[Brothers, let's get hyped!]
[So this is the Five Yakshas? Xiao's the only one left...]
[Mihoyo just offed four such cool characters in one go?!]
[A fleeting moment in life, forsaking all!]
[Just waiting to die at the bottom? My claustrophobia won't let me even imagine it.]
[For Liyue, they willingly sacrificed themselves. They were just a microcosm of the countless warriors who fought.]
The usually talkative streamer Chen Xiyao remained mostly silent throughout this storyline.
As the words "Perilous Trail" appeared on the screen, marking the completion of the game's latest main quest series, she stretched vigorously.
Of all the games she'd played, none had resonated with her emotions as deeply as Genshin Impact.
"This storyline was truly remarkable," she said. "The past two weeks of waiting were worth it."
From her initial worry when Qingge went missing, to the terror of being trapped in the abyss, to the fear that Xiao and Qingge might be killed, and finally, the shock of the Five Yakshas' story—it felt like watching an epic movie. Absolutely thrilling.
-
Teyvat.
After returning, Qingge rested for a few days before arranging a banquet at the Chasm Entrance. She wanted to seize the opportunity while Itto, Kuki Shinobu, and the others were still in Liyue and while she still had the time.
This gesture was not only to thank Itto, Yanfei, and their group for their assistance but also to treat the Millelith soldiers who had worked tirelessly during this period.
Many of the banquet ingredients were purchased from nearby villages, while the Millelith soldiers contributed additional supplies they had brought themselves. Lumine even showed off her cooking skills, preparing several dishes.
At the banquet:
"Hehe, Qingge, the Lantern Rite is just around the corner! Lumine and I are going back to Inazuma then. We'll bring you some of Yuna's delicious treats!" Paimon exclaimed happily, her cheeks puffed out as she clutched a bottle of juice.
This little cutie, Qingge thought fondly, watching Paimon eat with a smile. She adored Paimon and Lumine.
Itto and Paimon engaged in an eating contest, while Yelan, surprisingly, let down her usual reserve and joined in the fun.
Unfortunately, Xiao couldn't participate due to his Karmic Debt. Lumine prepared several plates of Almond Tofu and took them to him.
The Millelith soldiers stationed at various posts also enjoyed their best meal in recent memory. Apart from the slight disappointment of not being able to drink alcohol, the banquet was a joyous occasion for hosts and guests alike.
-
A few days later, Qingge led the Millelith back to the depths of The Chasm. With the Conqueror of Demons' assistance, they thoroughly purged the lower levels of monsters.
Unfortunately, they encountered no further malicious entities this time.
Most of the issues in this area had been resolved, but since Malice had previously visited this place, the Millelith still needed to maintain a garrison until her motives were fully investigated.
Naturally, Qingge had to remain here as well.
There was no way she could celebrate the Lantern Rite this year, regardless of how you looked at it.
Considering the Lantern Rite was approaching, Qingge ordered half of the Millelith soldiers to return to Liyue Harbor first.
Leaving half behind was sufficient; these weren't the chaotic times of war, and such heavy defenses were no longer necessary.
That night, Qingge began writing a letter home.
Major changes were about to sweep through Liyue, and her own chapter was drawing to a close. On the eve of the Lantern Rite, while everyone in Teyvat and the Player World celebrated with joy, she would deliver a crushing blow. The resulting emotional feedback would surely be overwhelming...
She only hoped Mihoyo could withstand the pressure.
-
Liyue.
Mu Family Residence.
A messenger walked in. "Is anyone home?"
A middle-aged man and woman emerged from the house.
"Mr. Mu, Mrs. Chen, this is a letter brought back by Lady Kaiyang."
Mu Dad took the letter from the messenger. "Thank you for your hard work. Come in for a cup of tea before you leave."
"I appreciate the offer, but I have urgent matters to attend to. I'll take my leave now."
After the messenger left, Qingge's Mom snatched the letter from Dad's hand, tearing it open as she exclaimed, "A letter from Qingge?"
Dad sighed, pinching his forehead. My wife... only I can indulge her.
She had been furious with him and their youngest daughter for days after they didn't wake her up to see their eldest daughter off.
"Dad, Mom, is there a letter from Sister?"
Hearing the commotion, Mu Qingxu rushed out of her room.
Her sister had been gone to The Chasm for so long without a word, and she had been terribly worried. With the Lantern Rite fast approaching, a letter had finally arrived!
"Hurry, let's see what Sister wrote!"
Mom tore open the letter, and the three of them huddled around it, their heads pressed together.
Being a personal letter, Qingge had written everything in plain, easy-to-understand language.
Dad, Mom, and Little Sister:
It's been a while since we last saw each other. I hope you're all doing well.
I'm doing great here. There isn't much military work, so I often have time to admire the scenery around The Chasm—it's truly extraordinary and exceptionally beautiful. If I ever get the chance, I'll definitely bring you all to visit. We can have a picnic and have some fun together.
Dad, you really should quit that dangerous job. With me as your daughter, you can just relax at home. If you really can't stand being idle, find something easier...
Mom, please take good care of yourself. Remember to take the medicine Doctor Baizhu prescribed—don't complain about the bitterness. It's not a serious illness; just keep taking the medicine, and you'll be cured...
Qingxu, you always complain that I treat you like a child. Now that I'm not around to supervise Mom and Dad, that responsibility falls to you. Make sure you handle it properly!
Don't neglect your studies either. I'll be checking up on your progress when I get back...
I estimate I'll be stationed here for some time yet, so I won't be able to return for the Lantern Rite this year. Take good care of yourselves, and don't worry about me.
Love,
Qingge
-
After reading the entire letter, Dad, Mom, and Qingxu fell into a heavy silence.
Mom sighed, "Looks like this year's Lantern Rite won't be as lively as usual."
"Qingge is the Kaiyang, after all. It's normal for her to be busy with official duties. Perfectly normal..." Dad said, trying to reassure himself.
Their daughter was grown up now, with her own responsibilities to fulfill. They should be proud.
Yet the thought of celebrating the Lantern Rite without their eldest daughter by their side left the couple feeling uneasy.
Qingxu felt utterly dejected. She hadn't seen her sister in ages and had been eagerly anticipating their reunion, but... why wasn't she coming home this year?
"Qingxu, where are you going?"
"Back to my room."
Dad and Mom stared blankly as Qingxu dashed back to her room. "That girl..."
Back in her room, Mu Qingxu sat on her bed, gazing at the Hydro Vision in her hand. Just like her sister, she clipped it to her waist in the exact same spot.
She grabbed a piece of paper and scribbled a note:
Dad, Mom, I'm going to find Sister. Don't worry about me—I have a Vision and I'm strong!
After writing the note, Qingxu placed it on her desk and weighted it down with a book.
That night, at the Mu Family Residence, a small figure slipped out under cover of darkness, leaving Liyue Harbor.
-
Liyue, Millelith Headquarters.
"Hey, has Lady Mu returned yet?"
"No."
Tartaglia scratched his head in frustration. The Lantern Rite was just a few days away—why hadn't she come back yet? Without her to spar with, he felt restless and ill at ease.
Maybe he should just go find her himself, but what if she came back right after he left?
Ugh, this is so annoying...