At dawn, the blizzard over Dragonspine finally began to ease. Snowflakes still fell gently, but no longer with the wild rage of the night before.
As Shao Yun had said, Aether had not slept a wink.
He quietly shifted his bound limbs and turned to lie on his back, his gaze resting tenderly on his sleeping sister.
Lumine lay peacefully atop the soft bearskin, her breathing calm, her expression serene—lost in the sweetness of her dreams.
By the entrance, Shao Yun also had not slept. Dainsleif, who had just woken, sat beside him. The two appeared to be deep in quiet conversation.
Aether mustered his strength. Though still bound, he pushed himself up, hopping clumsily over to where they sat.
"Shao Yun, it's late. I have to go."
Then he turned to Dainsleif, stretching out his hands with a look of earnest request. "Dain, please—help me remove these."
Shao Yun sighed. What had to happen would happen. Still, he couldn't help but try one last time. "Can't you wait a bit longer? Let Lumine wake up first—you two can say goodbye properly."
But Aether shook his head resolutely.
"We've already said everything we needed to say over the past week. Like Lumine, I don't do goodbyes. Besides, we'll see each other again. The sooner we end this; the sooner you can continue your journey."
Shao Yun glanced toward Dainsleif. The man seemed to read the silent message in his eyes. He slowly reached out, touching the dark blue energy seals wrapped around Aether's wrists and ankles. A faint glow, and the restraints dissolved into nothing.
Aether flexed his hands, rubbing his wrists as he savored the long-missed feeling of freedom. Joints cracked softly in relief.
"Then I'll be going first. Take good care of my sister. I've only got one request—don't make me an uncle too soon." He smiled lightly, casting a knowing look toward Shao Yun. "I trust you'll treat her well."
Shao Yun returned the smile. "You have my word."
Just as Aether turned to leave, Dainsleif called out.
"Aether, wait."
Their eyes met. Aether swallowed and asked, "What is it, Dain?"
Dainsleif's gaze was filled with conflicted emotion. He exhaled softly, then said his final words of parting.
"I still stand by my mission—to stop the Abyss Order's schemes. Nothing from this past week has changed that."
Aether nodded, respectful. "I understand, Dain. I'm curious to see how you plan to stop us."
Without further delay, Aether turned and strode out of Albedo's lab, leaving behind nothing but a trail of determined footsteps.
Dainsleif watched him go in silence. Then he turned to Shao Yun.
"It's time I left as well. I wish you both safety in your journey."
Shao Yun offered, "Why not rest a little longer? You've worked hard these past days."
Dainsleif shook his head. "There's no time. Once Aether rejoins the Abyss Order, they'll act fast. I must follow closely to stop them."
Shao Yun nodded. "Then be careful. Goodbye."
With Dainsleif gone, only Shao Yun, Lumine, and their ever-lively companion Paimon remained in Albedo's lab.
A lingering trace of farewell hung in the air, but it was soon shattered by a system prompt:
[The Teyvat Red Zone has been lifted. The Abyss Order's pursuit of you has ended.]
It's over…
…
Shao Yun sat silently by the fire. Its soft glow danced over his face as he carefully tended the kettle, warming the water.
As it started to bubble, he pulled out a small, ornate coffee pot and a packet of ground beans from his pack. The rich aroma soon wafted through the room.
Just then, Lumine stirred awake. Blinking sleep from her eyes, she glanced around and realized that Aether and Dainsleif were gone. A touch of confusion and unease crossed her face.
She called out gently, "Shao Yun? Where's my brother—and Dain?"
Shao Yun turned toward her with a soft smile, handing her a steaming cup of fresh coffee.
"Your brother… like you, he doesn't care for long goodbyes. He left quietly while you slept."
"Dainsleif, too—he's gone to stop the Abyss Order's plans."
Lumine's expression faltered for a moment, but she quickly regained composure.
Curious, she took a sip from the cup—only for the overwhelming bitterness to flood her mouth. She instantly coughed and stuck out her tongue in disgust.
"What is this?! How is it so bitter?!"
Shao Yun wiped the drops she had sprayed onto him and replied, "No milk or sugar left, it's pure. Guess you're not into black coffee."
Lumine eyed the brown liquid with clear skepticism. She was starting to suspect this was revenge for something.
She shook her head and held the cup out. "I'll just have water. This stuff isn't my thing."
Shao Yun chuckled and gently took the cup back. "Alright, I'll get you some warm water."
He handed her a fresh cup, which she sipped gratefully. Then she stood.
"So… are we going to Liyue next? My brother already—"
Shao Yun paused, thinking. "Let's stop by Mondstadt first. I need to settle the matter of the house with Goth. Without my word, he won't dare transfer it."
Lumine nodded. "Makes sense. One more day won't hurt."
Just then, Paimon yawned awake, rubbing her sleepy eyes and peering at the two of them.
"Did something happen?"
Shao Yun smiled. "Not really. We're heading out—time to get moving."
Still drowsy, Paimon assumed they were on the run again and muttered, "What's for breakfast then?"
Shao Yun replied calmly, "Let's go to Good Hunter. Whatever you want."
Paimon blinked, then lit up in realization.
"Huh? Good Hunter? You mean…"
Shao Yun nodded with a grin. "We're leaving Dragonspine. First stop, Mondstadt. Then Liyue. And finally… figure out how to get to Inazuma."
Paimon looked around, noting the missing companions, and nodded with quiet understanding.
Shao Yun bent down to gather the legendary mountain lion cloak, the hunter's cloak, and the three-star bearskin, stuffing them into his pack.
Then he stepped outside into the snow-covered world, approaching his loyal horse, Carrot.
He gave her a soft pat, and the mare lowered her head obediently. With practiced ease, Shao Yun summoned her into the stable via the system, preparing for the next leg of their journey.
Turning back to the lab, he called out, "Let's go. Time to leave this cold mountain and greet the warmth of the sun."
He mounted Boadicea, while Lumine and Paimon followed suit on Buell.
Three companions, two horses, and a trail of hoofprints slowly fading into the distance.
As Dragonspine's silhouette blurred into the horizon, warmth met them head-on.
Mondstadt bathed in golden sunlight, full of life and fragrance. Birds chirped. Flowers bloomed. The world felt renewed. Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon rode through the light, basking in the peace.
Soon, they reached the city.
Before enjoying their first meal, Shao Yun led them to the front of Good Hunter, where he turned and smiled.
"I need to take care of something with Goth. You two go ahead and eat. No need to wait for me."
Paimon beamed. She patted her chest with confidence. "No problem! We'll wait for you. Just don't take too long!"
Shao Yun nodded and turned toward the small garden nestled between the Knights' headquarters and the Adventurers' Guild.
There he found Goth, hunched over as always, enjoying the serenity of the morning.
"Goth. I'm here."
The old man jumped at the sound of his voice.
But quickly regaining his composure, he turned with a beaming smile. "Ah—Mr. Shao Yun! What a rare honor. Is this about the house?"
Shao Yun almost laughed at the eagerness on Goth's face, but he answered earnestly.
"Lumine, Paimon, and I—we're leaving. The house is yours again."
Goth's eyes widened. He hadn't expected that. He'd long made peace with giving it away. To him, this was like money falling from the sky.
He rubbed his hands together, almost giddy. "Ah! Thank you, thank you, Mr. Shao Yun! I'll never forget your kindness."
Shao Yun smirked at the overreaction. "You look pretty happy. Were you afraid I'd never give it back?"
Goth flushed a little. "I—uh—well… hehe…"
Shao Yun waved it off. "Don't worry. I'm not that attached to real estate. I just came to inform you. Lumine's waiting for me to eat. I'm heading back."
He turned and walked away, leaving behind a carefree silhouette.
Goth bowed low and called after him, still muttering, "Safe travels, Mr. Shao Yun…"
"And don't ever come back..." he whispered under his breath.
…
On his way back to Good Hunter, Shao Yun spotted two familiar figures—Amber, fiery as ever, and Eula, as cold and intense as ice.
At the moment, Amber was desperately holding back a half-crazed Eula, who looked ready to explode.
"Eula, you're really going to fight Shao Yun?!"
Amber looked like she was about to cry. Eula had gone mad this morning, hunting Shao Yun across all of Mondstadt.
"I've made up my mind. If I don't fight him, I'll never find peace. Even if I die—I accept it. The Lawrence family should've ended long ago!"
Amber clung to her leg, trying everything to stop her.
"Just because of Lessig? It's over, Eula. Don't throw your life away!"
But Eula dragged her along anyway, heading toward the Knights' HQ.
"Yes, because of Lessig! I could live with him crippled—but dead?! I finally understand why I've been restless. I need to duel Shao Yun!"
Amber was breaking down. To her, Shao Yun had already spared Eula—that was mercy. Why ruin it?
And yet, Eula seemed set on destroying the peace.
Just as Amber pleaded desperately, Shao Yun appeared before them.
Amber froze. Then she quickly stood, grabbing Eula's arm.
"Eula's drunk! Don't be mad, Shao Yun!"
But Eula's eyes blazed as she broke free, shouting, "I'm not drunk! I'm not afraid of dying—I want to fight you!"
Amber panicked, covering her mouth before she said anything worse. "Are you crazy, Eula?!"
Shao Yun observed silently, then nodded. "Enough, Amber. No need to hide it."
He looked Eula in the eyes, now bloodshot and wild.
"If we must fight, then let's get it over with."
Eula shook off Amber's grip and drew her massive greatsword, Song of Broken Pines, now coated in crackling ice. Her voice trembled with conviction.
"Shao Yun! I've gone mad these past days. I can't forgive Lessig's death. Today—I'll avenge him! If I die, so be it. This is my choice—not the Knights of Favonius', not Amber's—mine alone!"
Shao Yun nodded. "I understand. Then come."
Eula inhaled, elemental energy surging. Her sword frosted over, radiating cold.
"Let ice sever my hatred!"
She charged, blade cutting through the air with furious purpose.
But Shao Yun moved faster. In a blink, he drew his cowboy revolver and fired.
BANG!
The shot rang out. Eula's hands went numb. Her sword flew from her grasp.
Stunned, she stood frozen. The sheer difference in strength left her paralyzed.
Shao Yun holstered his gun and approached, gently resting a hand on her shoulder.
"Revenge is a fool's game. Do you know why it always seems so foolish?"
Eula didn't respond. She stood in a daze.
"Because those who succeed are few—and those who do, pay a price too high to bear."
"You're smart. You escaped the Lawrence name. That shows your strength. Whether you hate me or curse me—I don't regret killing Lessig. But if you choose to become a puppet of vengeance… then fine. Come kill me anytime."
As he turned to leave, he added softly:
"But don't let hatred blind you. Don't become one of those idiots from your family."
With that, Shao Yun walked away.
Eula collapsed to her knees, tears streaming down her face.
She sobbed uncontrollably, repeating that single, haunting phrase—
"I'll remember this… I'll remember this!"