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Fast—far too fast.
The Abyss Mages had likely never imagined that a routine investigation into the Primo Geovishap's movements would end in an encounter with such overwhelming ferocity. One foe could meet a Mitachurl head-on in pure physical combat, overwhelming it with brute strength alone.
Another loosed arrows from afar, each shot claiming the life of a Hilichurl Berserker—one arrow, one kill—and even felling a Mitachurl outright with a single strike.
Even stripped of Geo Elemental reinforcement, a Mitachurl's defenses were still terrifyingly resilient.
For a swordsman wielding an Electro Vision to bring one down completely was no small feat.
And now—there was yet another presence.
A terrifying figure wielding an elemental blade, striking without regard for elemental shields, cutting through them as though they were nothing.
The two remaining Abyss Mages teleported again and again, desperate to evade. Yet each time they reappeared only a short distance away, that man was already there—appearing in the same instant, blade flashing as it descended upon them.
Fear took hold.
They no longer dared to confront him head-on.
Their fallen companion's body still lay on the ground, not yet cold—a grim reminder of what awaited them.
To any onlooker, the scene was almost like an illusion.
The two Abyss Mages vanished and reappeared in frantic succession, while behind them, unhurried and relentless, Futsu Mitama followed—teleporting in step, his pursuit calm, precise, and utterly inescapable. As if like the two Abyss Mages attempted to flee, Futsu Mitama would teach them what true cruelty meant.
"Wah—wah—wah!"
"Aiya—aiya!"
Driven into desperation, the two Abyss Mages shrieked as they teleported again and again, their movements frantic. With each forced displacement, the elemental energy surrounding them grew thinner, their shields visibly dimming.
At this rate, Futsu Mitama wouldn't even need to strike them again. Once their elemental shields shattered, the backlash alone would render them unconscious—helpless prey on a chopping block.
Exchanging a glance, the two made a silent decision.
They teleported simultaneously. Their staffs lifted, elemental power rapidly gathering, prepared to unleash everything the moment Futsu Mitama appeared.
"Where are you looking?"
His voice sounded behind them, ghostlike. Purple lightning flared. Musou Isshin was already in motion. By now, the Abyss Mages' shields were on the verge of collapse. A single decisive strike was enough.
"&%￥!#"
"&%￥!#"
Their screams rang out in unison as they twisted around, too late to evade.
Crack!
Crack!
Like glass shattering, both elemental shields broke apart. The violent backlash sent the Abyss Mages crashing to the ground, bodies convulsing as their consciousness faded.
Though their shields were formidable, once broken, the toll was something they could not endure.
Futsu Mitama tilted his head slightly. He didn't fully understand the mechanics behind it, but as Kuki Shinobu once explained—Abyss Mages were like this. Their shields made them terrifying opponents, yet once shattered, they were no stronger than chickens awaiting slaughter.
"All right. Caught two." He clapped his hands lightly and turned to Keqing. "Do you have any rope?"
In their current state, the Abyss Mages were powerless, but given time, they would recover. Futsu Mitama had no intention of allowing that.
"Yes." Keqing nodded. She always carried rope with her—though even she wasn't quite sure why a member of the Liyue Qixing would need it so often. Some details didn't need questioning.
Just as she stepped forward—
Buzz—!!
A portal tore open behind Futsu Mitama. From within, a hand reached out.
"Be careful!" Shenhe cried.
Whoosh!
An ice arrow streaked in from afar.
"I was waiting for you."
Futsu Mitama spun around instantly, lightning flashing in his eyes. Musou Isshin slashed downward without hesitation.
Clang!
A crisp metallic sound rang out as blades of water formed around the intruding hand, intercepting his strike.
"Insolent." A low, irritated voice echoed from the portal.
As the words fell, three water blades shot forth. One intercepted the incoming ice arrow. The other two curved—not toward Futsu Mitama, but toward the incapacitated Abyss Mages, aiming to silence them.
Clang!
Clang!
Futsu Mitama and Shenhe moved in perfect sync, intercepting the attacks midair. Keqing seized the moment, swiftly binding the two Abyss Mages before the enemy could act again.
"A coward who hides his head and tail," Futsu Mitama said coldly, Musou Isshin raised. "Are you afraid to come out?"
He already knew what lurked beyond the portal.
Only an Abyss Lector could coordinate the mass teleportation of Hilichurls and Abyss Mages alike. Ordinary Abyss Mages might manage one or two targets—but an entire force? That would exhaust them to death.
Portals, networks of spatial transfer…call it what one would. Without an Abyss Lector, such movements would be impossible.
Whether their true target had been the Primo Geovishap—or even Azhdaha sealed by Morax—Futsu Mitama could only speculate. The Abyss Order had once set its sights on the Wolf of the North. Turning their attention to ancient beings was nothing new.
Their motives, however, remained as opaque as ever.
"Hmph. Raiden Shogun's Retainer—you were fortunate today." The Abyss Lector's voice grew distant. "Next time, you will not be."
The portal began to close.
"Trying to escape?" Shenhe raised Calamity Queller, ready to pursue.
"No need." Futsu Mitama stopped her. "Not everyone can enter that space."
If it were so simple, Lumine would never have let her brother slip away.
Under his watch, the portal sealed shut. The Abyss Lector fled. Had the enemy dared emerge fully against such a lineup—Yuheng Star, an Immortal's disciple, a half-Adeptus beast, and the Raiden Shogun's Retainer—Futsu Mitama might have applauded his courage.
Especially considering three Adeptus were nearby, inspecting Azhdaha's seal.
With forces like these, even a top Harbinger would think twice.
Shenhe said nothing, her gaze lingering on the space where the enemy vanished. Something dangerous flickered within her eyes. Next time, she would not let him escape.
"Still," Futsu Mitama said, glancing at the bound Abyss Mages, "this counts as mission accomplished."
The Abyss Lector had clearly intended to silence them. The Abyss Order tolerated no loose ends—save perhaps for the Prince they followed so fanatically. Whatever Aether had done to earn such loyalty, Futsu Mitama didn't know. Only that the Order showed no mercy, to enemies or allies alike.
Capturing two Abyss Mages alive was no small feat—and would make life in Liyue considerably smoother.
"Thank you," Keqing said sincerely. "If you weren't the Raiden Shogun's Retainer, I'd already be trying to recruit you."
She smiled faintly. "Your judgment and combat prowess are exceptional. Had I been the one ambushed earlier, I wouldn't have reacted in time."
Shenhe nodded in agreement. Even she hadn't anticipated an attack emerging from space itself.
Only Ganyu had reacted instantly—loosing an arrow the moment the portal appeared.
Even so, the enemy had escaped. He was prepared.
"It's nothing," Futsu Mitama replied, waving it off.
Privately, he found the title "Raiden Shogun's Retainer" extremely convenient. It spared him from lengthy conversations—and from a future filled with endless work.
Helping Keqing was fine. Working under her? That was another matter entirely.
"Now we can learn what they were planning," Keqing said, her gaze sharp as it fell on the bound Abyss Mages.
The Abyss Order was dangerous. History made that abundantly clear. Even the abnormalities in The Chasm were likely tied to them.
Shenhe remained silent.
At that moment, Ganyu descended from above, hurrying over. "Are you all all right?"
"We're fine," Futsu Mitama replied, then looked toward Mt. Hulao. "The Adeptus?"
"A few more minutes," Ganyu said gravely. "If the seal is intact, all is well."
"But if it's broken…we must be ready to fight to the death."
She turned to Keqing. "Miss Keqing, could you escort the Abyss Mages back to Liyue Harbor first?"
Keqing stiffened, confusion flashing across her face. She could still fight—she wasn't so weak as to retreat. Before she could respond—
The Adeptus emerged from Mt. Hulao.
Ganyu exhaled in relief.
"It seems matters here are resolved," Mountain Shaper said, surveying the battlefield and the captives. He nodded approvingly. "You have exceeded my expectations."
"With Shenhe and Ganyu present, trouble was unlikely," Moon Carver added calmly. "And with Yuheng Star and the Raiden Shogun's Retainer as well—accidents were all but impossible."
Cloud Retainer lifted her chin proudly.
Keqing stepped forward. "Adeptus. Futsu Mitama was instrumental in capturing two Abyss Mages and repelling an unknown enemy."
Her words were measured—and true.
The Adeptus's gazes shifted toward Futsu Mitama, their expressions noticeably warmer. They had not wished to involve him initially. As one from Inazuma, his safety carried weight—and consequences.
Yet results spoke louder than origin.
"You have our thanks," Mountain Shaper said. "This Adeptus does not forget favors. Should you ever require aid, speak without hesitation."
Moon Carver nodded in agreement.
By status alone, Futsu Mitama stood alongside them—bearing the authority of an Archon. Which only made one thing clearer still:
There was no obligation for him to fight here.
And yet, he had. Beyond revealing his own goodwill, Futsu Mitama stood to gain nothing more than the favor of the Qixing and the Adeptus.
"No need, no need." He shook his head lightly, dismissing the matter. He had only lent a hand in passing.
Moreover, Zhongli had already bestowed upon him a gift of immeasurable value—one that would accompany him for a lifetime. Compared to that, offering Liyue a small favor was only natural.
His modest refusal only deepened the three True Monarchs' appreciation. In their eyes, this young man was increasingly agreeable—steady, reliable, and worthy of trust.
"Enough," Cloud Retainer said at last, drawing everyone's attention. "Let us address the matter at hand."
Her tone grew solemn.
"A portion of the seal laid by Lord Rex Lapis does indeed bear traces of malicious damage."
Keqing's and Ganyu's hearts tightened.
"From the residue left behind," Cloud Retainer continued calmly, "it was undoubtedly the work of a Primo Geovishap. Claw marks remain, as do lingering elemental fluctuations."
So it was true. Had the Primo Geovishap truly targeted the place where Azhdaha lay sealed?
"However—" Cloud Retainer's voice shifted, a faint smile touching her words, "that creature was laughably foolish."
"To believe its paltry strength could breach Lord Rex Lapis's defenses? Absurd."
"The barrier was forged to restrain Azhdaha himself. If brute force alone were sufficient, Azhdaha—driven mad by erosion—would have escaped long ago."
Relief washed over Keqing and Ganyu. Shenhe quietly lowered Calamity Queller.
"Then the Primo Geovishap really did come?" Futsu Mitama asked. "If it failed to break the seal, where is it now?"
His interest was unmistakable.
In his eyes, the Geovishap was nothing less than a walking mora mine—whether he and Aila could live comfortably in the future depended greatly on it.
"There is no need for concern," Moon Carver replied evenly. "So long as Azhdaha remains secure, the Primo Geovishap is of little consequence. There are only so many places it could flee."
"In the past, we spared it out of respect—for its service to Azhdaha and Lord Rex Lapis, and because only one such Primo Geovishap had ever been born."
"But now, it has dared to assail the seal—and even attempted to kill you."
"It has crossed the line."
Mountain Shaper and Cloud Retainer nodded in agreement.
The greater offense was not merely the attempted damage to the seal, but the Geovishap's attack on Futsu Mitama and the others. Had it encountered ordinary Millelith or miners instead, the outcome would have been far more tragic.
Because of this, the Adeptus had reached a unanimous decision.
The Primo Geovishap would be hunted down and slain—before it could threaten Liyue again.
They were veterans of the Archon War. To them, it was better to err by killing than to spare a danger. Mercy, in this case, would be irresponsibility.
After all, so long as hatchlings remained, Primo Geovishaps could be born again.
"So," Futsu Mitama asked, noting the killing intent in the air, "are we setting out now?"
"No." Mountain Shaper shook his head. "This will be handled by Cloud Retainer alone."
"A single Primo Geovishap does not warrant all of us moving together."
Moon Carver added calmly, "Besides—Cloud Retainer failed to kill it once before. This is an opportunity to settle that karma."
Mountain Shaper glanced at Futsu Mitama and Shenhe, a chuckle escaping him. "With the two of you present, that creature will amount to nothing."
Shenhe nodded quietly.
Futsu Mitama did the same—honestly coveting the Primo Geovishap's remains.
With a few words, its fate was sealed.
Meanwhile, Keqing and Ganyu prepared to return to Liyue Harbor. The two Abyss Mages had regained consciousness; it was time to escort them for proper interrogation.
Moon Carver offered to accompany them—he had not visited Liyue Harbor in some time.
They accepted without hesitation. With an Adeptus present, even another Abyss Lector might be captured alive.
And so, Moon Carver departed with Keqing and Ganyu, vanishing toward the harbor.
Back at Mt. Hulao, Cloud Retainer turned to Mountain Shaper with a smile. "I shall take Futsu Mitama and Shenhe back to Mt. Aocang. There is no need to see us off."
"No need?" Mountain Shaper snorted. "Then I must see this disciple of yours."
"Aila. Since you have taken a disciple, I will meet her."
His fixation on the name was unmistakable. Cloud Retainer was famously selective—if one lacked sufficient talent, she would not even spare them a glance. In truth, all three Adeptus were alike. Humans capable of inheriting their legacy were exceedingly rare.
When Shenhe had appeared, the three had nearly come to blows over her.
"…."
The atmosphere grew subtle. Cloud Retainer said nothing, gazing instead at the moonlit sky, as though admiring the night.
"What is it?" Mountain Shaper laughed. "Afraid I'll steal your disciple? Rest assured. I only wish to meet her—and bestow an opportunity."
"That's what you said!"
Cloud Retainer seized upon the words at once, flapping her wings sharply. "You are not allowed to take my disciple."
Mountain Shaper smiled helplessly and nodded. Moments later, Cloud Retainer carried Futsu Mitama and Shenhe upon her back, soaring toward Mt. Aocang. They arrived within minutes.
After setting them down outside the cave dwelling, she brought Mountain Shaper inside to meet Aila.
"Tsk… I have a bad feeling about this," Futsu Mitama muttered, watching them disappear.
"Why?" Shenhe asked, puzzled. "Master has always been on good terms with Mountain Shaper."
"They won't fight over a disciple… right?"
Futsu Mitama considered briefly. "If someone took something that belonged to you—what would you do?"
"Act," Shenhe replied after a pause, her eyes sharpening. "Take it back. If they refuse, keep acting."
Futsu Mitama looked toward the cave dwelling.
To get answers, he quietly opened the group chat.
[Futsu Mitama: "@Aila, how's your training?"]
[Aila: "Master says my mind is unstable. The Mind's Eye I've learned worsens it—I must eliminate distractions."]
[Aila: "She lit calming incense for me. It works well. I'm also curious about talisman arts."]
[Azhdaha: "So you've become Cloud Retainer's disciple?"]
[Aila: "Mm."]
[Azhdaha: "Hahaha! Well done."]
[Raiden Makoto: "If only our paths hadn't diverged."]
[Yae Miko: "Ah… such a pity."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "…"]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "An Adeptus disciple?!"]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "That's wonderful!"]
[Albedo: "I'm still en route T_T."]
[Futsu Mitama: "@Albedo, before the Rite of Descension?"]
[Albedo: "There's time."]
[Zhongli: "Miss Aila possesses the potential of a Human Adeptus."]
[Futsu Mitama: "@Aila, what's happening now?"]
[Aila: "Mountain Shaper arrived. He's talking to me."]
[Azhdaha: "Oh? That fellow?"]
[Aila: "Something's wrong. They're arguing."]
Moments later, two streaks of light burst from the cave.
"They're really coming out…" Futsu Mitama muttered, opening the group livestream.
Even Shenhe sensed it—something was off.
"You—Cloud Retainer!" Mountain Shaper roared, uncharacteristically furious. "That child is clearly my disciple! I accepted her parents' contract! She was destined for me!"
Cloud Retainer retorted shamelessly, "You promised not to take her. And this is Lord Rex Lapis's will."
Their argument echoed beneath the moon.
Somewhere far away, Zhongli remained silent.
The night wore on.
Meanwhile, at the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Liyue Harbor…
Hu Tao had yet to return—she was likely escorting that lingering spirit into the cycle of reincarnation. Otherwise, Zhongli would hardly dare remain alone within the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor for long.
As he watched the live stream in the chat group—the Adeptus bickering midair, Azhdaha's unabashed schadenfreude—Zhongli could only smile helplessly. With a slight turn of his hand, a piece of condensed resin appeared in his palm.
"Does it truly resist erosion?"
He studied it quietly, a faint glimmer of anticipation flickering in his eyes.
Zhongli had requested two condensed resins from Sangonomiya Kokomi. If their effects were genuine—if they could truly stave off erosion—then this would be nothing short of an immeasurable treasure. Though certainty eluded him, both Raiden Makoto and Azhdaha had mentioned sensing something unusual through the chat group's live stream.
As one who had endured countless ages, Zhongli had not yet suffered erosion to the same degree as others—but even so, time had left its marks upon him.
To verify its truth…and to honor his promise to Kokomi, Zhongli silently lifted one condensed resin and placed it into his mouth. It melted instantly, turning into a gentle sweetness that flowed through his body, spreading in an instant.
And yet—within that fleeting moment, countless materials surfaced in his mind. The very components used to form the condensed resin. As the oldest of the Seven, Zhongli had tasted innumerable delicacies and witnessed more than mortals could fathom.
But this—
For a brief instant, it felt as though he had returned to the past.
Mt. Aocang. Tea shared with Guizhong and Cloud Retainer. Conversations beneath drifting clouds, discussing the state of the world.
Battles fought alongside Azhdaha. Standing together against the Vortex Vanquisher at Liyue Harbor.
And those joyful days with companions lost to the Archon War—
All of it surged forth at once.
Happiness. Warmth. The purest, most beautiful emotions—transformed into a quiet force, gently erasing a portion of the scars left behind by time.
Just as Raiden Ei had once done, Zhongli remained seated in silence. His bearing subtly shifted. Slowly, he opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them.
"…."
He looked down at the condensed resin still in his hand, his heart unable to settle.
Because it worked. It truly worked.
Azhdaha had suffered immensely from erosion. Zhongli had once mobilized all of Liyue's strength in search of something—anything—that might resist it.
He had searched exhaustively… and found nothing.
Erosion, it seemed, was inevitable. And so, after millennia of accumulation, Zhongli had resolved to step down the following year—entrusting Liyue Harbor to human hands.
For he feared that one day, erosion would claim him as it had Azhdaha—stripping away memory, reason, and restraint—until he himself might turn against the harbor he had built with his own hands. If that day came… the consequences would be unimaginable.
"And yet… it appears at this moment."
Zhongli regarded the condensed resin, a faint smile forming—neither wholly bitter nor amused. After consuming it, he could clearly sense it: a means to resist erosion had truly appeared. Within the resin were countless materials—most familiar to him. Yet one stood apart, utterly unknown.
And vaguely, he perceived its name.
[Time].
It was the core ingredient. Without it, no matter how exquisite the craftsmanship, the condensed resin would amount to nothing more than a pleasant dessert.
"Chat group check-in…"
Zhongli glanced at the function idly. Sangonomiya Kokomi had obtained condensed resin through it. If fortune favored him as well, perhaps he could secure more—and finally resolve Azhdaha's affliction.
Judging from its effects, Azhdaha would likely require over a hundred condensed resins to fully recover his former self. One alone would merely grant brief clarity—perhaps a single day of lucidity at most.
With that thought, Zhongli rose and stepped outside, his voice calm and resolute.
"It is time… to prepare tools for boosting LUCK."