Honkai Impact: I, The Herrscher of Ice, Am Loved By Players

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The collaboration for Honkai Impact 3rd's Version 4.5 can be considered quite successful. However, it doesn't change the distasteful pay-to-win tactics employed by the developers during Version 4.4 with the Golden Goose event. Nonetheless, this wave did indeed retain a significant number of players.

Unfortunately, this success was fleeting. Unless the excessive pay-to-win practices were addressed, the discontent persisted daily. Moreover, while Version 4.4 exacerbated these issues, the most egregious misstep occurred in Version 4.2 with the Moon Soul character release.

Introducing dedicated weapons and exclusive Stigmata sets was already seen as a rather unpleasant move. In earlier versions of Honkai Impact 3rd, the concept of dedicated weapons didn't exist; the random loot pool items were generally versatile enough.

However, the most shameless move by the developers was introducing Moon Soul's dedicated weapon, Abyss Flower, after already releasing another specialized weapon for her. Without it, your performance in the Abyss would significantly suffer.

As for Golden DUMMY, it further pushed players to spend more, leaving little opportunity to save crystals. Due to these reasons, discontent persisted across multiple versions.

Nevertheless, version 4.6, titled "Unrivaled," being a Lunar New Year update, typically offered generous rewards, which somewhat eased the unrest. Additionally, the previous collaboration event helped divert attention.

Of course, this didn't mean the issues disappeared; rather, the benefits temporarily concealed player dissatisfaction.

It must be acknowledged that Herrscher of Sentience stands out as one of Old Mi's best creations during this period, excelling both in mechanics and character design. Moreover, they devoted several versions to build up its storyline.

However, the main focus wasn't on these aspects in version 4.6. Despite the usual practice of not advancing the main story during New Year updates, Old Mi chose to release a portion of the next chapter this time.

Naturally, this segment wasn't a major chapter but an interlude.

"This world truly lacks fairness, doesn't it?"

In the depths of Fu Hua's consciousness, the Herrscher of Sentience spoke. She had always known this; as the Herrscher embodying consciousness, she could neither deceive nor deny herself.

Indeed, while this storyline elevated Fu Hua to divine status, the Herrscher of Sentience became somewhat of a tragic clown, comparable even to the previous Herrscher of Stars.

As for how the future might unfold and what differences lie ahead, only time will tell.

"Of course, but we can create fairness!"

Just as Fu Hua gazed at the Herrscher of Sentience, ready to respond, another voice echoed within her consciousness.

Despite being inside the domain of the Herrscher of Sentience, a new figure appeared - Bai Zhi slowly approached, radiating a blue aura. Although different in color, its essence mirrored that of the black glow emanating from the Herrscher of Sentience, reflecting her Authority.

"You..."

Azure Empyrea Fu Hua eyed the woman named Bai Zhi with caution. While sensing no malice from her, she was startled to discover that the person before her also seemed to be...

"What do you say? Join me, and together let's transform this world into one matching our aspirations."

Bai Zhi extended her hand towards the Herrscher of Sentience. How should she put it? The Herrscher's inclusion didn't significantly impact their plans; her unpredictable nature made her difficult to control. However, as she traversed the world, she could subtly influence the flow of Honkai Energy. More importantly, her presence would help mitigate the terror humans associate with Herrschers.

After all, one wouldn't fear a friend they can play alongside, especially if that friend has saved their life. In reality, this invitation wasn't crucial but rather symbolic, akin to Kevin's gesture towards Senti.

Kevin understood that the Herrscher of Sentience could never truly join World Serpent, just as he knew the Herrscher of Reason couldn't align with them. Yet, he still extended invitations—this was the stance of World Serpent, and by extension, Kevin himself.

"As fellow Herrschers of consciousness, I doubt you'd fear me or believe I'd harm you," Bai Zhi said.

"Hmph, why would I be scared of someone who hides behind veils?" replied the Herrscher of Sentience, though hesitation flickered in her eyes. To explain, deeply influenced by Fu Hua, young Senti had developed quite a tsundere personality. Unfortunately for her, tsunderes were falling out of favor.

Indeed, Senti wanted to provoke Fu Hua, that old relic beside her. However, at this moment, she was filled with both confusion and anger towards the individual named Bai Zhi standing before them.

After all, she is the grand Herrscher of Sentience herself, yet here's another claiming the same title? What does this mean? Hey, you're stealing my name! Poor little Senti, crying and fussing, having already lost her body and everything she once possessed, now even her unique name was taken away.

As Fu Hua accurately pointed out:

Although the body originally belonged to Fu Hua, in essence, Fu Hua had relinquished it. Senti emerged from this very form, making it rightfully hers by possession rights.

"But indeed, you are afraid of me. To be precise, you've been fearful since the beginning. You know well that you're no match for me, don't you?" Bai Zhi chuckled softly, exposing Senti's lie. As fellow consciousness-based Herrschers, they were fully aware of each other's capabilities.

Bai Zhi's True Self has reached His level, effectively giving her a dimensional advantage over the Herrscher of Sentience. Although Bai Zhi individually cannot surpass her True Self, as long as the True Self exists, there is no possibility of Bai Zhi's demise.

In other words, considering Bai Zhi alone, unless she encountered an existence like Sa, she is effectively invincible. Even against Sa, Bai Zhi could ensure her safe retreat, not to mention that Sa wouldn't dare harm her.

Much like in the original storyline, whether it was Vita or Sa, they either remained within the Sea of Quanta or at the fringes of the solar system. Would they dare unleash chaos on Earth? The Qitian Great Sage would likely dispel them instantly.

"You..."

"Aiya, how pitiful you are, becoming their clown after being bullied by them. Now, you're about to lose your body and even your name. Only I can truly understand you, besides, where else can you go, right?"

"Moreover, deep down, you do wish to change this world according to your desires, don't you?" Bai Zhi smiled reassuringly, earnestly persuading Senti. She had no intention of letting this Herrscher escape to roam other worlds and bubbles; what a waste of potential talent that would be.

Bai Zhi couldn't allow such a valuable asset to slip away from her turf on Earth. Apart from practical uses, with Senti's personality, keeping her around as a mischievous Hong Hai'er-like companion would certainly be entertaining.

"What exactly do you intend to do?" Fu Hua frowned, listening to their conversation, and pulled the Herrscher of Sentience behind her, confronting Bai Zhi.

"My intentions won't affect you or any of them." Bai Zhi shrugged nonchalantly, continuing, "Moreover, doesn't my presence already speak volumes? The world is no longer what you believe it to be, and Honkai has changed as well. And if I truly wanted to take her away, do you think your strength, combined with theirs, could pose any threat to me?"

The aura emanating from Bai Zhi left Fu Hua momentarily silent.

Fu Hua's current state was dire, to say the least.

Although physically she had recovered fully, mentally, her spiritual essence had been excessively depleted while aiding Kiana, nearing a point of irreversibility.

Otherwise, considering Kevin's attitude towards Fu Hua, the World Serpent might have already begun preparing a new body for her.

Senti's defeat primarily stemmed from two factors: first, as a Herrscher of consciousness, she denied herself; secondly, Kiana's own power played a significant role.

During the Second Honkai, even at her peak as the Void Sword Goddess, Fu Hua couldn't instantly defeat Sirin. With Kiana's current level, she would be unable to truly harm the Herrscher of Sentience. The Herrscher's power surpasses that of Sirin at her zenith, and similarly, they both wield Taixuan Sword Qi.

If these warriors struggle against the Herrscher of Sentience, how could they possibly contend with someone transcending that very title?

"Instead of worrying about others, you should concern yourself first, Red Kite."

With those words, the surroundings began transforming. The realm of consciousness disintegrated, returning everything back to Taixuan Mountain. As Kiana and Bronya opened their eyes, they witnessed Azure Empyrea's Fu Hua confronting the enigmatic figure named Bai Zhi.

Bai Zhi raised his hand, summoning an unknown object from afar, which swiftly appeared in his grasp.

Upon seeing this item, Fu Hua's pupils contracted sharply, recognizing it immediately—it was—

"The Book of Fuxi!"

Under Fu Hua's watchful gaze, Bai Zhi skillfully opened the Book of Fuxi, replacing its energy source. As she did so, the book started awakening.

"You..." For a moment, Fu Hua found herself speechless.

"Until next time, Kindlings."

However, Bai Zhi didn't provide any explanation, instead smiling gently at Bronya and Kiana nearby before disappearing from sight.

As for Fu Hua, she remained frozen on the spot, watching the gradually awakening Book of Fuxi with tears welling up in her eyes after a long absence.

"Class Monitor..."

Kiana and Bronya approached, also observing the awakening Book of Fuxi. They vaguely recalled it from Fu Hua's memories, seemingly a friend of hers.

Simultaneously, a black light surged forth from within Fu Hua, flying off into the distance.

Fu Hua did not attempt to stop it; naturally, restraining the Herrscher of Sentience was beyond her capabilities, just as the Herrscher had mentioned. However, the Herrscher's inherent nature wasn't malicious. Even if she left, there would be no adverse consequences, and they still maintained a connection between them.

Despite this, Fu Hua couldn't help but worry about the Herrscher of Sentience's safety, feeling akin to a mother seeing her child leave home.

"Class Monitor, the Herrscher of Sentience, she..."

Kiana gazed in the direction Herrscher of Sentience had departed, hesitating to speak. She wasn't aware of what would transpire next and indeed couldn't have pursued if Herrscher chose to leave.

However, this was primarily Class Monitor's matter now.

Fu Hua shook her head gently. "Let her be; she isn't truly malicious."

"Alright," Kiana and Bronya nodded in agreement. Regardless of everything, the Herrscher of Sentience hadn't intended any harm, and with Fu Hua's endorsement, their decision stood firm.

Their attention then shifted back to the Book of Fuxi before them...

Meanwhile, at the foot of Taixuan Mountain, Bai Zhi quietly emerged but didn't immediately depart. Instead, she waited patiently. Soon enough, another figure approached—none other than the Herrscher of Sentience.

"What exactly do you want from me?" The Herrscher of Sentience wasted no time, posing the question bluntly, her tone unchanged as ever.

"I don't intend anything specific." Bai Zhi replied calmly, turning her gaze towards the verdant Taixuan Mountain.

"Although you inherited Fu Hua's memories, they ultimately belong to her, not you. Instead, why not explore this world and show that old relic your greatness as the Herrscher of Sentience?"

"Hmph, naturally... Wait, why should I listen to you? What exactly do you want, you sly one?"

The Herrscher of Sentience acknowledged with a nod before cautiously responding.

"That is precisely what I wish for you to do."

Bai Zhi smiled warmly.

Indeed, it was that simple. At the core, Senti remained somewhat unpredictable and difficult to manipulate. However, having a Herrscher traverse the world was already advantageous for Bai Zhi's plans.

Next, Ana intended to gradually enhance the Herrschers' Honkai Energy levels, thereby exerting influence on the world through them. This approach differed from concentrating all the world's Honkai Energy within a single Herrscher; instead, she aimed to infuse more energy into multiple Herrschers.

This method starkly contrasted with Kiana's future strategy of removing Honkai Energy, allowing the world to gradually adapt to its presence. However, based on the Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios timeline, Kiana's approach seemed less effective than initially anticipated.

It's far from Ana's vision where everyone becomes a Herrscher. Even native Herrschers like Big Duck and Raiden Mei in Post-Apocalyptic Scenarios had minimal energy reserves, ultimately relying on the Void Archives and Welt...

At its core, completely removing Honkai Energy resets any prior adaptation to it, forcing individuals to reacclimate from scratch. Naturally, this process would take significantly longer with diminished effectiveness.

For those who initially possess only basic Honkai adaptability, without continuous exposure, they will eventually lose their resilience. Furthermore, unless inherited through Stigmata, this adaptability cannot be passed down.

"Alright then, as a condition for my assistance, I need you to answer one question!" The Herrscher of Sentience's expression suddenly turned serious—an uncommon sight, almost unheard-of on her face.

Bai Zhi raised an eyebrow; she already knew the question the Herrscher of Sentience intended to ask, even before she spoke. However, since the Herrscher was willing to help, there was no reason to withhold information.

"I require you to tell me your true identity!"