Plug-in Delivery System [Quick Transmigration] - v2c14

 

Chapter 29: End

Everyone hurriedly ran outside the holy temple. They found the flame on the fountain missing, replaced by a gigantic phoenix soaring in the sky, its feathers ablaze.

The Phantom God's phoenix feathers were crystal clear and bright red, interspersed with complex golden patterns. Its eyes were like the most dazzling gemstones in the world, twinkling with captivating lights. Flames danced around the corners of its eyes.

The Phantom God, in the form of a phoenix, was circling majestically in front of the grand temple, singing songs as melodious as flutes and drums.

"So the Phantom God is a phoenix..." Cheng Xuyuan's deep black eyes mirrored the noble posture of the phoenix. Suddenly, he noticed a whiff of black energy appearing on the phoenix's crown.

Yin Qingcheng also noticed the unusual energy in the Phantom God's aura. He frowned, "It seems like there's something... off with the Phantom God?"

This shadow of black energy swiftly spread out, intermittently shrouding the Phantom God's phoenix feathers. For a moment, the light between heaven and earth seemed to have dimmed.

Asher quickly turned his head to the crowd and shouted, "The Phantom God's energy is too powerful, and may harm us at any time. Evacuate immediately—"

Yun Yi stood on the ground, looking hollowly at the brilliant phoenix feathers. He opened the vessel gate, trying to absorb the Phantom God's immense energy with his body.

"What a fool, he isn't even afraid that the energy might blow up the vessel..."

Asher muttered under his breath, watching Yun Yi, and quickly led everyone to evacuate the temple at high speed.

The Phantom God's aura entered Yun Yi, infiltrating his veins and spreading energy from his fingertips to all over his body in no time. As long as the vessel gate was open, the intense Phantom God's aura would rush in en masse. Precisely because of this, Yun Yi was eyeing Yin Qingcheng from the start, intending to get rid of him to prevent other vessels from stealing the energy when the Phantom God awakens.

If it weren't for the academy's timely expulsion of Yin Qingcheng, and the human special department providing him with protection along the way, he might have already fallen victim to Yun Yi's assassination.

The next second, Yun Yi's body began to burn with phoenix fire, and the burning pain made him scream. He apparently didn't expect this to happen, looking at his own body in extreme horror, only to find he's rendered completely immobilized.

Soon afterward, Yun Yi's terrified screams ended as he vanished into ashes, just like the magical core of the beast spirit that Cheng Xuyuan had seen before, cleanly dispersed in the air.

The scene before his eyes frightened Yin Qingcheng. He couldn't help but ask Asher, "What exactly is going on..."

"Anyone who is tainted by the Phantom God's aura..." Asher's face turned serious, "will instantly become a sacrifice to the Phantom God and disappear if they die. This is exactly why Yun Yi brought those eight students to visit the temple in an attempt to have them tainted."

Yin Qingcheng, staring blankly at the enormous phoenix in the sky, muttered, "But, isn't the Phantom God a guardian deity? It seems like Yun Yi was burnt to death by it personally. Why would it indiscriminately kill the innocent..."

"It's because it has been demonized." Cheng Xuyuan uttered the shocking truth.

Just half a minute ago, the system told him the truth: A hundred years ago, the Phantom God was attacked by the four magical beasts. Although it suppressed them by itself, it accidentally got tainted with the beast's demonic energy.

During that time, the Shen Huan Continent was in dire straits, and humans were also impacted. The Phantom God was too busy saving the world to care for the small spot of demonic energy. Unbeknownst to it, this demonic energy turned out to be a punitive measure from the magical beasts.

After the Phantom God fell asleep, the demonic energy spread, eventually leading to its demonization.

Demonization means that the Phantom God can no longer control its energy. After being demonized, the Phantom God is no longer a sacred guardian deity, and at the same time, anyone tainted with its aura might be subject to its sacrifice — which means obliteration.

Unexpectedly, in the battle a hundred years ago, the Phantom God also left its aura on the four magical beasts.

To sacrifice the magical beasts, Yun Yi personally went into the Abyss to awaken them. These magical beasts thought that they were safe while the Phantom God was asleep and recklessly wreaked havoc. However, they were defeated by mages who were prepared and ended up being sacrificed, which was essentially self-destruction.

Cheng Xuyuan briefly explained the truth to everyone and said, "So, the Phantom God was not awakened by Yun Yi, but woke up after being thoroughly demonized. Also, there were signs of the Phantom God's awakening last night, coinciding with the moment Yun Yi tried to open the fake magic circle."

Yin Qingcheng had a sudden realization, "So, what caused me to open the gate last night was the energy change brought about by the impending awakening of the Phantom God, not the magic circle Yun Yi mentioned?"

"You're correct." Cheng Xuyuan concluded, adding, "Of course, these are all my speculations." After all, he couldn't admit to knowing the entire script.

Asher nodded gravely, "Your guess makes a lot of sense. Currently, we have no idea what the demonized Phantom God would do, but..."

Before he could finish his sentence, the Phantom God rummaged with a long cry and left the temple directly, flying in a certain direction.

"That is..."

"It's the direction to Shen Wu Academy!"

The crowd exclaimed. Surprised flickered through Asher's eyes before he shouted to everyone, "Members of the human special departments, please return to the human world and fortify our defenses as soon as possible. The rest, follow me back to the academy!"

Meanwhile, the Phantom God overlooked the earth, where Shen Wu Academy in the shape of a hexagram star looked like an enticing gem. Flapping its wings, it rushed towards the academy.

Shen Wu Academy received Asher's message and quickly began evacuation, moving the students from the classes. Next, the staff at the judgement department also received the news of the Phantom God's demonization and awakening, and immediately deployed defense across the entire Shen Huan Continent.

The black and gold auras twisted around each other, rapidly appearing above Shen Wu Academy. Accompanied by a clear phoenix cry, the Phantom God began to hover.

Following that, dozens of phoenix fire attacks infused with massive energy were launched at Shen Wu Academy.

All the teachers and a number of stronger students from the Academy joined forces to activate defensive techniques to resist the attacks, but they couldn't completely avoid the damage. Many were injured or killed, and the atmosphere at the Academy was filled with panic and bloodshed.

By the time Cheng Xuyuan and the others arrived, the Phantom God was flapping its wings towards a group of fleeing students, with countless feathers transforming into lethal flaming arrows.

Asher immediately took to the air, rushing toward the hail of arrows. He quickly unleashed several lightning strikes, colliding with the volley of arrows. However, some of the flaming feathers slipped through and continued towards the crowd.

Yin Qingcheng, without a moment to think, dashed into the crowd and activated a powerful earth-based protective shield, saving the people just in the nick of time.

Mondea hid behind Yin Qingcheng, his legs trembling with fear. He gasped heavily and whispered, "Is... Is it over?"

"Of course not."

Immediately after, the out-of-control Phantom God continued its assault on Shen Wu Academy, with people fleeing in all directions. The situation was even more intense than when they faced the Soul-Devouring Snake King.

Powerful magicians were busy rescuing people while the weaker ones were barely coping with the indiscriminate attacks of the Phantom God. Being able to escape from Shen Wu Academy alive was already considered exceptionally fortunate.

Just then, the ferocity of the Phantom God's attack started to slacken.

However, before anyone could catch their breath, a long cry came from the Phantom God. Followed by an intense and blinding light, combined with scorching flames, columns of fire burst up from under the ground, instantly destroying all the buildings of Shen Wu Academy.

Fortunately, by this time, the majority of people had been evacuated from the Academy.

"If this keeps up, the entire  will be done for." The sound of Yin Qingcheng's beating heart was like a drum. He was sweating profusely, and this was his first such life-threatening battle since his vessel was unsealed.

Cheng Xuyuan said in a low voice, "I fear it's more than the Shen Huan Continent, the human world will also be..."

"We must reseal it," Yin Qingcheng gritted his teeth.

Resealing the Phantom God — this notion sounded like a joke. Throughout the centuries, the Phantom God would only enter a sleep state when it wanted to rest. As normal magicians, how could they possibly seal it?

"Before that, please lend me your strength."

Yin Qingcheng and Cheng Xuyuan locked eyes. Yin Qingcheng's eyes were filled with a sense of justice. It was a sense of justice originating from the protagonist, like the warmest sun in winter, able to ignite hope even in the most desperate times.

"A friendly reminder: the journey in this world is about to end. Please complete your mission with haste and transfer all your energy to the male protagonist."

The sound from the system shocked Cheng Xuyuan, and he asked, "It's over just like that? Why do I feel like the story is just beginning…"

The system coldly responded, "You only exist in the first few chapters of the novel, your primary role is to assist the male protagonist in gaining unparalleled strength. The story of saving the world starts after your departure from this world."

"So, I'm just a cannon fodder?!"

The system sighed helplessly, "Consider yourself a white moonlight in the male protagonist's life, because he will never forget you."

"How is this a plug-in?!"

"It is. Your spiritual core will accompany the male protagonist until the end of the story."

On the other side, the Phantom God launched a new round of attacks.

Cheng Xuyuan looked into the young man's eyes and suddenly asked, "Are you so sure that I can help you defeat that creature?"

"Of course!" Yin Qingcheng looked at him, a smile suddenly blossoming on his face. He reached out and grabbed Cheng Xuyuan's arm, "You are my 'Maoqiu', my omnipotent 'Maoqiu'."

During their time spent together, Yin Qingcheng had seemingly become strongly dependent on Cheng Xuyuan. In daily life, if Cheng Xuyuan was ever out of sight, Yin Qingcheng would start searching for him everywhere, causing Cheng Xuyuan to complain to the system about how clingy the protagonist had become.

"What if we can't defeat the Phantom God and something happens to me, what will you do?" Cheng Xuyuan stared into his eyes, asking seriously.

Yin Qingcheng nonchalantly responded, "How could that happen? You're so powerful, and I'm making rapid progress. As long as we combine... we... we can certainly beat the Phantom God..."

When Yin Qingcheng came to the word "combine", he suddenly stumbled over his words, a flush appearing on his face.

"Call me Lord Heavenly Fox." A smile cropped up on Cheng Xuyuan’s lips suddenly.

Yin Qingcheng paused, his eyes filled with laughter, "Okay, my... Lord Heavenly Fox."

His gaze was so gentle, full of trust. In the moment Cheng Xuyuan bit his neck, he heard him say, "In the future... I will become stronger and protect you without using your power."

Cheng Xuyuan jerkily raised his head, watching his body gradually turning translucent, he was unexpectedly filled with mixed feelings.

He said softly, "In the future, there will be many people you need to protect. Your classmates from Shen Wu Academy, the citizens of the Shen Huan continent, your peers in the human world... your journey is still long."

"Yes, the journey is still long." Yin Qingcheng watched the boy gradually enter the container and revealed a confident and ambitious smile, "With you with me, I'm not afraid of anything."

"I will always be there... In whatever form."

Yin Qingcheng did not understand the last sentence, he only felt that today's Lord Heavenly Fox was a bit strange. However, he didn't think too much about it, soaring into the sky and confidently launching his attack on the Phantom God.

Asher, seeing this situation, secretly worried and muttered to himself, "This youngster is way too bold..."

Fu Yunci, who was trembling in the sanctuary, comforted him, "Don't worry. As long as the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox is there, Yin Qingcheng is like having a cheat, and he's obscenely strong!"

The energized vessel was now unlike before, capable of bringing out 120% of the Heavenly Fox's power. Dense attacks and prohibitive spells seemed to fly out of Yin Qingcheng's spell casting hands endlessly, flying towards the Phantom God suspended in the air.

However, he had underestimated the force of the Phantom God. These prohibitive spells, capable of destroying half the academy, disappeared thoroughly when they encounter the Phantom God's feathers, just like child's play.

The Phantom God noticed Yin Qingcheng and suddenly changed its direction. The golden phoenix feathers filled with black energy swung towards him with a harsh attack.

At this time, Yin Qingcheng was already capable of handling the protagonist's responsibilities. He skillfully dodged the attack, not only did he not initiate a defense, but he even went on the offence, continually launching a sharp attack.

The mages on the side, seeing this, also used their own unique skills to assist Yin Qingcheng in attacking the Phantom God.

Upon having been hit by Yin Qingcheng's prohibitive spells several times, a hint of anger ignited at the bottom of Phantom God’s eyes. The out-of-control Phantom God is like a raging fire, leaving nothing but ruins wherever he went.

Shen Wu Academy had already turned into a pile of ruins.

Immediately after, the Phantom God circled in place for a while, throwing its head back and howling, invoking a non-elemental forbidden magic spell.

Non-elemental magic, also known as void magic, is extremely rare across the entire Shen Huan Continent and there are very few students in this faculty of Shen Wu Academy who have this ability. The so-called non-elemental means to abandon all magical elements, to directly use energy to change the state of an object, to come without a shadow, to leave without a trace.

The forbidden spell used by the Phantom God is called "Divine Shadow". For a moment, the earth was shaking, and all the flowers, grass, and trees within a radius of several hundred miles withered away. The air was filled with flying dust and stones; Yin Qingcheng could barely open his eyes.

In the blink of an eye, the Phantom God had disappeared.

The next moment, a huge phoenix rose from the ground beneath him, rushing towards the clouds with an irresistible force, and charged directly towards Yin Qingcheng's body.

"Boom—"

In the blink of an eye, Cheng Xuyuan separated from the container, firmly blocking the impact at Yin Qingcheng's feet.

Yin Qingcheng only felt a white light flash beneath his feet. When he opened his eyes, nine huge fox tails were erect in the air, radiant and dazzling.

The phoenix body of the Phantom God collided directly with the Nine-tailed Heavenly Fox, and the powerful energy shock ploughed Yin Qingcheng dozens of meters away.

“Maoqiu...” Yin Qingcheng suddenly had a bad feeling. He looked at the two giant beasts enveloped in white and orange light, his heart beating rapidly.

"Owoo——"

The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox landed on the ground, the sound of the impact was deafening, and the Phantom God was significantly wounded, circling low in the sky.

Yin Qingcheng quickly rushed towards the Nine-Tailed Sky Fox. When he got to it, he anxiously asked, "How are you, are you okay?!"

How could it be okay... The Phantom God is the most powerful villain in the novel.

However, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox, as the protagonist's plug0in, took this hit and the Phantom God couldn't launch a strong attack again for a while.

But... the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox was not as indestructible as the Phantom God.

"Wu——" The Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox extended its massive head to Yin Qingcheng's face, gently rubbing his arm, and gave out a low whimper.

The whimpering sound was like a bass note from a cello, instantly hitting Yin Qingcheng's heart, making it difficult for him to breathe.

"It'll be okay..." Yin Qingcheng's eyes began to heat up. He conjured a huge amount of woodland energy in his palm, and the forbidden healing spells engulfed the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox's body wave after wave.

But all of this was to no avail. A mouthful of blood sprayed from the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox's mouth, staining a large area of the land red.

Everyone was shocked as they watched this scene.

Taking advantage of its last breath, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox held its aristocratic skull high, the vermilion mark on its jade forehead sparkling brilliantly, reflecting the last faint light.

It opened its mouth. Amidst the strong halo of woodland healing magic, a spirit core was spat out. Its radiance illuminated a large piece of the ground. Under the illumination of the spirit core, flowers and grass revived, and spiritual energy overflowed.

"No——" Yin Qingcheng stared in shock, shouting in desperation.

Before his words fell, the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox's spirit core flew at Yin Qingcheng's body. A strong aura enveloped him and the spirit core swiftly became part of his body.

Yin Qingcheng only felt a surge of energy rushing into his body, bringing a heart-refreshing spiritual aura. His limbs felt reborn, filled with an indescribable sense of power.

Then, his black hair gradually faded under the halo, turning the same silvery white as the fox's fur.

Yin Qingcheng could barely stand. He knelt down in front of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox, a few teardrops slipping from his eyes. With a trembling hand, he reached out and embraced the fox's neck, hearing its last cry.

Cheng Xuyuan left the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox's body, observing the barren scene of the vast land. The center of Shen Wu Academy, around the fox's body, appeared like a newly born oasis, shimmering with a moving light.

It was a glimmer of hope, tiny yet enormous, exchanged with the sacrifice of the Nine-Tailed Heavenly Fox.

Mid-air, he saw Fu Yunci accidentally falling in front of the Heavenly Fox, he saw Asher comforting Yin Qingcheng in his grief, and he saw the Phanom God retreating into concealment.

He also saw Yin Qingcheng's silvery hair being lifted in the air by the wind. The scene was truly reflective of his name's meaning: green turns into white as evening comes.

"I just wish you'd tell me when I'm about to make a grand sacrifice," Cheng Xuyuan said. His body was still aching from the Phantom God's attack, which made breathing difficult for him, "Just to give me some time to mentally prepare... to be ready to ring the bell wait to die after completing the task..."

The system's voice was still as cold and merciless as ever.

"The mission at Shen Wu Academy has been successfully completed, you have received a permanent skill: Thunder System Magic Energy. Once you've rested for a moment, the plug-in delivery system will depart for the next stop, please, plug-in number 10287, prepare yourself mentally..."

"Please note: The next world has high requirements for appearances, and thus, plug-in number 10287's appearance has been increased by 130%..."

________________________

Author's note:

I'd like to issue a formal apology for the errors in this world. The period I was writing this coincided with my grad school exams and I had to revise the storyline several times, cutting off important content (to avoid slowing you down), which only resulted in a world that's too vast to explain. I'm currently revising this and hoping, at least, to salvage some of it.

I promise not to create such vast worlds in the future (apologizing profusely), and I hope you'll continue to support and cheer for kk, love you all!

TL's Note: To be honest, this arc isn't my favorite, I feel like there were too many things left unexplained. There were times when I was translating that I had to stop and recall whether certain things were mentioned/ explained in the previous chapters. It's good to see that the author acknowledged that their world-building here was a bit lacking. Anyway... we're starting a new arc in the next chapter! Hope you're all still here with me! 

Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter