Compared to the anticipation of the Inazumans, the people of Sumeru were much calmer—because they couldn't even see the prophecy book at all.
The Fontaine folks were fine with it too; as long as there was a story to read, they didn't care which nation it came from.
However, after everyone finished reading Xiao's legend, they discovered that, just like with Venti's story before, there was a small extra chapter at the end—"Unrelenting Suffering."
[All demons and evil spirits bear karmic debt.]
[Some take the form of monsters, lurking in the caves of immortal mountains, wreaking havoc upon the mortal world for decades.]
[Others manifest as plagues and calamities, bringing suffering to the world for centuries.]
[We, the yakshas, honor our contracts to subdue demons and vanquish evil.]
[Yet after a millennium of slaughter, a millennium of accumulated karmic debt, a single misstep could turn us into terrifying ghosts ourselves.]
[In moments of delirium, we too become fearsome enemies.]
[A thousand years of tribulation, endless slaughter.]
Here, Lucian drew an illustration—a scene of Xiao fighting against his masked self.
[Life and death burn fiercely, all forms are formless.]
Readers recalled the line from Wang Ping'an's letter: "The mask of the 'Vigilant Yaksha' conceals his human side."
Albedo remained silent. Like Xiao, he too feared the possibility of losing control, and in that moment, he found himself empathizing with Xiao.
Xiao suddenly opened his eyes—everything just now seemed to have been a nightmare. He walked to the riverbank, where his reflection still showed his masked self.
He jolted awake again, this time seemingly in someone's home.
[Baizhu: "You've been unconscious for a full day. Fortunately, you woke up now, or you'd have missed this year's Lantern Rite."]
[Qiqi peeked in. "I carried you back. I'll go get your medicine."]
People began imagining this scene. Though Xiao wasn't tall, Qiqi seemed even tinier.
Qiqi carrying Xiao? Wouldn't his feet drag on the ground?
By the time Qiqi returned, Xiao had already disappeared without a trace.
On the streets of Liyue Harbor, Xiao walked weakly, one hand covering his face, amidst the peaceful and bustling pre-festival atmosphere.
Here, Lucian drew Xiao's face for the first time—a full close-up, delivering a devastatingly beautiful visual impact.
Some who already felt heartache for Xiao now harbored "wicked thoughts" upon seeing his beauty, entertaining disrespectful ideas about the adeptus.
This face, this expression—who could resist? This might sound a bit indecent...
Even ordinary folks couldn't help it, and Arataki Itto was no exception. "Damn, this guy's handsome! Can we get him to join the Arataki Gang?"
Even his lackeys couldn't respond to such a wild proposal. No way, absolutely no way, right?
"This face... if only he were taller, he'd be the perfect model," Chiori mused.
Dori pondered how to "monetize" Xiao. "Hmm... if we could get him as an endorser, we could make a fortune in Liyue."
However, the emotional high from Xiao's beauty was short-lived, as "sorrow" quickly reclaimed its place in readers' hearts.
As Xiao wandered the streets of Liyue Harbor, he kept seeing fleeting visions of his masked self.
That madness seemed to cling to him, making it hard to distinguish reality from illusion.
In his daze, the masked "Xiao" before him vanished, replaced by a little girl holding a Nuo mask.
[The little girl smiled. "Did I scare you, big brother?"]
["It's okay. Nuo masks are meant to frighten evil spirits—they're really powerful. You don't need to be afraid of it."]
[Noticing Xiao's exhaustion, she asked, "Big brother, are you tired?"]
["Grandpa, can we get big brother a bowl of fermented glutinous rice balls?"]
===✧✦✧===
The scene shifted—Xiao had returned to Wangshu Inn, where Venti, for some reason, was also present.
Lucian also drew an illustration of Venti, sitting casually on the rooftop with one knee raised, exuding an air of unrestrained freedom.
Readers couldn't help but laugh. Why is it always you, Anemo Archon?!
Last time it was your own short story, and now you're showing up in someone else's?
What, did you hear the keyword "alcohol" or something?
[Venti raised a glass with a grin. "Hey, friend! Such a fine day—care for a drink?"]
[He sniffed the air. "Oh? Seems like you've already had a little something..."]
[Xiao replied, "No need. Tonight, I wish to rest."]
[Venti chuckled. "Heh, that's good."]
["Ah, just for one night, why not take off that mask?"]
===✧✦✧===
The story ended, misunderstandings resolved—the Anemo Archon truly was magnificent!
Honestly, the Anemo boys in Lucian's books might not be tall, but they were all so gentle.
What struck readers more was Venti's final line: "Why not take off that mask?"
The mask concealed Xiao's human side. With it on, he was the yaksha who bore all burdens; only by removing it could he steal a moment of peace.
"Waaah, Lord Barbatos!" Barbara was moved to tears. Even in a story about a Liyue adeptus, her own god had a shining moment.
To portray Barbatos so beautifully, Shikikan must be a devout believer too!
Barbara tore out the illustration of Venti and pasted it on her wall.
She'd done the same with all his previous illustrations, and now her room was adorned with several.
Venti didn't find his appearance in Liyue strange—after all, Baizhu had mentioned it was the eve of the Lantern Rite.
With his personality, how could he miss Liyue's Lantern Rite?
Yae Miko smirked. This Anemo Archon... is he going to start frequenting Inazuma too?
While other archons rarely leave their nations, you really live up to being the God of Freedom, huh? Always wandering around.
But a free-roaming god was a good thing. Inazuma needed a little "freedom" right now.
Nahida, who also yearned for freedom, thought of her earlier encounter with Venti as she read.
Back then, the Anemo Archon had appeared before the barrier, wine bottle in hand, asking if she wanted to step out for a break.
Then he'd taken "her" to Liyue to watch the live-action "Battle Against the Demon God." Truly, freedom incarnate.
But Nahida wanted to solve Sumeru's problems herself, so she hadn't asked Venti for help.
Only by resolving Sumeru's issues alone could she prove herself a worthy archon, capable of leading her people.
Leaving aside the foreigners, the people of Liyue had already begun making changes.
A few days later, when Wang Ping'an arrived at Pervases' Temple with his construction team, he found the place in ruins—yet a long line of people waited to offer incense.
Some had even taken it upon themselves to build shrines for the other four yakshas mentioned in the story.
With the tales of the adepti concluded, it was now time for the Traveler's story.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voice-Over: Nahida - About Venti
"The God of Freedom enjoys all the world has to offer. Wherever the wind reaches, his traces remain, and the stories carried by the wind enrich his wisdom."