Takumi turned to look at Hu Tao.
"Tell me, how did you find this place?"
"And how did you end up fighting Lothia?"
Hearing Takumi's words, Hu Tao suddenly looked away, guilt written all over her face.
Klee lowered her head, avoiding eye contact.
Qiqi and Yaoyao also remained silent, trying to act innocent.
Especially Yaoyao, who immediately put on a clueless expression.
On the other hand, Qiqi genuinely didn't seem to understand what was going on.
Takumi sighed and rolled his eyes.
It was obvious.
Klee must have been too eager to come here, and Hu Tao had brought her along.
Being so close to Wuwang Hill, Hu Tao likely already knew about Lothia.
And since Klee was with them, there was no way she wouldn't drop a bomb.
So the fight had begun.
That was definitely what had happened.
Takumi knew these girls too well.
Sighing, he decided not to scold them.
"Alright, let's go back."
"Next, Klee, we'll find some trouble with Chi."
"Everything here is settled."
Takumi patted Klee's head and turned to leave.
Seeing this, Klee quickly caught up.
A big smile spread across her face.
"Brother Takumi is the best!"
"Yaoyao, Qiqi, let's go back~~!"
She grabbed onto Takumi's arm, skipping alongside him.
Seeing her cheerful expression, Takumi couldn't help but smile.
Seeing this, Shenhe and Hu Tao followed as well.
The group began their journey back to Qingce Village.
They had arrived quickly, but the return trip was slow.
It took them over an hour to get back to the village.
On the way, Takumi thought about developing some simple means of transportation.
Something like a flying motorcycle?
It was a possibility.
For example, the floating Ruin Guards—alchemy made them hover through some form of anti-gravity technology.
Kanriah's alchemy was truly impressive.
Maybe he should consult Albedo when he returned.
If Albedo had studied this technology, Takumi could have him build a prototype.
Then, he could make floating motorcycles.
In the future, traversing mountainous terrain would be much easier.
Upon returning to Qingce Village, Takumi took a brief rest before heading directly to where Chi was sealed.
He knew exactly where the seal was.
After all, he had played through this part of the game.
Some of the elders in Qingce Village also had knowledge about it.
Takumi went straight to Granny Ruoxin.
When he told her he was going to confront Chi, she was visibly shocked.
"Takumi, that's too dangerous!"
"You can't go!"
Hearing her words, Takumi shook his head.
"It's fine."
"One of the reasons I came here was to deal with Chi."
"Once it's handled, Qingce Village won't have to worry about it anymore."
"Just tell me where the seal is."
Granny Ruoxin hesitated.
After thinking for a moment, she sighed and nodded.
"Alright."
"But be careful."
She then pointed in the direction of the seal, explaining where Chi was confined.
It was sealed on a nearby mountain.
After confirming the location, Takumi gathered Klee, Hu Tao, and the others, then set off towards Chi's resting place.
Another long journey awaited them.
By the time they arrived, the sky had begun to darken.
This place was farther than expected.
It seemed they would have to spend the night outdoors.
Everyone found a spot and lit a bonfire.
Takumi even used his abilities to create a stone shelter.
They settled in for the night.
As they rested, strange roars echoed in the distance.
There was no doubt—they had found the right place.
The next morning, as the group was waking up, a flash of green light appeared.
Immediately after, a man with floral-patterned tattoos appeared before them.
Xiao had arrived.
Sensing Takumi and his companions, Xiao looked puzzled.
Why was this guy here?
"Adeptus!"
Takumi immediately recognized him.
He called out to Xiao without hesitation.
"What is it?"
Xiao frowned.
Seeing Xiao, everyone was intrigued.
Especially Klee, who stared curiously at the man standing before them.
He was about the same height as her sister Barbara.
And he looked so fierce!
Takumi got straight to the point.
"Did you come here to suppress Chi?"
Hearing Takumi's words, Xiao narrowed his eyes.
"Why do you ask?"
Was this guy also here for Chi?
Was he some sort of reckless adventurer?
How pointless.
Takumi smirked.
"Because we're also here to deal with Chi."
"We're planning to destroy it."
"If possible, I'd appreciate your help."
"Besides, continuously suppressing it isn't a permanent solution, is it?"
Xiao was stunned for a moment.
Destroy Chi?
Did this guy even know what he was talking about?
If it were that easy to kill, he would have done it himself.
But then again, Takumi's abilities were something else.
Maybe…
"Follow me."
Xiao didn't argue further.
If they wanted to try, he would let them.
If they failed, he could always seal Chi again.
And with the Geo Archon still watching over Liyue, he wasn't too worried.
Seeing Xiao's response, Takumi grinned.
The best-case scenario had happened—Xiao was willing to help.
With the decision made, the group followed Xiao up the mountain.
Before long, he led them to a massive waterfall.
Then, Xiao activated a hidden mechanism.
A cave entrance was revealed behind the cascading water.
Without hesitation, Xiao stepped inside.
Takumi and the others quickly followed.
Inside, they were greeted by eerie sights.
Talisman seals lined the cave walls.
Scattered bones lay on the ground.
The atmosphere was heavy and foreboding.
As they continued walking, Xiao suddenly stopped.
His expression darkened.
"Someone has been here."
Takumi frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"I can tell. Something has changed."
Xiao was deeply familiar with this place.
Any slight disturbance, he would notice immediately.
That meant… someone else had been here recently.
Hearing this, Takumi was momentarily stunned.
Then Xiao suddenly sped up.
Takumi, sensing something was wrong, quickly followed suit.
As they ventured deeper into the cave, Takumi felt an ominous presence.
A strange energy filled the air.
Takumi's expression hardened.
This aura…
It felt similar to the ley lines.
Was this the Abyss?
Thinking of this, Takumi quickened his pace.
When the group finally reached the innermost chamber, they found nothing.
However, lingering traces of power remained in the air.
Both Xiao and Takumi could tell.
An Abyss Mage had been here.