Aether beckoned to the Abyss Herald behind him.
"Prince, what are your orders?" The Abyss Herald stepped forward, bowing deeply as he awaited Aether's command.
Aether said coldly, "Gather more men. Follow her and release the power of the 'Chi.' I want everything—whether it's lingering godly energy or physical remains."
"Yes!"
The Abyss Herald responded at once.
Aether continued to watch Lora and the others from behind until their figures disappeared from view. His voice was low and resolute.
"Hydro Archon Egeria, though you were an unforeseen variable in our plans, we are not without ways to deal with variables. The Abyss will one day drown the 'divine seat,' overturn the 'Heavenly Principles,' and reshape every order in this world."
...
Lora had no idea what transpired after she left. After accompanying Qiqi to gather the last of the herbs, she prepared to depart Qingce Village and head back toward Liyue Harbor.
"Qiqi, do you know the way to Mt. Hulao?"
Lora asked.
"Mt. Hulao…"
Qiqi thought for a moment, then nodded firmly. "Qiqi remembers!"
"Then before we go back, let's stop by Mt. Hulao," Lora said. "It'll be a good chance to see what little schemes the Abyss Order is up to."
"As you command," Rhodeia replied, bowing slightly.
Qiqi held Lora's hand with one hand and pointed in a direction with the other.
"Together, let's go! Mt. Hulao is that way! Qiqi hasn't forgotten!"
Once their direction was set, Lora led Qiqi and Rhodeia onward.
They passed through Dihua Marsh and Wangshu Inn without encountering Xiao this time—perhaps he was still dealing with demonic karmic debt elsewhere. Beyond the inn, the road split.
Following Qiqi's guidance, Lora turned right, heading toward Mt. Hulao.
Along this route, they would have to pass through Jueyun Karst. When Qiqi saw the land ahead, she tugged on Lora's hand.
"Sister, up ahead is Jueyun Karst. It's where the Adepti… live! I remember there was a deer here."
"A deer…"
Hearing Qiqi's description, Lora couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the Adeptus who had been summed up so simply.
From behind her, Rhodeia said in a low voice, "Miss, I sense several powerful presences within Jueyun Karst. They are all followers of the Geo Archon, Morax. Should we avoid them…"
"Avoid them? Why?"
Lora replied helplessly. "We're not here to fight Morax. We didn't stir up trouble, and we're not challenging anyone. Why would we need to go out of our way to avoid them?"
The moment the three stepped onto the territory of Jueyun Karst, a gust of wind swept past them. A green figure appeared out of nowhere, blocking their path.
"Xiao?"
Lora said, clearly surprised when she recognized him.
Xiao was equally caught off guard, but his expression remained calm.
"So it's you. Earlier, Moon Carver sensed an unfamiliar yet powerful aura entering Jueyun Karst. I thought a demon tainted by karmic debt had appeared."
"I see," Lora nodded. "But… why are you here?"
Xiao answered, "Moon Carver asked the Traveler to find me—the Traveler who came to Liyue Harbor with you. Along with her flying pet… ah, flying companion. I believe her name is Paimon."
"Lumine and Paimon?"
Lora paused, then quickly understood.
"Oh, right. They did come to seek the Adepti to deal with Liyue's affairs. So all the Adepti are in Jueyun Karst now?"
"They are. All of them—except Qiqi."
He glanced in her direction.
"So that's how it is."
Lora nodded in realization, then waved at Xiao. "Since you Adepti are in the middle of a gathering, I won't disturb you. I'm heading to Mt. Hulao—Jueyun Karst is just along the way."
"Understood," Xiao said, giving a small nod.
After bidding her farewell, he vanished like a passing wind.
"He ran… so fast!"
Qiqi exclaimed, gripping Lora's hand as Xiao disappeared. "That green-haired… bird brother!"
…Green-haired bird brother?
Lora sighed helplessly and gently corrected her.
"Qiqi, his name is Xiao. You can just call him Brother Xiao. No need to call him a green-haired bird brother."
"Xiao… Brother."
Qiqi blinked, then nodded seriously.
"Mm! Qiqi remembers. Green-haired Brother Xiao."
Well, at least she got his name right.
This brief interruption didn't affect their plans. Lora, Qiqi, and Rhodeia continued along the main road through Jueyun Karst, heading toward Mt. Hulao.
...
After parting from Lora, Xiao quickly returned to the summit of Jueyun Karst, where Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Cloud Retainer were already waiting.
As soon as Xiao arrived, Moon Carver asked, "Conqueror of Demons, what is the origin of that unfamiliar yet powerful aura that stepped into Jueyun Karst?"
"Could it be an enemy?"
Cloud Retainer flapped her wings and raised a claw. "Allow This Adeptus to suppress them at once!"
"Cloud Retainer, calm yourself," Mountain Shaper said helplessly. "The Conqueror of Demons hasn't spoken yet, and you're already rushing to act. Let him explain first before we decide how to proceed."
Cloud Retainer turned toward Xiao.
"Conqueror of Demons, go on."
"…All right."
Xiao looked at her impulsive reaction with some resignation. After a brief pause, he said, "The one who entered Jueyun Karst earlier is not our enemy. She is a deity."
"A deity?" All three Adepti were taken aback.
Cloud Retainer immediately followed up, "Conqueror of Demons, is that truly so? An external deity has set foot upon Liyue's land?"
"And at a time when Rex Lapis has passed?"
Mountain Shaper's voice grew heavy, suspicion clear in his tone.
"If they are truly enemies, then even if they are deities, This Adeptus will make them understand—Rex Lapis' passing does not mean Liyue can be trampled upon at will!"
Cloud Retainer declared without hesitation.