Ganyu and Hu Tao were about to press their advantage and finish Frostkill off when—
Xiangling suddenly rushed in.
Guoba was with her.
They had also been affected by the black mist and were in poor condition. Otherwise, Xiangling wouldn't have been captured so easily.
"Don't move," Frostkill said coldly, pressing an ice spike against Xiangling's throat. "Such a cute little girl—what a pity if she died."
Ganyu and Hu Tao hesitated.
At that moment—
Time stopped.
Taking hostages meant nothing to someone with [Critical Moment].
Lu Lin calmly walked up to the frozen Frostkill, pushed aside the ice spike, and lifted Xiangling into his arms.
Her face was adorable, twin braids coiled behind her head. Though petite, her build was toned and strong. Her complexion, however, was tinged with faint black mist.
Concerned, Lu Lin carried her behind Ganyu.
After a brief hesitation—
He leaned down and kissed her.
This time truly for rescue.
The black mist could be dispelled with elemental power, but slowly and with heavy cost. Xiangling looked deeply affected—he didn't want to risk it.
The kiss was brief—time was limited.
He released her just before the time-stop ended, helping her stand.
Her complexion improved visibly.
Time resumed.
Frostkill: ?!
Ganyu & Hu Tao: ??
Xiangling: "Huh?!"
Everyone was stunned.
A moment ago, they were locked in confrontation—
The next, the hostage had teleported away.
Ganyu reacted first.
She released her arrow.
Frostflake Arrow struck Frostkill between the brows.
Reality wasn't like the game—he had no elemental shield. Before he could react—
Three more arrows followed, shredding him completely.
It was over.
At that moment—
[Ding! Mission complete: Rescue Xiangling!]
Reward: 500,000 Mora, 100 points, 100 EXP, Random Residency Trait: Empathic Link]
[Empathic Link]: Can be granted to multiple holders. When one holder experiences intense emotional fluctuation, other holders within range will feel it as well. (0/5)
Lu Lin blinked.
This trait… was absurdly powerful.
Five-person emotional connection?
And if combined with [Double Happiness]…
The implications were dangerous.
"Xiangling, are you okay?" Hu Tao rushed over.
"I'm fine! No injuries. What just happened? And who is this gentleman?"
She looked at Lu Lin, feeling a strange closeness.
"That's a question for him," Hu Tao laughed. "You just appeared beside him."
"Teleportation?" Ganyu asked thoughtfully.
She had experienced two time-stops now and suspected something like spatial ability.
Lu Lin simply gave her a thumbs-up and didn't elaborate.
"Thank you, Mr. Lu! When we return to Liyue, come to Wanmin Restaurant—I'll cook for you!"
"I'd be honored."
With Xiangling rescued and the two Abyss Heralds eliminated, only the two black spheres remained.
They were manifestations of abyssal power fused with godly residue—destructive, but primarily corrosive.
Against Rex Lapis' barrier, they were powerless.
Ganyu pondered how to dispose of them—
When suddenly the golden barrier changed.
It expanded, enveloped the two black spheres—
A burst of light—
When it faded, the palace was empty.
The barrier, the green orb, the black spheres—all gone.
The barrier destroying the spheres made sense.
But where had the green orb gone?
Outside — Guili Plains
Xingqiu had been searching all day, clearing monsters while enduring black mist erosion.
He was nearly exhausted.
Then—
The black mist began thinning rapidly.
"Hm?"
A familiar voice rang out.
"Well well, Xingqiu is here too? What a coincidence!"
He turned.
Hu Tao, Ganyu, Xiangling, and Lu Lin emerged from the fading mist.
"Finally found you. Everyone alright?"
"All good! The source has been handled. Let's clear the remaining monsters and head back!"
"Impressive work."
"Once we're done, Wanmin Restaurant! This Director treats!"
…
They didn't notice—
Among the ruins—
A fragment of fabric lingered briefly before drifting away silently.
"If you like the story please do vote and add it to your library"