Arriving at the World's Deepest Pit, The Chasm

(This is a combined chapter, making up for yesterday's chapter)

"Ganyu? It's so late, aren't you asleep yet?"

"Ningguang, you too, dragging Ganyu to work overtime so late, this isn't like you at all."

Whether the Traveler and Paimon can fall asleep is still unknown, but at least someone at the Yuehai Pavilion is having trouble sleeping.

"I was just helping Ningguang with some tasks. Keqing, you are too. The Rex Lapis just passed away, and these past few days, you've had a lot of big and small matters weighing on your shoulders in Liyue. You really need to rest more."

"I'm fine. I actually had some free time at noon today and slept for half an hour. But your dark circles are even worse now. You can't rest for a long time. How can you not sleep?"

"I... I'll go to sleep as soon as I'm done with my work..." Ganyu turned her face away, not daring to look Keqing in the eye.

"Ahem." Ningguang, who had been left standing to the side, coughed twice, interrupting their hushed conversation. "Ganyu and I still have official business to attend to. Yuheng, what brings you here so late at night?"

"It's not urgent. A report came from the Chasm that the main force of the Millelith has withdrawn in an orderly manner outside their garrison area, leaving only a few men to patrol the restricted zone. I saw that the lights at the Yuehai Pavilion were still on, so I came to take a look."

"Sigh, it's kind of you to have such a kind heart. Do you still remember the mutual aid agreement that Liyue and Snezhnaya made back then? There was a group of Fatui left behind deep in the Chasm. Now that Liyue and Snezhnaya's relationship is strained, this group has become a real hot potato—to manage them is a dilemma; to ignore them is to leave the problem unresolved. Just recently, a person named Xingsu planned to enter the Chasm to take this group away."

"So what do you plan to do? Hand this hot potato over to him and let him deal with it?"

"The problem is that we don't have any detailed information about him. The only thing we know for sure is that his purpose in coming to Liyue is to take away the remnants of the Fatui are stranded in the Chasm."

This person has extremely strong counter-surveillance capabilities. The several undercover agents I sent out were unable to obtain any useful information from him.

More importantly, he completely disregarded the authority and responsibilities of Yujing Terrace, and his negotiations with the entire Liyue government were based solely on a single note.

Ningguang pushed the note on the table in front of Keqing. It contained only one line. "I'm going to the Chasm to pick up the child. Please agree."

"... Truly outrageously arrogant." Keqing's eyes sharpened, and she said in a deep voice, "I suggest we handle this matter calmly and observe how things develop, letting him back down on his own. If he insists on going his own way and ventures into the Chasm alone, we can firmly grasp the initiative and, under the pretext of regulations, deport him."

"That was my plan too." Ningguang shook her head slightly, her tone tinged with helplessness. "Unfortunately, he found an excellent accomplice."

"Who? Who could give you such a headache?"

"Traveler."

"What?!" ×2

Ganyu and Keqing exclaimed at the same time.

"How could Traveler get involved in this..." Keqing's voice was full of worry.

Ningguang shook her head. "He spent a fortune to secure the commission, following the Adventurers' Guild's proper procedures. The Traveler held legal authority and could legitimately proceed to the Abyss of the Chasm. By the time I received word and investigated, the two had already set off, all within a mere two hours. Now that things have come to this, do you have a reliable way to deal with it?"

Keqing, who was in charge of civil engineering and infrastructure, Ganyu, who was in charge of document management, both shook their heads. They both wanted to catch up with the Traveler immediately, but they knew rationally that it was not realistic.

For a moment, Yuehai Pavilion fell silent.

"In that case, let's leave this matter to Yelan is still in the Chasm."

"At this point, there's no other way."

Both the two humans and the Qilin agreed to the proposal: if they encountered a problem that was bothering them, they would hand it over to someone else so that she could also have a headache.

Actually, the fact that the Traveler needed to help cannot be entirely blamed on Xingsu.

Firstly, Xingsu Su didn't expect the current Liyue government to help the Fatui people. Secondly, he personally disliked diplomatic and political maneuvering, and usually left such matters to Arlecchino.

There are only three paths before Xingsu:

1. First, he would have to infiltrate the Chasm alone. While acting alone would be discreet, the number and location of the Fatui trapped inside the Chasm were unknown. After rescuing them, he would have to evade the Millelith's patrols and blockades throughout the entire process, making it virtually impossible to remain silent. If he were exposed and Liyue retaliated, the already tense relationship between Liyue and Snezhnaya would inevitably escalate further. Xingsu dared not rashly shoulder this responsibility, which could affect the situation between the two countries.

2. Going through layers of bureaucratic wrangling and formal procedures with Liyue officials would be extremely costly and time-consuming. Given Liyue's current cautious approach to Snezhnaya, by the time approvals are finalized and the search for people is permitted, those waiting for rescue in the Chasm will likely have already passed Ley Line, their graves overgrown with weeds.

3. This is the path that Xingsu has chosen now.

The Traveler's renowned reputation throughout the Seven Nations and their status as Liyue Hero serve as their travel credentials.

Having Traveler accompany them is tantamount to holding the most powerful pass. Even if the Liyue officials are aware of the inside story, they are caught in a dilemma—do they dare to stop them? Can they intervene?

He deliberately left a note in advance to inform them, which was already giving Liyue Yujing Terrace the utmost respect.

"They've really found me a good job," Yelan remarked, looking at the instructions brought by the scout.

Ningguang's task is simple: keep an eye on Xingsu, take the Fatui away without a problem, and prevent him from having any other opportunities.

She looked up at the scout who was bowing and waiting. "It's truly kind of you to have traveled all night to deliver these instructions. But unfortunately, there's nothing to entertain you in this desolate and dangerous place. You should return to Liyue Harbor as soon as possible."

She paused slightly, then added a teasing reminder: "Oh, by the way, please tell Ningguang that I'm going on vacation when I get back. Don't only think of me when you need someone to cover for you."

The scout felt a chill run down his spine, and a few beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. He dared not linger for even a moment, and after a hasty bow, he quickly retreated from the area.

She gazed at the dark, winding mine tunnels in the distance, a hint of interest igniting in her eyes. She murmured to herself, "Xingsu... a new variable, but I like this kind of unknown. I wonder if you can satisfy me?"

"Oh, oh, oh, I'm so satisfied! Absolutely satisfied! This wild mushroom and chicken skewer is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, grilled just right. And this roasted apple! I've never heard of this cooking method before, it's so delicious, hehe."

"I'm glad you like it. I rarely cook outdoors, but it seems to have turned out quite well."

The three of them arrived at the edge of the Chasm last night and rested for the night. Along the way, they accidentally passed by the Treasure Hoarders's camp and "borrowed" some supplies from them.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Xingsu got up early and gathered ingredients he could find along the way to start a fire and cook. Ying and Paimon were also awakened by the tempting aroma and left their temporary camp.

Xingsu had prepared breakfast for three people and invited the two of them to enjoy it together with a smile.

After eating and drinking their fill, the group walked to the edge of the Chasm and looked up at the bottomless pit.

The Chasm as Liyue's premier mine.

The earth seemed to collapse here with a roar, and a huge funnel-shaped abyss stretched out in front of us. Layers of crimson and ochre-purple rock extended down the pit walls, like a huge scar that had been torn open by the earth.

The broken rock ridges are rugged and precipitous, and abandoned old mine tunnels, rotten wooden frames and suspended walkways cling to the cliffs. Many mine carts and tools are abandoned in the crevices of the rocks. Everywhere there are traces of the busy mining in the past, but now there is only desolation.

The mountain wind howled through the crisscrossing ravines, carrying with it the cold, earthy smell unique to minerals. Sunlight could only illuminate the upper rock walls of the Chasm; the deeper one went, the darker the shadows became, the bottom stretching endlessly into the distance, like the maw of a colossal beast that devoured everything.

Faintly, a few unsettling, chilling wisps of energy wafted from the depths of the abyss, and faint, cold light from crystalline stones occasionally flickered in the cracks of the rock strata, silently lurking beneath this silent mining area.

Paimon instinctively shrank back behind Ying: "Wow... this pit is too deep, it's giving me the creeps."

Xingsu surveyed his surroundings, then looked down into the pit, picked up a stone, and threw it down.

1,2...5,6.

Five seconds is enough.

"What do you mean 'enough'... Wait a minute!

Before Paimon could finish speaking, Xingsu stepped onto the rusty old crane platform at the edge of the cliff, arms outstretched, facing Ying and Paimon, his body leaning straight back.

The two hurried to the edge of the cliff and looked down. They saw Xingsu spin in the air and land heavily in an abandoned cart piled with hay below. The hay fluttered in the air, and after a moment, a hand emerged from the fluffy hay, giving a big thumbs up.

Ying immediately spread her Wind Glider and glided down with the help of the air currents, landing steadily next to the hay cart.

Paimon, still shaken, floated in mid-air, patting his chest repeatedly with his little hands, his voice trembling slightly. "You scared me to death! Couldn't you have given me a heads-up?!"

Xingsu sat up from the fluffy haystack, shaking off the bits of hay that covered him, a relaxed smile on his face, "Hey, lucky me, no one put pitchforks in there."

Paimon's eyes widened in disbelief. "You've encountered situations with pitchforks before?!"

"No, this is the first time I've done this. But I've wanted to do it for a long time."

Ying looked at him, thoughtfully resting her chin on her hand.

"Hehe, it feels pretty good to let loose like this once in a while. Actually, I once dreamed of being an adventurer, traveling to different countries, camping in the mountains, battling Hilichurl, and seeing all the world's wonders. Ideally, I'd also meet a beautiful woman on my journey and spend the rest of my life with her."

Paimon's eyes lit up, and he asked curiously, "That sounds really good, so why didn't you continue pursuing that dream?"

Xingsu's face broke into a gentle smile from the bottom of his heart, "Because I have already met the woman I can spend the rest of my life with. If I were to encounter something untoward while I am out there, what would happen to my wife and children at home?"

Paimon's face instantly fell, and she angrily put her hands on her hips. "... You're clearly just showing off your love on purpose!"

"Hehe~"

"Hey! What do you mean by 'hey'?!"

"Hmm, now that we've come this far, shouldn't we officially prepare to go underground? It's pitch black down there, I'm a little scared to look down..."

The group arrived at the Chasm's Maw, which is the entrance to the Underground Mines.

Xingsu picked up another stone and tossed it into the deep mine shaft, trying to gauge its depth.

One second...

Ten seconds...

Twenty seconds...

The stone plunged into the abyss, and from beginning to end, there was not a single echo of it hitting the ground.

Xingsu's brows furrowed slowly as his gaze swept over the jagged rock walls and abandoned mining facilities around him.

"It seems we can only rely on this old crane next to us to go down. The situation below is completely unknown, and we must proceed with extreme caution in everything we do."

Paimon instinctively shrank behind Bright, gazing at the all-encompassing darkness, and muttered, "Not even an echo... This is too deep."

After a quick inspection of the old crane and confirming that the mechanical structure was still stable, the group started the machine.

The gears creaked and turned, making a heavy, rusty sound, as the metal platform slowly detached from the ground, carrying the three of them steadily towards the dark, deep Underground Mines.

A chilly wind blew all around, the rock walls were damp and cold, and the sunlight above grew weaker and weaker, gradually enveloping the entire space in darkness, leaving only the faint light of my own body to barely illuminate the small area.

The surroundings were so quiet that only the soft hum of machinery could be heard.

Paimon glanced around, then looked at the silent Ying, and couldn't help but whisper, "Um... Traveler, you haven't said a word since earlier, what have you been thinking about... oh?"

Ying spread her arms wide, mimicking Xingsu's posture, and without hesitation leaped into the endless darkness below.

Paimon on the platform instantly widened his eyes in shock, freezing on the spot. "Hey hey hey--! Traveler?! Why did you jump too?!"

Xingsu raised an eyebrow slightly, watching the falling figure, a smile flashing in his eyes.

The suspended wooden platform continued its slow descent, and soon it landed steadily at the bottom of the mine.

Meanwhile, Ying, who had jumped down earlier, was already standing safely on the ground. Just as her body was about to touch the ground, a clear Anemo Element suddenly unfolded, and Wind Glider gently opened, steadily supporting her figure, allowing her to land lightly.

Xingsu stepped off the crane platform and slowly walked up to Ying, a faint smile in his eyes, "How was it? Wasn't this freefall thrilling?"

Ying smiled and nodded, her eyes crinkling.

As soon as he finished speaking, Xingsu raised his hand and struck Ying Qing's palm against hers crisply.

Paimon, suspended in mid-air, was already frantic, his eyes red with worry. He flew down quickly, his voice trembling with tears. "Traveler, you scared me to death! I thought something had happened to you..."

She flitted around Ying, her little hands frantically checking her over to make sure there wasn't a single scratch on her. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief, before turning to glare at Xingsu, her face flushed red with anger. "Hmph! It's all your fault! You're the one who started this nonsense, corrupting all the good Traveler!"

Xingsu helplessly shrugged, then smiled and conceded, "Oh~ okay, okay, it's my fault, I apologize."

"Is anyone there? Is anyone there? Did someone just come down from the crane? Come quick, help!"

Suddenly, a frantic shout pierced the silence of the mine from not far away.

Upon hearing the cries for help, the three of them immediately stopped dwelling on the earlier incident and rushed towards the source of the sound.

In the dimly lit mine tunnel, a Millelith soldier was squatting on the ground, anxiously watching over a miner who had collapsed unconscious.

Ying quickly stepped forward and asked, "What's wrong with him?"

The soldier looked up at the sound, paused slightly when he saw who it was, and then recognized Ying: "You are... the Traveler! Just now, a rock suddenly fell from above the Chasm, and a rock hit this miner directly on the head. He is now unconscious."

"Forehead..."

Ying and Paimon exchanged a glance, then simultaneously looked at Xingsu beside them.

Xingsu forward and bent down to quickly check the miner's condition. He then straightened up and met the gazes of the two men looking at him. "... Why are you all looking at me? Luckily, he was wearing a helmet, which protected his vitals. There are no fatal injuries; he just fainted due to a severe head injury. He's alright. Young man, you should take him back to the surface for proper treatment as soon as possible."

"Okay, thank you all for your help!"

The soldiers of the Millelith thanked him repeatedly, carefully helped the miner up, and lifted him off the ground on the crane that had just been lowered.

See, he should thank us.

(I've been a bit busy lately, but I've been writing every day. I wrote a side story yesterday, which I'll release at the end of this volume. I'm also working on a short story about a single female protagonist, Zibai, which I'll release when I finish it.)