Lu Ze and Nahida exchanged a glance. Compared to clearing the path, it seemed they were more suitable.
But there was no help for it; they were the ones who volunteered. However, more pressing than that, the monsters in the Chasm seemed to have increased significantly compared to usual.
Even though they hadn't been here before, the sheer number was terrifying.
They encountered a monster every few steps, as if the beasts had gathered here.
Meanwhile, on the other side, a young man with yellow hair, wearing a mask and a remarkably cool cloak, his all-black design exuding an air of mystery.
"Why have the monsters below multiplied exponentially? Everything that's happened recently feels wrong; the increase in strength is so significant, as if... they've been herded by someone?"
This person was from the fallen nation of Khaenri'ah, and once a companion of Lumine, Dainsleif.
Not long ago, he and Lumine had just explored the Chasm. Due to a previous accident, they had passed through a portal created by an Abyss Herald and arrived here.
The Chasm also held ruins of an ancient civilization, even older than Khaenri'ah, much like the nation in the snow, they too had perished.
The devices here possessed a certain purifying effect. Without subjects, there could be no revival, so it was likely that the Fatui intended to use what lay beneath to cleanse their curses.
But he, who bore the curse of immortality, how could he not know that this would be ineffective, and might even backfire? As the purification effect amplified, it would only bring more suffering.
He and Lumine had resolved everything, and by all rights, the monsters here shouldn't be like this. What could be the reason? He was deeply perplexed.
On the other side, Lumine, Arataki Itto, and Kuki Shinobu were silently tailing Yanfei. According to Itto, this was a way to repay their savior, but there was no need to resort to stalking.
Moreover, Yanfei's secretive demeanor gave the impression she was up to something nefarious. Although Lumine felt some doubt and remained vigilant, just in case Yanfei strayed, she could still be brought back.
The three groups in the Chasm operated independently, only able to lament how vast the Chasm truly was, preventing any encounters between them.
Oh, right. It wasn't just three groups. There was also Yelan operating in the shadows, making it four groups in total.
Today's Chasm was indeed quite lively.
Returning to Xiao's perspective, the green Jade Spear was already stained with the blood of monsters. Lu Ze had urged him more than once to take the lead, allowing Xiao to rest.
But Xiao remained resolute, a stubborn individual it seemed.
Soon, they were the first to reach the final destination. The flat ground below had, at some point, been smashed into a large pit, with scattered rocks littering the ground.
A close observation could paint a picture of the battle that had occurred. The pillar floating in the air was likely placed there intentionally. As for who was responsible? Lu Ze already knew the answer.
"Let's go. We're going in."
With that, Xiao leaped down. Lu Ze and Nahida quickly followed, flying down. The few of them stood upon the shattered rocks.
Sensing the aura from the ground, Lu Ze's brow furrowed. The Tai Wei Yi Pan in his hand had inexplicably vanished.
Even Xiao looked somewhat shocked. By all rights, this shouldn't have happened.
But since they were here, they couldn't leave without investigating.
Placing his hand on the ground, Xiao used his power to quickly create an opening, then gestured for the other two to jump down.
Without hesitation, they leaped into the opening.
Xiao followed closely behind. The three of them drifted quickly through the air, while the opening on the ground returned to its normal state.
The three soon arrived in an unusual space – a narrow platform. Turning around, one could see a platform in every direction.
Looking for too long might cause dizziness and a headache.
After all, constantly turning around would make anyone feel unwell, wouldn't it?
Meanwhile, the second group to arrive was Dainsleif. A flicker of unease crossed his face. He quickly reached the ground and examined the broken stones.
As expected, someone had already gone ahead of him. What lay beneath? This piqued Dainsleif's curiosity. Having traveled for so long, this was certainly not his first time in the Chasm.
He hadn't even discovered this peculiar space beneath.
"Should I go down? If I go down, I might not be able to easily come back up, and I don't know if the people below are friend or foe..."
After a brief period of contemplation, Dainsleif realized that if he didn't go down now, others might arrive.
He had sensed not long ago that many people had entered the Chasm, certainly more than just those who had descended moments ago. This was becoming problematic.
"Forget it, I'll go down. I'm curious to see what's down there."
A black and blue gaseous substance opened a gap. Dainsleif, without hesitation, leaped directly into it.
After a brief moment of darkness and a sensation of falling, after an indeterminate amount of time, a glimmer of light appeared before his eyes.
He arrived in a vast space. Before him stood a colossal ceremonial disk, and correspondingly, there was one on the ground.
But he wasn't concerned with these. He was concerned with who the person before him was.
Wearing a yellow mask, his clothing clearly showed Liyue's style. Geo elemental energy permeated his entire being. His strength was likely considerable, but to Dainsleif, he was merely a worthy opponent.
"May I ask your name?"
"Mi Nu. You should not have come here. Go back honestly. This is not a place for you."
Hearing the admonishment, Dainsleif became even more intrigued. A sealed space, an adeptus wearing a mask. Was this perhaps a trial ground?
"Whether I can come here or not is not for you to decide. It seems if I defeat you, I can proceed to the next place. Is that right?"
Mi Nu slowly turned his head to look. His expression beneath the mask was unreadable. He merely sighed softly and said:
"Why bother? If you listened to my advice honestly, everything would be over. Why force me to act? I don't wish to harm you. If you don't leave now, don't blame me for being impolite."
Although he could clearly sense the difference in their strength, even so, he would not retreat. This was the nature of the Yakshas, protectors of the realm, not those who brought chaos.