Collapse Iron Live Broadcast Connects All Worlds, Scares Wuzhan Away at the Beginning Chapter 143

「“The Cloud Knights’ first strong attack was just a cover. The Diviner used the Cloud Knight main force to attract the enemy’s attention, while letting us extinguish the furnace and stop the smoke.” With just Fu Xuan’s understated words, Welt guessed the Diviner’s intention.」

「“Yes. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus abandoned their century-long dormancy and chose to reveal themselves now, indicating that they have a sure chance of winning; however, no matter how thorough the preparation, it is ultimately aimed at the Cloud Knights. The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus know nothing about everyone’s abilities and existence, and cannot defend against them.”」

「“Why not let the Foxians and Vidyadharas try?” Stelle asked doubtfully.」

「“You misunderstand Mara-struck, it is not a curse specifically for humans.” Fu Xuan shook her head and said, “Foxians are not susceptible to Mara-struck because although they are long-lived species, their lifespans are not infinite; while Vidyadharas rely on 【molting】 to discard the old world. As far as Mara-struck is concerned, long-lived species are equal…”」

「“However, the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus would never have expected the General to dare to ask for foreign aid, and of course, they would not prepare to deal with short-lived species.”」

「Stelle supported her forehead: “It seems there is no other way to go…”」

「Fu Xuan lowered her eyes slightly and said, “I don’t want to be manipulated by others. But people walk on the path of destiny not alone, not without bonds. Everyone’s choices not only create themselves, but also push their companions forward.”」

「“The Diviner’s duty is to seek good fortune and avoid misfortune. I don’t want my choices to lead the Luofu to a terrible future.”」

「Since only the Express Crew could handle this matter, Stelle and the others had no intention of declining. But as they were preparing to leave, Stelle suddenly noticed that Fu Xuan was staring blankly at the distant furnace, her delicate face flushed slightly.」

「“Fu Xuan?” Stelle patted the Diviner’s shoulder, but unexpectedly caused the little girl to cough violently.」

「“Cough cough, it shouldn’t be too late to start practicing holding my breath now…”」

「“But, you look fine?”」

「“It’s still far from the furnace. Although I don’t understand medicine, I also know that talking about toxicity without considering the dosage is just empty talk…”」

「But halfway through her words, Fu Xuan’s arrogant expression finally couldn’t be maintained, and she lowered her head dejectedly, her two pink ponytails swaying back and forth: “Hmph, even so… I’m still scared to death! I’m still young, and I don’t want to fall into Mara-struck so soon!”」

“Hahaha, what’s with Fu Diviner’s arrogant, cowardly, and silly tone? So cute!”

Inside St. Freya Academy, Kiana was amused by Fu Xuan’s cute tone, but for some reason, seeing Fu Xuan’s expression always reminded her of Theresa.

If it’s Auntie… reciting such lines doesn’t seem out of place at all~ No! It should be said that it fits perfectly!

Hmm… next time I see her, I must hear her say these lines in person!

「“Is that smoke really harmless to us?” Stelle suddenly asked.」

「“You don’t trust me, do you!” Fu Xuan was so excited that her ears turned red, but when she thought that she still needed their help, the momentum she had just raised suddenly weakened a lot, and she muttered in a low voice: “Cough… if I say I don’t know, you wouldn’t immediately quit, would you?”」

「“…Forget it, let me give you all a reassurance. You don’t know what Mara-struck is, do you?”」

「“Physicians believe that Mara-struck is related to memory. Although long-lived species have extremely long lifespans, the capacity of memory has its limits.”」

「Fu Xuan paused, and continued to explain: “Over hundreds or thousands of years, the threshold of emotions that long-lived species can feel continues to increase, and memories also become thin and weary under the erosion of time, leaving only the most extreme and distinct precipitation. That is almost certainly painful and regretful memories…”」

「“Do you understand? The end of long-lived species is to no longer feel happiness and joy, leaving only painful hatred engraved in their hearts like scars. Under extreme emotions, the self as a person begins to collapse… This is the beginning of Mara-struck.”」

“This feeling is very similar to attrition.”

On Mount Aocang, Cloud Retainer recalled the conversation between the Adepti and the Emperor regarding attrition. Attrition is the principle of the Heavenly Principles, beyond their control. It is not only a shackle placed upon them, but also a consequence that even the gods of Teyvat cannot escape. As time passes, the attrition on long-lived species will become more severe, and both power and sanity will be lost.

Thinking of Azhdaha, it was because of attrition that he eventually betrayed his original contract, and the three of them joined hands with the Emperor to suppress him under the Dragon-Quelling Tree.

In this way, Azhdaha’s appearance is similar to the Mara-struck of the Xianzhou, both eventually losing their minds and falling into madness.

“I initially imagined that the power of Abundance could eliminate the attrition on us, but it seems that it is completely impossible.” Mountain Shaper sighed, “We will probably follow in Azhdaha’s footsteps in the end…”

“You two… don’t make yourselves unhappy for such things.” Cloud Retainer glared at the two of them reproachfully.

Streetward Rambler asked strangely, “Cloud Retainer, aren’t you afraid of turning into Azhdaha’s appearance after attrition?”

“Afraid, how could this Immortal not be afraid?” Cloud Retainer took a sip of tea slowly, and said lightly, “But does this Immortal’s fear of attrition prevent it from happening? Since things will always happen, then why be afraid?”

“This Immortal has been living in Liyue Harbor recently, and often interacts with those juniors. Although they have not lived as long as this Immortal, there is a saying that this Immortal finds very useful—”

“They say… ‘The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, worrying is a day, and being happy is also a day’. Hehe, let the future me worry about attrition.” Cloud Retainer savored the faint tea fragrance lingering in her mouth, with a satisfied smile on her face.

“…Let’s start with this cup of tea for the enjoyment in front of us.”

「After learning about Mara-struck from Fu Xuan, Stelle set off for the distant furnace.」

「The fog was thick along the way, and they couldn’t even tell the way. As they groped forward, March 7th suddenly noticed that Tingyun was still in the team!」

「“Wait, Miss Tingyun, why haven’t you gone back yet! It’s very close to the furnace here!” March 7th said anxiously.」

「“Thank you for your concern, I’m fine~ Who told the General to order me to follow you, I wouldn’t dare disobey military orders.” Tingyun replied with a smile, seemingly not taking the Mara-struck inducing fog seriously at all.」

「“Life is at stake. Miss Tingyun, go back, we’ll explain to the General.” Welt said seriously.」

「“Really, there’s no need. Hehe, I’ve been sailing in the universe for many years. Don’t look at my age, I’ve only had a little over ten years of experience.” Tingyun’s eyes quickly swept over everyone, “You benefactors have probably lived longer than me.”」