"What in the world is going on, Ningguang?!"
Keqing had just been working at her desk when she sensed something was wrong. Without hesitation, she dropped everything and rushed toward the docks of Liyue Harbor.
By the time she arrived, Ningguang was already there, her expression grim.
Waves surged violently like a raging beast, slamming against the coastal areas of Liyue Harbor as if heralding the arrival of an impending storm.
The crashing waves battered reefs and buildings with deafening roars, echoing like the howl of a demon, sending a chill through anyone who heard them.
"According to Liyue's ancient texts, this is likely due to the breaking of the seal that held back Beisht—Osial's consort and one of his most powerful followers," Ningguang said with a deep frown, her voice heavy.
"What?!" Keqing gasped. "Beisht? That sealed servant of the vortex god?"
Ningguang nodded, her eyes clouded with worry, as if a dark shadow had draped itself across the sky.
"Yes. Beisht was one of Osial's most formidable subordinates. If she's truly been unsealed, then all of Liyue could be in serious danger."
She sighed helplessly, like someone crushed beneath the weight of fate. "And of course, it has to happen while the Geo Archon is away."
Just days ago, the Geo Archon had issued an edict saying he would be visiting Mondstadt to meet with the Anemo Archon, Barbatos—without mentioning when he'd return.
Now, Liyue faced a looming crisis with no divine protection in sight, and that reality made even Ningguang uneasy.
"Don't worry. I've already sent Ganyu to request the aid of the Adepti. If the timing holds, they should be arriving shortly."
Ningguang spoke with calm authority, as if everything was still under control.
"Heh. How convenient. Humans always rely on the protection of gods… never thinking for themselves about what kind of future they want." Keqing gave a cold chuckle.
She had always believed that mankind should carve out its own future—not depend on the gods to shelter them.
"By the way, have you seen Shajin-ge today?" Ningguang suddenly asked.
"Tch… you're only one year younger than him, and you still call him 'Shajin-ge' so sweetly…" Keqing muttered under her breath, a strange pang of jealousy stabbing through her heart like aged vinegar—sharp, sour, and bitter.
She didn't understand why Ningguang was so close to Shajin, nor why she used such an intimate term for him. It made her feel uncomfortable, though she couldn't really explain why.
"What did you say?" The crashing of the waves nearly drowned out Keqing's voice, so Ningguang didn't catch her words.
"Nothing. I haven't seen Shajin all day either," Keqing quickly replied, trying to cover up her emotions.
She didn't want anyone knowing what she truly felt—especially when it came to Shajin.
"It's fine. Shajin-ge is strong. He won't be in danger."
Ningguang said it to reassure herself as much as Keqing.
She believed Shajin had the strength to protect himself. With his personality, he'd never let himself fall into danger so easily.
After all, Shajin-ge promised he'd always protect me.
"Let's focus on what matters. We need to evacuate the coastal areas of Liyue Harbor immediately," Keqing said firmly.
Despite the knot of concern in her chest, she knew her duty came first. Personal feelings had to take a back seat.
The waves roared like enraged monsters, smashing the harbor's defenses with thunderous force.
Dark clouds loomed overhead. Thunder rolled. A storm was coming.
Ningguang and Keqing stood on the docks, directing the evacuation efforts.
"Ningguang-sama, Keqing-sama! All civilians have been safely relocated inland!" a Millelith soldier ran up to report.
Ningguang gave a firm nod.
"Good. Mobilize all Millelith troops to battle-ready status."
At the same time, Ganyu arrived with the Adepti in tow.
A jade-green figure appeared in a blink, short in stature, wearing a yaksha mask and wielding the jade spear Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. It was the Conqueror of Demons—Xiao.
"Let's see how a defeated relic from millennia past dares to stir up trouble now!"
A white-feathered crane, its tips shimmering blue-green, descended gracefully from the skies.
"Cloud Retainer, slow down!" Ganyu called after her. She was followed by a white-haired young woman with an expression as serene and distant as a snow-covered peak—Shenhe.
"Hmph. With Liyue's survival at stake, how could I be anything but swift?!" Cloud Retainer huffed, landing before swiftly turning and calling out.
"Ganyu, protect Shenhe and the civilians."
"Master, I can protect myself."
"You know nothing. This is called precaution."
As she spoke, enormous machines emerged from behind her. They resembled ballistae, but on a massive scale—like weapons capable of piercing the sky itself.
Cloud Retainer looked at the machines with pride gleaming in her eyes.
"These are the Guizhong Ballistae, creations born from collaboration with an old friend. Their power, when fully charged, rivals even a god's strike. If Beisht dares come closer, she won't be leaving alive!"
Just then, the clouds above began to churn violently. From the ink-black skies, flashes of violet lightning split the heavens. A bolt streaked downward, illuminating all of Liyue Harbor.
Thunder cracked.
A colossal figure rose from the heart of the swirling sea.
It had the body of a dragon, covered in gleaming, armored scales that shimmered with a metallic sheen.
Its head was draconic, eyes glowing with icy light, exuding an aura of overwhelming menace.
"It's Beisht," Ningguang said quietly, her eyes narrowing.
Everyone turned to the sea. In the distance, a massive shadow emerged from the waves. It loomed closer, and finally, the full form of Beisht broke the surface.
With a rumbling roar, she burst from the ocean, unleashing a tidal wave as tall as mountains. Her presence alone suffocated the battlefield.
"Prepare for battle!" Ningguang shouted.
The Millelith raised their weapons, forming defensive lines.
The Adepti revealed their divine powers—light flared in every direction as battle erupted with Beisht.
But Beisht's strength was beyond anything they'd imagined. She shrugged off attacks and continued her relentless march toward the harbor.
Suddenly, she opened her massive maw and unleashed a torrent of water straight at them.
"Blade of light—cut down all impurity!" Keqing shouted, her sword flashing with crackling energy.
In an instant, arcs of swordlight tore through the wave, slicing it cleanly in two.
The spray scattered.
And Beisht's towering form became clear once again.
As she drew closer, something unexpected caught everyone's eye—someone was standing atop her head.
"Is that… Shajin-ge?!" Ningguang's eyes widened in disbelief.
"No… way…" Keqing's hand trembled as she gripped her sword.
There, standing atop Beisht's head, was Shajin—calm, composed, wearing that ever-familiar smile as if everything was going according to plan.
"Everyone. Long time no see~" Shajin's voice echoed across the battlefield.
_
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