While Shenhe was speaking with Ningguang about whether she could integrate into life at Liyue Harbor, Shao Yun stood at the edge of the Jade Chamber, admiring the distant seascape.
If Lumine weren't here, I'd really like to light a cigar.
At that moment, the system suddenly popped up a prompt. It had been a long time since it had taken the initiative to speak to Shao Yun.
[The battle with Beisht is about to begin. Do you have a plan?]
Seeing the sudden text, Shao Yun shrugged and replied indifferently.
"Do I even need a plan? This has nothing to do with us. It's not my war."
"When Shenhe finishes her talk with Ningguang, we'll leave the Jade Chamber. This mess is for Liyue to handle."
The system hesitated, then displayed another line.
[You won't like hearing this, but… if you do nothing, some who shouldn't die will die.]
Shao Yun found it amusing and answered directly.
"You're just broken code. If you've got the power to solve this, then go fight yourself."
"You want Lumine hurt, and then push Shenhe into a frenzy to face Beisht? My head's not wired that way!"
He went on.
"I already warned Keqing to make preparations. Liyue has plenty of adepti, and Ningguang has the Jade Chamber as her final trump card."
"And even if none of that works, even if Liyue Harbor floods, there's no way I'll let Lumine get smashed against a cliff by some giant lump of seawater spit from Beisht!"
The system stayed silent for a minute, then displayed a weary reply.
[You've become cold.]
Shao Yun rubbed his chin, his tone icy.
"This isn't being cold. This is recognizing reality. I will never let Lumine be hurled against the cliffs."
"As for Liyue Harbor—if Shenhe, after spending these days with Lumine and Paimon in the city, has developed feelings for it, then she will naturally fight Beisht."
The system remained silent and said nothing more.
Meanwhile, Shenhe listened to Ningguang's words about belonging. After some thought, she nodded in understanding.
"So that's how it is. I understand."
Shao Yun turned back, sensing it was about time. He took a deep breath to steady himself before rejoining Lumine and Paimon.
With a lighthearted tone, he guided them away from the Jade Chamber, smiling.
"By my count, it's about time we went to Wanmin Restaurant and found ourselves a bit of 'belonging.'"
Paimon rubbed her stomach and nodded eagerly.
"Yeah, after a whole day of running around, my belly's been protesting!"
Shenhe placed a hand on her abdomen and murmured in her dazed way.
"Now that you mention it… I'm hungry too."
Seeing the two of them looking so expectant, Lumine found herself feeling hungry as well.
With a helpless smile, she said, "All right, let's eat something then… even though we just ate not long ago."
She then turned toward Ningguang, waving goodbye.
"We'll be going, Ningguang."
Ningguang smiled and waved in return, her expression serene.
"Very well. We'll see each other again at the banquet."
Why hadn't Ningguang asked Lumine to stay and help against Beisht?
Perhaps it was because of that one belief: "In the age of mortals, the people of Liyue must rely on their own strength to face this crisis."
…
Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe boarded the plaustrite platform, leaving the Jade Chamber.
But to Lumine and Paimon's surprise, they didn't descend back to the construction site. Instead, they landed atop Mt. Tianheng.
This arrangement had actually been Shao Yun's idea. He considered that if Liyue Harbor truly flooded, Mt. Tianheng's height would make it relatively safe.
He stepped off first, followed by Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe. Once they were all down, the platform slowly rose again, drifting back toward the Jade Chamber.
Paimon looked around curiously, puzzled.
"Eh? Why'd we end up on Mt. Tianheng?"
Shao Yun shrugged with a grin.
"I'm not sure. Let's just take the scenic route and enjoy the view along the way."
Scratching her head, Paimon found the answer oddly convincing.
"Well… I guess so! And the view here is nice!"
…
Suddenly, to the east, a storm front rose over the sea. In less than five seconds, black clouds swallowed the entire sky, covering even Mt. Tianheng, and drizzle began to fall.
The iron chains anchoring the Jade Chamber loosened, plunging into the sea.
On the waves, waterspouts spun into existence, and the ocean swelled into the form of a giant sea serpent.
"Look! The sea—it's just like when Osial appeared!"
Lumine's eyes fixed on the platform drifting back toward the Jade Chamber. She bent her knees, ready to leap.
But Shao Yun grabbed her arm, yanking her back.
"What are you doing?"
Startled, Lumine glanced from the vanishing platform back to him.
"Of course I'm going up! You saw what's happening out there."
Shao Yun pointed toward the waterspouts and the serpent-like monster, his voice firm.
"There are Millelith, Beidou's fleet, Ningguang's Jade Chamber, and the adepti. They don't need you!"
Lumine struggled, trying to protest.
"But—"
Shao Yun cut her off, his tone severe.
"No buts. In this situation, what could we do on the Jade Chamber? Think of last time. The best way to help Ningguang is not to distract her—not to add to her burdens."
…
He held tightly to her arm, and together they watched the Jade Chamber fly toward the sea.
The four of them stood quietly atop Mt. Tianheng, bearing witness.
Ningguang unleashed the Jade Chamber's defenses, firing Geo cannon blasts.
Keqing led the Millelith elites, manning the miniature Guizhong Ballistas, launching volley after volley at Beisht.
The attacks worked—but not well enough.
Beisht summoned massive waves, vicious storm surges crashing toward Liyue Harbor.
The island where Keqing and her soldiers stood was struck mercilessly, their lives hanging by a thread.
Even Beidou's Alcor nearly capsized.
Shenhe watched, her mind echoing with her father's final words.
…
"You were born cursed. As long as you live, you'll bring danger to those around you. Better that you die, and let her return."
…
But because Lumine hadn't been struck down by Beisht's water glob, the words of Cloud Retainer never surfaced in her memory.
Instead, Shenhe's pupils quivered. Blood surged in her chest, a bitter taste rising in her throat. She coughed harshly, blood spilling from her lips.
"Cough!"
Seeing her pale, Lumine and Paimon rushed to support her.
Paimon dabbed the blood from her lips with her tiny handkerchief, her voice worried.
"Shenhe, what's wrong? What happened?"
Shenhe stared at the oncoming surge—a monstrous wave barreling toward Liyue Harbor.
Her voice was low, weary.
"It's nothing… I just remembered something… and it…"
Shao Yun watched her weakened state, pursed his lips, and spoke softly.
"Worried for Liyue Harbor? Don't be. The adepti will come."
…
And just as the waves were about to strike the harbor—just as with Osial before—several figures appeared in the sky, descending onto the Jade Chamber.
A sudden gale tore across the sea, shattering the waves before they could reach the city.
Shenhe raised her head weakly, eyes widening.
"That's… Master? Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, and the Vigilant Yaksha?"
Shao Yun's lips curled faintly, his voice rising in excitement.
"Look! The adepti are here! Liyue Harbor is safe now! Come on, let's head back and rest."
…
When the four returned to Liyue Harbor, Beisht was already being beaten back, forced into the sea.
That was no longer Shao Yun's concern.
Inside, Shenhe lay on a bed, a blanket draped over her legs.
Paimon came from the washroom, carefully drying her damp hair with a towel.
Lumine poured a cup of warm water, then offered it gently.
"Shenhe, drink a little."
She raised her head with effort, sipped, and coughed weakly.
"Cough… thank you."
Paimon set the towel aside, urging softly.
"Don't thank us, Shenhe. Just rest. Try not to talk too much."
Clutching her cup, her eyes weary, Shenhe whispered with a trace of unease.
"Lumine… Paimon… Shao Yun… don't you feel something strange?
"That we shouldn't be standing on that mountain… but on the Jade Chamber itself?"
Her words carried deep confusion.
Paimon frowned, unsettled.
"I feel it too. Something's off. Like we don't belong here."
Lumine stroked her chin thoughtfully, then admitted.
"I feel the same… like I was struck by a massive wave against a cliff. Shao Yun, do you feel it too?"
Her eyes sought his, curious and troubled.
Shao Yun felt a strange unease within—but did not answer directly.
Instead, hands on his hips, he smiled in reassurance.
"Haha, you're overthinking. It's just the environment playing tricks on your minds."
"Don't worry. Wait here—I'll get you something good to eat. Once your bellies are full, you'll stop imagining things."
With that excuse, he left the room.
But instead of buying food, he first returned to his own quarters.
Because now, he had realized what was really happening.