Boom!!
Sha! Sha! Sha!
Roar!
The thunderous explosion as the Guizhong Ballista struck its target, the rushing sound of seawater being thrown sky-high and crashing back down, and the furious howl of Bahu echoed throughout Liyue Harbor.
Pain—unbearable pain!
Bahu had come this time with a simple goal: kill a few people and cause trouble for Morax, the god who had sealed his elder brother.
Yet just like before, he had not even managed to step onto Liyue's doorstep before exhausting most of his strength and being beaten into a miserable state.
The Guizhong Ballista's devastating impact blasted him straight into the depths of the sea. Agonizing pain overwhelmed him, accompanied by wretched, anguished screams.
And yet, Bahu had not died.
With his final sliver of strength, while still clinging to life, he activated a desperate escape, fleeing madly from the battlefield.
Seeing this, the three Adepti made no move to pursue.
Killing a god or beast was never without consequence. The death of such beings would leave behind remnants—resentment and corruption—that ordinary people could not withstand. That alone would bring calamity to countless citizens of Liyue.
Bahu had harassed Liyue more than once. For centuries, he had merely been driven away, never struck too severely.
This time, however, the Adepti had beaten him to the brink of death.
Surely that coward would now hide away in his pitch-black lair, too terrified to emerge for the next thousand years.
---
Above Liyue Harbor
With Bahu's defeat and retreat, the sea returned to calm.
The dark clouds gradually dispersed, revealing streaks of light in the sky. Even the rain ceased to fall.
Once again, Liyue Harbor was bathed in brightness.
This defense against an external threat resulted in no civilian casualties—only a few Millelith injured by the surging waves.
The Adepti slowly descended from the platforms, sustained by their adeptal power. They did not look at the mortals below, but instead turned their gaze toward the three Yakshas.
The people, however, erupted with excitement.
To witness the Adepti from such proximity was a rare blessing.
Cheers thundered across the harbor.
"Long live Rex Lapis! Long live the Adepti!"
"Liyue shall never fall! Long live Lord Morax!"
"Thank you, Millelith, for protecting us!"
The residents, who had been sheltered by the Millelith during the crisis, stepped once more onto the rain-soaked streets.
They resumed crafting Xiao Lanterns, laughing and chatting, as if no god-level threat had ever appeared.
Even the storytellers, who moments ago had been spinning other tales, now shifted to recount the legends of Rex Lapis.
"Last time, we spoke of those days when great demons stirred in the sea and vicious dragons coiled in the mountains."
"The Geo Archon summoned the Adepti, determined to restore peace beneath the heavens."
"Legend says that when the Lord of Geo set forth, he once asked—"
Rex Lapis: 'Did you bring any Mora?'
---
Liyue Harbor Docks
"Whew! Finally docked. That ride was rough!"
The captain of the Crux Fleet stood with hands on her hips, letting out a deep breath.
"Zhongzuo? How's Xiaoyue?" Beidou asked, concerned. "She didn't get swept away by those waves, did she?"
"Boss, don't worry! Ginkgo's watching over her!" Zhongzuo patted his chest confidently.
"Good. Take the crew ashore and let them relax. I've got business to discuss with that old woman."
With a flamboyant pose, Beidou strode off boldly.
---
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor
A man and a woman stepped out from the parlor—one walking calmly, the other running energetically.
The girl was Hu Tao.
As she ran, she shouted enthusiastically, grabbing random passersby to pitch her services, much to their horror.
Many people immediately detoured upon spotting her, as if avoiding a plague.
"Take a look! Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's newest promotion—50% off!"
"No funeral planned? No problem! You can pre-order!"
"Buy one for home decor! Half price! Once you miss this chance, it's gone forever!"
"Hey—why are you angry? Wait, customer, don't go!"
Hu Tao was genuinely puzzled.
Why did people rush to other shops for discounts, yet flee in terror when she offered one?
Still, she refused to stop. After all, someone had to pay off Zhongli's tab.
Why did it feel like a daughter raising her father… while the father freeloaded off the daughter?
---
Elsewhere in Liyue Harbor
The man walked leisurely along stone roads laid down by generations long past.
His name was Zhongli.
To the elders of Liyue, Zhongli was a learned man with refined tastes and deep appreciation for life.
To the younger folk, he was an aloof, solitary old gentleman.
He spoke plainly—right was right, wrong was wrong.
Whether discussing cuisine or rare stones, his assessments were sharp and insightful, instantly convincing. In Liyue, true knowledge commanded respect.
He enjoyed opera and storytelling, cultivating himself as though he were a thousand-year-old soul in a youthful body.
Few questioned him.
But today, Zhongli was not heading to a teahouse or storyteller.
His destination was Mt. Aocang.
He paused at the Hundred-Step Staircase, gazing quietly toward the harbor. From here, much of the port was visible.
His brow furrowed slightly as he looked upon the two returned Yakshas.
Like everyone else, he had believed only Xiao remained.
"It seems I must make a trip to Mt. Aocang," he murmured, hands clasped behind his back as he walked on like a strolling elder.
At the same moment, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Cloud Retainer also noticed him.
A deer and two cranes exchanged a glance with Zhongli, understanding unspoken thoughts.
"It appears we must all visit Mt. Aocang," Moon Carver said calmly.
The others nodded, spread their wings, and flew toward Jueyun Karst.
Meanwhile, the moment Bahu was defeated, Bosacius withdrew to the harbor. His killing intent faded, and he once more resembled the dependable, slightly goofy elder brother.
Just as he was about to speak with Alatus, Moon Carver interjected.
"The three Yakshas should not linger long before mortals. Please come to Mt. Aocang for discussion."
With a courteous nod, Moon Carver leapt away, stepping upon the air.
Bosacius nodded to Bonanus. Together, they took Alatus and vanished in a flash.
Gone in an instant.
"So amazing…"
"Hey—who were those two unfamiliar Adepti?" a young man asked an elderly companion.
The old man stared in shock.
He remembered fragments from The Five Yakshas.
Bosacius — leader of the Five Yakshas, four-armed, wielder of Electro.
Bonanus — one of the Five Yakshas, controller of Hydro, bearing twin claws.
The book spoke of them as lost.
Yet moments ago, they had stood alive before his very eyes.
Perhaps the records were incomplete after all.
"Perhaps… the heavens still protect Liyue," the old man said, voice trembling.
With two Adepti returned, Liyue would be safer than ever.