After several hours of continuous searching, Yelan's expression grew increasingly grim.
She began to regret not listening to Mu Qingge and separating to search earlier; if they had stayed together, they could at least have looked out for each other now.
Unable to find anyone below, Yelan simply returned to the surface.
"Lady Yelan, why have you returned alone?"
The Millelith commander guarding the entrance inquired. Previously, Mu Qingge and Yelan had always entered and exited together, but now only Yelan had returned.
And it had been an unusually long time; they had gone in the morning, and it was already evening. The commander was understandably worried.
"Go select a few of your most skilled and nimble soldiers and come down with me to search for Mu Qingge."
"What?! Lady Mu is missing?!"
The commander's face showed panic, and he immediately went to select personnel as Yelan instructed.
These Millelith had all been brought by Mu Qingge. When they heard that Mu Qingge had gone missing below, they eagerly volunteered, wanting to go down and search for Lady Mu.
The commander selected ten people, plus himself, and went to rendezvous with Yelan. Then, they all descended into the Chasm.
Time came to the next morning.
Yelan and the group of Millelith emerged from below, their faces all grim.
Not only had they failed to find Mu Qingge, but they had also encountered many abyss creatures. Everyone was wounded.
The Chasm had never been this eerie before. When did it become a breeding ground for abyssal monsters?!
Yelan called out to the commander who had gone down with her to search:
"Find someone to quickly go to Liyue and inform Ningguang of everything that has happened here."
The commander immediately acknowledged the order and went to make arrangements.
---
When the Millelith head to the Chasm, they naturally have Messengers. The Millelith who came to relay the message naturally knew how to reach the Jade Chamber.
Jade Chamber.
Knowing that someone had come from the Chasm, Ningguang did not delay and quickly met with the visitor.
The visitor was a handsome Millelith soldier, currently covered in dust, having traveled for several days straight.
"Lady Ningguang, many abyssal creatures have suddenly appeared at the bottom of the Chasm. A few days ago, Lady Mu and Lady Yelan went down to investigate. Only Lady Yelan returned; Lady Mu is missing..."
"As of my departure, it has been a day and a night since Lady Mu disappeared. Lady Yelan organized several searches, but found no clues!"
"What?!"
Ningguang suddenly stood up from her seat, her face showing alarm.
If it weren't for a truly troublesome matter, given Mu Qingge's character, such a thing would be impossible.
After the soldier finished recounting the other matters, Ningguang said:
"You may go rest first."
"This subordinate is fine! I hope Lady Ningguang can send people to help search for Lady Mu!"
Ningguang saw deep pleading and profound worry in the soldier's eyes. She nodded forcefully.
"Don't worry, I will do my utmost!"
After seeing the soldier off, Ningguang called for her three secretaries.
"You will temporarily take over the affairs of the Jade Chamber. I have an important matter that requires me to go out."
"Where is Lady Ningguang going? Do you need one of us to accompany you?"
Ningguang seemed to be in a hurry. She had already walked out of the Jade Chamber, leaving only a single sentence: "No need. Just do your own duties well."
---
Wangshu Inn.
The proprietress of Wangshu Inn is named Feiyun, and she has close ties with the Qixing.
Seeing Ningguang arrive in person, and seemingly in a hurry, she immediately went to greet her.
"What's wrong, Lady Ningguang? Is there something important?"
Ningguang got straight to the point: "I'm looking for the Conqueror of Demons!"
After Ningguang went upstairs, the proprietress personally stood at the staircase, keeping watch for her.
Nearby, at a table by the window, Zhongli gently set down his teacup.
---
Top of Wangshu Inn.
"Conqueror of Demons!"
As one of the Qixing and the strongest combatant among the Liyue Qixing, Mu Qingge's disappearance within the Chasm was a matter of great importance to Liyue.
Yelan was also present, and Ningguang was well aware of Yelan's capabilities.
If even Yelan couldn't find her, Ningguang didn't believe anyone else could.
Although the Qixing had only recently taken charge of Liyue, seeking help from the Adepti at this time was unwise, but one had to know what was more important.
Moreover, she had said at the time that if an irreversible situation arose, she would seek help from the Adepti.
And among the Adepti, the Conqueror of Demons at Wangshu Inn was undoubtedly the most suitable.
As Ningguang's call faded, a teal figure appeared a few meters in front of her.
"What is it?"
"Qixing Ningguang greets the Conqueror of Demons. It is like this..."
Ningguang thoroughly explained the events in the Chasm to Xiao and requested his help.
Xiao: "The Kaiyang Star... is missing?"
"In addition, the Millelith who reported also said that they investigated something about a Nameless Yaksha below the Chasm... This matter might be very important to you."
"Nameless Yaksha?"
Xiao's expression changed, and a figure immediately appeared in his mind.
"Understood. I will go immediately."
After Ningguang left, not long after, Zhongli arrived at the location.
"Rex Lapis!"
Zhongli nodded.
Xiao explained Ningguang's purpose to Zhongli. When he heard that Mu Qingge had disappeared in the Chasm, Zhongli frowned.
"This journey may carry risks, but you insist on going..."
"I have guarded this place for over a hundred years, never leaving without permission. Only for the matter of the Nameless Yaksha do I humbly request Rex Lapis's permission!"
Zhongli opened his hand, revealing another Xuanji Shield Talisman of a different color.
"Qingge also has one of these. The two will sense each other. It will be more convenient for you to carry this item when searching for her."
"I obey Rex Lapis's decree!"
With that, Xiao vanished from the spot.
Zhongli silently sighed, looking in the direction of the Chasm.
---
Inazuma.
At Lumine and Paimon's urging, Ei emerged from the Plane of Euthymia.
Passing by a certain place, Paimon shielded the sunlight with her small hand, looking around.
When she saw the long queue of people, Paimon immediately cried out in surprise.
"Traveler, look! It's Yunling! She's set up her stall today!"
Stars were in Paimon's eyes, and her small face clearly read: "I want food!"
Ei also wondered: "What has happened here? Why are so many people queuing?"
Lumine: "Nothing has happened here. It's just a very popular stall owner who has set up her stall."
"Stall owner? What is she selling?"
Lumine thought of the ingredients Yunling was preparing when they last met: "Probably sweets. Yunling's sweets are very delicious. Want to try some?"
Ei was somewhat tempted, but she still said: "Perhaps not. There are too many people. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to go over."
Lumine keenly noticed a slight flicker in Ei's eyes, and she immediately became excited.
Coming out with Ei this time was already with a purpose. If Ei liked sweets, then with Yunling's skill...
Thinking of this, Lumine immediately said to Ei: "We can come back a bit later. Yunling always saves some for me and Paimon whenever she sets up her stall. We can come back once everyone else has left."
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