"Prepare to die!"
Tartaglia's spear had reached its peak energy. He stomped the ground, using the recoil to leap into the air. With both hands, he swung his spear, unleashing a crescent-shaped Electro blade that descended with earth-shattering force.
Foul Legacy: Tide of Desolation
"Lumine, buy me some time!"
"Got it! Tremble!" Lumine activated her Elemental Burst, layers of Geo energy rising to block Tartaglia's advance.
"By decree!"
Keqing ran her finger along the Lion's Roar, a drop of blood merging with the blade. In the next moment, the sword glowed brightly, and the sounds of roaring dragons and tigers echoed from it.
If anyone had been behind her, they would have seen her Electro Vision glowing intensely, the gem-like surface spinning rapidly.
Skill: Stellar Restoration
Boom— Two powerful Electro energies collided. The Lion's Roar clashed with Tartaglia's Foul Legacy armor, the two forces evenly matched. But this stalemate lasted only a few seconds.
With a whoosh, Tartaglia was sent flying backward, his Foul Legacy armor disintegrating mid-air.
"Cough, cough... why is she so strong?" The heavily injured Tartaglia knelt on the ground, using his spear for support. He looked at Keqing in disbelief. Her strength was far beyond what he had expected. He had never heard of the Qixing being this powerful.
"Surrender, Tartaglia. There's no point in resisting," Keqing sheathed her sword and walked up to Tartaglia.
"Heh, don't underestimate me. I still have a backup plan," Tartaglia smirked, then mustered his remaining strength to pull out the Sigils of Permission he had prepared earlier.
"This is... the Sigils of Permission!" Keqing, knowledgeable as she was, immediately recognized the talismans in Tartaglia's hand. Although she didn't know their exact purpose, she knew anything related to the adepti couldn't be simple.
Thinking this, Keqing rushed forward, trying to snatch the talismans from Tartaglia.
"Too late!" Tartaglia channeled his remaining elemental energy into the talismans, causing them to glow brightly. They transformed into two golden streams of light, shooting into the distance.
"What did you do?!" Keqing grabbed Tartaglia by the collar, lifting him off the ground. Her purple eyes were filled with cold fury.
"Heh, since it's come to this, I might as well tell you. I've awakened the ancient god sealed beneath Guyun Stone Forest. Let's see how a godless nation fares—ah!"
Before Tartaglia could finish, he felt a sharp pain in his neck. His consciousness blurred, and he collapsed to the ground.
"Enough talk," Keqing said coldly. Now that she had the information she needed, there was no point in listening further.
Lumine watched Keqing's actions, her brow slightly raised. She felt like she had seen this scene before.
"Lumine, Tartaglia has released an ancient god. The situation is urgent. We're about to face a fierce battle. Will you still stand by my side?" Keqing took Lumine's hands, her eyes filled with seriousness and gravity.
If Lumine was willing to help her, to help Liyue, Keqing would never forget this kindness. If Lumine chose not to help, Keqing wouldn't blame or resent her. After all, Lumine wasn't from Liyue. As a traveler, she had no obligation to help them.
Lumine didn't speak, but her eyes conveyed her answer as she tightly grasped Keqing's hands.
The two confiscated Tartaglia's Vision and Delusion, then tied him up securely. After finishing this, Lumine and Keqing quickly returned to the main platform.
"Lady Keqing, the Fatui have been captured. What are your orders?" Seeing Keqing return victorious, the Millelith commander stepped forward to report.
"Mm, have someone guard him, then gather everyone," Keqing handed the unconscious Tartaglia to the commander and issued her orders.
"Yes, ma'am!"
The Millelith were disciplined and well-trained. Under the commander's orders, they quickly assembled, standing in formation before Keqing.
"Soldiers, the situation is urgent. I'll keep this brief. Just now, the Fatui awakened the ancient god sealed by the Geo Archon. Liyue is about to face a great calamity!"
Hearing that an ancient god had been unleashed, the Millelith soldiers were shaken. But they quickly calmed down. While fear was natural, if they retreated, who would protect Liyue?
"Good," Keqing led the way out of the Golden House, looking up at the turbulent sky. Her unease grew.
Liyue's opponent this time was an ancient god—a being that had once fought against the Geo Archon. Without Yun Fan's intervention, could human strength alone stand against such a foe?
"Brother Yun Fan, there are two very unpleasant auras in those clouds..."
Griseo looked up at the dark clouds over Guyun Stone Forest, her voice tinged with discomfort.
"Mm, I can feel it too. Those are the bad guys who want to harm Liyue. Little Griseo, do you want to help me drive them away?" Yun Fan took Griseo's hand and asked gently.
"Griseo is willing."
"Then let our little Griseo be a hero too," Yun Fan said, dispelling the spell that had concealed Griseo's presence. Without the barrier, her figure suddenly appeared in plain sight.
"Huh?" Griseo was momentarily confused, looking at Yun Fan, who was still hidden from perception. "Don't worry, I'll be right here to protect you."
"Who's there?!" The sudden appearance of Griseo startled the tense Millelith soldiers. But when they saw it was just a little girl, they relaxed slightly. One of the Millelith squad leaders stepped forward.
"Little girl, this place is dangerous. Go home. Don't make your family worry."
'That child... she's Yun Fan's sister.' Keqing, who had met Griseo at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, quickly recognized her. She hurried over.
"Hello, little one," Keqing greeted. Although she didn't know why Griseo was here, as Yun Fan's sister, she likely possessed considerable strength. Perhaps she could play a decisive role in the battle against the ancient god.