Chapter 264

Guarding these beautiful seeds, to prove his devotion to Him, is something Yin Zhi will certainly do on his journey.

Idelira is his faith, and also what he seeks in his destiny. He has, while bleeding and losing consciousness in battle, countless times seen Her traces in his coma, spreading from under his feet, reaching toward the unknown ahead.

Reason tells him it's an illusion, but he hopes it's real.

"In that old illusion, I kept running. On the muddy road, His footprints saddened me more than any weeping. And each time, I was just a step away from seeing His figure—only a little bit off."

"Are you fighting to see 'Him'?"

Yin Zhi smiled and nodded: "Hmm… this is my selfish desire."

"Falling, rising, falling again, rising again—countless temperings, hovering between life and death, all to let us draw closer to the path once walked by Pure Beauty." Yin Zhi solemnly closed his eyes, "This is my oath as a Pure Beauty Knight."

He asked Xing if she supported his idea, but Xing merely shook her head calmly; as a member of the train crew, she could not allow Yin Zhi to put himself in danger alone.

"Are you worried about me? Thank you, thank you…" Yin Zhi was moved, "Your understanding is more precious than any treasure. I have crossed swords with many travelers, encountered too much flattery and servility, contempt and provocation. Rare is the same childlike heart."

Yin Zhi's mind is made up; this is the destiny he must rush toward. But before setting out, he still has one regret he could not fulfill: his original battle with Xing, in which he wishes to prove his will with sword and spear, and thereby bid her farewell.

——

Xiaolin's dragon maid.

Xiaolin pushed up her glasses, looking at Yin Zhi, who was determined to fight Xing in the sky, her brows furrowed.

"You're about to go challenge that monster, why waste energy?" She shook her head in confusion, "Wouldn't it be better to conserve a bit of stamina before the fight to increase the chance of coming back alive?"

Tuo'er walked over holding a freshly baked muffin, her dragon tail swaying happily. She glanced at the screen, where Yin Zhi's elegant yet resolute posture stood, and gave a light smile.

"Xiaolin, you naturally don't understand these knights' thoughts~some battles are more important than 'living'!"

"For example?"

Tuo'er took a bite of the muffin, explaining vaguely: "Just like our dragon clan roars before battle to show off strength, that knight wants to use combat to prove his 'Pure Beauty' will, much like those heroes on TV who, even facing death, declare 'My belief still shines'."

Xiaolin sighed: "Sounds cool, but actually dangerous, right?"

Tuo'er burst out laughing: "That's why they're called knights! If they lacked this stubbornness, they'd be unworthy of his faith."

——

"The battle with Yin Zhi didn't last long; Xing quickly defeated him."

"Xing… your bearing, strength, and martial etiquette… have convinced me completely." Yin Zhi praised Xing's performance without reservation, but he also knew that after the battle he would withdraw from the train's story.

"Are you sure you can withdraw safely?" Xing asked finally.

"Xing, I guarantee: I am not a rash, impulsive person; I will make thorough preparations and find the right moment to withdraw. I came to the train to help everyone resolve the crisis; when the mission is complete, I will return to the galaxy. But… the galaxy is vast, we might meet again."

Since things have come to this, Xing no longer tried to dissuade him, but instead told his idea to Mr. Wa'erte. He understood Yin Zhi's approach, but rationally did not agree.

Meanwhile, Weilite also heard of Yin Zhi's plan, and the whole person was shocked enough to drop his jaw.

"Are you starting to worry about him?"

"Don't talk nonsense! Nothing of the sort—I don't worry about him at all; I only care what happens to my life's turning point if he dies. It's hard to understand, better to live poorly than die well—what is he being stubborn about? …Well, I actually am starting to worry."

——

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Golden Wind

Mista crossed his legs, looking at Weilite's tough‑mouth‑soft‑heart appearance, and couldn't help laughing loudly.

"Although he's a bit tight‑lipped… this guy is still fairly frank."

Trish elegantly sipped her black tea, her gaze soft landing on Weilite's tense, death‑like face, and said softly, "I think it's quite rare." She added, "In a company where profit is everything, it's still possible to see someone so genuine."

"Doesn't Toppa count?"

"Toppa certainly does, but her position is too high; she focuses all her thoughts on work and her colleagues, leaving little time for us observers." Trish laughed and shook her head, "Some things can only be said after one has discarded status and position."

Mista didn't quite understand, but upon reflection, since Giorno became boss, he indeed has many jokes he hasn't told him.

——Back when he was just a new recruit in the organization, with Bucciarati and Narancia still around, he absolutely had no such concern.

Now he himself has become one of the organization's three leaders, and can no longer treat his subordinates with the attitude of a low‑level enforcer. Honestly, to this day he still isn't used to this position; compared to the freedom of shouting orders at his underlings now, he still misses that afternoon scattered by the sea breeze.

Bucciarati pushed the last tiramisu toward him, Narancia smeared cream on Fugo's face, and Abbacchio's coffee cup held three sugar cubes—supposed to be only two, surely Giorno had sneakily added another.

"... Mista?"

Mista snapped back to, realizing he had been zoning out for a long while, while Giorno looked at him with concern.

"No, nothing… just didn't sleep well last night, feeling a bit drowsy."

——

"Weilite stormed up to Yin Zhi and bluntly said, "What you're doing is really brainless—you've put yourself in danger, must you fulfill a knight's duty? Couldn't you do it another way?"

"Could it be that you're worried about me?" Yin Zhi looked at him with relief, "I hope I can uphold my oath: to help you reach the end."

"You…"

Weilite gritted his teeth, as if making up his mind: "If you won't listen, then I'll go with you! After all, this life of mine was picked up by you—hey, though my strength can't help much, I can at least lend a hand…"

"I'm grateful, but you needn't force yourself."

Seeing Yin Zhi's resolute expression, Weilite also knew he couldn't dissuade him, so he said, "Don't get yourself killed here! I'll wait for you to come back! Once we settle this crisis, you can help me do some endorsements at the company! The important thing is you must not die here—"

Yin Zhi slowly turned and left, spear in hand, stepping toward the true chrysalis worm's silhouette, like a silver blade thrust into darkness.

"Please don't worry, I will shout, 'Pure Beauty Goddess Idelira, unmatched in beauty!'"