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"This feather...you're saying I gave this to you just in case I lost my memories or suffered mental damage one day?"
Staring at the feather in Ji Lin's palm, "Fu Hua" blinked blankly.
Had something like this really happened?
"Fu Hua" racked her brain deep in thought but couldn't recall any related memories.
In the silence, Ji Lin's expression gradually showed hints of uncertainty, and she slowly began to retract her hand.
"You...don't seem to remember this, do you?" As Ji Lin spoke, her calm gaze flickered slightly, as if suddenly growing wary.
Seeing that Ji Lin might take back the feather—and even doubt her identity—"Fu Hua's" antenna-like hair stood straight up.
"I absolutely remember it! I gave it to you myself, just in case! Truly impressive, even for me—always thinking ahead with no contingency unconsidered! Anyway, give it here!" With that, "Fu Hua" reached out and snatched the feather from Ji Lin's grasp.
Ji Lin looked startled, instinctively extending her hand forward as if trying to retrieve the feather again.
Naturally, "Fu Hua" wouldn't let her succeed. She promptly raised the feather and channeled Honkai Energy into it.
A golden glow emanated from the feather, followed by the appearance of a ghostly figure within the room.
With a tall, slender frame, flowing Yun Mo sleeves, and long light gray hair pinned up elegantly with a simple wooden hairpin, the apparition seemed ethereal, almost divine.
This could only be Fu Hua herself. By transferring her consciousness into Kiana using Fenghuang Down's power, Fu Hua's essence had effectively become akin to a single feather.
"Oh? You came out on your own?"
The doppelganger Fu Hua blinked, then rubbed her chin and circled around the motionless phantom, displaying both curiosity and admiration.
"Truly worthy of me! Not only did I prepare a contingency for memory loss long ago, but even my consciousness backup is as captivating as ever, ha ha ha!"
Behind "Fu Hua," Ji Lin exchanged glances with the stoic original, each subtly nodding internally.
It seemed this "Fu Hua" indeed placed great importance on identity, readily accepting their fabricated backstory—despite having no way to recall such nonexistent events.
Meanwhile,
"Pah!"
The Book of Fuxi leisurely sipped its tea, casting a disdainful look at the two elderly women's charming appearances.
Please don't expose us, Little Fuxi.
Hmph! Aren't you ashamed? Don't push it too far! This child may be easily appeased, but if she feels deceived, I can't guarantee the consequences.
Easily appeased, that's your assessment, Little Fuxi?
Compared to your stubborn, thick-headed self who can't comprehend reason, yes. Don't question my judgment or intellect; in matters like these, I'm undoubtedly a thousand times better than you. In a certain sense, she's a very innocent child. However, dealing with Herrschers isn't something I can intervene in recklessly—you're on your own.
The Book of Fuxi continued sipping its tea, no longer responding to Fu Hua's thoughts.
Meanwhile, Fu Hua pondered internally.
It seemed that Little Fuxi quite liked this "Fu Hua." Regardless of the underlying feelings, handling this existence now required considering Little Fuxi's perspective as well.
In any case, whether to strike her down with a single blow needed careful deliberation.
Silently sighing, Fu Hua noticed "Fu Hua" standing confidently before her and smiling brightly.
"Not bad, truly impressive! Now then, quickly hand over your memories and power to me—it's your responsibility, isn't it?"
"You... Who are you?" Fu Hua asked, her voice filled with confusion and hesitation.
"Fuxi" blinked.
"I am, of course, Fu Hua—just like you! Who else could I be?"
"It doesn't feel right."
"Aiya! I've had an epiphany, after all! Having broken free from those golden chains, I'm devoid of confusion and weaknesses. Naturally, I appear more youthful compared to your rigid state, trapped within numerous bonds. I understand your perplexity, but take a look at my face, and then see this..."
"Bang!"
With a loud crack, the sturdy table collapsed under Fu Hua's palm. Then, she slowly retracted her hand, confidently standing tall as she declared:
"Seeing this mastery over martial energy, is there still any room for doubt?"
"You fucking destroyed someone else's property again!" The Book of Fuxi floated over, pointing at the shattered wooden table before hurling a tiny cup straight at "Fu Hua's" head.
What followed was an extended scolding that left everyone too intimidated to interject.
After more than ten minutes, the irate Book of Fuxi drifted towards the door and exited the room.
At this moment, "Fu Hua," who had subconsciously remained kneeling, wiped away cold sweat and cautiously stood up, still shaken.
Fu Hua: "(ー_ー)..."
Ji Lin: "(ー_ー)..."
"What are you staring for? Don't get any wild ideas; I just didn't want to stoop to her level!"
"We haven't said anything."
"Well, good enough! Anyway, give me your complete memories. Honestly, ever since waking up, I'm slightly confused about why I slept for so long. Ah, perhaps it's the price of becoming stronger?" demanded "Fu Hua" with a wave of her hand, addressing the real Fu Hua bluntly.
However, Fu Hua frowned, paused briefly, and then shook her head:
"I refuse."
"Why?"
"I still can't be certain you're me; there's too much difference between us. Even if you truly are Fu Hua... when creating this backup, my intention was to preserve my original intent. How can I know that the current you still holds onto the determination to protect humanity?"
"Seriously?! Old relics never change, always rigid as hell!"
"What resides within me isn't just memories but also immense power. It cannot be entrusted lightly. If you aren't the true Fu Hua or have strayed from the righteous path, enhancing your strength would only lead to greater calamity. I must exercise caution."
Fu Hua questioned calmly, "Can this 'Fu Hua' guarantee authenticity?"
"Hiss! Are you looking for trouble, damn it?"
"No, merely exercising necessary prudence. How can you prove that despite these changes, you remain steadfast in your original intentions?"
"I don't need to prove anything to anyone!"
"In any case, I won't surrender myself to an uncertain entity. Of course, you could choose to forcefully erase my will, and I wouldn't have the means to resist. This scenario is something my past self didn't anticipate."
Throughout their exchange, Fu Hua remained composed, observing "Fu Hua" with unwavering calmness.
This was both a choice and a small test—to gauge this "Fu Hua's" true character.
"Tch! Fine, be a relic if you must. After all, you're still me, so I won't make things difficult for you. Then tell me, what would it take for you to willingly merge with me?"
"Well...I think we should start by entering your body first. I'll observe until I'm certain I can trust you."
"How troublesome! Alright then, come on in! Take as long as you need; I am Fu Hua, no doubt about that!"
"Let me make one thing clear: If I detect anything suspicious or signs of deception, I'd rather end us both than risk falling into any trap. Consider these risks carefully before proceeding."
"Fu Hua" rolled her eyes. She was the original Fu Hua—what kind of deceit could there possibly be? This old relic truly lived up to its name, always fussing over every detail, never straightforward—though secretly, she didn't quite mind such meticulousness.
"Just get in here already!" Tired of idle chatter, "Fu Hua" extended her hand, effortlessly drawing Fu Hua into her body, and sighed deeply afterward.
"Ah! Taking care of my past self must have been both incredibly dull and troublesome no wonder Little Fuxi gets so easily irritable now. Thinking back on it, I truly feel quite guilty. Don't you agree, A-Ji?"
"...Please call me Ji Lin or simply A'Lin, Elder Immortal."
"No need for such formality between us—consider our friendship! Just call me A-Fu, A-Ji!"
"Elder Immortal, if you'll excuse me, I must take my leave."
"Don't go! Then I'll be all alone again!"
Fu Hua's pleas couldn't stop Ji Lin from returning to the Xuanyuan Sword.
"Fuhua" approached the sword rack, picked up the Xuanyuan Sword, and gave it a few swings.
"Hey! A-Ji, come out and chat with me!"
After several unsuccessful attempts, "Fu Hua" reluctantly set down the sword, grumbling discontentedly:
"It was just a nickname, A-Ji. If you didn't like it, we could've talked about it; there's no need to completely ignore me. Seriously, what's with that attitude?!"
Continuing her mutterings, "Fu Hua" glanced at the wide-open door, feeling a strong urge to step outside for a stroll. However, remembering the confinement order from the Book of Fuxi, she hesitated and ultimately couldn't bring herself to cross the threshold.
Finally, she could only silently squat by the door, gazing at the tantalizing freedom just beyond her reach. Overhead, dark clouds lingered ominously—making her resemble a lonely little puppy.