Qi Shu had chosen Yujing Terrace for the site of the final battle. This was the same place where the Liyue Qixing had previously held the Rite of Descension. The significance of choosing this location for the final battle was self-evident.
This level of arrogance and hubris infuriated the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti; in their hearts, the majesty of Rex Lapis was not to be profaned.
Tens of thousands of Liyue citizens swarmed toward Yujing Terrace. Although Keqing had instructed the Millelith to disperse the crowd as much as possible to prevent massive casualties during the upcoming battle, the effect was very limited because there were simply too many onlookers, and they no longer felt the same awe they once had for the Millelith.
Fortunately, people also knew that the impending battle might affect a large area, so they consciously cleared the entire Yujing Terrace.
Everyone wanted to witness this historic moment firsthand: would Liyue open a new era under the leadership of the god Kira, or would the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti jointly protect Liyue's original order?
"Xiao Ping, has there been any news from Cloud Retainer?"
Moon Carver asked Madame Ping.
"Cloud Retainer seems to still be in her room and hasn't gone out for several days. I think her research must have reached a critical point."
After hearing these words, a look of obvious anxiety appeared on Moon Carver's face.
"We've already reached such a critical juncture, how can she still be tinkering with her mechanics?"
"Should I go to her house and call her directly?"
"Do not be so anxious, that arrogant brat might not even show up."
Mountain Shaper spoke from the side to soothe Moon Carver's emotions.
"Possessing such ability without the strength to match it, he will never achieve anything great!"
"After we expose his true face today, we will restore order to Liyue as quickly as possible."
"Fellow Adeptus, please do not underestimate the enemy."
Upon hearing Mountain Shaper's words, Ningguang quickly spoke.
"If he really didn't plan to come, he wouldn't have accepted the challenge in the first place."
"Since he chose to face us head-on and fight to the finish, it means he has sufficient confidence."
"Ningguang is right. You shouldn't be so arrogant now. It would be a joke to fall at the hands of someone you looked down upon later," Madame Ping warned Mountain Shaper, then looked at Xiao, who stood silently to the side, but from whose body a sharp aura continuously emanated, and spoke again.
"You should learn more from the Conqueror of Demons. Among us, the Conqueror of Demons is the strongest, yet he has not let his guard down at all."
Hearing these words, Xiao slightly raised his head and nodded to the people and adepti looking at him, then lowered his head again to build up his aura.
Just then, Yelan hurriedly arrived with Hu Tao and Yanfei.
After the group drew closer, Ningguang addressed Yelan with an inquiry.
"Yelan, what is the situation?"
"We haven't found any trace of Qi Shu yet, but I've already stationed spies on every street. They'll alert us the moment he appears."
"Miss Ganyu was worried, so she went to re-inspect the Guizhong Ballista. She'll be here shortly."
Ningguang nodded, not surprised by the result, before turning her gaze to Hu Tao.
"Director Hu Tao, will you also be participating in this battle?"
"Naturally. To protect Liyue's peace, our Wangsheng Funeral Parlor should do its part," Hu Tao declared matter-of-factly, then continued.
"However, besides this Director, who possesses some skill, the rest of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor are all ordinary people who cannot be of much help. That's why I've come alone."
At this moment, Keqing looked at Hu Tao, her expression betraying a struggle to speak.
Although she trusted Ningguang and Hu Tao, this matter concerned all of Liyue, and she found herself deeply conflicted.
Ultimately, Keqing still couldn't bring herself to ask Hu Tao about Chen Feng, but instead said,
"Director Hu Tao, please don't say that. We are already very grateful you could join us."
"And Yanfei, with you both here, we will have much more confidence in the upcoming battle."
"As a half-Adeptus who has lived in Liyue for so long, both emotionally and rationally, I cannot stand idly by. Moreover, I'm quite fond of Liyue Harbor and don't wish to see anyone turn it beyond recognition."
After finishing, Yanfei scratched her head.
"Though I didn't expect this many people to join the battle."
"These are all valiant warriors with a strong sense of justice," Ningguang explained.
At this moment, Hu Tao pointed to the people standing with the other Qixing and asked curiously.
"Who are those people with the other Qixing? They don't look like they can protect them."
"They are candidates for the next Qixing, all of whom are ordinary people without much strength."
"Although we tried our best to persuade them to seek refuge, they insisted on facing this together with us and refused to listen."
Ningguang shook her head and sighed, speaking with some worry.
"Although we've set up restrictions to protect them, it will be hard to look after them if the battle reaches a critical point. If anything happens to them, it will be an immeasurable loss for Liyue."
"Although their choice is not entirely rational, I also understand their feelings."
After hearing Ningguang's explanation, everyone present fell silent.
"Rest assured, Ningguang, I'll be keeping an eye on them."
Yanfei patted her chest and spoke. Hearing her words, Ningguang nodded in thanks.
Just then, Xiao suddenly uncrossed his arms, gripping the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear tightly in his hand, his expression turning grim.
"He's here."
As soon as Xiao finished speaking, a burst of black energy suddenly erupted in the air on the other side of Yujing Terrace, followed by a distortion of the black energy, and a figure appeared before everyone.
It was a scrawny man dressed in a long black robe adorned with several blood-colored skulls, with a hairstyle that would be considered too avant-garde for any era. The madness filled his eyes as he stared at the crowd and the Adepti.
"He's here, he's here!"
"Is that Lord Kira?"
"He looks... kind of too ordinary..."
Indeed, he was too ordinary. Although his attire was flamboyant, his appearance was simply too poor. Perhaps the only unusual thing about him was his pale right eye.
The people's emotions shifted from initial excitement to hesitation. The image of the Demon God Kira differed greatly from what they had envisioned, and they couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
However, his method of entrance was indeed very eye-catching, so everyone still held on to their expectations.
Qi Shu's grand entrance immediately aroused the vigilance of the crowd and the Adepti. This was clearly not a method of appearance that a mortal could achieve. Just as they had expected, the opponent only dared to show himself because he had sufficient confidence.
At this moment, Ningguang thought of something. Hu Tao had told her before that those who died unjustly were not found at the Border of Life and Death. Perhaps this was the key to the opponent's extraordinary power.
"What a grand display. It seems I'm quite highly regarded."
Seeing the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti, Qi Shu appeared very relaxed, with no trace of fear on his face.
"Boy, are you the so-called Demon God Kira?!"
Moon Carver glared at Qi Shu and questioned him coldly.
"Tsk, I knew everyone would question my identity. But it's okay, I've already made preparations."
After speaking, Qi Shu waved his hand. Then everyone saw people from the surrounding crowd step into the area of Yujing Terrace, walking forward stiffly.
Seeing this scene, the crowd and the Adepti felt a bad premonition. Sure enough, the next moment, the premonition was fulfilled.
This group of people walked about five steps before falling straight to the ground one by one, quickly losing all signs of life.
After seeing this scene, the scene immediately became extremely quiet, but soon, waves of support erupted from the crowd.
"Lord Kira, it is Lord Kira himself!"
"Hahaha, another batch of sinners has been put to death!"
"Lord Kira, I am your most loyal believer, please cleanse Liyue of all sinners!"
"Support Lord Kira!"
Hearing the commotion around them and seeing the scene before them, the faces of everyone on Yujing Terrace turned extremely ugly.
And at this moment, Qi Shu first turned around and waved his hand toward the fanatical people of Liyue, then looked at the crowd and the Adepti in front of him, his lips curling upward as he spoke with a sneer on his face.
"I imagine you no longer have any doubts about my identity now, do you?!"
"Arrogance!"
Mountain Shaper was completely infuriated by Qi Shu's posture, flapping his wings as a heavy aura radiated from his body.
However, Xiao was faster. His figure simply vanished before everyone's eyes, and the next second he appeared in front of Qi Shu, plunging the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear directly into his body.
"Pfft!"
Qi Shu immediately spat out a mouthful of blood, and a dense scent of blood spread through the air.
Xiao was slightly stunned, while the others were left completely speechless.
Looking at the pale-faced Qi Shu, everyone felt a wave of absurdity wash over them.
No, is it over already?!
Isn't this a bit too anticlimactic?!
The people who had been holding signs supporting the Demon God Kira silently flipped them over. On the back, it now read "Support the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti."
"This Adeptus seems to be a bit short."
Even though he had been severely wounded in their first encounter, the arrogant smile remained on Qi Shu's face. He even took a step forward, aggravating his injuries, a scene that sent a chill through everyone present.
"Disrespectful of the Adepti!"
Xiao snorted coldly, and a cyan glow erupted from his body, transforming into thousands of fine needles that pierced Qi Shu's body, sealing all his meridians.
Now, even moving a single finger had become incredibly difficult for Qi Shu.
However, Xiao's face showed no trace of relief. The moment he struck, he had felt that the other person's body was still that of a mortal, but how could a mortal body have made such a grand entrance before?
"Alas, it seems that even the Adepti cannot comprehend our existence."
Qi Shu sighed softly, then continued.
"My physical body is merely a shell that binds me. Next, all of you will witness my rebirth with your own eyes!"
After saying this, Qi Shu's body suddenly went rigid before collapsing. He only stayed upright because the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear propped him up.
At that moment, a figure identical to Qi Shu extracted itself from his body, then levitated several meters in the air. He spread his arms slightly, announcing his presence to everyone below.
"Mortals, welcome your new god!"
"Lord Kira!"
Seeing this, countless citizens of Liyue shouted fanatically as they knelt to the ground all at once. Those who had flipped their signs to support the Liyue Qixing and the Adepti flipped them back again.
At this moment, the aura Qi Shu emitted caused everyone's expressions to turn grave.
"Playing tricks!"
Xiao muttered in a low voice, immediately withdrawing the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear. The body fell to the ground with a dull thud. Just as the sound echoed, Xiao had already reappeared in front of Qi Shu, swinging the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear toward the side of his face.
In response, Qi Shu merely stared coldly at Xiao's every movement, his face showing complete indifference.
Just as the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear was about to strike his body, a burst of black light suddenly erupted from Qi Shu. Xiao immediately felt an irresistible force surge through the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear, causing it to deflect and fly off in another direction.
This scene caused the Adepti's expressions to change drastically. They knew Xiao's strength better than anyone, yet Qi Shu's power now was worlds apart from before!
However, the Adepti quickly recovered and immediately took action.
"Conqueror of Demons, we will aid you!"
After throwing out these words, the Adepti transformed into five-colored streaks of light and flew toward Qi Shu.
"Hahaha, come on, come on, all of you come! Let me see the mettle of you Adepti!"
Qi Shu laughed wildly. His figure suddenly soared higher, and a pressure that acted directly on everyone's souls erupted.
Qi Shu waved his hand and sent Xiao flying backward. Then, he made a grasping motion with his palm toward Mountain Shaper. The next second, Mountain Shaper's body jerked violently, instantly breaking free from the streak of light. He flapped his wings, yet still struggled to halt his body's downward fall.
"Mountain Shaper!"
Moon Carver released a surge of Adeptal Energy to halt Mountain Shaper's body and let him descend slowly. Then, his aura erupted again. He slightly opened his mouth, and a golden beam of light erupted from within, shooting toward Qi Shu with unmatched power.
Seeing this, Qi Shu laughed and raised his hands, allowing the golden beam to pass straight through him. As the golden beam's light gradually faded, Qi Shu's completely unharmed figure reappeared before everyone.
"How is this possible?!"
Moon Carver spoke in disbelief after seeing this. Even if Qi Shu had blocked his attack, he wouldn't be this shocked. Yet the other party had simply ignored it completely.
"Moon Carver, watch your back!"
Madame Ping suddenly warned urgently. Upon hearing this, Moon Carver didn't hesitate. A thick mist generated from a massive amount of Adeptal Energy erupted from his body, concealing his figure. Then, a pitch-black spear plunged directly into this mist.
A muffled grunt soon echoed from the dense mist. It was clear that even though Moon Carver had reacted in time, he had still been injured in this attack.
At that moment, Xiao tore through space once again to reappear behind Qi Shu. He had now donned his demon mask, and a thick, sinister aura radiated from his body.
Seeing this perfect opportunity, Madame Ping immediately channeled her Adeptal Energy to bestow upon him her strongest "Madame Ping's Shockwave" to date. A rainbow-colored light enveloped Xiao, and his aura erupted again.
Just at this moment, the reinforcements from the Liyue Qixing also arrived. All the Guizhong Ballistas stationed nearby began firing one after another, spewing countless streaks of light.
Seeing this perfect opportunity, Madame Ping immediately channeled her Adeptal Energy to bestow upon him her strongest "Madame Ping's Shockwave" to date. A rainbow-colored light enveloped Xiao, and his aura erupted again.
Just at this moment, the reinforcements from the Liyue Qixing also arrived. All the Guizhong Ballistas stationed nearby began firing one after another, spewing countless streaks of light.
Ningguang formed a series of hand seals, after which the Jade Chamber, hovering over a thousand meters in the sky, began to move. Massive formations gradually unfolded beneath the Jade Chamber, erupting in dazzling, bright yellow light.
"Heh, everything you've done is totally useless!"
Sensing himself being locked on by multiple forces, a contemptuous smile appeared on Qi Shu's face.
The next second, countless streaks of light fired by the Guizhong Ballistas pierced through Qi Shu's body. This was immediately followed by Xiao, his body almost completely engulfed in teal light, gripping the Primordial Jade Winged-Spear tightly as his figure blurred like a ghost, piercing back and forth through Qi Shu's body three times at extreme speed. An ear-piercing boom echoed through the air, followed by several final spear shadows merging into a single, powerful strike as terrifying force erupted from the spear's tip.
Finally, a heavy blow from the Jade Chamber in the sky, which had consumed a full 30% of its energy, descended. The attack traveled through several formations in an instant, falling vertically from over a thousand meters above to strike Qi Shu's head.
The spot where Qi Shu stood was instantly engulfed in multicolored light. The attack from the Jade Chamber struck directly onto Yujing Terrace, continuing to penetrate without any resistance, and finally leaving a crater tens of meters deep in the ground.
This attack was simply too terrifying. The Liyue citizens watching, especially those supporting Qi Shu, suddenly fell silent as if someone had grabbed them by the throat. Those holding signs hesitated repeatedly, unable to decide whether to flip them over.
"Is this all you've got?"
Qi Shu's calm and disdainful voice rang out again, and instantly, the expressions on everyone's faces began to change rapidly.
Soon, the light gradually dissipated, and Qi Shu's completely unharmed figure reappeared before everyone.
Qi Shu looked contemptuously at Xiao, whose aura was starting to wane nearby, chuckled, and snorted disdainfully.
"An Adeptus is nothing more than this!"
Upon hearing these words, the watching Liyue citizens erupted in a wave-like cheer of support. Qi Shu's powerful image had already taken deep root in their hearts.
The vast majority of people had never witnessed the power of Rex Lapis, thinking that no matter how strong Rex Lapis was, he could only be so much.
With Lord Kira the God of Liyue protecting them, they could finally put their minds at ease!
Meanwhile, on Yujing Terrace, the faces of everyone grew incredibly grave. Whether it was the Liyue Qixing or the Adepti, none could understand why, even after employing such drastic measures, they still couldn't harm Qi Shu in the slightest. Was his power truly far above theirs now?
Just as everyone was lost in their own thoughts, Qi Shu also began to deliver his final speech.
"Those who have never felt pain cannot understand the suffering of others."
"So feel pain, consider pain, accept pain, and understand pain!"
[ This is my revenge against you Liyue Qixing! ]
Qi Shu only mouthed the last sentence without speaking. As soon as he finished, everyone quickly saw countless deep portals materialize out of thin air on Yujing Terrace, and then countless souls of the deceased came pouring out of them...