The Infinite Journey of a Certain Flame

"That's really strange. These kinds of monsters should only exist in Heguan!"

"Crane Viewpoint?"

This time, Ying and Zhongli asked the question in unison.

The two gods, who were not particularly concerned with the mortal world, slowly turned their gazes to Kiana, as if they wanted to know why she knew these things.

Feeling embarrassed by their stares, Kiana, who had blurted out the answer, began to explain slowly.

"It's just a... very remote little island, where these kinds of magical beasts roam."

Ying was both amused and exasperated by Kiana's extremely brief and almost nonexistent description.

She slowly reached out and placed her hand on the white-haired girl's shoulder, then began to explain on her behalf.

“I’ve heard of this place; it’s said to be the bird’s homeland. Alas… many years later, after I also experienced that kind of personal pain, I finally understood why she went mad back then.”

What happened on the island of Heguan was not something worth mentioning.

It was a tragedy that had already occurred, and a story of a creature that tried to get close to humans, only to be transformed into a terrible monster because of human ignorance and folly.

However, even such a monster has a tragic past.

Kiana felt that Shadow would feel guilty, so she offered words of comfort:

"You... you still remember her? But actually, you don't need to blame yourself, because..."

"Self-reproach?" Shadow stroked his smooth chin and pondered for a moment, then calmly said, "Back then, she ravaged the wilderness and slaughtered humans. As one of the guardians of the shogunate, and the one on whom the previous generation placed their hopes, I should end her sins. I have no regrets, only a deeper understanding."

"Is that so...that's good."

After briefly recalling the past, Ying seemed a little impatient.

She turned her head and slowly asked Zhongli:

"Morac, did you come here hoping we would help you get rid of these monsters?"

The Battle Between Flame and Lightning and the Abyss (Genshin Impact): Chapter Thirty-Seven - In the Moment of Crisis, the Guardians Return

In response to Ying's question, Zhongli simply shook his head slowly:

"No, although I was once the Rock God, I am now just a guest elder of the Hall of Rebirth."

Kiana was somewhat surprised to hear this.

Does he mean that there is no longer this obligation?

"I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble unless absolutely necessary."

Zhongli slowly extended his hand and explained:

"Moreover, although the current Senyan Army is not the same as the Senyan Army of the past, once they realize the seriousness of the situation, they should quickly gather their strength to eliminate those threats."

The Thousand Rock Army was once a group of powerful figures who could fight alongside the immortals against demons and gods, and who would not back down even when faced with great threats.

The Sen'iwa Army of today, though still possessing its spirit, has ultimately lacked the tempering of war.

However, dealing with some beasts from the abyss should not be a problem.

"So, Zhongli, what do you mean?"

Upon hearing Zhongli's words, Kiana immediately felt somewhat puzzled.

If he doesn't need to take action himself, then what is Zhongli's true nature?

"I just wanted to remind her."

Amidst their puzzled gazes, Zhongli slowly looked at Ying.

"They even dare to lay their hands on Liyue, a country that is as impregnable as it is. What do you think of Inazuma, which is currently undergoing a period of recovery?"

"Hmph, just a simple magical beast. The Shogunate can handle it."

"Hmm...good, that's exactly what I wanted to remind you of."

Zhongli crossed his arms and finally stated his purpose:

"These magical beasts, though weak in bloodline and power, come from beyond this world. They possess the power to negate the world itself. Perhaps they are insignificant to you, but if there is a powerful force manipulating them, do you think your shogunate can still hold on?"

"There are forces manipulating things behind the scenes..."

"You must still remember the calamity that occurred five hundred years ago."

With his hands behind his back, Zhongli suddenly brought up Ying's painful past.

Once upon a time, the black mist of the abyss swept through Inazuma, and even the powerful priestess, Kitsune Sōgū, was not spared.

He ultimately met his demise.

Not long ago, traces of the Abyss Apostles were discovered near the roots of the Divine Cherry Tree.

Clearly, there must be some intricate connection between them.

"Um..."

Ying pondered for a long time, then asked in return:

"I accept your advice, but why remind me of these things?"

"It was just a reminder from an old friend."

After Zhongli finished answering decisively, he turned his gaze to Kiana and gestured for Ying to look at her.

After gazing at the white-haired girl for a long time, Ying slowly spoke:

"Kiana, I think... I might not be able to stay here and wait for the Luna Festival to end."

"I see... Alright then, let's go back together. We can't let the Abyss Cult's plot succeed."

As Kiana finished speaking, the long-absent system task notification suddenly sounded.

[Ding! Congratulations, host, you have obtained an optional side quest: The Vengeance of the Gods.]

[Mission Completion Introduction: During your vacation in this world, you encountered the Abyss Cult and learned of impending danger. The Abyss symbolizes the negation of this world, a harbinger of chaos and destruction. You need to retaliate as soon as possible, or something terrible will happen when disaster strikes.]

[Mission Completion Method: Crush the Abyss Cult's conspiracy.]

[Maximum reward for completing the mission: 8000 Herrscher Points.]

[Friendly Reminder: Due to the critical nature of this urgent mission, the host's lifespan can be extended by a maximum of 30 days.]

After hearing the system's task prompt, Kiana gradually realized the seriousness of the problem.

"I was originally planning to go to the fishing association during the day to complete my task, but now it seems..."

Since we're already heading back, we need to hurry.

Otherwise, when disaster strikes, the terrible things the system specifically warns you about will happen.

"Thank you, Zhongli."

Kiana smiled at Zhongli, then reached out her hand to Ying.

However, after receiving the deity's hand, she suddenly remembered that she had forgotten to say goodbye to Ying.

"Um, if Ying asks me where I went..."

"I'll explain it to you."

After Zhongli finished speaking, he turned around with his hands behind his back and slowly left.

Seeing him leave, Kiana and Kage didn't waste any more words and immediately started heading towards Inazuma.

Because the incident happened so suddenly, they did not choose to travel by boat as usual, but instead flew directly into the sky.

If nothing unexpected happens, at their current speed, they should be able to return to Inazuma soon.

After the two exceptionally strong girls left, Zhongli slowly turned his head and gazed into the distance.

"In this day and age, to actually encounter someone with such strength... I don't know whether to be grateful or..."

...

The castle tower standing behind Inazuma Castle can be considered the hub of the entire Inazuma area.

This place is easy to defend but difficult to attack.

It is protected by sea cliffs and the endless sea.

Although the resistance forces had previously gathered their forces in an attempt to capture this fortress, they unfortunately returned empty-handed.

Although the Thunder General's intervention and display of divine power were elements, they ultimately could not overshadow the fortress's solidity.

Logically, the most crucial person in Inazuma should be stationed here.

Mikage Naruto no Kami, the Great Palace, the Thunder General, the Shadow.

If it were her, she should be standing atop the castle tower, wielding a peerless divine weapon, Nagikusa Inahi.

It is the one who guards the entire Inazuma.

However, not long ago, a white-haired girl arrived.

This deity, who recently left the Pure Land of One Heart, has now gone to Liyue to visit old friends.

Kujo Sara, who was in charge of staying behind, would occasionally come here to handle official business and listen to the samurai's reports on their recent experiences.

"Strange magical beasts have been spotted in Konta Village?"

“That’s right, Lord Kujo Sara.”

The samurai, who had ridden swiftly back to Inazuma Castle, slowly raised his head and began to recount his experiences.

To put it simply, a group of strange, flying monsters has appeared in Konta Village. They resemble hunting dogs, but have no flesh or skin. They look like a pile of steel and stone, with extremely sharp and corrosive claws and teeth.

They roamed the wilderness like a pack of wolves, systematically ambushing villagers.

If it weren't for the fact that many adventurers had passed through Konta Village after the lifting of the isolation order, Kujo Sara, out of concern, had specifically dispatched samurai to maintain order.

Therefore, when monsters attacked the village, a tragedy was averted.

Otherwise, that village would probably have been razed to the ground.

However, the shogunate also paid a considerable price for protection, which is why the samurai who remained behind rushed back to ask for help.

"What a strange and dangerous monster! If the General and Kiana were here, they should..."