"So what exactly happened? How did you, the Conqueror of Demons, Xiao, end up on the ground? You really scared me."
Lu Ze was a bit curious, wondering what had transpired. After all, everyone has a bit of a nosy streak, right? He was no exception.
"You... if I'm not mistaken, you are Lu Ze, right? The owner of the Honkai Impact 3rd experience store. I recognize you. You've saved Liyue from peril many times. We Adepti have all seen it, so it's impossible not to know you."
As for why he hadn't recognized him earlier? Perhaps it was because they were standing too far apart, or he simply wasn't paying attention to such details, hence the lack of immediate recognition.
"That's me, so what? Is there anything you can't solve?"
Xiao let out a soft chuckle, it was unclear if it was self-mockery or resignation. He pointed to the Taiwei Epoch Artifact beside him and continued,
"This here is something I cannot solve. I came here originally to investigate the unnamed Yaksha, to find out if this unnamed Yaksha is my friend..."
As he spoke, he picked up the Taiwei Epoch Artifact, gazing at its decorations. He could even feel the residual power of the Adepti within it.
"A few days ago, I discovered this thing. However, due to certain issues, I didn't take it out. Instead, I memorized the location, intending to open it when I returned. But, as expected, the unexpected happened."
He gestured towards the cave entrance where he had passed out, his eyes filled with not just helplessness, but also a hint of bewilderment. This artifact was simply too outrageous.
"While studying it, I inadvertently triggered its defensive function. I never imagined... it could summon my friend. The four-armed masked figure you saw was actually one of my friends, the chief of the Five Yakshas, Bosac.
Speaking of his elder brother, Xiao's eyes held a touch of longing, even a glimmer of hope. Though small, it was still there.
Lu Ze listened intently, stroking his chin. It was much like what he understood from his past life. The deaths of the Five Yakshas back then had touched the hearts of many.
Out of five siblings, four had perished, leaving only the youngest to eke out an existence in this world. Was that not a form of cruelty?
If not for Venti during the last karmic debt outbreak, Xiao might never have returned. But in that moment, hadn't Xiao wished for release, to join his siblings below?
"I was dazed then. I simply couldn't bring myself to attack my elder brother. Even though I knew it was fake, even though I knew Big Brother couldn't possibly be alive, I was afraid. What if... what if he was truly alive? It was this sliver of hope that led to my downfall."
Back then, Xiao's hesitation and meekness in the face of attack had led to the predicament they now witnessed.
"That's what happened. I have a request, would you like to hear it?"
Upon hearing "request," Lu Ze instinctively wanted to refuse. He had done such things before, and they were always drawn-out affairs with excessive dialogue, utterly unbearable. Whoever wanted to do it could do it; he certainly didn't.
"Tell me. What kind of price can you offer that would tempt me? I'm all ears."
Lu Ze said lightly, handing the floor to Xiao.
"I wish for you to help me investigate the Taiwei Epoch Artifact. Regardless of the outcome, after the matter is resolved, you can take the Taiwei Epoch Artifact for yourself. Personally, I will allow you to summon me three times... I cannot offer more than that."
Logically, even after the investigation, this artifact should be entrusted to Liyue's care, or to the Adepti. It was impossible for it to be given to Lu Ze.
Furthermore, he wasn't particularly interested in such an item. This offer seemed rather unconvincing, yet he nodded his agreement because he was curious about how this artifact had summoned Xiao's friend.
Besides, it was also a good opportunity to interact with the main characters. It had been a while; he wondered how they were doing.
"Thank you, Lu Ze. For accepting my unreasonable request, I am truly grateful. I don't know how to express my thanks... Thank you."
Xiao's myriad of unspoken words finally coalesced into a single "Thank you."
Nahida glanced at Xiao, then at Lu Ze, and asked softly,
"Aren't we going to Sumeru? Didn't we agree..."
But seeing the expression on their faces, she understood. It was fine. After all, it was only a matter of a few days. Wasting a little time wouldn't matter.
First, how should the investigation proceed? They needed to venture into the depths of The Chasm for a thorough examination.
Xiao was familiar with the underground conditions. The group walked along the dimly lit mine shafts, and Lu Ze couldn't help but marvel at how the citizens of Liyue had accomplished this.
With just a pickaxe and some explosives, they had carved out such a magnificent place, layered and deep.
No wonder Durin had been so enraged back then. Apparently, they hadn't hit him hard enough. If it were his own home being dug up like this, who wouldn't be furious?
At that time, Zhongli, also known as Morax, to protect humanity and uphold his contract, had directly engaged in a fierce battle. From The Chasm, he had fought until Durin was knocked unconscious.
Then, from The Chasm all the way to the Nantianmen, the trail left by dragging Durin had formed the present-day Rift Valley, and Durin was successfully sealed beneath the Fu Long Tree at Nantianmen.
Later, The Chasm was also sealed, and further mining was forbidden. Thus, the current scene was formed.
As for why there were still ancient relics and even traces of the Abyss in Durin's domain, that remained unknown.
After all, he was born from this world, slumbering mostly underground. If Morax hadn't granted him eyes to see the world, perhaps he would still be in darkness.
This was all ancient history. The underground of The Chasm was quite vast, and Xiao had already familiarized himself with most of the directions. The destination was at the very end, beneath a pile of rocks.
There was a mechanical serpent over there, but it seemed to have been dealt with a while ago. He didn't know who had resolved it, but the Traveler was among them.
As expected, the Traveler was being observed everywhere. "Our Xiao Adeptus indeed. What, are you really planning to start a 'Yingxiao' ship?"
"Be careful. There are many monsters underground, most of them infected to some extent, making them incredibly ferocious. I'll lead the way; you just follow behind me."