Liyue City, Yuehai Pavilion.
Ganyu stood in the corridor, observing the changes in the sky and the distant water pillar that shot up into the heavens. She turned to Lumine behind her and said, "Lumine, please inform the other members of the Qixing immediately. The Vortex God has broken free and is heading toward Liyue City!"
"Got it!"
Grabbing the panicking Paimon, Lumine ran swiftly through the corridors of Yuehai Pavilion. Ganyu, sensing the approach of the other Qixing members, quickly pulled Yaoyao back from running outside and entered her work mode. At this time, managing the evacuation and coordination of the city was as vital as fighting on the front lines—something that Ganyu, the long-serving secretary of the Qixing, was best suited for.
Within Liyue City, many citizens were still caught up in the grief of losing Rex Lapis. However, the morning's Rite of Parting had given them the strength to move forward, believing that the Geo Archon would forever live on in Liyue's memory. Yet, now, the once clear skies suddenly became covered with thick, stormy clouds, with lightning illuminating the darkened city. A torrential rain poured down as if intending to drown Liyue itself.
Terrified, the residents of Liyue looked out from under their roofs at the increasingly darkened skies. Many hugged their loved ones tightly, clasping their hands together in silent prayers to Rex Lapis.
"Mama, I'm scared!" a little girl cried, frightened by the apocalyptic sight outside. She clung tightly to her mother's neck, her sobs growing louder.
Holding her daughter close, Chunxiu whispered softly, "Don't be afraid, sweetheart. Rex Lapis and your father will protect us."
Thud, thud, thud!
Urgent yet orderly footsteps echoed down the street. Teams of Millelith soldiers, armed with white-tasseled spears, ran through the rain, water splashing underfoot. Loud shouts began to resound throughout Liyue City.
"Steadfast as the Millelith, unyielding as the peaks!"
"Defend the city, repel all evil!"
Racing through the city, the Millelith soldiers, centered around Yujing Terrace, quickly spread to every corner of Liyue, escorting residents to the shelters behind Yujing Terrace.
Under the cover of an umbrella, Chunxiu walked alongside a young Millelith soldier holding her daughter. She looked at the soldiers rushing past and couldn't help but ask, "What's happening?"
"The Vortex God has returned. Lady Qixing has ordered us to lead all residents of Liyue City to the shelters within Mt. Tianheng behind Yujing Terrace."
The young Millelith soldier patted the little girl's head gently, smiling. "Don't worry. The Adepti from Jueyun Karst and the Qixing are already heading out to face the enemy. Even the Millelith's Demon-Slaying Troop has been dispatched. Liyue will be safe!"
"The Demon-Slaying Troop..." Chunxiu murmured softly, tightening her grip on her daughter as she looked toward the distant water pillar rising from the sea at Guyun Stone Forest. "Fengshi, please, come back safely."
At the giant docks of Liyue Harbor, an area that normally bustled with merchants and traders, the atmosphere was now somber and tense. The once lively space was now filled with rows of Millelith soldiers, each standing tall with an unwavering grip on their Geo-themed spears.
Fengshi stood at the front of the troops, his spear held high as he looked toward the four massive water dragons rising from the sea at Guyun Stone Forest. He swung his spear forward, the massive spear's weight coming from the shards of the Geo Archon's spear used to forge it, and it was sharp enough to pierce dragon scales.
Rain fell in sheets but was sliced apart by the force of his spear. Fengshi stared down the waves, holding his spear aloft, and roared.
"Steadfast as the Millelith, unyielding as the peaks!"
"Defend the city, repel all evil!"
The roaring waves coming toward Liyue Harbor were shattered instantly by sharp, invisible spear strikes.
Following Fengshi, a thousand Millelith Demon-Slaying Troops raised their spears, shouting with determination.
"Steadfast as the Millelith, unyielding as the peaks!"
"Defend the city, repel all evil!"
Hearing the resounding shouts behind him, Fengshi looked back toward Liyue City, then turned and pointed his spear toward Guyun Stone Forest.
"Advance!"
Above the sky, a massive floating building, shining with the golden hues of Geo, flew through the air.
Hovering above Guyun Stone Forest, Ningguang looked down at the four colossal water dragons and then turned to those around her with a solemn nod. Her body began to glow with light.
"We cannot delay any longer. We must stop the Vortex God from reaching Liyue City. If the god's might reaches the city, the consequences for the citizens will be unimaginable!"
Forming a hand seal, Ningguang's figure flickered, and she appeared above the Jade Chamber. Bathed in a golden light, her sigils transformed rapidly.
A gigantic array appeared before her, and Ningguang looked out at the vast ocean as she softly chanted.
"Activate!"
Massive Geo constructs appeared around the Jade Chamber, forming large arrays. With a tremendous boom, a platform emerged from midair, while below, semi-transparent steps formed, allowing the Millelith troops to jump towards the Jade Chamber.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh.
The sound of hurried footsteps filled the air as Fengshi bowed to Ningguang. "The Thousand Millelith Demon-Slaying Troops stationed at Liyue City have all gathered!"
"Form ranks, prepare for battle!"
"Yes!"
Turning back to the four enormous water dragons rising from the sea, Fengshi swung his spear.
"Form ranks, prepare for battle!"
"Yes!"
Boom!
The combined will of the troops rose, enveloping the army, and an ethereal mountain peak appeared over them, shielding them from the rain.
Watching the Millelith troops from above, Moon Carver spoke softly, "This scene brings back memories."
"It has been over a thousand years since the Archon War, yet we can still see such Millelith troops. Let us fight as well."
With nostalgia, Moon Carver ascended into the sky.
"Who knows if we will meet again after today?" River Shaper smiled gently, the golden-red wings on his back unfurling. "But if we can still fight alongside familiar comrades, it's worth visiting old friends afterward."
"Hmph."
With a slight bend of his knees, Xiao glared at the water dragons spewing enormous torrents and said coldly, "Fiends of evil!"
Boom!
With a burst of green light, Xiao followed the two Adepti into the fray.
Watching the Adepti engage in battle, Keqing turned to Ningguang and asked, "Do you think the Adepti can win?"
"It's uncertain," Ningguang replied as she steadied her breathing. "Even with the Millelith, the Qixing, and the Adepti, victory is not guaranteed."
"I see," Keqing responded, glancing at Liyue Harbor's Chihu Rock, lightning flashing in her eyes.
The land of Liyue was shrouded in dark clouds, with waves of sinister power emanating from the heavens. In the mountains and by tainted waters, clusters of monsters began to emerge and march forward in droves.