NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: The Abyss of Layers
An Archon's ears are naturally sharp.
"Yin and Yang… What a fine name."
The Adepti also found the name fitting.
"It seems we Adepti will soon have another among our ranks."
Cloud Retainer murmured as she gazed at Qiu Bai.
Marcus approached Qiu Bai and gave him a firm pat on the shoulder.
"My name is Marcus, the Stove Archon. A pleasure to meet you."
Qiu Bai looked at Marcus with a hint of admiration. As the god who would later become Guoba, he was someone worthy of deep respect.
For centuries, he had poured his power into the land, purging disease and disaster without expecting anything in return. A being like that deserved reverence.
"I am Meleaus, Archon of Yin and Yang. The pleasure is mine."
Qiu Bai smiled as he returned the greeting.
"Alright, let's escort the people to Liyue Harbor first. Then, we shall return to Jueyun Karst," Cloud Retainer said, flapping her wings as she turned to the other Adepti.
...
Two days later...
Qiu Bai stood before Liyue Harbor, awestruck.
It was far grander than the version in the game. It stretched beyond what he could have imagined, making the Liyue of a thousand years later seem almost small in comparison.
"Immortal Lord of Yin and Yang, will you be accompanying us to Jueyun Karst?"
Cloud Retainer turned to Qiu Bai, awaiting his answer.
All the Adepti were watching him now.
"I shall return first to continue guarding Dihua Marsh," Xiao declared before vanishing in an instant.
"I have noticed the people of Liyue live on simple meals. I will send part of myself to prepare better food for them."
With that, Marcus disappeared as well.
"The people of Liyue have just emerged from disaster and still need governance. I shall go ahead!"
Ganyu gave a brief nod before heading toward Liyue Harbor.
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper also departed, flying ahead toward Jueyun Karst.
Qiu Bai had become a widely recognized figure in Liyue. Staying in the city would only bring unnecessary complications.
So, he decided it would be better to head to Jueyun Karst—a place of tranquility and breathtaking beauty.
"Very well, Cloud Retainer. Let us go."
Qiu Bai clasped his hands and addressed the large crane before him.
Cloud Retainer nodded and took off into the distance, with Qiu Bai following closely behind.
...
After flying for nearly an entire day, Qiu Bai's expression twitched.
"This Liyue is way, way bigger than in the game."
Gazing down at the endless mountain ranges, vast rivers, and ancient ruins, Qiu Bai couldn't help but feel like he had been playing a fake version of Genshin Impact all along.
By the time they arrived at Jueyun Karst, Morax was already waiting.
...
"Lord of Geo."
The gathered Adepti bowed respectfully.
"There is no need for such formality. Today, I have called you all here to introduce a friend."
Morax turned his golden gaze toward Qiu Bai and nodded.
"This is Meleaus, a newly born Archon—the Archon of Yin and Yang, who commands the balance of both forces."
"We recently sparred, allowing him to grow accustomed to his power. His strength is formidable."
The Adepti exchanged glances, surprised.
Even during the Archon War, many gods had fallen at Morax's hands—yet he spoke highly of this one.
Morax paused for a moment before continuing, his tone thoughtful.
"My friend, you were born in Liyue and have no place to go. Why not remain here among the Adepti?"
Cloud Retainer interjected, explaining to Morax,
"Lord Morax, you may not be aware, but Meleaus is already seen as an Adeptus by the people of Liyue. They have even given him a title—'The Immortal Lord of Yin and Yang.'"
At that, Mountain Shaper scoffed, his gaze somewhat amused as he studied Qiu Bai.
"A frivolous Archon… Handsome as well. I suppose one who can fight Lord Morax is worthy of such a name."
Morax let out a quiet chuckle.
"Is that so? Then, my friend, would you officially join the ranks of Liyue's Adepti?"
His voice grew serious.
"You are an Archon, equal in standing to myself. You are worthy of such a title."
Qiu Bai's mind raced.
"So that's his plan… He's preparing for the day he eventually retires and wants me to help manage things in his absence."
Not that he minded.
After all, this was Liyue—the land he cherished the most among the Seven Nations.
And, of course… there were many beautiful reasons to stay here.
His gaze briefly flickered toward Ganyu, and he smirked internally.
"Damn, he really does have an eye for talent."
With a grin, Qiu Bai responded,
"Very well, Morax. I accept."
Morax smiled and nodded in satisfaction.
"Good."
With that, the discussion shifted toward the governance of Liyue, and Morax began discussing plans with the Adepti.
...
Following Cloud Retainer's advice, Qiu Bai created his own dwelling in Jueyun Karst. With a wave of his hand, he erected a protective barrier around it.
Six months passed in the blink of an eye.
During this time, Qiu Bai had not been idle.
He decorated his home into something resembling a true celestial paradise. Even Cloud Retainer and the other Adepti, upon visiting, were greatly impressed—so much so that they clamored to create their own.
He also took the opportunity to learn Adeptus techniques, and the Adepti were more than happy to teach him.
...
Time flowed like a river, ever-changing and unstoppable.
Qiu Bai forged strong bonds with Liyue's Adepti.
Whenever Morax visited, Qiu Bai would brew a fine pot of tea, and the two would discuss Liyue's development and future plans.
Morax was often astounded by Qiu Bai's insights, while Qiu Bai, in turn, would seek Morax's guidance on harnessing his divine power.
Thus, over time, they became close friends, speaking openly about all matters.
...
The seasons turned, and decades passed.
With each passing year, Liyue held the Rite of Descension—the ceremony where the people received guidance from their gods.
On these occasions, Morax and Qiu Bai descended together, offering their wisdom and guidance.
To the people of Liyue, Qiu Bai was no longer just an Adeptus—he was their revered Immortal Lord.
...
One day, while Qiu Bai and Morax were having tea in Jueyun Karst, Morax suddenly paused, his teacup hovering mid-air as if he had sensed something.
"This feeling… could it be? So the day has finally come… Azhdaha..."
His expression grew complex, his thoughts unreadable.
"Morax, what is it?"
Qiu Bai looked at him, slightly puzzled.
"Meleaus, come with me."
Morax said no more and simply gestured for Qiu Bai to follow.
Without hesitation, the two soared into the distance at incredible speed.
...
"This is the place, my friend. This is The Chasm—Liyue's vital mining site."
Morax explained as he turned to face Qiu Bai.
Qiu Bai took in the view before him, his breath hitching slightly.
So this is The Chasm… It's far larger than in the game.
The sight was overwhelming. Towering mountains lined both sides of the abyss, dense forests stretching along their ridges. Below, wooden machines of immense scale dotted the landscape, while houses clustered along the edges. But at the heart of it all lay a vast, bottomless darkness—the true depths of The Chasm.
It was as if the earth itself had been torn apart.
"The Chasm… What a breathtaking sight."
Qiu Bai murmured to himself.
"Morax, why have you brought me here?"
He feigned surprise, though he already had a good idea of what was coming.
In the original story, Morax had fought Azhdaha alone, eventually sealing him beneath the earth.
Morax turned to Qiu Bai, his golden eyes steady.
"My friend, soon, I will face an old companion in battle. His strength rivals yours and mine. During the fight, I ask that you protect the people of The Chasm."
Then, after a brief pause, Morax met his gaze once more.
"Meleaus, this battle is between him and me. Do not interfere."
His voice carried an unmistakable finality.
Qiu Bai followed his line of sight toward the abyss.
"Azhdaha… Even you have succumbed to the passage of time?"
Morax's voice was heavy with sorrow as he gazed into the depths below.
Qiu Bai let out a slow breath, his expression unreadable.
"Don't worry, Morax. Leave it to me."
But inwardly, he couldn't help but feel conflicted.
An old companion, worn down by time… a contract shattered…
This battle would only add to Morax's burden—and Qiu Bai knew that once it was over, the weight of erosion upon him would only grow heavier.
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