After some time, Arataki Itto once again fell unconscious from exhaustion.
But at that very moment, good news arrived.
Yelan, Yanfei, Xiao, Lumine, and Paimon finally returned—and they had brought back the Fantastic Compass.
Yanfei called into the camp, "Shinobu, Itto, Shao Yun—we're back!"
Hearing her voice, Kuki Shinobu and Shao Yun both lifted their heads, turning their gazes toward the returning group.
Lumine's eyes immediately went to the prone Arataki Itto, her tone filled with concern. "How's Itto doing?"
Shinobu glanced at him before answering, "Well… he woke briefly just now, but fell asleep again. He still hasn't woken. But there's no danger to his life, so don't worry."
After speaking, she turned her head, noticing a faint trace of sorrow on everyone's faces.
"You all… from your expressions, I'd say you found something—and not something pleasant, am I right?"
Faced with Shinobu's question, Paimon looked troubled. She scratched her head, unsure how to reply. In the end, she could only sigh helplessly. "Ugh…"
Yelan spoke up, delivering the news to Shinobu and Shao Yun.
"We found the Fantastic Compass. Within it, there's information left by those before us. It seems… this space cannot be broken through."
"The last to hold it—my ancestor 'Boyang' and a yaksha named 'Bosacius'—were both trapped here forever."
Hearing this despairing news, Shinobu's heart grew heavy. "I see…"
Just as she thought they were doomed to die here, Yanfei added a spark of hope.
"Not so fast—listen. I just tried channeling power into the Fantastic Compass. It reacted."
Yelan reminded her, "But that only triggered the record left by the sealing."
Yanfei shook her head. "No, no—the problem isn't the content, it's the method."
She continued. "Remember what the books said? 'When immortal and mortal powers unite, they can shift stars and wield the might of heaven and earth.' Only by combining immortal and human strength can the Fantastic Compass be fully activated."
She explained further.
"Take me, for example. As a descendant of both adeptus and human, the Fantastic Compass responds to me, proving it still works. And in our group, we happen to have both a pure adeptus and mortals who inherited arts."
Yelan found this interesting. Her lips curved slightly. "An amusing idea. So that's your plan."
Lumine quickly caught on. "You mean Xiao and Yelan working together?"
Yanfei nodded with a smile.
"Exactly. If my guess is correct, with both of you channeling your power into the Fantastic Compass at full strength, it might be reactivated—maybe even reversed."
"Last time, it was used to seal the interface between this space and the Chasm. If we can reverse it…"
Shinobu couldn't help but feel exhilarated, as though she'd found a ray of light in the dark.
"That would mean… we could leave this place!"
Paimon clapped her hands with joy. "That's amazing! We really can be saved!"
Yanfei beamed. "Of course!"
Xiao, hearing this method, agreed. "This idea… makes sense."
Far better than staking his life on the line.
Yelan, seeing consensus, said, "Good. Everyone rest a little. Once we're ready, we'll attempt this method."
…
While the others rested, Shao Yun extinguished the campfire and packed away everything, making sure nothing was left behind.
When all was ready, Paimon looked nervously at the floating Fantastic Compass.
She rubbed her hands together, stammering, "I-I'm so nervous…"
Lumine, seeing her unease, patted her shoulder gently. "Don't worry. We'll succeed."
Yanfei turned to Yelan and Xiao. "Are you two ready?"
Yelan fixed her gaze on the Fantastic Compass and nodded. "All prepared."
Xiao answered softly, "I will give my all."
…
As Xiao and Yelan poured their power into the Fantastic Compass, the once-still space suddenly shifted.
The ground beneath them rose rapidly, forming a massive platform that lifted everyone upward.
Just as they began to breathe in relief, thinking they had finally escaped, strange figures emerged around them—vague, human-shaped spirits radiating an eerie aura that chilled the heart.
Paimon shrieked, "Aah! What are these things? Why are so many creepy things showing up all of a sudden?" Her eyes were wide with terror as she stared at the spirits.
Shao Yun observed carefully, then spoke after a moment. "Perhaps these are the spirits of Millelith soldiers who once fell in battle here."
"Corrupted by karmic filth, they've become twisted and dark. But admirable as it is, even in death they still guard this place, allowing no monsters to pass and threaten Liyue."
Hearing this, Paimon's expression grew conflicted.
"That's tragic and all, but… we're not monsters! Why treat us like enemies too?"
Shao Yun licked his lips helplessly and warned, "They've lost reason, leaving only obsession. Everyone, be careful!"
With that, he swiftly drew his Schofield Revolver, subtly triggering the effects of the Legend of the East Outfit.
Sure enough, sensing the surge of power, the spirits recoiled.
Yet, like the Millelith of old facing beasts, retreat was only instinct before a strong foe—true courage meant pressing forward.
The corrupted souls, though briefly scattered, quickly returned—and with even greater aggression.
Yanfei, Lumine, Yelan, and Shao Yun had no choice but to engage in a fierce battle.
But their numbers only grew, until they merged into a massive black hand, clutching the Fantastic Compass.
Though Xiao strained with all his might to wrest it free, the effort nearly drained him entirely.
Looking at the Fantastic Compass at the center, then at his companions, he made a decision—to sacrifice himself so the others could escape.
Yelan sensed his intent and tried to stop him, but it was too late.
Everyone but Xiao was carried away.
As the platform shattered, Xiao plummeted.
But then—a dazzling golden light descended, like warm sunlight, seizing him and drawing him safely back down.
…
At last, sunlight returned to their faces, filling them with warmth and hope.
While the others rejoiced at Xiao's safe return, Shao Yun's gaze wandered far—to a distant cliff.
There stood Zhongli, watching silently. After confirming their safety, he turned and departed.
Yelan strode quickly to the Fantastic Compass, watching as it slowly dissipated, her face touched by a complex mix of loss and relief.
Yanfei hurried to Xiao, asking with concern, "That was far too close! I thought you'd be trapped forever… thank goodness you're safe. You really scared me."
Xiao thought back to what had happened, then gave a small nod. "Mn…"
Yelan then approached him, still harboring a trace of anger at his willingness to sacrifice himself.
"I know what you were thinking, but…"
She stopped herself, swallowing the rest.
In the end, the result was good—that was enough.
She sighed. "Forget it. Some things in you won't change overnight. Not with just a few words."
"But still, it's thanks to you we escaped. Thank you for saving everyone."
Xiao shook his head humbly. "No. It wasn't just me."
Lumine looked at Yelan, eyes shining with gratitude. "And thank you, Yelan. Without your help, we might never have made it out."
Her expression returned to its usual coolness as she nodded lightly. "No need."
She surveyed the group. "No major injuries, but everyone's weak from exhaustion. Rest here. There's no rush to leave."
Then, slipping back into her habits, she added, "I'll check the area for any anomalies."
But after only a few steps, she paused, remembering something.
Turning back, her gaze fell on Shao Yun. "By the way, your commission is complete. As for your payment, the mora will be delivered as requested. The other part of your reward—I'll arrange it soon."
At this, Shao Yun's face lit up with joy. "Oh, excellent! Finally done with this job!"
He never wanted to set foot in the Chasm again. If not for that domain, there's no way he'd have let himself rot down here!