In the deepest part of The Chasm, Qiu Bai gazed at the ominous black mist before him and immediately decided to take action.
Summoning his Yang Incarnation, the white-robed Qiu Bai pressed his hands together, and an intense, radiant light emerged from between his palms brilliant as the sun, illuminating the entire underground space.
Under the searing light, the black mist surrounding the ancient tree began to burn away. Moments later, all the black corruption within the tree and its roots had been completely purified.
The tree, once shrouded in darkness, was now revitalized—lush, vibrant green leaves sprouted anew, and its once-decayed roots regained their vitality, turning a healthy emerald hue.
The white-robed Qiu Bai lifted his light-infused hand and cast the luminous energy above the ancient tree, bathing the underground cavern in a warm radiance.
Now, The Chasm's depths bore a striking resemblance to Enkanomiya under the light of the artificial sun.
"With this, the problem is resolved."
Merging his incarnation back into himself, Qiu Bai left The Chasm.
Moments after Qiu Bai departure, two Abyss Lectors stepped out from an abyss portal.
If Qiu Bai had still been present, he would have been shocked. After all, these were the notorious Abyss enemies frequently encountered in the game.
The two Abyss Lectors looked upon the now-purified ancient tree, their faces filled with disbelief.
"The combined forces of the Abyss and the Dark Scourge were just... erased?"
"Even the Geo Archon was helpless against the Dark Scourge, and yet, someone managed to cleanse it completely?"
Surveying the now-restored surroundings, the two Abyss Lectors sighed in frustration. Their years of planning had just been thoroughly dismantled.
"It seems we must reconsider our approach."
"We should return and report to His Highness."
Without wasting another moment, the two Abyss Lectors vanished into another abyss portal. Had they lingered any longer, they would have surely been detected by the Geo Archon.
At this very moment, Aether sat upon his throne reminiscing about his recent reunion with his sister, Lumine.
"Sister we will meet again, but not yet."
"Before the Abyss engulfs the Thrones of the Gods, I have an unfinished war with Celestia."
Suddenly sensing something, Aether's gaze shifted forward as two Abyss Lectors emerged from the shadows.
"Your Highness," one of them knelt on one knee, his voice solemn.
"The Dark Scourge beneath The Chasm has been purified."
"We do not know who is responsible, but our plans…"
The Abyss Lectors kept their heads low as they delivered the grave news.
"Even with Abyssal power augmenting the Scourge, we could not stop it from being cleansed…"
Aether pondered the Seven Archons but none of them possessed the power to completely purify such corruption.
"Whoever did this must be a being on par with the Seven at the very least."
"Let us put that plan aside for now," Aether commanded, his voice decisive.
"Our current focus should be Enkanomiya in Inazuma."
His golden eyes swept across the gathered Abyss forces, and after a moment, he made his decision.
"Enjou, I need you to go to Enkanomiya and ensure our mission's success."
From the side of the grand hall Enjou stepped forward, knelt, and responded firmly:
"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. I will not fail."
With that, Enjou vanished, setting off toward Enkanomiya.
Aether turned his gaze into the distance, his voice low but resolute.
"We will reunite, Lumine."
"That day is not far away."
Meanwhile, back in Liyue Harbor, Qiu Bai spotted Zhongli sitting peacefully, listening to a storyteller's performance.
Amused, he approached and greeted him.
"Zhongli, you certainly seem to have time to spare sitting here and listening to stories."
Qiu Bai picked up the teapot, poured himself a cup of tea, and glanced at Zhongli.
"Heh, Tian Tiezui storytelling is quite entertaining."
"Although most of it doesn't match reality, today's story happens to be about you."
Zhongli gave Qiu Bai a mysterious look. Intrigued, Qiu Bai sat down, ready to hear what the storyteller had to say.
Tian Tiezui began, holding his fan to his chest as he launched into his tale.
"In the days of old Liyue, a flood as mighty as a celestial pillar struck Guili Assembly.
The Adepti, alongside the Geo Lord, shielded the people as they retreated to Liyue Harbor. Just then, an overwhelming force shot across the sky from afar!"
"The Geo Lord roamed far and wide, finally discovering a lone figure in a secluded valley."
"That figure was the legendary Yin-Yang Immortal. As the saying goes, 'One does not truly know another until they have fought!'"
"The Geo Lord and the Immortal clashed for three hundred rounds—shaking the heavens, quaking the earth!"
"Ultimately, the Immortal fell slightly behind, and thus, the two deities became friends."
"The Immortal could not bear to see the people of Guili Assembly suffering under the storm and plague.
With divine power, he shattered the dark clouds above and calmed the raging winds!"
"It was then that a storyteller stepped forward and bestowed upon the Sage his title 'The Yin-Yang Immortal!'"
Tian Tiezui closed his fan, and the audience below applauded, showering him with tips.
Qiu Bai however, was a little embarrassed as he turned to Zhongli.
"This really doesn't match reality. I barely lasted a few moves against you back then."
If it were now, he could understand going three hundred rounds with Zhongli. But at that time? He had only exchanged a few blows before realizing that if Zhongli hadn't held back, he might have died on the spot.
"Heh, my old friend why be so modest?" Zhongli took a sip of tea and gazed at Qiu Bai.
"At this moment, your strength may no longer be beneath mine."
Qiu Bai chuckled, then casually mentioned, "The black mist beneath The Chasm I've completely purified it."
"I'm not sure where it came from, but I've already turned the place into a tourist attraction."
And he wasn't lying. The scenery there was breathtaking now, especially after he had placed a small artificial sun, creating an underground world bathed in light.
"Even so, Liyue's people cannot be allowed to set foot there."
"That place is deeply connected to Liyue's ley lines, I have sealed it once more."
Zhongli observed Qiu Bai with some surprise. He had only been gone for a short time, yet the problem had already been resolved.
After all, back when Zhongli himself attempted to deal with it, even his divine powers had been ineffective. But Qiu Bai had handled it in just a few moves.
Then again, Zhongli wasn't truly shocked as his old friend was far too mysterious.
Meanwhile, in Jueyun Karst. The Adepti soared through the skies of Liyue searching for the missing Immortal.
Half a day later, they regrouped.
"Where on earth did the Immortal Lord go?"
Cloud Retainer, now in human form gazed into the distance and muttered to herself.
"Perhaps he has already awakened and merely wished to wander the outside world?"
Mountain Shaper spoke from behind.
"You old coot, do you truly believe that a Sage who was deep in slumber just the day before would suddenly awaken without any warning!?"
Qiu Bai:"Is it possible that I actually would?"
Cloud Retainer glared at Mountain Shaper and snapped, "You all return first! I will continue searching!"
Mountain Shaper and Moon Carver exchanged helpless glances.
In the end, they still chose to follow Cloud Retainer, preparing to search for the Immortal once more.
Where could the Immortal have gone?
Could it be that he had truly been stolen away?