Mu Yang pulled up the system panel.
Some time had already passed since his appearance in Inazuma.
The system asked if he wanted to conduct the final setting supplement simulation.
Mu Yang inquired how long it would take, assuming it would require ten hours like last time.
If so, he'd need to notify Lingyuan in advance—otherwise, she'd worry again.
The system said it would be the same as the first time—only an instant would pass.
After all, there wasn't much content left, and nothing significant enough to alter the entire region's landscape remained—which made sense.
Mu Yang lay on the bed, closed his eyes, and began the connection!
He entered the final simulation.
Not only was the time consumption identical to the first simulation, but even the starting point was exactly the same.
Mu Yang couldn't open his eyes, nor could he manifest his form.
There was only endless darkness.
Unlike the first time, he could sense a very familiar power on the other side.
It was Clarisse's power, which Mu Yang had severed.
"Why does this seal feel different from sleeping during the Lantern Rite?"
During the Lantern Rite, Mu Yang had genuinely just slept.
This wasn't the same powerless, weightless sensation he felt now.
An indeterminable amount of time passed.
Mu Yang couldn't take it anymore—couldn't it just start from the day of awakening?
Just as Mu Yang was about to vent his frustration, he finally felt it—he could channel his power again.
Immediately, the thought of taking form arose in his mind.
A white-haired young man awoke within the Sunken Sword Pool.
Seems like complaining was still necessary.
Mu Yang glanced around.
Due to the Sword Pool's presence, the area was quite desolate.
Moreover, the familiar mountain path was nowhere to be seen.
Guess I'll have to walk for a few centuries—once enough footsteps tread here, a path will form.
Mu Yang looked back into the Sunken Sword Pool.
Half of the crystal-clear fragments were embedded in the stone.
Outwardly, they appeared entirely unremarkable.
No one would ever guess that beneath them lay a god who once sought to drown Chenyu Vale.
Though, ordinary people couldn't approach this place anyway.
Mu Yang gazed into the distance from the mountaintop.
The layout of Chenyu Vale had already taken shape by this era.
The largest settlements were Yilong Wharf and Qiaoying Village.
Five hundred years later, it would remain largely the same—just more prosperous and stable.
Mu Yang had initially planned to leisurely descend the mountain path, but his power surged violently within him.
Moreover, there seemed to be commotion at the foot of the mountain.
At this point in time, only one event came to mind—the Cataclysm of Khaenri'ah.
The reason for his awakening was likely tied to the Abyss's forbidden knowledge.
Just as he had been able to seal Clarisse, who had been tainted by it.
Mu Yang didn't dare delay any longer—Lingyuan had mentioned it before.
He had awoken when monsters attacked Chenyu Vale.
Those monsters were the Abyss's vanguard—Riftwolves.
Without hesitation, Mu Yang immediately employed his lightfoot technique to descend the mountain.
While rushing down, he discovered a major problem.
Right now, he was weak!
Perhaps due to the seal, he couldn't wield his full strength at all.
He might not even have half of it.
"This is troublesome."
Riftwolves weren't particularly strong—Mu Yang at half-strength could handle them easily.
But there were many of them, and they would attack Chenyu Vale's residents.
If Mu Yang couldn't fully utilize his lightfoot technique,
There was a high chance he'd arrive too late—forced to watch them get torn apart before his eyes.
He never wanted to experience that again.
The noise grew louder. Mu Yang channeled energy into his legs and sprinted toward it.
All he could do was hope he'd be fast enough.
——————
Slightly earlier.
Yilong Wharf.
Old Lin, the Millelith drill instructor stationed at Yilong Wharf, went about his usual duties.
Today, he seemed happier than usual.
After this day, he could finally lay down this heavy responsibility and transition to a more leisurely position.
It was time to give the younger generation a chance.
Though called "Old Lin," he wasn't actually so aged that he could barely walk.
It was just that his seniority and reputation were high, so everyone addressed him affectionately this way.
Since Old Lin had taken up the instructor role, Yilong Wharf's defenses had never faltered.
Everyone trusted him deeply.
"Uncle Lin, good morning."
The moment Old Lin arrived at the garrison, someone greeted him.
Within the Millelith, only Yong dared address him so casually.
Yong stood bare-chested, drenched in sweat.
Though dawn had just broken, he'd already completed several training sets.
"Mm, not bad. First to arrive again today."
"Just as you said—the early bird catches the worm."
Old Lin patted Yong's shoulder. "After tomorrow, this instructor's burden will fall upon you."
Yong was Old Lin's chosen successor.
This young man was diligent and reliable, equally trusted by Yilong Wharf's residents.
It was largely because of him that Old Lin had decided to retire early and take up a less demanding post.
Yong nodded solemnly.
Though he felt Uncle Lin wasn't nearly old enough to retire,
He'd tried persuading him before—but since the decision was finalized, he didn't press further.
"Clean yourself up. We'll set out soon."
"Understood."
Old Lin was referring to an unwritten tradition.
On the final day of the transition, the outgoing instructor would lead the new one through the patrol route.
Though anyone qualified to become instructor would already know the route by heart,
Protocol was protocol.
Before long, the two set out with their team.
The group consisted of Old Lin, Yong, Old Li, and Sheng—four in total.
Since Yilong Wharf's foot traffic couldn't compare to Liyue Harbor's, and its garrison was limited,
Patrols rarely deployed too many personnel—otherwise, emergencies couldn't be handled flexibly.
The area was also relatively safe. Occasionally, some aggressive beasts appeared, but they usually fled when shooed—rarely attacking people.
It was as if some unseen force naturally protected this land.
There were two patrol routes.
One started from the southern gate, following the mountain path to Jademouth.
The other began at the eastern gate, heading toward Qiaoying Village and stopping at the foot of Mt. Lingmeng.
Today, they took the southern route first.
Along the way, early-rising residents greeted them warmly.
Some congratulated Old Lin on his retirement; others celebrated Yong's promotion.
As they ventured further, the crowd thinned.
Then, suddenly, they heard a scream.
Yong reacted first. "Someone's crying for help!"
They rushed toward the sound and nearly collided with a group of herb gatherers preparing to ascend the mountain.
"M-monsters!"
"Over there!"
The group was clearly panicked.
Yong found it strange—these people often climbed the mountain. Why would Xuanwen Beasts frighten them so much?
Before he could voice the question, it became irrelevant.
Because these were no Xuanwen Beasts.
Riftwolves emerged from twisted voids, materializing before the group.
"What is this?!"
"Never seen these monsters before—they look dangerous."
No sooner had the words left his mouth than the Riftwolves attacked.
Their speed caught everyone off guard.
Though only two appeared initially, they flanked the group.
The four Millelith had to protect the herb gatherers, limiting their movements.
Misfortune never comes alone.
Moments later, reinforcements arrived—six Riftwolves in total.
No one knew if more lurked behind.
Old Lin immediately issued orders. "Yong, Sheng—escort them back to call for reinforcements and strengthen the city's defenses."
"Old Li and I will hold them off."
Yong objected. "Sheng and I should stay—we'd have better odds."
"You brat, rebelling already? I'm still the instructor today—follow orders!"
Old Lin's authoritative tone brooked no argument. He raised his geo-polearm and charged at the Riftwolves blocking their retreat, clearing a path.
"Go!"
Yong stopped arguing. He could see the determination in Old Lin and Old Li's eyes.
He and Sheng each took one herb gatherer, fighting their way back to town while protecting them.
The two old-timers fought valiantly, holding off four Riftwolves through sheer grit.
"Youngsters like you still have long roads ahead. How could we let you die before us old men, eh, Old Li?"
Old Li laughed. "Forty years, and you're still better with words than me."
The two fought in perfect sync, as if reliving their youthful vigor.
Were Yong and Sheng not mirror images of their younger selves?
Gradually, the elders began to tire.
Against such formidable monsters, one-on-one was manageable.
But two against four? Nearly impossible.
With their last ounce of strength, they launched a final assault.
"Yong... you must protect everyone..."
Old Lin's final words trailed off as a Riftwolf's claw halted inches from his face.
A cold wind swept through—the claw froze mid-air, advancing no further.
At the critical moment, Mu Yang had finally arrived...