Jiang Chen spotted Childe and Yelan and immediately descended.
"Threads Intertwine!"
Yelan controlled strands of water-formed threads, weaving a net around the area. She knew she might not be Childe's match, so she avoided direct confrontation. Her goal was to stall. Once the battle with Osial ended, Jiang Chen would surely come to her aid.
Childe frowned as he observed the threads encircling him. Was she trying to buy time? He quickly saw through Yelan's plan. Trap him and prevent his escape?
"Sorry, but these tricks won't stop me."
"I don't have time to play with you anymore."
Delaying would only put Childe at a disadvantage. If Jiang Chen arrived, escape would be impossible. He couldn't afford to be captured. With that in mind, Childe prepared to activate his Delusion and break free.
"I don't need to stall you for long."
"Just a little while is enough."
Yelan remained unfazed. A minute or two would suffice. Jiang Chen's speed ensured he'd arrive quickly. She drew her bow and unleashed a rapid barrage of water arrows at Childe.
Realizing Yelan's determination, Childe stopped holding back. Purple lightning crackled around him as he prepared to activate his Delusion.
But just as he was about to transform, Jiang Chen arrived.
"Rider Kick!"
Jiang Chen descended like a meteor, his foot engulfed in flames. Sensing the intense heat, Yelan smirked. She tightened her threads, ensnaring Childe.
"No escape!"
Childe's expression changed. Too late! As he struggled, Jiang Chen's flaming kick struck his side.
BOOM!
Childe, mid-transformation, was sent flying. He crashed into a boulder, embedding himself into the rock before it shattered. His Delusion deactivated instantly.
Jiang Chen landed gracefully, satisfied with his work.
"Hello."
"Thanks for helping me find my family's treasure."
Yelan greeted Jiang Chen, ignoring the now-unconscious Childe.
"No problem!"
"Let's take him back."
"He's the mastermind behind all this."
"We can't just leave him here."
Jiang Chen glanced at the dust clearing around Childe's crumpled form.
Yelan nodded. This was a golden opportunity. A live Fatui Harbinger could fetch a hefty price. She bound Childe with her threads and handed him to Jiang Chen.
"You take him."
"If I drag him back, the Fatui might go berserk."
Jiang Chen agreed.
"Alright."
"I'll take him to the Jade Chamber."
He flew off with Childe in tow, heading straight for the Jade Chamber.
Back at the Jade Chamber, Ningguang was overseeing the Fatui prisoners. Seeing Jiang Chen return with Childe, she smiled.
"Lock him in the dungeon!"
The Jade Chamber's dungeon was heavily fortified with adeptal seals. Breaking in would require breaching the entire chamber—a near-impossible feat.
Jiang Chen dropped the unconscious Childe on the ground, and the Millelith dragged him away.
"Get him treated."
"Don't let him die."
Jiang Chen reminded them. Childe's injuries were severe, especially his kidneys.
Ningguang nodded. A live Harbinger was far more valuable. She ordered Baishi to arrange medical care.
With that settled, Jiang Chen prepared to leave.
"I'll head down now."
"Let me know if you need anything."
He had his own tasks. The citizens needed an explanation, and Jiang Chen had one ready. He'd reveal the truth, stoke public outrage against the Fatui, and begin their expulsion from Liyue.
As Jiang Chen left, Ningguang returned to her duties.
Back in his office, Jiang Chen summoned his staff.
"Draft a public announcement."
The people were eager for answers. When the notice was posted, a crowd quickly gathered.