On the surface, apart from Jiang Chen, Liyue also has various Yakshas and adepti. Most importantly, Morax has retired, not died. Coupled with all the mechanical creations... Hah! How many opponents can actually stand against them?
Hearing Jiang Chen's words, Osial grew even more furious. But after being beaten up for so long, its mind remained somewhat clear. However... letting it return just like that? It was unwilling. After finally being freed, with its delicate wife by its side, how could it go back to the dark abyss of the sea? The mere thought made Osial want to fight back.
"Unaccepta—"
"O Sun, Submit to Death!"
Before Osial could finish, Jiang Chen moved. This time, it wasn't a test. He unleashed his full power. Terrifying magical energy surged around him. At this moment, the sun in the sky burned even hotter. Simultaneously, people across other nations sensed this overwhelming force.
In the palace of Snezhnaya, the Tsaritsa rose from her throne and stepped outside, gazing at the blazing sun. "Liyue… Ajax!" The Cryo Archon had sensed the commotion in Liyue. She never imagined Liyue still harbored someone so powerful. From now on, Snezhnaya's actions toward Liyue would need caution. She was certain this wasn't Morax's power. "I hope everything goes smoothly." As for the rest, she said nothing. She'd be informed of events in due time.
The explosive power erupting from Liyue was likely linked to Childe's actions. Had they clashed directly with Liyue? It seemed Snezhnaya needed to prepare.
"Old Man!!"
"I regret this so much!!"
"Had I known, I wouldn't have let him leave!"
"Even if it meant offering him the position of Grand Master, I should've kept him in Mondstadt!"
Venti stared at Jiang Chen's unleashed power, utterly stunned. If only Jiang Chen had stayed in Mondstadt… He could've even become the Knights' Grand Master! Now, Venti felt like he'd missed out on a fortune. Zhongli, hearing Venti's lament, couldn't help but smirk. He was thoroughly satisfied—and surprised—by Jiang Chen's strength. Watching the sun hovering over Guyun Stone Forest, Zhongli felt at ease. With this, Liyue was secure. He could retire peacefully.
"Let's go."
"We'll return to Liyue Harbor."
"Did you bring no wine for me this time?"
Zhongli, in high spirits, joked with Venti. But Venti's face darkened. "That bastard took all my wine!"
"Old Man, you must avenge me!!"
Venti began whining pitifully. Jiang Chen had stolen his precious stash! Zhongli raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"
"Do tell!"
As Zhongli listened to Venti's tale, he chuckled. "Perhaps you should ask him yourself when he returns."
He glanced toward Jiang Chen, who was launching his final attack. Venti followed his gaze—and saw a sun plummet into the sea.
BOOM!
The explosion shook the heavens. A mushroom cloud rose over Guyun Stone Forest. Citizens of Liyue Harbor gaped in awe. They'd never witnessed such a spectacle! Even Childe, a battle fanatic, gulped nervously. Thank the Tsaritsa I didn't challenge him earlier. He loved fighting, but he wasn't suicidal.
"(⊙o⊙) WOW!!"
"Such a HUGE mushroom!"
Klee, who'd been bombing fish at Starsnatch Cliff, stared starry-eyed at the distant mushroom cloud. She knew explosions—this was her dream! "Klee has decided!"
"Klee will find the big brother who plants mushrooms!!"
She'd seen it once before, in Wolvendom. Now it was in Liyue! She remembered Jean mentioning a trip there soon. Abandoning her fish, Klee sprinted back to Mondstadt. She'd join them and find that big brother!
Meanwhile, Jiang Chen hovered above the massive crater his attack had carved into the seabed. Osial and Beisht lay battered below. At full strength, Osial might've resisted, but centuries of imprisonment had weakened it. Beisht, a lesser god, survived only because Osial shielded it.
The explosion's shockwaves triggered towering tsunamis racing toward Liyue Harbor. After quelling the Fatui, Ningguang and the others tensed—until five beams of light descended along the coast. The Yakshas, revived by Jiang Chen, wove their power into a colossal barrier protecting the harbor. They'd arrived quietly earlier but now acted to shield their home.