Chapter 469: with translation of chapter title

After the two successfully cleared the level, they immediately entered the second segment, completing a series of decryptions by helping repair the clockmaker's inner heart; for Xing, this was a piece of cake, and she easily passed this stage.

Next, they will face a contestant who has been defending the title until now. If they lose, they will miss out on the laurel crown of the grand event's superstar.

The two arrived at the third level, and from afar… Xing saw a figure who seemed extraordinarily remarkable.

That signature red hair and white armor…… it was none other than Yin Zhi!

——

The Funeral of Frieren.

"It's him?"

Inside the Continental Magic Association, Jian Ze frowned, feeling both unexpected and yet, upon reflection, not surprising at all. This knight's appearance is always so…… dramatic.

"Was he also invited by Galahad?"

"No, I doubt Galahad even knows him; Pure Beauty Knights are probably even rarer than Sea Patrol Errants, making it hard for ordinary folks to meet one. After the previous giant hibernating insect incident, Lairen felt that Pure Beauty Knights and Sea Patrol Errants, though utterly different in their paths, shared a certain wonderful commonality: they both hate evil and help the weak, though the former carries a stronger missionary zeal."

"So this is what the talent show means." Sai Lai Ai seemed to realize something, smiling meaningfully: "Pure Beauty Knights versus Molten Fire Knights—the talent show is about picking the stronger from the two powerhouses. Considering they each have a knack for dealing with true hibernating insects, the talent show selected them to fight a battle."

"Lady Sai Lai Ai… perhaps you've gotten something wrong…"

"Huh? You're saying I'm wrong?"

Sai Lai Ai glanced her eyes at Jian Ze, who immediately lowered his head obediently: "No, actually… there's nothing… you understood it correctly."

"If so, perhaps the Continental Magic Association should also hold a talent show, pitting first-rank mages against each other… hehe, that would be quite an interesting sight."

——

""Hold on! Two lovely ladies——""

"After Yin Zhi got a clear look at the newcomer's appearance, he also couldn't help but smile: "The glory of Pure Beauty shines above; I never expected to see you again. Your warm faces in this restless moment are like a spring breeze, soothing my heart as hot as sand.""

"Liuying stared incredulously at the handsome young man before her: "You couldn't be…… a Pure Beauty Knight, could you?""

""So that red-haired competitor is you?!""

""You actually sought out my humble title elsewhere… I'm honored! Upon learning the ceremony was imminent, I let the Rare Hope steam ahead, guiding me to Pinokangni. Yet without Pure Beauty's watch, the galaxy is utterly turbid, and on my way here I delayed much by saving lives and tending to wounds.""

""Fortunately, the thirty-two stranded souls—the gnome rabbit mech pilot, the wandering cat duelist, the galaxy ninja, the four-wheel smart machines, and others—all made it through the ordeal unharmed… so I brought them all here to share harmony with myriad beautiful beings.""

""You kid, you're still pretty good at rescuing…""

""Don't mention it! It's just a shame that the company envoy, as gorgeous as a peacock, is still in poor shape… I wish he could also join the celebration." A flicker of regret crossed Yin Zhi's eyes."

——

Offering blessings to a beautiful world.

"Eh?? He actually managed to bring Shajin back!!"

"Ah——! Praise Pure Beauty!"

"Ahhhh Yin Zhi, I love you forever!!"

The moment Yin Zhi, the Pure Beauty Knight, uttered that sentence, the tavern inside and out erupted. Many even suggested building a statue of the Pure Beauty goddess, for if adventurers believed in Pure Beauty, perhaps they could attract Pure Beauty Knights from across the universe to come to their aid.

""I think there's some merit to that," He Zhen glanced at the nearby group of adventurers chattering nonstop about building a statue, and said, "If we run into danger, could we also attract Yin Zhi to save us? Even if we can't draw Yin Zhi, pulling in other Pure Beauty Knight members wouldn't be bad—we could ask for help, claiming that this world's demon king slanders the Pure Beauty star god, and have him slay the demon king for us.""

""Not really, He Zhen, you must not have woken up yet.""

Hui Hui rested her chin on one hand, a flicker of disdain flashing in her red pupils: "How many worlds of our type are there in the universe? Probably more than the drunks in Axel City, and these worlds constantly suffer misfortune; the chance of catching the Pure Beauty Knights' attention is surely too low.""

""Exactly, and I'm a goddess—how could I ask followers of other gods for help?" Aqua shot He Zhen an angry glance."

""No, Aqua… I think He Zhen makes a good point." Dakness suddenly stood up, breathing hard, her face flushed red, her thighs unconsciously rubbing together, "I can actively lure monsters to attack! If I endure harm and humiliation with this body, perhaps the Pure Beauty Knights, fellow knights, might——""

""You just want to be tied up and whipped by monsters, you perverted knight." He Zhen saw through her thought at a glance."

Dakness crossed her arms, writhing: "There's no helping it—charging into monster crowds and then being violated and humiliated is also a female knight's duty; the next time you rescue me… you don't need to rush so fast."

——

Yin Zhi also guessed that the two had come to vie for the championship; he covered his chest, speaking earnestly: "Although upon arrival I was once mistaken for a wanted criminal—tall, clad in silver armor, blazing like a red-hot inferno—it doesn't matter; all this is merely training from the land of dreams, bestowed by Pure Beauty."

"What matters is that I now stand here—when narrow paths cross, I, Yin Zhi of the Pure Beauty Knights, beseech you two to engage in a knightly contest! If I am fortunate enough to win, please clear the steps to the laurel crown for me, and also acknowledge——"

"——The Pure Beauty goddess Idelira's beauty is unmatched in the world!"

Xing didn't care about any of that, grabbed a stick and swung it at Yin Zhi; after their "simple" exchange, Yin Zhi decisively admitted defeat and presented the champion's laurel crown.

The two pressed on, successfully meeting up with Hiko and Mikazuki, but as they passed through a doorway, what greeted them was not a flood of interviews and cheers, but…… an empty stage.

"Clap clap clap——"

Xingqiri clapped with one hand while slowly rising from the sofa, walking up to everyone: "On behalf of the organizers, I offer you sincere congratulations; may you enjoy joy in His light."

"Only sincere congratulations? What about my star jewels?"

Xingqiri gave a small smile: "Your efforts truly deserve more rewards; I've made preparations accordingly. But this reward is not material… it's a chance for us to be open and honest with each other."