Shao Yun stared at the sky, where the meteor shower of water bombs poured down like a waterfall—far more than what he remembered from the original events.
If even one of those hit, it wouldn't just damage the Guizhong Ballista—the entire Jade Chamber would be obliterated.
It was clear: he had to act. In an instant, he drew both of his gleaming golden cowboy revolvers.
At the same time, the Vision at his waist began to emit a strange, dark red glow—eerily vivid in the night, as if some mysterious power was silently awakening.
In that moment, he activated Deadeye. His gaze pierced the cascading curtains of water, locking precisely onto every single falling water meteor.
With the power of the Deadeye, Shao Yun began firing at a speed beyond human comprehension.
"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Fire-element-infused bullets streaked through the night sky like meteors, colliding with the water meteors midair.
Each collision sent a shockwave through the air, threatening to tear the entire platform apart.
Thanks to Shao Yun's precision, a large portion of the water meteors were neutralized by the fire-element bullets, dissolving into plumes of steam that vanished into the atmosphere.
But fate is rarely kind. Despite his efforts, a few water meteors broke through the elemental barrier and slammed brutally into the Guizhong Ballista.
With a metallic shriek of agony, the ballista collapsed under the massive impact, falling into a state of paralysis.
Shao Yun holstered his revolvers and turned to Ningguang. "I did what I could. Nothing more I can do."
Ningguang descended slowly from the air, approaching his side. "As long as no one is hurt."
Paimon watched in shock as the once-sturdy Guizhong Ballista shattered under the Archon's assault. She turned anxiously to the Adepti beside her.
"What do we do now? Without the ballista, there's no way to hold Osial back!"
Ganyu stared at the massive Archon writhing on the sea's surface—its colossal movements seemed to shake the heavens themselves.
She inhaled deeply, her voice unwavering. "The Jade Chamber is our last barrier. No matter what, we cannot retreat!"
Shao Yun could sense a pivotal moment approaching. He turned to Ningguang and saw that this usually composed woman now wore a look of deep concern, as if weighing something heavy.
Sure enough, her voice soon pierced the silence.
"I have another plan." She paused, as though gathering courage, then continued, "I'm going to sacrifice the Jade Chamber."
Shao Yun blurted out, "You mean… drop the Jade Chamber on Osial?"
Ningguang met his gaze with a flicker of approval. She nodded. "Exactly. You really are a clever one."
But Shao Yun didn't ease up at her compliment. He immediately posed the key question.
"After we crash the Jade Chamber… how do we get out? Can the Adepti carry everyone? Or are we saying some people have to die?"
Before she could answer, Cloud Retainer began calculating.
After precise analysis and deduction, the result was… grim—they couldn't safely evacuate everyone. Not even one person.
The mood on the platform plummeted like a falling blade.
Shao Yun acknowledged the conclusion with a quiet nod. He turned to face the others, his expression firm. "I'll fly out with my Wind Glider. I believe I can make it to the harbor."
Lumine's expression shifted immediately. She stepped forward, locking eyes with him, disbelief lacing her voice.
"Are you crazy? That distance—on top of the storm? That's insanely dangerous!"
Shao Yun smiled faintly. He removed his signature gambler's hat and gently placed it on Lumine's head. His eyes shone with trust and resolve.
"Who are we going to leave behind? Don't worry. I've got tough luck. Besides, I'm afraid the wind might blow the hat away. Hold onto it for me, yeah? Give it back when we meet at the harbor."
Lumine looked at him, her emotions tangled. She knew his courage and resolve. She also knew… he didn't have another choice.
"I just realized… you really are a lunatic."
Shao Yun patted her shoulder lightly, voice filled with confidence. "If I wasn't, I'd never have dared go head-to-head with the Fatui. Don't worry—I'll be fine."
Just as he was about to leap, he turned back to Ningguang.
"Oh, and Miss Ningguang… don't forget our deal."
The usually calm Ningguang blinked in surprise. A twitch of her mouth betrayed something—she wanted to speak, but hesitated.
"Can't you at least wait a little—just—" she trailed off, her voice tinged with frustration.
But Shao Yun was unmoved. He wagged a finger and replied with unwavering conviction.
"No bargaining, Miss Ningguang." His eyes were like cold stars, glinting with absolute certainty.
Ningguang saw the still-wet bloodstains on him and thought it best to comply.
She took a deep breath and gave a nod. "Understood."
Then Shao Yun turned to Paimon. "Paimon, take care of Lumine. I'll be waiting for you at the harbor."
…
Shao Yun stood at the rear of the Jade Chamber, the boundless sea stretching before him.
The Jade Chamber steadily ascended, closing in on Osial's massive form.
Below, the ocean churned violently, each wave cresting like a hungry beast ready to devour everything in its path.
Shao Yun took a deep breath. Though fear gnawed at him, determination outweighed it. He shouted with resolve—
"CHELONIA!"
And leapt.
His body shot downward like an arrow loosed from a bow.
Mid-air, he unfurled his Wind Glider. The delicate wings shimmered with a soft teal glow.
But the wind was violently erratic. The turbulence tossed him like a ragdoll, and the glider strained as if it might tear apart at any second.
Gritting his teeth, Shao Yun fought to stabilize himself. Inwardly, he cursed, "Venti, you drunken bard! That wind blessing you gave me better damn work, or I'm swimming to Mondstadt just to punch you in the face!"
…
Far away in Mondstadt, atop the windblown tree of Windrise, Venti lounged lazily on a branch, sipping a bottle of dandelion wine.
Suddenly, he shivered, as if sensing something. Rubbing his nose, he muttered, "Ah-choo! So cold… was that wind from Dragonspine?"
He paused.
"No… feels like… Shao Yun's cursing me?"
Venti chuckled, shaking his head. "He's in Liyue. He can't reach me even if he wanted to."
And with that, he returned to enjoying his rare moment of peace.
…
High in the sky, the Jade Chamber plummeted like a meteor, aimed straight at the sea monster Osial.
Its speed ripped through the air. Its sheer momentum sent shudders through the world.
With a thunderous crash, the Jade Chamber exploded into radiant light upon impact. Debris scattered in all directions like fireworks painting the night sky.
It was a breathtaking sight.
Under the force of the blast, Osial's massive body was slammed back into the ocean. The sea surged and spun into a giant whirlpool.
In the air, Shao Yun tilted his head and watched the scene, eyes sparkling with exhilaration.
"Yahoo! That was awesome!"
His voice echoed through the sky, brimming with thrill and joy.
With Osial sealed once more, the storm clouds gradually cleared, and the horizon began to lighten with dawn.
The battle had lasted an entire night.
Thanks to the Wind Glider's support, Shao Yun finally made it to the harbor—though the Adepti had beaten him there.
…
Everyone stared at the distant remains of Guyun Stone Forest. Their exhaustion melted away in the afterglow of victory.
Lumine, seeing Shao Yun unharmed, removed his hat and handed it back to him.
"Here's your hat. I'm really glad you made it."
Shao Yun accepted the gambler's hat, placed it back on his head, and gently tousled her hair.
"You alright?" he asked, voice warm with concern.
Lumine glanced at herself and the others—all safe. She smiled.
"I'm fine." Her voice was calm, but the joy beneath it was unmistakable.
Shao Yun nodded, then teased, "Looks like Ningguang's the one who took the biggest hit among us."
Paimon blinked. "Huh? Why?"
Shao Yun pointed to the remains of the Jade Chamber scattered across the Guyun Pavilion ruins and grinned. "Because her Jade Chamber's gone."
That's a hellish joke…
Paimon sighed. "That joke's a bit…"
Ningguang, overhearing, merely smiled. "Compared to Liyue Harbor's safety, losing one Jade Chamber is nothing."
It was mostly for Liyue. But Ningguang didn't lose out—this sacrifice was her investment in gaining a stronger say over Liyue's future. Besides, if she wanted, she could build another one anytime.
She turned to the Adepti, her eyes filled with genuine gratitude. Her voice was warm and respectful.
"Thank you all for aiding us in this critical moment. Without your support, Liyue Harbor's future would've been dire indeed."
But Cloud Retainer didn't accept her gratitude so easily. She huffed, eyes tinged with disdain.
"Spare us the flattery. We've seen your actions for what they are. And don't forget why we came here in the first place."
Tension crept into the air.
Madame Ping stepped forward with a gentle smile, her voice like a breeze in spring.
"Cloud Retainer, must you be so harsh? Ningguang's efforts—we've all seen them."
With Madame Ping's calming words, the atmosphere softened slightly.
…
Elsewhere, Shao Yun was gripping the hands of Lumine and Paimon, eyes burning with resolve.
"Paimon, I know I did some things at the Golden House that upset you. I'm not asking for forgiveness—but I do want to make it up to you."
Paimon looked at his serious face, a little curious. "Make it up how?"
Shao Yun's emotions burst forth like a storm. He couldn't wait to unveil his grand plan, voice trembling with excitement, eyes glowing with fervor.
"I made a deal with Ningguang," he said, taking a deep breath to steady himself.
"I promised to help her manage the greatest upheaval Liyue's seen in a thousand years. In return, she'd give me twenty million Mora, grant one of your wishes, Lumine, cover part of our food and lodging after our contract ends—and fulfill a special request of mine."
His hands clenched, eyes gleaming with madness. "The most important part is your wish, Lumine—but the request... if it works out, I can't even imagine what life will be like after."
Lumine saw Shao Yun getting so excited he nearly passed out and quickly urged, "Don't get carried away. What is it? Slow down."
Shao Yun could barely contain himself.
"It's—'robbing the Northland Bank!'"
"Robbing the Northland Bank?" Lumine and Paimon shouted in unison, stunned beyond belief.
The plan sounded utterly insane.
"Yes! Robbing the Northland Bank!" Shao Yun declared, unashamed of his ambition. "Now that Liyue's broken ties with the Fatui, the Northland Bank has lost its official protection. Ningguang's already tacitly approved me looting them! We're gonna be rich!"
Lumine and Paimon were left speechless. Robbing the Northland Bank? If anyone else had said it, they'd have called them a lunatic. But coming from Shao Yun—it was probably already halfway done.
"How much are you trying to take?" Lumine asked, voice trembling.
"All of it!" Shao Yun answered without hesitation. "Every last Mora! Not a single coin left behind!"