Nolan used his Anemo power to effortlessly propel the group towards the Jade Chamber, landing them on the front platform. At the time, numerous Millelith soldiers were busy installing a type of massive crossbow.
If Nolan remembered correctly, this was likely the "Guizhong Ballista," which also played a significant role in the game's storyline. It was said to have been created by Cloud Retainer, whom they had met not too long ago.
"Miss Keqing, and these must be the famous Honorary Knights," a voice said.
Ganyu, who had been overseeing the operation, approached them after seeing Keqing and Nolan's group arrive.
"Yes, that's us! And who might you be?" Paimon eagerly responded, excited by the compliment.
Before them stood a young woman with long blue hair, adorned with two black-and-red horns on her head. Between the horns, a small tuft of hair stuck up playfully. She wore a form-fitting, black, backless bodysuit that showcased her ample and soft chest perfectly. Over her midsection was a white, gold-trimmed short cheongsam, and her black silk tights, detailed with golden leg rings, peeked out through a slit in her attire. On her feet were white high heels secured with red knots tied around her ankles to prevent slipping.
At first glance, she seemed like a gentle girl.
"Hello, I'm Ganyu, the secretary of Yuehai Pavilion. Right now, I'm temporarily commanding the Millelith on the Jade Chamber," the blue-haired girl introduced herself simply.
Nolan, Lumine, and Paimon politely introduced themselves in return.
"Ganyu… I think I've heard Shenhe mention you before. Are you, by chance, her senior disciple?" Lumine asked, crossing her arms and resting her chin in thought.
"Ah, well, I've just been too busy most of the time, so I haven't had the chance..." Ganyu looked slightly embarrassed, averting her gaze.
As the secretary of Yuehai Pavilion, she was responsible for managing vast amounts of intelligence and information. Although the workload wasn't overwhelming all the time, Ganyu had a habit of working overtime, as she enjoyed the sense of fulfillment her job provided.
While most people would likely find the workload unbearable, as a half-Adeptus with Qilin blood, the long hours didn't really affect her much—although she did often find herself dozing off because of it.
"Let's put the small talk aside for now," Keqing interrupted, noticing that the group was getting carried away with the conversation.
She quickly turned to Ganyu and asked, "How much longer until we reach the area where the Archon will appear?"
"About an hour," Ganyu replied, pausing the chatter with Nolan's group to answer Keqing's question.
Suddenly remembering something, Ganyu added, "Oh, right. Miss Ningguang and the Adepti are inside discussing their strategy for dealing with the Archon. Since you've all arrived, why don't you come with me and join them?"
"Sure, sounds good!" Paimon said cheerfully, clasping her hands behind her back and nodding.
Inside the Jade Chamber, Ningguang's office...
When Nolan and Keqing arrived, they found many people already gathered. There was Ningguang, whom they hadn't seen in a while, and Shenhe, who seemed to be standing in the corner, looking like she didn't know how to join the conversation.
Several Adepti with animal forms were present, as well as the Conqueror of Evil, whom they had encountered at Wangshu Inn, and Madam Ping, whom they had met near Yujing Terrace.
The unsealing of the Archon was a matter of life and death for Liyue Harbor.
Especially after the death of the Geo Archon.
In order to protect Liyue Harbor, almost all of the city's top-tier combatants had gathered here.
If the Geo Archon were still alive, there would be no need to worry about the Vortex God. After all, if he sealed it once, he could surely do it again.
However, Liyue has been under the Archon's protection for thousands of years. This year, the next year, and in ten or even a hundred years, should it always be this way?
What difference would there be between humanity and a baby in its cradle if every time they faced a challenge, their first thought was to rely on the Archon for everything?
In the past, during the era of rampant gods and demons, it was understandable. Without divine protection, humans simply could not survive. But society has now developed to a point where it's time for humanity to take the first step on its own.
Though this "transformation" had begun in a way that no one wanted, progress had to be made.
"Ningguang, the Adepti," Keqing began, turning to the others. "The seal on the Archon was broken by the Fatui Harbinger 'Childe' using the power of the 'Sigils of Permission.' We're not just dealing with the Vortex God; we may also face an attack from the Fatui."
Keqing explained what had just transpired, ensuring that no one overlooked this crucial detail while focusing on the Vortex God.
"Sigils of Permission? It would take dozens of those to break the seal on a god. Even all the ones we Adepti have given out wouldn't be enough," Cloud Retainer remarked, incredulous at the news.
Your information is a little outdated, Adeptus, Nolan thought silently, The Fatui can mass-produce those Sigils now.
"So, it really is the Fatui," Ningguang mused, nodding thoughtfully.
She had anticipated this possibility and had prepared accordingly. With so many Adepti here, there was little cause for concern.
"Mere mortals are of no consequence. The main issue remains the Vortex God," Moon Carver chimed in. "If the seal was broken using Sigils of Permission, we might be able to employ a delaying strategy. The Sigils' effect isn't permanent—once their power fades, the seal will resume its function."
Conqueror of Evil, who appeared youthful in form, nodded. "Even though we cannot kill a god, especially in its weakened state, we may still be able to reseal it."
"Indeed, Moon Carver makes a good point," said Granny Ping with a smile. "But even so, we'll need to drive the god back into the seal, and that won't be easy."
"Effort is everything," the Conqueror of Evil stated succinctly.
The group continued to discuss specific strategies for dealing with the Vortex God before finalizing their preparations.
Not long after...
The Jade Chamber arrived above the waters where the seal was located.
At that moment, several heads of the Vortex God Osial emerged from the sea. They resembled giant serpents made entirely of water, screeching into the sky as if releasing all its pent-up rage from being sealed for so long.
(End of Chapter)
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