Neuvillette looked at Liyue Harbor, which was still undergoing expansion in front of him, and took a deep breath.
After finally persuading Otillia to stay in Sumeru, Neuvillette had finally arrived in Liyue.
Just as Neuvillette stepped into the boundaries of Liyue Harbor, several Millelith came before him, bowed respectfully, and then spoke.
"Monsieur Neuvillette, welcome to Liyue."
"Miss Clorinde and her group arrived half a day ago and have been settled in by Lady Ningguang."
"Lady Ningguang instructed us to first take you to rejoin Miss Clorinde and her group, and then the Liyue Qixing will come to discuss important matters with you as soon as possible."
Hearing the other party's words, Neuvillette nodded.
"There's no need to be so formal, just take me to see the Liyue Qixing."
"The situation is urgent, and there's not much time to spare."
"Please lead the way."
"Very well, Monsieur Neuvillette, please follow me this way."
Guided by the Millelith, Neuvillette soon arrived at the Jade Chamber, where he met five of the Liyue Qixing, including Ningguang.
By this time, Ningguang had already brewed the tea and poured a cup for Neuvillette, sliding it to the other side of the table and speaking to him.
"Monsieur Neuvillette, your journey was arduous, please have some tea."
Neuvillette did not decline, lifted the teacup, and took a sip, and at this time Ningguang slowly began to explain.
"Because Liyue has had many incidents recently, it will take a little time for all the Liyue Qixing to gather. As for the Adepti, I have already sent Ganyu to deliver the message."
"Since time is pressing, let's start first, and we will exchange opinions internally after it's over."
After hearing Ningguang's suggestion, Neuvillette nodded in agreement.
"Let's follow Lady Ningguang's arrangements."
"I have two requests."
"First, I need to examine the battle traces of Persephone (No. 3) to assess her actual strength."
"Second, I need to understand the various characteristics of the beings known as [Heroic Spirits] currently appearing, so that I can arrange appropriate tactics later."
Ningguang nodded.
"Keqing will take Monsieur Neuvillette to inspect the site where we fought Persephone earlier."
"As for the characteristics of the [Heroic Spirits], it so happens that we have recently received the help of a powerful [Heroic Spirit]."
"Her name is Artoria, and she has been accompanying Keqing to familiarize herself with Liyue Harbor. Monsieur Neuvillette will be able to meet them shortly."
After hearing Ningguang's words, Neuvillette spoke slowly.
"Then I have no other questions. If Lady Ningguang has anything she needs to ask me, she may bring it up."
Ningguang did not stand on ceremony and immediately asked Neuvillette for much of the latest intelligence regarding that mysterious faction. This was all information Liyue lacked. Fontaine, having faced four Numbered Members in succession, had instead grown stronger in national power. In this regard, the Liyue Qixing needed to humbly learn from them.
After all, they couldn't guarantee this would be the last time they faced a disaster brought by a Numbered Member.
Neuvillette held nothing back, sharing the more detailed events with the Liyue Qixing present, even recounting what had happened in Fontaine.
After hearing Neuvillette's description, everyone present felt a heavy weight in their hearts. If Fontaine and Sumeru hadn't had Emily (No. 8), who stood on their side and possessed astonishing computational talent, their current situation would likely be even more miserable than Liyue's.
Whether it was Dark Furina reshaping the people's faith to become the new Hydro Archon, or Edward No. 4 being determined to push forward his plan to make everyone live in a beautiful dream, Fontaine and Sumeru had both nearly faced national collapse.
In truth, Liyue was also in danger. If Persephone (No. 3) hadn't changed her target to cause trouble elsewhere and had remained in Liyue, no one would have been able to stop her from destroying it at that time.
The people present felt a mix of envy and relief.
"I have said almost everything I need to say. I assume you all now have a relatively clear understanding of this organization's power."
"For this very reason, I did not ask Sumeru and Mondstadt to send reinforcements."
At this moment, Neuvillette spoke to the crowd once again.
"Both Sumeru and Mondstadt are currently depleted in national strength, and they must also prepare to deal with the soon-to-come 'Heroic Spirit' issue."
"If too many people are sent, it's very likely there will be a shortage of manpower internally."
"Furthermore, simply piling up numbers would hold little significance for Persephone (No. 3)."
Ningguang nodded. She didn't know much about Sumeru's situation, but she knew Mondstadt's situation all too well.
After Grand Master Varka led almost all of Mondstadt's high-end combat power on an expedition, Mondstadt might not even be able to defend itself against a slightly larger-scale monster siege. A few ordinary Fatui could act arrogantly and tyrannically within Mondstadt City; how could they be asked to send reinforcements to Inazuma in such a state? Ningguang really didn't know how to put into words.
She had just heard Neuvillette's account of Sumeru earlier. It seemed they also lacked high-end combat power, and the number of Matra was small. Although there were plenty of mercenaries, on one hand, mercenaries were used to being loose and were careful about their own lives, making their combat effectiveness questionable. On the other hand, the cost of hiring so many mercenaries for an expedition would be too high, making it a case of losing more than was gained.
As for the gods, Mondstadt's Barbatos had been silent for centuries, and Sumeru's Dendro Archon was still a five-hundred-year-old child...
With a few thoughts, Ningguang suddenly felt the burden on her shoulders grow even heavier.
"Very well, let us end our discussion here for now."
"Monsieur Neuvillette, you may go and check with Miss Clorinde first. Afterward, I will have Keqing and Artoria find you."
"It is late today. I trust that the soldiers must be mentally exhausted after such a long journey. Please take the evening to rest and recuperate. We will set out tomorrow morning."
"At that time, I will formally introduce our personnel to Monsieur Neuvillette."
"Everyone, I will take my leave now."
Neuvillette drained the tea in his cup, then stood and followed Baiwen out of the Jade Chamber, heading for the current camp of the Fontaine Expeditionary Force.
After Neuvillette's departure, the Liyue Qixing began to converse fiercely among themselves again.
Not long after, when Keqing and Artoria returned from their field duty, they were met with this scene. Keqing couldn't help but scratch her head.
"Ningguang, has Monsieur Neuvillette arrived already?"
"Yes, he has gone to the camp of that army from Fontaine."
"Monsieur Neuvillette wants to go and examine the battle traces of Persephone. I'll have to trouble you and Artoria to make another trip and find him."
"Alright, I'll go right away."
After hearing Ningguang's words, Keqing immediately accepted the task and prepared to leave with Artoria, but Ningguang called out to her.
"Wait a moment, Keqing."
"What is it, Ningguang? Is there something else?"
"I want to know about your current physical condition."
Ningguang looked at Keqing with some concern, while Keqing waved her hand dismissively.
"Ningguang, didn't you already have Dr. Baizhu examine me last time? The injuries on my body have completely recovered."
"That's not necessarily a good thing..."
Ningguang sighed softly. Obviously, with Keqing's constitution, it would be impossible to recover from all her injuries in such a short time. There were only two possibilities for this situation.
Either Keqing had devoured a part of Aatrox, or Aatrox had secretly eroded Keqing's body.
The former was still acceptable, but if it were the latter, she would have to worry.
"Dr. Baizhu and Artoria have both examined me. My body is fine, Ningguang, you don't need to worry too much."
"Alright, I'm leaving."
Ningguang watched Keqing's receding figure and shook her head, the worry in her heart still lingering.
"I hope Artoria can take good care of Keqing for me."
Ningguang then shifted her gaze to Artoria's back, and this time her heart felt a little more at ease.
-
"So much has happened in Inazuma during this time."
After listening to Kamisato Ayato's description, Arlecchino lowered her head in deep thought, her expression grave.
Moreover, Persephone has barely made a move up until now, which means the current situation in Inazuma is proceeding exactly according to her original plan. So, what exactly is it in Inazuma that is attracting her?
Arlecchino believed that the reason Persephone abandoned Liyue to come to Inazuma must be because there is something here that attracts her; otherwise, she would have no need to go to such trouble.
And although Persephone could do whatever she wanted in Inazuma by relying on her own strength, she has instead spent so much effort to incite a war here.
Perhaps there is a reason for her to enjoy war, but if there were no other purpose, it would not fit her personality.
After thinking for a long while, Arlecchino still couldn't temporarily guess Persephone's ultimate goal, so she shook her head and stopped her train of thought.
Actually, this matter was not important to her at all. She had not specifically come to support Inazuma.
She didn't care what Inazuma would eventually become.
Although Arlecchino had always disguised herself as someone standing in the sunlight, she ultimately belonged to the darkness.
"Miss Arlecchino, thank you again for saving me earlier."
Kamisato Ayato spoke to Arlecchino gratefully.
"It's nothing. You also provided me with a lot of information, so just consider this a normal transaction."
Arlecchino waved her hand, then continued speaking.
"Rosalyne and Scaramouche have been resurrected too, as well as famous generals from Inazuma's past. Their strengths vary, making it hard to discern Persephone's preferences when using her power."
However, this was actually good news for her. This meant the possibility of Clervie returning to this world had greatly increased.
At that moment, Kamisato Ayaka, who had been squatting beside the ice coffin and watching Aoba as if she had already lost her soul, suddenly moved. Then, the light returned to her eyes.
Yes, there is still a chance for Aoba to come back to life!
She must bring him back to this world again!
A determined light shone in Kamisato Ayaka's eyes. She slowly stood up and spoke to Arlecchino.
"Perhaps what Persephone values is not strength, but the heart of a warrior or a fearless spirit."
At this point, Kamisato Ayaka paused, then swept her gaze over the others present and continued.
"Just like this battle. Before it began, many of us were not particularly strong. Even those among us with Visions were few and far between."
"But after this battle, everyone's strength has improved significantly."
"Our enemies, who were far superior to us on paper, ultimately fell, while we, the weak, were the ones to win this victory."
"Perhaps this is Persephone's idea. She wants to build an invincible army to sweep across the entire continent of Teyvat."
"Compared to other nations, Inazuma, which has been in a state of war and where the people have been oppressed to the limit, is undoubtedly the most suitable culture medium at present."
After hearing Kamisato Ayaka's speculation, Arlecchino thought for a moment and then nodded.
This line of reasoning was truly brilliant. It was unexpected that the current head of the Kamisato Clan, Kamisato Ayato, was already excellent enough, and there was also a Kamisato Ayaka who was no less than him.
Perhaps in the past, Kamisato Ayaka had restrained her own brilliance because she was under the protection of Kamisato Ayato, and only after this drastic change in her state of mind did she gradually reveal her sharp edge.
"Ayaka, are you all right?"
Paimon did not think carefully about what Kamisato Ayaka said, but instead flew to Kamisato Ayaka's side and asked her with a worried look on her face.
"I'm much better now, thank you, Paimon."
Kamisato Ayaka nodded, and a smile even reappeared on her face.
Although her smile was still a bit colder than usual, it was already much better than before, at least it wouldn't make Paimon feel anxious inside.
Kamisato Ayaka's angry expression just now had completely scared Paimon; in the blink of an eye, everyone in front of Kamisato Ayaka had been shattered to pieces.
If she ever made Kamisato Ayaka angry one day, she might become Paimon sashimi in an instant!
Thinking of this, Paimon's body couldn't help but shiver.
She missed the Shirasagi Himegimi of the past who never seemed to get angry!
Arlecchino knew why Kamisato Ayaka's performance was much calmer now; it seemed she also had the idea of reviving the person in the ice coffin.
The other party was like this, and she was like this too, and even the God of Inazuma, the Raiden Shogun, could not resist this temptation.
Arlecchino sighed secretly, feeling that Persephone was hiding in the shadows at this moment, secretly laughing at their struggling and conflicted appearance, yet they were still willing to become her pawns without hesitation.
Arlecchino had a premonition that perhaps Persephone was not the most dangerous Numbered Member, but she would be the existence that brought the most pain to the continent of Teyvat...
On the other side, Enjou, who had searched the waters around Narukami Island three whole times, wandered on the island with a tearful face.
"It's over, it's over. Something has happened to the Princess, and the Prince will definitely kill me when he finds out!"
"Princess, where on earth are you?!"
Until a certain moment, Enjou suddenly felt a familiar surge of power appear nearby. His face instantly lit up with joy, and he rushed over.
"Princess!"
Seeing Lumine lying on the ground, fast asleep, Enjou was so excited that tears almost streamed down his face as he shouted.
"I've finally found you!"
He never expected that Lumine hadn't been swept into the sea and was still on Narukami Island. Thinking about how he had searched the sea back and forth for so long, Enjou wished he could strangle his former self. He should have thought of this sooner.
Fortunately, Enjou did not see a certain white floating object beside Lumine at this moment, and he breathed a sigh of relief.
This was a great opportunity to make a good impression in front of her. It would be a huge loss if Paimon got there first.
Enjou had a premonition that perhaps after this, he could formally replace Paimon's place in Lumine's heart. A bright future was waiting for him!
He just needed to wait for Lumine to wake up, then he would feign nonchalance and "accidentally" reveal how Paimon had completely neglected her, choosing to save some unimportant commoners first.
He was certain that his Princess would be thoroughly heartbroken by Paimon's actions and utterly moved by his own performance.
When that time came, wouldn't replacing Paimon's place in Lumine's heart be a piece of cake?!
Thinking of this, Enjou felt a surge of excitement. Standing outside the range of the Power of Nihility's influence, he gazed joyfully at the sleeping Lumine.
He even noticed a slight smile on her lips, as if she were having an exceptionally pleasant dream.
"I will protect the Princess's sweet dreams!"
Enjou resolved to take on the role of her guardian, safeguarding the still-slumbering Lumine and preventing any outside disturbances from bothering her.
Furthermore, Enjou kept a constant watch on her every move, so that he could be the first person she saw upon waking and earn some favorability...