Puzzle solving.
Open the door.
Fight.
Kiss.
Solve another puzzle.
Open another door.
Fight again.
Kiss again.
The black mist grew thicker and thicker, eroding Hu Tao's strength faster and faster. They had to kiss more frequently to keep her in fighting condition.
Her cherry-red lips grew glossier. The tenderness in her plum-blossom eyes deepened. During their kisses, she became increasingly bold—her little mischievous hands even more active than Lu Lin's.
After pushing through multiple stages, visibility dropped to less than one meter. Eventually, they reached a grand, ancient gate.
"Beyond this door should be the core of the domain. The source of the black mist is likely inside."
Hu Tao's expression turned solemn. Spear in hand, she stood on guard.
Lu Lin quickly began unlocking the mechanism.
Click!
The lock released.
Rumble—
The door slowly opened, revealing a majestic ancient palace.
At its center stood a stone altar surrounded by a golden barrier. Above the altar floated a glowing green orb.
Beside it stood two strange figures in black robes, each holding a dark sphere radiating unsettling power.
They were using those spheres to try to destroy the altar's barrier.
Black mist poured endlessly from the spheres—but the green orb's light repelled it, forcing the mist to spread outward instead. Ironically, visibility inside the palace was much clearer than before.
The sound of the door alerted them.
They turned.
Abyss Heralds.
"Frostkill, another insect has arrived. Deal with it."
"Hmph. Flame, we are equals. Don't order me around."
Despite his retort, Frostkill launched a pillar of purple-black ice toward Lu Lin and Hu Tao.
"Careful!"
Hu Tao reacted instantly, spear blazing as she charged forward and shattered the ice pillar with a fiery strike.
Boom!
The pillar exploded—but the recoil sent her flying backward.
Lu Lin caught her—but both were slammed hard into the wall.
Pain shot through him.
Blood trickled from Hu Tao's lips. She had fainted.
At that very moment, another purple-black fireball formed overhead.
The second Abyss Herald—Flame—had attacked.
Just then, another door burst open nearby.
Whoosh!
A frost arrow shot past them, intercepting and detonating the fireball midair.
"Lu Lin, go! I'll hold them off!"
It was Ganyu.
Lu Lin didn't run.
Even from a glance, he could tell Ganyu wasn't in good shape. Her breathing was heavy. That frost arrow had cost her dearly. Like Hu Tao earlier, her strength had been eroded by the black mist.
She had been here longer—the erosion was worse.
If he fled now, leaving her behind, she might not survive.
These weren't Hilichurls.
They were Abyss Heralds—core members of the Abyss Order.
In a split second, Lu Lin made his decision.
He activated [Critical Moment].
Time froze.
He didn't attempt to attack the Heralds. Even with a divine weapon, defeating them in three minutes was unlikely.
The ability could only be used once per day.
He chose the safest option.
He picked up Hu Tao, rushed to Ganyu, embraced her as well, and activated the Serenitea Pot mark on his palm.
He had checked earlier—the connection still worked.
It was his final trump card.
The familiar wooden house appeared.
He carried both girls inside.
Time within the Serenitea Pot was also frozen.
He laid Hu Tao gently on the bed.
Then he returned to Ganyu.
She remained frozen mid-archery stance—eyes resolute, posture flawless, elegant curves outlined by her battle attire.
Beautiful.
He removed the Amos' Bow from her hands and gently pinched her soft cheek before carrying her inside.
But he miscalculated the timing.
Just as he stepped into the room—
Time resumed.
"Huh? Where am I? I was just fighting the Abyss Heralds…"
Ganyu blinked in confusion.
One moment she had been in battle—
The next, she was in a strange house—being princess-carried by Lu Lin.
And he had just pinched her leg.
"…How are you feeling?" Lu Lin quickly composed himself, withdrawing his mischievous hand and pretending innocence.
"C-Could you… put me down first…" she said softly, avoiding eye contact.
She wasn't unfamiliar with being in his arms. The warmth was comforting—almost addictive.
But now was not the time.
"Of course."
He set her down.
She immediately turned to Hu Tao.
"I'll check her injuries."
Though renowned for combat, Ganyu also possessed healing abilities from ancient times. She carefully examined Hu Tao and fed her a few healing pills.
"It's not serious. Hu Tao has a strong constitution. With rest and medicine, she'll recover."