"This Path energy… I've never encountered it before. It must be the mysterious Path of Causality, no? Truly a terrifying power…"
Staring at her mutilated hand, 'Tingyun' furrowed her brows. She attempted to reconstruct her palm using the power of the Path, yet no matter what method she tried, the severed limb refused to regenerate.
"Phantylia, the Xianzhou is not a place where you can act recklessly!"
Qingque's eyes sharpened, all traces of her usual carefree and mischievous demeanor vanishing in an instant. A Jade Abacus tile materialized in her hand, entwined with the power of Causality, dyeing the white-and-green tile a vibrant emerald.
"Hehe, the Xianzhou Luofu truly hides dragons and crouches tigers. Who would've thought that besides Jing Yuan, the publicly known Arbiter-General, there would also be an Emanator of Causality here? How amusing…"
Seeing her efforts were futile, Phantylia ceased her attempts. With a flick of her remaining hand, she opened her folding fan, covering half her face as a trace of wariness flashed in her eyes.
'Originally, I planned to infiltrate the Xianzhou and slowly dismantle the Luofu from within. But now, it seems this plan will have to be postponed.'
As one of Nanook's Lord Ravagers—an Emanator of Destruction—Phantylia had been confident in her ability to destroy the Xianzhou Luofu if only Jing Yuan stood in her way. But now, with the appearance of another Emanator—one wielding the enigmatic Path of Causality—she couldn't help but hesitate.
Without absolute certainty, she would have to delay her plans. She had no intention of losing her life here—after all, self-destruction was hardly an entertaining game. Moreover, brute-force annihilation wasn't her style. Watching civilizations tear themselves apart in internal strife—that was the romance Phantylia pursued.
"Hehe, since the Xianzhou does not welcome this humble guest, I shall take my leave for now."
After a brief moment of contemplation, Phantylia smiled sweetly and dissolved back into a cluster of azure flames.
"We shall meet again, Emanator of Causality."
————————————————
"And that's what happened, Mr. Yun Fan. Here, please accept my gratitude."
After recounting the day's events, Tingyun took a deep breath and bowed deeply in the traditional Xianzhou manner, expressing her thanks to Qingque and Yun Fan.
Once she straightened up, a faint, imperceptible flicker of fervor flashed in her eyes—something only the most observant would notice. However, Yun Fan caught it immediately. Though he had dulled most of his senses to better enjoy life's pleasures, as an Aeon, his perception remained sharp.
Yet, he didn't pay it much mind. There was no malice in Tingyun's gaze—only a deep, burning desire.
What was she yearning for?
Most likely… power.
Specifically, power like Qingque's.
Tingyun was an intelligent woman. Between Qingque's identity as an Emanator of Causality and the rumors circulating the Xianzhou, it wouldn't be difficult for her to deduce Yun Fan's true nature. If she truly sought strength, then soon enough, she would likely…
Yun Fan shook his head at the thought.
I really am a sinful man.
And when he considered the complicated relationships he had with the women of Teyvat—once the three gods reunited, the Primordial Spirit would have quite the mess to deal with.
—————————————
Belobog's Underworld… Goethe Hotel…
"Welcome, are you checking in or— Oh? Dr. Natasha? It's you!"
The receptionist instinctively greeted the newcomer but brightened upon recognizing the woman who had entered.
"Mm, it's been a while, Gertie. How's your health?" Natasha smiled warmly as she inquired about the other woman's well-being.
"Haha, thanks to you, I've fully recovered! The medicine you prescribed last time worked wonders."
"That's good to hear." Natasha nodded.
"Dr. Natasha, are you here to stay? There's a premium room available on the second floor—let me find the key for you. Don't worry about payment, consider it my thanks."
As she spoke, Gertie rummaged through a drawer for the key.
Unlike its counterpart in the Overworld, the Goethe Hotel in the Underworld was much smaller. Moreover, few residents of the Underworld could afford to stay in a hotel. Thus, Gertie served as both the owner and receptionist—and sometimes even the housekeeper when business was slow.
"Gertie, I appreciate the gesture, but I'm not here to stay. I'm looking for a friend."
"A friend?" Gertie blinked in surprise. Dr. Natasha had friends? She had always thought…
"Yes. I'm looking for Mr. Yun Fan. Could you check his room number for me?"
"Of course, let me check the registry."
Gertie flipped through the guestbook without hesitation. Laws like "guest information cannot be disclosed without permission" didn't apply here—Overworld regulations held no sway in the Underworld.
"Found it! Dr. Natasha, Mr. Yun Fan booked seven rooms in total—here's the list. But as for which one he's staying in right now… I'm not sure."
"Understood. Thank you for your help, Gertie."
After expressing her gratitude, Natasha ascended the creaking wooden stairs alone, heading toward the second-floor rooms Yun Fan had booked. As she walked, her thoughts wandered.
She had witnessed Yun Fan's power before. Though she didn't know his limits, she was certain he could defeat Svarog and rescue Seele.
But…
The Underground—or rather, Wildfire—had no ties to him. How could they convince him to help?
Equivalent exchange—the unshakable law of the world.
So, what price could Wildfire offer?
With these thoughts weighing on her mind, Natasha knocked on the tightly shut door.
Knock, knock, knock!
The sound of footsteps rustled from inside. Moments later, the door creaked open slightly, revealing a girl in a snowfield cap peeking out with half her face.
The girl studied the gray-haired woman before her with a hint of confusion but still asked politely:
"Hello… Can I help you?"