In Kael's current state, only Hu Tao can see him.
The only option left is to use Hu Tao as a bridge to speak with Yelan and see if he can untie the knot in her heart.
The problem is…
Hu Tao probably still does not know that he has already died.
Sigh…
Once again, he will have to personally witness just how deeply the girl he loves has been hurt.
But he learned about Yelan's corruption far too late.
If the System had told him earlier, then no matter how unwilling he was to face it, his next binding target would have been Hu Tao.
Yelan's situation has already reached a critical point. He cannot feel at ease until it is resolved as soon as possible.
Before he died, Kael had reminded Yelan several times that once she returned to Liyue, she should go find Hu Tao.
He had left something important with her.
If Yelan still remembers that…
Then he might still have a chance to see Hu Tao today.
But…
Yelan's Corruption Value is already that high.
Her way of thinking and her behavior are completely different from before.
He does not know whether she even remembers the things he once said.
Kael stands beside Yelan, lowering his gaze as he watches her.
Even though he knows she can no longer see him at all, he still cannot stop himself from letting out a soft, aching sigh.
Yelan's body is covered in wounds, and after some time has passed, they seem to have worsened.
Her once captivating back is now marred by scorched marks left by flames.
Such a wide area. Such deep wounds.
Even with treatment, it would be impossible to restore her former flawless beauty.
Kael's hand passes through the air above her injuries.
Stop punishing yourself, Yelan.
None of this is your fault. It was my choice.
If anything, I am the one who owes you…
Yelan works alone in the room, processing documents.
Only when the sky outside the window begins to lighten does she finally stop.
She turns her head and looks out the window, staring blankly at the gradually strengthening sunlight.
When the light grows so intense that it becomes impossible to look at, stinging her eyes until they brim with moisture, she finally looks away.
"Good morning, Kael."
Yelan walks to the bedside and looks at Kael lying there with his eyes tightly closed, a gentle smile blooming on her lips.
She reaches out and softly tidies the slightly messy strands of hair by his cheek.
Then she brings in another basin of water and, just like yesterday, carefully cleans his entire body once more.
Her already deteriorating wounds begin to seep blood and fluid as she moves so much, a sight too painful to look at.
Yet she seems completely numb to the pain. That soft smile never leaves her beautiful face.
Her stunning features paired with her battered body create a sharp contrast, forming a kind of eerie beauty.
Kael watches from the side, his breathing growing tight.
Why does it feel like Yelan's condition is getting worse and worse?
After finishing everything, Yelan leaves the room.
"Lady Yelan."
The moment she opens the door, people are already waiting outside.
Aside from a few of her most loyal subordinates, there is also a face that Kael finds painfully familiar.
"Lady Yelan, this is Mr. Baizhu. We brought him here to treat your injuries."
Yelan glances at Baizhu indifferently.
"No need."
"No, Lady Yelan. Your wounds have already begun to fester. If this continues, they will only get worse. Today, you must…"
As one of the subordinates speaks, he steps forward and reaches out.
A surge of water bursts from Yelan's palm, rushing forward with violent force.
"Watch out!"
Baizhu is the first to react. He yanks hard on the collar of Yelan's subordinate.
The man loses his balance and falls backward, narrowly avoiding the attack.
Everyone present stares at Yelan in shock and uncertainty.
They all saw that sudden, unexpected strike.
Every person here can be considered battle-hardened.
Although Yelan's subordinates do not possess Visions, they have worked in intelligence for many years and have all faced danger head-on.
And yet, after witnessing Yelan's attack, they are utterly stunned.
There was no killing intent.
The attack was ferocious, clearly meant to take a life.
But not a single person felt any murderous aura.
It was as natural as lifting a hand in greeting, yet her strike showed no mercy at all.
Yelan's subordinates all sense that something is wrong, but no one is willing to believe that she truly intended to harm them.
One of them forces a pale smile and tries to smooth things over.
"Lady Yelan must just be exhausted from not resting these past few days. That was an accident, right?"
Yelan's eyes, once a vivid jade green, churn with countless emotions before being completely dyed a deep, pitch-black.
She sweeps her gaze over everyone present and speaks lightly.
"No."
"Block my path again, and I will kill all of you."