"I wonder how Alatus is doing now."
The killing intent radiating from Zhongli didn't last long before it transformed into a deep anxiety. He was starting to feel a hint of regret.
"If it were merely a burst of Karmic Debt... even if Alatus had chosen to trigger it himself, I would have a way to save him. But if the Power of the Abyss has managed to seep in..."
Zhongli's brow furrowed, his expression clouded with urgency and unease. He was already prepared to step in.
But just as he was about to abandon his plan to fake his death and reveal himself, three streaks of light rose from the Jade Chamber, hurtling toward Guyun Stone Forest.
The three Adepti had finally made their move. No matter how deep their internal grievances were, the moment Abyssal Power appeared, the Adepti present set aside their conflict with the Liyue Qixing to deal with the external threat first.
...
At Guyun Stone Forest, Xiao stood alone in the center of the massive, ancient array. He hung his head, his hands gripping the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, which was now coiled with an ominous black aura. He remained completely motionless.
The Abyssal lackeys who had once surrounded him had long since turned to ash.
Under the violent collision of his Karmic Debt and the Abyssal Power, Xiao's drowning consciousness had cleared for a single instant, allowing him to seize control of his body. Though it only lasted a few seconds, it was enough for him to slaughter the equally exhausted Abyss Order members around him.
Afterward, he used the last of his lucidity to ensure he didn't make a single movement. He knew that if his remaining will surrendered, he would undoubtedly revert to the monster he was before he met Rex Lapis.
When the Abyssal minions had injected their power into him, they had given him a commanddestroy Liyue Harbor.
He was terrified that if he moved his body, he would lose control and truly go on a killing spree. With his current physical strength enhanced by both the Abyss and his Karmic Debt, he didn't know if the Adepti in the harbor could stop him.
Using that final thread of clarity, he kept mentally repeating a suggestion to himself.
"Don't move... Don't move... Don't move..."
His eyes were already a vivid scarlet, radiating endless killing intent and malice, yet Xiao remained as still as a statue. The only sign of life was the soft murmur of those three words from his lips.
Don't move!
Don't move, absolutely don't move, don't make a single motion!
Xiao's consciousness grew heavy, sinking into the depths of his mind. His lucidity gradually vanished, replaced by a tide of madness.
Perhaps his earlier suggestions had worked; even though his mind had fallen into a deep sleep, his body still didn't budge.
However, the arrival of Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, and Mountain Shaper shattered this delicate balance.
The moment he sensed targets approaching, the mindless Xiao suddenly moved. His speed, which was already difficult to track, reached a terrifying new height.
Before Mountain Shaper could even open his mouth to speak, he was struck by Xiao's Primordial Jade Winged-Spear and sent flying. He hurtled through the air, crashing directly into Liyue Harbor!
Mountain Shaper landed wretchedly, smashed into a stone wall. Though he had protected himself with Adeptal Energy at the critical moment and wasn't truly injured, his expression became deadly serious.
Soon, two more streaks of light were knocked back in similar fashion.
Mountain Shaper had originally been quite concerned about losing face in front of mortals, but now he didn't have to worry. As long as everyone lost face together, it didn't count as losing face at all.
Zhongli, who was quietly watching the three Adepti fly toward Guyun Stone Forest only to be knocked back even faster, was also starting to worry.
If even the three Adepti couldn't stop Xiao, then he would be the only one left who could act. But once he stepped in, the trick of faking his death to escape his duties would certainly be over. If he wanted to retire, he would have to find another way.
"Let's wait a bit longer. Although they took a hit right at the start, they haven't suffered any real wounds yet."
...
"If my eyes don't deceive me, that should be the Conqueror of Demons, right? How did he become like this?" Mountain Shaper turned to ask his companions.
Cloud Retainer replied, "I heard from Su Ming that the Conqueror of Demons was recently tracking the Abyss Order. Is it possible this is related to that?"
Moon Carver nodded. "That is likely the case. The Abyssal Power erupted from Guyun Stone Forest, and the Conqueror of Demons just happened to be there, his power surging immensely. He must have been corrupted by the Abyss."
Mountain Shaper grew frantic upon hearing this. "Then what do we do now?"
Mountain Shaper knew all too well the consequences of Abyssal corruption. Such a thing was difficult even for high and mighty beings like Elemental Dragons to resist, let alone a Yaksha already plagued by Karmic Debt.
Moon Carver shook his head. "Sigh... Regardless, we must restrain the Conqueror of Demons first. He's already here."
Moon Carver looked toward the docks. Xiao, radiating madness, had already reached the entrance of Liyue Harbor.
"Cloud Retainer, evacuate the mortals! Mountain Shaper and I will hold him back!"
"Rex Lapis has passed; we Adepti are the last barrier!"
Cloud Retainer huffed, "Hmph, this Adeptus knows!"
The battle was on the verge of erupting.
From the start, the two Adepti were suppressed by the blackened Xiao, barely able to parry his blows. However, even though Xiao's combat power had increased, the loss of reason brought by the Abyss meant his attacks lacked order and were full of openings.
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper were veterans who had fought through the Archon War. Their combat experience was beyond question; they seized Xiao's openings and tangled with him.
While the three of them were locked in combat, Cloud Retainer coordinated with the arriving Millelith to evacuate the residents from the wharf to the Chihu Rock area.
Once the civilians were safe, Cloud Retainer joined the fray.
This allowed the two Adepti, who were already suffering under Xiao's assault, to catch their breath.
The four of them fought in a chaotic blur, but something astonishing happened. Even after Cloud Retainer joined the battle and the pressure eased slightly, Xiao still held the upper hand.
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