The skies above the outskirts of Liyue Harbor had completely cleared—split open by a single slash from Qiu Bai sword. The violent winds and towering waves had also calmed, and now, all around, lush green trees, born from Qiu Bai divine power, flourished.
A gentle sea breeze brushed against the faces of every Liyue citizen, while the sunlight reflected off the vast blue ocean. Seagulls soared overhead, their cries echoing softly, as warm golden rays illuminated the land.
The scene stood in stark contrast to the apocalyptic disaster that had just unfolded moments ago.
Liuyun was still fuming, staring at Qiu Bai with an indignant expression.
"Hey, I came back, didn't I?"
"Alright, Liuyun, next time there's trouble, I won't just sit back and watch."
Qiu Bai rubbed his nose as he spoke to the still-seething adeptus before him.
"Hmph! If you hadn't come back when you did…"
"Liyue Harbor would have been destroyed!"
Liuyun gazed at the figure before her—the same one who had vanished five centuries ago. A faint smile crept onto her lips.
For a long time, she had truly believed something had happened to Qiu Bai. But now that he stood before her, alive and well, she couldn't help but let the corners of her lips curl up.
At that moment, a graceful figure stepped forward.
"Esteemed Adeptus, I am this generation's Tianquan, Ningguang."
Ningguang strode forward, her jade-like legs moving elegantly as she studied the seemingly approachable adeptus before her.
She took a careful look at Qiu Bai: his long, ink-black hair cascaded over his pristine, white-and-black robes, unstained by even the slightest speck of dust.
His face was smooth and refined like jade, and his light blue eyes shimmered with a serene elegance—like a starry midnight sky, deep yet gentle. He stood about 1.85 meters tall, exuding an aura of warmth and composure, completely unlike the terrifying figure who had just split the heavens with a single slash.
"Ningguang, I know of you."
"I still remember that little girl who couldn't even afford shoes. To have reached such heights—it is no easy feat."
Qiu Bai voice was warm yet steady, ringing softly in Ningguang's ears.
"You have done well. Even in the absence of gods, Liyue Harbor now stands strong."
"I am very pleased."
As Qiu Bai gave his approval, Ningguang's lips curled into a small smile.
To be recognized by a divine being was no simple matter.
"If it weren't for the Fatui Harbinger, the Doctor, who removed the suppressing power of the Geo Spears…"
"I assume you would have found a way to seal the god back into the sea, correct?"
Qiu Bai smiled as he posed the question.
Ningguang remained silent, simply responding with a soft smile of her own.
"Naturally, I had a plan."
"...The Doctor, the second-ranked Fatui Harbinger?"
Ningguang murmured, her expression unreadable. No wonder she had never been able to locate the final missing Harbinger.
To think it was him.
"Where is this Harbinger now?"
Her gaze sharpened as she looked at Qiu Bai, a cold glint flashing in her eyes—she looked as though she wanted to eliminate the Doctor right this instant.
Qiu Bai, however, simply smiled faintly.
"Oh, the Doctor?"
"I've already erased him."
"There are many Doctors in this world."
"I have erased one of the two strongest."
The Immortal Lord spoke slowly to Ningguang, who stood before him.
"I understand."
"Thank you, Immortal Lord."
Ningguang respectfully clasped her hands before the deity of her nation. Then, she turned to face the assembled Adepti.
"I extend my gratitude to all of you for your invaluable assistance. Were it not for your timely presence, the future of Liyue Harbor would have been uncertain."
She gazed at the Adepti before her, her tone steady and measured.
"Hmph, why the unnecessary flattery?"
"Besides, we are not here by mere coincidence. Have you already chosen to feign ignorance of our true purpose?"
Cloud Retainer stepped forward, her elegant legs barely visible beneath flowing robes, and cast a cold glance at Ningguang.
"Cloud Retainer, let us not be so confrontational for now."
Madam Ping approached, her calm presence settling the tension.
"I appreciate this Immortal's willingness to mediate, but aside from the Immortal Lord, we are well aware of the purpose behind your visit. However, I must regretfully inform you that we cannot concede."
Standing atop the Jade Chamber, Ningguang smiled as she looked at Qiu Bai, then at the Adepti before her.
"Oh?"
Moon Carver raised an eyebrow, surprised that Ningguang had already discerned their intentions.
"Three thousand seven hundred years... According to records, the Adepti forged a contract with the Geo Archon to protect Liyue, a duty that has lasted for over three millennia."
Ningguang slowly recounted the past, her words carrying the weight of history. Then, she turned toward the Immortal Lord behind her.
"And yet, the Immortal Lord is not a God of Contracts, but the closest companion of the Geo Archon."
"He is also a dear friend to all of you Adepti, safeguarding Liyue Harbor together."
"It is written that a thousand years ago, the Immortal Lord and the Geo Archon clashed in battle, yet afterward, they became sworn friends."
"Together, they graced the Rite of Descension, guiding the future growth and prosperity of Liyue."
"Later, in the depths of The Chasm, a great dragon emerged. It was the Immortal Lord who saved tens of thousands of lives."
"The people of Liyue, in gratitude, honored him with the title of 'Yin-Yang Immortal.' And to this day, the tale of Liyue's two divine protectors has spread across all seven nations."
"Five hundred years ago, another figure halted a war between Adepti and demons, granting salvation to a great demon from across the seas before falling into a deep slumber."
"Even now, those demons remain in Liyue, training in solitude and assisting those in need."
"And just now, the Immortal Lord once again rescued Liyue from disaster."
Ningguang paused, then turned to face the gathered Adepti.
"For three thousand seven hundred years, the mountains and rivers of Liyue have remained unshaken, as steadfast as they were a millennium ago. That is an achievement worthy of admiration."
"But that does not mean Liyue is the same as it was three thousand seven hundred years ago."
"Do not fix your gaze solely on this land. Instead, look upon this city, look at each and every person who lives here."
With that, Ningguang concluded her words, her unwavering gaze meeting those of the Adepti.
"Are you questioning the way we Adepti protect Liyue?"
Moon Carver stepped forward, his form shifting into that of a human, gazing at Ningguang with a calm but distant expression.
"I mean no offense. I only hope that all of you, as Liyue's protectors, might reconsider your approach—just this once."
Ningguang placed a hand over her chest, her eyes filled with sincerity as she looked at the gathered Adepti.
"Hmph, and you still address us as 'elders'?"
"You Qixing upstarts are in no position to speak of seniority before me."
Cloud Retainer turned her head away with a proud scoff, closing her eyes as she spoke in an indifferent tone.
Hearing Cloud Retainer elegantly worded but sharp response, Qiu Bai twitched slightly, unable to stop himself from pressing a hand to his forehead.
He stepped forward and lightly tapped Cloud Retainer shoulder as she huffed and looked away. Then, he leaned in, his lips almost brushing her ear.
"I say, Cloud Retainer, you're still the same as ever."
"That 'talent' of yours for conversation... you really should work on it."
His voice carried a faint warmth, the breath tickling her ear as he spoke.
Startled, Cloud Retainer immediately backed away, her usually composed face now tinged with an unexpected flush.
She turned sharply, her cool, elegant eyes now locked onto Qiu Bai with an uncharacteristic mixture of embarrassment and frustration.
"Can you not suddenly get so close to me?!"
"You—you vanished for so long, and now you show up then acting like this?!"
Cloud Retainer, her face still faintly red, glared at Qiu Bai, her voice laced with both irritation and a hint of something else—perhaps flustered indignation.
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