"Not bad. Finally, a truly impressive display!"
Watching Ningguang decisively direct the Jade Chamber toward Guyun Stone Forest,
Cloud Retainer's face was filled with approval.
Leaving everything else aside—
That level of resolve alone was worthy of the title Tianquan!
"As one of the Liyue Qixing, eliminating enemies is our rightful responsibility!"
Ningguang did not smile at Cloud Retainer's praise.
Her expression remained calm and composed.
"That's right. Even if the opponent is a demon god, the Liyue Qixing and the Millelith will not retreat even one step!"
Keqing stepped forward, her gaze firm.
Seeing the two women like this, the Adepti fell silent.
They said nothing more, but the looks in their eyes clearly softened.
Seeing this scene, Ganyu felt genuinely relieved.
"At a time like this—let us face the enemy together!"
Since her Iron Man armor was no longer needed to mediate conflicts between both sides,
she might as well use it against the demon god!
Perfect timing to test the weapon systems!
Everyone nodded, their gazes solemn as they looked ahead.
They were clearly prepared for battle.
Meanwhile, in Liyue Harbor
On a certain street—
Lumine and the others were following Zhongli, preparing the rites for sending off the Adeptus.
To avoid missing any information, Childe followed along as well.
As a result, he also took on the role of wallet.
Sigh…
"This whole send-off ritual is way too troublesome.
Seeing the Exuvia really isn't easy at all."
Paimon sighed.
"After all, the Geo Archon is no ordinary Adeptus.
It's only natural that the ceremony be grand."
Zhongli said with a gentle smile.
Handling his own funeral—of course he had to be meticulous.
"And besides—"
Just as Zhongli was about to continue, his brows suddenly furrowed.
His gaze turned toward Guyun Stone Forest.
"And besides… what?"
Seeing Zhongli stop mid-sentence, Paimon asked curiously.
But when she noticed where he was looking, confusion followed.
"What are you staring at?"
"The Overlord of the Vortex is about to awaken.
Liyue is in danger."
Zhongli said gravely.
"What?! It's really reviving?!"
Childe immediately rushed over, shock written all over his face.
"Mm. Soon."
Zhongli nodded.
He could already feel the seal weakening rapidly.
Before long—
The demon god would reappear upon Teyvat once more!
"So the fake Peace Stone really did end up there…"
Childe let out a sigh.
The last trace of hope in his heart vanished.
"Overlord of the Vortex?
That sounds… terrifying?"
Seeing the serious expressions on their faces, Lumine asked curiously.
"The Overlord of the Vortex, Osial, once competed with the Geo Archon for the seat of the Geo God thousands of years ago.
In the end, it was defeated and sealed beneath Guyun Stone Forest by the Geo Archon.
Now, due to unknown reasons, the seal has weakened and is about to break."
Zhongli explained calmly.
"So that's what happened!
Whoever did this is absolutely unforgivable—releasing a demon god deserves death!"
Paimon stamped her foot angrily.
Then she turned to Childe.
"Right, Childe?"
"…Y-Yeah. You're absolutely right."
Childe forced a smile.
Being cursed at without being able to talk back was bad enough—
Having to agree made it even worse.
Seriously frustrating.
"Oh right, Lumine—could this be the 'interesting thing' Boss Han mentioned earlier?"
Paimon suddenly remembered something.
"Uh… I think so?"
Lumine replied uncertainly.
"He said the Rite of Descension would be unforgettable, and that we'd run into something interesting.
Hmph! Boss Han is such a riddle-speaker!"
Paimon crossed her arms and grumbled.
Meanwhile, Zhongli and Childe were inwardly shaken.
So Boss Han had foreseen all of this already?!
Absolutely terrifying.
"Would the two of you be willing to help at Guyun Stone Forest?"
Zhongli asked at this moment.
Due to his identity, he could not act openly.
He could only observe in secret—as a final safeguard.
But Lumine could intervene.
"Of course!"
Lumine agreed immediately.
Zhongli had already promised to help her see the Exuvia, helping out now was only right.
As for danger?
She wasn't too worried.
Worst case, she'd just open the Anywhere Door and run.
With that thing, her confidence was sky-high.
"Thank you. I'll continue preparations here.
When you return, you'll be able to see the Exuvia."
Zhongli nodded.
"Okay. But Childe—are you coming too?"
Lumine looked at him.
"Huh? Me?"
Childe froze.
Hey—wait a second!
I'm a Fatui Harbinger, you know?!
Not causing trouble would already be impressive.
And now you want me to help fight a demon god?!
"Uh… no—"
Just as he was about to refuse, Childe paused.
He realized he might not actually have a choice.
Zhongli had asked Lumine for help.
If he didn't go—
He probably wouldn't get to see the Exuvia later.
Which meant no chance to obtain the Geo Archon's Gnosis.
More importantly—
If they failed to stop Osial and Liyue suffered catastrophic damage,
Childe was pretty sure these people would never let him off.
His ending would be… miserable.
Thinking through all of that, Childe sighed helplessly.
"Alright… I'll go take a look."
Not because he wanted to—
But because he'd been forced into it.
"I see. Then let's head there right now!"
Lumine nodded.
"Honorary Knight sister, no need to rush!
Klee has a flying dragon!"
At that moment, Klee excitedly volunteered.
She had been listening the whole time.
Though she didn't really understand what an Overlord of the Vortex was—
But it sounded like a fish, right?
And if there was a fish—
What a perfect opportunity!
Klee definitely wanted to blow it up!
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