Ganyu gave a firm nod in response to Jiang Yan's words.
Her entire outfit was battle-ready:
A middle-grade spiritual artifact, the Rainbow-Silk Feather Garment.
Under it, the Yin-Soft Armor.
At her waist, a jade seal.
Her earrings, sword, and ornaments—all spiritual artifacts.
Under normal circumstances Jiang Yan would restrain his favoritism since Ganyu insisted on being treated like an ordinary disciple.
But tribulation…
A Heavenly Tribulation was no small matter.
Even if Jiang Yan firmly believed Ganyu would pass without difficulty, proper preparation was absolute.
Everyone sighed inwardly at her extravagant set of artifacts but didn't fuss over it.
Even without those weapons, Ganyu's tribulation would succeed—
she would simply look a bit more disheveled afterward.
Furina folded her arms, sighing softly.
"Hard to believe… It's only been a week since my tribulation, and now Ganyu's stepping into hers."
She glanced at Ganyu with genuine admiration.
"If she succeeds, she'll directly reach early Spirit-Refining Realm… almost catching up to me. I'd better work harder."
Jiang Yan chuckled and turned to Xiao and Yae Miko.
"You two are also approaching your own tribulation.
Ganyu's experience will be especially valuable.
Watch carefully."
"Yes, Sect Master."
Miko smiled toward Ganyu.
"Don't worry, Ganyu-nee-san. Your foundation is solid. You'll pass."
"I… I know…"
Ganyu nodded, though her hands were clasped tightly together.
She took a hesitant glance down at the sea of people waiting below.
"It's just… so many are watching.
If I mess up, it would be shameful for Mount Shu."
Jiang Yan laughed lightly.
"A Heavenly Tribulation is beyond mortal comprehension.
Why let their gazes disturb your Dao?"
"If you truly feel uncomfortable, you may return to Mount Shu to face the lightning."
Ganyu bit her lip—
but ultimately, she shook her head.
Ningguang stepped forward.
"No need to worry. Everyone inside Jueyun Karst has already been evacuated.
And even if a few remain inside… that is their fate."
"If any beasts rush out, we'll hold them back."
Ganyu bowed her head gratefully.
"Thank you."
Ningguang returned to her seat.
Jiang Yan swept his gaze across the crowd.
"Has everyone prepared their defenses?
Ganyu's tribulation is not only significant for Liyue, but for the entire continent of Teyvat."
"Once the tribulation begins, there will be no turning back."
He then looked meaningfully at Ningguang.
"The descent of Dao-calamity will accelerate spiritual revival.
This area will become the core of that expansion."
"Many peak Foundation Establishment beasts inside Jueyun will immediately evolve into early Essence-Refining-stage fiends."
"At that level—
even Mount Shu outer and servant disciples will struggle.
Liyue, which has yet to produce even a single 'Earthly Immortal'-level martial expert, will be completely vulnerable."
"If not managed properly, this tribulation could cause heavy casualties."
"Osial was child's play compared to what's coming."
Ningguang's gaze remained steady.
"I am aware. Yet danger brings opportunity."
"Liyue, whether led by gods or by mortals, has never chosen fear over progress."
"We know this operation is like reaching into fire with bare hands, but—"
She smiled faintly.
"If we reach into the flames, we intend to pull out a golden chestnut."
"The benefits outweigh the risks."
"And if early Essence-Refining fiends appear—
Liyue will suppress them."
Jiang Yan exhaled softly.
"You can indeed suppress them.
But your hearts will remain tethered here…
and that will hinder your cultivation."
"Furthermore, once you leave for the Nine Netherworlds, how will you guarantee Liyue's safety?
Without cultivators, even martial artists cannot defeat such fiends."
Ningguang bowed slightly.
"Before we depart for the Nine Netherworlds…
Liyue will produce a martial expert at the realm of Earthly Immortal."
"A bold gamble—
but I believe Liyue will win."
Jiang Yan didn't try to stop her.
There was approval in his eyes.
Furina could only sigh.
She was striving to become a proper ruler, but she couldn't match Ningguang's courage.
Other nations also stayed silent.
After all—
Ganyu's tribulation would accelerate spiritual energy across the continent.
The impact would reach Mondstadt, Fontaine, Sumeru, Inazuma—everywhere.
This was a blessing for them.
More spiritual concentration.
More resources.
More rare beasts and herbs.
Liyue took all the risks, yet allowed all nations to enter Jueyun afterward to gather materials.
This favor…
was immense.
The Ice Goddess spoke:
"I have already contacted Barnabas. He will keep watch.
If fiends leave Jueyun, he will send druids to help, though… most have not learned martial arts."
Ningguang shook her head.
"Elder Barnabas's willingness to assist is already enough."
Jean raised her hand.
"Mondstadt will also send defenders."
"Fontaine as well!"
Sumeru's representative added:
"Saino has been informed. If needed, he will coordinate with Liyue and evacuate civilians."
"And Inazuma—Ayaka and Lady Ei will be contacted as soon as possible."
One by one, every nation offered support.
Ningguang bowed lightly.
"Thank you all.
But I trust Liyue can bear both the danger and the fruits of spiritual revival."
She turned toward Ganyu.
Ganyu drew a deep breath.
No more hesitation.
She looked at Jiang Yan.
He nodded—
calm, encouraging, absolute.
Ganyu stepped forward and soared out into the sky.
She stood alone above Jueyun Karst—
high above the mountains, above the clouds, as if suspended on invisible steps.
Down below, countless onlookers pointed excitedly.
"Look! Lady Ganyu has stepped out! It's starting!"
"Quiet! Don't disturb her!"
"This is the first Heavenly Tribulation in Teyvat's history.
Today will go down as the start of a new era!"
"She'll succeed—she must succeed!"
"How could she fail? She's the Celestial Peak's senior disciple!
Sect Master's favorite!"
The crowd murmured endlessly.
The Qianyan Army formed dense defensive lines.
Four Grandmasters stood ready, guarding all potential escape routes.
Beasts of Jueyun Karst—
true beasts, far beyond those weak monsters that followed Osial—
would go berserk when the tribulation struck.
If they escaped…
people would die.
Not far away, on a small hill, space rippled.
Aether arrived with several newly advanced martial beast-warriors.
He looked toward Ganyu with bright, burning eyes.
"A cultivator's Heavenly Tribulation…
the stuff of legends."
He paused.
"Have all our people evacuated the interior of Jueyun?"
"They have, Prince."
Aether nodded.
A deep-sea apostle asked quietly:
"Your Highness, shouldn't we send some men to slip inside?
When the fiends go berserk, we could hunt peak Foundation beasts."
"And after the tribulation, the ambient spiritual energy will skyrocket.
We could take herbs first!"
"With those herbs, we could refine martial pills—our strength would skyrocket!"
The words were earnest.
Aether stared at him and said calmly:
"…Good idea.
Why don't you lead the team?"
The apostle froze instantly.
Aether sneered.
"When tribulation lightning sweeps the area, who knows how far it will strike?
And when the fiends riot, how do you expect to avoid being torn to pieces?"
"Herbs? Herbs require you to survive gathering and returning them."
"You think other factions haven't thought of this?"
"And do you think the Qianyan Army stands guard only to stop beasts?"
Aether folded his arms.
"Stop dreaming.
Watch quietly.
The Sect Master of Mount Shu is watching.
If you make trouble now, the entire Abyss Order will be wiped out."
The apostles lowered their heads immediately.
Aether raised his gaze toward Ganyu again.
And suddenly—
something in the air changed.
From the depths of existence—
a force beyond Teyvat
opened its eyes.
A vibration so deep, so primal, it triggered fear in every living being.
Aether froze.
The sky slowly darkened.
Clouds swirled.
Wind vanished.
Heaven and earth held their breath.
A presence from a higher dimension…
was descending its gaze.
And its target—
was Ganyu.
Aether's pupils shrank violently.
"It's coming."
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