Chapter 231: Theater Edition Teaser

On the spiral staircase of the Brass Tower, two utterly different streams of Stellar Energy clashed violently within the air, their explosive resonance sending jagged ripples through the very fabric of space. The railing trembled with fine, electric vibrations, and the atmosphere crackled with tension, thick enough to choke on.

In the midst of this storm, Chen Xing and Jing Ruli’s guardians—two figures usually as quiet as shadows—each sensed the shift in the air. Without a word, they subtly shifted forward half a step, their presence radiating a silent, unyielding challenge.

At the staircase’s mouth, Chen Kong and Liu Ma both inhaled sharply, their breath freezing in their throats.

The crushing pressure of two Catastrophe-level Stellar Energies forced them back, step after step, until their backs slammed against the icy wall. Only then did they stop, trembling.

Liu Ma wiped a bead of cold sweat from his brow, whispering under his breath:

"Phew… I haven’t seen a Catastrophe standoff like this in ages. Scary stuff."

Chen Kong nodded, still shaken.

"Only thanks to Foxes and Mei Ling not targeting us—otherwise, we’d be lucky to even survive this place."

At the sudden surge of two Catastrophe-level auras, the local Stellar Envoy affiliates on the Brass Tower’s rooftop—previously indifferent to their presence—immediately gathered, drawn by curiosity.

Yu Chen, the leader, stepped close to Chen Kong and gently prodded his arm, his expression serious as he stared at the two looming guardians in the distance.

“What’s going on, Kong? What’s happening?”

Chen Kong hesitated, then replied slowly:

“…It’s complicated. Hard to explain.”

“How complicated?”

Chen Kong paused, thinking for two seconds.

“More complicated than the circuitry inside a Mechanical Stellar Envoy’s brain.”

Yu Chen visualized that image—and instantly nodded.

“Yeah… that is complicated.”

Just then, Jing Ruli let out a soft, melodic laugh.

In an instant, the purple butterflies swirling around her dissolved into shimmering motes of light, vanishing into the air like smoke.

“Xing,” she said gently, “let’s talk.”

Chen Xing remained silent. Behind him, the crimson flames of Yao Dao receded like a tide, leaving only faint traces of red lingering at the tips of his hair.

Seeing this, both guardians moved in perfect unison, erecting a translucent barrier of Stellar Energy—transparent to them, but impenetrable to outside senses. It sealed off all eavesdropping, ensuring the private conversation between Chen Xing and Jing Ruli remained hidden.

But in doing so, it also cut off a certain someone who had just finished a negotiation—someone currently watching via a Dimensional Screen.

So… what did they say?

Inside the Steam Furnace, Tian Dao stared at the suddenly blurred image on the screen, curiosity flaring.

All he could see now were two indistinct silhouettes whispering to each other, the Stellar Energy fluctuations entirely filtered out by the barrier.

Tch. So professional now. Whatever they’re discussing must be serious.

He was about to step out and investigate in person—when a bold golden character suddenly materialized before him.

【Ping! Detection of sufficient热度 (heat) for Theater Edition — Teaser officially launched!】

【Confirmed Main Cast for Theater Edition: Chen Kong, Vivian, Liu Ma, Isabelle, Tian Dao Siming, Chen Xing, Jing Ruli, Kalolin, Dannika】

【Title: The Splendid Sea Opera Hall】

【Plot Summary: Jing Ruli’s dazzling performance triggers crisis within the Shuangyin Family’s Xingshuang Sect, who plot to sabotage her Third Rank Ascension Ceremony. This grand musical gala aboard the Star Dream cruise ship becomes a battleground for competing factions.】

【Note: During Theater Edition, players can earn Theater Edition Exclusive Popularity Points, redeemable for exclusive rewards.】

【Final Rewards Based on Popularity Ranking:】

- Rank 3: 2× Current Theater Edition Popularity Points

- Rank 2: 4× Current Theater Edition Popularity Points + 1 Custom Character Poster + Exclusive Character Merchandise Pack

- Rank 1: 10× Current Theater Edition Popularity Points + 3 Custom Character Posters + Exclusive Merchandise Pack + Permanent Theater Edition Style

【Note: Theater Edition Popularity Points can be converted one-way into General Popularity Points. General Popularity Points cannot be converted back.】

【Permanent Theater Edition Style: Automatically triggers high-detail cinematic visuals upon every appearance. Grants a unique "Charm Boost" effect in the Stellar World.】

Tian Dao stared at the sudden notification, his eyes gleaming with fascination.

Especially that final reward—Permanent Theater Edition Style—sent a thrill through him.

Because if he obtained this permanent privilege, it meant that no matter where he appeared, he’d always be bathed in spotlight and visual flair. A built-in aura of stardom—perfect for someone whose entire survival depended on popularity.

And for someone like him, who needed massive Popularity Points just to stay relevant? This was tailor-made.

Beyond that, the cast list had him even more intrigued.

Originally, he’d planned to travel to the First Floating City – Star Track Corridor and seek out Kalolin in person before the third season aired.

But now… maybe he didn’t have to.

He’d been apart from Kalolin for six full years.

Who knew what kind of reunion awaited them in Theater Edition?

Then there was the other piece that had him on edge—the antagonist set to appear: the Shuangyin Family’s Xingshuang Sect.

Tian Dao didn’t know much about them. But given the Stellar Production Team’s track record, if they’d explicitly included him in the main cast, then this “Xingshuang Sect” would definitely be no pushover.

After all, with his current strength, he was nearly untouchable beneath the Catastrophe level.

So for the Theater Edition to have real stakes, the opposing side would need to bring out at least one Catastrophe-level force.

And considering Jing Ruli’s unique position within the Shuangyin Family—her importance, her influence—it was almost certain that this “sea opera hall” farce would be far more chaotic than anyone expected.

The Splendid Sea Opera Hall, huh?

Tian Dao watched the details unfold on the screen, his mind already racing.

How should he act?

What role should he play?

And most importantly—how could he steal the spotlight in a way that maximized his popularity?

Because stealing the spotlight?

That wasn’t just luck.

It was a craft.

And he’d need to plan it carefully.

PS: Two more chapters coming later—likely before 10 PM.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end