Two Heroes Meet in Sumeru
The salty sea wind carried a thick stench of blood. Zhao Yun stood on the swaying deck of a warship, spear in hand. Bodies lay scattered all around, and the sea had been dyed dark red with blood. He had just broken into Lü Bu's warship alone, cutting down wave after wave of fierce soldiers.
These elite warriors from Bingzhou had thought they could easily overpower Zhao Yun. Little did they know, his spear technique was as swift as lightning, his moves sharp and ruthless. Everywhere the cold glint of his spear flashed, men fell into pools of blood.
In the distance, the banners of Lü Bu's army flapped loudly in the wind. Zhao Yun knew he could not stay. He had to escape this deadly battlefield as quickly as possible. His eyes blazed with resolve as he scanned toward Liyue Harbor, planning his escape route.
Liyue Harbor had once been the most prosperous trading port in Teyvat, crowded with merchant ships and bustling with people. Now, under occupation by Lü Bu's forces, the harbor was shrouded in oppression, its former glory gone. Soldiers patrolled the walls, watchful and alert; any slight movement would draw their attack.
Zhao Yun took a deep breath and unleashed his exquisite lightness skill over water. Like a black bolt of lightning, he skimmed across the raging waves toward Liyue Harbor.
As soon as he set foot on land, a group of Lü Bu's soldiers spotted him. They shouted sharply, brandishing weapons, and closed in like hungry wolves. Zhao Yun showed no fear. His spear whirled, creating a storm of afterimages like a silver dragon emerging from the sea. Enemies fell before him one after another.
Yet their numbers were endless, surging like a tide and surrounding him. Anxiety gnawed at him. If this continued, he would be worn down. He had to break through.
Just as Zhao Yun fought desperately, he noticed Mt. Tianheng to the west of the harbor—a natural fortress against invaders, lined with jagged rocks and treacherous terrain. A plan struck him. He would break for Mt. Tianheng.
With a mighty roar, his spear erupted with even greater force. Like a sharp blade, he tore through the enemy lines and raced toward the mountain. Soldiers chased him all the way, arrows raining down. Zhao Yun moved nimbly, dodging left and right, evading every deadly shot.
After a brutal struggle, he finally shook off his pursuers and entered Mt. Tianheng. He advanced cautiously along the mountain path, wary of hidden foes. The mountain was eerily quiet; only the occasional birdcall heightened the tension. Zhao Yun did not let his guard down. With sharp senses and rich combat experience, he avoided hidden traps and ambushes.
Leaving Mt. Tianheng, he continued through Dihua Marsh. The land was covered in water and crisscrossed by rivers, with vast fields of reed flowers swaying in the wind. Zhao Yun trudged through the wetland, mud reaching his ankles, every step exhausting.
As he prepared to rest, footsteps suddenly approached. He tensed, gripped his spear, and hid among the reeds. Moments later, a group of Lü Bu's soldiers marched into view, apparently searching for someone. Zhao Yun held his breath, waiting for the perfect moment.
When they drew near, he lunged from the reeds like a cheetah, taking down several men in an instant. The others panicked and raised their weapons. Zhao Yun showed no mercy, quickly wiping out the entire squad.
After countless hardships, Zhao Yun finally escaped Liyue Harbor and began his journey to Sumeru. He slept under the stars, crossed mountains and rivers, and overcame countless trials.
Days later, he reached Sumeru—only to walk straight into another crisis. A mysterious faction surrounded him. These skilled fighters moved in perfect coordination, launching a fierce assault. Zhao Yun was trapped in a bitter battle, charging left and right but unable to break free.
Just as despair began to creep in, he remembered his legendary seven strikes in and out of the enemy formation at Changban. A powerful fighting spirit ignited within him.
With a thunderous shout, Zhao Yun unleashed all his skill. His spear moved like a soaring dragon, charging at his foes with overwhelming force. His gaze was firm and decisive; every strike was precise. Enemies crumbled before him.
But they kept coming. His strength faded, his body wounded again and again. Still, he refused to surrender. With unyielding will and peerless martial prowess, he escaped death time and again.
In the heat of battle, Zhao Yun charged into the enemy ranks seven times and broke out seven times. Each breakout was accompanied by screams and spraying blood. His bravery terrified his foes. For a moment, none dared approach him.
Meanwhile, the Traveler Aether was on a mission in Sumeru. When he heard a valiant warrior was in trouble, he rushed to help without hesitation.
Upon arriving, Aether watched Zhao Yun fighting alone against overwhelming numbers and was stunned by his courage. He immediately joined the battle, wielding Anemo and Geo powers to fight side by side with Zhao Yun. With their seamless cooperation, the enemies gradually faltered and fled.
After the battle, Zhao Yun and Aether studied each other. Zhao Yun looked at the blond young man before him, who exuded a unique aura, his eyes firm and confident. Aether, too, was in awe of Zhao Yun's unmatched bravery. They exchanged a smile, and a bond of mutual admiration took root in their hearts.
"I am Zhao Yun. Thank you for coming to my aid, brother," Zhao Yun said, cupping his hands in salute.
"Think nothing of it, Brother Zhao. Your courage is unmatched. I merely lent a small hand," Aether replied with a smile.
From that day on, Zhao Yun and Aether traveled together in Sumeru. They explored its secrets, faced challenges side by side, and became sworn brothers bound by life and death.