Above Yunlai Sea, the depth of the ocean had increased several times over since the battle with the Vortex God. The influx of water from all directions filled the gaps and brought a variety of exotic fish to Yunlai Sea.
Sailboats of different colors skimmed across the waves, as countless fish leaped joyously from the water.
"Wow~!"
Klee's small mouth gaped in awe as her wide eyes sparkled at the sight of the sailboats. Excitedly, she waved at passing fishermen who stared at her with equal surprise. Turning back, she pulled out three Jumpty Dumpty bombs and handed one each to Qiqi and Li.
With one hand on her hip and the other brandishing her bomb, Klee declared loudly, "Klee's Fish Blasting Adventure Team, move out!"
"Oh~!"
"Oh..."
The timid and flat responses from Qiqi and Li followed. Klee puffed up her chest and dashed across the waves toward a chosen spot in the sea.
Crouching low, she examined the shadows of massive fish deep below. Turning to her companions, Qiqi—encircled by a ghostly orb—and Li—her golden horns faintly glowing—Klee announced, "There's a huge fish down there! It must be delicious."
Waving her small hands in an exaggerated motion, Klee clenched her fists and shouted, "Our target today is to blast that big fish to the surface!"
"Qiqi, Li, get into position! That big fish won't wait for us."
Klee quickly assigned positions for Qiqi and Li, her small hands directing them to their spots. With her gaze fixed below, Klee shouted, "When I say throw, toss your Jumpty Dumpties as hard as you can! The big fish is really deep!"
"Oh~!"
Glancing nervously at the nearby Liyue fishermen who were watching curiously, Li nervously replied loudly.
Standing on the frozen sea surface, Qiqi, expressionless, held up her Jumpty Dumpty bomb with what seemed to be a flicker of determination in her eyes.
From afar, the fishermen began to murmur amongst themselves as they watched the trio form a triangle formation across the waves.
"Whose kids are those? They don't look ordinary."
"Hey, Old Wang, can't you tell? That little red one doesn't seem like she's from Liyue. Look at the red gem on her backpack; isn't that a Vision, like Xinyan's?"
"You're right, Old Shi. And that one with the golden horns—what a beauty. If only she were my daughter."
"Hah! Nonsense, Old Wang. You don't even have a daughter, you old bachelor. She looks like she could be mine. She's so lovable."
"Alright, alright, I misspoke. Three drinks for my mistake. But what are these kids up to?"
"Sounds like they're blasting fish. But Old Wang, do you think there's a sea beast in Yunlai Sea big enough to warrant that formation?"
"If they don't catch anything, we can share some of ours with them."
"Deal. But remember, the Qixing warned us about sea beasts coming in with the influx of ocean water after the Archon War. We should stay vigilant."
Just then, a golden light erupted from the sea where Klee stood. Old Wang turned toward the radiance, eyes widening. "Is that the sun falling from the sky?"
The golden light converged into the Jumpty Dumpties held by Klee, Qiqi, and Li. Klee giggled as she shouted, "Boom!"
Boom! Boom! Boom!
The golden-glowing bombs sank into the depths, sending massive plumes of water skyward. Klee squinted downward, focused.
A sudden golden flash illuminated the deep blue sea, revealing a massive shadow. With a loud rumble, the shadow shot toward the surface.
Crash!
The sea exploded as a creature resembling both a dragon and a fish soared skyward.
"Screeech!"
The beast's anguished cry echoed through the skies, sending shivers through the fishermen. Sailors stared in disbelief at the mountain-sized sea creature.
"Sea Mountain! It's a Sea Mountain! Run!"
"Back to Liyue Harbor! Warn the Qixing!"
As waves churned violently, boats turned back toward the safety of the harbor. Meanwhile, Klee gazed at the colossal creature with a bright smile.
Turning her head at the frantic shouts from the fishermen, she saw them battling the waves to reach her. Sticking out her tongue playfully, Klee stomped a tiny foot.
"Quiet down for Klee~!"
Her soft voice reverberated across Yunlai Sea, calming the raging waters into a mirror-like stillness. The fishermen stared in stunned silence.
Floating upward, Klee called out, "Uncles and aunties of Liyue, I'm sorry for scaring you! It's all because of Klee's fish-blasting."
With a bashful smile, Klee clasped her fists. "Klee apologizes to everyone!"
As the colossal creature descended, Klee clenched her small fists.
"Ha!"
Her golden-imbued punch landed squarely on the beast's head. Its enraged roar silenced instantly. Holding the now-still beast aloft, Klee spoke again.
"Uncles and aunties, Klee wants to offer this big fish as an apology. Will you forgive Klee?"
Old Wang and Old Shi exchanged incredulous glances before murmuring, "Are we dreaming?"
Slowly, boats gathered around the trio. Thanks to Klee's sincerity, the fishermen forgave her, marveling at Li's charm as they invited her to visit their homes.
As the crowd dispersed, Klee exhaled a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness everyone forgave Klee. Otherwise, Klee wouldn't know what to do."
She smiled at Li. "Everyone likes you so much. It's all thanks to you."
Snuggling Li's cheek, Klee turned to the massive fish meat resting on Qiqi's frozen surface. "Everyone is so kind. They even helped Klee carve up this big piece of fish."
"Let's go find Brother Hiroshi and Xiangling!"
Back at Liyue Harbor, Klee crouched by the water, her curious gaze fixed on Mona, who was nibbling on a small fish. With wide eyes, Klee asked, "Big sister, are you eating sashimi?"
Holding out a fresh piece of frozen Sea Mountain fish, Klee offered, "Big sister, you like fish too? Klee loves fish! This is for you."
Leaping ashore, Klee waved and darted off with Li and Qiqi toward Wanmin Restaurant.
"Klee," Qiqi asked, "why didn't you put Li's gifts in the small world?"
Bouncing along, Klee blinked. "Klee forgot."
"But just now, while thinking about storing the fish, Klee remembered!"
Smiling brightly, Klee added, "I wonder what delicious dish Brother Hiroshi and Xiangling will make with this fish. Klee can't wait!"