The Fatui Make Their Entrance

Her slender, pale hand hesitated.

Of course, Lin Yi knew Ningguang was a strong, capable woman, cold on the outside but warm within.

It took sincerity and passion to warm a heart.

He was in no hurry. He kept his hand extended, waiting for Ningguang to make her choice.

Ningguang looked at the man before her, feeling a little dazed.

Ever since childhood, she had believed she needed no one to lean on, that she could do everything perfectly by herself.

Yet everything she had witnessed while traveling across Teyvat's great rivers and mountains had begun to melt her icebound heart.

And now, with her marriage unavoidably tied to Liyue's future, didn't the other self hidden deep within her heart also long to find love?

"I hope I haven't made the wrong choice. Lin Yi, you absolutely must not disappoint me!"

There was more to Ningguang's words than met the ear.

Lin Yi still thought she was referring to the promise he had made.

Little did he know that he had only thrown out a normal attack, yet Ningguang had already been baited into unleashing an entire elemental reaction combo followed by an Aggravate burst.

"Don't worry. I'll definitely do it."

"Let's head in. People are still waiting for us. You are the new god, after all, so I'll let you have all the glory today."

"Then I'll gladly accept~ With a beauty beside me, every moment is worth a fortune!"

"Such a smooth talker."

The grand wedding was lively and bustling.

A god and a member of the Liyue Qixing-such a prestigious union would soon make waves across the continent.

For the moment, everything was proceeding smoothly, without a ripple.

Lin Yi skillfully put his gift with words to use.

Rather than giving one long-winded speech, he offered brief remarks throughout that struck a chord with his listeners.

By slipping Ningguang's importance into his remarks now and then, he naturally transferred a considerable share of the trust and reverence accorded to a ruling god to her.

This was exactly what Ningguang wanted, yet she was still surprised by how deftly, even effortlessly, Lin Yi had accomplished it.

Words were often more effective and far-reaching than force or authority, and Lin Yi struck just the right balance.

Surely no one actually thought Lin Yi had been some fat shut-in nerd before coming here?

The people cheered even more enthusiastically. In their eyes, Lin Yi and Ningguang were a match made in heaven, a pair of lucky stars who would bring prosperity and happiness to the world.

As the wedding reached its climax and all the formalities were completed, Lin Yi and Ningguang began displaying the intimacy expected of a loving couple before their guests.

Three adepti arrived with gifts worth a total of eighty-eight thousand Mora, signaling their recognition of the new god's standing and raising the excitement yet again.

"We can't leave everyone standing below Yujing Terrace forever. Please make your way to the Jade Chamber. Xiangling and the cooks have prepared a lavish, delicious banquet!"

As Liyue's finest chef, Xiangling certainly lived up to her reputation.

Under ordinary circumstances, reservations to taste her cooking were already booked ten years in advance.

Even Lin Yi could hardly wait to dig in.

The spectators entered the Jade Chamber first.

With fewer people around, Lin Yi and Ningguang finally had a chance to relax a little.

Their eyes suddenly met, then darted away. Both felt a little shy.

"You look so beautiful today. Forgive my limited vocabulary-I can't think of the right words to praise you."

"You were up there charming the people of Liyue without repeating yourself once, and you call that a limited vocabulary?"

Ningguang teased him, finding him rather witty and amusing.

Alone without any outsiders, the two were somewhat awkward, standing a step apart.

She had assumed Lin Yi would be tempted by her beauty and get handsy with her.

Yet now, he merely stood quietly in the path of the wind, shielding her from the chill with his body.

That left Ningguang feeling strangely disappointed, even beginning to doubt herself.

Strange. Why hasn't he done anything? Am I not beautiful enough... Hmph. Men really are all good-for-nothings.

At that thought, Ningguang pouted, adding a playful cuteness to her mature beauty.

She turned to leave in a huff, leaving Lin Yi rather bewildered.

Beneath the wedding's seemingly peaceful surface, trouble was already brewing in the shadows.

According to the current stage of the main storyline, the Fatui had already seized the Anemo Gnosis from Venti.

Their next target was the Geo Gnosis in Lin Yi's possession.

He did not hurry into the Jade Chamber.

Instead, he stood quietly on the platform, gazing calmly toward a certain spot.

"Since you're both here, there's no need to hide. You're our guests. Why not come inside and enjoy some food and drink?"

Through the Gnosis's passive authority, Lin Yi could sense every disturbance within a certain range in Liyue.

La Signora and Tartaglia had been hiding in the shadows for some time, but Lin Yi had detected them before things even began.

"Oh? I didn't expect our new Geo Archon to actually have a little skill!"

Wasn't that Tartaglia's voice?

It really was the Fatui!

Lin Yi had never imagined danger would arrive so soon.

It was like a boss camping outside the starting village, leaving the beginners practically no chance of survival!

Tartaglia and La Signora appeared before Lin Yi.

As the three faced off, Lin Yi suddenly discovered the presence of even more Fatui soldiers concealed in the shadows!

"I take it you two aren't here for a drink. You look more like you've come to crash the party."

Childe was about to say something, but La Signora cut him off mercilessly.

"Stop wasting time. Hurry up and take the Gnosis!"

Childe sighed helplessly. As a diplomat assigned to Liyue, he would never have dared act so rashly if the Geo Archon before him had been Morax.

"Sorry, Lin Yi. I have a mission to carry out."

His Hydro Vision activated. As elemental power erupted, blades of water formed in his hands, their exposed edges radiating a biting chill.

Lin Yi instantly knew he was in serious trouble. But this was his territory, right in the heart of Liyue Harbor.

"Since the Fatui have come knocking for a challenge, there's no reason for me, Lin Yi, to refuse."

"Ningguang, darling, save me!!"

"These Fatui bastards are here! They want to kill me and steal my Gnosis!"

His cries rang out, sending echoes rolling through the air.

La Signora and Childe froze for a moment.

Neither had ever imagined that the mighty Geo Archon would stoop to something as undignified and disgraceful as crying for help!

Lin Yi was no idiot who would die just to save face. Knowing full well he stood no chance in a fight, he naturally called for help.

"Hurry up and attack! The longer we wait, the more trouble we risk!"

"You're already too late!"

With a thunderous crash, Geo energy erupted, and a brilliant, powerful blast blew open the Jade Chamber's doors.

A figure in a vivid red wedding dress shot toward them.

"How dare you Fatui set foot in Liyue! You're courting death!"

Ningguang arrived with overwhelming authority. Star Jades flashed, forcing Tartaglia straight back.

Two figures followed behind her, one purple and one blue.

Keqing and Ganyu swiftly caught up and squared off against La Signora.

After a brief standoff, the Millelith and the Fatui soldiers clashed at close quarters, plunging the scene into chaos.

"Lin Yi, hurry and leave! We'll handle the rest!"

Tartaglia frowned. "That won't do. Hydrogunner, Cryogunner, go after Lin Yi!"