Beep!
A system notification flashed through Hibiscus's mind. She immediately perked up and checked carefully. Sure enough, it was basically about the netizens' answers just now, equivalent to a series of suggestions worth heeding:
[Complete "One Thousand Time Magic Training Sessions" continuously. Reward: Small Regalia Advancement Stone ×1]
[Hold a "Salvation Church Welcome Party." Reward: Sands of Time New Stage Knowledge]
[Hold a "Joint Training." Reward: 100 Free Attribute Points]
Hibiscus was overjoyed. This was the first time she'd seen a reward directly providing her own magical knowledge, and the timing was crucial. The previous magic advancement stones were almost exhausted, perfectly timed for supplementation. This indeed matched the advancement route she and netizens had deduced—from Regalia to magic, requiring at least 2 elements for the strongest time magic to evolve, optimally "all 3 elements enhanced" with herself already completing Origin Condensation.
Ultimately, all three would converge within the Magical Girl herself. Each evolution was like a metamorphosis, sublimating life levels to reach new plateaus:
Growth Stage.
Magical Girls who completely mastered transformation forms would rapidly reduce their need for sleep, food, and water, sprinting toward evolution, making their entire body operate on magical power supply. Even their pressure could cause natural phenomena comparable to some powerful Disaster Beasts.
All these suggestions were worth completing. Opportunity doesn't come twice, so Hibiscus immediately ended her work at Five-Color Narcissus headquarters office and headed to Hermit Island base.
Actually, she was now approaching the Growth Stage, far exceeding ordinary Seedling Stage Magical Girls. Otherwise, even relying on time magic's excellent performance, she wouldn't have easily suppressed Chrysanthemum's rampage state. Of course, the most reliable basis was the attribute panel, which had undergone earth-shaking changes after several small-scale battles and daily training.
Arriving at Hermit Island beach, looking around it was still empty. Once on vacation with no one around, it seemed quite lonely.
Perfect.
The first suggestion could be tested now.
Since the last hunting expedition, the base had remained at the Pacific fallen zone's periphery. Slightly opening the barrier could attract sea Disaster Beasts.
Hibiscus understood that so-called "one thousand magic training sessions" meant going all out to exhaustion, absolutely no slacking allowed. Might as well experience it carefully—she hadn't run out of mana in a long time.
The next moment, the fine radiance unique to time slash condensed at her fingertips while losing color. At this moment, the silver-haired girl maintained maximum 20-second suspension while continuing magical output, her entire body's strength rapidly draining, but she only felt exhilarated.
Origin Condensation, channeling all stamina into magical attributes for explosive effect.
Time Slash!
The moment the suspension lifted, Hibiscus violently threw out the fine threads. In an instant, the ocean split into a deep valley, spanning about 30 kilometers and cutting all Disaster Beasts along the way.
Not just damage range, but more importantly intensity. This move directly covered 200 meters below sea surface, splitting coral reefs and rocks, even causing ocean currents that dominated climate evolution to pause. The rushing natural forces had to make way for the strongest time magic. Actually, the range exceeded the user's perception area and could only be estimated—not practical, belonging to luxury-grade moves. Even she hadn't expected to reach so far.
Hibiscus shaded her eyes and looked out. The ocean split like jelly revealed schools of fish on both sides, clearly a cross-section even exposing the seabed.
"The Red Sea's narrowest point is 30 kilometers. Moses parting the sea was probably no more than this."
The silver-haired girl murmured as seawater rushed back. The earth-shaking splash filled the gap, and the sea returned to calm.
Too bad.
If it were Sands of Time's next stage skill, she could "fix" or even expand the cut surface, ensuring ruthless efficiency and high-intensity output. Hits would be dire—even the ocean would be unable to heal for a long time, unlike now where some Disaster Beasts dragged broken bodies to escape.
Just as Hibiscus pondered, the entire island trembled. Birds and beasts fled or cowered motionless, nearly fainting from terror at the residual power.
She wasn't surprised by this, which was why she dared drain her magical power for experiments. Unexpectedly, mana recovery speed was also quite fast, responding to the attribute panel:
[Constitution: 910]
[Magical Power: 1010]
[Spirit: 990]
[Speed: 950]
[Strength: 882]
Though the catastrophe war ended long ago, the body transformation from four great magic enhancements in that battle hadn't finished—equivalent to raising lower limits and vessel strength, especially making Hibiscus's Origin rapidly improve. Currently magical power touches the Growth Stage threshold while consuming at Seedling Stage rates, naturally recovering efficiently.
Whether original work or now, Hyacinth counted as top-tier talent level. Having experienced battlefield tempering and better planning would only make her stronger.
For a moment just now, she seemed able to grasp magical power, but too briefly to adapt.
With this thought, Hibiscus decided to consult professionals: "Everyone help look at the demonstration footage. Is this kind of extreme magic training correct? What's the Growth Stage Sands of Time's general power?"
The referenced optical expert think tank should have better opinions:
【Completely correct. Original work's Magical Girls lacking theory practiced by consumption then more consumption. Power-wise you've touched Growth Stage but still lack formal evolution】
【Special effects at fingertips, OP's skills too strong. Knowing it's fake still feels shocking】
【Time Slash was originally a skill usable until late game. As output it's definitely sufficient, just needs more precise operation. According to original descriptions, cooperating with Regalia enters next stage. Based on current performance, just one step away】
【Love big scenes】
【This little strength wants to play magic? You should loudly shout technique names】
【Actually by late game when everyone's playing peak matches, people stop fancy tricks and gradually return to fundamentals. For example, Sands of Time's most basic essence is time suspension. Derived moves except "core secrets" don't work well. Result is using varied skills to crush lower levels, using zone suspension more against same levels, most often Origin plus Regalia head-on】
【So in my mind the highest value fight is "Time Priestess VS Golden Dragon Emperor"—throughout strategy battles, mechanism warfare, intelligence warfare perfectly interpreting the work's tone】
【World Snake directly prohibits fancy tricks, so you must use solid fundamentals with non-attack methods to defeat enemies】
【@Hyacinth, Sands of Time's essence is controlling those silver white sands to achieve different powers】
I see!
Hibiscus couldn't help slapping her forehead and sighing. How had she almost taken a detour again? She should have focused on precisely controlling the white fine sand representing magic's essence long ago. With this thought, she continuously released time slashes for practice. Once magical power recovered, she'd use it all up.
Whether Disaster Beasts inside or outside the island were all unlucky, trembling at the earth-shaking scenery.
Just then, fluctuations came from the spatial teleportation array—the first batch of Magical Girls returning.
A circular totem mark about ten meters in diameter appeared on Hermit Island beach. The next moment light blazed—clearly numerous Magical Girls, including many unfamiliar faces.
Hibiscus had received each person's materials.
She'd even written personal recruitment letters, while the one actually responsible for all personnel matters was naturally the Church's designated instructor.
Leading them was Jin Yulu in camouflage uniform, sunglasses, and flight jacket, looking heroic and dashing. The arc at her mouth's corner showed she quite approved of the new recruits' quality. With this person's style, she probably immediately used pressure to test their mettle.
"Old friends and newcomers, say hello to your commanding officer."
"Good afternoon, Senior Hyacinth." A group of girls' chorus echoed across the beach with quite vigorous momentum.
"Everyone's good too. Just be casual."
Having handled several recruitment rounds, Hibiscus naturally communicated skillfully with the Magical Girls. After Jin Yulu's preliminary exchanges, it was much easier. The former team captain from military officer background naturally knew how to communicate—facts proved having her handle new recruit interfacing was right.
Halfway through conversation, the girls began noticing the ocean full of inexplicable ravines. The seabed exposed by time slash cuts hadn't yet refilled, with pressure lingering.
Though knowing this power came from a fellow Magical Girl, they still felt heart palpitations—an atmosphere of predators having hunted here, absolutely not daring to slack off.
Hibiscus proactively explained: "Everyone don't be afraid. I was just practicing magic."
Splash splash!
Before finishing, tens of thousands of cubic meters of seawater rushed into those ravines, impacting coral reefs, echoing with whirlpools capable of swallowing ships. Mere broken Disaster Beast corpses floated up spreading bloody smells, but even starving sharks dared not approach. Even sky clouds split with straight breaks. A beautiful tropical beach had become an ancient battlefield relic scene, and all this was Magical Girl Hyacinth's handiwork.
Witnessing such magnificence, the girls couldn't help being fascinated. Worthy of the one who repelled Catastrophic Disaster Beasts and saved the world, also fighting for numerous precious rights for compatriots.
"Senior, may I ask how specifically you practice magic?"
"Why do only you understand so much magical knowledge and even know methods to control magical rampage?"
"The prophet legend is true!"
Facing a series of chattering questions, even with Hibiscus's extensive experience, she could only laugh it off. Too many parts couldn't be spoken about. Moreover, even the few answerable questions couldn't be explained in a few words...
Jin Yulu coughed once, finally getting some quiet. She said: "Getting along more, you'll understand. Don't touch unknown things with Knowledge Poison."
"Anyway, just understand that so-called prophets and seers aren't always right—that requires paying costs to observe timelines."
Seeing this, Hibiscus nodded, since this explanation was indeed correct.
Jin Yulu stretched and looked around, suddenly saying: "Always feel battlefield atmosphere around here—missed this. Instructor, since you're also practicing magic, how about we spar?"
"My magical power isn't at full strength."
"Doesn't matter. People in jianghu always carry some injuries. I believe in unlimited fighting—incomplete state isn't an excuse for losing, and doesn't this show you're stronger?"
As she spoke, she winked—meaning show these green recruits a little something for deterrence.
"Sure, better to act today than wait. Honestly, I've indeed hit a bottleneck and need a capable sparring partner." With battle intent aroused, Hibiscus laughed loudly, already in full transformation state, magical power rapidly recovering at inconceivable speed.
"Actually I've wanted another battle for a long time. Thanks for accepting while I make taking advantage of someone's weakness sound like this."
Jin Yulu took off her flight jacket and untied her clothes, revealing sports underwear, sleeves tied at waist—mobile yet maintaining Regalia protection, her most familiar state. At the same time, her tall figure was draped in dragon robes, magnificent yet murderous—an emperor who conquered the world on horseback, more skilled at battlefield combat than schemes. Today she returned to familiar territory.
Roar!
One cry moved nine heavens with thunderous force. Shock waves spread as a light orb rose where Jin Yulu had stood, producing a hundred-meter golden dragon.
No, actually this body's rear half was hidden in chaos-like light orbs of unknown true form, but leaping into clouds, its projected shadow covering the beach was enough to shock everyone's hearts.
Hibiscus immediately realized this sparring emphasized demonstration over practicality—not competing Origins but training magic.
Mythology magic could exert full power in half-beast half-human form. Facing true experts, one generally wouldn't expand size... No, perhaps World Snake hoped to get injured.
Time Acceleration!
In an instant, every Magical Girl on the beach felt their movements sluggish, even thinking dulled, replaced by a semicircle covering 1 kilometer.
Hibiscus wanted to know what would happen at edges when she slowed down while opponents flowed normally?
Boom! Due to reverse speed adjustment making normal flow range larger, this produced not rotational force but collapse. Astonishing energy roared and raged, forcibly tearing blazing flame seas from the sky to crash toward the golden dragon.
Maximum time acceleration—7x.
Hibiscus completely disregarded practical value, emptying magical power along with all Origin in condensed fashion, extreme time flow disparity evolving into explosion.
Jin Yulu similarly didn't dodge, roaring forward with massive body, while that ultra-high temperature left scales completely unharmed.
But she didn't dare be careless at all, because as flame clouds dispersed, clearly flowing white fine sand covered a semicircular domain, repeatedly expanding to 5 kilometers with time flow differences as weapons, tearing indestructible scales at first contact.
At this moment Jin Yulu faced a situation like someone falling into subway tracks being squeezed—heavy carriages forcibly scraping open flesh and blood from behind, nearly grinding her to death.
"Exhilarating, fucking exhilarating. Only you can excite me, Hyacinth—"
The golden dragon groaned and fell from the horizon while deep wounds rapidly healed. On the other side, Hibiscus flying into the sky smoothly withdrew force, no longer maintaining relative flow adjustment.
Magical Girls on the beach gasped with lingering fear from that sluggish feeling—so terrifying. What power over life and death compared to having time stripped away?
Resistance collected!
Both understood World Snake's characteristics had activated.
Even mythology's strongest magic couldn't directly negate opponents' effects—otherwise it should be called "strongest magic." Its operation logic was rather clever. For example, in the Black Tide war, Jin Ruochu couldn't directly curse high-level Disaster Beasts so she cursed the glacier beneath their feet. Similarly, unable to extract time resistance, she could generate indirect factors like friction damage resistance, explosion damage resistance, thinking unaffected by sluggishness resistance, etc. Then offense and defense should differ.
Having witnessed time magic too many times, Jin Yulu understood opponents excelled at quick victories—explosive combat, while she was the opposite, becoming more troublesome the longer it dragged.
What doesn't kill me makes me stronger.
World Snake climbed clouds ascending, disappearing in the blink of an eye, actually distancing from the vigilant Hibiscus. The latter was slightly stunned but immediately recovered after brief confusion. Above the dome, a thousand-meter-long dragon circled rapidly, creating sonic booms.
At this moment she stirred up gales, uprooting palm trees, dispersing clouds—clearly a giant fan stirring typhoons.
"Actually I'm also trying new moves, might not even hit."
"Don't worry, I definitely won't dodge." The silver-haired girl spread her arms laughing loudly. "Moreover, everyone's watching. I can absolutely catch it."
"Satisfying!"
The next moment Jin Yulu let gravity acceleration capture her. Accumulating hundreds and thousands of rotations, she now fell rapidly, carrying unimaginable kinetic energy. Limbs wailing, splitting headache, torn ligaments—so what? Enlarging her body hundreds of times like an unarmed terminal-penetrating intercontinental missile, displaying all this to the strongest Magical Girl.
Just wanted to go wild, just wanted to unleash flame resistance, impact resistance, pain resistance—fight his fucking heart out.
World Snake's colossal form locked onto Hermit Island like a meteor. All prostrated as winds rose and clouds surged. At this moment, excitement at witnessing world wonders actually defeated survival instinct.
Hibiscus bathed in death's threat yet stood unmoved.
Time magic exhausted, stamina depleted—how could this not be crisis? But feeling no fear, only opponents in view, undivided attention. At the crucial moment she suddenly grabbed toward the sky. Scattered magical power converged, and Hermit Island's free energy responded to the call.
No magical power but could grab some—adapt to circumstances. Since you're everywhere, use your force against you.
White gloves wrapping the girl's delicate fingers completely shattered. By now only Regalia was usable. Though everything had long been exhausted and dispelled, sufficient protection remained—
Magical Barrier!
Between life and death, Hibiscus constructed a wall with magical power to protect her body. Finally came Regalia's new stage. Unfortunately, this briefly comprehended explosive move probably wasn't enough. Even so, she had means to survive at the cost of serious injury—healing potions were prepared.
However, when the dragon contacted the barrier, it instantly shattered. Such a colossal creature actually had scales flying, skin splitting—like a failed rocket disintegrating.
It rained meteors around Hermit Island—the wondrous sight of mythological creature blood, flesh, and bone.
Severely injured Jin Yulu returned to human form, sighing: "Seems my magic isn't skilled enough, lacking in Origin constitution."
"Are you sure you didn't hold back?" Hibiscus seemed slightly regretful.
"Who knows."
As compensation, Jin Yulu mobilized remaining magical power into half-human half-beast form. After testing new moves, she had to get serious. Facing opponents with unparalleled heart, technique, body, and talent, she had no room for negligence—this state conveniently controlled strength to avoid irreparable injury.
Actually, she treasured this impromptu sparring more than anyone. Even Jin Ruochu and Nan Zhiyi had trained in infectious entity battles—she absolutely couldn't fall behind.
Jin Yulu witnessed a door about to open with just a few steps remaining. Then new realms would open wide.
However, before she could think carefully, opposite Hibiscus charged flying so fast that even mythology transformation's dynamic vision couldn't catch her, followed by a top-down kick injecting massive kinetic energy—heavy enough, wind pressure like bombs.
The next moment Jin Yulu's body fell rapidly toward the sea surface.
Both at thousand-meter height, directly hitting water equaled crashing into cement. At the crucial moment, the half-dragon suddenly elongated like a pteranodon, using wind braking to change direction.
Magical Girls had many emergency landing methods, like magical reverse thrust, but such skillful energy-saving was rare.
Trouble!
Hibiscus understood mythology magic consumed least while World Snake's endless changes could always use specialized forms targeting different situations—twice the result with half effort. In contrast, her current magical power was insufficient. After all, several maximum time slashes before battle had already exhausted her, but the girl never planned using Sands of Time. Real combat didn't allow ability experimentation. Current sparring was hard-won—might as well be bold.
The silver-haired girl actively accelerated flight, proactively closing distance in imperfect condition. Seeing this, Jin Yulu was equally excited—indeed their leader was crazy enough.
Faster Hibiscus landed a punch directly on the side abdomen.
Surprisingly, this strike actually broke through scale defense and injured internal organs.
Glove Regalia could manipulate magical power precise flow, cooperating with hair accessory Regalia's mental correction to route around scale armor, pouring power into gaps. For this instant she was very vulnerable—constitution, speed, magical power, and mental all became one punch tearing the target. Force penetrating the body still resonated long like thunder.
"Still okay?"
Jin Yulu bit her teeth and spat blood, face showing no fatigue but endless excitement: "Exactly what I wanted."
At the same time, fine spikes surged between scale gaps like hedgehog fur structure filling gaps—clearly superior combat intelligence immediately understood being exploited. The same move was useless against World Snake.
Both laughed loudly, responding to each other with fiercer offensives. Intertwined pressure made cloud layers ripple while oceans churned with no life fleeing.
Boom boom boom! Two streams of light spiraled and crossed in the sky, exploding into a series of flame clouds.
Even the beach occasionally had shallow craters.
Magical Girls looked at each other, realizing something terrible: transmitted shock waves proved the combat center was more horrifying.
Though both no longer bombarded each other with magnificent magic, flesh-and-blood melee tested basic skills more. Anyone could see Jin Yulu's fighting was superior, yet surprisingly Hibiscus had better reaction, strength, and speed. Her Origin was unfathomably deep, far exceeding Seedling Stage.
Both had been locked in stalemate for several breaths—enough for ordinary Magical Girls to recover some magical power. Sure enough, both suddenly erupted magical power preparing to decide victory.
Whoosh!
Suddenly observers felt dizzy. The supposedly continuous battle scene interrupted like frame-dropping—clearly blood flew from Jin Yulu's neck.
At least for early Magical Girls, decapitation counted as fatal injury. Though not necessarily effective against mythology's strongest, it sufficed as advantage signal. Unable to quickly win in her specialty field, she finally awaited judgment—one move behind, convinced.
"Seems the world's number one title will last a long time." Instinctively covering the wound proved Jin Yulu instinctively worried about such damage.
"You're much more troublesome than before."
Hibiscus sincerely felt the original work's strongest Magical Girl's oppressive feeling. See? By the time they finished talking, when Jin Yulu removed her hand, that wound had already healed.