After being chosen by the Ice Queen

Ghost Head Hao was dismembered and killed, the leader of the Dark Crows was executed, and the remaining enemies scattered like birds and beasts.

Chiba Rin gripped the still-humming Chrysanthemum Emblem of Karmic Fire, her chest heaving violently. The exhilaration of avenging her great grudge flashed through her like lightning, quickly replaced by a profound exhaustion. She swayed, using her sword for support to steady herself.

Gu Yan remained silent; he understood the feeling. Revenge was both the end and the beginning. After the dust settled, what remained was facing oneself and the devastated reality.

"It's over..." Daodaosai said hoarsely, glancing at Chiba Rin, then at Gu Yan, before finally looking back at the dilapidated tavern.

[Key hostile target 'Gou Kito' has been detected and confirmed dead.]

[Detection indicates that the largest opposing force within the Chiba Group has been dismantled, significantly increasing Chiba Rin's actual control.]

[The final determination of the related events is based on...]

[Approved!]

[In World Otsu-Si-7743 (Kanto, Japan), you successfully gained the recognition of the Chiba Clan (Advisor/Assistant status activated) and became deeply involved in the core changes within the clan, assisting them in completing the power transition and the leader's revenge.]

[Task Completion Assessment: Excellent.]

[Basic reward settlement: Source Points +2200, Medium Constitution further enhanced (in progress), this world's base currency (already rationally injected).]

[Special Reward (Triggered consecutively by the first event 'Superior Fortune' and this time's 'Excellent' rating):]

1. Enhanced Permissions: The permissions of the "Trainee Traveler" have been slightly expanded, the imprint space has been increased to 2 cubic meters, and the user has gained access to basic information on some low-risk areas called "Dry Soil".

2. Breakthrough Opportunity: Based on high-intensity combat and the synergy with the new weapon "Hidden Light", your "Swordsmanship Specialization" will gain a deeper understanding, greatly reducing the time required to break through bottlenecks. With focused training, you can directly reach level 50 next time.

3. Special Status "Blood and Fire Tempering": After experiencing a life-or-death battle and achieving a key objective while wielding a newly forged weapon, your tacit understanding and bond with "Darkness and Brightness" are greatly deepened. When using "Darkness and Brightness", the efficiency of all attributes is increased by 15%, and the damage to "abnormal" targets is increased by an additional 10%. Duration: Until the next major weapon replacement or destruction.

4. Deepened World Connection: You have developed a deeper bond with World Otto-Sato-7743 (especially its mysterious side, "Ookijiro Island" and "Ama-no-Murakumo-no-Tsurugi"). When you enter related events later, you will receive certain initial information and adaptability bonuses.

[Note: The hidden side quest "The Three Kingdoms Chess Game" (Wucha Kingdom) is still archived. You can request to check its progress at any time.]

[A major change has been detected in the mythical side quest "The Promise of the Sword," which is highly relevant to this world...]

[Analysis in progress... Abnormal energy fluctuations detected in the area related to the 'Ama-no-Murakumo Sword' (the mapping area of ​​the Ootengu Goro Island)... The fluctuation characteristics show a 37.2% match with the low-intensity infiltration of the 'Void Ash'...]

[Alert: The risk level for this route has been raised!]

[The "Order Maintenance Council's" Anchor of Order branch has forcibly intervened!]

[Note: The fragments of the 'Ama-no-Murakumo Sword: Remnant Star' and the related tokens (key and map) for 'Ooku Goro Island' that you obtained have been marked as critical tokens. The organization will dispatch high-ranking warriors to forcibly locate and stabilize the passageways in this area using the tokens, and carry out purification and recovery operations. This operation will begin approximately two months from now (base time).]

[As the provider of the key token and a key participant in this event, you have qualified to participate in this purification/exploration operation. Several other travelers (including some newcomers and veteran guards) will also be entering.]

You may take your final rest and say goodbye in this world, and then apply to return at any time. You will receive a clear notification before the next event begins.

A series of information flashed through Gu Yan's mind. The mission was a complete success, especially the Bloodfire Tempering state and the breakthrough opportunity in his specialization, which were crucial to his strength improvement. However, the changes in the Kusanagi Sword side quest made him feel uneasy. The infiltration of the Void... had it already reached the core area of ​​this mythical creature? The organization's forced intervention and the deployment of high-level travelers meant that the situation was serious, but it also gave him the opportunity to continue exploring in depth.

He composed himself and looked at Chiba Rin and Totosai.

"I have to go," Gu Yan said calmly. He had done what he needed to do, and now that things were settled, he needed to return and process what he had learned.

Chiba Rin slowly turned her head, the emptiness in her eyes gradually replaced by a more complex emotion. She knew Gu Yan's background was mysterious, and that they would eventually part ways.

She paused for a moment, then solemnly sheathed the Karmic Chrysanthemum Pattern. "Without you, I couldn't have avenged myself, nor could I have reclaimed the Chiba Clan." Her voice was slightly hoarse. "I will remember this kindness."

She paused for a moment, then continued, "Next, I will consolidate the old forces left by my father and eliminate the remaining forces of Kito Go, Nakamura, and Nishio. It's time for that opportunist, Uncle Zai, to make a choice. The Chiba Group will continue to exist with a new look." She didn't specify what it would become, but her tone clearly showed her determination.

Dao Dao Zhai took a swig of wine, panting, and said, "Girl, the road ahead is long. Revenge is easy, but cleaning up the mess is hard. This 'Karmic Fire Chrysanthemum Pattern' sword is your karma, and it's also your sword. Use it to cleave your path, but don't let it drag you into an even deeper sea of ​​blood."

He then looked at Gu Yan, his eyes deep: "Kid, your path is even more unusual. The Obscure Blade is a good sword, but it also means greater responsibility. The consequences brought about by that fragment, and the things within you... be careful."

Gu Yan nodded to Daodaozhai: "Thank you for forging the sword, sir. Take care." He then looked at Qianye Lin, who was also looking at him. The two had fought side by side and gone through life and death together. At this moment, their silent gaze spoke volumes.

"Take care." Chiba Rin finally uttered only two words and nodded slightly.

Gu Yan didn't linger. He took one last look at the tavern. Then, he turned and headed in the opposite direction from Chiba Rin, and with a few leaps, his figure disappeared into the fading darkness and morning mist.

In a secluded clearing in the woods far from the battlefield, Gu Yan stopped and activated the system.

[Request to return.]

[Confirmed. Transmission initiation.]

A familiar sense of separation washed over him; the mountains, the blood, and the morning mist quickly receded. After darkness and a flash of light, he reappeared in the pure white purification room of the Seventh Research Institute, as if from another world, completely different from the carnage he had just witnessed.

The rewarded Source Points have arrived, and the Medium Constitution Enhancement is being integrated. He clenched his fist, able to feel the invisible bond between himself and Huiming, as well as the subtle amplification brought by the Bloodfire Tempering state.

He needed to see Lin Xue and Lei Kun as soon as possible to report the situation, especially regarding the possibility that the Hollow might have infiltrated the space where the Ama-no-Murakumo Sword was located. Then he would digest what he had learned, practice his swordsmanship, and await the next event.