Mu Yang stayed in the Flower-Feather Clan for two days.
Because he had missed the Flight Trial, there were no particularly new activities.
Feeling somewhat bored, he came to the entrance of Chasca and Chuychu's house to say goodbye.
"So you're leaving so soon?"
"Yes. I've been out for quite a while now. This journey through Natlan has been fulfilling enough. It's time to head back."
"I'll see you off."
Facing this benefactor who had helped suppress the Abyss power within her, Chasca was deeply grateful.
She herself did not feel the effect so strongly,
but seeing her father and Chuychu finally breathe a sigh of relief, her own heart calmed as well.
"No need. You should spend more time with your family. After all, you won't have to run around every few days anymore."
As Mu Yang spoke, he secretly gave Chuychu a meaningful look.
However, this could not escape the sharp-eyed Chasca. "When did you two get so close?"
"Everyone has their own secrets. Sister, don't ask too much."
In truth, after learning that Mu Yang had helped Chasca,
Chuychu had specially brought a thank-you gift to express her gratitude.
Mu Yang did not accept it. He simply picked up the cookies she had baked and ate them.
This counted as doing the surface courtesy properly.
He had already gained sufficient benefits from Elder Allpa.
Taking more things privately did not align with Mu Yang's usual style.
Chuychu became quite interested in such a Mu Yang.
She sat down on the spot and started chatting.
"I rarely see my sister like that. You know, the Abyss… it makes Chasca always… very stubborn, irritable…"
Mu Yang listened while eating cookies.
This was what he was best at.
He didn't need to speak, yet he could gather information.
Chuychu talked about many things, including the past conflicts between the two sisters,
Chasca's favorite excuses, their reconciliation…
It was as if she had found a window to vent.
She poured out all her worries from these years.
However, from Mu Yang's perspective, the story had taken on a slightly different flavor.
The wish hidden deep in this doctor sister's heart was not simply for her older sister to take fewer risks.
You want to fight side by side with her against the Abyss.
But a qualified listener knows when to see through something without saying it aloud.
Mu Yang had no intention of correcting Chuychu's wording.
Let the young girl's feelings remain hidden in her heart.
In the end, Chuychu still solemnly thanked Mu Yang.
Mu Yang left the territory of the Flower-Feather Clan.
At this moment, he was wearing cowboy attire with his hat brim lowered.
Under his feet was a shark-shaped surfboard powered by elemental energy.
If he returned to Aaru Village dressed like this, Candace definitely wouldn't recognize him.
Too stylish, way too stylish — where did this come from?
Is this still Teyvat?
The leisurely Mu Yang traveled through the mountains and wilderness. Just as he was enjoying the final moments of his Natlan journey,
the sound of an accelerating throttle swept past from the mountain ridge to his right—
"??? Isn't that Cloud Retainer's [Electro-Optic Twin-Wheel Racing Machine]?"
What are you doing, Mahafish? You actually gave Natlan vehicles?
And you're even wearing a helmet? You've already surpassed Lord Guan by too much!
While Mu Yang was still complaining nonstop, the rider on the opposite side made a gesture toward him.
The general meaning was: Follow me.
"Looks like a fight is inevitable. Is this the God of War?"
Yes, the person riding the motorcycle was the Pyro Archon Mavuika.
Although Mu Yang had thought when they first met that her outfit might be for riding,
it really was.
The motorcycle's rear wheel began to surge with flames as Mu Yang approached…
She sped through the sky!
"Wait, isn't it too outrageous that this thing can fly?"
"System, come out. I think our design was too conservative…"
Mu Yang performed on-the-spot modifications to the surfboard beneath his feet —
jet propulsion, elemental energy capacity limit, elemental energy refinement…
If someone were sitting on a Qucusaurus's back right now, they would see a spectacular sight on the ground.
An ice line and a fire line advanced side by side.
They occasionally crossed, neither yielding to the other…
Mavuika made another gesture, and the two began their final sprint.
The commotion was truly terrifying.
In reality, both of them were deliberately holding back a lot.
They were only competing with their vehicles.
If this were a "prop race," the small animals and dragons along the way would probably suffer.
After crossing the so-called "finish line,"
Mu Yang and Mavuika simultaneously performed their final drift and show-off maneuvers…
You have to admit, even though they had only communicated with two gestures the entire time, they were still so in sync.
Perhaps this was the tacit understanding between warriors (bushi).
Mavuika took off her helmet. "It's been a long time since I've raced with someone like this. Truly satisfying."
"Really? I heard from Mualani that you really like surf racing."
"Mualani from the People of the Springs is indeed a good opponent, but she still needs a few more years of practice. Hahaha."
Mavuika looked at Mu Yang's surfboard. "You modified this based on her design, right?"
"Impressive. But let me warn you — it's best not to let Xilonen see it, or she'll drag you into a long conversation about this stuff. At that point, leaving Natlan will be difficult."
Mu Yang still didn't understand. Was Mavuika simply here to see him off?
"Does the Pyro Archon have other matters? Feel free to speak directly."
"It's nothing major. As you know, people like us don't like beating around the bush. I mainly came to thank you."
"Whether it's the Mountain King matter or Chasca's matter. They are both combat assets for Natlan against the Abyss."
Mavuika met Mu Yang's gaze. "Thank you for your contributions to Natlan. I assume you also have some troubles of your own."
"If there's anything you need help with, as long as it's within my capabilities, I'll do my best to fulfill it."
Mu Yang smiled. "There's no need for the Pyro Archon to worry about that. As for thanks, the Scions of the Canopy and the Flower-Feather Clan have already given me sufficient returns."
"Asking for more from you would make me seem too greedy."
After saying this, Mu Yang restarted his surfboard and headed toward the Children of Echoes.
"Ganah!"
Mavuika did not leave immediately. She remained in place and watched for a long time.
Mu Yang was a powerhouse who fought the Abyss. With him, Natlan's chances of victory could increase even further.
He had already obtained the position of elder in the Scions of the Canopy through majority support.
Then, could they craft an Ancient Name for him?
With an Ancient Name, he could use the power of the Resurrection Poem and fight in the Kingdom of the Night Gods.
Mavuika knew her thoughts were selfish, but for Natlan's sake, even increasing the odds by a little was good.
She had originally thought of helping Mu Yang resolve his troubles to make it easier for him to take action.
But from Mu Yang's attitude earlier,
the problems he currently faced seemed no small matter.
At least, the current Mavuika could not help.
She could only hope he could overcome this tribulation.
Mavuika mounted her big baby and rode toward the Sacred Flame Stadium…