Hearing Hu Tao's words, Qin Yu finally grasped the situation.
Eight against one. They could win with their eyes closed!
It was a battle with no suspense whatsoever.
Though she hadn't expected so many allies to come to her aid, Qin Yu felt a wave of relief wash over her. She exhaled softly and met the Fiend's gaze head-on.
The Fiend offered no response to Hu Tao's taunt. Its form gradually faded into the thin black mist, as if preparing to flee.
Is it trying to escape?
Ganyu loosed a Frostflake Arrow, but it struck only empty air. Accompanied by an unsettling, mocking laugh, the Fiend's figure vanished completely into the thin veil of black mist.
Keqing frowned. "Did it flee because the situation turned against it?"
Yelan, ever vigilant, replied, "Though it appears intelligent, as a creature born from the remnants of a god, instinct likely dominates its actions. We must remain cautious."
No sooner had she spoken than the fiend suddenly revealed its true form, conjuring razor-sharp claws that lunged at Hu Tao.
"Whoa!" Hu Tao exclaimed in surprise, but her reaction was swift. Her spear, wreathed in crimson flames, slashed through the air, leaving a blazing arc. Yet, like the arrows before, the spearhead struck nothing but empty space, barely stirring the swirling black mist.
Ningguang narrowed her eyes. "Can't hit it?"
"Hmm, that's strange..." Hu Tao muttered.
The fiend reappeared, but this time it had multiplied into six identical forms.
"Splitting itself? A petty trick," Ningguang scoffed, casually flicking a gemstone toward the fiends. Yanfei sensed something amiss but still launched a fireball as a probing attack.
From Yelan's wrist, ethereal blue threads materialized. She manipulated these Lingering Lifelines, sending them darting forward in an attempt to ensnare all six fiends at once.
Yet whether they hurled gems, fireballs, or silken threads, all struck only empty air, completely failing to harm the Fiend.
"It's not working?" Keqing murmured, puzzled.
The six Fiends flickered, vanishing and reappearing repeatedly to disrupt their vision before suddenly lunging at the group of eight. They swiped relentlessly, forcing Keqing, Shenhe, and Hu Tao to urgently parry and defend.
"Are all six solid? Could there actually be six of them?" Keqing analyzed aloud.
Shenhe shook her head. "The auras feel... off."
"But its aura is clearly divided into six distinct parts," Ganyu added, also looking slightly puzzled.
While the Fiend posed no immediate threat to them, its peculiar nature made it difficult to deal with quickly.
Moreover, they were trapped within an Abode saturated with fiendish energy. Even Adepti couldn't linger here for long, let alone humans wielding only Visions—and Qin Yu didn't even have a Vision!
They needed to end this swiftly.
Yanfei's thoughts raced.
"Not splitting, not six separate entities, yet each bears its aura... Could it be..." Understanding dawned on Yanfei as she observed more closely.
The attacks had never been launched simultaneously.
"It's not splitting, but leaping! It doesn't exist within any of these illusions. Instead, it lurks outside, only momentarily leaping onto the illusions during attacks, creating the illusion that all of them are the true body!"
Upon hearing Yanfei's analysis, the fiend's six illusions flickered and vanished.
Immediately afterward, dozens of new illusions flooded the entire abode, circling at dizzying speed, poised to strike.
Ganyu calmly observed, "It seems your analysis was correct, but such a massive number..."
Keqing declared fiercely, "Then we'll cut them all down!"
That's way too reckless! Qin Yu thought. In this situation, what technique would be most effective...?
I've got it.
Fortunately, Qin Yu had upgraded a new skill yesterday.
Data Collection Rate: 84%
But the collection rate was still insufficient; it needed to reach at least 95%. Otherwise, any errors or missed opportunities could alert the troublesome fiend, making it even harder to deal with.
They needed to eliminate it with a single, decisive blow.
"I have a plan," Shenhe said.
"Oh? You have a plan too? Tell us," Hu Tao said, her interest piqued.
"Smash the Abode. That way, it will be crushed."
Too simple and brutal, perhaps.
Ningguang countered, "Then the Evil Qi would leak through the cracks, harming others... That won't do. Could we use large-scale Arts to suppress and seal it instead?"
"We could, but that would be inefficient. Moreover, this fiend is cunning and possesses unique properties; it might escape during the sealing process. It would be better to annihilate and purify it directly," Ganyu suggested.
"I'll destroy it," Qin Yu declared, summoning Excalibur and taking a deep breath. "But it will take some time."
Her stamina had recovered slightly; she should be able to manage. No, she had to manage.
The others exchanged glances before nodding in agreement.
Though they didn't know Qin Yu's exact plan, her unwavering commitment gave them confidence.
"Then let's make a grand commotion!" Hu Tao grinned.
"The monster has appeared!" Ganyu warned.
As the others defended against the onslaught of Fiends and monsters, Qin Yu's Data Collection rate steadily climbed. The fiercer the Fiends' attacks, the faster her progress.
Data Collection Rate: 90%
Data Collection Rate: 95%
Just a little more now.
Qin Yu continued to slay monsters with Excalibur in its rifle mode, waiting for the Data Collection rate to reach the optimal level.
Data Collection Rate: 100%
Now!
Causality Calculation!
The moment the Skill activated, all the data surged through her mind. Every detail about the Fiends was now known to her, weaving into countless threads of fate.
Listing every possibility, she calculated, eliminated, and refined.
Countless constructed threads snapped, discarded.
Only one thread remained—the sole accurate conclusion derived from exhaustive analysis of all data.
In five seconds, the Fiend would leap in that direction. Upon reaching the phantom image, it would slash downward at a sixty-degree angle with its claws, targeting Shenhe.
I see it.
Qin Yu reached out and seized the singular thread of fate.
Then she severed it.
Overclock!
As everything slowed to a crawl, Qin Yu surged forward, positioned herself perfectly, and swung Excalibur with all her might.
In the fifth second, the Fiend materialized, only to be bisected by Excalibur the moment it appeared. Its speed was so great that it had no time to react.
"Got you."
Feeling the solid impact of her strike, Qin Yu gripped the hilt tighter and pressed her attack.
One strike, two strikes, three strikes... a torrential downpour of sword light shredded the Fiend into dust.
She then spun around and retreated, summoning her Armament Platform.
The fiery glare of the quad-barreled cannon illuminated the entire Abode, incinerating the last vestiges of the Fiend into nothingness.
Silence descended once more.
What just happened? How did she know the Fiend would appear there? And how did she strike it so perfectly?
It's almost like she saw the future.
Keqing's unspoken thoughts echoed the others' astonishment. Qin Yu's actions had been nothing short of miraculous, her timing and positioning impeccable.
"Cough—" A nauseating cough tore through Qin Yu's throat as she collapsed to one knee.
As she was about to fall completely, Keqing and Shenhe, finally snapping out of their daze, rushed to support her.
Seeing Qin Yu's ashen face, Keqing cried out anxiously, "You've been here too long! Even with your unique constitution, you can't push yourself like this. We need to get you out of here!"
Ganyu added with concern, "Qin Yu... rest assured, leave the rest to me. Shenhe, lend me a hand. We'll use a ritual to purify this Wicked Place of all remaining demonic energy."
Shenhe nodded slowly.
In a daze, Qin Yu was helped out of the Abode.
The sunlight outside the Abode stung her eyes, but the fresh air made her feel somewhat better.
After fighting for so long in the Wicked Place, she felt completely drained and weak the moment she let her guard down.
Keqing sat Qin Yu down on a rock and leaned down to ask anxiously, "How are you feeling now? Are you experiencing any discomfort?"
"N-no problem..." Qin Yu stammered.
"Really?" Keqing pressed.
Qin Yu smiled reassuringly. "Really, I'm fine."
Keqing finally let out a sigh of relief.
"That's great! But just to be safe, we should still take you to Bubu Pharmacy later for a check-up. Who knows what might come up?" Yanfei insisted.
Ningguang nodded in agreement. "Yanfei is right. We can't afford to be careless..."
"Ah ha ha, I understand," Qin Yu chuckled, feeling warmth spread through her chest at their concern.
They're right. I should definitely get a proper check-up later. I can't afford any more complications, she thought, letting out a deep breath.
But for now, let's celebrate a little.
Qin Yu touched her chest. The strange sensation she had felt earlier was now gone.
It seems the plan worked perfectly. The lingering mark within her body has been successfully erased.
And since I wasn't exposed to the Fiend for too long after separating from it, I shouldn't need to worry about the Remnants of a god.
I feel completely relieved.
"Oh, right."
I almost forgot to tell Keqing.
Qin Yu turned to Keqing and smiled. "I've completely remembered everything about us."
"Mm, I know. That's why I came. I'm so glad you're okay. I never want to see you suffer like you did when we were children again," Keqing said, her eyes growing warm. She closed her eyes and feigned composure.
Tch, couldn't you say something nicer at a time like this? I've remembered everything! Qin Yu felt deeply dissatisfied.
Fine, if you won't come to me, I'll come to you.
Qin Yu pulled Keqing into her arms, embracing her tightly.
Ningguang and Yanfei exchanged subtle glances. Only Hu Tao, ever the troublemaker, fanned herself coyly and exclaimed, "Aiyo, so clingy even in broad daylight!"
Enough already. What's so strange about this?
Evaluation: C (Keqing)
Keqing trembled. "Wait, what are you doing...?"
"I'm back. This time, for real... I just wanted to tell you that. I'm sorry for making you wait so long," Qin Yu whispered earnestly.
Evaluation: B- (Keqing)
Understanding Qin Yu's meaning, Keqing's face flushed crimson, and she returned the embrace with profound emotion.
"I wasn't waiting," she murmured. "As long as you're safe, that's all that matters to me. But... welcome back."
Ningguang and Yanfei, moved by the heartfelt scene between the two, relaxed their brows. Their earlier discomfort now seemed petty in light of this moment.
Hu Tao sighed wistfully. "How wonderful... I wish I'd known Fishy Treasure when I was little."
Don't even think about corrupting my past self, Qin Yu grumbled inwardly.
Yelan leaned against a tree, observing the scene with keen interest, her silence as sharp as her gaze.
Her gaze shifted as Ganyu and Shenhe emerged from the entrance of the Abode.
"The area has been purified and is now completely safe," Ganyu reported with a gentle smile.
Then she saw Qin Yu and Keqing embracing.
"Ah..."
Ganyu lowered her head dejectedly, her heart twisting with an unfamiliar ache.
If they were alone, she might have dared to ask Qin Yu for a similar embrace. But not here, not with so many familiar faces watching.
Though Shenhe felt a flicker of annoyance, she quickly let it go, remembering the shared history between Qin Yu and Keqing.
"I'm so glad you've remembered everything... Is that the right thing to say?" Shenhe asked hesitantly. After all, Qin Yu's past wasn't exactly pleasant—it was about on par with her own.
"Yeah... I'm really glad too."
Memories are important, Qin Yu thought, feeling Keqing's warmth.
Embarrassed, Keqing released her grip and stepped back, clearing her throat. "This was just a childhood friend's embrace. It has no special meaning. Please don't misunderstand."
"Why do you feel the need to emphasize that?" Ningguang asked.
"Only someone who's been misunderstood would warn others against it," Hu Tao murmured, stroking her chin thoughtfully.
Ganyu's eyes shifted uneasily.
Yanfei tilted her head in confusion. "What do you mean by 'special meaning'? Isn't being childhood friends already special enough? So many people dream of having that, but it's so rare!"
Under the group's scrutiny, Keqing's face flushed even deeper.
"Qin Yu, tell them it's true!" she blurted, passing the spotlight to Qin Yu.
"Yes, it's perfectly normal," Qin Yu replied.
Just a hug. What's so strange about that?
If we're talking about truly strange things, every one of us here—except for Yelan—has done something... Qin Yu muttered inwardly, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"Thank you all! Truly..."
Qin Yu lowered her head. "I never expected you all to come and help me. I didn't want to trouble you. This is my own matter, and I need to resolve it myself."
My safety is my responsibility alone.
I can't rely on others. I can't depend on others.
This conviction remained unchanged.
Just because they had come to her aid once didn't mean Qin Yu would suddenly abandon her lifelong belief.
However...
Qin Yu lifted her head, a genuine smile blooming on her face. "But because of this, I now know that there are people who care deeply about me."
Knowing that was enough.
In fact, this was the most important thing of all.
It felt like coming home to someone waiting, a comforting sense of security.
Qin Yu thought, feeling immense satisfaction. Even the way she looked at Shenhe and the others was filled with clear joy.
Ningguang responded with a gentle smile.
Hu Tao sat beside her and patted her shoulder.
Ganyu smiled shyly. Yanfei, meanwhile, seemed lost in her own world again, her thoughts drifting elsewhere.
Keqing's flushed cheeks persisted as she wordlessly flicked her ponytail. Shenhe's gaze softened like water as she nodded gently.
Evaluation: C+ (Yanfei)
Evaluation: C+ (Ningguang)
Evaluation: C+ (Hu Tao)
Evaluation: C+ (Ganyu)
Evaluation: B+ (Keqing)
Evaluation: B+ (Shenhe)
Yelan chuckled. "Even me? I merely took on the work Ningguang assigned me."
Ningguang's work?
"Of course, Miss Yelan! Regardless of the circumstances, the fact remains that you helped me, and I'm deeply grateful!" Qin Yu expressed her sincerity.
Yelan was taken aback, then exchanged a glance with Ningguang.
"What do you think?" Ningguang asked.
"Not bad," Yelan said. "Her abilities are quite remarkable, exceeding my expectations. I'll gladly accept your gratitude, then. I hope we can get along well in the future."
Evaluation: D (Yelan)
Exceeding her expectations? That sounds a lot like what Ningguang would say... Qin Yu's face flushed slightly as she quickly replied, "Okay."
So Yelan is one of Ningguang's subordinates, too.
Seeing that her two trusted allies had formed a positive impression of each other, Ningguang felt satisfied.
"Now then—" Ningguang began, changing the subject.
"It's time to head back," Qin Yu said with a smile.
"No."
Eh?
Ganyu said earnestly, "Before that, I want to have a proper talk with you, Qin Yu!"
Keqing added with a frown, "That's right! I almost forgot. We need to give you a serious lecture."
Ningguang's expression remained impassive. "Running off alone to risk your life in a place like this... Qin Yu, I'm deeply displeased with your actions. Do you understand?"
Shenhe said calmly, "Don't take such risks. I was very worried about you."
Yanfei spoke rapidly, "Exactly! What would I have done if something had happened to you? We need to discuss this thoroughly and seriously!"
"Fishy Treasure."
Hu Tao chimed in, her voice unusually serious, "Your mother specifically asked me to take good care of you. I can't just ignore that now, can I?"
Yelan silently retreated to the side, signaling her non-involvement.
Wait!
Qin Yu panicked, "I-I know I was wrong to begin with. I'm so sorry, please forgive me."
"Please be quiet for a moment and let me speak," Ganyu said sternly.
"Ah, okay..."
Qin Yu shrank back, her head bowed as she endured a round of scolding from everyone.
Although Shenhe didn't lecture her, her constant expressions of worry only intensified Qin Yu's guilt, causing her head to droop even lower.
This is terrible.
(Spy- 6 wives equal 6 times the nagging)