As they continued their sightseeing journey, Qiu Xue and Qiu Yue finally arrived near Lingju Pass.
"Be careful, young ladies."
"This is not a good time for sightseeing."
Cautioned a Millelith soldier, blocking their path as they were about to proceed forward.
"Has something happened?"
Qiu Xue asked with a smile, looking at the serious expression on the Millelith soldier face.
"Yes, miss. Headquarters has received multiple sighting reports."
"There are Ruin Guards wandering in areas where they shouldn't be appearing."
Replied the Millelith named Daipai, holding a white-tasseled spear in his hand.
"The instructor is investigating the source of these ancient machines."
"It seems they suddenly emerged from some ruins."
Daipai continued, glancing at Qiu Xue and Qiu Yue.
"Is that so?"
"But why would they come out from the ruins?"
Qiu Xue asked, her beautiful eyes filled with confusion.
"We don't know. The intelligence we've gathered is too limited."
"Besides, those ruins are eerie, with occasional clanking sounds coming from inside."
"We're not allowed to enter and explore until headquarters gives approval."
Daipai explained.
"It's certainly better to be cautious."
Qiu Yue said with a smile to the Millelith soldier.
"For now, the best strategy is to strengthen patrols."
"We need to prevent ordinary citizens from being affected."
Daipai said, looking around before turning back to the two women.
"Could my sister and I be of help?"
Qiu Xue asked with a smile.
"I appreciate your offer, ladies."
"But if you were to find yourselves in danger, it would be most unfortunate..."
The Millelith replied.
He couldn't possibly let these two delicate, seemingly defenseless women put themselves at risk.
"I've heard about those Ruin Guards from Mr. Zhongli."
"They pose no threat to me, don't worry."
Qiu Yue said, nodding with a smile at the concerned soldier.
"Though it's impolite to say this, my sister could defeat a hundred of you."
Qiu Yue continued explaining about how strong they are to the Millelith,
"Hahaha, such confidence in youth!"
The Millelith laughed hearing Qiu Yue explanation.
"If that's the case..."
He hesitated, looking at the two beautiful women before him.
They certainly didn't look like fighters.
"Please tell us."
Qiu Xue said with a smile, noticing his hesitation.
"Very well then, but remember to be careful."
He relented.
"I spotted some Ruin Guards on the hillside earlier. I've been busy warning passersby and haven't had time to investigate further..."
The Millelith looked toward an uphill path, then turned back to Qiu Xue and Qiu Yue.
"Leave it to us."
Qiu Xue said, her jade-like hand placed over her chest as she smiled.
"Solid as stone, unmovable as a mountain!"
"I salute you, ladies! I'll return to meet with you after I complete my patrol round."
The Millelith proclaimed, tapping his spear on the stone slabs beneath him.
"Let's go, Qiu Yue."
Qiu Xue said, taking her sister hand as they headed up the hillside.
The Millelith watched their retreating figures and sighed.
"My daughter is about their age. I hope they'll be safe."
He shook his head and walked in another direction, spear in hand.
Following the footprints of the Ruin Guards, Qiu Xue and Qiu Yue found one.
The Ruin Guard beeped twice before slowly standing up.
Seeing the two beautiful women before it, it launched several missiles toward them.
Qiu Yue pointed with her jade-like finger, and an ink-white beam resembling a laser instantly pierced through the Ruin Guard's head.
Qiu Xue waved her hand, eliminating the missiles.
"Hehe, Mr. Zhongli taught me this."
"That the head of ruin guard is its weak point."
Qiu Yue said with a smile, turning to Qiu Xue as the Ruin Guard collapsed.
"It seems Morax has spent considerable effort teaching you about Teyvat's knowledge."
Qiu Xue replied with a smile, looking at the adorable Qiu Yue.
"I think I sense someone over there."
"Just over there."
Qiu Yue said, pointing in a direction.
"Let's take a look."
"The Millelith gave warnings, there shouldn't be any civilians in this area."
Qiu Xue said, stroking her beautiful chin.
They walked in that direction and saw a child wearing clothing unlike that of Liyue natives.
He was crouching on the ground, curiously touching a Ruin Guard.
"Isn't that... Teucer?"
Qiu Xue said with surprise.
"Childe's younger brother?"
Only now did she remember that this seemed to be part of Childe story quest.
"Look, beautiful big sisters!"
"It's so big and impressive!"
Teucer exclaimed excitedly, noticing Qiu Xue and Qiu Yue standing nearby.
"What a cute child."
"How old are you, little one?"
Qiu Yue said, walking over on her beautiful legs and crouching down to pat Teucer's head.
"Big sister, I'm six years old."
"Hehe, you're really pretty."
Teucer replied with a grin.
"This is the first time I've seen one up close."
He continued, gesturing to the Ruin Guard behind him.
"Do you know what it is?"
Teucer wore a fluffy ear-like decoration.
His eyes were blue and his hair was orange, quite similar to Childe in that respect.
"Little one, this is a deactivated Ruin Guard."
"It's very dangerous."
Qiu Yue explained gently, patting Teucer's head.
"No, no, it's not a Ruin Guard."
"Its name is Mr. Cyclops!"
Teucer protested.
"Mr. Cyclops?"
"Is there really such a cute name for it?"
Qiu Yue looked back at Qiu Xue with a strange expression.
"Well... I suppose there is."
"Children's hearts are very pure."
Qiu Xue replied gently.
"Yes! My big brother told me so."
Teucer explained happily.
"My brother is the best toy salesman, he specializes in selling these kinds of toys!"
He seemed particularly happy when thinking about his brother.
"The best toy salesman?"
Qiu Yue asked curiously.
"Like the merchants in Liyue Harbor who sell puppets and mechanical figurines?"
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Now you can read 30 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)