Chapter 73: The Sage
“So, Ice Lixie, can you also be ageless and deathless like Book Yao?”
Night Star couldn’t help but ask out of sheer curiosity.
When the stars sent her to a certain point in time, Night Star saw an exact replica of Ice Lixie, as if frozen in that moment—no signs of aging whatsoever.
It should have been decades ago; even if she hadn’t aged, it wouldn’t make sense for her to still look like a teenager unless she was like some sort of fountain of youth.
Ice Lixie shook her head.
“Know this because I’ve seen my own face unchanged since days past?”
“Uh…”
Night Star averted her gaze sheepishly.
Asking such a question meant acknowledging she indeed possessed the power to manipulate time.
Ignoring Night Star’s guilty vibes, Ice Lixie answered, “Actually, I’m not ageless and deathless—I have a normal lifespan. It’s just that I get reborn.”
“Reborn?” Night Star was utterly confused.
“Each time I d*e unnaturally, I come back at the age of seventeen with increased abilities,” Ice Lixie explained.
“You mean… you can cheat d*ath and still remain young forever?”
“No, I regenerate. And it comes at a price.”
“A price?”
“This regeneration isn’t free—a constant suffering follows every d*ath, making me more vulnerable, prone to mental breakdowns, and ultimately worse than a quick demise.”
“Er… So, you’re saying…”
“Yeah, just as you guessed, I endure that pain daily.”
“Well, don’t you find it… unenjoyable?”
Right. Just thinking about it sickened Night Star. She cringed even at minor discomforts, let alone something worse than d*ath itself.
Terrifying, really.
Ice Lixie, staring into the distant horizon, continued, “But it’s necessary. Though the pain could turn me into a Star Eclipses, my obsession is with protection. I’ll carry on until the world changes.”
“Hmm… Maybe I could eliminate your pain and give a hand.”
Indeed, Night Star wanted to use the Wish Machine to relieve her special Night Watcher from suffering, even if it meant revealing critical secrets.
“No need,” Ice Lixie declined, “Appreciate your kindness, but pain is a cost for the power. I can’t guard the city if I rid myself of it. If any new crisis emerges that I can’t handle, I’ll choose d*ath again instead of fleeting relief.”
“Why so determined?”
“Because it’s my mission and duty—to keep the people and city safe, to exist long after I’m gone.”
Night Star felt deeply moved.
Was she a saint?
That felt d*mn noble.
Being under her protection seemed like incredible luck.
With her by Night Star’s side, safety would surely increase a hundredfold.
Of course, she already felt secure, thanks to her fellow performers.
“Mmm… In any case, good luck! Hope your wait ends soon. Let me know if you need anything.”
“You’re a great kid. If only we had someone like you at the Night Watcher Base.”
“Eh, even if you say that, the performers won’t join the Night Watchers.”
Night Star mumbled.
True, she wasn’t joining, but who knew about Night Lan.
This distinction was important.
To this, Ice Lixie sadly nodded.
“Alright, I’ll head off. Since Book Yao joined the troupe, please protect her well.”
“Mmm-hm, leave it to me!”
After Night Star’s confirmation, Ice Lixie left.
Now, only Book Yao and Night Star remained.
Night Star looked at the purple-haired woman beside her and suggested, “Should we celebrate? You seem in high spirits.”
“I feel good because I’m not haunted by curses anymore. But what truly makes me happy is having you here.”
“Mmm-mmm! Isn’t it obvious that my adorable company brings you joy?”
“Absolutely, Night Star’s sweet presence is my motivation to live.”
Book Yao gently took Night Star’s hand with a serene smile.
Though she felt shy admitting it, “I may be inexperienced, but I look forward to our journey together.”
Instantly, Night Star blushed.
“Um… Does this sound like a marriage proposal? We’re just friends, right?”
“Correct, friends till the end. Meeting you is the greatest luck of my life.”
“Mmm-hm.”
…
In the Night Watcher base of Qi Yuan City.
Mo Qianmeng placed sealed ink paintings containing Star Eclipses in a secure area to prevent secondary crises from leakage.
Only professionals could handle such issues now.
The quickest and most effective hands belonged to the local Sunlight Night Watcher.
Mo Qianmeng knew one, Chi Hao from Shanghe city. His stars could burn away Star or Star Eclipses powers, cleaning up all those paintings eventually.
“Phew… Finally over.”
This time, injuries among the Watchers were within acceptable limits.
Mild injuries were fully recovered. Serious ones needed rest.
Those barely hanging on might have to pull back.
Next, they’d look into the forces behind the Sunset Research Institute.
Mo Qianmeng sighed softly and walked out of the base, gazing at the clear sky.
After such an ordeal, she realized her shortcomings and vowed to train harder.
She aimed to surpass Ice Lixie and Hei Yang so no j*rk cousin could laugh at her.
At this thought, Mo Qianmeng remembered something.
“Speaking of which, the performer said she’d tell me Mo Tu’s dark history. Should I seek her out now?”
This made her impatient.
Previously, a spiteful announcer mocked her incompetence, reminding her of the hateful Mo Tu, fueling her annoyance.
This time, she had to find a way to silence him.
Bring it on!
