The Traveler, Aether, rushed to the Jade Chamber, desperate to inform Ningguang of the momentous news that Tartaglia had released Osial, so that she could prepare a response. When he arrived, panting, at the Jade Chamber, he was surprised to find not only Ningguang and Keqing, but also numerous adepti standing on the platform.
The Traveler asked with a face full of confusion, "Everyone, weren't you in a standoff outside the city? Have you reconciled?"
Xianyun (Cloud Retainer) snorted contemptuously and replied coldly, "It is merely a temporary compromise."
Ningguang, however, chimed in with a relaxed and elegant tone, "I'm afraid it's more than just temporary! The future of Liyue will still require the sincere cooperation of the adepti and us."
Xianyun did not refute her, merely turning her head to the side.
The Traveler didn't dwell on the subtle tension between them and said urgently, "Tartaglia used the Sigils of Permission to release the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial."
He had expected that upon hearing this, Ningguang and the adepti would immediately take action. But to his surprise, whether it was Ningguang, Keqing, or adepti like Xianyun, their reactions were all abnormally calm, as if the news hadn't stirred them in the slightest, nor did they show any sign of taking immediate action.
"Hey!" Paimon waved her little hands anxiously, her face full of panic. "What's with your reaction? That terrifying Osial is about to attack Liyue Harbor!"
Faced with Paimon's anxiety, Ningguang calmly replied, "Someone will go and take care of it."
Hearing this, the Traveler pondered for a moment and came up with a guess. "Ningguang, the person you're talking about must be Rex Lapis, right? Everything is part of his plan."
"A good deduction," Ningguang said with a smile, "but unfortunately, it's wrong. The one taking action is not Rex Lapis, but Yide, the Director of the West Factory."
A flash of surprise crossed the Traveler's eyes. This was not the first time he had heard this name. Recently, during his travels and explorations, he had constantly come across various legends and deeds concerning Yide. With every bit more he learned, his curiosity and admiration for this legendary figure grew.
"Then, why have you all gathered here?" the Traveler asked curiously.
Ningguang explained with a calm expression, "Our purpose is to block the aftershocks from this battle between a man and a god, in order to protect the peace of Liyue."
Before her words had faded, she softly recited an incantation, and the Jade Chamber immediately began to fly towards Liyue Harbor. In a short while, the Jade Chamber came to a steady halt in a suitable position above the harbor.
The Traveler looked into the distance and saw a lone, proud figure standing alone in the air, holding a longsword that radiated a faint black light. An inexplicable sense of familiarity welled up in his heart.
Paimon, beside him, asked softly, "Is that the Director of the West Factory, Yide?"
Ningguang stood nearby, her expression slightly complex. Hearing Paimon's question, she nodded slightly and confirmed, "Yes, that is Yide."
As time went on, the sea in the distance began to churn. Osial, beneath the surface, seemed to sense the powerful aura emanating from Lin Yide and stopped its advance. Gradually, a colossal body emerged from the seawater. Its fully extended body was a hundred meters tall, like a towering small mountain. Its five slender heads swayed in the air, each one glowing with a dangerous, crimson light.
A terrifying pressure from an ancient god began to permeate the heavens and the earth. Although they were more than ten li away, the Traveler could still clearly feel this heart-palpitating pressure.
However, Lin Yide, who was directly facing Osial, appeared completely at ease. In his eyes, the Osial before him was not some fearsome god, but merely a source of experience points. He had meticulously laid out his plans in Liyue for so long, and one of his important targets was Osial. Slaying a true ancient god should grant him a considerable amount of experience points.
"Insignificant human, you dare block my path of vengeance?" Osial roared angrily, its voice shaking the sky.
Lin Yide shook his head gently. "I am here to end your rampage and send you to your final rest!"
As soon as he spoke, a sturdy shield shimmering with a mysterious light appeared before Lin Yide. At the same time, the black sword in his hand was wreathed in four elements—electro, cryo, hydro, and pyro. The blade shone with a brilliant light, as if it contained world-destroying power.
Immediately after, Lin Yide's figure flashed, instantly appearing above Osial's central head. Without hesitation, he swung the black sword in his hand, plunging it directly into Osial's head.
Before Osial could even react, a violent elemental reaction began to madly destroy its head. Black blood rained down like a torrential storm, dyeing the entire sea black in a gruesome spectacle.
"Roar!" Osial's agonizing wail echoed between heaven and earth, a truly chilling sound. The remaining four heads fell into a frenzy from the immense pain. They opened their cavernous mouths, spitting out beams of black energy, indiscriminately destroying everything around them.
Faced with these raging energy beams, Lin Yide seemed completely at ease. His posture was as nimble as a rainbow, weaving through the gaps between the beams like a soaring dragon, effortlessly dodging every attack.
Osial possessed immense destructive power; if left unopposed, it could destroy the entire Liyue Harbor in an instant. But its weakness was very obvious: its massive body was extremely clumsy when facing a high-agility enemy like Lin Yide, becoming a punching bag that could only take hits passively.
Lin Yide nimbly attacked Osial's heads, each heavy blow causing Osial unbearable pain. Although Osial attacked indiscriminately in a frenzy, trying to hit Lin Yide, its resistance was destined to be futile.
As the battle continued, Osial's five heads had become a bloody, mangled mess, a horrifying sight. The force of its attacks also gradually weakened; it was clearly unable to withstand Lin Yide's fierce offensive.
...
Aboard the Jade Chamber.
Paimon witnessed this breathtaking battle scene and was left in deep shock. She couldn't help but exclaim, "Is... is that really a human?"
Ningguang's face was also filled with shock. She had imagined Lin Yide would be powerful, but this level of strength was far beyond her comprehension.
The adepti present had similar reactions. Some of them had even personally participated in the war against Osial in the past. They still remembered being beaten so badly by Osial they could hardly fight back. If Morax hadn't intervened, they might have died in that war.
Suddenly, Lin Yide stopped his attack, because his elemental energy was full.
This meant that Osial's time of death had arrived.