Episode 174.6: Jade Chamber, SMASH IT FOR ME!!
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Wow, that's amazing! As expected of Madame Ping!" ]
[ Madame Ping (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, I'm old, I can't do it anymore." ]
[ Kazuma Satou (KonoSuba): "Do Adepti get old? Your Archon lived for six thousand years, so Adepti should also be thousands of years old, right?" ]
[ Rimuru Tempest (Tensura) "Why is that Ganyu so young, but this one is~...." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Sometimes, being old might mean the heart is old." ]
[ Yanqing (Honkai: Star Rail) "I don't understand." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Perhaps you will in the future." ]
[ .....]
『 Looking at the sudden burst of light on Lumine, Paimon asked with a puzzled expression: "Is this a display of Adeptal energy?"
Paimon's memory drifted back to their recent trip to Jueyun Karst: "Traveler, the light on you looks so similar to when we were in Jueyun Karst~!"
Although Lumine herself was bewildered, this power had already revitalized her.
Immediately, she wielded this power and launched an attack on the remaining Fatui soldiers.
Seeing the combat prowess Lumine subsequently displayed, Paimon exclaimed:
"Is this the legendary Madame Peng Shockwave? Madam Peng is too strong!"
As the battle temporarily ceased, a new light surged from Lumine.
At the same time, a familiar voice drifted in with the wind.
"With the blood of the Qilin, I guard you against evil." Ganyu's voice flowed in with Adeptal energy, "Cast your fear of injury by the wayside and fight with all your might. I, too, did this during the Archon War."
Hearing Ganyu's past deeds for the first time, Paimon was full of exclamations: "Huh... So this is what Ganyu's like in a fight..."
"My name means 'swiftness.'" The Conqueror of Demons' voice followed closely, "Carry my Adeptal energy and run like me!"
With the blessing of agility, Lumine's speed underwent a drastic change.
At least ten times faster than usual.
Even Paimon, who was following closely behind Lumine, exclaimed that it was difficult to keep up with this whirlwind-like speed.
Soon, Madame Peng's voice rang out again: "Child, you are strong in body and spirit. Perhaps you can withstand three forms of adeptal energy at once..."
This was met with unanimous agreement from Ganyu and Xiao.
So, the three of them simultaneously poured their Adeptal energy into Lumine's body—
"This will hurt a little... Please bear with us..." —from a certain gentle Cocogoat. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): Why does that sound a little off to me? ]
[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail): "Looks like you know a lot~" ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "After all, she's Onee-chan." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "What are you guys understanding?" ]
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Hehehe." ]
[ Stelle (Honkai: Star Rail): "Hehehe." ]
[ .....]
『 "Once you get used to it, start trying to use this power." —from the mouth of that frequently encountered Adeptus.
After this round of power enhancement, Lumine felt as if she had become invincible.
She wanted to name this state: Trinity Mode!
With the added power, Lumine's performance on the battlefield became even more heroic, and her combat was like a tiger with wings.
Although the Fatui soldiers were still numerous, with her and the other Millelith's combined efforts, the battle gradually tilted towards an easier side.
Just as everyone thought the battle was progressing smoothly, Ganyu's anxious warning came from afar:
"Everyone, Exercise caution! I fear that the god's power has reached its peak!"
These words fell into Keqing's ears, but they sparked a different interpretation: "As long as we can get through this, there won't be any greater challenges afterwards, right?"
After receiving confirmation, Keqing led the Millelith in an even fiercer engagement with the Fatui.
Soon, with Lumine's help, the Fatui soldiers were cleared out one by one. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Great! Those Fatui guys have been cleaned up!" ]
[ .....]
『 "The obstacles have been removed, we no longer need to be distracted by this." Cloud Retainer saw that the surrounding enemies had been cleared and said to her two colleagues beside her. Immediately, the three Adepti intensified their offensive.
The three beams of light from the Guizhong Ballistas surged with energy and converged into one, forming a massive attack energy that shot straight towards the distant Overlord of the Vortex Osial.
This strike heavily damaged Osial, with significant effect.
Paimon witnessed this scene and danced excitedly in the air:
"Look, look, it's working! Just keep pressing him like this!"
The situation now looked excellent, but Ningguang keenly sensed something unusual.
Osial, who was under heavy attack, actually gathered a large number of energy spheres again.
Everyone thought this would be a new round of attacks on the platform, but Osial suddenly shot these energy spheres into the sky.
In an instant, dense, rain-like energy spheres of the Archon's divine power poured down like a torrent, not only causing panic among the crowd to flee,
Even the three Guizhong Ballistas were quickly damaged, and the ground platform shattered under continuous impact.
Seeing that the people in battle were about to fall due to the broken platform,
The Adepti operating the Guizhong Ballistas quickly rescued the Millelith one by one to the safety of the Jade Chamber.
Xiao, who had rescued Lumine, frowned as soon as he landed and admonished: "You, be careful."
Cloud Retainer stood nearby, her stern gaze locked on the distant Overlord of the Vortex, Osial.
"The Guizhong Ballistas have been destroyed. Without them, it will be difficult for us to launch an effective counterattack against the Archon."
"But the Jade Chamber is our last line of defense." Thinking of Liyue, which she had painstakingly built over thousands of years, the overworked Cocogoat's eyes were firm: "For Liyue, we must not take a single step back."
Just as everyone was filled with anxiety, Tianquan Ningguang suddenly appeared in the center of the crowd.
"I, I have a way to resolve this crisis."
As she spoke, the hesitation on Ningguang's face gradually faded, replaced by decisiveness, finally transforming into unwavering determination. That resolve seemed enough to save Liyue Harbor from dire straits.
Ganyu saw this and seemed to grasp some message,
"Lady Ningguang, do you mean...?"
Keqing also seemed to be meeting this woman for the first time, finding the answer in her resolve.
Under the gaze of all eyes, Ningguang slowly stepped forward and revealed her plan: "I have decided..." Her gaze was like a torch, every word striking: "I'll sacrifice the Jade Chamber!" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "SACRIFICE THE JADE CHAMBER?!!" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "No way, wouldn't it be a huge waste to sacrifice something so expensive?" ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "It was said before that the Jade Chamber is very important, but why sacrifice it now?" ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "Did she actually make such a decision?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Ningguang." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "The Jade Chamber, although it has been my lifelong wish and hard work since childhood, without Liyue, we are nothing. So the two cannot be compared." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, as expected of Miss Tianquan Ningguang." ]
[ Shinomiya Kaguya (Love Is War): "Suddenly feels so great." ]
[ .....]
『 And in the scene, hearing these words, everyone showed shock.
One must know that the Jade Chamber was Ningguang's lifelong painstaking effort.
Even before she became the Tianquan, she had already begun to raise funds and build this dream realm.
After countless expansions, it became the magnificent sight it is today.
It is conceivable how tormented Ningguang's heart must have been to make this decision at this moment.
As Ningguang's words fell, she gently tapped her wrist, and the Jade Chamber slowly rose, sailing towards the sky above the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial.
Upon reaching its destination, Ningguang said little, only taking a deep look at the Adepti present, her eyes full of unspoken understanding.
"We understand." The Adepti understood, and then each condensed their surging Adeptal power.
Seeing everyone ready, Ningguang's gaze turned to the Traveler Lumine, and she said gently but firmly: "Traveler, this time, please also lend us a hand."
After Lumine nodded in agreement, Ningguang, full of deep affection, bade a final farewell to the Jade Chamber, which carried countless memories beneath her feet:
"Farewell, my old friend. This parting is for a better reunion in the future."
At this moment, Lumine had silently ascended to the high point of the Jade Chamber, and Adeptal power gathered from all directions surged into her body like a tide.
Using this torrent that gathered the power of all the Adepti, Lumine drew the brilliant greatsword and plunged it deeply into the very center of the Jade Chamber.
This stab seemed to drain all the buoyancy from the Jade Chamber,
At the same time, the remaining Adeptal power transformed into a huge thrust, slamming the Jade Chamber fiercely towards the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial, beneath the sea. A magnificent and decisive counterattack thus unfolded.
With a loud bang, "Boom!" a scorching flame suddenly erupted on the sea surface, and the surrounding light seemed to be instantly swallowed by the explosive glow, dimming.
As the aftershocks of the explosion gradually dispersed, the Adepti led the people back to the harbor, their gazes unanimously turning towards the distant Guyun Stone Forest.
"So, is it finally over?" Paimon looked at Guyun Stone Forest, let out a soft breath, and still felt lingering fear.
Cloud Retainer verified the residual aura in the air and nodded: "That terrifying energy has indeed weakened considerably."
She turned to Lumine and continued: "The effects of the Sigil of Permission last but a short time. And with the immense pressure of the Jade Chamber, it will be some time before the Overlord of the Vortex can make any waves again."
Even a genuine Sigil of Permission could not fully release the Overlord of the Vortex's power sealed by the Geo Archon beneath Guyun Stone Forest, let alone a Fatui replica.
The brief liberation from its restraints was merely due to the erosion of a thousand-year-old seal, allowing the imprisoned Overlord of the Vortex a momentary respite through the tiny cracks that leaked out.
Even if no one intervened, the seal's self-repair mechanism would eventually force Osial to sink back into Guyun Stone Forest, but the cost at that time would probably be more than just a Jade Chamber; perhaps half of Liyue would face the Overlord of the Vortex's wrath.
Therefore, Ningguang, who made such a huge sacrifice, played a crucial role at this moment.
Just as Cloud Retainer was deep in thought, Ningguang had completed the damage assessment, stepped forward, and expressed her gratitude to the Adepti: "This incident, thanks to the great help of all you Adepti. If not for your presence, the future of Liyue Harbor would be truly unpredictable."
"The Archon said to have fought against the Geo Archon is indeed not to be underestimated."
This gratitude did not seem to elicit much response, with only Cloud Retainer speaking bluntly: "Hmph, save your flattery. We didn't just 'happen' to be here... Surely you won't pretend to have forgotten the reason for which we came?"
"Come now, there's no need for such harsh words, Cloud Retainer." Madame Ping, seeing this, stepped forward to mediate:
"I heard that the concept of the Jade Chamber originated when Ningguang was not yet prominent. She began planning this structure with only a meager income."
"I once heard that this Jade Chamber, when Ningguang was not yet successful and was just starting to learn how to do business, she was already using her meager income to prepare for the construction of this Jade Chamber."
"Initially, the plan for the Jade Chamber was only the size of one room, but with continuous expansion, it has now become a huge palace. You must understand the scale of it, right?"
"All of this is her spiritual pillar as a merchant, as one of the Liyue Qixing, and a reflection of her life."
"And today, this Jade Chamber crashed here for Liyue. It might be nothing to us, but for Ningguang, it holds significant meaning."
"I think, after making such a great sacrifice, she should be able to earn a word of praise from others, shouldn't she?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "So, that's the history of the Jade Chamber?" ]
[ Bronya( (Honkai: Impact Third): "She started planning such a grand project when she hadn't even made a name for herself? Impressive." ]
[ Jing Yuan (Honkai: Star Rail): "Haha, Miss Ningguang truly has great resolve. Cheers!" ]
[ Yanqing (Honkai: Star Rail) "Master, the Jade Chamber just disappeared, what are we drinking to?" ]
[ Jing Yuan (Honkai: Star Rail)... ]
[ .....]
『 As soon as these words were spoken, even Cloud Retainer, who had been pressing hard just moments before, couldn't help but rein in her sharpness and fall silent.
She knew the extravagance of the Jade Chamber was extraordinary, and she understood Tianquan Ningguang even better—the story of her rise from a humble street vendor in Liyue to the pinnacle of power.
The Jade Chamber, built with countless efforts, was thus destroyed, and she must be bleeding inside.
Therefore, for Ningguang, a mortal, to make such a choice, it at least deserves some respect.
However, to everyone's surprise, Ningguang's next words were unexpected.
"Thank you, Adepti, for speaking up for me at this moment." Ningguang stepped forward, her expression solemn, and said to the Adepti,
"I understand your intentions for coming here, but the stance of the Qixing, I'm afraid, cannot be compromised."
"Hmm?" Cloud Retainer's face darkened slightly upon hearing this, "What do you mean?"
Ningguang earnestly explained her views to the Adepti present: "Three thousand seven hundred years, according to historical records, all you Adepti and Lord Rex Lapis made a pact to protect Liyue, and it has been over three thousand seven hundred years since then."
"To this day, Liyue's mountains and rivers remain as ancient and firm as rock. How magnificent is this achievement!"
"But this does not mean that today's Liyue is still the same as it was three thousand seven hundred years ago."
"I humbly request all you Adepti that your protective gaze should not be limited to this land, but should also be cast upon our city, and upon every citizen of Liyue."
These words made Keqing, standing nearby, feel as if she were meeting this person for the first time.
Logically, it should be herself who adheres to this philosophy, but she never expected that Ningguang, who was usually skilled in calculation, would actually express such heartfelt words.
But these words, drifting into Cloud Retainer's ears, stirred up unusual emotions.
"You... are you questioning our Adepti's way of protecting Liyue?"
Upon hearing this, Ningguang quickly explained: "No offense intended, I merely implore all you seniors to put yourselves in our shoes and deeply consider the future of Liyue."
No sooner had the word "seniors" left her lips than Cloud Retainer glanced at her disdainfully.
"Hmph, still presuming to call us seniors. How can you, junior Qixing, in front of us Adepti who once accompanied Rex Lapis through thorns and thistles to establish Liyue, be qualified to talk about seniority?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Sawamura Eriri (Saekano): "Why, why are they saying they can't even rank in terms of seniority?" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "We followed Rex Lapis in battle for thousands of years. Even the first generation of Qixing is insignificant in front of us. The current Qixing? What are they?" ]
[ Sawamura Eriri (Saekano): "Oh~, I see. I learned something." ]
[ Utaha Kasumigaoka (Saekano): "So dumb." ]
[ Sawamura Eriri (Saekano): "You!" ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Master Cloud Retainer, this." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "We understand, Adepti." ]
[ .....]
『 Ningguang was merely an ordinary Tianquan, while they were the Adepti who had experienced ancient wars with Rex Lapis and laid the foundation of Liyue.
Even the distant ancestors of the Qixing, the incredibly remote first generation, could hardly be considered peers in the eyes of the Adepti.
Just as Cloud Retainer's eyes were filled with arrogance, Ningguang's astonishing words broke this haughtiness.
"This morning, I dreamed of Lord Rex Lapis." 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Huh? Why would the Rex Lapis appear in Ningguang's dream?" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "I know, Miss Ningguang must miss him so much that she dreamed of him." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "No, Rex Lapis would not casually appear in someone else's dream." ]
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "What does this mean?" ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Perhaps, Rex Lapis in that world really might not be dead." ]
[ .....]
『 "What do you mean by that?" Cloud Retainer asked, full of surprise. 』
『 .....』