Somewhere in Liyue, Tartaglia and Dottore concluded their transaction. With the terms settled, the two exchanged no further words, parting in tacit understanding.
Dottore still had affairs to attend to across the Liyue continent and had no inclination to linger over Tartaglia. Tartaglia, meanwhile, was keenly aware that Dottore's presence would only complicate his own plans concerning Morax's Gnosis, and thus had no interest in further entanglement.
So they went their separate ways, with the next meeting destined to occur only after Tartaglia summoned Futsu Mitama.
As for the evolution device, Dottore arranged for it to be delivered to Tartaglia in advance. This was not born of trust, but of curiosity—he was intrigued by the possibility that Tartaglia might produce some unexpected outcome with it. Besides, the device itself was a flawed creation. Nine out of ten attempts ended in failure.
And even the rare success often resulted in something… unpredictable.
In truth, the only confirmed success involved a subject that might have evolved naturally in time. Dottore's interference merely forced that process forward, crippling both its lifespan and its future potential.
For that reason, Dottore had long since lost interest in the device, turning instead to other lines of research. Seeing Tartaglia ask for it, he gave it away without hesitation.
Incidentally, travel from Snezhnaya to Liyue required roughly seven or eight days—ample time for Tartaglia to arrange a meeting.
Neither man was in a hurry.
Though Futsu Mitama often roamed beyond Liyue Harbor, he would inevitably return. For one thing, his residence stood beside the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Having just purchased a new home, Inazuman custom dictated that no matter how busy one became, time must always be set aside to return.
All Tartaglia needed was someone keeping watch on the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
After that, there remained another matter—inviting Mr. Zhongli to dinner, and asking whether Morax had sealed away beings other than Azhdaha within Liyue.
With the Primo Geovishap's death, the trail leading to Azhdaha had gone cold. Although he had obtained Dottore's evolution device, the probability of success was simply too low.
Tartaglia did not place much faith in Dottore's creations. In the end, his attention still turned toward Mr. Zhongli.
The night was far from over.
News of the Primo Geovishap's death was swiftly relayed by the Millelith to the Jade Chamber.
Within the Jade Chamber, Ningguang and Keqing were in discussion, reviewing matters concerning the upcoming Rite of Descension.
"Oh?" Ningguang remarked lightly upon receiving the report. "So it has already been resolved?"
She turned to the messenger who had ascended to the Jade Chamber. "Was the Primo Geovishap's body recovered?"
"Yes, Lady Ningguang." The messenger nodded solemnly. "We have secured the Primo Geovishap's remains. When we arrived, two Adeptus and a young man dressed in Inazuman attire had already departed together."
"They appeared to have no intention of taking the corpse. We cordoned off the area and maintained vigilance in case Geovishap Hatchlings or other Vishaps appeared."
"But strangely…none did. Nor did any surrounding monsters approach. It was as though they feared the area itself."
The messenger recounted the scene in full, his tone still tinged with astonishment.
In the past, when rare and powerful monsters such as Primo Geovishaps were slain—whether by the Adeptus or the Millelith—other monsters inevitably followed, drawn as if by instinct.
If such creatures remained deep within the mountains, matters were manageable. But when they emerged to attack human settlements, the Adeptus and Millelith could not ignore them.
Encirclement and extermination were standard responses, often followed by waves of frenzied monsters assaulting the area.
Thus, upon learning that two Adeptus and an Inazuman had slain the Primo Geovishap, the Millelith naturally fortified the scene, anticipating further danger.
Yet none came.
The silence was profound—unnervingly so. For this reason, the matter was reported directly to Ningguang and Keqing, to seek the judgment of the Tianquan star and the Yuheng star.
"I see." A subtle glint passed through Ningguang's eyes. "Very well."
She turned back to the messenger. "Recover the corpse. Since the Adeptus gave no further instructions, there is nothing more to be concerned about."
"Yes." The messenger bowed and withdrew at once.
Once she had gone, Keqing exhaled softly. "The Adeptus act swiftly indeed. The Primo Geovishap was dealt with just like that."
After fighting alongside Futsu Mitama, Shenhe, and Ganyu the previous day, Keqing had gained a new understanding of the Adeptus's might.
Records spoke of them often—but her attention had always remained within Liyue Harbor. She had never truly seen the dangers that lurked beyond.
That brief cooperation left her unsettled. In places unseen by ordinary eyes, the Adeptus were constantly at work.
Even the group of Hilichurls, Mitachurls, and Abyss Mages they had encountered yesterday would have inflicted casualties upon a standard Millelith squad.
Even had Keqing led them personally, the outcome would have been uncertain.
Yet that battle had seen the presence of an Immortal Disciple, the Raiden Shogun's retainer, the Qixing's secretary, and a sitting Qixing member.
In hindsight, it was almost tragic.
Cloud Retainer had declared that night that she would slay the Primo Geovishap.
And by the following night, it was dead.
The efficiency was staggering. What, then, had the Adeptus used to lure it out?
Keqing found herself deeply curious.
"You still intend to uphold your ideals?" Ningguang asked gently, her gaze resting on Keqing. "What you plan to say during the Rite of Descension may well be taken as grave disrespect."
"Of course." Keqing answered without hesitation.
Though she had learned more of Lord Rex Lapis' past during her recent cooperation with the Adeptus, her resolve had not wavered.
She was Keqing—the Yuheng Star.
She knew the path she had chosen. For this moment, she had worked harder than any other member of the Qixing, overseeing every detail of the Rite of Descension. And through repeated engagement with the people, she sought to present Lord Rex Lapis with the most honest reflection of their will.
"The era of the Adeptus has passed," Keqing said firmly, gazing outward. "The next era belongs to human governance. I will tell Lord Rex Lapis that we are no longer children in need of protection."
"The Adeptus have guarded Liyue for a thousand years, both openly and in secret. They have sacrificed enough. They deserve rest. Now, it is time for us to shoulder that responsibility."
Her words carried unwavering conviction. Even knowing the power of gods and Adeptus alike, she spoke without fear—because she believed in humanity's potential.
She was human. And she believed that if all humans were like her, Liyue would only grow more prosperous.
Ningguang merely smiled, offering no rebuttal. No one understood the weight of Lord Rex Lapis and the Adeptus better than she did.
Keqing was still somewhat naïve—but Liyue needed precisely that kind of naïveté.
"Still," Keqing added after a pause, "what do you think of Futsu Mitama?"
The messenger had mentioned an Inazuman accompanying the Adeptus. There was no doubt who it was.
Only Futsu Mitama—a retainer of the Raiden Shogun—would be suited to a battle of such scale.
"Him?" Ningguang raised an eyebrow, interest flickering in her eyes. "Why bring him up now?"
"Don't think of recruiting him to Liyue. If the Raiden Shogun were to intervene, even Lord Rex Lapis would find it difficult to smooth things over."
Ningguang's interest was not personal. It was professional.
She had reviewed reports of Futsu Mitama's actions over the past few days—and was genuinely surprised. In so short a time, he had stirred up an astonishing number of incidents. It was bewildering. Did he possess some peculiar constitution that attracted trouble?
Yet in a sense, that was not a bad thing. Problems, once gathered, could be resolved all at once. Were such a man to work under her, Ningguang knew she would be pleased. But he was a retainer of the Raiden Shogun—an existence comparable to the Adeptus themselves.
Even as Tianquan, she could not presume to command such a being.
"What are you thinking?" Keqing asked, frowning slightly. "I never intended to recruit him—though I did consider it once. But once I remembered his status, I dismissed the thought."
"It's just that—he is human."
Keqing clenched her hands. "As the Raiden Shogun's retainer, he was able to leave a closed Inazuma and witness the world beyond. I hope Lord Rex Lapis will grant us that same freedom—to allow humans to shape their own future."
This was what she intended to say at the Rite of Descension. The fate of humanity should rest in human hands.
And humans were capable.
(A.N: But you should think where you are from. If it was our modern world, humans were very capable. However, if you are in Teyvat, if you ask to govern Liyue Harbor well—you can achieve it. However, as a Liyue as a whole—that's questionable with danger lurking everywhere)
Yet the fewer who spoke of such things, the more necessary it became that someone did. Liyue Harbor's prosperity was like a splendid sandcastle—beautiful, yet fragile. The tide that might wash it away was not something humanity yet controlled.
Keqing had voiced these thoughts many times before, but rarely gained widespread support.
To most, a mortal life was fleeting against Liyue's long history. Why worry so much?
And besides—wasn't Lord Rex Lapis still there?
That was how most people thought.
Ningguang simply smiled, saying nothing more. For the more Keqing challenged Lord Rex Lapis, the harder she would work. And the harder she worked, the lighter Ningguang's own burdens would become.
Perhaps… Lord Rex Lapis would find a moment of rest as well.
Ningguang, one of the Qixing who stood at the pinnacle of mortal authority, was well aware that Liyue was presently safeguarded by the Geo Archon himself.
If one day the Geo Archon were to suddenly pass away, then those who inherited Keqing's ideals would inevitably become the true cornerstone supporting Liyue's future. But as matters stood, Ningguang had no intention of speculating on such distant possibilities. For now, she merely wished to tend to her commerce and fulfill her responsibilities as Tianquan.
A mortal's lifespan was fleeting. She, and even her descendants, would likely return to dust thousands of years before the Geo Archon ever faded from this world.
Thus, Ningguang calmly sipped her tea, listened to Keqing's animated remarks, and occasionally offered her own measured opinions.
Once their discussion concerning the Rite of Descension and the concept of "Liyue governed by humans" drew to a close, Ningguang set aside her teacup and smoothly guided the conversation toward its true purpose.
Taking a small bite of dessert, she lifted her gaze to Keqing and spoke evenly.
"The two Abyss Mages you captured alive have revealed some information."
"Futsu Mitama was the one who captured them," Keqing corrected at once, unwilling to accept credit that was not hers. She knew better than anyone that had it not been for him at that critical moment—
They would never have succeeded in taking the Abyss Mages alive.
The enemy hidden within the portal had clearly intended to silence them. At the time, no one present had reacted quickly enough. Only Futsu Mitama had moved, as though he already knew that someone else was pulling the strings from the shadows.
That decisiveness could only come from experience tempered through countless battles.
"Hm. I will remember that contribution," Ningguang nodded lightly, then continued, her expression composed.
"According to their testimony, the Abyss Order is carrying out a conspiracy. A conspiracy capable of overturning Liyue itself. They are conducting experiments across various ruins, and are currently searching for the Demon Gods once sealed by the Geo Archon."
"However," Ningguang paused briefly, "this resembles less a secret plot and more an open provocation. The Abyss Mages showed no concern for the information they disclosed. It was as though they wanted us to investigate further."
"Even under torture, their account never changed. They repeated only that they were searching for the Demon Gods sealed by the Geo Archon—yet refused to specify which ones."
As she spoke, Ningguang's expression grew solemn. Keqing's followed suit.
As Qixing, they both knew exactly how many ancient gods had once been suppressed beneath Liyue's soil. Some were already dead. Others had been sealed until their strength withered away, unable to escape. If even one such being were released by the Abyss Order, the consequences would be unimaginable.
"Then why were they targeting the Primo Geovishap?" Keqing asked, brows slightly knit. "What purpose would that serve?"
"They will not say," Ningguang replied calmly.
"The Abyss Mages are…resilient adversaries. Once they resolve to keep a secret, no ordinary means can pry it loose."
"Still," she added, her lips curving faintly, "there is something worth noting."
"The last time I invited them to the Jade Chamber, that kunoichi from Inazuma—Kuki Shinobu—was present, correct?"
"Yes," Keqing recalled, surprised. "She studied in Liyue, specializing in law…and Abyssal linguistics. Yanfei was her senior."
"It is indeed a small world," Keqing murmured.
"It is not coincidence," Ningguang replied softly. "It is inevitability."
She did not believe Futsu Mitama had brought Kuki Shinobu along without reason.
After reviewing Shinobu's records, Ningguang had reached a clear conclusion—this was a rare talent.
Her knowledge was broad, her certifications numerous, and what she possessed in Inazuma likely rivaled what she had earned in Liyue.
"And her relevance?" Keqing asked.
"She understands the Abyss language," Ningguang answered.
"While in the abandoned mine, she overheard the Abyss Mages' conversation."
"At the time, she heard them say: 'Kill all these crawling insects on the ground, for Lord 'Wangsi'.'"
"In truth," Ningguang continued, "the phrase should have been: 'For His Royal Highness.'"
Keqing blinked. "That is…quite a difference."
"Indeed," Ningguang agreed. "But the underlying meaning aligns. At the very least, we now know the Abyss Order serves a Prince—one of exceedingly high status."
"If we are to oppose the Abyss Order," she concluded, "then this Prince is a figure we must watch closely."
Keqing nodded gravely. "Should we inform Futsu Mitama and the Adeptus?"
"Of course," Ningguang replied without hesitation. "We stand on the same front."
"The Abyss Order is an enemy to all of Teyvat. Any intelligence we obtain must be shared."
"Understood," Keqing said firmly. "Once I finish my duties, I'll go to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and Mt. Aocang."
Thus, the discussion ended.
The Qixing, the Fatui, and the Abyss Order all moved in secrecy.
As for Futsu Mitama—
He was presently training on Mt. Aocang. After his battle with the Geovishap, he had come to a sobering realization: his current combat power was beginning to lag behind.
Thus began his merciless regimen.
Within the special space of "Raiden Style· Martial Arts", Futsu Mitama faced the Raiden Shogun head-on.
Calling it a spar was generous. In truth, it was a one-sided onslaught.
This Raiden Shogun did not restrain herself. She struck without mercy, offering guidance only at precise moments—more puppet than deity. Each bout ended the same way.
Cut down.
Revived.
Cut down again.
Over and over, until his spirit could no longer endure and he was forcibly expelled from the space. Each time he emerged, he collapsed into deep sleep, restoring his shattered mind.
This abnormal condition soon drew the attention of Cloud Retainer upon her return.
She had already notified Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver. Their arrival was imminent. Yet upon seeing Futsu Mitama collapsed and spiritually depleted, Cloud Retainer was alarmed, fearing he had encountered an unseen enemy.
Only after Kuki Shinobu explained the situation did understanding dawn.
Training…while asleep.
Even Shenhe found it astonishing. And both of them could feel it—
Futsu Mitama's aura was sharpening at an alarming rate. Like a treasured blade on the verge of being drawn, its edge impossible to conceal. Within that sharpness flickered faint arcs of violet lightning.
He was clearly walking the same path as the Raiden Shogun herself.
Cloud Retainer entered the cave dwelling, placed calming incense beside him, and quietly departed. With its aid, what would have been five hours of rest became three. When Futsu Mitama opened his eyes, the sun had already risen.
"Awake?" Kuki Shinobu looked up in surprise.
"Mm."
"Has Aila spoken in the group chat?"
"No," Shinobu replied after checking. "She likely hasn't broken through yet."
She then summarized the Resistance's latest developments. Listening, Futsu Mitama could not help but sigh.
"Kujou Sara…truly has it rough."
Shinobu nodded.
In silence, Shenhe approached.
"My master says your aura is too sharp," she said evenly. "You should suppress it before returning to Liyue Harbor."
"If you cannot—then I will assist."
"How?" Futsu Mitama asked.
Shenhe answered by calmly drawing Calamity Queller.
This was her method.
Fight.
Kuki Shinobu smiled faintly.
"Go for it~"
"Forget it, forget it." Futsu Mitama waved his hand quickly, turning to Shenhe as he spoke. "Let's spar in two days. I need to continue entering that state for now. When I've built up enough momentum, we'll fight again."
He still intended to keep honing himself.
Through the Raiden Shogun's guidance, Futsu Mitama had come to clearly understand that his Musou no Hitotachi was far from refined.
It was not a technique that could be perfected through theory alone. Only extensive real combat and the accumulation of lived experience could polish it to completion. Within that special space, the Raiden Shogun's strength was terrifying—but in the beginning, she had shown restraint. She offered frequent guidance and would deliberately avoid killing him.
As time went on, however, her mercy diminished.
A single mistake would mean death.
Yet Futsu Mitama had to admit it—this method of half-guidance, half-life-and-death combat was astonishingly effective. So long as he endured long enough, he would gain something each time.
Of course, this also came with a price.
The sharp Electro-elemental aura clinging to his body grew stronger after every session.
…
Shenhe silently returned Calamity Queller to her side.
For just an instant, a trace of regret flickered through her eyes.
She truly wished to spar with him.
Futsu Mitama's strength was undeniable, and she herself had not crossed blades with anyone for a long time. More importantly, through their previous encounters, Shenhe could clearly sense that his path differed fundamentally from her own.
If they sparred, she would gain insight as well.
But since he had said two days, Shenhe did not object.
She stepped aside, quietly observing him, curious to see how he would enter that mysterious state.
Training within dreams…and growing stronger through it.
Even to Shenhe, that was something she could not help but be intrigued by.
Seeing her assent, Futsu Mitama closed his eyes once more.
He opened the Chat Group files, selected "Raiden Style· Martial Arts."
The next instant, his consciousness returned to that familiar space.
Purple lightning stretched endlessly in all directions. The Raiden Shogun still sat there, eyes closed, as if she had never moved—waiting. Without hesitation, Futsu Mitama summoned Musou Isshin and struck.
"Clang—!!"
The Raiden Shogun slowly opened her eyes. Her blade intercepted his strike with perfect precision. His reflection was mirrored within her pupils as she spoke calmly:
"Swordsmanship is more easily remembered through practice than theory."
"Engrave this sensation into your body."
Hearing the words she had repeated countless times before, Futsu Mitama tightened his grip on Musou Isshin. With genuine resolve, he said,
"Come on!!! Raiden Shogun!"
Steel rang against steel as their blades collided. This was likely the first time Futsu Mitama had entered this special space twice in a single day.
A powerful sense of urgency pressed down on him. He could not even defeat a Primo Geovishap that had absorbed remnants of an Archon's power—how, then, could he hope to face a third-stage Tartaglia? Or Dottore, whose true strength remained unknown?
He could not allow himself to become someone who stood by helplessly as Aila was taken away—uttering only the words "I can't do anything."
That future was unacceptable.
So long as he could foresee greater danger ahead, Futsu Mitama would continue to force his potential forward. For the next two days, he subjected himself to an unrelenting regimen.
Morning. Noon. Night.
So long as nothing urgent demanded his attention, he would enter Raiden Style· Martial Arts.
Under the merciless guidance of his "beloved" Raiden Shogun teacher, Futsu Mitama's understanding of close combat deepened at an astonishing pace.
If the former Futsu Mitama's close-quarters skill could not compare to that of a seasoned samurai— Then now, he was confident he could defeat one alone. Unless that samurai could survive twelve full minutes against the Raiden Shogun, victory against Futsu Mitama would be impossible.
Moreover, observing the Raiden Shogun's use of a special-effect-free Musou no Hitotachi granted him an even deeper comprehension of the technique itself. And finally—
As their battles continued, The Omnipresent God manifested behind her.
Even then, the Raiden Shogun began to explain. This was a halo formed from the collective Devotion of all beings. It allowed the user to condense and compress Electro-elemental power with far greater efficiency.
However, Devotion was not easily borne. To withstand it, one's own strength had to be sufficient—and one had to be genuinely revered by many. The wishes of the people, their beautiful hopes for the future, would transform into Devotion, gathering behind the bearer as a radiant halo.
After explaining this, the Raiden Shogun killed Futsu Mitama.
There was no other reason.
Once she began fully utilizing elemental power, her strength surged by two entire tiers.
Even if Futsu Mitama shattered his limits, even if he awakened some inner cosmos— He still could not defeat her.
"Indeed… very strong."
Upon returning from the space, Futsu Mitama managed only those words before his eyes rolled back. He collapsed face-first onto the ground. Nearby, Kuki Shinobu and Shenhe had already grown accustomed to this sight.
Their attention now lay elsewhere—toward the cave dwelling.
A faint worry flickered in their eyes. It had been nearly three days.
Aila still had not broken through her mental state.
According to Cloud Retainer, Aila was currently trapped within her own "heart," but remained stable.
Ideally, she would break through on her own. If she failed to do so, however, the situation would become troublesome.
Cloud Retainer had said it would still be fine.
Given Aila's attachment to Futsu Mitama, if it truly came down to it, he could enter the cave and speak to her. With his presence alone, Aila would most likely break through immediately. Still, relying on such external force was not ideal.
Thus, Cloud Retainer chose to wait. If by tomorrow Aila had still not succeeded—
Then Futsu Mitama would be used as that external catalyst.
Mt. Aocang was lively.
And Liyue Harbor was no less so.
Keqing once again passed by Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. She stepped into the kitchen and looked at Hu Tao, who was busy stir-frying.
"Has Futsu Mitama not returned yet?" she asked.
"Oh? Keqing!" Hu Tao turned her head in surprise. "This is the third day already, isn't it? I didn't expect you to come again. What's wrong? Still here asking about Futsu Mitama?"
As she spoke, her attention drifted—and black smoke began rising from the pan.
"…."
Keqing silently took a step back. She glanced over her shoulder and confirmed that the main doors of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor were indeed open.
Only then did she breathe a quiet sigh of relief.
Hu Tao also noticed the smoke and hurriedly refocused on the pan.
She complained lightly, "I have no idea where that guy ran off to. A few days ago he said he'd test some bracelet and come back—and then poof, gone. Zhongli's also been missing for the past two days."
She brightened suddenly.
"How about you do some business with me instead? I'll personally go out and help you look for him!"
Hu Tao looked at Keqing with obvious enthusiasm. After all, the Liyue Qixing was a high-risk profession.
Hu Tao herself was younger, didn't work overtime, and didn't eat strange foods. Keqing, on the other hand, worked endlessly, ate whatever was available, was older, and frequently ventured into dangerous regions.
Statistically speaking, she would definitely go first.
Thus, Hu Tao strongly recommended Keqing become a Wangsheng client.
"No, no—absolutely not."
Having confirmed that Hu Tao had no news, Keqing decisively chose to leave.
Just as she reached the door—
She saw Mr. Zhongli.