Back when Sea Gazer had had enough of endless work, he finally snapped.
He flew straight up to the Jade Chamber while Ningguang and the others were holding a meeting,
and, in front of everyone, loudly demanded his right to rest ,
complaining nonstop until the skies trembled.
It was such a scene that Ningguang and her council had no choice but to temporarily suspend construction of the aerial fortresses.
Honestly, it was for the best , everyone could see Sea Gazer was utterly exhausted.
And without him, no one else could create new floating stones anyway.
It wasn't even a secret , the Adeptus had made quite the spectacle of his protest.
After that day, the production of sky bastions was halted indefinitely.
And when Sea Gazer later went to the General Affairs Office to file his "unauthorized flight report,"
his expression had been suspiciously cheerful.
He even spent the following days strolling leisurely around Liyue Harbor, humming to himself.
The Qianyan soldiers had all guessed the truth.
But of course, matters like "our Adeptus has gone on strike" were not things one should bring up in front of guests from Inazuma.
Kujou Sara, understanding the unspoken awkwardness, tactfully changed the topic:
"Then… what about the last division?"
Fengyan's eyes gleamed, his chest swelling with pride.
"The final division… is all around us!"
Sara blinked, confused.
She looked about , but saw nothing unusual.
There were only ordinary Liyue citizens walking by,
many stopping respectfully to salute the Qianyan soldiers as they passed.
The only ones who dared approach closely were the laughing children.
Perhaps… the unit was hidden?
She raised her gaze to the second floor of a nearby building.
There were quite a few people there too , merchants, scholars, and workers going about their day.
They looked perfectly ordinary, save for the occasional glance toward the heavy cavalry.
Could they be using invisibility alchemy?
Sara narrowed her eyes, activating her Elemental Sight.
She had heard Liyue possessed potions that could render one completely invisible ,
but with enough focus, traces of elemental energy could still be detected.
Yet even after a long, careful scan… there was nothing.
Her respect deepened.
"So well hidden… I didn't even sense a trace of them.
Truly impressive , this final division must be your greatest secret.
Equal in standing to the Dragonriders, perhaps?"
Fengyan blinked in confusion, unsure how she'd come to that conclusion.
"Oh , no, no. They've never hidden themselves.
But their importance… far surpasses even the Dragonriders."
Sara nodded thoughtfully, misunderstanding even further.
"I see… then I really have much to learn.
To think I couldn't even perceive their presence."
Even Ei herself frowned slightly, curious.
She, too, had sensed nothing unusual.
Fengyan chuckled softly, finally realizing the misunderstanding.
"No, you're mistaken."
"The last army I speak of , has always been the people of Liyue."
Sara froze, completely taken aback.
Fengyan continued seriously, his voice firm but full of warmth.
"Every citizen of Liyue , man or woman, young or old , is part of our nation's strength.
They are Liyue's foundation. They are Liyue's true army."
"Regardless of their profession , scholar, miner, trader, or craftsman ,
each one is a capable defender of our home."
"If ever we soldiers fall, they will rise.
They will be the final line of defense ,
the last army of Liyue's civilization."
"It's something we soldiers believe in… and something they believe too."
Sara's lips parted slightly, her voice soft with awe.
"All people united as one… what a dreamlike, harmonious world that would be."
Indeed, just having such a will , such unity ,
was enough to make even the strongest armies pale in comparison.
This "final legion" truly was Liyue's greatest strength ,
its people's courage, unity, and faith.
As the heavy cavalry continued their march out of the harbor,
heading toward the distant slopes of Tianheng Mountain,
Fengyan smiled faintly and said:
"That's why, no matter what army rises against us ,
Liyue will never truly fall."
Fengyan's smile grew prouder as he spoke, voice carrying the calm certainty of faith.
"Never underestimate the people of Liyue.
When Lady Ningguang obtained the Beacons, she found a way to channel them , and when activated, they grant tremendous blessings over vast areas."
"Strength, speed, agility, endurance , all of these are enhanced far beyond the limits of an ordinary Vision wielder."
"Even children and the elderly can receive this power , and stand as warriors when Liyue calls."
He paused, his eyes bright with the memory of victory.
"During the Osial invasion, when the sea god rose once more against Liyue…
under the blessing of the Beacons, our citizens fought back."
"With zero casualties, every Liyuean slew more than ten sea beasts each."
"It was the greatest triumph in Liyue's history ,
and perhaps, in all of Teyvat's."
"As long as the Beacons burn, every citizen of Liyue becomes a soldier , a protector."
"Of course," he added more solemnly,
"the Beacons are never activated lightly.
As long as even a single member of the Qianyan Army still stands,
we will never allow the people to bear arms."
Then his tone sharpened , not arrogant, but absolute.
"But I believe this , in all of Teyvat today,
aside from that creature known as Celestia's Will,
there is no one left who can threaten Liyue."
Kujou Sara's eyes widened in shock.
"You… even know about Celestia? About the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles?"
Fengyan shrugged lightly, unbothered.
"Of course. It's no secret here."
"When the Geo Archon was ambushed by Celestia during the Rite of Descension,
and forced into retirement to heal, Lady Ningguang told us everything.
Even the Archon himself confirmed it."
"Every citizen of Liyue knows that Celestia is our enemy."
"Whether it's to avenge our Archon or to ensure Liyue's eternal survival ,
we will rise against her when the time comes!"
He didn't seem to notice the subtle change in expression among Ei, Sara, or Lumine.
Their gazes met briefly , heavy with realization.
Then Fengyan turned his eyes toward the small, distant cottage nestled at the foot of Tianheng Mountain.
"We're here," he said softly.
"I'll stop here , we're not allowed to approach Mr. Ryen's residence without permission."
Sara blinked, drawn out of her thoughts, and gave a polite nod.
"Understood. Thank you for guiding us this far."
"It's my duty."
Fengyan waved dismissively, but then turned toward Lumine, his face breaking into a hopeful grin.
"Please, Miss Lumine , don't forget to ask about the Dragonriders for me!"
Lumine chuckled, flashing a confident thumbs-up.
"Don't worry , I've got it covered!"
With that, the group dismounted, leaving the proud cavalry captain behind ,
while above them, the shadow of Tianheng Mountain stretched long over the land of Liyue,
where even ordinary citizens stood ready to fight like gods.