Chapter 37. Klee's New item, Shattered Resin!
Not long after, the elevator descended once more, its mechanical rumble echoing faintly through the cavern as it carried down dozens of Millelith soldiers alongside Yelan, accompanied by a considerable amount of military supplies.
This, however, was merely the beginning.
Upon receiving the report, Ganyu immediately understood the significance of the situation. When she learned that Futsu Mitama and the others had not yet initiated the [Plan], but were instead actively clearing the dark energy within The Chasm for Liyue's sake—and that the golden-haired Traveler possessed the rare ability to completely eliminate the mud gushers—she did not hesitate in the slightest.
Acting in her capacity as the Secretary of the Qixing, Ganyu swiftly issued orders, directing a portion of the stationed Millelith forces to descend into The Chasm and provide full support to Futsu Mitama's group.
At the same time, she employed Adeptus secret arts to relay the information directly to Ningguang, requesting that immediate preparations be made to reinforce and secure The Chasm's perimeter.
If everything proceeded smoothly—then perhaps, as early as tonight, The Chasm could officially reopen.
As wave after wave of Millelith forces entered The Chasm, Ganyu herself stood guard above, her bow drawn and her Cryo energy quietly surging. Her presence alone served as a powerful deterrent, ensuring that no hidden threats would dare to act rashly.
—
Meanwhile, far above, within the Jade Chamber—
Ningguang, who had already retired for the night and changed into her sleepwear, was forced to rise once more. The urgency of the situation left no room for delay. Without even taking the time to fully prepare herself, she immediately mobilized her resources and summoned the Liyue Qixing.
Yet before she could even properly change her attire, Keqing had already arrived.
Ningguang paused slightly at the sight, a trace of surprise crossing her expression.
"You're already here?" she asked, unable to hide her curiosity. "Did you not rest at all?"
Keqing's response was as direct as ever, her tone carrying a matter-of-fact sharpness. "Overtime leaves no room for sleep. Not everyone has the luxury of idleness."
For a brief moment, Ningguang's expression turned subtly complicated.
She could have spoken—could have reminded Keqing that balance between work and rest was essential, that excessive strain would only hinder long-term efficiency—but in the end, she chose silence.
Because she knew—Keqing would not listen. Much like Ganyu, Keqing possessed a relentless drive, a personality that pushed forward without pause.
In truth, however, Keqing had not come solely because of "overtime." She had been monitoring the situation closely through the Chat Group, receiving firsthand updates. The moment she confirmed the developments, she had made her decision and arrived without hesitation.
She intended to resolve everything as quickly as possible—while Futsu Mitama and the others were still within The Chasm.
"Since you're here, assist me," Ningguang said at last, glancing down at her current attire. "I need to change."
Keqing hesitated for a brief moment, her expression showing a trace of reluctance, yet she did not refuse.
Soon, as Ningguang finished changing, the remaining members of the Qixing arrived one after another.
The discussion that followed was swift and precise.
There were only a few key matters to determine: how many troops should be deployed, who would take command, how supplies should be allocated, and when The Chasm could safely resume operations for ore extraction.
As for the mud gushers, the black mud, and the surging dark energy—these were unavoidable variables, factors that had to be managed alongside everything else.
In the end, after just over ten minutes of focused deliberation, a decision was reached.
Keqing, ever the most proactive among them, chose to take direct responsibility. She would personally lead a force of hundreds of Millelith soldiers into The Chasm.
Other logistical matters were entrusted to Uncle Tian, while Ningguang assumed temporary control over portions of Keqing's previous duties.
The remaining Qixing each took on their respective roles, ensuring that every aspect of the operation was covered.
The importance of The Chasm to Liyue could not be overstated.
And their response reflected that seriousness.
Within Liyue Harbor, hundreds of resting Millelith soldiers mobilized at once upon receiving the order. Weapons were gathered, armor secured, and formations assembled with efficiency as they made their way toward the Jade Chamber.
To expedite deployment, Ningguang activated the Jade Chamber itself, guiding it through the night sky.
From the moment the message was received to the execution of the plan, less than three hours had passed before Keqing and her forces arrived above The Chasm.
This entire sequence unfolded under Zhongli's quiet observation. Watching from afar, he gave a slight nod, a faint trace of approval appearing in his gaze.
His decision to relinquish authority had not been misplaced.
Had this still been the era of the Adeptus, such matters would have required consultation, deliberation, and ultimately, his own approval before action could be taken.
That process, inevitably, would have cost valuable time.
Now, however, Liyue moved on its own.
And it moved swiftly.
The children can be independent.
—
Upon arrival, Keqing exchanged only a few concise words with Ganyu before immediately leading her forces onto the descending elevator, heading straight into The Chasm.
Once she and the hundreds of Millelith soldiers officially entered the depths, Yelan allowed herself to relax slightly.
Her role as interim commander had come to an end.
Without hesitation, Keqing transferred immediate command authority to Fengyan—a Millelith instructor renowned for both his combat prowess and leadership.
He was not merely strong.
He had once single-handedly slain two failed-evolution Geovishaps without sustaining injury—a feat that spoke volumes of his capability.
More importantly, he possessed the authority and competence to command.
"Understood, Lady Keqing."
Fengyan saluted firmly, his voice resolute, carrying both discipline and unwavering determination.
"I will complete the mission."
Keqing's gaze swept across the surroundings before settling on Yelan. Her tone remained composed, yet carried a trace of urgency as she asked, "Where are Futsu Mitama and the others?"
"Please follow me, Lady Keqing."
Without delay, Yelan turned and led the way, her movements swift and precise. The two advanced deeper into The Chasm, their footsteps echoing faintly against the uneven ground. Before they had even drawn close to their destination, a series of violent explosions suddenly resounded from ahead, accompanied by the ferocious roars of monsters and the sharp crackle of thunder tearing through the air.
The two women exchanged a brief glance.
No further words were needed.
A battle was already underway.
Their figures blurred almost simultaneously as they accelerated forward, closing the remaining distance in an instant.
When they arrived, the aftermath of combat unfolded before their eyes.
More than a dozen monster corpses lay scattered across the ground—Mitachurls, Electro Mitachurls, several Geovishaps, and even a few Fungi. Thick strands of dark energy still clung to their bodies, writhing faintly like lingering shadows. Clearly, they had long since been contaminated by the black mud, their rationality completely devoured, leaving behind nothing but instinctive violence.
Unfortunately for them—
They had encountered Futsu Mitama's group.
"Over here! Traveler!"
Paimon hovered in mid-air, waving energetically as she called out. Her voice carried a hint of urgency as she beckoned Lumine over. The latter's complexion was slightly pale, yet her steps remained steady as she approached the mud vent.
"The ninety-sixth one."
Her voice was calm, almost mechanical from repetition.
With practiced ease, Lumine retrieved a small bottle, poured out the clear liquid, and extended her hand. The moment her power activated, a faint glow spread outward, enveloping the area.
The mud vent responded violently. Black mud surged upward like a furious tide, hissing as it erupted—but it was all futile.
Within mere seconds, the violent reaction subsided.
The mud vent collapsed in on itself, dissolving completely as if it had never existed.
"You worked hard, you worked hard~"
Paimon immediately floated down beside Lumine, her small hands pressing against the Traveler's shoulders as she enthusiastically began to massage them, her tone brimming with exaggerated concern and praise.
Lumine, however, simply rolled her eyes.
She knew exactly why Paimon was this energetic.
It had nothing to do with concern.
Everything to do with mora.
After all, according to Keqing—the Yuheng Star and current acting authority within the Chat Group—each permanently cleared mud vent carried an enormous reward.
A hundred million mora.
At minimum.
That number alone had nearly sent Paimon into shock.
A hundred million mora.
A hundred million!
Did that mean she could finally go to Wanmin Restaurant and order two servings of Sweet Madame—and even add two portions of their signature boiled fish without hesitation?
Even Lumine herself felt slightly dazed at the thought.
For months, she had wandered between Mondstadt and Liyue, battling monsters, hunting Treasure Hoarders, and opening countless treasure chests—yet she had only managed to accumulate a few hundred thousand mora.
And now—less than an hour.
A promise of hundred million as the minimum.
Was earning mora always this easy?
The answer didn't matter. Because both of them had already reached the same conclusion.
Work harder. Much harder.
Lumine wasted no time and immediately moved toward the next mud vent, while Paimon floated behind her, cheering with even greater enthusiasm than before.
Not far away, Futsu Mitama, Aila, and Shenhe stood at the front line, effortlessly intercepting incoming monsters. Each strike was decisive, leaving no room for resistance.
On the opposite side, Sangonomiya Kokomi and Kuki Shinobu maintained a vigilant watch over another entrance, ensuring that no unexpected threats could slip through.
At this moment, Keqing stepped forward, a faint smile appearing on her lips.
"It seems your situation here is quite good."
"Ya~ Keqing!"
Paimon waved enthusiastically. This wasn't their first encounter, and her tone carried a familiar warmth.
At Futsu Mitama's residence, Keqing had visited more than once. She had even tried the box of serenity twice—successfully obtaining two lifelike Morax wooden carvings.
After that—
She had never touched it again and had quietly taken those carvings with her.
Through those interactions, both Lumine and Paimon had come to know her better—not merely as one of the Liyue Qixing, but as someone far more approachable than her title suggested.
"Traveler, Paimon—thank you for everything you've done."
Keqing's voice was sincere as she expressed her gratitude.
The mud vents within The Chasm had always been a persistent problem, one that had cost Liyue considerable effort without yielding results. Yet now, they were being resolved at an astonishing pace.
Of course, she was fully aware that this success was not solely Lumine's doing.
Without the imitation purified water created by Albedo, the Traveler's burden would have been far heavier. As Lumine herself had once explained, relying purely on her own power, she could only purify a limited number each day before exhaustion forced her to stop completely.
But now—
Everything had changed.
Incidentally, upon learning that his creation had such remarkable effects, Albedo had immediately begun preparations to come to The Chasm himself. Unfortunately, flying was not an option, so he had packed overnight and set out as quickly as possible.
He had intended to leave Klee behind.
That plan failed.
Because Klee, who had been awake in the middle of the night experimenting with new bombs, quickly discovered his intentions—and promptly refused to be left behind.
In the end, Albedo had no choice but to bring her along. How long it would take for the two of them to reach Liyue—remained an open question.
"It's nothing, it's nothing Eh hehe~~"
Paimon chuckled, clearly pleased by the praise.
Lumine simply nodded, her expression calm. Helping others was something she would do regardless of reward. Even if there were no hundred million mora—she would still act the same.
Keqing gave a slight nod, then turned her attention to Yelan.
"Yelan, go assist Shinobu and Kokomi at the other side. I'll handle things here."
There was a brief pause before she added,
"I have something to discuss with them."
Yelan glanced between Keqing and Futsu Mitama, understanding immediately. Without another word, she nodded and departed, her figure swiftly disappearing toward Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi.
With her departure—only the members of the Chat Group remained.
"In a moment— it will be time."
Keqing's gaze fell on Futsu Mitama, her tone direct and unwavering.
"Leave this place to us. You can proceed without concern and focus on saving Black Aila. With me—and hundreds of Millelith stationed here—nothing will go wrong."
She understood their true objective perfectly.
Clearing mud vents had never been the main goal.
Saving Black Aila was.
Everything else—had only been an unexpected opportunity. Yet that "unexpected" effort had succeeded beyond all expectations.
Which was precisely why the Qixing had mobilized so quickly—even to the extent of Keqing personally arriving. Ganyu, too, had already released her aura, silently deterring any forces lurking in the shadows.
But all of that was secondary.
What truly mattered now was that a new day was about to begin.
The cooldowns were about to refresh. And the moment of departure was finally approaching.
"Mm." Futsu Mitama nodded lightly. "I'll leave this place to you. The timing should be about right."
His gaze shifted to the translucent system interface before him. The countdown ticked steadily downward, each passing second drawing closer to the threshold.
Around him, Aila, Shenhe, Keqing, Lumine, and Paimon all subconsciously held their breath.
Then—
A soft, clear chime rang out.
Ding~
The time struck four in the morning.
The reset point.
Without hesitation, Futsu Mitama took out the box of serenity. At the same moment, within the Chat Group, everyone initiated their daily check-in, hoping—perhaps futilely—for something extraordinary.
And almost immediately—
The familiar chorus began.
[Azhdaha: "Nothing at all. I suspect all the items inside have already been drawn out."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Nothing."]
[Raiden Ei: "Same as a few months ago."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Eighty points of experience."]
[Venti: "Seventy-three points of experience."]
[Yae Miko: "Forty-four points of experience. I'm starting to think there are no items left at all."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "That does seem likely—since we're only receiving experience now."]
[Keqing: "Items aside—has the group level increased?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Not yet"]
[Aila: "Then it may still take a few more days."]
[Zhongli: "Perhaps a catalyst is required?"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "For example—moving to the next civilization? There should be a path to Sumeru within The Chasm."]
[Venti: "I can hear your scheming all the way from the Nameless Island."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "Eh heh~"]
[Venti: "Don't copy me!"]
[Guizhong: "Another day without items—how unfortunate."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "No level increase either…that's not ideal."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "If that's the case, should we regroup before heading deeper?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Wait. Let Aila use the box of serenity first."]
A brief pause followed.
Then—
[Albedo: "Klee checked in for an item—"]
The chat froze.
[Aila: "I was just about to—…Hmm?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "What?!"]
[Raiden Ei: "That child again?"]
[Zhongli: "Her fortune seems excessive."]
[Paimon: "Little Klee got something again???"]
[Lumine: "Curious."]
[Venti: "It's not quantity—it's her drop rate. If this continues, she may surpass Aila."]
[Klee: "Ehhehehe."]
[Futsu Mitama: "What did she get?"]
[Guizhong: "Little Klee, tell big sister quickly~"]
[Azhdaha: "Big sister???"]
[Albedo: "Cough—cough—cough—!!!"]
[Keqing: "Cough—cough—!!!"]
And finally—
[Klee: "Hmm… Klee will check~ It's called… shattered resin. It says that after crushing it, you can obtain a trace of the power of time. And…it says that might have other effects too!"]
Silence.
Then—
[Albedo: "I've uploaded its appearance. Please take a look."]
[Zhongli: "This resembles condensed resin."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Similar—but incomplete."]
[Azhdaha: "Could it be related?"]
[Venti: "Power of time~ how interesting."]
[Raiden Makoto: "Indeed~ quite intriguing."]
[Raiden Ei: "Can you discern anything?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Not without a physical form—perhaps Albedo can study it."]
[Albedo: "I'll do my best."]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "An item tied to time itself—far beyond condensed resin."]
[Venti: "Handled poorly—it could destroy a nation."]
[Klee: "Ah?!!!"]
[Paimon: "That dangerous?!"]
[Lumine: "The fall of a nation?"]
Futsu Mitama's gaze darkened slightly as he looked at the description.
[In a sense…" He spoke slowly. "It is indeed a weapon. ]
[Futsu Mitama: "If I were to crush it casually—I wonder if it would summon the 'Shades' who sealed Venti." ]
[Lumine: "A shades?" ]
[Raiden Makoto: "This is a taboo—though one that can still be spoken. Above the Seven Archons, there exist even higher gods. The power currently sealing the Anemo Archon is the Power of Time—another form of temporal authority. As for that god, we still know nothing about her current state." ]
[Raiden Makoto: "However, one thing is certain. If someone were to tamper with or steal her authority—she would undoubtedly awaken." ]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "In that case, this item is quite troublesome." ]
[Albedo: "The issue shouldn't be too severe. Even if the Power of Time leaks out, we can use the Chat Group's gifts function to temporarily seal it." ]
[Zhongli: "Once you arrive in Liyue, we can conduct a proper study of this item." ]
[Azhdaha: "Why not come to Mt. Hulao? Even if 'that one' makes a move, I can offer some degree of protection." ]
[Guizhong: "Hahahahaha~~ That's a wonderful idea, I quite like it What do you think, Zhongli?" ]
[Zhongli: "Thank you for the kind offer. However, Liyue Harbor remains under the protection of Rex Lapis. Even if 'that shades' intends to act, she would still need to exercise caution." ]
[Azhdaha: "That does make sense." ]
[Venti: "Pfft~"]
[Raiden Makoto: "What are you laughing at?" ]
[Venti: "I just thought of something amusing~"]
[Maha Rukkhadevata: "And what might that be?" ]
[Venti: "I'm almost unsealed—hahahahahahaha!!!" ]
[Zhongli: "..."]
[Raiden Ei: "Is that truly something worth celebrating?" ]
[Guizhong: "Perhaps Hehehehe~~"]
The Chat Group's discussion, as usual, gradually drifted into an increasingly incomprehensible direction.
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama's expression turned somewhat subtle. Klee's luck was perhaps a little too outrageous. Today's check-in had once again yielded an item.
A shattered resin.
In the original context, it was merely an item that restored sixty stamina, though it seemed to carry a limitation of a twelve-day shelf life.
Whether system-generated items would retain such a drawback remained uncertain. The description made no mention of it, which suggested it might not apply.
Even so, after a brief moment of consideration, Futsu Mitama still chose to @ Albedo and Zhongli within the Chat Group, reminding them that this item might possess a similar twelve-day limitation.
After twelve days—it could very well shatter on its own.
Having given that warning, Futsu Mitama's gaze shifted back toward Aila—and the box of serenity in her hands. He gave a slight nod, silently signaling that they could begin.
"Then…it's time to start."
Keqing spoke as well, her tone steady, though her expression had grown noticeably solemn, as if she already understood what was about to unfold.
Shenhe remained the same. Her grip tightened ever so slightly around the Calamity Queller, her posture calm yet ready. She was fully aware that the moment her junior sister opened the box of serenity, and Black Aila's consciousness manifested—
They would step into that unknown, mysterious space.
Lumine and Paimon also felt an inexplicable pressure settling over them, subtle yet impossible to ignore.
After receiving Futsu Mitama's confirmation, Aila took a slow, steady breath, then gently placed her hand upon the box of serenity.
Just as it had been a few days ago—The box opened.
In the next instant, surging dark energy burst forth, and Abyssal Power erupted violently into the surroundings.
"No—this isn't right!!!"
Futsu Mitama's expression changed abruptly. In that single moment, he sensed something was fundamentally wrong. His gaze snapped toward Aila as he shouted sharply,
"This Abyssal Power is out of control!! Black Aila's consciousness hasn't been summoned over!!!!"
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
For anyone interested for some advanced chapters, or just want to support me. Hit the membership button to my Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ModerateCitizens