eurekapd Chapter 138 The Wind Rises and the Crane Returns
Chapter 138 The Wind Rises and the Crane Returns
The next morning, Kong and Pai Meng arrived at Qunyu Pavilion on time to participate in today's launch ceremony.
Ningguang: "The first time I climbed up the Jade Pavilion, I stood on the edge of the high platform and looked out at Liyue Harbor from the air."
"Back then, I thought that one day I would let the shadow of the Jade Pavilion cover the seven kingdoms. To this day, my wish remains unchanged. However, this time, the reconstruction of the Jade Pavilion is not just for myself."
Ningguang: "I hope that Jade Pavilion will always float above Liyue Harbor, witnessing the prosperity and peace of the world. ...I also hope that you all will witness it with me."
"The launch ceremony shall commence!"
At Ningguang's command, the chains binding the Jade Pavilion snapped simultaneously. The magnificent structure then slowly rose into the air before everyone's eyes.
"Wow—we're in the sky!" Paimon couldn't help but exclaim, watching himself get further and further away from the ground until he could no longer see the crowds below, only the continuous mountain ranges, which gave him a real sense of being airborne.
"Yes, it is indeed spectacular." Kong was also a little excited. After all, who doesn't like the feeling of flying in the sky and looking down on all the mountains?
"Hmm...Kong, why did the sky suddenly get dark?"
Indeed, just as Paimon said, the sky did darken, and the once bright sunshine was instantly covered by dark clouds.
"...Paimon! Look over there."
"Where?! Where?!"
Paimon looked in the direction the empty finger was pointing and saw a waterspout rising from the direction of the Lonely Cloud Pavilion by the sea, just like the Whirlpool Demon God Oser had done before.
A whirlpool swirled in the seawater surrounded by a tornado, and a monster with a body entirely of water blue emerged from it, roaring towards the Jade Pavilion high in the sky.
Its appearance caused torrential rain in Liyue, suggesting that it was the mastermind behind the climate change.
But Qunyu Pavilion did not stop, and continued to fly quickly in that direction, not retreating even when attacked by lightning.
"So it really is here. 'The lingering power of the vortex,' pull back." Ningguang looked at the monster with a calm expression, but a hint of killing intent was faintly revealed in her eyes.
"Who is that?" Paimon asked Ningguang after dodging a lightning strike.
"Ausel's wife. The last follower of the Vortex Demon God." Ningguang spoke calmly, revealing the identity of the monster opposite her.
Paimon: "Could it be that Miss Ningguang already knew all along?"
“Beidou is very sensitive to changes in the ocean. It reminded me a few months ago.” Ningguang paused and turned to look at Ba Che: “The reason for rebuilding Qunyu Pavilion at this time is to use her hatred for Qunyu Pavilion to lure her out of the sea.”
"I see. Then let's go find an immortal to help us."
“No need…” Ningguang rejected Paimon’s suggestion, then raised her hand, the Geo element surging in her palm: “In this era of human rule, the people of Liyue Harbor must also rely on their own strength to overcome this crisis.”
The next second, the light and shadow of the Destiny Seat were illuminated by the concentrated light, and the Jade Pavilion behind her also shone brightly. The elemental magic arrays opened in an instant—
Countless crystals formed from rock elements flew toward their target.
It was exceptionally spectacular...
She couldn't dodge in time, or rather, the attacks were too dense for her to avoid. Each strike hit her, causing her to scream involuntarily.
But it's not over yet—
Not far from the shore, a squad of Qianyan soldiers was carrying a Guizhong machine and aiming it at her.
"Release!" Keqing gave the order. Countless Stone Golem warriors gathered their elemental power and, using the Resurrection Machines in conjunction with the Jade Pavilion's offensive, launched an attack on the enemy in Liyue Harbor.
A ship also swam over from the sea, and Beidou, leading his fleet, also entered the battle zone at that moment.
After the Thousand Rock Army's attack took effect, the enraged Ba Che prepared to gather his strength for a counterattack. However, his preparations were interrupted by a cannon shot.
"Roar!!!"
"Now!" Beidou raised his hand, and all the crew members responded immediately. They unleashed all their power to attack Ba Che. Looking back, they only felt that they were incredibly cool!
Thus, the Jade Pavilion, the Thousand Rocks Army, and the Southern Cross Fleet formed a three-way power balance and simultaneously suppressed Ba Che.
"Roar!" (Despicable! Despicable humans—) With a furious roar, the sea surged, and the waves grew wider and higher as they crashed towards them.
"Attention everyone! A tsunami is coming!" Beidou immediately ordered the crew to quickly paddle out of the tsunami's attack range.
"Wow...what huge waves!"
The Thousand Rock Army wasn't so lucky; the tsunami would claim their lives. Gan Yu had already raised her ice arrows; just one shot would freeze the giant wave.
Keqing watched anxiously, her eyes filled with helplessness: (Could it be... that humans are ultimately doomed?)
"!" Kong, standing in the Jade Pavilion, watched this scene. He knew that this tsunami would likely affect even Liyue Harbor.
He took a step back—
"Kong!" Paimon hurriedly reached for Kong's clothes, trying to stop him, but it was too late.
Using the Jade Pavilion as a springboard, this distance could interrupt Ba Che's charge-up. The Bladeless Sword appeared in his hand, and he crossed the towering tsunami. Just as he approached Ba Che, a powerful wave of attack slammed him against the opposite cliff.
“Empty—!” Paimon shouted anxiously from the Jade Pavilion.
Upon seeing this, Shen He immediately jumped down from the Qunyu Pavilion and caught the falling man. He laid him gently on a safe spot…
"No...tsunami..." Kong's eyes opened slightly, the pain in his body made him break out in a cold sweat, but the crisis was not over, and he could not fall down.
"..." Shen He looked at him like this and couldn't help but recall the past:
"You were born with this fate; as long as you live, you will bring danger to those around you."
"It would be better to die like this and bring her back."
.........
"When did you develop the idea of using your power for others?"
"When will you be able to truly integrate into human society?"
(Master, I think I understand—)
Shen He stood up and walked step by step toward the massive tsunami, single-handedly fighting against the enormous waves.
The Eye of God emitted a faint light, ice elements surged around her, and a chill emanated from her pale blue eyes.
As she stepped onto the sea, the water froze into ice, lifting her up. Elemental power in her hand conjured a talisman, which swept towards the tsunami.
A frigid blizzard engulfed the entire tsunami, freezing the water into ice that rapidly swept across the sea. The tsunami, overwhelmed by the blizzard, groaned, utterly ashamed before the power of humankind.
"!!!" Ba Che was extremely shocked. She couldn't believe that such a massive tsunami had been defeated by humans, whom she considered insignificant.
Keqing quickly regained her senses, suppressed her inner joy, and once again ordered the Thousand Rock Army to launch an attack.
The three forces were trying to drive away the monster. Seeing that she was about to escape into the sea again, Shen He did not give her this chance and rushed into the whirlpool as well.
"Shen He!" Kong, who had recovered somewhat, immediately followed.
------
What are your thoughts?
"Heh, in my opinion, although there are still some shortcomings, there are still some things to praise."
"Hmm, that's not bad."
Not far from the sea, Xuan Yue, dressed in a white robe with her eyes covered by a white cloth, was discussing the battle situation with Liu Yun, who had also come to watch.
"This battle will soon be over; the outcome is already decided."
Sure enough, the dark clouds in the sky dissipated not long after. The waves that had been surging and churning on the sea now only rippled slightly.
"Phew...it's over." Sora and Shin-haku helped each other ashore; they both looked quite badly injured...
Shen He: "Hmm... We won."
Sora: "We won!"
Smiles are contagious, and Shen He was also affected by Kong's emotions, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"Kong—! Shen He—!" Paimon flew over immediately, calling out anxiously. She was carrying some wound medicine in her arms: "Are you alright! Ah, so many wounds, we need to apply medicine quickly. Here, this Golden Wound Medicine, this Ten Ash Powder, and... and this Four Life Pill..."
"Paimon, don't worry, we're fine..."
"But, but... Waaaaah!" Paimon couldn't hold back her tears as soon as she said that. She was so worried about them in the Jade Pavilion. The thought of them getting hurt made her run to Ningguang for medicine.
But seeing how badly they were injured, she couldn't hold back her tears...
"Paimon, don't cry."
“…I, I’m not a child…no need to coax me…” Paimon wiped away her tears and retorted to Kong’s words.
"Alright, alright." Kong just smiled indulgently. He knew that Paimon was worried about them, so how could he not appreciate it?