A short figure, less than five feet tall, suddenly appeared beside Zhong Baiye.
The yaksha mask on his face let Ningguang recognize him as an Adeptus at a glance.
Ningguang hurriedly moved aside and begged the Adeptus to save Zhong Baiye.
Xiao nodded in agreement and began examining Zhong Baiye's condition.
"Fortunately, I arrived in time. Any later, and even Rex Lapis wouldn't have been able to do much."
As he spoke, Xiao took a pitch-black pill from his belt pouch and fed it straight to Zhong Baiye.
"Cough, cough!"
After swallowing the pill, Zhong Baiye coughed twice and immediately regained consciousness.
The first thing he said upon waking was:
"How are the Guizhong Ballistas? Have the Fatui retreated?"
Hearing that these were Zhong Baiye's first words after narrowly escaping death, Ningguang felt a little moved.
She wiped away her tears and composed herself before answering his questions.
"The Guizhong Ballistas are fine, and the Fatui have all retreated. This Adeptus..."
Just as Ningguang was about to tell Zhong Baiye that Xiao had saved him, she realized the Adeptus had already disappeared.
"Liyue Qixing, you have done well!"
While Zhong Baiye was still wondering why Ningguang had stopped halfway through her sentence, a familiar voice reached his ears.
A moment later, a white crane suddenly appeared beside Ningguang and Zhong Baiye.
Zhong Baiye naturally recognized the Retainer of Fine Conversation at once, but upon seeing Ningguang's puzzled expression, he immediately introduced her.
"Lady Ningguang, this is Cloud Retainer, a Three-Eyed Five-Manifestation Immortal."
After hearing Zhong Baiye's introduction, Ningguang remained silent.
Having lived for so many years, Cloud Retainer saw the reason for Ningguang's silence at a glance and spoke gravely.
"Little girl, do not blame us for arriving so late. Those people planned far too thoroughly. Nearly all the Adepti