Hello everyone!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Here, I am asking for leave tomorrow—Thursday, January 1st. Therefore, I might not release any chapters for tomorrow.
———
"Do you know Azhdaha?"
Ganyu began to recount the past to Keqing and Shenhe. No matter what lay ahead, she believed they had the right to know the truth.
As for Futsu Mitama—though he hailed from Inazuma—Cloud Retainer had already stated that with his strength alongside Shenhe's, subjugating a Geovishap would pose no difficulty. That alone made it likely they would soon rely on him. Ganyu had no intention of concealing anything. She chose to lay out what was to come through a story.
"Yes."
Keqing and Shenhe nodded in unison, then exchanged glances, silently yielding the floor to the other.
Keqing spoke first, her voice measured.
"It is said that Azhdaha was once a spiritual rock. Out of pity for its nascent sentience, Lord Rex Lapis personally carved that colossal stone into a majestic dragon, lifelike in every detail, and granted it eyes to behold the beauty of the world. Thus was a great dragon born—and Azhdaha came into existence."
"Afterward, it is said that Lord Rex Lapis formed a threefold contract with him: should he one day disrupt the natural order, he would be sealed once more in darkness."
"Later accounts claim that Azhdaha eventually succumbed to his bestial instincts and sought to destroy Liyue Harbor. Lord Rex Lapis intervened, pursuing him all the way to The Chasm, where he was finally sealed."
As she spoke, Keqing cast a subtle glance toward Futsu Mitama. The Bloodjade Branch he sought was, in essence, a rare relic born of Azhdaha's blood.
"This differs from what I heard," Shenhe said quietly, a hint of surprise in her calm gaze. "According to my master, when Lord Rex Lapis first encountered Azhdaha, his body was already unimaginably vast."
"What Lord Rex Lapis did was merely to grant him eyes—so that he could see the beauty of the world, and fight for it. Later, he went mad and was sealed. As for the reason… it is said that humans over-mined the Ley Lines, driving him into frenzy."
Keqing pressed her lips together. This version aligned closely with what she herself had heard.
Human excess had damaged the Ley Lines, driving the Dragon King—once a creator and protector of Liyue—into madness.
A tragic end indeed. Those he had once sheltered had become the very cause of his downfall.
"That is only part of the reason," Ganyu said gently, relieved that neither of them was ignorant of Azhdaha's legend. Starting from nothing would have taken too long. Cloud Retainer had already gone to gather the Adeptus. Before they arrived, Ganyu needed to make the gravity of the situation unmistakably clear.
"Only part?" Keqing frowned slightly, then quickly recalled that Ganyu bore Adeptus blood and had stood beside Lord Rex Lapis during the Archon War.
In truth, Ganyu was a living witness to Liyue's ancient past.
"Is there… another cause?" Keqing asked.
"Erosion," Ganyu replied softly.
She met their gazes, her expression solemn. "Beyond the over-extraction of the Ley Lines that sustained him, there was also erosion—the slow decay brought by the passage of time. It made Azhdaha violent, irritable… forgetful."
"He forgot the contract he once upheld, and turned hostile toward humanity. The Adeptus, together with Lord Rex Lapis, sought ways to restore his sanity. Lord Rex Lapis expended immense effort to resist the erosion afflicting him. But in the end, it failed. And so, the battle was inevitable. The conflict at The Chasm was born of that failure."
"In his final moments of clarity, Azhdaha himself asked Lord Rex Lapis to seal him."
Ganyu let out a quiet sigh.
Once, Azhdaha and Lord Rex Lapis had fought side by side, felling countless threats to Liyue. None could have foreseen that they would one day stand opposed—undone by erosion, an invisible yet merciless force.
Ley Line mining alone would not have sufficed. Azhdaha himself had once said so. But erosion and exploitation came together. He endured… until, a thousand years ago, he no longer could.
He broke into The Chasm, not Liyue Harbor—an act of lingering reason, to spare the people of Liyue from greater calamity.
Had his mountain-like body appeared within the harbor, the shockwaves of his battle with Lord Rex Lapis would likely have obliterated half the city.
"Wait." Keqing suddenly stiffened, realization flashing across her face. "Then… Azhdaha wasn't sealed in The Chasm?"
All records said otherwise. The final battlefield had been there, and oral histories supported it.
Yet Ganyu's words, paired with Cloud Retainer's reaction earlier, drew Keqing's eyes back to the red circle she had marked on the map.
Could it be…?
"…Is he strong?" Shenhe asked calmly.
Her question was simple—but resolute.
She was already prepared to fight. No matter how sorrowful it was, if a former ally of the Adeptus and Lord Rex Lapis had become an enemy through erosion, then she would face him.
Ganyu understood at once. "Very strong," she answered without hesitation. "No one could defeat him except Lord Rex Lapis himself."
"He once fought at Lord Rex Lapis's side across every battlefield. His strength was nearly equal. When he was sealed, it was by his own will. Otherwise, even Lord Rex Lapis would have found it extraordinarily difficult."
Silence fell.
With power rivaling the Geo Archon… could she truly stand in such a battle?
At her current level, Shenhe knew she was not even her master's equal. Sparring was one thing—victory was another.
Keqing frowned as well. If a conflict of that scale erupted, could mortals even take part?
Unbidden, her thoughts turned to the Jade Chamber. If it were deployed… perhaps even such a battle might not be beyond reach.
"And…" Ganyu continued, beginning to recount Azhdaha's feats of old.
Futsu Mitama, meanwhile, entered the Chat Group and began to report the situation here to the people in the group.
Futsu Mitama: "@Azhdaha, I didn't expect it, I didn't expect that you actually fought with the Vortex Vanquisher back then."
Azhdaha: "Hm? Did Cloud Retainer, that bigmouth, tell you?"
Kuki Shinobu: "Bigmouth?"
Yae Miko: "It seems I've learned some incredible information again."
Raiden Makoto: "Cloud Retainer? She seemed quite aloof. I saw her once when I came to Liyue."
Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Why do you say she's a bigmouth?"
Azhdaha chuckled. "How should I put it… Cloud Retainer, that fellow—she especially enjoys recounting certain matters. Setting everything else aside, back when Morax and I were conquering the four corners…"
"After driving off a few short-sighted Archons, that fellow went and spread the rather ambiguous relationship between Guizhong and Morax to everyone. It is said that at the time, Guizhong chased that Cloud Retainer fellow halfway across the land, intent on giving her a sound beating. Hahahahaha."
Zhongli: "..."
Albedo: "Guizhong?"
Aila: "A name I've never heard before."
Zhongli spoke calmly, his tone unhurried. "The God of Dust, Guizhong. In the ancient records, she was once close to the Geo Archon, Morax."
"It is said that Guizhong and Cloud Retainer jointly established the Guizhong Ballista to guard Mount Tianheng, and together with the Geo Archon, she built what later became Guili Plains. Though her martial prowess was far inferior to that of the Geo Archon, she relied upon wisdom and ingenious mechanisms to benefit countless common folk. Later, when the Archon War erupted, Guili Plains was ravaged by chaos. The God of Dust, Guizhong, also perished amid that turmoil."
Azhdaha let out a low sigh. "Zhongli, you know quite a lot. It seems you truly have an interest in history. Indeed—after Guizhong's death, Morax never spoke of it openly, but his methods against his enemies became far more ruthless. We all knew. Yet there was nothing we could say. Only… a lingering sense of regret remained."
Kamisato Ayaka lowered her gaze slightly. "What a poignant story."
Sangonomiya Kokomi nodded. "Yes… truly poignant. To think the Geo Archon endured such an experience—how much pain must he have borne after witnessing it."
Kuki Shinobu spoke softly. "So that is why the Guizhong Ballista bears her name. That finally answers a long-held question of mine."
Yae Miko smiled faintly. "Compared to that, Azhdaha, why are you so certain it was Cloud Retainer who revealed this story?"
"How could I not know?" Azhdaha snorted. "Whenever she has nothing better to do, she prattles on about the past—this and that. Without a catalyst, she wouldn't have brought it up at all."
He paused, then called out loudly. "@Futsu Mitama. Futsu Mitama—tell me. What exactly did that Cloud Retainer fellow say?"
Futsu Mitama replied calmly. "It wasn't Cloud Retainer who told me. It was Ganyu."
Yae Miko raised a brow. "Ganyu? She doesn't strike me as one who would gossip. Hmm… Could it be because of the Primo Geovishap?"
Azhdaha's voice rose in disbelief. "What?! It wasn't that Cloud Retainer fellow? Impossible. Ganyu… that chubby little one from back then—has she gone astray now?"
Albedo: "Chubby…"
Kuki Shinobu rubbed her temples. "If this gets out, I feel we'll all become targets for assassination by the Qixing's secretary."
Sangonomiya Kokomi said thoughtfully, "If it were me, I'd likely eliminate everyone who knew my dark history."
Zhongli: "..."
Futsu Mitama continued, "Yes. It's because of the Primo Geovishap. It's said the creature headed toward the South Gate, and that location seems to be where you, Azhdaha, were sealed."
"Oh that matter" Azhdaha drawled lazily. "No need to worry. If that little Vishap truly dares to come, it will suffer a grievous loss."
Raiden Makoto spoke gently, "Mmm. That is true. After all, Morax himself is closely watching over Azhdaha's side."
Azhdaha snorted. "No, that's not what I mean. Morax set barriers everywhere. The seal that binds me—one can imagine just how formidable it is. Moreover, I can temporarily control my body now. If that little Vishap truly comes, I'll drag him in myself."
Yae Miko's eyes glinted with interest. "I'm rather curious. What exactly is the relationship between the Primo Geovishap and you?"
Azhdaha laughed heartily. "Hahaha. Curious? It's nothing special. That little Vishap merely has some connection to me. However, he harbors hostility toward humans. After all, he relies on the ley lines to survive. Humans excavating them is tantamount to destroying his habitat. But recently, I can feel Liyue's ley lines slowly recovering. Though they are not as abundant as during the Archon War, they are far better than before."
"His active attacks on humans likely stem from resentment—believing his territory has been encroached upon. For beings like him, a few more beatings will suffice. Or Morax could simply suppress him."
Futsu Mitama frowned slightly. "That's easy to say, but he's quite strong. It's fortunate he was repelled this time. I'm worried he may hold a grudge and attack nearby villages directly."
"Then he will surely die," Azhdaha said flatly. "If he dares to do so, Morax will not let him live—and neither will I."
Watching Azhdaha speak thus, Futsu Mitama sighed inwardly. Azhdaha still loved humanity.
At first, when the Primo Geovishap caused trouble, he thought a few lessons would suffice—leaving the creature a path of retreat. But should it dare to harm humans…
Azhdaha's tone had shifted entirely. He stated without hesitation that Morax would never spare it—and that if he himself could break free of the seal, he would personally swat that little Vishap to death. After all, he had watched Liyue Harbor rise from nothing with his own eyes. One could say the entirety of Liyue was land he and Morax had forged together.
Anyone who dared harm the people of his and Morax's domain—Azhdaha would be the first to oppose them.
Just as Ganyu, Keqing, and Shenhe were discussing matters concerning Azhdaha, Cloud Retainer returned, accompanied by two Adeptus.
They were Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver. Upon arrival, the two Adeptus immediately sought out Keqing.
"Are you the current Yuheng Star?" Mountain Shaper, the Adeptus in deer form, regarded Keqing with a gentle gaze. "Not bad. You've done well. But is the intelligence accurate?"
Keqing inclined her head slightly. "Greetings, esteemed Adeptus. What Keqing reported is absolutely true—the Primo Geovishap did indeed head in this direction. However, I cannot be certain whether it truly came seeking Azhdaha."
Having learned of Azhdaha's past contributions to Liyue Harbor, Keqing felt a quiet stirring in her heart. She had never imagined that such a mighty existence would ultimately be sealed by the Geo Archon and three Adeptus due to erosion. She felt both pity and respect—but all she could do was ensure the Primo Geovishap and similar beings would not disturb his slumber.
"No need to doubt," Moon Carver said calmly, gazing toward the South Gate. "Though the possibility is small, preparations must be made. The seal set by the Geo Archon cannot be broken by a mere Primo Geovishap."
"Still, we must confirm it—lest any accident occur."
Cloud Retainer nodded. "Indeed. I think the same. The three of us shall take the Yuheng Star, Ganyu, Shenhe, and the Raiden Shogun's retainer to investigate."
"This…" ×2
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver both looked toward Futsu Mitama, hesitation clear in their eyes.
The Yuheng Star was understandable—she was one of the Qixing. Ganyu had been watched over by the Adeptus since childhood. Shenhe as well.
But Futsu Mitama—an Inazuman, and a retainer of the Raiden Shogun—was it appropriate to involve him in Liyue's affairs?
"Why hesitate?" Cloud Retainer said evenly. "He is no outsider. He once helped Liyue repel the Primo Geovishap and bears the talisman of everlasting morality bestowed by the Geo Archon."
"Furthermore, he is the most important person to this Adeptus's newly accepted disciple. Thus, this Adeptus deems him trustworthy. If you two do not, then this Adeptus shall take him and Shenhe alone."
She then looked to Shenhe and Futsu Mitama. "Time is short. Get on."
Shenhe did not hesitate, stepping directly onto Cloud Retainer's back. She extended a hand toward Futsu Mitama. "Time is short. Don't waste it."
It was Futsu Mitama's first time riding a crane. With a subtle expression, he climbed aboard and asked,
"Is it all right to leave Aila alone in the Adeptus's abode?"
"Aila!?" Mountain Shaper seized upon the name.
Moments ago, he and Moon Carver had still been reeling—since when had Cloud Retainer taken in a new disciple? They had received no word at all. And the name Aila weighed heavily upon Mountain Shaper's heart. Long ago, he had mobilized both human and Adeptal resources in search of that missing girl—only to find nothing.
In the end, the matter had been entrusted to the Geo Archon. The final answer given was that even he was powerless, for the person had long since left the land of Liyue. Had she not left Liyue, perhaps there would have been a way. But once gone—even the Geo Archon could do nothing.
He could not possibly travel to other nations for the sake of a single girl… could he? And yet now—Cloud Retainer claimed she had accepted a disciple named Aila?
Just as Mountain Shaper was about to press further, Cloud Retainer cut him off, speaking briskly. "It's fine. This Adeptus's abode is perfectly safe. We are merely gathering intelligence."
"A quick round trip—no need to worry. Let us go."
With that, she spread her wings. A surge of wind followed, and her figure vanished into the distance in an instant.
Fast—far too fast. Futsu Mitama hadn't even had time to react. His hands instinctively wrapped around Shenhe's waist.
"Master, you're too fast." Shenhe leaned forward, utterly unconcerned by his hold. "Is such speed truly necessary?"
Even she felt it was excessive—having to grip Cloud Retainer's feathers to steady herself.
"You don't understand," Cloud Retainer whispered, glancing back toward Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver. "Back then, to claim you, the three of us nearly came to blows."
"In the end, I found you first—so you became my disciple."
"Shenhe, even Adeptus can feel envy. Who does not wish to pass on all they know? Those suited to inherit our arts are already few. Your talent—and Aila's—is the kind seen only once in several centuries."
"If those two knew I had taken one exceptional disciple, and now another… Moon Carver might endure it, but that Mountain Shaper fellow would likely go mad with rage."
By the end, her voice carried a trace of amusement.
Futsu Mitama caught the pleasure hidden in her laughter—and understood why. By all accounts, Mountain Shaper should have been Aila's master. He had worried deeply over her disappearance. Aila's parents had even once taken the talisman of everlasting morality to seek him out—which meant…
In a sense, Cloud Retainer had outright snatched a disciple from him. If Mountain Shaper learned the truth, he would likely erupt in fury.
"I see," Futsu Mitama said quietly, holding Shenhe's waist and daring not to move.
The strength of Liyue's Adeptus was truly formidable. Leaving all else aside, Cloud Retainer's speed alone was astonishing—the scenery below streaked past in a blur.
In mere minutes, she arrived beside Mount Hulao. One could imagine just how fast she had flown.
Shenhe was unbothered. Futsu Mitama's hair, however, had been blown completely to one side.
"Pfft."
Seeing this, even Shenhe couldn't help but laugh. Moments ago, Futsu Mitama had looked every bit the refined young master. Now, with his hair swept wildly aside, no amount of handsome features could conceal the comical sight.
"Hahaha," Cloud Retainer laughed lightly as well.
"Laugh all you want," Futsu Mitama said without complaint, smoothing his hair back into place before looking down toward Mount Hulao.
Knowing the course of events, he snapped a photo and sent it to the group chat—@Azhdaha included—signaling his arrival.
"Hm?"
At that moment, Shenhe sensed something and turned sharply toward a distant direction. Futsu Mitama felt it as well. Surprise flickered in his eyes—he had expected a quiet night.
"Oh?" Cloud Retainer glanced at Shenhe with satisfaction. "As expected of my disciple—you detected them at once."
"Cloud Retainer!" Mountain Shaper arrived with Keqing.
Moon Carver followed with Ganyu.
Mountain Shaper spoke urgently, "What did you mean earlier about Aila? Could it be that you found—hm?"
He stopped abruptly, eyes narrowing. "Why are Abyss Order members here?"
Before his words had fully faded, Shenhe leapt from the mountain. A blue spear materialized in her grasp.
Below lay a gathering of Hilichurls—and three Abyss Mages. The Abyss Mages chattered among themselves, scanning their surroundings as though searching for something. Behind them stood a vast Hilichurl force: fighters, archers, shamans, brutes—all maintaining extreme vigilance, as though an enemy could emerge at any moment.
Three Mitachurls sat quietly among them.
Three Abyss Mages. Three Mitachurls. A massive Hilichurl army.
The scale was nothing short of grand.
And yet—a white-haired girl descended from the heavens, spear in hand.
She raised a talisman and spoke calmly.
"Manifest."
The talisman vanished.
An indescribable icy aura surged forth, crashing down upon the Hilichurl army.
"Cha?!"
"Ying!?!"
"Kaya!"
The three Abyss Mages cried out in shock, instantly teleporting away to evade the encroaching frost.
The Hilichurls behind them, however, were far less fortunate. Though they had been on high alert and hastily raised crude defenses, Shenhe's attack descended like divine punishment. In a single instant, the battlefield was swept clean—most of the Hilichurl army was erased outright. Only a handful of Hilichurl Shamans and Berserkers survived, while the rest were frozen solid, transformed into lifeless ice sculptures.
"So strong…"
Keqing, who had just dismounted from Mountain Shaper's back, widened her eyes slightly as she watched Shenhe nearly annihilate the entire formation with a single Talisman Art. Shock rippled through her heart.
She herself could accomplish something similar—but to unleash such overwhelming destruction through nothing more than a talisman… the disciples of the Adeptus truly lived up to their fearsome reputation.
"Abyss Mages?" Ganyu's expression turned solemn. Her voice carried unmistakable gravity. "Why are they here?!"
"They've appeared in abandoned mines before," Keqing said, gazing at the three Abyss Mages who had reappeared below. A trace of surprise crossed her face. "Only three this time?"
"It seems the Abyss Order is planning something significant. Their presence here likely means they know the Primo Geovishap fled toward this area."
The sight of an Abyss force beneath Mount Hulao was alarming—but also, in a sense, expected. At the same time, Keqing realized this was an opportunity.
If they could capture one of the Abyss Mages alive, they might uncover the true objective behind this operation.
With that thought, Keqing leapt down, moving to join Shenhe in battle.
"Roar—!!"
A Mitachurl bellowed in fury. Seeing its kin slaughtered, it surged forward, Geo energy erupting across its body as it charged Shenhe like a rampaging beast.
The three Abyss Mages shrieked in rage as well—Cryo, Hydro, and Pyro, elemental shields flaring to life around them.
Had they failed to deploy those shields earlier, Shenhe could have erased them all in an instant.
"Good timing."
Shenhe's gaze settled on the charging Mitachurl. Calm and unruffled, she raised her fist to meet its terrifying blow head-on.
"Bang—!!"
Her punch landed. The Mitachurl was sent flying, its massive body hurled away as though struck by a falling mountain.
"?!"
Keqing froze mid-air, eyes widening. This… this… was that truly something a human could do?
The remaining two Mitachurls were equally stunned, halting in disbelief. The Abyss Mages shrieked even more frantically.
It was as though they were screaming: How is this possible?! Is this really a human—or some Archon disguising themselves to toy with us?!
"Where are you looking?"
Futsu Mitama's voice suddenly sounded from behind them.
"Ah?!"
The Cryo Abyss Mage whirled around, only to see Futsu Mitama appear as if from nowhere. Letting out a startled cry, it slammed its staff down, sending shards of ice screaming toward him.
"Chakra Desiderata."
Purple light flickered in Futsu Mitama's eyes. The Chakra Desiderata manifested behind him as he swung Musou Isshin, cleaving through the ice crystals and slashing straight at the Cryo Abyss Mage.
"Hahaha~"
To his surprise, the Cryo Abyss Mage laughed mockingly from within its elemental shield. As if to say: An Electro wielder trying to break a Cryo shield? How laughable.
The Hydro and Pyro Abyss Mages raised their staffs in unison, preparing to flank him and eliminate the threat at once. They did not understand why this human dared attack them—but it didn't matter. Foolish humans had no need to live.
Then—
A horrifying sight unfolded.
Musou Isshin passed cleanly through the Cryo elemental shield, slicing directly into the Cryo Abyss Mage's body.
"Gah?!"
The Cryo Abyss Mage stared at the blade embedded within it, its voice filled with disbelief. Why… why hadn't the shield stopped it?!
"I already told you," Futsu Mitama said coldly, withdrawing his blade. "Chakra Desiderata, kid."
"I told you to stop freezing me like that every time it rains!"
With those words, he lunged toward the remaining two Abyss Mages. The Cryo Abyss Mage's severed body crashed to the ground, utterly lifeless.
"Leave one alive! Leave one alive—don't kill them all!!!"
Keqing shouted urgently, no longer caring when Futsu Mitama had descended to the battlefield. Seeing his ferocity, she raised her voice. "We need to learn the Abyss Order's plan from a survivor!"
Elsewhere, Shenhe now faced the three Mitachurls alone. With a quiet gesture, she summoned two ice puppets—figures that bore an uncanny resemblance to herself. They moved in perfect coordination, intercepting the remaining Mitachurls.
Once kings of the Hilichurl tribes, the Mitachurls now found themselves utterly suppressed. No matter how they roared or struggled, they could not break through the ice puppets' defenses, nor reach Shenhe herself.
"Swish swish swish—!!"
From above, arrows imbued with biting frost rained down, striking the remaining Hilichurl Shamans and Berserkers with deadly precision.
Ganyu had joined the battle. Against the Abyss Order and rampaging monsters, she showed no mercy. Since she had encountered them here, she would simply eradicate them all.
"Shenhe… her strength has grown again," Moon Carver observed, nodding. "Indeed. Her mastery of Talisman Arts has advanced greatly. Both her ice puppets and her opening strike surpass what they once were."
Cloud Retainer lifted her chin slightly, pride unmistakable in her voice. "As it should be. One need only look at whose disciple she is."
Praise for her disciple naturally pleased her greatly.
"However…" Mountain Shaper said, eyes fixed on the battlefield below, "what is the Abyss Order doing, acting at such a time?"
"Could their target also be the Primo Geovishap? But what use would that creature be to them?"
He was genuinely perplexed.
"Wouldn't we know once we capture and interrogate them?" Cloud Retainer replied indifferently. Her gaze shifted to Futsu Mitama below. "That said, one must admit—he is truly worthy of being favored by the Electro Archon. Such strength, at such a young age… given time, it is only a matter of when he surpasses us."
To the untrained eye, Futsu Mitama's earlier strike was mere spectacle. To the Adeptus, it was something else entirely. That single slash traversed space itself, striking an enemy hidden within an elemental shield. Such a feat demanded an extraordinarily deep understanding of spatial principles.
To possess such insight at his age—surpassing them was not impossible.
"Mm." ×2
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver offered no objection. A human favored by a god was never ordinary.
"Ganyu, we'll leave this to you," Cloud Retainer said calmly as Ganyu drew her bow once more. "The three of us will proceed to Mount Hulao and inspect the seal left by the Geo Archon."
To the three Adeptus, the Abyss Order was merely a fleeting disturbance. Their true concern lay beneath Mount Hulao—Azhdaha himself. Unless the Abyss Order intended to overturn all of Liyue, they were not worth serious concern.
Azhdaha was different.
If his seal were damaged, then after a thousand years of confinement, erosion might have worsened far beyond measure. Who knew how much of his memories still remained?
Should he truly break free, it would spell catastrophe for all of Liyue. At that point… the Geo Archon might have no choice but to prepare to end Azhdaha's life. Before being sealed, Azhdaha had once told the Geo Archon that if he ever emerged with intent to destroy Liyue Harbor, he must be slain—without mercy.
Yet when faced with that request, the Geo Archon had only sighed, unable to give his assent.
The other Adeptus shared that same regret. Azhdaha had once fought alongside them during the Archon War. None wished to see him become Morax's enemy.
For that would force the Geo Archon to make the cruelest decision of all.
"Mm," Ganyu agreed softly. Azhdaha's situation took precedence above all else.
As she spoke, two more Hilichurl Berserkers fell beneath her arrows. Her aim then shifted—to the Mitachurls.
"Swish!"
At that moment, Keqing finally landed. Locking onto one Mitachurl, she spoke decisively. "Shenhe, I'll assist you."
In a flash of Electro light, she cast her skill—vanishing from sight and reappearing above the Mitachurl's head.
"Pfft!"
Her lightning-infused longsword plunged deep into its skull.
"Roar—!!!"
The Mitachurl howled in agony, abandoning all thought of Shenhe and the ice puppets. It reached upward, massive hand grasping for Keqing.
"Lightning's glow—cut through all impurities!"
Her form vanished again. In the blink of an eye, she reappeared again and again, slashing with blinding speed, lightning tracing arcs across the Mitachurl's body.
As the Yuheng Star, Keqing possessed vast experience in the wild. This foe posed no great challenge. Soon, the Mitachurl's Geo shell shattered under relentless assault.
"Swish—!"
Ganyu seized the opening, loosing an arrow that ended it instantly.
"Well done," Keqing praised, turning toward the next Mitachurl.
Elsewhere, Shenhe fought barehanded—each blow shaking the air itself. The Mitachurl before her howled in pain, utterly overpowered by her terrifying physical strength.
"So that's it," Shenhe said calmly, as if coming to a realization. "Even with Geo enhancement, this is all it amounts to. Disappointing."
She drew Calamity Queller and took her stance. A frigid aura surged outward, her eyes glowing an icy blue.
"Swish—!"
"Crack!"
Her spear passed cleanly through the Mitachurl. This king among Hilichurls—capable of fighting even when besieged by several Geovishaps—was frozen solid in an instant.
The ice shattered.
The Mitachurl was dead.
"Only you remain."
Shenhe turned toward the final Mitachurl, expression cold as winter itself, Calamity Queller in hand. Keqing approached as well, her blade humming with Electro. Above them, Ganyu drew her bow and took aim.
"Roar—!!!"
The Mitachurl roared defiantly, Geo energy erupting in a blinding flare.
"Swift Shadow as a Sword!"
"Refine Qi into Spirit!"
"Whoosh—"
Just like that, it fell—its end swift and pitiful.
"Then…it's Futsu Mitama's side," Keqing said, turning her gaze.
She saw him wielding Musou Isshin, relentlessly pursuing the two remaining Abyss Mages as they teleported in panic.
Yet each time they reappeared, Futsu Mitama was already there—having predicted their movements in advance—meeting them with an unhurried, inevitable slash.