128: Chapter 128 The Fountain of Eternity

Passing through the final floating memory fragment of the Memory Desert, the yellow sand beneath their feet was gradually replaced by shimmering white light crystals. The dryness and oppression in the air were completely dissipated by a warm and sacred aura. The view before them suddenly opened up, as if they had stepped from hell into a fairyland—a translucent light barrier completely isolated this sanctuary from the desert. Inside the barrier, the ground was covered with light crystals as white and lustrous as jade, each emitting a soft glow. Stepping on them felt as warm as jade, and a slight hum vibrated beneath their feet, as if resonating with the energy deep within the earth.

In the center of the sanctuary, a pool of water several zhang in diameter floated. The spring water was not an ordinary liquid but was composed of countless tiny particles of light, like a flowing starry river, slowly rotating and drifting. It emitted an ancient, pure life aura capable of healing all wounds. Deep within the spring's source, golden patterns flickered faintly; those were the ancient runes passed down for millennia by the Light Sphere Race, carrying the power and laws of the holy land.

This was the holy land where the Light Sphere Race had slumbered for a thousand years, and the ultimate destination of their journey—the Fountain of Eternity.

Kate stood by the edge of the spring, the holy land key in her palm growing slightly hot. The star patterns on the pendant resonated with the light from the spring's source, emitting a slight and crisp hum, like two ancient souls finally meeting after a thousand years. She gazed at this legendary spring of life, said to be able to reverse life and death and purify all pollution. A faint glimmer of hope finally appeared on her pale face, her eyes reddening slightly, and her fingertips trembled gently as she wanted to touch the flowing light particles, yet she held back with a hint of cowardice and awe.

“This is... the Fountain of Eternity,” she murmured softly, her voice carrying a hint of a sob. “In the ancient legends of our clan, it is the holy land that can heal all pain and purify all darkness. When I was little, my mother told me that only those of the Light Sphere Race who truly carry awe in their hearts and shoulder a mission can reach this place and receive the spring's redemption.”

Lin Fan stood by her side, his gaze scanning the surroundings vigilantly. The illusions of the Memory Desert had vanished, yet the atmosphere here was even more solemn than before—the closer one gets to redemption, the more cruel the price often becomes. This was the deepest insight he had gained after experiencing countless life-and-death situations. He could clearly feel that deep within the spring's source, an ancient and majestic consciousness was slowly awakening, like a slumbering giant beast, quietly watching each of them, scrutinizing their original intentions and determination.

Little Kate tightly held the hand of the Light Sphere Race Young Child, her small face tilted up, eyes full of awe and curiosity. She had never seen such a pure and sacred place. The faint glow of the light crystals reflected on her face, adding a touch of liveliness to her originally dusty appearance. “It’s so beautiful...” she whispered in admiration, her voice soft. “Is this the place that can save our clansmen? Sister Kate, you’ll get better here, right?”

Franklin still followed at the very back. The damage to his hull had not been fully repaired, and faint scratches remained on his outer shell, but his electronic eyes were faithfully recording everything before him, flickering with a soft blue light. His language system was still malfunctioning, but because he sensed the sacred aura of the holy land, his tone carried a rare solemnity: “High concentration of life energy detected, energy purity 100%, zero dark pollution... A large amount of... Holy Vanilla Ice Cream detected ahead. Caution is advised when approaching.”

Little Kate couldn't help but burst into a small laugh, then quickly covered her mouth, her eyes reddening slightly. The life-and-death trials in the Memory Desert were still fresh in her mind, and Franklin’s clumsy yet cute broadcast was like a warm current, dispersing the heaviness in her heart. “Even at a time like this, you still can't fix it,” she sniffled, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness, but mostly relief. At least Franklin was still here, and all of them were still alive.

At that moment, the light from the Fountain of Eternity suddenly surged. A soft white light shot up into the sky, piercing through the sanctuary's barrier and illuminating the night sky of the Memory Desert. Those flowing light particles converged frantically, transforming into a translucent silhouette in the center of the spring. The silhouette was tall, its specific features indistinguishable, surrounded by a faint golden light and exuding an indisputable majesty and sense of age. It was the Guardian of the holy land, who had not appeared for a thousand years—he was formed from the origin energy of the Light Sphere Race, carrying the laws and mission of the holy land to protect the Fountain of Eternity and the hope of the Light Sphere Race.

“Outsiders, you have intruded into the forbidden land, seeking the redemption of the Fountain of Eternity.”

The Guardian's voice was not loud, but it resonated like a great bell throughout the sanctuary, carrying the weight and solemnity of a thousand years. Every word seemed to strike the hearts of everyone present, making them feel an involuntary sense of awe. “The Fountain of Eternity does not bestow blessings without a price. The universe possesses balance; light and darkness coexist, and healing and cost go hand in hand. All redemption requires an equal exchange.”

Kate's heart tightened, and she quickly stepped forward, bowing slightly with a respectful yet firm posture. “Lord Guardian, I am Kate, the light orb clan princess. My people have been controlled by Shadow's program, reduced to mindless puppets and enduring endless pain. I myself have been eroded by crystallization, my soul and body gradually shattering, and I am about to lose myself completely. I am willing to pay any price, only seeking to use the power of the Fountain of Eternity to heal my crystallization, purify the Shadow Frequency control on my people, stop Shadow's conspiracy, and protect my home and my kin.”

“Equal exchange,” the Guardian repeated, the silhouette fluctuating slightly. Those indistinguishable eyes seemed to pierce through everything, landing directly on Kate. “Your body is already deeply entangled with the Shadow Frequency. crystallization is not a simple physical wound but an erosion at the soul level—it is the mark of dark energy taking root and sprouting within you. The power of the Fountain of Eternity can completely strip away this dark mark, reshaping your body and returning you to your peak state, even awakening the slumbering royal origin power of the Light Sphere Race within you.”

Light instantly flared in Kate's eyes, as if she had grasped the final straw of salvation. Her voice carried a hint of urgency: “Is it really possible? As long as I can save my people and rid myself of the crystallization, I am willing to pay any price, even my life.”

“It is possible,” the Guardian nodded slowly, but his tone suddenly turned icy and devoid of emotion. “However, darkness does not disappear into thin air; it only transfers. The curse of crystallization will not completely vanish just because it is stripped away; someone must receive it. For one person to be healed, another must take your place and be forever consumed by the crystallization, becoming nourishment for the holy land and slumbering for a thousand years with no hope of release. This is the rule of the Fountain of Eternity, eternal and unbreakable.”

These words were like a bolt from the blue, striking heavily against everyone's hearts.

The entire sanctuary instantly fell into a dead silence.

The air seemed to freeze, leaving only the slight sound of the Fountain of Eternity flowing, which now sounded exceptionally piercing.

Lin Fan's face turned deathly pale. He stepped forward, shielding Kate tightly behind him, his eyes sharp as knives as he glared at the Guardian. His tone carried a hint of anger and refusal: “What did you say? Someone must take her place in the crystallization? Is there no other way? I can use my Dark Matter Energy as the price. I can endure all the pain for her, as long as you let her go, let Little Kate go, and let those innocent clansmen go.”

“There is none,” the Guardian's tone remained calm but carried an indisputable finality. “The rules of the Fountain of Eternity are the manifestation of universal balance, which no one can break. Either give up on redemption and everyone leaves—then Kate will eventually be completely consumed by crystallization and your people will forever remain Shadow's puppets with no hope of release—or leave one person behind to endure the full curse of crystallization in exchange for Kate's healing and the hope of purifying your people. Choose. Your time is running out.”

Kate's entire body shook. She staggered back a step, looking at the Guardian in disbelief, tears instantly welling up. Her voice trembled: “Why... why must it be like this? Why is the price of redemption the sacrifice of another person's life? I would rather be consumed by crystallization forever than let anyone pay such a price for me.”

“This is the balance of the universe,” the Guardian said flatly. “If you wish to hold the light, someone must walk into the darkness for you; if you wish to receive redemption, someone must bear the pain for you. This is not cruelty, but the cycle of the heavenly way, the law of cause and effect.”

Everyone fell silent.

Little Kate looked up, glancing at the pale and tearful Kate, then at the tense and unwilling Lin Fan, and finally at the Fountain of Eternity, which radiated redemption yet felt like an abyss. Her small hands were clenched tight, her nails digging deep into her palms and causing a sharp pain, but she didn't notice it at all.

In her mind, countless images flashed by—AKai smiling as he handed her a short blade, saying gently, “In the future, Teacher will protect you. You must live well and become a brave person”; Sister Kate on the starship, ignoring her own condition to tenderly care for her, giving her the only food, and holding her tight when she was afraid, saying, “Big sister is here, don’t be afraid”; Teacher Lin Fan standing in front of her time and again, taking all the danger for her, patiently comforting her when she broke down, and strictly teaching her when she made mistakes; Franklin, though always clumsy and malfunctioning, had always firmly protected her and never left, even when he was severely damaged; and those gentle members of the Light Sphere Race who had once smiled at her and cared for her, giving her a warmth she had never known before.

She was just a child who had struggled up from the bottom, orphaned and with nothing. Before meeting AKai, she had spent every day scurrying just to survive, living in constant fear. It was AKai who gave her warmth, a home, and a reason to live; it was Kate and Lin Fan who gave her someone to lean on and the courage to know that being protected by someone was such a form of happiness; it was Franklin and those clansmen who gave her a sense of belonging and let her know she was no longer alone.

AKai had died at Shadow's hands to save her. At that time, she could do nothing but watch helplessly as AKai was consumed by dark energy. She could only cry helplessly and silently swear in her heart that she would become strong in the future, that she would protect the people she wanted to protect, and that she would repay AKai's kindness.

Now, it was finally her turn.

It was finally her turn to repay this kindness, to protect the people she wanted to protect.

She owed AKai her life, she owed Kate her life, she owed Lin Fan her life, and she owed every person who had been good to her a measure of protection. And now, she finally had the chance to repay it all in her own way.

Little Kate took a deep breath. Her small body trembled slightly, but she straightened her back bit by bit. She looked up at Kate, her eyes showing no fear or retreat, only a determination and tenderness that transcended her age, along with an almost imperceptible sense of relief.

“Sister Kate...” she spoke softly. Her voice wasn't loud, but it reached everyone's ears clearly, carrying a hint of a sob yet remaining exceptionally firm. “Do you remember? Back at Starfall Academy, there was a time I was bullied by other students. You stood up to protect me and said I was a little hero, that I would definitely become very strong in the future and be able to protect myself and others.”

Kate froze, her tears falling even harder. She reached out, wanting to hug Little Kate, her voice broken and out of tune: “Little Kate... don't, don't say such things... That was just something I said in passing. You're still young, you don't need to do anything. I will protect you, and Lin Fan will protect you too. We will definitely find another way; we won't let you come to any harm.”

"I'm not talking nonsense." Little Kate smiled, but tears slid down her cheeks. That smile was clean and bright, like an unpolluted star illuminating this solemn holy land. "Brother AKai died at the hands of Shadow to save me. Back then, I couldn't do anything. I could only watch him leave, only blame myself in my heart—blaming myself for being too weak, for being unable to protect him."

"Now, I can finally do something."

"I owe Teacher AKai my life, I owe you my life, I owe Teacher Lin Fan my life, and I owe all our clanspeople a way to live."

"Sister Kate, you are the light orb clan princess, the hope of our people. Nothing can happen to you. You must live well, save our clanspeople, completely defeat Shadow, and see this world become beautiful again for me and for Teacher AKai."

Before she finished speaking, Little Kate suddenly broke free from Kate's hand. Her small body was like an arrow released from a bow as she used all her strength to leap into the Fountain of Eternity!

"Little Kate—!!"

Lin Fan's pupils constricted. His heart felt as if it were being squeezed hard by an invisible hand, the pain making it impossible to breathe. He let out a roar and reached out to grab her, but only caught empty space; only cold air remained at his fingertips.

Kate froze, her mind going blank. All her words were stuck in her throat, unable to make a sound. Only a heart-wrenching cry burst from her mouth: "No—!! Little Kate! Come back! Come back quickly!!"

*Splash—*

A soft sound, yet it was like a thunderclap exploding in everyone's hearts.

Little Kate's petite figure jumped into the Fountain of Eternity without hesitation.

The light particles that had been flowing softly went berserk the moment she jumped in!

The calm spring pool instantly turned into a violent vortex. Countless tiny light blades raged within the fountain like sharp knives, cutting everything around them. Crystallized black patterns, like hideous vines, spread frantically from the bottom of the spring, instantly entangling Little Kate's limbs and eroding her entire body. Wherever they passed, her skin gradually became stiff and transparent, giving off a cold crystalline luster.

"Ugh—!"

Muffled groans of pain came from the spring. Little Kate's body was being covered by crystals at a speed visible to the naked eye—from fingertips to wrists, wrists to shoulders, shoulders to chest... Her face instantly turned as pale as paper, her lips lost all color, and her small body trembled violently in the spring. Every tremor was accompanied by heart-wrenching pain, yet she never struggled, never retreated, and didn't even cry out in pain again.

She lifted her head and looked through the churning mist of light at the frozen Kate and Lin Fan on the shore. Using her last ounce of strength, she revealed a weak but gentle smile. In that smile, there was relief, reluctance, and expectation, but not a hint of regret.

"Sister Kate..." Her voice was so faint it was almost inaudible, yet every word was clear. "You must... live on... for me... see... the clanspeople restored... for me... live on... for Teacher AKai... live on..."

"Teacher Lin Fan... I'm sorry... I can't... fight alongside you... anymore... You must... protect Sister Kate..."

The light of the spring became increasingly violent, nearly swallowing her small figure completely. The crystallization curse was devouring her life, her consciousness, and her everything at a terrifying speed. Before long, she would be completely crystallized, becoming nourishment for the holy land, sleeping for a thousand years with no hope of release.

The Guardian's voice rang out again, carrying a faint sigh: "The exchange is established. Kate, your crystallization erosion is about to be completely transferred to her. In a moment, you will be fully healed, and the royal source energy of the Light Sphere Race within you will be awakened, returning you to your peak state."

Kate stood on the shore, her body cold. Her blood seemed to freeze at this moment, and a piercing pain radiated through her limbs. She looked at the small figure in the spring about to be swallowed—the child who always followed her, sweetly calling her "Sister"; the child who, despite being afraid, still stood in front of the young children; the child who had just slapped and roared Lin Fan awake from his breakdown, doing her best to protect everyone. The pain and self-reproach in Kate's heart overwhelmed her like a tide.

She remembered who she was.

She remembered she was the light orb clan princess, the one burdened with the mission of protecting her clanspeople and her home.

She remembered what her mother had once said to her: "Kate, you are a princess. You must learn to be strong, learn to protect—protect your clanspeople, protect those you want to protect. Even if it costs you everything, you must not back down."

But now, she was letting a child bear all the pain for her, walk into the darkness for her, and pay the price of life for her.

This wasn't the redemption she wanted.

This wasn't the protection she wanted.

The shackles of memory shattered at this moment.

All the memories sealed by Shadow, all the suppressed emotions, all the responsibilities and tenderness of being the light orb clan princess, all the guilt and love for her clanspeople—at this moment, they completely awakened, erupted, and surged forth.

She remembered when she was a child, her mother holding her hand at the entrance of the holy land, telling her the legend of the Fountain of Eternity. She remembered the expectations her clanspeople had for her; her parents dying at the hands of Shadow to protect her and the clan; AKai paying the price of his life to protect Starfall Academy and Little Kate; Lin Fan's constant protection; and Little Kate's bravery and kindness.

She couldn't let Little Kate die.

Absolutely not.

"No—!!"

A heart-wrenching roar erupted from Kate's mouth. This roar was no longer weak, no longer confused, and no longer dependent. It was the most resolute, brilliant, and desperate cry of the light orb clan princess—it was her rebellion against fate, her persistence in protection.

She suddenly broke free from Lin Fan's hand as he tried to hold her back. Her skirt fluttered as white light surged around her. The dormant royal source energy of the Light Sphere Race within her was completely awakened at this moment, turning into a dazzling white light that enveloped her body. She rushed into the Fountain of Eternity regardless of everything, ignoring the light blades cutting her skin, the crystallization curse eroding her soul, and the violent power of the spring. She opened her arms and tightly pulled the nearly swallowed Little Kate into her embrace.

"Kate!!" Lin Fan's eyes nearly split from strain. He wanted to rush in but was forcibly stopped by the Guardian's light wall. He slammed against the wall frantically, Dark Matter Energy surging wildly in his palms as he roared, "Move!! Get out of the way!! I'm going in! I'm going to save them!!"

"It's useless." The Guardian's voice carried a hint of a sigh. "This is their own choice, a test of fate, and a bond of the soul. Your forced intervention will only cause both of them to completely dissipate."

"This time, it's my turn to say—"

Kate rushed into the violent spring water, holding Little Kate tightly in her arms, using her own body to block the raging light blades and crystallization curse for her. She lowered her head, her forehead against Little Kate's. Her tears were scalding as they hit Little Kate's face. Her voice was hoarse yet carried an unquestionable determination, shouting word by word into the depths of Little Kate's soul:

"Don't try to be a hero—!!"

"You don't owe anyone anything!!"

"AKai doesn't want you to die!! He used all his strength to save you, not so you could sacrifice yourself for someone else now!!"

"I don't want you to die!! I would rather be swallowed by crystallization myself, rather sleep forever myself, than lose you, my sister!!"

"Lin Fan doesn't want you to die!! All of us want you to live well!!"

"If we live, we live together!!"

"If there is redemption, we redeem ourselves together!!"

"If there is pain to bear, we bear it together!!"

"No one is allowed to die—!!"

This embrace took all her strength.

This roar cried out all her persistence and love.

The world changed color.

The violent power of the Fountain of Eternity suddenly paused at this moment.

On Kate, the crystallization curse about to be stripped away, and on Little Kate, the dark crystallization energy just injected—at this moment, they collided, intertwined, merged, and exploded frantically!

White healing light poured out from Kate's body. It was the power of the Fountain of Eternity, the power of the Light Sphere Race's royal source—gentle and powerful, attempting to dispel the crystallization curse on Little Kate.

Black crystallization curse spread from Little Kate's body. It was Shadow's dark energy, the price of the Fountain of Eternity's rules—cold and violent, attempting to swallow Kate's body.

Two extreme forces collided frantically within the two tightly embracing bodies. Instead of destroying each other, under the triple blessing of Kate's awakened royal bloodline, Little Kate's incredibly pure soul, and the ancient rules of the Fountain of Eternity, they produced a qualitative change that no one had anticipated.

*Boom—!!*

From the spring's eye, light soared into the sky, more dazzling than any time before. It pierced through the barrier of the sanctuary, the sky of the Memory Desert, and even the atmosphere of the Light Sphere Race's home planet, illuminating half the universe. In that light, white and black intertwined and merged, finally turning into a soft gold and silver light—warm, powerful, and radiating a strength that transcended rules.

The Guardian's light and shadow fluctuated violently. In his usually calm eyes, shock and disbelief appeared for the first time. He murmured to himself, "This is... what?"

"Light and dark are not meant only to be transferred... nor are they meant only to oppose each other..."

"But... they can coexist? They can merge?"

"The bond of souls... the power of emotion... to actually break the universe's rule of equivalent exchange... to actually change the destiny of the Fountain of Eternity..."

On the shore, Lin Fan stared intently at the two figures embracing in the spring. His heart was pounding wildly, and Dark Matter Energy surged in his palms, yet he didn't dare interfere in the slightest. He could only hold his breath, clenching his fists so hard his nails dug deep into his palms, praying they would be safe. His eyes were red, and tears welled up but never fell—he knew Kate and Little Kate were giving their all, so he couldn't collapse. He had to wait for them, wait for them to return safely.

Franklin stood to the side, his electronic eyes flashing with frantic blue light as he quickly recorded everything. His language system was still malfunctioning, yet he also felt this power that transcended rules, reporting solemnly: "Detected... massive vanilla ice cream eruption... energy index has broken through the ceiling, exceeding detection range... recommendation... wait in place, do not approach."

Time seemed to stand still at this moment.

No one knew how much time had passed—perhaps a mere instant, or perhaps a long century.

The light in the spring finally receded slowly, and the violent power gradually calmed. Those raging light blades and hideous crystalline vines also dissipated bit by bit, turning back into soft light particles that flowed gently.

The two figures slowly separated in the spring, gently lifted by the soft light particles as if protected by angels, and were slowly delivered back to the shore.

Kate landed on the ground, stumbling for a step, but she stood firm.

She slowly raised her hands, her fingertips trembling slightly.

The hideous crystallization patterns that had spread across her arms for so long had completely vanished.

Her skin was fair and delicate, radiating a healthy glow. The light orb energy within her was abundant and stable, and her soul was clear and powerful. She radiated the most peak and pure light of the light orb clan princess. The pain and weakness from the crystallization erosion had completely disappeared.

She... was completely healed.

Moreover, she could clearly feel that the royal source energy of the Light Sphere Race within her had been fully awakened, stronger than ever before. She could even feel a wondrous connection with the Fountain of Eternity, as if she were a part of it, able to control the power of the spring at will.

Beside her, Little Kate also slowly opened her eyes.

She hadn't been swallowed by crystallization, hadn't fallen into a slumber, and hadn't died.

She remained that small figure, wearing dust-covered clothes with tear stains still on her face, but her eyes were brighter and more determined than ever before. Within her body, a gentle yet powerful light orb energy flowed through her limbs and bones, and a faint golden light shimmered in her eyes—a mark of the Light Sphere Race's heritage-level power, a gift from the Fountain of Eternity, and an evolution of her abilities earned by her brave and selfless heart.

The crystallization curse did not fall upon her.

In its place was the origin power of the Light Sphere Race, the recognition of the Fountain of Eternity, and a new life granted by the deep bond between her and Kate.

Little Kate dithered for a moment, looking down at her small hands and touching her body. There was no coldness, no pain, and no stiffness—only a warm power flowing slowly through her, making her feel full of strength. She tried to move slightly, and as expected, a small, soft white light emerged from her palm. That light was warm and powerful, purer than any light orb energy she had ever seen before.

"I... I'm okay?" She looked up at Kate in disbelief, her voice carrying a hint of weakness but mostly filled with pleasant surprise.

Kate knelt down and pulled her into a tight embrace, her whole body trembling as she cried. The tears she had suppressed for so long finally fell without reservation, hot and warm against Little Kate's back, carrying the relief and preciousness of having found her again. "Silly child... you silly child... who told you to be so foolish... who told you to jump down... I almost never saw you again... do you know how scared I was?"

Little Kate was hugged so tightly she could barely breathe, but she reached out her small hands and gently held Kate back. Her eyes were teary, yet she couldn't help but smile. "Sister... don't cry... I'm fine... I'm really fine... Look, your crystallization is cured... you're finally better..."

"You saved me," Kate choked out, her voice thick with gratitude and guilt. "It was you, and it was also us together, saving each other. If it weren't for you, I might have been completely consumed by the crystallization. If we hadn't held each other tight, we might have both disappeared into this Fountain of Eternity. Silly child, from now on, you're never allowed to be so foolish again, and you're never allowed to sacrifice yourself without permission, okay?"

"Okay." Little Kate nodded vigorously, hugging Kate tightly. "From now on, I won't try to be a hero. I want to live well together with Sister, with Teacher Lin Fan, and with Franklin. We'll fight together, save our people together, and defeat Shadow together."

To the side, the Guardian's light and shadow slowly withdrew its majesty, becoming much softer, carrying a deep sigh and recognition. "For a thousand years, countless beings have sought the salvation of the Fountain of Eternity, yet all were trapped by the rule of equivalent exchange, trapped by selfishness and desire, ultimately either giving up on salvation or betraying one another, becoming victims of the rules."

"The two of you traded your lives for each other, yet were unwilling to save yourselves alone, preferring to live or die together. With your deep bond, you have broken the opposition between light and dark and shattered the balance rules of the universe. Your souls are pure and powerful, and your emotions are sincere and passionate. This is what the Fountain of Eternity truly wishes to protect, and it is the true hope of the Light Sphere Race."

"The rules have been broken by you."

"The exchange is void."

"Salvation descends."

As the words fell, the Guardian raised a hand and pointed. A slender stream of water slowly separated from the source of the Fountain of Eternity, transforming into a crystal-clear gate of light that connected to the core region of the Light Sphere Race's home planet. Through the gate, the scenes on the home planet were clearly visible—those controlled clansmen still had blood-red eyes and were still acting mechanically, waiting to be purified.

"Kate, you have been healed, and your soul is now bound to the Fountain of Eternity, making you one of its new Guardians." The Guardian's voice carried a hint of expectation. "You may return to the home planet's core region through this light gate. By harnessing the power of the Fountain of Eternity, you can release a Purification Light Wave to cover the entire planet, lifting the Shadow Frequency control from your people and allowing them to regain consciousness and return to normal."

"As for you, Little Kate." The Guardian turned its gaze toward Little Kate, its eyes filled with deep approval. "You jumped into the fountain voluntarily to bear the curse, with a mind free of distractions, a pure soul, and no fear. The Fountain of Eternity did not consume you; instead, it recognized you, injecting a portion of the Light Sphere Race's origin energy into your body, granting you the Light Orb Guardian Power. This power will continue to grow as you do. In the future, your strength will be the key to opposing Shadow and the hope for protecting this universe."

Little Kate blinked, looked down at her small hands, and tried to gather light orb energy again. This time, the white light in her palm became brighter, warmer, and more stable. She could clearly feel her body filled with strength; that former weakness and helplessness had completely vanished.

She... had become strong.

She was no longer that little sprout who needed others to protect her. She could now become someone who protects others, contributing her own strength to defeat Shadow and save her people.

Lin Fan walked forward slowly, looking at the two embracing, at the healed Kate, and at Little Kate who had gained power. The tension in his heart finally fully relaxed. All the worry, all the fear, and all the frustration transformed in this moment into the relief and preciousness of surviving a disaster.

He didn't speak, but simply reached out and gently pulled them both into his arms with a tender yet firm movement. There were no earth-shattering declarations or soul-stirring shouts—only silent companionship, each other's warmth, and the certainty of fighting side by side.

"It's good that you're okay, it's good that you're okay," he murmured softly, his voice slightly raspy but filled with warmth. "From now on, we'll never be apart. We'll fight together, go home together, save our people together, and completely defeat Shadow together."

"Mhm!" Kate and Little Kate nodded simultaneously, leaning tightly against Lin Fan's chest, their hearts filled with warmth and determination.

Franklin stood to the side, his electronic eyes flashing with a soft blue light as his chassis vibrated slightly, summarizing in a serious tone: "Current mission... successfully avoided Vanilla Ice Cream. All members survived, Kate is healed, and Little Kate... has been upgraded to Super Vanilla Ice Cream, with a significant increase in energy index. Suggestion... immediately pass through the light gate, return to the home planet, purify the clansmen, and prepare to face the Ultimate Vanilla Ice Cream—Shadow."

Little Kate couldn't help but laugh through her tears, poking her head out from Lin Fan's arms to make a face at Franklin. "You're the ice cream! You're the silliest vanilla ice cream!"

Franklin's electronic eyes flickered as he countered seriously: "Incorrect. I am not vanilla ice cream. I am Franklin, the most powerful AI Guardian. Little Kate is Super Vanilla Ice Cream. Appraisal complete."

Seeing Franklin's clumsy yet earnest manner, everyone couldn't help but burst into laughter.

The laughter pierced through the wall of light, drifting toward the Memory Desert, toward the Light Sphere Race's home planet, and toward those controlled clansmen, bringing a signal of salvation and a light of hope.

After a long while, the laughter gradually subsided.

Kate stood up and wiped the tears from her face, her gaze becoming firm and majestic. She walked to the Fountain of Eternity and slowly raised both hands. The royal source energy within her resonated strongly with the power of the Fountain of Eternity. Soft white light surged from her body, intertwining with the light of the fountain and becoming increasingly dazzling.

"My people, I have returned." Her voice was gentle yet firm, echoing through the Holy Land and passing through the light gate to reach the entire Light Orb Clan Home Planet. "I have come to take you home."

As her words fell, she pressed her palms downward gently.

BOOM—!!

The Purification Light erupted outward with the Holy Land as its center, sweeping across the entire Light Orb Clan Home Planet like a tsunami.

In the sky, Shadow's blood-red energy clouds were torn apart, purified, and dissipated bit by bit by the white light. The originally dim sky gradually brightened, regaining its former clarity and azure blue.

On the ground, the Shadow Frequency signals in those red-eyed puppet clansmen were forcibly severed. Their blood-red eyes gradually regained their former purity and gentleness. After a moment of confusion came the joy of awakening and the emotion of reunion. They stopped what they were doing and looked toward the Holy Land, their eyes filled with awe and gratitude.

The Light Sphere Race was saved.

Those people who had been enslaved and controlled by Shadow finally regained their consciousness, found themselves again, and returned to each other's side.

Inside the Holy Land, Lin Fan, Kate, Little Kate, Franklin, and the Light Sphere Race Young Child stood side by side, looking at their home planet as it gradually regained its light and at the light gate connecting them to it, their eyes filled with determination and hope.

They had walked through life and death, through despair, through the torment of memories, through the cruelty of trials, and through the choice of equivalent exchange.

They had broken the rules with their bonds, conquered darkness with emotion, exchanged courage for salvation, and traded sacrifice for new life.

The light of the Fountain of Eternity remained soft and pure, protecting this sacred domain, protecting the hope of the Light Sphere Race, and protecting the deep bond between them.

The legend of the Holy Land continued, but because of their arrival, a new chapter had been added, and new hope had been instilled.

But the new story had only just begun.

Shadow was still in the depths of the universe, spying on them, spying on this home planet that had just regained its light, and spying on the entire universe. He would not let things go; he would surely descend again, bringing more cruel disasters and more frantic destruction.

The true ultimate battle had not yet arrived.

But this time, they were no longer afraid.

Because they protected each other, supported each other, and illuminated each other.

Because they already possessed the power to oppose Shadow—Kate's royal source energy, Little Kate's Light Orb Guardian Power, Lin Fan's Dark Matter Energy, Franklin's powerful combat capabilities, and the support of the entire Light Sphere Race.

Because they had already understood—

True eternity is not about being healed alone, being strong alone, or obtaining salvation alone.

It is about living together, fighting together, protecting together, and going home together.

Kate turned around and looked at her companions, revealing a gentle and firm smile. "Let's go. We're going home to see our people and to prepare for the final battle."

"Okay!"

Lin Fan, Little Kate, and Franklin responded in unison, their voices firm and powerful.

The Light Sphere Race Young Child also reached out a small hand and tightly grabbed the corner of Little Kate's clothes, his eyes filled with expectation and determination.

The group walked side by side toward the light gate connecting them to their home planet.

The light of the gate was soft and warm, enveloping their bodies and slowly transporting them out.

Inside the Holy Land, the Fountain of Eternity continued to flow slowly. The Guardian's light and shadow stood quietly by the spring, looking toward the light gate with eyes full of hope.

He knew that an ultimate battle concerning the future of the entire universe was about to begin.

And these brave, kind, and determined young people would eventually become the hope that protects the universe, eventually defeating the darkness completely and ushering in eternal light.

The light gate closed, and the Holy Land returned to its tranquility.

But that bond, that courage, and that hope remained here forever, and forever in everyone's hearts.

The road home was just ahead.

The ultimate battle was about to begin.

And they were already prepared.