After boarding the Jade Chamber, it flew directly toward Osial, the Overlord of the Vortex. As they drew closer, Qin Yu's unease grew stronger.
"Are you alright? You seemed exhausted earlier..." Keqing asked, seizing a brief moment to check on Qin Yu.
To be honest, Qin Yu was on the verge of collapse. This was no exaggeration.
But now was not the time to complain or show weakness.
The ancient God had resurfaced in the mortal realm, and if it wasn't stopped, Liyue Port would surely be destroyed. Qin Yu had no intention of seeing such a future come to pass.
To ease Keqing's worries, Qin Yu forced a cheerful smile. "Don't worry! My stamina has recovered quite a bit."
"Really...? Don't push yourself," Keqing replied.
"Mm."
Speaking of which... Qin Yu was particularly concerned about someone present.
"Madame Ping, what are you doing here?"
Madame Ping, standing beside Ganyu, smiled. "Because I am also an Adeptus, dear."
"Eh?"
Really?
Qin Yu observed the Adepti's reactions. Their composure remained unwavering, none daring to refute Madame Ping's claim. Realizing she spoke the truth, Qin Yu was even more shocked.
The kind old Grandma is actually an Adeptus?!
"But... I didn't see you earlier..."
"Ah, being old, I let my dear friends go ahead first."
"I-I see..."
Still reeling from the revelation, Qin Yu suddenly felt an indescribable pressure bearing down on her. Even breathing became difficult.
Looking ahead, the water tornado had dissipated, revealing several colossal aquatic creatures resembling both fish and serpents breaching the surface. Qin Yu knew they were all part of a single entity: the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial.
If we're talking about size... yeah, it's definitely huge...
So massive, Qin Yu felt only a giant of light could rival it.
Ugh, are we really going to fight this thing?
She noticed several new recruits in the Millelith trembling visibly.
Turns out I'm not the only one scared. The realization brought her a sliver of relief.
"The enemy has emerged, but how can we defeat it?" Keqing asked, troubled.
Paimon turned to Qin Yu. "Invincible Maid, can you pierce it with your black box?"
Invincible Maid? What kind of lame nickname is that? Absolutely not.
Besides, that's asking the impossible! Even if I drained every ounce of my stamina, I couldn't do it!
At least not yet.
Qin Yu forced a smile. "That's highly unlikely. My firepower just isn't enough."
"Then is the firepower of the Guizhong Ballista sufficient?" Ningguang inquired.
Wait, don't ask me!
The Guizhong Ballista—a legendary crossbow cannon said to have been crafted by the Adepti—was designed to automatically intercept monsters and eliminate external threats. It was essentially an automated turret.
But even that contraption would struggle to harm an god, right?
Cloud Retainer snorted. "Insufficient. But this Adeptus shall make it so. The Guizhong Ballista was originally my creation. With a few refinements to the old design, I can achieve an evolution beyond the comprehension of you mortals—a weapon capable of confronting even the gods."
"Amazing!" Qin Yu exclaimed.
"Impressive," Shenhe added.
"Exactly! That's how formidable they are," Cloud Retainer declared proudly, lifting her head high.
Ningguang felt a flicker of relief. It seemed that while the Adepti couldn't guarantee the complete suppression of the God, they at least had countermeasures in place.
Being utterly helpless would have been the most catastrophic scenario.
"The Jade Chamber's mechanisms can manifest three Guizhong Ballistae," Ningguang said earnestly. "Three Adepti, I implore you to channel your Adeptus Power into them."
Qin Yu mused thoughtfully, "The Fatui's Sigil of Permission is merely a replica, lacking the full power of the original. Even if it can temporarily release an ancient god, the effect shouldn't last long."
"But even a temporary release could cause immense damage," Keqing said sternly. "Whether we fight a prolonged battle or strike swiftly, we must stop it at all costs!"
Ningguang surveyed the group, sensing their unwavering resolve, and nodded slightly.
"Then let's waste no time. The final battle begins now—commence!"
Ningguang ascended into the air, pointed into the void, and summoned a formation. The Jade Chamber's mechanisms whirred to life, constructing a spacious platform ahead. With a wave of her hand, three Guizhong Ballistae materialized.
Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, and Mountain Shaper simultaneously flew onto the ballistae, channeling their Adeptus Power into the machines.
In the next instant, countless light projectiles erupted forth, striking Osial's body with terrifying speed. The Vortex Archon writhed in agony, bellowing in pain.
What is this contraption? The firing rate is insane!
But it seems to be working!
Just as Qin Yu's heart surged with excitement, Paimon cried out, "The Fatui are here!"
Several teleportation portals materialized on the platform, and Fatui agents swarmed out.
"Damn it! They're trying to sabotage the Guizhong Ballistae! Stop them!" Keqing ordered, drawing her sword and leading the charge into the enemy ranks.
Why do they have to come and make things even more complicated at a time like this?!
Qin Yu's fury flared. She pulled out her Semi-Automatic Shotgun.
"Let's go," Qin Yu said.
"Mm," Shenhe replied.
Leaping onto the platform, Qin Yu immediately advanced on a Fatui skirmisher wielding a rifle. She pressed the muzzle against his abdomen and fired, blasting him off his feet.
Simultaneously multitasking, four Satellite Components darted across the battlefield, ambushing enemies one by one with concentrated energy beams.
When her shotgun ran dry, she swiftly drew her Combat Pistol, joining the chaotic fray from unpredictable angles, firing surprise shots.
The moment an ally was critically wounded, Qin Yu would immediately rush to their side and administer a healing shot from her Medical Pistol.
With her relentless efficiency in both eliminating enemies and healing allies, the Millelith's morale surged, their attacks growing increasingly ferocious.
Witnessing this, Paimon could only gasp in awe, "Wow."
But just then, Osial unleashed his divine power. A beam of light shot skyward, transforming into a massive water projectile that crashed onto the platform like a meteor.
The Force Field Shield blocked the brunt of the impact, but Qin Yu noticed the Fatui had reappeared, launching an even more relentless assault.
Don't these guys fear death at all? Qin Yu clicked her tongue inwardly, her anger simmering, yet she maintained her composure. Faced with this situation...
No choice. I'll have to use it again.
Qin Yu recalled her Satellite Component, switched the Planetary Component to travel mode, soared into the sky, flipped mid-air, and dove toward the Fatui stationed on the platform.
Overclock!
Everything around her slowed to a crawl, while she moved faster than ever. Catching them off guard, she darted forward and slashed down one enemy. She stomped her foot, propelled herself forward, and cut down another.
3... 2... 1... 0
By the time Overclock ended, more than half the Fatui had already been eliminated.
From the onlookers' perspective, Qin Yu suddenly moved with such blinding speed that she was barely visible—like a flash of lightning, striking down multiple Fatui in the blink of an eye.
Ganyu exclaimed in surprise, "Impressive..."
"Well done, Qin Yu!" Keqing cheered.
"All thanks to you..." Qin Yu managed to reply. Exhausted from the intense battle and the effects of her Skill, her mind felt hazy, as if she were in a dreamlike trance.
With the Fatui swiftly neutralized, the three Adepti could focus entirely on controlling the Guizhong Ballistae.
"The interference has been eliminated! We can unleash our full power!" Moon Carver declared.
As soon as his words echoed, the Adepti poured their combined Adeptus Power into the three Guizhong Ballistae. The coalesced energy formed a dazzling light cannon, which slammed into Osial with overwhelming force.
First came the light, followed by the deafening explosion.
Osial writhed in agony, his massive form twisting and contorting.
"Alright, if we keep suppressing him—" Paimon exclaimed in delight.
But this only seemed to enrage Osial further. Divine power, even stronger than before, coalesced into a blinding sphere of light.
Even those without Visions could clearly sense this extraordinary power.
Stimulated by this surge of divine energy, the dazed Qin Yu suddenly felt a sharp pain somewhere in her body. Deep within her mind, fragmented memories surfaced, flashing briefly before her eyes.
To perform this ritual and save your life, you must pay a price... Whether you accept or not, you should discuss it thoroughly with your friends.
Ritual? My life? A price...?
No, this isn't the time for such thoughts! Qin Yu forced herself back to a sliver of clarity and extended the Force Field Shield as far as possible, covering Shenhe, Keqing, and the Millelith soldiers.
If I can save even one person, it'll be worth it.
The Celestial System's energy depleted completely, and it vanished before her eyes.
By now, Osial had finished charging. The light sphere erupted, its radiance surging into the sky before transforming into countless water meteors that mercilessly bombarded the platform.
The Guizhong Ballista shattered, cracks spiderwebbing across the platform before it crumbled completely.
Everyone plummeted into the abyss.
This is bad! Qin Yu, summoning every ounce of her will, reactivated the Celestial System. The Planetary Component unfolded, propelling her toward the falling Shenhe and Keqing.
She grabbed Shenhe with one hand and Keqing with the other, then soared back to the Jade Chamber.
The moment her feet touched solid ground, Qin Yu's legs went weak with exhaustion. She leaned heavily against Keqing, unable to move.
"Qin Yu, you look terrible!" Keqing exclaimed, wrapping her arms around Qin Yu in concern.
"You're far too weak to be pushing yourself like this," Shenhe added.
"Ah ha ha... I'm fine. What about everyone else?"
Qin Yu immediately noticed the Adepti continuously bringing Millelith soldiers back to the Jade Chamber. Thanks to the Force Field Shield she had desperately maintained, the Millelith's losses didn't seem particularly severe.
Moreover, Ganyu, Ningguang, and the others appeared to be unharmed.
Phew... At least I won't have nightmares tonight. Qin Yu felt a wave of relief wash over her.
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper watched Qin Yu, thinking, She's always been one to put on a brave face. Just like when she was a child. But her valiant act had indeed saved many mortal soldiers, earning their respect.
But now was not the time.
"With the Guizhong Ballista destroyed and its suppressive power lost, we can hardly continue our counterattack," Cloud Retainer said.
Ganyu voiced her concern: "But the Jade Chamber is Liyue Port's last line of defense! If we retreat even half a step, countless lives in Liyue Port will be easily extinguished."
Mountain Shaper added, "That little thief said the Geo Archon isn't dead—he's just observing from the sidelines..."
"How can we possibly expect a god to come save us at a time like this?!" Keqing retorted.
"That's right. We can only rely on ourselves. And I... have another plan," Ningguang calmly announced.
"Meaning?" Keqing asked.
Ningguang took a breath and said earnestly, "We'll use the Jade Chamber to suppress it and force it back."
Ha?
How can the Jade Chamber suppress it?
Wait... does she mean...? Qin Yu realized the only possibility: Ningguang planned to detonate the Jade Chamber to destroy Osial.
But this was Ningguang's masterpiece, the "old friend" she had cherished for so long.
"Lady Ningguang, but..." Qin Yu protested urgently.
"Then Qin Yu, do you have a better plan?" Ningguang countered evenly.
Qin Yu's heart tightened under Ningguang's mesmerizing crimson gaze, rendering her speechless. She knew they stood no chance against a God-level enemy in a direct confrontation.
"I'm sorry," Qin Yu murmured.
Ningguang smiled warmly. "It's alright. I understand you're worried about me."
"But my resolve remains firm. I entrust this to the Adepti."
The Adepti exchanged glances before nodding in unison.
As the Jade Chamber soared directly above Osial, the Adepti gathered at the center of the platform, channeling their Adeptus Power in unison. Lumine, with her exceptional constitution and resilient soul, could withstand the immense Adeptus Power. She was chosen to deliver the final blow.
Qin Yu wanted to look away, but Ningguang reassured her:
"Our separation today is only to ensure our reunion in the future."
Lumine concentrated the Adeptus Power infused by the Adepti into her sword.
She plunged the blade downward.
The Jade Chamber lost its levitation and, propelled by the Adeptus Power, plummeted onto Osial's body. A deafening explosion erupted, bathing the sea in fiery light. Osial's massive form vanished beneath the waves.
The sky cleared, returning to its serene blue.
Carried on Cloud Retainer's back, Qin Yu recalled her past life in the Jade Chamber with Ningguang and Baiwen. She glanced back at the debris floating on the sea surface, and her nose tingled with sorrow.
It's gone, just like that...
Wait, are my things still in the Jade Chamber?
While her important possessions, like the White Cat plush, were stored in her rental apartment, many books and clothes remained inside the Chamber. Among them was her signed copy of The Citrus Within, secretly obtained at an autograph session.
Eh, no way... it's all gone?!
Overwhelmed by grief, Qin Yu covered her face and wailed silently.
My books—!
Shenhe, seated behind her, asked, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing..."
Back at Liyue Port, Qin Yu carefully dismounted from Cloud Retainer's back. With Shenhe's help, she settled onto a crate to rest, utterly drained.
Gazing at the tranquil sea, Qin Yu felt a pang of melancholy.
"...That malevolent aura has vanished," Moon Carver said. "It seems the Jade Chamber truly suppressed it. Even the Overlord of the Vortex should be unable to stir up further trouble."
Hearing this, Qin Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief.
It's best if no one else jumps out.
Of course, I don't want that cliché where they beat the old one and then an even older one pops up. I've had enough of that.
"Many thanks to you Adepti for your invaluable assistance," Ningguang said sincerely. "Without your aid, the future of Liyue Port would have been impossible to predict."
Moon Carver replied calmly, "As it is a 'Contract' with the Geo Archon, we are bound to uphold it."
Hmm? Their attitude is unexpectedly agreeable... Is it because Shenhe reasoned with them beforehand, or because our united efforts in the recent battle have earned the Adepti's respect? Qin Yu wondered.
Perhaps both.
"However, I believe the Qixing are well aware of our purpose in coming to Liyue Port: to uphold our Contract with the Geo Archon and protect Liyue."
"We are fully aware of the Qixing's actions thus far. Using the Adepti as a pawn in their schemes... demonstrates a certain cunning. And facing the God of Destruction head-on shows both courage and ambition," Moon Carver concluded.
Ningguang asked earnestly, "So, do the Adeptus support the Qixing taking over Liyue?"
"...No, we do not support it. But we do not oppose it either," Cloud Retainer replied.
"Does that mean you'll observe for now?" Keqing inquired.
Mountain Shaper nodded. "The Geo Archon established a Contract with us, tasking us with protecting Liyue. He also established a Contract with the Qixing, entrusting you with the same duty."
Madame Ping chuckled. "We're all following the same path, after all."
"However, I must say, the Qixing's response still lacks maturity. We once considered taking over Liyue directly with decisive action. If not for Shenhe pleading on your behalf..." Moon Carver trailed off.
Ningguang expressed her gratitude. "Thank you, Adeptus, for your understanding. And thank you, Shenhe."
Shenhe shook her head, indicating no thanks were necessary.
"Don't celebrate too soon," Moon Carver warned. "This is the first time in over three thousand years the Qixing have taken full control of Liyue. With the Adeptus gone, will the Qixing hold absolute power? In my opinion, we must remain vigilant."
Madame Ping sighed. "Ah, Moon Carver, you old codger, stop worrying so much. This is the era of 'Liyue's Contract with Humanity.' If there's any oversight needed, it should come from the people themselves."
"...In any case, let's observe for now," Moon Carver said.
Cloud Retainer added, "If the Qixing disappoint Liyue, they'll have us to answer to."
Keqing desperately wanted to say something, but she thought it best to leave it to Ningguang.
"I swear to you, esteemed Adepti," Ningguang said with a serene smile, "the future Liyue will never disappoint you... nor will it disappoint the people of Liyue."
"Then remember your words," Cloud Retainer replied.
Mountain Shaper remarked, "Speaking of which, aren't there rather a lot of people?"
Qin Yu turned around to look.
Whoa, a massive crowd had gathered in the distance, a dense sea of faces stretching as far as the eye could see.
Noticing the Adepti's gazes, they raised their hands, clapping and cheering wildly.
"The people still hold the Adepti in high regard," Ningguang said with a smile.
Mountain Shaper surveyed the surroundings. "Liyue Port has undergone a truly earth-shattering transformation. Cloud Retainer, don't you feel like we're a bit out of place?"
"Don't ask me," Cloud Retainer replied.
"I fear that once we grasp the current Contracts here, new changes will follow... Sigh, better to return, better to return."
"Before that," Xiao interjected, "we must inspect the Exuvia."
"The Conqueror of Demons speaks wisely. The Exuvia... Has the Geo Archon truly passed away?"
With this lingering doubt, the Adepti stood before Rex Lapis's Exuvia, observing it thoughtfully for a long time.
Whether Rex Lapis was truly dead remained an unresolved mystery. Judging by the Adepti's expressions, they hadn't figured it out either—and even if they had, they likely wouldn't reveal it.
After their inspection, the Adepti cautioned, "The Rite of Parting must be conducted flawlessly."
Only then did they depart.
Thus, this incident finally came to a close.
It was only a "close," however, because a mountain of unresolved matters remained.
Dealing with the Fatui remnants in Liyue, organizing the Rite of Parting, and managing the myriad affairs concerning the Jade Chamber... As Ningguang's personal maid, Qin Yu also had to attend to her mistress's daily needs.
Just thinking about it made her head spin.
Forget about all that for now, she thought. Let tomorrow's me handle it.