Lucian stated with certainty, "There's no mistake."
Jiyan gave a slight nod. "You must have noticed the abnormality of this full moon as well. We refer to this phenomenon as the Void Plenilune.'"
"When the Void Plenilune fully forms, it means—the Threnodian representing war, Ovathrax, will awaken."
Lucian frowned. "I've heard this name several times now. What exactly is Ovathrax?"
Jiyan's explanation was somewhat vague. "It is an ancient shadow that has lingered over this land, an entity capable of devouring the resonance of weapons and converting it into its own power."
"After enduring countless battles, Norfall Barrens has become a 'Grave of Ten Thousand Blades.' Its power has likely grown even stronger than before."
"But now that the Void Plenilune has appeared, any further delay will only grant it time to 'feed war with war,' making the situation irreparable."
Rover's expression turned serious. "What's the next step?"
Jiyan nodded approvingly. "To remain calm under such circumstances—your temperament is truly exceptional."
"As for the specifics, let's discuss them back at the camp."
Rearguard Base.
Lucian stored away all his Echoes to avoid causing unnecessary panic.
On the horizon, a stone sculpture resembling some form of Tacet Discord slowly rose, exuding an overwhelming aura as it gazed down upon all living beings before forming a faint blue barrier around itself.
Rover frowned. "What is that?"
Jiyan's expression darkened. "That is a statue pieced together by Ovathrax from fragments of weapons, structures, and rocks. For a long time, it has loomed over Jinzhou like a giant, symbolizing the Ovathrax's ambition."
"The 'Battle Beneath the Cresent' once left it severely weakened, causing the statue to sink beneath the waters. Now that it has resurfaced… it seems it can no longer restrain itself."
"The camp of the Breaker Battalion is just ahead. Let's pick up the pace."
The moment the group stepped into the Breaker Battalion's camp, a dark figure suddenly darted toward Lucian and threw itself into his arms.
The impact nearly knocked him off balance. Looking down, he realized it was his little disciple, Jianxin.
"Jianxin? What are you doing here?"
Come to think of it, after their last separation, Jianxin should have returned to Jinzhou City—yet he hadn't seen her there since.
But then again, he hadn't reached out to her either… At this thought, Lucian's face flushed slightly. There had simply been too much happening after his return!
Yes, that was it!
Jianxin nuzzled her face against Lucian's chest before taking a deep breath.
Meanwhile, Rover glared at the scene with a dark expression.
Lucian suddenly felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly patted Jianxin's petite backside as a signal.
Understanding immediately, Jianxin pulled away from his embrace.
Jiyan chuckled. "Jianxin arrived at the frontlines with the supply team days ago. Her calm temperament has helped me resolve quite a few troublesome matters."
"Though I hadn't realized how close you and Jianxin were, Mr. Lucian."
The moment those words left Jiyan's mouth, Rover's face darkened further.
With a cold expression, she stepped forward and, under Lucian's terrified gaze, wrapped her arms around his neck before pressing her lips firmly against his.
Jiyan: "?"
Jianxin: "?"
Yangyang: "?"
Jiyan suddenly realized he might have said the wrong thing…
Jianxin, meanwhile, stomped her feet in frustration, tugging at their arms in an attempt to separate them.
Yangyang, however, seemed puzzled. When did their relationship progress so quickly?
With a soft pop, their lips parted.
Jianxin, red-faced and indignant, cried out, "Master! Last time, didn't you say you accepted this disciple's feelings?!"
[Triggering Options!]
[Option 1: Continue kissing Rover in front of Jianxin. Reward: Echoing Orchestra +1 Level]
[Option 2: Kiss Jianxin in front of Rover. Reward: Purification Force Field +1 Level]
[Option 3: Comfort Jianxin properly and tell her Rover is the main wife! Reward: 100,000 Shell Credits]
"System, you truly are unfilial!"
With the resolve of a dead man walking, Lucian wrapped his left arm around Jianxin and pressed his lips against hers.
Jianxin's eyes widened in shock before she hesitantly began to reciprocate.
So… this is what kissing feels like…
Jianxin felt as though her entire body was melting into her Master's embrace.
Rover: "?"
After what felt like an eternity, their lips parted. Jianxin lowered her head shyly, not daring to meet Lucian's gaze.
Seizing the moment, Lucian pulled Rover closer with his right hand and leaned in for another kiss—though this one was as fleeting as a dragonfly skimming water.
[Option 1 Completed. Echoing Orchestra +1 Level.]
[Option 2 Completed. Purification Force Field +1 Level.]
Having witnessed the entire spectacle, what else could Jiyan and Yangyang do but applaud?
Brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.
Lucian lowered his head and affectionately nuzzled Jianxin's cheek before whispering, "Jianxin, your Master would love nothing more than to indulge in this moment with you, but Jinzhou is now facing a brutal war. Do you remember what I once taught you about 'greater love' and 'lesser love'?"
Jianxin's face flushed pink as she nodded. "Master, Jianxin understands."
"This disciple has also heard that whenever the rains pour, Norfall Barrens echoes with countless wails and howls, as if a hundred ghosts weep through the night…"
"Master once said, 'Life and death are fated, energy transforms all things under heaven. The world is but a vast chamber—spirits depart, only to return again.'"
"The souls of countless warriors have been imprisoned in Norfall Barrens by the Ovathrax … This disciple wishes to grant them liberation as well."
Lucian nodded approvingly. "Jianxin, your compassion brings me great joy. Once this matter is resolved, I will surely reunite with you."
Jianxin bowed her head, gazing deeply at Lucian before covering her face and dashing away.
The next moment, Lucian felt a cool touch on his cheek—Rover's delicate fingers.
Gritting her teeth, she muttered, "Seems like I'll have to find a way to keep you tied to my side…"
Lucian broke out in a cold sweat. She wouldn't do anything strange to me, would she…?
Jiyan quickly stepped in to mediate. "The situation is urgent. Everyone, please follow me."
Rover nodded and dragged Lucian along by the hand.
Lucian exhaled in relief. Good ol' Jiyan, you're truly my best bro!
The group arrived at an open terrace, where Jiyan addressed them. "While defeating the Threnodian is the key to this battle… in previous campaigns, the Tacet Discords of Norfall Barrens have exhibited abnormal behavior to varying degrees."
"The research institute has concluded that the Tacet Discords of Norfall Barrens are not naturally occurring. Rather, they are entities that suddenly manifest due to the infusion of a certain power."
"After analyzing their behavioral patterns, I reached a conclusion: the source of the power that creates the Tacet Discord surges is none other than that statue."
"Now, while the Ovathrax's strength has yet to fully recover, is our best opportunity to uncover this secret."
"Considering the persistent threat of the Tacet Discord surges and the fact that many wounded soldiers have lost their combat capabilities, we must first assign roles and missions before launching our official assault."
Jiyan turned to Rover. "I hope you can join me in strategizing for this operation."
Rover lifted her chin slightly. "I want Lucian with me."
Jiyan chuckled. "Very well. As the Magistrate's intelligence officer, the Magistrate naturally has the right to be informed."