Dusk spread like ink-soaked rice paper, slowly blurring over the mountains of Liyue. Pang Tong walked at the front, leaning on a bamboo staff. His wide sleeves fluttered in the mountain wind, revealing several talismans hidden inside—trifles he had learned from exorcists of the Yunlai Sea during his early studies in Liyue. Now they glowed with faint spiritual light, concealing the three's tracks.
"Pang Shiyuan, are you certain this path cuts through to Die Valley?" Zhao Yun reined in his horse, his silver spear glinting coldly in the dusk. "This wild, desolate mountain… it feels more like—"
Before he could finish, Aether tugged at his sleeve. The Traveler pointed ahead to the mountainside, where a cluster of gray-black buildings lay hidden. Soldiers patrolled atop the high walls, and banners flapped loudly in the wind—banners emblazoned with the character Yuan.
"Yuan Shao's men?" Aether frowned. "Why have they built a prison inside Liyue's territory?"
Pang Tong narrowed his eyes, then suddenly smiled.
"Interesting. This prison is built into the mountain, with a hidden entrance. They must be holding someone important. What say we… take a look?"
Zhao Yun raised an eyebrow.
"What scheme are you plotting now?"
"If this is truly Yuan Shao's secret prison, we might find something to hold against him," Pang Tong tapped his bamboo staff. "It can only help our surprise attack on the Qingce Village."
The three exchanged glances and reached an unspoken agreement. Zhao Yun, swift and agile, slipped ahead to take out the sentries. Aether summoned Anemo to hurl stones and distract the patrolling guards. Pang Tong, hidden in the shadows, manipulated his talismans and silently unlocked the side gate.
Inside, the prison was grimmer than expected. Damp air mixed with the stench of iron and mildew. After turning several corners, noise came from the eastern cell block—not cries, but an argument.
"Xingqiu, can you stop obsessing over your sword manuals for one second? Think about getting out first!" It was Xinyan, her voice sharp with frustration.
"Calm yourself, Lady Xinyan," Xingqiu replied gently. "The lock on this cell is old-fashioned. If we can find the right tool…"
"Save your breath." A cold, clear voice cut in. "Yuan Shao's men locked us here to use us as leverage against Liyue's forces."
Aether froze.
That was Yun Jin's voice! He had heard the famous Liyue opera star was gravely wounded by Gao Shun, under Lü Bu's command, while aiding the resistance…
"Sister Yun Jin? You're alive?" Aether whispered in disbelief.
The cell fell silent. Moments later, Chongyun's voice rang out, astonished and joyful.
"Aether? Is that you?"
The three hurried over. By the faint glow of Pang Tong's talismans, they saw inside: Chongyun sat cross-legged, clutching an exorcism talisman; Xingqiu was studying the cell lock; Xinyan leaned against the wall, her eyes lighting up at the sight of them. And at the far end stood Yun Jin. Though clad in prisoner's rags, her back was straight. Her sword had been taken, but her heroic spirit remained undimmed.
"It is a long story," Yun Jin said with a bitter smile. "Gao Shun did strike me that day. But for some reason, Lü Bu called me 'skilled and promising' and spared my life. He only sent me as a captive to Yuan Shao… I never thought I'd see you here."
"Enough talking." Zhao Yun had already reached the cell door. With a light flick of his silver spear, the lock snapped. "Yuan Shao's guards are lax. We must escape under cover of night."
Chongyun was the first to burst out, bowing repeatedly to Aether.
"Wonderful! I knew you would come for us!"
"Don't celebrate yet." Pang Tong suddenly gestured for silence. "Footsteps. Coming this way."
Sure enough, heavy steps drew near, accompanied by a rough shout.
"You lot from Liyue, stay quiet! Keep yelling and I'll—"
Before he finished, Zhao Yun lunged like an arrow loosed from a bow. He pressed the spear shaft down, disarming the guard in one move, then slammed his elbow into the man's neck. The guard collapsed without a sound.
"Move!" Aether called. "Back the way we came. I've marked the escape route."
Under the cover of night, the group fled swiftly through the prison corridors. Xinyan set the storage shed ablaze on her way out. Flames shot into the sky, alerting the entire prison.
"After them! A jailbreak!"
Amid shouts and clashing steel, Zhao Yun held the rear. His silver spear whirled like a storm, driving back the pursuers. Without her sword, Yun Jin relied on her agility, tripping two soldiers in quick succession. Xingqiu and Chongyun fought in perfect sync: one fainted foes with his fan, the other froze their steps with talismans. Xinyan sang at the top of her lungs, the resonance disorienting their enemies.
By the time they broke out of the prison, flames raged behind them. Mountain wind cleared the smoke, and the distant crow of a rooster echoed through the valley.
"This way." Aether pointed east. "Past Die Valley lies Qingce Village, held by Chunyu Qiong."
Yun Jin straightened her messy robes and turned to Aether.
"You're planning a surprise attack on Qingce Village? Count me in."
Xinyan punched her palm.
"Me too! Yuan Shao's men locked me up for ages. Time to settle the score!"
Xingqiu spoke softly.
"Chongyun and I will also lend our aid."
Pang Tong looked at their ragtag band and stroked his beard with a smile.
"Good. Let Yuan Shao learn that the people of Liyue are not to be trifled with."
Morning light pierced the clouds, illuminating the mountain road ahead. Together, they marched toward the rising sun, steps firm and resolute—toward Qingce Village, where a brutal battle awaited.