Elegy of Qingce Village
As the situation across the continents shifted violently, Liyue suffered an unprecedented onslaught. The army of Hua Xiong surged forward like a raging black tide, carrying an aura of endless slaughter toward the peaceful Qingce Village. Their target was the remaining Liyue forces garrisoned here—among them were Hu Tao and Xiangling, two young warriors burning with fierce devotion to Liyue.
Qingce Village, once a place brimming with idyllic tranquility, was now shrouded in the gloom of war. Distant mountains rolled on, appearing heavy and oppressive beneath the dark sky. Clad in her signature red robes, Hu Tao stood in the open ground before the village, her gaze firm and resolute. Beside her, Xiangling gripped her spatula tightly. Her usually lively eyes now blazed with fighting spirit; though not a proper weapon, the spatula in her hands had become a blade for slaying enemies.
"Xiangling, I fear this battle will not end well for us," Hu Tao whispered, yet there was not a trace of fear in her voice.
"I am not afraid! If it means protecting Liyue, I will gladly give my life!" Xiangling gritted her teeth, her tone unwavering.
The vanguard of Hua Xiong's army soon came into view. Their commanding general rode a tall steed, wielding a great broadsword that glinted coldly in the sunlight. With a swing of his blade, his soldiers charged toward Qingce Village like ravenous wolves.
Hu Tao was the first to meet them. Her movements were agile, and the custom-forged staff from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor whirled through the air with formidable force. Every strike carried sharp, overwhelming power. Soldiers of Hua Xiong's army fell one after another, yet endless reinforcements continued to pour in.
Xiangling was not to be outdone. She charged into the fray, her spatula flashing up and down. Though ordinarily a cooking tool, in her hands it now unleashed devastating power, striking enemies with heavy, dull thuds.
The battle grew increasingly fierce. The streets of Qingce Village echoed with shouts of war and the clashing of weapons. Hu Tao and Xiangling cut through the enemy ranks, moving in perfect coordination. Hu Tao used her staff to hold foes at bay, while Xiangling seized every chance to land fatal blows. Yet Hua Xiong's army was far too numerous, closing in like a tide until the two warriors were gradually surrounded.
Hu Tao's strength began to fail her. Wounds covered her body, and blood stained her red robes. Still, she did not retreat—if anything, she fought more wildly. Rage burned in her eyes, with only one thought in her heart: protect Liyue. Protect Qingce Village.
"Xiangling, hold on! We cannot lose!" Hu Tao shouted.
Xiangling nodded fiercely, attacking even more furiously with her spatula. But the enemy's circle tightened, and their situation grew ever more perilous.
Watching the battle turn decisively in his favor, Hua Xiong himself joined the fight, filled with arrogance. Wielding a massive heavy blade, he charged toward Hu Tao and Xiangling. The two exchanged a glance and rushed forward together.
Hua Xiong's bladework was brutal and powerful, each strike carrying immense force. Hu Tao and Xiangling could only barely defend themselves, their wounds multiplying.
"This won't do!" Xiangling panted.
Hu Tao gritted her teeth. "We have to risk it!"
Without regard for her own safety, she lunged at Hua Xiong, intending to draw his attention and create an opening for Xiangling.
Hua Xiong sneered and brought his blade crashing down. Hu Tao was unable to dodge in time. The blade struck her shoulder, sending her flying backward.
"Hu Tao!" Xiangling cried out in alarm, dashing toward her without hesitation.
Hua Xiong seized the chance to strike. His blade pierced straight for Xiangling's chest. Distracted, she was too slow to evade, and the blade ran her through.
Hu Tao struggled to rise. When she saw Xiangling injured, grief overwhelmed her. Summoning her last strength, she charged at Hua Xiong once more. He looked at her with contempt, casually swinging his blade and cutting her to the ground.
Hu Tao and Xiangling lay on the earth, blood spreading beneath them. They looked into each other's eyes—no fear, only sorrow at parting and deep attachment to Liyue.
"Xiangling… we… did our best…" Hu Tao's voice grew fainter and fainter.
"Mm… To protect Liyue… beside you… I have no regrets…" Xiangling's voice faded away as well.
Hua Xiong's army occupied Qingce Village. But the heroic deeds of Hu Tao and Xiangling were passed down among the people of Liyue. With their lives, they embodied unwavering loyalty and love for their homeland, becoming an immortal legend in the history of Liyue.