Chapter 2590: Mutation

Zuan recalled that when the store system within the keyboard first became available, he noticed it offered various outfits.

The outfits were beautiful but offered no combat bonuses or special abilities, and their prices were exorbitant.

At the time, he even complained, "Who would be crazy enough to spend so much rage on a bunch of useless rags?"

However, he was quite taken with a particular bikini set, thinking it might be worth the high price if his Valkyrie could wear it.

But it was just a fleeting impulse; various events followed, and he soon forgot all about it.

He never expected Mei Xi to make such a request now!

He glanced at the bikini's price: 2,999,999 rage points.

He mused that capitalists, no matter the world, seemed to have the same pricing strategy: making something clearly worth 3 million appear to cost just under it, creating the illusion of a better deal.

"Are you sure you want this?" he asked again, still finding the situation somewhat absurd.

Mei Xi nodded, a rare hint of longing in her eyes.

"Then you must promise to improve your cultivation and later help her break the contract," Zuan added, feeling uneasy.

Mei Xi agreed, though her expression showed a touch of impatience.

Zuan didn't dare to delay further and quickly redeemed the bikini set.

Seeing the palm-sized garment in his hand, which looked like nothing more than a small piece of cloth, the Mermaid Queen beside him instantly blushed.

The merfolk culture was quite open, with many revealing swimsuits, but she had truly never seen anything as scant as this.

Mei Xi was indeed delighted and eagerly took the bikini.

Watching her hold it up to herself, Zuan was suddenly startled, wondering if she intended to change right there.

While he was still somewhat anticipating it, the current mood wasn't quite right for such a display.

The very next second, Mei Xi spun around in place, her ultra-short leather skirt replaced by the bikini.

Zuan nearly had a nosebleed on the spot. Did this woman have no sense of decorum whatsoever?

But what a devilish figure she possessed, especially with her healthy, wheat-colored skin. Her whole being exuded a raw wildness and vitality.

Even the Mermaid Queen couldn't help but exclaim, "Sister Mei Xi, your figure is truly splendid."

Mei Xi, however, looked at Zuan, a hint of expectation in her eyes.

Zuan understood her unspoken request and praised her, "It does look beautiful, but please don't wear this out. It would be a loss if other men saw you in it."

Seeing his worried expression, a smile flickered in Mei Xi's eyes. She agreed, her look conveying, "Don't worry, I'll only wear it for you."

Zuan had originally intended for her to use "Southern Nest Farewell" to sever her contract with him and remain there with the Mermaid Queen.

However, she refused, stating that she didn't need to break the contract and could still stay.

Zuan was stunned, thinking how truly remarkable these Valkyries were, capable of existing independently even when so far from their hosts across space and time.

Had he underestimated them before, focusing solely on improving his own strength while neglecting theirs?

"Husband, thank you," the Mermaid Queen said, the old sparkle returning to her eyes.

In life, hope was key.

Although there was still a significant power gap between Mei Xi and her, Mei Xi's presence offered her greater hope for liberation.

Moreover, even if the contract couldn't ultimately be severed, having Mei Xi's company would make the vast Guanghan Palace feel less lonely.

Zuan held her hand. "I will definitely return."

"Mmm."

The Mermaid Queen threw herself into his embrace, holding him tightly.

They held each other, cherishing their final moments together.

"Big Brother Zuan, it's time to go."

At that moment, Yun Yuqing's voice reached them; she had flown over from the distant Heavenly Palace.

Her aura had clearly ascended a level; it wasn't an increase in absolute power but a newfound sense of confidence.

She quickly noticed Mei Xi in the bikini nearby and was startled. What was the deal with this woman with the fiery figure and bold attire?

Zuan also sensed the distant teleportation gate flickering, about to vanish. He could only gaze reluctantly at the Mermaid Queen.

The Mermaid Queen escorted them to the entrance of Guanghan Palace, her fingers intertwined with Zuan's. Their knuckles turned white from the force, as if they were trying with all their might to engrave each other into their very beings.

They say the setting sun symbolizes farewell, yet why did the gentle morning sun feel so sorrowful now?

A layer of white mist enveloped the entire Guanghan Palace, like an unyielding cloud of sorrow.

"Big Brother Zuan, there really isn't enough time," Yun Yuqing said. She didn't want to be the one to break the moment, but she had to remind him that the distant teleportation gate was flickering more and more rapidly, its light dimming, as if it could disappear completely at any moment.

The Mermaid Queen suddenly leaned in and kissed Zuan deeply on the lips. Her tears could no longer be held back, falling one by one to the ground with crisp sounds like pearls scattering on a jade plate, each one striking Zuan's heart.

Yun Yuqing raised an eyebrow. Should she be upset, witnessing such a moment right in front of her?

But at that moment, she only felt the pervasive, unyielding sadness in the air.

Zuan opened his mouth, countless words wanting to be spoken, but they all got stuck in his throat, transforming into a series of meaningless tremors.

"Go. I will wait for you forever," the Mermaid Queen said, suddenly pushing him with a gentle force that sent him towards the teleportation gate.

"I'll definitely come back for you!" The knot in Zuan's chest finally loosened slightly.

"Mmm!" The Mermaid Queen waved goodbye through her tears, the cold wind fluttering her robes, making her appear even more delicate.

Zuan watched her receding figure, finally understanding the sensation of tears blurring his vision.

Yun Yuqing pulled him into the spatial teleportation gate. As they returned to the outskirts of Taoqiu City, the gate closed almost simultaneously.

Had they been a second later, they might have been trapped in the Celestial Realm forever.

It was well-known that both the Lich and Demon races were masters of heaven and earth, incredibly powerful. Their life-and-death struggle would not end quickly, likely lasting years, or even tens of thousands of years. The protagonists of an era would not simply exit the stage so easily.

"Big Brother Zuan..." Yun Yuqing didn't know how to comfort him. She found any words seemed utterly futile at this moment.

It was Zuan, surprisingly, who rubbed his face, and when he stood up again, his expression had returned to normal. "Don't worry about me. Now, at least there's hope. One day, I will find her again. By the way, it seems you've awakened your bloodline power?"

Yun Yuqing opened her mouth. If he had cried and let his emotions out, she might have felt more relieved. This forced cheerfulness, if it ever broke down, would likely lead to even greater pain.

However, there was nothing she could do to console him now, so she simply replied, "That's right. It seems I possess the bloodline of Emperor Zhuanxu's lineage. Originally, these bloodlines would thin out with each generation, but with me, there was a mutation. It unexpectedly became purer, even closer to the original Azure Emperor than Zhuanxu himself."