upon your Battle Soul Hall?"

Upon hearing this, Bixixi was instantly rendered speechless.

"This venerable one intends to temporarily establish residence in the core region of the Starry Sky Great Forest. Do not disturb us unless it is a matter of utmost importance."

With that singular statement, Chen Huaian effectively extinguished any lingering thoughts Bixixi might have harbored about forging a closer relationship.

"Ah, yes, the Medicine Battle Master should remain. This venerable one still has need of him."

The designated Medicine Battle Master froze, standing bewildered and uncertain of his next action. Everything that had transpired that day had completely demolished his established understanding of the world.

The fundamental worldview he had cultivated since childhood had been utterly shattered.

While aligning oneself with a powerful expert was typically a beneficial prospect, Chen Huaian's overwhelming displays of power were so profoundly 'bug-like' that he was paralyzed with apprehension, unsure whether to follow or flee.

"Ahem, since the Master has specifically requested your presence, you shall accompany him," Bixixi softly cleared her throat, bestowing a cautionary glance upon the Medicine Battle Master.

Turning back to Chen Huaian, she then plastered on an overly sweet smile and declared,

"Should you have any commands, the entirety of the Battle Soul Hall stands ready at your beck and call."

She offered a slight bow, her posture radiating an extreme form of humility.

Finally, she stole one last, lingering look at the enigmatic figure in white, standing with his hands clasped behind his back. Daring not to delay any further, she waved a hand, leading her remaining contingent in a swift withdrawal.

The lone Medicine Battle Master, who appeared utterly betrayed, was the only one left behind.

...

An exceptionally heavy atmosphere permeated the journey back.

The Battle Masters proceeded with their heads hung low, none daring to disturb the somber silence. All that had transpired today felt like a colossal hammer, crushing their previously held pride into dust.

"Your Holiness..."

Eventually, a loyal Battle Master couldn't restrain himself from speaking, his voice raspy. "That individual... that entity... how should we engage with them moving forward? Will the Battle Soul Hall's strategies remain in motion?"

Bixixi's steps faltered for a moment.

Glancing back toward the receding forest, which was gradually being enveloped by mist, she emitted a prolonged sigh.

"Plans?"

A self-mocking laugh escaped her lips, her eyes brimming with a profound sense of futility and deep-seated unease.

"What plans are left available?"

"My original intention was to hunt World Beasts, employing conflict to sustain our efforts, igniting turmoil across the continent, and compelling the great empires to yield. But now..."

She shook her head, her gaze deepening.

"That man simply overturned the entire game board."

"As long as he desires it, all the hundred-thousand-year World Beasts within the vast Starry Sky Great Forest will willingly present themselves, offering World Rings and World Bones. The resources at his command will dwarf those of the Battle Soul Hall by thousands, even tens of thousands of times! Given sufficient time, he could effortlessly forge a supreme army, fully equipped with hundred-thousand-year World Rings."'

"To make an enemy of such a being? That is an invitation to utter destruction."

"Then... should we wholeheartedly submit to him?" the trusted subordinate inquired tentatively.

"Submit..."

The notion had indeed crossed her mind.

A sharp glint flashed in Bixixi's eyes, only to quickly fade, replaced by an overwhelming sense of worry.

"Securing a connection with that formidable power is essential, but... we must not cling too tightly."

"You must comprehend, his actions defy the natural order."

Bixixi tilted her head upwards, as if peering through the heavens to witness a pair of cold, observing eyes.

"Battle Masters hunting World Beasts—this has been the immutable law governing this world for eons. Now, he has shattered the equilibrium of life and death, causing World Beasts to offer themselves willingly... This is tantamount to trampling the established 'rules' underfoot."

"Someone... will undoubtedly be incensed."

"The Canglan World... I fear it is on the brink of falling into utter chaos."

"We must leverage his influence, yet simultaneously preserve an avenue of retreat. Otherwise, when the sky itself crumbles, we risk being pulverized into dust by that overwhelming celestial fury."

...

Starry Sky Great Forest, the heart of the region.

Chen Huaian had casually erected a concealment Great Formation in this vicinity.

"Settle your mind, focus your spirit."

Chen Huaian assumed a cross-legged position, suspended in mid-air, as he gently tapped with his fingertip.

Hum—

Three hundred-thousand-year World Rings, radiating a crimson luminescence, alongside five World Bones exuding various precious glows, orbited Li Qingran like celestial bodies around a moon.

"Proceed."

At his subtle command.

That immense, ocean-like stream of energy, under the precise direction of the Golden Immortal Divine Soul, coursed into Li Qingran's form with the seamless fluidity of a thousand rivers merging into the sea.

The nearby Medicine Battle Master was utterly stupefied by this point.

His mouth hung agape, his eyes wide with disbelief, his jaw almost unhinging.

"This... this is inconceivable?!"

What spectacle was unfolding before him?

Absorbing three hundred-thousand-year World Rings and such a multitude of World Bones simultaneously?

Was she not concerned about combusting?

Before his very eyes,

a Peak Battle Master was manifesting at a pace that was visibly discernible!

Battle Emperor...

Battle Saint...

Her aura ascended without cessation, devoid of any bottlenecks or impediments.

Hundred-thousand-year World Rings—items that countless Titled Battle Masters yearned for, for which they would readily forfeit their lives, yet might never obtain even a single one!

Now, upon the young maiden,

they were being amassed one after another, as if they were mere worthless cabbages.

Crimson, crimson, crimson...

Augmented by the million-year World Ring acquired earlier, the radiance emanating from Li Qingran's person intensified to an almost blinding degree. The sheer, oppressive pressure nearly suffocated the Medicine Battle Master.

In less than half an hour.

Boom—!!!

A resplendent pillar of light, piercing the heavens and the earth, erupted from Li Qingran's core.

She slowly opened her eyes, which now held a divine luminescence, her skin shimmering like flawless white jade. At this precise moment, her endowment was extraordinarily opulent. With every minute movement, the surrounding space seemed to quiver.

Peak Battle Master, achieved!

"Husband~"

Having retracted her imposing aura, the commanding authority in Li Qingran's gaze receded,

restoring her characteristic demeanor of a young girl.

Her body went pliant, and she nestled into Chen Huaian's embrace, articulating in a voice sweetened with adoration,

"Your disciple suddenly feels so weary~"

"My body feels all swollen; I need Master to coax me before I can get up~"

Chen Huaian: "..."

He helplessly made a gesture to support her, then his gaze sharpened like lightning, sweeping coldly toward the still-dazed Medicine Battle Master nearby.

"Seen enough?"

The Medicine Battle Master shuddered all over, frightened out of his wits by that icy gaze.

"I've... I've seen enough! No no no! I didn't see anything! This old man saw nothing at all!"

"Not going to scram yet?"

Chen Huaian tossed out a previously prepared parchment scroll, densely covered with various medicinal herbs.

"Go find them!"

"Missing even one, and this venerable one will refine you into a pill."

"Yes yes yes! This old man will go right now! Right now!"

The Medicine Battle Master felt as if granted amnesty. He grabbed the parchment scroll and scrambled into the forest, faster than a rabbit, terrified that being a step late would mean being stuffed into a cauldron.

...

At the same time.

Starry Sky Great Forest, outer scorched earth.

The wind, carrying the pungent smell of scorched earth and blood, blew across this devastated battlefield.

Thump, thump, thump.

Heavy footsteps sounded.

Tang Er, leading the members of the Slime Team, stumbled into this ruin.

What met their eyes was hell.

The earth was cracked, ancient trees reduced to ashes, countless World Beast corpses piled up like mountains, blood converging into rivers, dyeing the black scorched earth a dark red.

These were the brutal traces left by that earlier "Beast Tide."

Tang Er's body trembled.

His gaze frantically searched through the mountain of corpses and sea of blood, trying to find that pink figure.

Nothing.

There was nothing.

Only the lingering, terrifying residual aura from the hundred-thousand-year World Beasts' outburst, and that faint... medicinal fragrance in the air.

He remembered his father's final instructions before death, remembered the dependent look in Little Rabbit's eyes.

"Ah..."

Tang Er's knees gave way, heavily kneeling in the scalding ashes.

His hands clawed into the soil, fingernails breaking, blood flowing freely.

Under such a terrifying Beast Tide and clash of powerful experts,

how could the newly transformed Little Rabbit possibly survive?

The White-clothed Swordsman's cold cruelty, the Pope's cruelty,

intertwined in his mind to form a picture of Little Rabbit's tragic death.

"Little Rabbit..."

Tang Er lowered his head, forehead pressing against the cold ground, a heart-rending roar tearing from his throat:

"I'm sorry..."

"I... I came too late!!"

Two lines of bloody tears trailed down his dust-covered cheeks.

...