Starting as a Magical Girl, I Alone Shall Rule for Eternity

Chapter 229: Yin and Yang Transformation, the Cycle of Time!

At the end of the world, inside the Incubator cavern.

Amidst the roar of the cliffside waterfall, Thousand-Pinweed swallowed hard.

She stared at the Miracle Seed gradually disappearing from Jiang Si's hand, then glanced at the ash-gray Thousand-Pinweed opposite.

Generally, the Disarming Charm shouldn't work on a Miracle Seed.

Because no Magical Girl would treat her own Miracle Seed as a weapon.

The condition for Thousand-Pinweed's spell to take effect was that both she and her opponent had to consider that object a weapon.

In other words, if Jiang Si himself didn't treat the Miracle Seed as a weapon, the Disarming Charm should have been useless.

For it to work meant that Jiang Si simply didn't take the Miracle Seed seriously—it was just a convenient tool to him.

Once the Disarming Charm took effect, the item couldn't be retrieved for a short time.

And that was a Miracle Seed, no less!Thinking of the purple mana from earlier, Thousand-Pinweed felt momentarily confused.

Was it a life-saving artifact the Sect Master gave him? Or was it actually some special ability of the Sect Master?

Shion's abilities were wildly varied. Because she was never ashamed to ask questions and was practically the grand teacher of all sect disciples, she knew every ability within the entire Azure Cloud Sect and had learned plenty of abilities from Magical Girls outside the sect too.

Perhaps there was some ability that could let her boyfriend briefly borrow power, or even let him wear her own 'skin suit'...

Various possibilities flashed through her mind.

Thousand-Pinweed didn't really suspect anything else, though.

It's not like there could be a boy who transforms into a Magical Girl in this world.

Another issue was, if the Miracle Seed really disappeared like that, wouldn't it affect the Sect Master's transformation?

"Hey, man!"

For some reason, the Driver suddenly shouted.

Thousand-Pinweed instinctively turned and slapped him unconscious.

Over there, the Incubator-transformed version of herself was slowly getting up and restoring her own Magical Outfit.

Seeing a grayish-white version of herself felt a bit strange.

But in terms of abilities, it didn't surpass her.

Thousand-Pinweed still walked to stand behind Jiang Si.

While watching another version of herself beat up this cocky kid was satisfying—well, not exactly a beating, since Jiang Si hadn't suffered a single loss.

The Incubator hadn't gained any advantage, though it had still landed a few solid hits on Jiang Si.

Still felt good.

Now, regarding the protective charm the Sect Master gave him—let's assume that for now—Thousand-Pinweed didn't want to think too deeply about it.

She just asked, "If you need help, just say so. Don't push yourself too hard."

Honestly, Jiang Si right now absolutely couldn't be called 'fine.'

There was already some blood on his face, and it was even dripping down continuously.

After the Miracle Seed disappeared, the hand that had been holding it kept trembling slightly.

It was clear the explosion earlier definitely wasn't as easy for him as he made it seem.

"Don't be stubborn, okay? Losing isn't shameful; losing and still refusing to back down is what's..."

Jiang Si didn't look at her, not even bothering to turn his head.

Although Thousand-Pinweed told him not to be stubborn, she didn't force her way to stand in front of Jiang Si either.

Firstly, she was still observing the enemy's movements, including whether there were other dangers in this cavern at the world's end.

Even if they defeated the opponent, this place obviously wasn't very safe. She had to figure out how to get Jiang Si out safely.

Secondly, she looked at Jiang Si, who showed little reaction even after being injured.

His gaze even held a hint of fervor as he stared at the enemy.

Her opinion of him shifted slightly.

Previously, her attitude toward Jiang Si was largely one of dissatisfaction, feeling he didn't deserve his position.

After all, he was just an ordinary person. Even if his physical body was a bit impressive... no matter how impressive, he was still ordinary.

Just a mortal body, average looks.

What right did he have to be liked by Bingtang and Little Yumo in the sect?

Especially after capturing the heart of their sect's master.

But after witnessing this fight—though she felt a little glee seeing Jiang Si get hit—she could somewhat understand why Bingtang and Little Yumo liked him.

This guy was truly strong.

Possessing power and being strong couldn't always be equated.

Thousand-Pinweed understood this better than anyone.

The Sect Master had told them countless times.

Without sufficient mental fortitude, even with power, one would only become a stepping stone for others to surpass.

Even worse, an Upper Cultivation practitioner could easily snatch away your fate with a single trick, making you unworthy even as a stepping stone in the construction industry, only fit to be relegated to lower-tier material industries as 'human material.'

The Sect Master often said her flaw was lacking the mindset of a true powerhouse.

Though the next sentence was always mocking her for reading too much Harry Potter.

But Thousand-Pinweed knew the Sect Master was right. She truly lacked a powerhouse mentality like Jiang Si's—always fervent about battle, fearless.

So at a time like this, Thousand-Pinweed actually felt inferior.

Not as good as Jiang Si.

To the point that whether she should intervene or not required Jiang Si's response.

The grayish-white Thousand-Pinweed also stopped paying attention to Jiang Si, immediately shifting her gaze to the real Thousand-Pinweed.

As the most rational combat machine, she naturally knew who was a threat and who was stronger.

Both Thousand-Pinweeds raised their magic wands simultaneously.

Various Unforgivable Curses, defensive charms, detection spells, suppression spells...

Tentative spells required no incantation; the two sides wildly exchanged fire.

In just a few seconds, the entire cavern was filled with countless magical spectacles of earth, water, wind, and fire.

It was hard to determine a winner in a spellcasting duel. Thousand-Pinweed took a deep breath, gathered mana again, and mixed Sectumsempra with the Stunning Spell, aiming to break the opponent's barrier...

A dazzling burst of purple light exploded once more, shaking the mana of both Thousand-Pinweeds!

They couldn't help but shift their gaze to the youth who had paused beside them.

They saw Jiang Si reach out and violently grab the erupting purple brilliance in the air!

For a moment, Thousand-Pinweed thought he would burn up.

Because the purple flames rapidly engulfed his entire body, still raging wildly!

But the youth remained motionless.

Only the tendons and bones on his hand bulged violently, as if about to tear through his skin! Thick veins throbbed on his forehead, seeming ready to burst at any moment!

Thick purple mana continuously overflowed from between his fingers, an endless stream, as if something was gathering and solidifying in his grasp!

Until a brand new, beautiful, purple Miracle Seed emerged from his palm.

Thousand-Pinweed's pupils slowly dilated.

Even the grayish-white Thousand-Pinweed was stunned. As a collective entity of Incubators with data on almost all Magical Girls, this was the first time they had seen someone who could mold a Miracle Seed with their own hands.

And it was a boy!

The previously battle-ready Thousand-Pinweed just dumbly lowered her magic wand, her gaze somewhat dazed as she stared at Jiang Si.

"Step back, Thousand-Pinweed."

A command that would normally make her jump with anger. When Thousand-Pinweed instinctively wanted to retort and mock...

Her eyes fell on that Miracle Seed freshly molded by bare hands.

The surging purple mana—without a doubt, she'd recognize it no matter how many times she saw it.

It belonged to the Sect Master!

So she obediently took a few steps back.

Though her expression remained frozen, her heart was already pounding wildly!

How is this possible, how is this possible...

Could Jiang Si really be the Sect Master?!

Wait, wait, wait, wait!

No wonder Lady Bingtang's attitude was so strange! No wonder Little Yumo cared about him so much!

I knew it! I knew Little Yumo had always only liked the Sect Master! Lady Bingtang would never show that kind of expression to anyone but the Sect Master!

No wonder Super Qinghua always kept a straight face, looking like she wanted to laugh but didn't dare.

No wonder Four Leaf and Six Leaf acted so weird...

We're all part of the seven true-transmissions—so I'm the only one who didn't know about this?!

This is bullying! Bullying against Thousand-Pinweed! Bullying against foreign disciples! I'm definitely going to cry in front of them!

Then she glanced at Jiang Si and the Miracle Seed in his hand again.

Remembering all her offenses along the journey.

Thousand-Pinweed fiercely slapped her own cheeks.

Don't be scared, Thousand-Pinweed, don't be scared.

It's not confirmed yet!

No transformation means it's not certain!

As long as it's not observed, it's Schrödinger's Magical Girl Cat!

Maybe, maybe it's just a joke by the Sect Master. "I fell in love with myself—just kidding," or something like that. Or maybe some special ability placed on Jiang Si.

Right, if it really was the Sect Master Celestial Being, with all the offenses I committed along the way, she would have long since beaten me up.

How could she have held back until now!

The Sect Master has always been someone who would rather act than talk. But she wasted so much breath talking with me along the way, which is completely unlike the Sect Master's personality. Besides, how could the Sect Master possibly have the leisure to date herself?!

Have confidence, Thousand-Pinweed!

This youth in front of you isn't necessarily the Sect Master! Don't be afraid, there's nothing to fear.

Being afraid is useless now anyway. If he is the Sect Master, I'm already dead. I might even be kicked out of the Azure Cloud Sect tomorrow...

So she watched with trepidation as Jiang Si held the Miracle Seed.

"Heaven and Earth are not humane..."

Thousand-Pinweed's legs went weak, almost making her kneel.

Please, don't transform!

As long as you don't transform, I can still pretend I don't know.

Sometimes, being a clueless fool isn't so bad...

Even if the Sect Master really wants to punish me, I can righteously say I didn't know.

But if you really transform, it's over.

No way to explain myself. And deliberately transforming in front of me must mean you're going to settle accounts with me, right?

So the moment Jiang Si was about to transform, Thousand-Pinweed almost cried from anxiety.

She desperately wanted to use a Disarming Charm herself to stop the boss from transforming.

However, the grayish-white Thousand-Pinweed opposite didn't use the Disarming Charm again.

Because it could be detected that using Disarming Charm on Jiang Si was now useless.

The Disarming Charm's activation condition was too simple. As long as Jiang Si wasn't an idiot, he could immediately realize—as long as he didn't treat the Miracle Seed as a weapon.

He could avoid the Disarming Charm's effect.

So the grayish-white Thousand-Pinweed's next move was.

To charge straight over!

With the protection of the Ironclad Charm, the Impediment Jinx, and the Petrification Curse, the grayish-white Thousand-Pinweed then cast on herself a spell not meant for use on humans—"Locomotor Trunk!"

Only then did Thousand-Pinweed realize the opponent wasn't human!

With the boost from this spell, the grayish-white Thousand-Pinweed charged at the restrained Jiang Si at extreme speed. The two of them blasted out of the cavern!

Thousand-Pinweed immediately rushed to the edge of the cavern. The two had fallen from the cavern into the abyss at the world's end!

Grayish-white mana enveloped the two, frantically eroding the Miracle Seed in the youth's hand!

"Arresto Momentum!"

She halted the two mid-air. Thousand-Pinweed mounted her broom and immediately gave chase.

Then halfway down, she saw Jiang Si take out a syringe.

The syringe was filled with a reagent.

He casually jabbed it into his own neck.

"Heaven and Earth are not humane—"

A touch of pitch-black first completely saturated the grayish-white dregs' polluted magic.

Then, it seeped into the endless, torrential great river.

The waterfall pouring down from the sky, like a celestial river, resembled a sheet of rice paper with a drop of ink fallen upon it.

Thick black rapidly spread across it!

Until the entire heavenly river turned pitch-black!

Heaven and earth were like ink!

"—With my demonic blood, dye the azure sky!"

"Transformation!!"

A pitch-black, fog-like curtain unfolded in the sky. Thousand-Pinweed saw the black-clad Sect Master.

The gorgeous black dress was covered in golden patterns resembling dragon scales. Thick, ink-like mana surged mightily, piercing through heaven and earth!

Most importantly were those pupils—dazzling golden vertical pupils, like dragon eyes, cold and imposing!

As if the ruler of darkness had descended upon the world, though the figure still seemed somewhat youthful...

Her hand gripped the grayish-white dregs Magical Girl tightly.

"Apparition..."

"Quiet."

Rippling mana instantly silenced all sound.

Even the mana constructing the spell was completely scattered.

To the point that the waterfall pouring from the sky also froze solid.

Thousand-Pinweed only felt immense pressure all over her body, as if diving deep into the sea, making movement difficult! A great terror suddenly arose in her chest.

And on the ever-unchanging face of the Incubator-transformed Thousand-Pinweed, a trace of fear directly appeared.

"We!..." They only heard the opponent struggle to speak. "Want to join... the new Witches..."

Boom!

Her head was instantly slammed against the pitch-black waterfall!

Yet the waterfall was like an iron curtain. The moment the grayish-white Thousand-Pinweed was pressed against it, a dull thud sounded.

Then her head was plunged into the waterfall. The black-and-gold Magical Girl grabbed her head and violently flew toward the sky. The grayish-white face rubbed against the river current, dissipating, forcibly splitting the iron-curtain-like pitch-black waterfall!

Then, like a meteor, she fiercely smashed into the bottom of the enormous, floating Disaster Control Bureau Central Bureau!

The entire Central Bureau tilted and began to plummet downward!

...

"Over here, over here!"

When the three of them rushed into the dormitory building from the blizzard, they saw An Shiyu and Susan.

They were actually waiting for them inside the teaching building.

The two pulled the three inside and closed the door.

"Are you alright?" An Shiyu asked with concern after closing the window.

All three nodded, saying they were fine.

Iris and Silver Lotus, who couldn't transform, both plopped down on the floor, panting heavily.

Silver Lotus's stamina was decent; even after losing her Magical Girl powers, she hadn't neglected physical training.

But along the way, dragging Iris—who, after lying flat for too long, hadn't recovered enough to win a marathon for mature, calm, steady, and slightly magical girls like Qingying with her superhuman endurance—had been absolute torture!

Just as the two were catching their breath, Keke looked at Susan and An Shiyu and asked, "Why are you two here?"

"After we came out from over there, a Magical Girl told us to come wait in the dormitory building."

Susan said calmly, "Probably someone received advance notice."

"Ah, our Central Bureau..."

Over there, An Shiyu suddenly seemed nostalgic and emotional. "Still has zero vigilance... Only this point always puts me at ease. Feels like nothing has changed at all, really nice..."

"Not nice at all!" Keke couldn't help but retort. "It should change a bit!"

To be invaded so suddenly, yet still not organizing a counterattack.

The Central Bureau is too careless!

"Hehe, my little sister is right."

"Wha—what little sister? I never acknowledged you as my sister..."

Over there, Iris rested up, stood, and glanced out the window.

Outside was already a world of ice and frost, with howling gales. The unclosed windows in the dormitory building rattled noisily, as if it were the apocalypse.

"Are all the Magical Girls from the Azure Cloud Sect this outrageous?"

Even Iris, who considered herself the strongest Magical Girl, couldn't help but exclaim, "Winter from last time, that Bai Mei, and now this Qinghua—each one is no less brave than I, Iris!"

"Those are the seven true-transmissions..." Silver Lotus said while casually bandaging her wrist. She'd been injured by an enemy earlier; while not a big deal, constant bleeding was troublesome. "The average inner sect disciples aren't that strong. I asked; I'm roughly at inner sect level."

"You asked about that?" Keke asked curiously beside her. "Did you ask Senior Dandelion?"

"...Who else?" Silver Lotus observed the dormitory building again.

The entire dormitory building was almost empty now.

The evacuation had been very swift—there must have been advance warning.

Were these grayish-white Magical Girls part of the Disaster Control Bureau's combat drills?

Senior Susan said someone notified them, meaning the current situation was still under control?

But why didn't we receive any message here...

While constantly speculating about the reasons, Keke mumbled beside her, "But when I asked, Senior Dandelion said not to worry about that stuff for now."

That's quite considerate.

Silver Lotus thought. When Dandelion said she was merely an inner sect disciple, her tone actually carried a somewhat belittling meaning.

After all, there were differences even among inner sect disciples. Dandelion believed she could only bully mid-to-high-tier inner sect disciples, not compete with high-tier, super-high-tier, top-tier, or even true-transmission seeds.

Let alone the fact that true-transmissions and inner sect were separated by a chasm.

Silver Lotus was still quite unwilling.

"Isn't that fine, though? Aiming too high isn't good for getting stronger. Everyone in the Azure Cloud Sect probably thinks that way."

Silver Lotus said offhandedly. Over there, Susan instinctively nodded, then realized it was inappropriate and tightened her expression.

Only Iris stroked her chin, saying thoughtfully:

"Then this Super Qinghua must be the strongest among the inner sect, right?"

As soon as she said this, the atmosphere suddenly grew tense.

Even more tense than being surrounded by grayish-white Magical Girls.

"In terms of strength, I think Dandelion is the strongest."

Silver Lotus said with an air of indifference, speaking casually. "Based on my years of understanding of the Azure Cloud Sect's true-transmissions, Dandelion is the most formidable."

"While we certainly can't underestimate Dandelion," Susan immediately shook her head. "But if we're really talking about true-transmissions, Miss Bai Mei is the strongest."

"Um." Keke raised her hand beside them. "I heard that among the Azure Cloud Sect true-transmissions, the one with the highest cultivation realm is Senior Thousand-Pinweed..."

"Realm is one thing; actual combat strength is another."

Silver Lotus was the first to refute. "Dandelion is the strongest."

"I agree with the first part, but the second part is wrong." Susan snorted coldly. "Bai Mei is the most powerful."

Keke glanced outside again at Qinghua, who was freezing four or five grayish-white Magical Girls single-handedly. "Miss Qinghua is also very strong."

"I think realm is the most important; other things can be improved gradually." An Shiyu suddenly spoke up. "I support Thousand-Pinweed being the strongest of the seven true-transmissions. The others are nothing but paper tigers..."

"What did you say?!"

Both Silver Lotus and Susan suddenly raised their voices, angrily exclaiming:

"In a real fight, Dandelion could blow Thousand-Pinweed out of Earth's atmosphere in one breath!"

"Bai Mei could slice ten Thousand-Pinweeds to death with one sword!"

Keke looked at Silver Lotus and Susan and covered her forehead.

Are you all elementary school kids?!

"Senior Mùjǐn, don't suddenly pour oil on the fire!" An Shiyu also shrank her neck, complaining.

"Ah, I was just speaking my mind..."

Yeah, right. You were clearly laughing so slyly and mischievously.

Just as Silver Lotus and Susan were arguing endlessly, Silver Lotus suddenly grabbed Keke. "Keke, what do you think? Who's the strongest among the seven true-transmissions?"

"Um, um..."

Keke said awkwardly, "I think Teacher Shion is the strongest."

"Tch!"

Everyone made dismissive sounds.

Silver Lotus bumped her head against her friend's. "Buzzkill. Everyone's discussing which restaurant is good, and you suddenly say Mom's cooking is the best..."

Keke scratched her head and pouted. "Then make them fight each other."

"While we can't make them fight, we can fight them ourselves to confirm who's strongest..."

Just as Susan was contemplating actually ranking the seven true-transmissions by strength...

An Shiyu suddenly asked:

"Where's Miss Iris?"

Only then did everyone realize that during the argument, Iris had disappeared.

Just as Keke and Silver Lotus were about to get up and look for her, the entire dormitory building suddenly shook violently!

All the glass in the dormitory building shattered like rain. Everyone crouched down.

When the shaking subsided somewhat, everyone looked up through the windows howling with icy wind.

Pitch-black mana blanketed the sky. The Central Bureau, which had maintained eternal daylight...

For the first time in centuries, plunged into darkness!