"Mr. Qiu Nian, Mr. Zhongli—do you remember what happened during the Lantern Rite?"
"The incident where Geovishaps appeared around Liyue Harbor?"
The Millelith soldier looked at the two of them as he spoke.
"Of course, we remember."
Qiu Nian and Zhongli exchanged a glance, then stood and nodded.
"Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Xu Ning, a member of Liyue Harbor's security force."
"This situation developed suddenly. I've already spoken with Director Hu Tao of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Chef Xiangling of Wanmin Restaurant, and Young Master Xingqiu of the Feiyun Commerce Guild."
"But their answers were the same as during the Lantern Rite—nothing useful."
"Director Hu Tao mentioned that her two consultants were also present at the time."
"And since you happened to be free, and likely at Third-Round Knockout, she asked me to come find you."
Xu Ning explained seriously.
"So…"
"What exactly happened?"
Zhongli asked calmly, gesturing slightly.
"Ten days ago, over a dozen Geovishaps appeared on the dirt road outside Liyue Harbor."
"Two of them were especially large and attacked a nearby village."
"Several houses were destroyed, but fortunately a squad of Millelith was stationed there, so the damage wasn't too severe."
"Half the squad was injured, and the remaining half pursued the fleeing Geovishaps."
"But the chase was rushed—and it happened at night."
"After passing a hillside, they completely lost track of them."
"It was raining heavily that day, with loud thunder. Ten days have passed now—we've questioned countless guards and passersby…"
"But no one knows where they went."
"It's just too strange… why would Geovishaps suddenly appear near Liyue Harbor, and even attack a village?"
Xu Ning's tone carried clear concern.
"So you're saying…"
"That half-squad of Millelith who pursued the Geovishaps…"
"Has been missing for ten days?"
Qiu Nian asked, slightly surprised.
"Yes. Not a single clue…"
"We've expanded the search across all of Liyue."
"We even searched Jueyun Karst with the help of experienced herb gatherers—but still nothing."
"Their families are going mad with worry."
Xu Ning nodded heavily.
"At this point, we can only turn to you."
"You witnessed Geovishaps near Liyue Harbor during the Lantern Rite."
"Do you have any leads?"
He looked at them with clear hope.
Qiu Nian rested a hand on his chin, frowning slightly.
"To be honest…"
"We don't have any direct leads either."
"But…"
"I can investigate."
Xu Ning immediately nodded.
"I understand. Then I'll leave this to you, Mr. Qiu Nian."
"If you discover anything, please inform us immediately."
"And if nothing turns up, that's fine too—please prioritize your own safety."
With that, Xu Ning turned and left.
"I suspect this is related to Azhdaha."
Zhongli's voice sounded directly in Qiu Nian's mind.
"I was thinking the same…"
"We'll know once we take a look."
Qiu Nian replied in the same manner.
"Then I'll leave it to you, old friend."
Zhongli nodded.
Qiu Nian turned and walked out of Liyue Harbor.
Zhongli, however, remained seated, one hand resting on his chin, deep in thought.
"…Hmm."
With a quiet sigh, he sat back down.
"Now then—where we last left off, the ancient god from afar faced Rex Lapis—"
Tian Tiezui resumed his storytelling after a short break.
"Found you, Zhongli!"
Paimon said cheerfully as she spotted him.
"You seem to be in high spirits—coming here to listen to stories as well."
Zhongli turned slightly, looking at Lumine and Paimon with mild surprise.
["Listening to my own story"]
[That 'ancient god from afar'—that's totally Qiu Nian, right? (facepalm)]
[Ahhh, Zhongli again! (heart eyes)]
[Where's Qiu Nian?!]
After accepting a commission from Old Dai of Huishan Hall at the Adventurers' Guild to search for missing workers—
Paimon expressed dissatisfaction at Old Dai claiming he had already found "the person who understands stones best in the world."
So she decided to bring Zhongli along—
And have him compete with that so-called expert.
After hearing this, Zhongli remarked:
"Where did this sudden desire for comparison come from?"
Still—
He agreed to go.
Mainly out of interest in exchanging knowledge.
"Oh right, Zhongli—where's Qiu Nian?"
"You two are usually together, aren't you?"
Paimon asked curiously.
"Do you recall the Geovishap incident near Liyue Harbor?"
"Ten days ago, they appeared again and attacked a village."
"Some Millelith pursued them—and have yet to return."
"My old friend has already gone to investigate."
Zhongli explained simply.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance.
Qiu Nian himself had gone?
"So it's those Geovishaps from the Lantern Rite again…"
"Ugh, those annoying creatures—ruining my chance to see him again!"
"But… at least we get to see Zhongli."
Xuehua grumbled, then smiled again at the screen.
[Damn, Qiu Nian personally investigating (facepalm)]
"Don't worry, Zhongli!"
"If Qiu Nian himself is involved, those Millelith will definitely be fine!"
Paimon said confidently.
Zhongli nodded.
"Then take me to meet this Old Dai."
Meanwhile—
Qiu Nian had already arrived near Nantianmen, by a riverbank.
At his feet—
Lay an unconscious Millelith soldier.
The man's brows were tightly furrowed, as if enduring immense pain.
Qiu Nian crouched down.
White-and-crimson divine energy gathered at his fingertips.
He placed two fingers gently against the soldier's forehead—
And closed his eyes.
A faint sound of chains rattling—
And a deep, suppressed roar—
Echoed within his mind.
"…Azhdaha."
Qiu Nian opened his eyes.
He pressed lightly against the soldier's forehead.
A flash of light passed over the man's body.
His expression gradually relaxed.
Seeing this—
Qiu Nian's form flickered with white-and-crimson light—
And vanished instantly.
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