He changed Tiwat

“Okay.” Landa said, then suddenly waved his hand, and the letter opener slid out from his right sleeve.

Landa gripped the hilt of the knife tightly, his right hand drawing an arc. The blade reflected the moonlight, leaving a silver trail—the trail ending at Landa's own throat.

But Uncle Tian was faster than him.

With a swift movement of his long arm, Uncle Tian's bamboo hat flew out like a round shield, blocking the trajectory of the blade.

With a "snap," the knife pierced the straw hat, but was ultimately deflected by the hat, leaving only a shallow bloodstain on Landa's neck.

"I told you, calm down." Before anyone knew it, Uncle Tian had already grabbed Landa's wrist.

Landa then realized that the old man was unfathomable. Although he was very old, his wrists were as strong and powerful as iron clamps, and even the slipperiest fish could not escape his grasp.

“Death won’t solve anything; think of the children,” Uncle Tian advised gently.

Landa's expression shifted repeatedly, and after a long while, she finally released her grip on the knife.

Uncle Tian reacted quickly and immediately put away the bamboo hat and the knife together.

Landa gritted her teeth: "Let me take that child and I promise I will never set foot on the land of Liyue again in my life."

“I thought you knew that those who betray the Fools would die, and that running away was also a form of betrayal.” Uncle Tian’s voice remained calm.

"Then... what do you want me to do?" Landa finally understood the other party's intention—"double agent".

Spies shouldn't have emotions—especially not family. Randa had both, making him a failed spy. But for the sake of his emotions and family, Randa was willing to swallow the bitter pill of failure.

"It's nothing, everything is fine as usual. I, this old man, sometimes come here to fish. You can keep me company and chat with me then. Um, just call me Uncle Tian."

Uncle Tian patted the straw hat in his hand, and the letter opener embedded in the hat fell to the ground with a "clatter".

"Yes, Uncle Tian." Landa bowed respectfully.

“Well then, let me teach you something first: from now on, don’t use carrier pigeons to send messages. If you can talk to someone in person, that’s the best way. If that’s not possible, it’s better to have someone deliver a letter with a code than to use a carrier pigeon. The ‘Pearl Pavilion’ is at sea, and it’s normal to see seagulls there, but if a carrier pigeon flies out from among them, it will be very conspicuous. The fishermen of Liyue fish in coastal waters and rarely need to use carrier pigeons to send messages, so I had someone shoot down your pigeon.”

Uncle Tian guided him patiently, like a teacher instructing a student, which made Landa somewhat embarrassed. He had thought that the carrier pigeon he released the day before had not returned because the recipient had not yet had time to reply, but he did not expect that it had been intercepted by the old man in front of him.

“I… I never thought a pigeon would be shot down…” Landa said with a bitter face.

Pigeons fly very high and very fast, especially trained homing pigeons, which know how to avoid danger and are generally not shot down by people.

only……

“Ordinary people really can’t do it, and neither can I,” Uncle Tian chuckled. “But there are many hidden talents in Yuehai Pavilion. If we ask that person to help, it’s very simple. Oh, she’s always been a vegetarian and doesn’t like killing. I even gave her a pot of good tea.”

Yujing Terrace, Yuehai Pavilion.

Gan Yu has just released a carrier pigeon.

After the reforms at Yuehaiting, carrier pigeons were managed by designated personnel, and the delivery of letters was handled by designated personnel. In reality, it was no longer Gan Yu's turn to release the carrier pigeons himself.

But the carrier pigeon she just released was special—in fact, it was just a mechanical bird in the shape of a carrier pigeon.

That was her master Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun's new invention, a self-regulating mechanism—"Piaojin Mechanism·Liuyun".

The mechanism is made of folded paper, incredibly light, and shaped like a carrier pigeon commonly seen in Liyue; it even makes a "cooing" sound. This was a gift from Master Liuyun to Ganyu. Since Master Liuyun began presiding over the "Liyue Academy of Asgard Arts," his opportunities to meet his disciples have become fewer. To prevent Ganyu from feeling lonely without seeing his master, Master Liuyun specially gifted his disciple a "Piaojin Mechanism."

Although it is called a "mechanism", almost no traditional mechanical structure can be seen from the outside. The high-ranking officials of Liyue all know that "Return to the End" was created by Master Liuyun, but they do not know that this master's "mechanism" has actually progressed to the point of small-scale automation - if necessary, Master Liuyun can even create autonomous mechanical birds carrying high explosives.

Actually, the mechanical bird that True Lord Liuyun Jiefeng had given to his disciple was made in his own image, but Gan Yu somehow broke it, so the new one was designed like a regular carrier pigeon. It can carry letters or transmit simple messages using magic, and it is many times faster than a regular carrier pigeon.

Gan Yu doesn't possess the magical ability to send messages through dreams, and Liu Yun usually works tirelessly without sleep when borrowing Feng Zhenjun's research, so even if he tried to send a message through a dream, he wouldn't be able to reach her. Therefore, having this "carrier pigeon" deliver a message to their master comes in handy.

The reason for sending the message at night was naturally because it was urgent.

On Gan Yu's desk lies a secret letter from Zhi Dong. It was originally intended for Han Fulai, but since Han Fulai had gone to the Cengyan Juyuan and had not returned, Gan Yu accepted the letter on his behalf.

Ms. Huixin, who is temporarily handling affairs for Han Fulai, is swimming in a sea of ​​documents—this isn't the first time Han Fulai has delegated tasks to Huixin while on business trips. Sadly, Huixin finds herself getting used to working overtime and staying up late, and she's even gotten used to drinking strong tea, something she never used to drink, to stay awake.

Seeing Gan Yu come out of the door, Hui Xin quickly stood up and said, "Aunt Gan Yu, you've worked hard."

Gan Yu nodded gently. "Xiao Huixin, I have to go out for a while and will be back in about two days. Please remember to organize the documents during this time and put them on my desk."

"Okay," Huixin agreed, then asked, "May I know where you're going?"

“Qingxupu,” Gan Yu replied simply.

She thought for a moment and then said, "By the way, if Yuhengxing comes to see me, please ask her to sit in my office for a while."

"Eh? Don't we need to tell Lord Yuheng that you've already gone out?" Huixin asked, puzzled.

"No need. If we don't tell her, she'll go to the right place," Gan Yu replied with a smile.

Half an hour after Gan Yu left Yuehai Pavilion, Ke Qing rushed into the executive secretary's office with a planning scroll in her hand.

Since the "Liyue's Radiance" project began, Keqing's days have been quite fulfilling, so much so that her overtime hours are almost on par with Ganyu's. The construction of the "Guili New Area," the renovation plan for the Biyue River, and many other matters have filled Keqing's schedule to the brim.

She used to complain a bit about her personal secretary, Han Fulai, spending too much time in the Abyss of Layered Rocks, assuming he was slacking off. But now she's too lazy to complain anymore. Anyway, even though Han Fulai's gone, Gan Yu can't escape; one of them will have to work overtime with her.

Huixin, following Ganyu's instructions, asked Keqing to wait in the office.

Ke Qing went inside for a short while, then rushed out again in the same flustered manner as when she came in.

"Where is Lady Keqing going?" Huixin's heart was filled with increasing doubt.

Her father, Uncle Tian, ​​was always nowhere to be seen, her boss, Han Fulai, was away on a business trip, and now Gan Yu, the executive secretary of Yue Haiting, was also out. The only person she could ask for instructions at work was Ke Qing. But now it seemed like Ke Qing was also going out?

When Keqing heard Huixin's question, she left without turning her head and said "General Affairs Department" before disappearing from Huixin's sight with her purple twin tails.

Ke Qing just saw a letter on Gan Yu's desk.

It wasn't that Keqing intentionally wanted to peek; the letter was simply laid out on the table, making it difficult for Keqing to miss it.

The letter contained only two lines—

[The "rich man's" operation begins. The "young master" has already headed to the Layered Rock Abyss.]

The signature reads "Xing Nan".

Ke Qing is heading to the General Affairs Department to mobilize troops.

Atop Qingyun Peak, the firelight flickered.

The firelight came from a pipe.

The pipe was held in the hands of the white-haired beauty.

Ningguang has been sitting here for a while now.

This wasn't her first time visiting Qingyunding.

In fact, the reason she came up with the idea of ​​building the Qunyu Pavilion was because when she was a child, someone took her to Qingyun Peak.

The idea of ​​using floating stones to create buildings in the sky was not invented by Ningguang's Qunyu Pavilion. Thousands of years before her, Liuyun Jiefeng Zhenjun had already created such a place.

Although this is just a small pavilion about ten feet square, far smaller than the grand castle-like Qunyu Pavilion, it is much taller than Qunyu Pavilion.

Just as that person said when he brought her to Qingyunding—being in the clouds, watching the moon set and the sun rise, time becomes blurred.

She sat there for a long time, but it always felt like she had just arrived; time seemed to have lost its meaning here.

"Is this what it feels like to be an immortal?" Ningguang wondered. In a lifespan that is almost "infinite," calculating time itself is meaningless.

The moonlight is beautiful tonight, especially bright on these clouds, enough to illuminate the books.

Ningguang was reading the notes of the True Lord of Clouds and Wind.

This place was once requisitioned by the immortals for the 'Heaven and Earth Fate Test' to determine one's Dao heart. Now that Taishan Prefecture is closed, they have finally restored this tranquility to me.

Immortals are not born that way, but are enlightened by the Geo Archon, the "Ancestor of All Immortals," and the path to immortality is also passed down by the Geo Archon. In the past, the immortals of Liyue had to seek the path to immortality by searching high and low, going to heaven and earth, and undergoing two difficult trials before they could join the ranks of immortals.

The trial of "Earth" is the "Earth Fire Mingyi" in Taishan Prefecture, which means "the phoenix droops its wings, and turns from darkness to light". Only by being tempered by the earth fire can one obtain an immortal body.

The trial of "Heaven" took place right here on Qingyun Peak. Ningguang learned from some source that this trial was to allow immortals to "seek the ultimate truth in tranquility."

Only after undergoing both physical and mental tempering can one shed the mortal body and ascend to immortality.

However, many years ago, the "Heaven and Earth Cage Fate Test" was shut down by the Rock King Emperor.

Ningguang took out a roll of prepared Xuan paper from her bosom. On the paper was the inscription that Yelan had made in front of Taishan Mansion.

[This place is the territory of Mount Tai, built by imperial decree. However, the Rock Lord intends to return it to the people of Li; therefore, the traces of immortals and Taoist practices should be eradicated from the mortal world. Now, the secret treasures of Mount Tai are sealed away with water. Seeing this text is like seeing the True Lord; those who come should leave quickly.]

"Seeing the text is like seeing the true lord... Heh." Ningguang smiled, crumpled the piece of paper in her hand, and scattered it into the clouds.

Fluttering and falling, like snow dust descending from the clouds; dense and sparse, each word is as precious as a rare treasure.

With paper pieces falling from such a height, no one should be able to piece them back together, right?

Ningguang looked up at the bright moonlight overhead and finally couldn't resist reaching out to hold the moon in her palm.

She waved her sleeve, as if gathering the stars into it, with specks of stardust shimmering within.

In the next instant, Ningguang had already left Qingyun Peak.

In Liyue, it's not just birds and immortals who can fly; at least, Ningguang can too.

Clouds come from the sea, and a pearl-adorned boat sails.

The Pearl-Inlaid Boat was a place for gentlemen to amuse themselves, with interlaced lights and beautiful jade corridors. On it, people would drink wine, play chess, and shoot arrows, accompanied by the sounds of the konghou and sheng. Beautiful women would also be by their side, and the music would be exceptionally elegant.

In the VIP box, the three stars of the Seven Stars gathered together for the first time today.

The elegant young man in blue robes remained as refined and noble as ever, showing no trace of worldly vulgarity even amidst the debauchery of this place.

"...The rest of the transactions will depend on the two of you. Now that the official business has been settled, let's not miss this opportunity."

He gently presented a booklet to the two Seven Stars of the Jiang and Song families, saying softly, "This is the 'Record of Treasures from the Pearl-Inlaid Boat,' containing exquisite and dazzling beauty, elegant laughter and gentle songs, all for your selection. As the saying goes, 'A river is charming when it holds a pearl,' may you hold a bright pearl and flow with the river, and not fail the gentle warmth of the pearl."

Only Rouran, the owner of the Pearl Pavilion, could speak so elegantly about "picking a girl to accompany you for drinks."

The book "A Collection of Treasures from the Pearl-Inlaid Boats" records the names and portraits of fifteen boat girls, each with their own unique beauty, making it difficult to choose.

After some deliberation, the two Seven Stars finally chose the sisters Qiong Jiu and Qiong Tai.

They chose their chosen person, and Luo Xia, who was in charge of attending them, naturally brought the person to them.

The two women curtsied to the distinguished guests and said in unison, "We only hope that you gentlemen will not abandon us, so that our golden goblets and jade delicacies will not be wasted on the night wind."

Unexpectedly, these twin sisters not only have identical figures and appearances, but their voices also sound like the same person. If it weren't for the differences in their clothing and accessories, it would be difficult to tell who is Qiong Jiu and who is Qiong Tai.

Of course... without clothes and accessories, it would be even more impossible to tell them apart.

Chiang Kai-shek and Soong exchanged a glance, their understanding unspoken.

Amidst the chirping of birds, Rou Ran rose and pushed open the window of the private room, revealing the night view of Yunlaihai.

A gentle evening breeze carried a hint of intoxication, almost making one feel drunk. Rouran tapped on the window frame and softly recited: "Pearl-adorned hairpins sway, the blue waves ripple softly. The bright moon shines, its gentle light like jade."

This was a night in April of Liyue year 37XX, a night so ordinary that it was not recorded in any historical records.

The moon was bright that night, and the stars shone brightly. The night was peaceful and serene, with lights shining in every household.

Beneath the towering, moonless abyss of layered rocks, Jiang Xue no longer dreamed, and Han Fulai slept soundly as well.

No one can foresee the fate that is about to befall them.

Chapter 266 Why Did the Spirit Stone Fall Here? [4k]

After a day's journey, the three-person team finally arrived at the "Fluorescent Narrow Pass" once again.

Standing before the "Gate of the Rock Hall," Han Fulai reiterated the battle plan to Ye Lan and Jiang Xue for the last time.

"Based on our previous experience, the anomalies in the Abyss of the Laminar Rock are likely related to the contamination of the 'Wishing Stone.' We found a large amount of black mud where the 'Wishing Stone' was located in the upper layer, and the light energy emitted by the 'Lumen Stone,' which is of the same material as the 'Wishing Stone,' can dispel the black mud. It can be inferred that the 'Wishing Stone' is the key to suppressing the anomalies in the Abyss of the Laminar Rock."

"Our goal is to stop the 'Abyss Order' from corrupting the 'Wishing Stone,' not to annihilate the 'Abyss Order' or the 'Black Serpent Knight.' Don't let them hold you back..."

"So the key is to find an opportunity to strike the 'main fragment,' you've said it three times already." Ye Lan interrupted Han Fulai directly, she wasn't willing to give Han Fulai any face.

Thanks to the 9th Company of the Fools, they all knew the way to prevent the power of the abyss from corrupting the Wishing Stone.

The method was recorded in the notebook left by the captain, commander of the 9th Company.

The black substance on the main fragment has begun to regenerate. We need to learn from our previous mistakes... Aim at the appropriate point of impact on the main fragment and deliver one or more heavy blows to remove the black substance from the crystal...

"As long as you can create a suitable opportunity for me, leave the rest to me."

The only archer present, Yelan, made a confident declaration.

Yesterday, while on their journey, the three of them did a detailed deduction about the situation behind the "Gate of the Rock Hall".

Although the previous reconnaissance failed to break through the "Gate of the Rock Hall" and could not ascertain the enemy's exact number and deployment, Han Fulai, based on the principle of being prepared for the worst, made the decision to launch a long-range attack on the premise that he could not get close to the main fragment.

The captain's notes not only contained methods for removing the black substance that was binding the main fragment, but also provided relevant explanations about the condition of the main fragment.

According to the notes, the "Main Fragment," like the "Wishing Stone," was suspended in mid-air, surrounded by rocks. One could approach the Main Fragment by leaping across those floating rocks. The Ninth Company's method for dealing with the black mud was for a captain and other elite soldiers to charge forward and deliver a blow to the Main Fragment's head.

But back then, the Ninth Company was facing an unguarded main fragment, while now the door is heavily guarded by the "Abyss Order" and the "Black Serpent Knights".