However, before Lumine could speak, Kael interjected, "We don't necessarily have to be that slow. I can speed everyone up."
As soon as these words came out, the team fell silent for a moment. Everyone's eyes subconsciously landed on Kael.
"...What do you mean?"
Kaeya raised an eyebrow slightly, a trace of inquiry in his gaze.
Kael didn't explain much. He just exhaled lightly.
Immediately, an invisible fluctuation rippled gently through the air.
Like a breeze blowing across a lake surface.
A unique Path Power spread instantly, like invisible silk threads connecting everyone in the team.
Their bodies became lighter, their steps seemed brisk, as if the surrounding air was pushing them forward.
"Eh?!"
Paimon, who was flying, felt it first.
Her eyes widened instantly, and she exclaimed, "My flying speed increased!"
Kaeya originally had a calm face.
But when he took a step, his brow furrowed sharply.
Speed... really increased.
His originally steady steps became light.
Even easier than running normally.
Kaeya tried taking a few quick steps.
He found he could move forward faster than usual.
But his body felt no discomfort. Instead, it was like merging into the flow of the wind, his steps incredibly smooth.
"This... What is this?"
Kaeya narrowed his eyes slightly, looking at Kael, the inquiry in his eyes deepening.
What kind of ability is this?
It can actually increase people's speed?
If Kael was an Anemo Vision holder, he could understand.
Even controlling Anemo power could do it.
But he felt no elemental power at all.
This was a power different from elemental power.
But it could boost people's speed.
This...
Lumine looked up abruptly, her golden eyes flashing with surprise—
"This feeling...!"
She was not unfamiliar with this familiar power.
Previously in Stormterror's gale, her body was also wrapped in this strange energy, helping her break through the storm and fight with ease in the air.
And now, this energy appeared again.
If she had this speed boost during battle, wouldn't she be able to solve monsters faster?
"Incredible..."
Lisa blinked at this moment.
Feeling her own increased speed, she chuckled with interest. "This doesn't seem like ordinary elemental power."
Amber also felt her steps become much lighter.
She jumped excitedly in place, her face full of surprise. "Wow, this feeling is great! Kael, how on earth did you do it?"
If Kael helped her during field reconnaissance, wouldn't it be much easier?
Thinking of this, Amber looked at Kael with sparkling eyes.
Only Fischl wasn't surprised.
Because she had experienced it long ago.
And experienced it many times.
Fischl held her head high and spoke passionately: "Hmph! My loyal comrade-in-arms is the Chosen One of Fate! Such a secret art that grants the power of swiftness to all can only be performed by a supreme being who controls the laws of destiny!"
Oz flew in mid-air, adding thoughtfully: "My Lady means—Kael's ability is very powerful."
Facing everyone's surprise, Kael just smiled faintly and didn't explain much.
In the next second.
Kael turned his gaze to Lumine and said slowly, "You can mobilize Anemo power. With this coordination, everyone's speed won't be slow."
"Mm-hmm."
Hearing Kael's words, Lumine nodded.
She decisively mobilized Anemo power, wrapping everyone in it.
This surprised Lisa a bit.
Able to mobilize Anemo power without a Vision?
As for Amber and Kaeya, they weren't surprised at all.
Because before this, they had already seen Lumine mobilize Anemo power to fight.
Even the scene of fighting Stormterror.
"With you guys here, it really is much easier."
The corner of Kaeya's mouth lifted slightly, revealing a meaningful smile. "Although it makes me more and more curious... but everyone has secrets."
Saying this, Kaeya laughed heartily and took the lead forward.
Everyone adjusted their state.
Wrapped in Lumine's Anemo power.
Under Kael's buff.
Everyone's pace became faster.
While the group advanced rapidly along the small road toward the Four Winds Temples...
On the other side.
Inside Mondstadt City, shrouded by the storm.
In a darker alley.
Three Fatui elites in black and gold uniforms gathered together, exchanging intelligence with solemn expressions.
"Latest news. Those people from the Knights of Favonius actually moved out together."
A Fatui elite lowered his voice, his gloomy gaze scanning the surrounding streets as if checking for eavesdroppers.
"Of course I heard."
Another lean elite snorted coldly, crossed his arms, and leaned against the wall. "Not only that, but that Kael we are focusing on also went with them. What do you think this means?"
"Did he already join the Knights of Favonius?"
The third person frowned, eyes carrying a bit of anger. "When we invited him before, he said he would consider it. But looking at it now, he was simply lying to us!"
"Don't jump to conclusions."
The elite who spoke first shook his head, a trace of deep thought flashing in his eyes. "Kael is from the Adventurers' Guild. According to the rules, adventurers in Mondstadt do have an obligation to assist the Knights of Favonius in dealing with crises."
"Based on this alone, we cannot conclude that he has defected to the Knights."
"But why act with them? You have to know, those setting off today are the core figures of Mondstadt—Jean, Kaeya, Amber, even that mysterious Lisa..."
"And that chuunibyou Electro holder who calls herself Prinzessin went too."
"It's fine if the strong go, but the weak followed too."
The tall and thin Fatui frowned, lowering his voice. "This lineup is already one of the most elite teams the Knights can mobilize. Except for a few core members who can't get away, almost all important combat power has been dispatched."
"With such a big formation, what exactly are they going to do?"
"So this is the key point we should focus on."
The elite who spoke first said slowly, his eyes deep and calm. "Now, we have two choices—either chase immediately and determine their destination; or report directly to the Debt Collector and let the higher-ups decide the next move."
"...Chase? That's the Knights of Favonius. What if we get discovered?"
The third Fatui hesitated and whispered, "Kaeya, the Cavalry Captain of the Knights, is extremely vigilant. Once detected by them, the consequences are unpredictable."
"And don't forget, there's also that guy claiming to be a Traveler."
The lean Fatui added, a trace of fear flashing in his eyes. "That girl fought Stormterror alone during the attack and even successfully forced it back..."
"Although her specific power is unclear, she is definitely not an ordinary Vision holder."
Hearing this, the air fell silent for a time.
Several people looked at each other.
Finally, the elite who spoke first took a deep breath and made a decision.
"...Abandon tracking. Report to the Debt Collector first."
"We must figure out their operational intent as soon as possible."
"Then... what about our companions?"
The tall and thin Fatui asked hesitantly.
"Ignore it for now."
The oldest Fatui's eyes were cold. "They have been missing for several days. Whether it was an accident or something else, they are likely no longer in this world. And now, we have more important things to do."
"You know, many Vision holders in Mondstadt have left now. This is also a good opportunity for us."
The other two looked at each other and finally nodded.
Their mission was not to rescue, but to ensure the Fatui's plan in Mondstadt was not affected.
And right now, this action of the Knights of Favonius was definitely not an ordinary mission.
They had to find out the situation, otherwise it might affect the higher-level plans of the Fatui.
Soon, the three sped toward a more hidden stronghold...
On the other side.
Under the buff of the Path Skill [Ripple] and Anemo power, Kael and his group were very fast.
Walking as if flying, the outline of the abandoned Temple of the Falcon gradually appeared before everyone's eyes.
Dilapidated walls, collapsed stone pillars, and faintly visible ancient runes all told the story of its glorious history.
The temple had long lost its former glory.
The towering outer walls were covered with vines, and time had carved deep cracks on the mottled stone bricks.
The door was half open. The heavy stone door seemed unable to withstand the erosion of time, its edges covered with cracks.
Several broken stones were scattered on the ground, indicating the weathering it had experienced.
The colonnade around the temple was incomplete. Some had collapsed into ruins, covered by moss accumulated over years.
Others still stood there alone, like aging watchers.
Kaeya walked forward slowly, scanned around, and the corner of his mouth hooked up slightly. "Truly shocking... One of the temples of the Four Winds has decayed to this extent."
"Who says it isn't."
Lisa chuckled lightly, her fingers tracing the broken stone wall, sensing the slight Anemo aura remaining on those blurred runes. "This used to be one of the important strongholds of the Knights of Favonius, guarding the winds of Mondstadt... Pity, only ruins remain now."
"Is this the place we need to reach?"
Looking at this place, Paimon scratched her head. "It's so broken. Can we really find the residual power of Stormterror that we are looking for?"
"This is it. One of the abandoned Four Winds Temples."
Amber scratched her head. "These temples have been abandoned for many years, and the people of Mondstadt never come here."
"Maybe beasts have nested inside, or Hilichurls have built camps."
"Sigh... After all, even Stormterror itself abandoned its own temple..."
"Stormterror's temple?"
Hearing this, Paimon was astounded. "That's not right. How can such a huge dragon live in such a small temple?"
She had seen Stormterror.
"Idiot Paimon, there must be a Domain space inside."
Amber rolled her eyes. "Although I am reluctant to accept it, but... Stormterror was once one of the Four Winds."
"Let's not mention this for now. Do you feel it?"
"The wind inside is a bit wrong..."
"Obviously, the dragon's power is affecting this place."
Kaeya spoke up. "Then I'll leave this place to you guys. Lisa and I will go to the other two temples. Let's split up. I believe in you."
"Mm-hmm."
Hearing Kaeya's words, Amber nodded.
Seeing this, Kael decisively cast another [Ripple] Path Skill on Kaeya and Lisa, once again boosting their movement speed by 25%.
After the two left quickly.
Amber said deeply, "The terrifying storm shrouding Mondstadt City and the surroundings hasn't dissipated yet. Let's act quickly. Solving it earlier can reassure the people of Mondstadt sooner."
"En."
Hearing Amber's words, Paimon nodded quickly.
"Foolish mortals! How can you be ignorant of the trajectory of fate? What sleeps here is not only history, but countless wandering ghosts waiting for our arrival!"
Looking at the temple in front of her, Fischl took a deep breath, scanning the temple gate.
Her purple cloak lifted slightly in the night breeze, like a flag fluttering in the dark night.
"In the long years, this temple no longer belongs to the light. It has now become a hotbed of darkness."
Fischl pointed deep into the temple, her eyes firm. "Fate guides us here to personally end this long-sleeping curse!"
"Uh..."
Paimon blinked, looked at Oz, and whispered, "She... what exactly is she saying?"
The Night Raven Oz flapped his wings slowly and translated steadily: "My Lady means: Everyone be vigilant. There must be enemies lurking in this temple."
"Oh, oh, oh!"
Paimon suddenly realized and nodded quickly.
Immediately, Amber, Kael, Lumine, Paimon, Fischl, and Oz stepped inside.
In an instant.
The surrounding scene changed dramatically.
Inside the temple, it was dark and deep.
Under the dim light, the front was a hazy shadow, as if even light was swallowed.
The air carried a faint Anemo aura, but this aura was unusually chaotic.
Obviously, this was no longer the sacred temple protected by the Gods.
It was more like a ruin torn and eroded by storms.
"The Anemo element here... is unstable."
Amber whispered, her eyes deep.
Lumine nodded.
She slowly tightened her grip on the sword in her hand.
She could also feel the abnormality of the surrounding Anemo elements, as if twisted by some power.
Immediately, the group went deeper.
They walked slowly along the deep corridor inside the temple.
The stone floor was covered with dust settled by time. The air was filled with a faint smell of mold. Broken colonnades cast interlaced shadows under the dim light.
The interior of the temple was even broader than they imagined, as if entering a long-sleeping labyrinth.
As they moved forward, the field of vision gradually widened.
The gate leading to the depths was dilapidated, the ancient runes carved on the door frame blurred.
And the space behind the door.
Was actually a huge new world!
The moment they stepped into this world, the massive space was revealed before their eyes.
Dim light spilled through the damaged dome of the temple, barely illuminating this once glorious hall.
The surrounding walls were covered with cracks.
Many places had even collapsed, broken stone pillars lying across the ground.
Weathered sculpture fragments were scattered everywhere.
As if this temple had experienced a catastrophe.
This space was like a relic forgotten by time.
Amber narrowed her eyes, looking into the distance along the light.
Her gaze passed through the scattered broken walls and piled debris, pointing straight to the depths of the temple.
Soon she widened her eyes, pointing to the highest place. "I can see... the deepest part of the temple! That is our target!"
Everyone looked in the direction of her finger.
Sure enough.
In the deepest part, a majestic high platform was faintly visible.
The aura there seemed heavier.
However, the road to the high platform was not peaceful.
In the open spaces everywhere in the temple, large groups of Hilichurls were gathered.
"We have to solve those Hilichurls first."
Seeing some Hilichurls and Slime monsters, Amber frowned and said, "Let's practice by solving that Pyro Shooter. You are responsible for melee, I'll support you from a range. Her Highness, let Oz release Electro power to solve the trickiest ones first."
With so many Hilichurl monsters.
There were even huge Wooden Shield Mitachurls. They couldn't just rush in directly.