Over twenty minutes later...
Bonanus sat in the narrow mountain pass of Jueyun Karst, waiting for what felt like an eternity. She swatted mosquitoes, blew on leaves, caught little squirrels, played with Hydro—utterly bored out of her mind.
Why were there even squirrels here? There aren't any pine trees! No, that's not the point!
The real question was:
Where was her Mr. Zhongli? Something was off! By all accounts, her message should have reached Rex Lapis by now. Why hadn't he arrived yet? How strange!
Surely this old man didn't walk here? If so, that would be terrible. But given his temperament, he probably wouldn't for something this important.
Zhongli usually walked slowly, but only when nothing urgent was happening. Had something delayed him?
Regardless... she just hoped Rex Lapis would hurry!
"Ha... Please hurry, Rex Lapis!" Bonanus smiled wryly to herself.
...
A while later...
By now, Bonanus was lying on the ground, rolling around out of sheer boredom. She was about to grow mushrooms on her head. She couldn't sit still—making her wait like this was torture!
Just as this thought crossed her mind, familiar footsteps echoed not far from her.
Bonanus lit up with joy! Finally, old man!
Without hesitation, she bounced up excitedly. She decided she should prepare a wheelchair for him next time—it would definitely be faster than his walking speed.
"Rex Lapis!" Bonanus greeted him with a radiant smile.
"Got held up thinking through some matters. Apologies for the wait. How stands the matter?" Zhongli crossed his arms and asked slowly.
"Everything from these past months is ready. I only await Rex Lapis's assistance." Bonanus replied earnestly.
Hearing this, Zhongli nodded lightly. The power from another world... today he would witness it again. Would it lead to destruction, or something else?
Worrying and curious at the same time.
Rubbing his chin, Zhongli thought quietly for a moment before extending a hand, his tone carrying a hint of concern.
"This journey may hold risks. I'm not comfortable with you going alone."
"I propose informing the Yakshas but keeping it from the other adepti for now. What do you think?" He waited for Bonanus's response.
Zhongli meant that for now, only the three remaining Yakshas should know. The other adepti and illuminated beasts should remain unaware.
He would tell them because their help might be needed. Zhongli couldn't act freely—at least, not yet.
"That works. Thank you for your concern, Rex Lapis." Bonanus nodded slightly, offering no objection.
"Think nothing of it. We were comrades in arms, and we remain friends. Of course, I care about your safety." Zhongli shook his head. He didn't want to experience another spiritual erosion.
Millennia of erosion had left him numb—but numbness didn't mean wanting to experience it again. That would only bring more pain.
"I approve of using this ability. However..."
Zhongli shook his head silently, sighed deeply, closed his eyes, then slowly opened them again, speaking calmly.
"Xiao."
The moment the name left his lips, a handsome young adeptus appeared behind Zhongli, kneeling on one knee, speaking evenly.
"Threefold and Fivefold Adeptus—Xiao, heeding your summons."
Seeing Xiao appear suddenly, Bonanus gave a mental thumbs-up. With this speed, he'd be wasted on anything but food delivery. He'd definitely win a courier trophy!
She wondered if he could deliver in seconds... Ahem, getting off track.
Indeed, all Yakshas could teleport instantly—Bonanus included. Actually, it wasn't teleportation, just speed imperceptible to the naked eye.
Adeptal energy was truly wondrous!
"May I ask Rex Lapis, why have you summoned me?"
Xiao looked up, his golden eyes filled with confusion and tension. Why would Rex Lapis summon him? Had something urgent happened?
Then he noticed Bonanus standing before Rex Lapis. Seeing his sister there too, Xiao frowned slightly. Had something gone wrong?
"No need for alarm. I summoned you to discuss an important matter." Zhongli waved his hand, signaling Xiao not to worry.
"Please speak." Xiao stood, his expression grave.
"This is the contract between Bonanus and myself. Now that things have reached this point, it's time you knew the truth."
Zhongli's expression showed no emotion, as if nothing could affect his mood.
Hearing this, Xiao seemed to understand immediately. Rex Lapis was about to reveal the secrets about Bonanus.
After all this time, were the mysteries surrounding Bonanus finally going to be unveiled?
With this thought, Xiao's gaze unconsciously shifted to Bonanus. The cold sweat beading on his forehead revealed his concern.
Seeing this, Bonanus smiled gently at Xiao and waved her hand, signaling that Rex Lapis would explain everything.
...
A few minutes later...
Zhongli recounted everything he knew, along with the contract's contents, to Xiao. Throughout this, Xiao's expression shifted dramatically.
From initial tension to confusion, then to shock and disbelief. Rex Lapis would never joke about such matters. This was real!
Using that unpleasant, ill-omened power to travel to another space... to bring back their family...
No wonder Bonanus had worked so hard—it was all for everyone.
This ability was unprecedented. It sounded terrifying—like something from a storybook. Unbelievable.
It defied all reason.
So Sister Bonanus had been converting the karmic debt she absorbed into power to reach other spaces. That explained why she hadn't gone mad despite enduring so much ill fortune.
So this was the truth!
In his memory, such things only existed in dreams. If this was real... then he could truly reunite with his family!
"I understand now. And I understand why Sister Bonanus couldn't tell me." After grasping everything, Xiao's voice carried barely contained excitement.
He also understood why Bonanus had been so secretive. This defied reason—too many people knowing would only bring trouble.
Though he accepted it, Xiao still felt like he was dreaming. He could barely believe it. But soon, he would see everything for himself.
"Good that you understand. This is no trivial matter. I believe it should remain private—though you and Bosacius are exceptions."
"As for why you're being told? Bonanus needs your strength." Zhongli's brown eyes seemed to glow, radiating a powerful presence.
Bosacius should have been here too, but the Chasm's lingering problems kept him completely occupied.
That place threatened mortal lives constantly—adepti included. This wasn't the time to disturb him.
So Bosacius remained unaware of this secret.
But he would learn in time.
"I understand. I will keep this secret and protect Bonanus."
Xiao nodded solemnly, more excited than he'd ever been. The thought of saving his family made him overlook the danger. He wanted to go immediately.
He rejoiced at the possibility of bringing back the others! Menogias! Indarias! If this could happen, no matter how much it defied reason, he would try!
Calming his inner turmoil, Xiao walked directly to Bonanus's side, crossed his arms, and waited for her to use her extraordinary ability.
Seeing everything proceed so smoothly, Bonanus breathed a sigh of relief. She forced a smile, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.
"Wish us success. Hope we return safely." Bonanus nodded to Zhongli. She was nervous too—her face twitching slightly.
"Go. Both of you, remember—stay safe." Zhongli gave his final instruction.
His expression seemed calm, but deep down, he was genuinely worried about their safety. Many aspects of this operation weren't fully arranged, but they could wait no longer.
Bonanus took a deep breath. This spatial teleportation would first take her to Menogias. Composing herself, she spoke silently in her mind.
[System, teleport me and Xiao to Menogias. To the time when he went mad. If possible, to before he went mad.] Bonanus
[System received. Consuming 100,000 karmic debt. Due to certain constraints, only the time of madness is accessible. Please understand, host.]
[Initiating. Please wait...]
The moment the system's voice fell, pale blue water spheres began floating slowly around them. Within each sphere swirled black mist—unpleasant to behold.
They drifted in the air, neither beautiful nor spectacular, slowly rotating around the three figures, as if ready to burst at any moment...