The Millelith soldier on guard duty had just been distracted by a sudden shadow falling before him.
Looking up, he saw a blue figure hurtling towards him at incredible speed—a terrifying sight.
It was so fast that the Millelith soldier couldn't evade, forced to watch helplessly as the figure rushed straight at him.
The moment the figure descended, it uttered three words in a strange accent, almost like a greeting?
Hearing this odd accent, the Millelith soldier thought it might be an enemy attack. Instinctively, the moment the figure landed, he prepared to thrust forward with his spear.
Having just arrived, Bonanus immediately noticed the Millelith's motion. She quickly raised a hand to stop him, speaking loudly.
"Hey, hey, hey! Friendlies here, don't shoot!"
Hearing this, the Millelith soldier hesitated, pausing his attack. Squinting, he carefully observed the figure hovering before him.
The instant he recognized her, the soldier was utterly stunned. During the recent demon god disturbance, he had rushed to the scene without delay.
Therefore, he had witnessed the valor of the three Yakshas. Realizing the person before him was one of the returned Yakshas, he immediately felt his actions were discourteous.
"My apologies! Your Excellency, this humble one was disrespectful. I failed to recognize you clearly!" The Millelith soldier stood ramrod straight, chest out, as if apologizing through posture.
It wasn't really his fault. After all, this Yaksha had greeted him with a somewhat stiff tone and an unfamiliar sounding language.
It was well known that Inazuma had many ronin and Fatui, Mondstadt had many Hilichurls and Slimes.
And Liyue? Probably had the most Treasure Hoarders. The Millelith certainly found these troublesome elements a headache.
The Millelith had conducted many raids against them, but could never completely eradicate or capture them all. Those scoundrels were cunning, always finding ways for a few to escape.
In this world, Treasure Hoarders spoke with a peculiar accent. No matter how you listened, it was still the common tongue, just with an extra "Ah, sheesh!" thrown in.
When the Millelith went out to raid these Hoarders, the most common things they heard those degenerates say were:
"Ah, sheesh! These troublesome Millelith are here again!"
"Sheesh! Our treasure is still here!"
Thus, locals only needed to hear those two words—"sheesh"—and that strange accent to know Treasure Hoarders were around.
That's why that Millelith soldier had been startled by Bonanus's greeting. After all, aside from Hilichurls, the whole world spoke the common tongue.
"It's fine, it's fine. No need to be so tense! You look all jumpy!"
As she spoke, Bonanus ceased hovering, her feet touching the ground again. She smiled at the Millelith soldier.
Hearing this, the soldier silently shook his head. If possible, he wouldn't want to be so tense either.
But having just experienced a demon god disturbance, there would always be those with ill intent trying to cause trouble—like those degenerate Treasure Hoarders.
"Though I know it may be presumptuous, Your Excellency, please refrain from using such a strange accent in the future. These are tense times!"
The Millelith soldier spoke somewhat awkwardly. He had heard tales of the Adepti—that they were quite proud. He worried this esteemed one might take offense.
"Understood. Won't happen next time. By the way, do you recognize me?" Bonanus nodded slightly, then showed a puzzled expression.
"Yes. This humble one was fortunate enough to witness the valor of the Yaksha lords. Welcome back to Liyue, heroes!"
The Millelith soldier stood straight once more, the respect in his eyes growing even more evident as he spoke of welcome.
Right then, other Millelith soldiers from not far away began slowly gathering. Their eyes held no hostility, only curiosity towards the Adeptus.
As expected, none dared get too close. They merely stood at a distance, secretly watching.
Seeing this scene, Bonanus couldn't help but chuckle. She wasn't some primordial beast—why stay so far away?
Thinking this, she waved to the Millelith soldiers in the distance, signaling them to come closer, not to be afraid.
Seeing this, the soldiers didn't hesitate. Since the Adeptus permitted it, they needn't hold back.
---
After everyone approached...
"Allow me to introduce myself. I am Bonanus, one of the Five Yakshas under Rex Lapis, the General of the Vortex—Bonanus."
"I have just returned to Liyue today!"
Bonanus launched straight into introductions. If she didn't speak first, these people would probably just stand there stiffly.
Sure enough, as soon as she spoke, one who looked stronger than the rest stepped forward to introduce himself.
"This humble one is Xu Zheng, the small team leader managing this area. The one who nearly offended you earlier is Luo Xia, a Millelith warrior recently transferred to this region."
"I apologize on behalf of Luo Xia for his disrespectful actions. I hope the Adeptus will not hold it against him."
Bonanus: 'Ah, this... Seems this soldier thinks I have the same temperament as those Primal Adepti on the mountains...'
Thinking this, Bonanus first covered her mouth with a light laugh, then waved her hand, indicating everyone should relax.
"Everyone, no need to be so tense. If anyone has heard of me, you'll know I am among the Adepti most amiable towards mortals."
"In the future, I will often appear on the streets and alleys of Liyue. There's no need to wear such respectful expressions; treat me as you would any ordinary person."
Hearing this, the Millelith soldiers looked at each other, then nodded in mutual understanding.
Seeing this, Bonanus gently patted her modest chest and continued.
"I came to see you all this time just to get acquainted. I'll likely pass through here frequently in the future. To prevent you from being alarmed, I thought I'd inform you in advance."
Bonanus's destination this time was Qingxu Pool. In her memory, while doing quests in her past life, she seemed to recall a line:
"Within the ruins of Qingxu Pool, many evil spirits and monsters are entrenched."
Bonanus believed the karmic debt in that area must be plentiful, which is why she chose to go to that dangerous region.
---
As is well known, Qingxu Pool is located west of Liyue, bordering the Chasm.
It's a very mysterious place with abandoned ancient city ruins. Judging from the structures, most buildings here were constructed along the mountainside, appearing quite spectacular.
However, since the war ended, this place has been forsaken. Almost no one comes here, as people know it's extremely dangerous.
Not only are there Ruin Guards in slumber, but also many troublesome evil spirits wandering about.
---
"It is an honor to meet you. But before that, please allow me to clarify your purpose in coming here." The Millelith team leader spoke solemnly.
"I am heading to the ruins at Qingxu Pool. Commissioned by someone, I intend to go there and eliminate the evil spirits."
The Millelith team leader nodded slightly. He glanced at the others, signaling them to stop spectating and return to their posts.
After the other soldiers departed, the team leader said with a smile,
"You have our thanks for your hard work. That area is indeed perilous. Not only are there demons and evil spirits, but there are also Treasure Hoarder encampments nearby."
"To be honest, these dangers give our brothers quite the headache. We must thank the Adeptus for lending a hand."
Hearing this, Bonanus merely waved a hand casually. In truth, she was just here to earn karmic debt. Helping clear out threats was merely incidental.
Now that she had clarified things with these people, there was no need to linger. After exchanging a few more words with the Millelith soldier, she quickly departed.
In the moment of her departure, all that remained was the Millelith team leader's gaze of admiration and respect. After a while, the team leader turned and left.
He needed to report today's events to his superiors.