As the two focus their thoughts, the space responds to them. Yanfei faintly hears Xiao's voice. Facing the direction of the sound, Yanfei shouts, "Break!"
This is the illusion-dispelling spell she just picked up from Yelan. Truly, a genius like her can master something with a single glance. While Yanfei is more interested in law, she's not just a lawyer—she's also a mage with exceptional magical talent.
This move stuns the real-world Yelan. She never expected Yanfei's talent to be so extraordinary, learning faster than she did—and Yelan's a genius herself!
Streetward Rambler isn't surprised, though. She knows Yanfei's potential; it's just that Yanfei prefers law and has some interest in music. Perhaps it's the concept of 'order' that captivates her, not 'magic' , so she doesn't focus much on spells.
In the story, after Yanfei dispels the illusion, a path appears, and she explores it with the Traveler. Xiao's voice grows clearer but remains fragmented, making it hard to discern what he's saying.
[???: "…Chasm… below… what is this place…?"]
["…Bosacius… centuries ago… died in battle… here…"]
["…that one… is it him…? …Yaksha…"]
Readers pick up key phrases: below the Chasm, centuries ago, died in battle, Yaksha. Could the person Xiao came to find be this Yaksha who died centuries ago? Who is he?
With this question in mind, readers dive in even more intently.
In the book, Yanfei and the Traveler successfully contact Xiao, but they're still in separate spaces, unable to see each other.
[Yanfei: "Listen, this place is chaotic. We might not be in the same space, but our voices can occasionally cross over, meaning there are moments when the separated spaces intersect."]
Without wasting words, she explains the eerie nature of this place to Xiao.
[Traveler: "Find a way to join us."]
The Traveler is even more direct, urging Xiao to rendezvous.
[Xiao refuses: "No, the corruption on a Yaksha is harmful to mortals."]
Even in this situation, he's still concerned about this. It's just how gentle he is. Xiao prioritizes others' safety over his own. He may not fully grasp how dangerous this space is, but he knows all too well the dangers of his karmic debt—having experienced its consequences for far too long. He's even witnessed deaths caused by it.
[Yanfei counters: "No, the current situation is far more dangerous. This space exploits our desire to find our companions to set traps."]
[Xiao, puzzled: "You've encountered danger too?"]
The Traveler sharply catches the word 'too,' realizing Xiao has also faced danger. Xiao has indeed encountered threats but doesn't elaborate, only warning the Traveler not to search for him to avoid danger themselves.
The Traveler and Yanfei's persuasion has little effect. To Xiao, his presence would only burden the group, especially since… he's already injured. He fears he can't contribute to the fight and might become a 'liability' emanating karmic debt.
That is, until Yanfei says one thing.
["We're worried about you! And just now, the Traveler even stumbled into a dangerous room…"]
[Upon hearing the Traveler was in danger, Xiao falls silent: "..."]
[After a moment, he says: "How do we rendezvous?"]
He brushes off his own injuries, but the Traveler in danger? That calls for a heavy strike!
Guided by Yanfei, Xiao learns the method to join them. With a 'salted fish thrust'—I mean, a Whirlwind Thrust—he bursts through.
[Xiao: "Huff… ugh."]
Upon landing, Xiao instinctively clutches his wounded side, suppressing a cry of pain.
Lucian draws an illustration of a battle-worn Xiao. Though it shouldn't be, some Liyue folks' hearts skip a beat.
The Traveler and Yanfei hurriedly bring Xiao back to the camp to settle him.
[Xiao: "It's just an injury, no big deal. I shouldn't burden others."]
See? He really doesn't want to trouble anyone, always wanting to shoulder everything alone. Perhaps he's used to it—after his siblings left, he's been carrying the weight by himself for so long.
[Yanfei, serious: "This isn't a burden, don't think that way. We all need you. Please stay, if only for our sake, okay?"]
For some reason, Yanfei's words touch some Liyue readers deeply, nearly bringing them to tears. Perhaps it's because Xiao's life has been so hard, and Liyue folks genuinely wish someone would tell him, "We all need you." But Xiao comes and goes like a shadow, rarely giving ordinary people a chance to say it.
Yanfei's words fill a void for some Liyue fans who adore Xiao, stirring their emotions.
[Traveler, observing the resting Xiao, thinks: "(Xiao's eyes are closed, seemingly resting… this scene feels almost surprising.)"]
The illustration shows a battle-worn Xiao sitting on the ground, eyes closed, taking a brief nap.
Before readers can fully 'swoon over his face,' they see the next line.
["(Does a Yaksha, who never lets his guard down, also dream?)"]
The Liyue folks, just moved to tears, now feel another stab in the heart. Why did they fall for this boy who's covered in 'knives'?
Meanwhile, the situation in the story grows increasingly dire. Everyone's fatigue continues to build, with no sign of a breakthrough. Readers' emotions grow heavier, a bad premonition rising.
The earlier laughter came from Itto and Paimon, but now Paimon's so exhausted she's passed out. The sense of safety came from Xiao—early on, readers felt that as long as Xiao was around, problems could be solved. But now, even Xiao is injured and asleep.
With both joy and security gone, readers start to panic. Someone, anyone, please save them!
In the story, Yanfei, Yelan, and Lumine continue searching for clues, gathering to share information. Yelan reveals her reason for coming to the Chasm.
["I'm searching for the truth behind the Khaenri'ah beast invasion back then."]
["Every word I say next, you must keep in your hearts and never tell anyone else. Otherwise…"]
All of Teyvat's readers: Otherwise what?
In reality, Yelan glares at Lucian with a resentful look, making even him feel guilty.
"Lawyer Yanfei, if Yelan arrests me for leaking information, can you defend me?" Lucian asks Yanfei.
Yanfei covers her mouth, chuckling lightly. "I might not be able to, Great Prophet."
Furina nods. "Verdict: Guilty!"
Prosecutor, lawyer, judge, and even the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—this is truly a one-stop service.
Lucian stuffs a cake into Furina's mouth. "This still can't shut you up?"
Furina, cheeks puffed like a hamster, chews happily, her hair antenna swaying, looking quite content.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice · Xiao: About the Chasm Journey
"I never wanted to trouble others… but this time… perhaps, as the Geo Archon said, I should try relying on others?"