To Yae Miko, it all sounded like tales from a fantasy.
But the most absurd part was that Lumine and Ayaka both nodded and confirmed everything, insisting that it was all true.
That very day, they had witnessed it at the Jade Chamber.
Unintentionally, Yae Miko grew a little anxious.
After about two or three hours of travel, they finally left Liyue Harbor and entered the Tianheng Mountain region.
By now, hardly anyone would appear here.
Even if merchants passed through, they only glanced from afar, filled with awe and anticipation.
This place was where Liyue's ultimate secrets were hidden.
It was also where all power began.
Even though news of this had already spread across Liyue Harbor, very few dared to explore here.
Just the presence of the stationed Qianqiu troops alone was enough to prevent any resistance.
Moreover, it was rumored that this was where the Geo Archon and the adepti retired to live in peace.
Ordinary people dared not enter, and even if a demon god came, it was a one-way trip.
No one dared question Liyue's strength.
The corpse of Osial hadn't even cooled yet.
"This is where it all begins," Lumine said, smiling at Yae Miko:
"Everyone says that beneath Tianheng Mountain lie Liyue's deepest secrets, belonging to the Geo Archon and the collective of adepti."
"But in reality, it was Ningguang and the others who arranged this place to prevent careless people from disturbing Ryen…"
"Ryen hates trouble and is fully focused on planning and developing that world. He doesn't like interruptions."
"So this place became forbidden ground—not just for Liyue. Anyone causing trouble here…"
"…would be hunted to death jointly by the three nations."
"Soon, you'll see just how terrifying Liyue is now."
No sooner had she finished speaking than a few fortresses appeared in the distance.
Hearing Lumine and the others, some Qianqiu soldiers peeked out to take a look.
Seeing Lumine, the soldiers opened the gates.
They led Yae Miko inside, surrounded on all sides by the formidable Qianqiu troops.
They looked like ordinary humans, but Yae Miko had heard that these were Qianqiu light infantry, each fully equipped with alchemical potions and enchanted weapons.
In battle, a thousand soldiers could easily destroy an army of tens of thousands.
Lumine greeted the Qianqiu captain briefly, mainly to mention the presence of Yae Miko.
After all, to the soldiers, Yae Miko was a stranger.
They had to ensure no one would cause trouble here; if something went wrong, they could be held accountable, or even stripped of their Qianqiu status.
Nowadays, Liyue people competed fiercely to join the Qianqiu troops. Beyond ever-increasing salaries and benefits, no one wanted to lose this position.
After taking careful notes and confirming everything, Lumine and the others continued deeper.
Soon, they reached the second checkpoint.
This time, it was the Qianqiu heavy cavalry.
Tall, fully-armored warhorses stood neatly in the stables, while the soldiers trained methodically.
As with the first checkpoint, Lumine took some notes.
From there…
The third checkpoint was the Qianqiu army's firearms corps.
This was the first unit that could directly pose a lethal threat to Yae Miko.
The dark, gaping gun barrels made her feel extremely uneasy.
Passing this checkpoint, Yae Miko sighed and said helplessly:
"The defenses here are really airtight… it's hard to imagine anyone daring to force their way through."
"Even a demon god wouldn't make it through, right?"
Lumine didn't disagree. A few days ago, Ningguang had asked Venti to test these defenses.
He had managed to bypass the first two barriers, but at the firearms checkpoint, he was completely stopped.
Using godly power could get past, but if one did that, it meant the enemies would be the ones Zhongli and the others had to deal with.
For a being of 3.4 dimensions, an ordinary demon god would have no hope of passing through the blockade.
As for the seemingly empty sky above…
If anyone really dared to come from above, they'd face over two hundred dragons and the newly constructed Tianji anti-dragon artillery of Liyue.
And underground…
The ground was all obsidian. Crashing into it wouldn't be fatal, so one could technically try.
This place was a fortress of steel, solid as iron.
Yae Miko finally understood why Ayaka was so eager to join the alliance.
In this situation, not joining the alliance meant no one could predict what Liyue would become in a year.
Perhaps someone would openly declare war on the natural order, ascend to the Third Throne, and step into the Teyvat starsea to rule it all.
After a few more steps, the three finally reached a small courtyard.
Yae Miko found it rather amusing.
All these impenetrable defenses… only to protect this inconspicuous little courtyard?
Indeed, Liyue had deep pockets.
As for Lumine…
Finally back, she and Paimon were impatient.
She hurried forward and knocked on the door.
After a moment, a kindly-faced elderly woman opened it.
"Lumine? Little Paimon, you're back…"
"Madam Ping!"
Paimon cheered and immediately dove into Madam Ping's arms, acting spoiled.
"Paimon missed you so much!"
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