Of the Five Yaksha, four had perished under the torment of karmic debt.
Yet the Snezhnayan Prince stood before them—unharmed.
The adepti looked at Severin once more, and this time, there was unmistakable apprehension in their eyes.
He bore what Xiao claimed was a karmic burden deeper than the Yaksha clan combined—
and still he could sit at a banquet laughing lightly.
What kind of willpower was that?
Nightfall's intelligence reports now seemed shallow in comparison.
This prince's resolve surpassed that of adepti.
Perhaps even rivaled gods.
Xiao's Declaration
"Into roaring seas one seeks horned beasts;
Through wind and snow one returns to the mountains to slay demons."
Xiao spoke solemnly.
"Among the Yaksha, there was once a young one named Tongque."
"He said—compared to the pain I endure each day, death is merely cowardice."
"That praise… belongs only to Your Highness."
"Compared to you, my suffering is nothing."
Severin simply smiled faintly.
He had long grown accustomed to admiration.
But Madame Ping stepped in gently.
"Xiao, the Prince is worthy of respect. We believe his words."
"But wait for Morax to emerge from seclusion."
"Seek the Geo Archon's counsel before deciding."
In truth—
She did not believe Snezhnaya's rebellion would succeed.
If Severin failed, Snezhnaya could share Khaenri'ah's fate.
She did not wish Xiao to tie his life to that risk.
Xiao's Reason
"I suspect the Geo Archon's condition is not well."
"That is why I came today."
The adepti froze.
"Morax… unwell?" Madame Ping's voice trembled.
Zhongli was Liyue's pillar.
Without him—
Liyue would fracture.
Xiao continued:
"Since his seclusion, demonic manifestations have increased."
"Two nights ago, beneath a veiled moon, Dihua Marsh witnessed a procession of a hundred demons."
"百鬼夜行."
The phrase alone chilled the air.
In Liyue, such a phenomenon meant that numerous dead gods' remnants were stirring simultaneously.
It had happened only in ancient times.
"Were you injured?" Madame Ping asked urgently.
"I fought until dawn."
"The resentment nearly consumed me."
"At the brink of death, I heard a clear flute."
"It steadied my mind and restored my strength."
"Without it, I would have fallen."
A flute.
Severin knew immediately.
Only Venti would wander Dihua Marsh with a flute in hand, drinking free wine and meddling at critical moments.
Helping Xiao.
And subtly repaying an old debt to Morax.
The Real Concern
"The Geo Archon's divine power suppresses the land."
"If so many demons surfaced, his strength must be weakening."
The implication was clear:
Morax's erosion had worsened.
All eyes turned to Severin.
"You met him before his seclusion," Madame Ping asked carefully.
"Was there… anything unusual?"
Severin remembered clearly—
The erosion was severe.
He had even dispatched the Harbinger Sandrone to observe discreetly.
But revealing the truth would help no one.
The adepti could not ease a god's erosion.
They would only panic.
"Morax's condition is stable," Severin replied calmly.
"Do not worry."
"During his seclusion, assist Xiao. Suppress the demons. Protect the people."
The arrangement was clear and orderly.
The adepti nodded.
The Sutra
Then Severin looked at Xiao.
"You wish to cultivate the True Immortal Path."
"Very well."
"I will grant you a heart sutra."
"Listen carefully."
"Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva…
Perceiving that the five aggregates are empty…
Crosses beyond all suffering…"
It was a Buddhist Heart Sutra.
Karmic debt stemmed from slaughter and hatred.
Only such a path could purify it.
Not erase it—
But diminish it.
Xiao closed his eyes.
When Severin finished reciting—
The Yaksha opened them in shock.
The karmic burden within him had lessened.
Even if only slightly—
It was real.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"Allow me to follow you."
He bowed deeply.
Severin's Refusal
"You are Morax's protector."
"You are Liyue's guardian of the night."
"Morax and Liyue need you more than I do."
Severin refused without hesitation.
Then he said quietly:
"Let the suspicious stares of others be nothing more than ghostly lanterns."
"Walk your night road boldly."
"One day, Morax will lead you to meet me at the end."
A faint, knowing smile curved his lips.
The snow had not yet fallen.
But the wind was rising.
And somewhere in the distance—
The heavens were watching.
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