The sky above Liyue Harbor had been completely cleared by Qiu Bai's sword, turning it into a bright, cloudless expanse.
The raging winds and towering waves on the sea had calmed, and the area was now covered in lush, emerald-green vegetation—an extension of Qiu Bai's divine power. A gentle sea breeze brushed against the faces of Liyue's people, while the sun cast its warm light over the blue waters. Seagulls soared in flocks overhead, their presence serene and natural. The peaceful scene stood in stark contrast to the apocalyptic devastation from just moments ago.
Liuyun was still glaring at Qiu Bai, her expression betraying lingering frustration.
"Hey, I'm back, aren't I?"
"Enough, Liuyun. Next time, if there's trouble, I won't just stand by and watch."
Qiu Bai touched his nose and spoke calmly, looking at Liuyun.
"Hmph. If you hadn't come back…"
"Liyue Harbor would have been destroyed."
Liuyun stood still, gazing at the figure from five hundred years ago, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. For a moment, she had truly believed something had happened to Qiu Bai. Now that he stood before her, unharmed, she couldn't help but smile.
"My lord Immortal, I am this generation's Tianquan Star, Ningguang."
Ningguang stepped forward gracefully, her jade-like legs moving with elegance as she studied the approachable immortal before her.
She observed him carefully—his long, ink-black hair cascading over pristine white robes, untouched by dust. His face was as warm and refined as polished jade, and his light blue eyes held the elegance of a midnight sky shimmering with distant starlight. Standing at about 1.85 meters, he gave off an air of gentleness—so different from the figure who had just cleaved the sky with a single strike.
"Ningguang, I know you."
"It wasn't easy for a little girl who once couldn't even afford shoes to achieve all this."
Qiu Bai's voice was calm and gentle as it reached her ears.
"You've done well. Even without the gods, Liyue Harbor has learned to stand on its own."
"I am very pleased."
Qiu Bai nodded slowly as he looked at her.
Hearing those words, Ningguang felt a smile form on her lips. Recognition from a god was no small feat.
"If it weren't for the Fatui Harbinger, the Doctor, lifting the suppression of the Geo Spear just now…"
"I assume you had a way to seal the Archon back beneath the sea?"
Qiu Bai smiled as he asked.
Ningguang remained silent but responded with a slight smile of her own.
"Of course, I had a way."
"The Doctor... the second-ranked Fatui Harbinger?"
Ningguang murmured under her breath. No wonder she had been unable to locate the last of the Harbingers—she hadn't expected him to be the Doctor.
"Immortal Lord, where is he now?"
She asked, her gaze sharp, eyes filled with a cold determination that suggested she was ready to eliminate him at once.
"You mean the Doctor? I've already erased him."
A faint smile played at the corner of Qiu Bai's lips.
"There are many versions of the Doctor in this world."
"I eliminated one of the two strongest."
His words were measured and calm as he spoke to Ningguang.
"I understand."
"Thank you, my lord Immortal."
Ningguang bowed respectfully to the deity of her nation. Then, she turned to the assembled Adepti.
"My deepest gratitude to the Adepti for your assistance. Were it not for your timely presence…
"Liyue Harbor's future would have been uncertain."
She addressed them with measured composure.
"Hmph. No need for flattery."
"Besides, we were not merely passing by. Have you already chosen to forget why we are here?"
Cloud Retainer stepped forward, her graceful legs carrying her effortlessly as she cast a cold glance at Ningguang.
"Cloud Retainer, there is no need for hostility,"
Madame Ping interjected, stepping between the two women, her voice calm and steady.
"Thank you, Immortal, for speaking on my behalf. However, aside from Lord Qiu Bai…
"We are well aware of the reason for your presence here, but I must apologize—we cannot yield."
Ningguang, standing atop the Jade Chamber, smiled as she glanced at Qiu Bai before turning her gaze to the assembled Adepti. Slowly, she spoke.
"Oh?"
Moon Carver Zhenjun looked slightly surprised that Ningguang was aware of their true purpose.
"For 3,700 years… According to historical records, you Adepti entered into a contract with the Lord of Geo to protect Liyue. It has been over 3,700 years since then."
Ningguang recounted the past with a measured tone before shifting her gaze to the Immortal Lord beside her.
"And yet, my lord Immortal, you are not a god of contracts. Rather, you were the close friend of the Lord of Geo."
"You were also a close companion to the Adepti, standing together in defense of Liyue Harbor."
"Records state that, a thousand years ago, you once fought against the Lord of Geo himself. And after that battle, the two of you became friends."
"Together, you both descended during the Rite of Parting, guiding the future development and planning of Liyue Harbor."
"Then, when a great dragon emerged from the depths of the Chasm, you saved tens of thousands of people."
"The people of Liyue, in gratitude, called you the Yin-Yang Twin Immortal. And today, the tale of Liyue having two divine beings has spread across all seven nations."
"Five hundred years ago, another war broke out—one between Adepti and demons. But a single person put an end to the bloodshed, redeeming the exiled demons beyond the sea… before falling into a deep slumber."
"Even now, those demons remain in seclusion across Liyue, appearing only to lend aid to those in need."
"And just moments ago, you once again saved Liyue from the brink of disaster."
Ningguang paused for a moment before turning to the gathered Adepti.
"For 3,700 years, the mountains and rivers of Liyue have stood unshaken, its lands as steadfast as they were a thousand years ago. It is a grand accomplishment worthy of admiration."
"But that does not mean Liyue is the same as it was 3,700 years ago."
"I ask that you not only guard the land itself—but truly look at this city. At its people."
She spoke with calm conviction, her words directed at the Adepti before her.
"Are you questioning the way we have protected Liyue?"
Moon Carver Zhenjun stepped forward, now in human form, regarding Ningguang with an indifferent gaze.
"I mean no disrespect," Ningguang replied, placing a hand over her chest. "I only ask that you, my honored elders, consider what is best for Liyue today."
"Hmph. Calling us 'elders,' are you?"
"You Seven Star juniors are in no position to speak of seniority before me."
Cloud Retainer turned her head with an air of cold pride, closing her eyes as she spoke dismissively.
Qiu Bai, hearing Cloud Retainer's sharp words, twitched slightly at the corner of his mouth before raising a hand to his forehead.
Stepping forward, he lightly tapped Cloud Retainer's shoulder as she turned away with a snort.
Leaning in close, he whispered by her ear.
"You know, Cloud, you really haven't changed at all."
"You've always had a way with words, but maybe it's time you worked on that."
His voice carried a warmth that tickled her ear, sending an unexpected shiver down her spine.
Startled, Cloud Retainer immediately stepped back, her face tinged with red as she shot him a sharp glare.
"Could you not suddenly get so close to me?"
"You—you've been gone for so long, and now you just show up like this!"
She huffed, flustered, her usual cold demeanor cracking slightly as she stared at him, both embarrassed and annoyed.