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Chapter 13

The airship drifted through the skies toward Liyue, the nation of contracts. Below, endless mountain ranges and rivers stretched into the horizon, their beauty shrouded by an unsettling mist. Furina stood near the helm, gazing at the landscape.

"Liyue," she murmured. "The land of unshakable bargains and unyielding stone. Let's hope its people are as solid as their legends claim."

Yoshika sat nearby, sharpening her spear. "You seem unusually reflective," she remarked.

Furina smirked. "I'm always reflective, darling. Just in my own way."

Arlecchino approached, her scythe strapped across her back. "Focus. Liyue's harbor may welcome travelers, but the path to the truth won't be easy."

Neuvillette joined them, his tone measured. "Our priority is to consult with Liyue's adepti and the Qixing. If this dark energy has spread here, they'll have noticed."

---

The group landed at Liyue Harbor, where the bustling marketplace teemed with life. Merchants called out their wares, the scent of exotic spices filled the air, and the sound of haggling echoed across the docks.

As they made their way through the city, they were greeted by a tall, composed man with amber eyes and a deep voice.

"Welcome to Liyue," he said, bowing slightly. "I am Zhongli, a consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I understand you seek information about a troubling force?"

Furina tilted her head, intrigued. "A funeral consultant? How curious."

Zhongli smiled faintly. "Liyue values preparation, even for the unknown. Come, we have much to discuss."

---

In a secluded pavilion overlooking the harbor, Zhongli explained the recent disturbances.

"Strange phenomena have been reported in the mountains," he said. "Fog that never lifts, and ruins glowing with ancient symbols. The adepti believe it to be a sign of imbalance."

Neuvillette nodded. "Similar to what we've seen in Fontaine and Mondstadt. We need to investigate these sites."

Zhongli sipped his tea thoughtfully. "You'll need the guidance of an adeptus. I suggest seeking Ganyu or Xiao-they've both been monitoring the situation closely."

Furina leaned back, tapping her chin. "Guidance from immortals? How poetic."

Yoshika rose, her spear in hand. "Let's not waste time. Where do we start?"

Zhongli gestured toward the distant peaks. "Jueyun Karst. The adepti reside there, and the fog is said to be thickest."

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The journey to Jueyun Karst was arduous, the group navigating treacherous paths and narrow cliffs. Along the way, they encountered strange shadow creatures, their forms shifting and flickering like smoke.

Furina and Yoshika fought side by side, their attacks synchronized. Furina's sword shimmered with water, dousing the creatures' flames, while Yoshika's spear struck with deadly precision.

As they defeated the last of the creatures, Neuvillette stepped forward, his hand glowing with water energy. "These shadows are no coincidence. The cloaked figure's influence reaches farther than we thought."

Arlecchino wiped her scythe clean. "Then we'll cut through every shadow until we find them."

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As night fell, the group reached the base of Jueyun Karst. A lone figure awaited them-a young man with golden eyes and a polearm, his presence radiating quiet strength.

"I am Xiao," he said curtly. "You've come seeking answers, but this mountain holds only danger."

Furina stepped forward, her confidence unwavering. "Danger is a given. We're here to uncover the truth."

Xiao studied her for a moment before nodding. "Follow me, then. But know this: the shadows here are unlike any you've faced before."

With Xiao leading the way, the group ventured deeper into the misty peaks, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

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𝖠𝖭 𝗇𝗈𝗍𝖾: 𝗐𝗁𝗒 𝖽𝗈𝖾𝗌 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝗋𝖾𝗆𝗂𝗇𝖽𝗌 𝗆𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖭𝖾𝗎𝗏𝗂𝗅𝖾𝗍𝗍𝖾 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖹𝗁𝗈𝗇𝗀𝗅𝗂 𝖻𝖾𝖾𝖿😭😭🙏🙏