The terrifying sword intent came quickly and vanished just as fast.
Moments later, it disappeared from Liyue entirely— as if it had never existed.
Feeling the pressure lift from their hearts, Ningguang and the Millelith all quietly exhaled.
"Understood, Lady Ningguang. I will remember your orders!"
The Millelith captain wiped cold sweat off his forehead.
After experiencing that overwhelming sword intent personally, his heart was full of fear and awe.
A figure capable of such power—Liyue absolutely had to stay on good terms with him.
Ningguang nodded.
In her eyes, Boss Han was mysterious and immensely strong, but his personality was gentle.
As long as one didn't offend the manga shop, generally there would be no trouble.
"You may go."
As the captain prepared to leave, Ningguang suddenly added:
"Even though Childe was the one who reported it, we cannot rule out other possibilities. You must monitor him closely. If there is even the slightest suspicious movement, report to me immediately."
Liyue's authorities had always been cautious regarding the Fatui.
And after hearing about what happened in Mondstadt involving the Doctor, the level of alertness had risen to the absolute maximum.
Even if this matter truly had nothing to do with Childe, Liyue could not risk letting the Fatui stir up problems before the Rite of Descension concluded.
"Yes, Lady Ningguang!"
The captain's expression was serious.
He understood how grave the situation could become.
After he left, Ningguang picked up her phone.
Originally, she didn't want to trouble Boss Han too much—after all, they had just added each other as contacts.
But the possible revival of the Vortex God was no small matter.
It directly threatened Liyue's safety.
As the one responsible for Liyue, she had to confirm the truth.
"How should I say this…?"
Ningguang frowned.
It was her first time using a phone— it felt different from normal greetings.
And her message was going to Boss Han himself, so she needed to be careful.
"His name sounds somewhat connected to Liyue… perhaps I should greet him in Liyue's manner."
She nodded at her own idea and began typing.
…
Solace Book House.
Han Feng was still eating with Lumine and Paimon.
The more people joined their meals, the livelier it became.
Eating, chatting, laughing—everyone was in a good mood.
Then his phone buzzed.
"Huh? Someone else is contacting me?"
Han Feng walked to the counter and picked up his phone.
First it had been Jean contacting him earlier in the afternoon.
Who was it this time?
He unlocked the screen.
[Rich Lady: Boss Han, have you eaten yet?]
"Ah… the classic Liyue greeting."
Han Feng chuckled in nostalgia.
In his previous life, that line was basically universal.
You could use it anywhere, anytime.
Much better than Jean's "Are you there?", which always felt awkward.
"But if Ningguang is contacting me… something must have happened."
He typed back.
[Boss Han: What's the matter?]
Seeing his reply, Ningguang finally relaxed.
As expected, Boss Han was very easy to talk to.
She quickly sent out the matter she wanted to ask about.
[Rich Lady: Forgive me for disturbing you, Boss Han, but this is of great importance.
Childe came to report that his reward—the Fake Peace Star—flew toward Guyun Stone Forest.
According to him, the Fake Peace Star might break the seal of the Vortex God.
May I ask… is that ability real?]
Ningguang sent the message in one go.
Now all she could do was wait for Boss Han's reply.
…
Han Feng soon received the message.
"So the Fake Peace Star went to Guyun Stone Forest?"
His expression turned strange.
He expected Childe wouldn't be able to catch it but he didn't expect the thing to fly straight toward Osial…
No wonder Ningguang contacted him.
She must be worried about it breaking the seal.
As for whether it really had the power—
Han Feng pondered.
In the original storyline, Childe used the Forbidden Treasure Talisman, along with power granted by the Tsaritsa, to temporarily unseal the Vortex God.
The Fake Peace Star didn't have the full wishing power of the real Peace Star, but it still possessed part of its abilities.
So it could probably unseal Osial— just a matter of time.
He replied.
[Boss Han: It should be possible. If it truly flew to Guyun Stone Forest, the seal will likely be undone soon—perhaps even producing a stronger version.]
Han Feng looked at his reply and felt amused.
"This time, I really changed the main storyline."
In Mondstadt he caused small ripples, but nothing major changed.
This time, however—
Osial, who should have been unsealed by Childe, was now being unsealed by the Fake Peace Star.
But in the end, it was still Childe's fault.
He couldn't escape responsibility.
…
"Unsealed soon… and even stronger?!"
Ningguang's face darkened after reading Boss Han's message.
Dealing with a normal Vortex God was already difficult.
A strengthened version?
That was a disaster waiting to happen.
"I need to tell Keqing. She must prepare early."
Ningguang made up her mind.
Even without confirmation, Liyue had to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
And after the Rite of Descension tomorrow, she would inform the Geo Archon personally.
With the Geo Archon here, there should be no real problem.
"And yet… why do I have a bad feeling?"
A faint unease tugged at her.
She shook her head.
Forget it—focus first.
She typed her final message.
[Rich Lady: Thank you for the information, Boss Han. Ningguang is deeply grateful.
If you ever come to the Jade Chamber, please allow me the honor of receiving you personally.]
[Boss Han: We'll see when there's an opportunity.]
Han Feng put away his phone and returned to the table.
"Someone contacted Boss Han? Something happen?" Lumine asked curiously.
"Something interesting. You'll know once you get to Liyue."
Han Feng smiled.
Better to let them experience the "surprise" firsthand.
"Liyue…" Lumine murmured.
It seemed something troublesome awaited them there.
"Boss Han, you're being cryptic again!"
Paimon slapped her forehead.
Why did everyone in this world love hinting and hiding things?
She didn't get it!
"Whatever. I'm just gonna eat my food. If the sky falls, someone taller will hold it up."
Paimon shrugged and continued eating happily.
—------------------------------
Pat reon Advance Chapters: patreon.com/YonkoSlayer