Chapter 41. Discoveries
Futsu Mitama was an emotional being; he could act with reason, for he possessed extensive knowledge.
When he first transmigrated to Teyvat, Futsu Mitama beheld the Tenshukaku, the defining landmark of Inazuma City.
At that moment, his heart was in turmoil, because of Raiden Ei—especially Shogun Puppet—as everyone understood, a single misstep would mean utter annihilation.
He maintained a low profile within Inazuma, refraining from significantly increasing his strength, and he had his reasons.
No matter how much stronger he became, could he have surpassed the Raiden Shogun at that time? Clearly impossible~
Since that was the case, remaining inconspicuous was the wiser course. However, due to a Chat Group item, he was targeted by the Fatui and the head of the Kanjou Commission. For Futsu Mitama at the time, this became an exceedingly troublesome predicament.
Thus, he was compelled to strengthen himself. Thinking back, Aila at that time had likewise begun to improve in all aspects because of this incident.
Now, Futsu Mitama had experienced many things—from his initial battles against Scaramouche and La Signora, where he stalled until the Raiden Shogun arrived and secured victory—
To the present, where he could defeat Scaramouche and the Lady by relying solely on his own strength.
In the current Teyvat, so long as he exercised a measure of caution and concealed himself for a little longer, he would stand unrivaled across the land.
BUT—NOW HIS TWO MAIDS WERE ABOUT TO MERGE INTO ONE!!!!
If he continued to act cautiously, his two maids would become one, and that was not a sight he was willing to accept.
Therefore, he would no longer remain cautious. Even though he knew that breaking the rules of this space would invite targeting and hostility.
So what?! Even if he were targeted! Even if he were met with hostility! He had to act!
"Crack—!!!"
Futsu Mitama unleashed Musou no Hitotachi, forcibly shattering the space before him. The Chakra Desiderata manifested behind him, and he surged forward into the boundless darkness ahead.
"Whoosh!"
Futsu Mitama vanished into the mine tunnel.
After he disappeared from the tunnel, within mere seconds, a black and ominous aura began to spread.
It seemed that, following Futsu Mitama's forceful breach, the consciousness of this space had begun to stir.
As Futsu Mitama's coordinates began to shift, everyone within the group realized that he had ultimately chosen the path leading toward Aila.
Within her mental world, Aila also perceived her young master's coordinates drawing closer. A faint and peculiar warmth flickered within her heart.
"What's wrong?"
Due to their close proximity, Black Aila could clearly perceive Aila's inner emotions.
Because they were originally one and the same, their connection surpassed that of so-called twins. Whatever the other thought or felt, it could be sensed instantly.
"Young master is coming over."
Aila did not conceal anything. She looked at Black Aila and said,
"He knows that forcibly breaking open the space will incur the hostility of this space's consciousness, yet he is still coming."
This caused Black Aila's brows to knit slightly. In truth, if it were possible, she did not wish for her young master to come. Because she understood clearly that the battle to merge with [herself] would be an exceedingly cruel ordeal for him.
The young master had expressed more than once that he did not wish for [them] to kill one another, and he had also said that he would find a way to stop it.
Yet it was not a matter of disbelief; it was the [void] that arose from the depths within that would compel the two of them to fight.
The reason remained simple: Black Aila longed for Aila, and Aila likewise longed for Black Aila.
They had originally been one entity, and merging once more was only natural.
It was merely that they now possessed separate consciousnesses, making the struggle for fusion an exceedingly delicate matter.
"Didn't you try to dissuade him?"
Black Aila looked at Aila, still unable to understand why [herself] had made no attempt to dissuade the young master.
This was their mental space. Once she recovered, the great battle would inevitably begin. If the young master forced his way in at that time, both of them would likely suffer varying degrees of harm.
"Do not worry."
Aila discerned Black Aila's thoughts. She spoke calmly, "Young master will not force his way in. He will observe everything as a witness—"
"Because the Dendro Archon's Inheritance has granted him such authority."
Black Aila tilted her head slightly, her expression turning subtly complex. "Dendro Archon's Inheritance?"
In her memory, it had only been half a year since she last encountered Futsu Mitama. How had the young master obtained the Dendro Archon's Inheritance? And how had he come into contact with the Dendro Archon? Greater Lord Rukkhadevata had already perished, and the current Dendro Archon was Lesser Lord Kusanali.
But was not Lesser Lord Kusanali a captive deity?
As a provisional Harbinger of the Fatui, Black Aila possessed considerable knowledge, and Dottore—whom she despised—originated from Sumeru.
Thus, she was well-informed regarding many matters of Sumeru.
If it had been another Archon, Black Aila would not have found it unusual, yet the Dendro Archon's situation was exceptionally delicate. Lesser Lord Kusanali's condition had remained unchanged for five hundred years.
How, then, could she have passed on her inheritance to the young master?
Strange—deeply strange.
"Yes." Aila observed Black Aila's subtle expression and spoke calmly, "You will understand once our battle concludes."
Aila had no intention of elaborating further on the Chat Group, because through [her] memories, Black Aila should already have perceived its existence.
Yet the other party had never mentioned it as if ignorance to it, which aroused Aila's curiosity. Thus, she chose to wait until their battle for fusion had concluded.
Whether Black Aila prevailed or she herself prevailed, both would ultimately be able to perceive the [Chat Group].
"Very well."
Black Aila did not pursue the matter further, nor did she dwell upon the Dendro Archon's Inheritance. She looked at Aila and said calmly,
"After you entered the mental space, my injuries began to recover. In approximately one day, we will likely be forced to commence battle."
If possible, Black Aila also wished to wait for the young master's arrival before initiating the battle—and, indeed, she did not wish to fight here at all.
Yet from the moment Aila entered the mental space, unless there was [external intervention], the struggle for fusion had, in essence, already begun.
Once Black Aila's condition recovered to a certain threshold, the invisible contest for fusion would inevitably commence.
And Aila and Black Aila would be compelled to fight within that struggle, ensuring that their consciousness did not collapse—thereby becoming the true [Aila].
Aila nodded. She looked toward Futsu Mitama's avatar within the group's location interface as it advanced toward her, and said calmly,
"Young master will certainly create a miracle. Of course, I also wish to emerge victorious in this battle for fusion."
Aila expressed her thoughts without reservation. She believed the young master would create a miracle, yet that did not diminish her own desire to win.
"Heh."
Black Aila let out a faint scoff, her gaze filled with disdain as she looked at Aila. "You cannot defeat me."
Her confidence was absolute—she was extraordinarily powerful, and thus she did not believe Aila capable of overcoming her.
"Then try me."
Aila's eyes burned with intensity. She had not forgotten what the other had done to the young master within the Abyss.
Women are often deeply vindictive—even when the object of that resentment is themselves.
Here, Black Aila and Aila locked gazes upon one another.
—
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Futsu Mitama, having broken through space, arrived upon an unfamiliar grassland. He cast a glance around, and a divine aura erupted from his body.
This was to search for Xiao and Tartaglia. Both remained unaccounted for, and their whereabouts were unknown to him.
Although he understood that Xiao and Tartaglia were resilient and unlikely to fall into danger, such assumptions could never be absolute.
Moreover, they did not possess the Chat Group, preventing immediate contact. Thus, during his brief spatial traversals, he did not mind searching for them along the way.
After releasing his divine pressure, Futsu Mitama employed his perception to determine whether anyone within this space would respond.
"No."
After waiting nearly half a minute and receiving no response, Futsu Mitama once again raised the Seven Thunders of Retribution: Narukami in his hand. With another Musou no Hitotachi, he shattered space and advanced toward Shenhe.
"Crack—!!"
Amid the sound of space fracturing like shattered glass, Futsu Mitama once again executed a spatial traversal.
He repeated this process several times, witnessing ruined ancient cities, an ancient Liyue Harbor, and unfamiliar territories.
At last, he arrived at Shenhe's coordinates.
"Boom—!!"
As the space before him split apart, Futsu Mitama rushed forward. Looking ahead, he saw Shenhe standing quietly, gripping her weapon and appearing prepared to strike.
"It's me." Futsu Mitama spoke, unwilling to allow Shenhe to attack without recognition.
"Mm." Shenhe gave a slight nod. She looked at Futsu Mitama and said calmly, "I know. I have been observing your coordinates approaching, so I knew you would come."
"This tunnel is somewhat strange. I just…witnessed fragments of the past here."
Her voice carried a subtle nuance, for within this tunnel, she had seen events from her childhood.
They were not pleasant memories. Shenhe silently acknowledged her junior sister—had it not been for that reminder, she might have continued to follow those memories to their end.
Where that path would have led, she did not know.
Even knowing they were illusions—manifestations deliberately created by the space's consciousness to erode her psychological defenses—
She still found herself unable to turn away. Such, perhaps, was a weakness inherent to human nature.
"..."
Futsu Mitama's brows furrowed slightly. Had the consciousness of this space already begun its assault?
To use illusions upon Shenhe, forcing her to relive the past—her childhood, no less—this revealed an unmistakable hostility.
For Shenhe's childhood had not been kind. Even now, though she stood as an Adeptus disciple admired by many, those memories remained a thorn within her heart.
"It seems what I am doing is correct."
At this moment, Futsu Mitama felt no hesitation regarding his actions.
This space bore hostility toward them. What, then, if he chose to defy its rules?!
Even if they abided by them, the space's consciousness would still strike. In that case, it was better to gather their strength—and overturn everything!!!
"Let's go."
Futsu Mitama looked at Shenhe and spoke in a steady voice,
"We are going to find Kuki Shinobu and Kokomi. Though they are some distance away, by my estimation, it should not take more than an hour to reach them."
Shenhe nodded without hesitation, standing at his side as she asked, "Does traversing space in this manner consume significant stamina?"
To forcibly shatter and cross space was an exceedingly taxing endeavor.
Even though the space here was relatively fragile—making it easier to break and traverse—it would still incur a certain level of exhaustion.
"It's fine." Futsu Mitama waved a hand, dismissing the concern. "As long as this space's consciousness does not interfere or dispatch enemies, I can continue for three days and three nights."
"Because the Chakra Desiderata allows me to perceive spatial weak points and traverse them. And the surrounding space resembles the dreams of countless unclaimed minds."
"To be honest, it feels rather peculiar, but a detailed explanation is unnecessary—you need only experience it once."
Shenhe nodded, offering no further questions as she remained beside him.
Futsu Mitama raised the Seven Thunders of Retribution: Narukami once more, preparing to tear through space again—
"Hm?!"
Both Futsu Mitama and Shenhe sensed something simultaneously. Without hesitation, they struck in unison, launching their attacks toward the same point in space.
"Boom—!!"
Electro surged violently, while a chilling aura spread outward.
A Thunder Yaksha, bearing four arms and a mask, was forced into the open by their combined assault. He had intended to strike from concealment, but the instant he moved, he was detected and driven out.
As he revealed himself, Electro energy surged around him. Fixing his gaze upon Futsu Mitama and Shenhe, he spoke in a cold voice:
"Filthy beasts—how many lives have you taken with your hands! I lured you into this underground space precisely because I discovered your weaknesses! Die with me here!"
His abrupt appearance caused Futsu Mitama and Shenhe to frown slightly, for it signified that the consciousness of this space had begun to target them with deliberate intent.
"Let's go."
Futsu Mitama had no intention of engaging Bosacius in battle, for it would be meaningless. Black Aila had already spoken of this before.
She had once believed that killing Bosacius would resolve everything, yet the result had been otherwise—after being slain, he would reappear within a day or two, restored and relentless, continuing to pursue her.
It was precisely because of that fierce battle with Bosacius that Black Aila's already fragile condition—left behind by the encirclement of the Fatui Harbingers—had deteriorated even further.
Otherwise, when confronted with the Abyssal Tide, she would not have been so powerless, leading to severe injuries and a near-fatal outcome.
"Alright."
Shenhe cast several additional glances toward the Thunder Yakhsa. The Yaksha's form clearly identified him as Marshal Vritras—Bosacius.
He had once been a capable general under the Geo Archon. From her master, she had learned that he was not only highly skilled in martial prowess, but also an exceptional strategist upon the battlefield.
During the Archon War, he had led the Millelith and the Yakshas to numerous victories, securing great merit for Liyue—a figure worthy of respect.
Even though he had ultimately lost his memory due to the corruption of demonic remnants and vanished, he had later appeared upon the front lines of The Chasm when the Abyssal Tide descended, sacrificing his life to protect Liyue.
To see such a person reduced to a mere tool stirred an uncontrollable surge of anger within Shenhe.
"Crack!"
Futsu Mitama seized Shenhe's hand without another word, shattered the space before them, and stepped directly into the boundless darkness.
Before long, the two emerged upon an endless ocean. There was nothing here but the vast expanse of water.
Futsu Mitama surveyed the sea, quietly employing Anemo authority to suspend both himself and Shenhe above the surface. His expression turned subtly complex.
There was not even a single place to land within this sea.
"Shall we proceed to the next area?"
Shenhe asked, several talismans manifesting beside her. After Bosacius's sudden attack, she had already heightened her vigilance. Should he appear again, she would not hesitate to strike.
She understood clearly that what they faced was not the true Bosacius, but a phantom deliberately shaped by this space.
Yet his sudden manifestation was sufficient proof that this space had begun to harbor hostility toward them, just as her junior sister's intelligence had indicated.
Of course, it was also possible that this hostility was directed solely at Futsu Mitama, as he alone continued to shatter and traverse space.
"No rush."
Futsu Mitama continued to release the pressure of an Archon. The authority of an Archon proved unexpectedly effective in this moment.
Only a few seconds after he released this divine pressure—just as he expected no response, as before—a familiar aura emerged not far away.
This indicated that someone else was present within this space.
Both Futsu Mitama and Shenhe were momentarily surprised. Without hesitation, they moved toward that direction.
Soon, Futsu Mitama saw him.
Xiao sat calmly upon a small raft upon the boundless sea, holding his primordial jade spear.
"This…"
At the mere sight of Xiao seated upon the raft, Futsu Mitama's expression became subtly peculiar. For some reason, memories from his previous life stirred faintly within him.
An image—an expression—something reminiscent of a peculiar symbol.
If Xiao were not holding his spear, but instead a fishing implement, the resemblance would have been even more striking.
"A raft?"
A trace of surprise appeared in Shenhe's eyes. They had flown across this sea and had not seen any islands or trees nearby.
From where had the Conqueror of Demons obtained such a vessel?
"You've arrived."
Xiao's expression remained calm as he stood and rose into the air using Anemo power.
Sensing Shenhe's confusion, he spoke evenly, "There is an island some distance from here. I constructed the raft there."
"I had intended to sail and observe the nature of this space, yet after drifting for a long time, it remained nothing but an endless sea. Did you arrive by shattering space, or were you already within this domain?"
Xiao's curiosity was evident. He had released his aura multiple times in hopes of encountering Futsu Mitama or the others, yet to no avail.
Just as he had been preparing to forcibly traverse space himself, he sensed the Archon pressure emitted by Futsu Mitama.
"It is a long story. Let us leave first."
Futsu Mitama swung the Seven Thunders of Retribution: Narukami once more, tearing open space as he prepared to move toward Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi.
If they remained here too long, Bosacius would likely cross space again to pursue them.
"Very well."
Xiao did not refuse.
Thus, the three departed this space without delay.
As they left, Bosacius's figure manifested briefly within the sea before fading once more.
He had arrived too late.
—
During their traversal, Futsu Mitama and Shenhe recounted their encounter with Bosacius.
Upon hearing this, Xiao's pupils contracted. With Shenhe's confirmation, a surge of emotion rose within him.
For hundreds of years, he had been burdened by the mystery of the Nameless Yaksha. He had long desired to investigate The Chasm, yet circumstances had prevented him from doing so.
Now, learning that the Nameless Yaksha was Bosacius stirred his heart—yet that stirring soon dimmed.
Even if it was truly Bosacius, his unprovoked attack upon Futsu Mitama and Shenhe suggested that his current condition was deeply compromised.
Was he being controlled—or had he already perished, his form merely manipulated?
Without having seen him directly, countless thoughts surfaced within Xiao's mind.
"Do not dwell on it." Futsu Mitama spoke, his tone steady. "Xiao, Bosacius is an enemy at present. If you encounter him, do not kill him—but do not hold back either."
"I may have a method to awaken him, but at present—I am not yet capable. It will require time."
He could not reveal the existence of the Chat Group. Were it possible, he would have preferred to bring Xiao into it directly.
Later, upon meeting Zhongli, Azhdaha, and Guizhong, Xiao would naturally come to understand everything.
For now, however, there was neither time nor necessity for such explanations—he still needed to reach Aila.
His maid was on the verge of becoming one, and he could not afford delay.
"Understood."
Xiao nodded, asking nothing further. The Geo Archon had already instructed him to follow Futsu Mitama's lead without question.
Thus, he would do so.
Do not kill Bosacius, yet do not show restraint—this implied subduing him through overwhelming force.
Yet recalling Bosacius's strength, Xiao's heart grew heavy. To restrain him would likely require the combined efforts of Futsu Mitama and Shenhe.
—
After traversing several spaces in succession, the three arrived within a desert.
This was where Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi were located.
Within the Chat Group, Futsu Mitama contacted them, instructing them to regroup quickly. From there, they would proceed toward Lumine.
Lumine already possessed the Fantastic Compass—clearly the central axis of this trial.
Futsu Mitama's objective was simple: gather everyone, proceed to Lumine, and thereafter move without hesitation to Aila's side.
"Sizzle—sizzle—!!"
At that moment, arcs of Electro clawed through the air from all directions.
"They're here!"
Futsu Mitama's voice rang out. He had already anticipated that Bosacius would appear while they waited.
The three dispersed instantly, evading the incoming strikes.
Xiao tightened his grip upon his spear, recognizing the familiar pattern of attack. A complex emotion flickered within his gaze.
"Striking from concealment—this is Bosacius's habitual method. You must remain vigilant. Should you reveal even the slightest opening, he will—"
Before Xiao could finish, Futsu Mitama had already vanished.
"Boom—!!"
With a thunderous explosion, Bosacius was once again forced into the open, still wearing his mask.
At the sight, Xiao faltered for a brief instant before tightening his grip once more. He understood clearly that this was merely a phantom.
"Abyssal Beasts! How many have fallen by your hands?! Die with me here!!"
Bosacius roared, violent Electro erupting from his body as four arms condensed spheres of crackling energy.
"Swish—swish—swish—!!"
The spheres were hurled forward in rapid succession, crashing toward Futsu Mitama.
"Planet Befall!"
Futsu Mitama showed no restraint. A massive construct of Geo construct descended from the heavens, crashing toward Bosacius.
The Electro spheres struck against it, damaging its structure—but failing to halt its descent.
"Argh—!!!"
Bosacius roared and leapt skyward, meeting it head-on. With all four arms imbued with Electro, he launched a relentless barrage, seeking to shatter it through sheer force.
The Yakshas were born warriors. Even as a phantom, his combat instinct remained formidable.
He understood that allowing it to strike the ground would be catastrophic—thus he intercepted it midair.
"Bang—!!"
In mere moments, the immense force shattered the descending mass.
Futsu Mitama was not surprised.
After all, this was once a warrior of Liyue and equal to Adeptus in strength.
"Then how will you face the second?"
His expression remained calm. Another Planet Befall formed above, descending once more.
This time, Bosacius withdrew into the shadows, unwilling to meet it directly again.
"Boom—!"
Yet at that instant, streaks of Pyro surged from afar—targeting Futsu Mitama.
"Swish—!"
Shenhe appeared beside him in an instant, her strike imbued with chilling force as she intercepted the incoming attacks.
"What is this?"
Xiao turned—and what he beheld caused his eyes to widen.
Within the raging sandstorm, ranks of Millelith soldiers appeared, accompanied by a dozen exorcists clad in ancient garb.
Like Bosacius, they were phantoms.
The earlier Pyro attacks had originated from these exorcists.
A hundred Millelith soldiers formed ranks, surrounding Futsu Mitama, Shenhe, and Xiao as their voices rose in unison:
"Yaksha brother! We are here to aid you!"
"Having chosen this path, we shall not falter!"
"For our families, we must halt these Abyssal Beasts!"
"Forward! Slay all evil!"
"Millelith stand firm—mountains unmoving, steadfast defenders, purging all evil!"
With unified momentum, they charged, their formation unyielding.
At the same time, the exorcists extended their hands, talismans of varying elemental power manifesting before them.
These were the elites who had once guarded The Chasm, who had fought against the abyssal forces a century prior—and who had vanished without a trace.
What the Conqueror of Demons did not anticipate was that he would stand opposed to them here, a realization that left him profoundly unsettled.
These had once been his comrades-in-arms—warriors who gave their lives to defend Liyue. Never had he imagined that one day he would be forced to cross blades with them.
"..."
It was not only the Conqueror of Demons. Even Futsu Mitama and Shenhe felt a similar weight pressing upon them.
These warriors, who had fought for Liyue until their final breath, had not found rest in death. Instead, they were now being manipulated by this space.
Although Futsu Mitama and Shenhe had already learned through Black Aila's intelligence that such a confrontation was inevitable—
Even with that foreknowledge, the act of fighting them now still stirred unease within their hearts.
"Annihilate them."
Futsu Mitama did not allow himself to underestimate these warriors of the past. He issued the order without hesitation.
"Grant them peace. Even if they return again later, we cannot afford restraint now."
As his words fell, the auras surrounding Shenhe and the Conqueror of Demons grew increasingly formidable.
For both understood clearly—Bosacius alone was not the true threat. With a hundred Millelith and a dozen exorcists joining the fray, the nature of the battlefield changed entirely.
Whether Millelith or exorcists, these were elites of a bygone era—the very forces that had stood at the forefront against the Abyssal Beasts.
The Conqueror of Demons had witnessed firsthand the brutality of that war.
Shenhe, in contrast, had come to understand its severity through her master's accounts.
Precisely because they understood, they could not hold back.
"Boom—!!"
A bolt of lightning struck from afar, targeting the Millelith—yet they evaded it instantly, rendering the attack ineffective.
In the next instant, Kuki Shinobu entered the battlefield. With tachi in hand, she moved decisively, launching an immediate assault upon the exorcists.
Yet her strike failed.
The moment her blade descended upon a Exorcist, a golden Geo barrier manifested, shielding the opponent completely.
"..."
Kuki Shinobu's brows knit slightly. Without a word, she produced a talisman and affixed it to her blade.
A flash of white light followed—her tachi pierced through the Geo barrier, striking down a Exorcist in a single decisive motion.
The instant one fell, the surrounding exorcists reacted.
Another Exorcist drew forth an exorcism greatsword and swung it toward her.
"?!"
Kuki Shinobu had not expected such a weapon to emerge from within those seemingly light garments. She raised her blade in defense.
"Clang—!!"
With a sharp metallic ring, she was forced backward several meters, overwhelmed by the opponent's raw strength.
Immediately after, arrows rained down upon her position.
Several Millelith soldiers closed in simultaneously, their charge already in motion.
"Blessing of the Deep Sea!"
At that moment, a clear voice rang out.
A colossal wave surged forth within the desert—an utterly inconceivable sight—crashing toward Kuki Shinobu's position.
The towering wave swept the Millelith soldiers away, forcing even the nearby exorcists to retreat.
Recognizing the threat posed by Sangonomiya Kokomi, a portion of the enemy force redirected their focus, surrounding the two from the periphery.
"Swish!"
With a flash of lightning, Kuki Shinobu evaded the wave and reappeared beside Kokomi.
"Let's go."
Placing a hand upon Kokomi, she activated a talisman, instantly transporting them both to Futsu Mitama's side.
"Go!"
Seeing their arrival, Futsu Mitama did not hesitate. Turning toward the Conqueror of Demons and Shenhe—who were still engaged in battle—he called out, "Leave this space first!"
"Bang—!!"
After a brief exchange with Bosacius, a flicker of complex emotion passed through the Conqueror of Demons' eyes. Yet he vanished from his position the next instant, reappearing beside Futsu Mitama.
Shenhe, who had never strayed far, withdrew swiftly and joined them as well.
In the following moment, Futsu Mitama shattered space once more, carrying everyone out of the desert.
As they departed, Bosacius, the Millelith, and the exorcists froze in place—like halted constructs—before fading entirely, as though they had never existed.
On the other side, the group arrived within an unfamiliar underground tunnel.
"Unimaginable." Kuki Shinobu spoke with genuine astonishment. "In barely ten seconds of combat, aside from the initial surprise kill, the entire battle rhythm was controlled by the enemy."
"Their coordination is extraordinary."
Her shock was evident. After engaging the Millelith and exorcists, she had only held the advantage briefly.
Thereafter, the flow of battle had been entirely dictated by them. The sudden emergence of a greatsword, the precisely timed arrows, the encirclement executed without warning—
Had Kokomi not intervened, she would have paid a considerable price to break free from that momentum.
The coordination between Millelith and exorcists was tight.
Were these truly the forces that once fought against the Abyssal Beasts?
It just the Shogunate Army she had faced during the Resistance felt vastly inferior. Or perhaps—the Shogunate Army of that era had once been just as formidable? Yes, that might be possible.
"It is only natural." The Conqueror of Demons exhaled softly, a trace of pride surfacing amidst his tone. "Within this space, the Millelith and the exorcists have maintained constant cooperation."
"They have fought together in countless exorcism campaigns. In the face of war, such coordination would only deepen. What you encountered were likely the elites of elites among them."
At this point, a shadow passed through his gaze.
Such comrades had fallen here.
And now, they had become tools in another's grasp. The anger within him was matched only by a deep sense of helplessness.
In that moment, he began to understand why the Geo Archon had warned of the dangers of this place.
Had he come alone and faced such opposition—victory in battle might still have been possible.
But escape?
That would have been another matter entirely.
"Elites among elites—"
Sangonomiya Kokomi sighed softly, her gaze resting upon him.
"They fell protecting Liyue. There is no need to grieve excessively. Their hostility toward us now is the doing of this space's consciousness."
Shenhe nodded in agreement.
"When I struck them earlier, I sensed no true physical presence. They are merely remnants—phantoms of the past. They perished long ago. This space simply preserves their forms for its own use."
She paused, then added with quiet steadiness, "You should take pride. We, as those who came after, have borne witness to the valor of our warriors."
Shenhe was no longer the detached figure she once had been. After months in Inazuma, she had grown more attuned to human sentiment.
At the very least, she could now offer words of comfort.
"Indeed, as Shenhe says."
Futsu Mitama inclined his head slightly. Confirming once more that no presence responded within this space, he raised the Seven Thunders of Retribution: Narukami and tore open space again.
"We should be grateful. At the very least, we are able to witness those of the past. Though they stand against us, our strength ensures they cannot easily bring us down."
"In a sense, this is a blessing concealed within misfortune."
The Conqueror of Demons fell silent.
He understood that Futsu Mitama spoke the truth. If these warriors had known that, after death, they would be manipulated to strike against those of Liyue—
There would be nothing left to say.
With that, Futsu Mitama led them onward, traversing space once more.
They could not remain within any single space for long.
In the desert, their stay had been brief, yet Bosacius and the Millelith had already manifested. Soon after, the Abyssal Beasts would likely follow.
Before that could happen, Futsu Mitama resolved to escort everyone to Lumine.
From the outset, he had already noticed that whether it was Bosacius, the Millelith, or the exorcists—their primary target was himself.
Others were only engaged after initiating attacks.
Both Kuki Shinobu and Sangonomiya Kokomi had only drawn attention after striking.
Thus, Futsu Mitama made his decision.
He would draw all hostility upon himself, leaving the others in relative safety so they could seek a path of escape—while he went to Aila and resolved everything at once.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
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