He changed Tiwat

Of course, Venti wasn't just making fun of old friends; Han Fulai understood what he was trying to convey—the friendship between Barbatos, the Anemo Archon, and Morax, the Geo Archon, began a thousand years ago at a gathering in Liyue, and they are the most steadfast allies.

In fact, the seven rulers of the mortal world are all responsible for their own duties and guard their own corners. Theoretically, they are equivalent to the "military governors" under the court of Sky Island. Of course, they cannot visit each other unless necessary.

However, it was this unconventional Anemo God who took the initiative to "abscond" and went to visit Liyue next door with wine, which led to the later Seven Gods' Wine Party.

This wind god is the only one among the seven gods who has maxed out his diplomacy skills.

In other words, if there was any secret collusion or tacit understanding among the seven gods... Barbatos, who was always "didiing dragons" and not doing anything productive, would definitely be implicated.

...Even after the "Dark Calamity" when the seven gods joined forces to attack Canria five hundred years ago, Barbatos fell into a deep sleep, perhaps with the intention of biding his time.

Whether it's the "sky," the "sea," or the "stubborn rock," they all respond to the poet's beliefs—so what about the "starry sky"?

The poet said, 'I was thinking, if one day I could move the sea of ​​stars, it should summon a meteor shower. Ah, that's right. This Wings of Wind is the sea of ​​stars' response, it fell from the sky, just like you.'"

The green-clad poet tossed his xylophone into the sky.

As if by magic, the xylophone "Felin" vanished without a trace, replaced by a pair of golden wings—"Wings of the Wind".

These golden wind wings have a unique design. Their wings resemble the pipes of the organ in the West Wind Cathedral, emitting a beautiful and solemn low murmur in the air, exuding a majestic aura. The joints of the wings are engraved with musical notes, and a harp-shaped transmission mechanism is inlaid in the center. The overall structure is more like a musical instrument than wings.

Golden wind wings fell.

The poet held the Wings of Wind in his hands and handed them to Han Fulai in front of him.

He winked and laughed, "This poet isn't me, or this Wings of Wind fell from the sky. Choose one of these two things to believe, hehe."

Han Fulai solemnly accepted the Wings of the Wind, a symbol of freedom and the land of poetry.

This is not only a gift from the wind god to his friend who is the inheritor, but also humanity's expectation for the future.

"Thank you for your gift. May I ask if these Wind Wings have a name?"

Wendy thought for a moment, "It's the response of the stars, so let's call it 'Wings of Starlight'."

He then turned to Mona and produced a flower from his hand.

It was a small blue flower, as clear as jade, with a ribbon tied to its stem, the origin of which was unknown.

“This is a gift for the greatest astrologer of the future.” Wendy gracefully handed the small blue flower to Mona.

"...It's actually a sea dew flower." Mona accepted the flower from her hometown.

Although this flower has become a fossil over time, it is still as beautiful as ever.

Wendy nodded: "This is a memento left in Mondstadt by a traveler from Fontaine a thousand years ago. He wore this flower of his homeland on his chest and fought bravely to save a princess at the 'Badminton Festival'. It is called 'The Traveler's Heart'. May it bring good luck to travelers who seek the truth."

"Then, what about me!" Paimon pointed to his little nose.

Wendy grinned as she took off her hat, and a large apple fell out: "This is for you, a four-times sweeter apple."

"Me too!" Ying raised her hand.

“Oh dear… I didn’t prepare that many gifts.” Wendy blinked, then suddenly patted Han Fulai on the shoulder: “But I promise, there’s a gentleman here who would also like to give you flowers!”

As soon as he finished speaking, the green-clad poet vanished without a trace.

Huh? How did it turn into me giving flowers to travelers?

He did have a red glass lily on him... but that was a keepsake between him and Ningguang, so he couldn't just give it to Yingmei, could he?

Han Fulai was stunned for a moment, then suddenly realized what was happening and took out a flower from his storage space—a small, pure white flower.

"This 'Intiwat' is for you, Ying."

Chapter 53 We Will Eventually Meet Again

“Ying, this flower is exactly the same as the one you’re wearing in your hair!” Paimon exclaimed, his eyes wide.

Ying also stared at the flowers in Han Fulai's hand.

"...So the name of this flower is 'Intiwat'..."

After Ying was born into this world, the first person she encountered was not Paimon, but her brother Kong, and the place was Kanria—the already destroyed Kanria.

That was five hundred years ago, the war that destroyed the kingdom of Kanria.

Ying is awakened by her brother, who tells her that the destruction of Canria has caused a cataclysmic change in the world, and that he will take her away from this world called Teyvat.

She still remembers the crimson full moon she saw then, and the raging fire.

She had just woken up and was in a hurry to leave this world. She knew nothing about the background of the place name "Kanria" and just kept running with her brother—and then the siblings encountered a god blocking their way.

At that time, she was already wearing this "Intiwat" on her head.

Then, five hundred years later, she awoke again by the sea. While fishing to stave off hunger, she caught Paimon, the "emergency food," and thus began her journey to find her blood relatives.

Ying didn't remember the origin of the "Intiwat" flower, but she vaguely felt that the flower was a connection between her and the past.

"Intiwat," a flower named after Tiwat, looks beautiful and delicate, yet it lacks the softness and fragrance of a flower.

Its petals are as hard as iron, making it unimaginable what kind of soil such a flower grows in, or how it came to be picked and used as decoration.

But such a resilient flower is most suitable for a strong girl like Ying.

Only such a strong floral decoration could accompany her through this dangerous journey.

“There seems to be something in this flower…” Mona frowned, her eyes, which seemed to see through fate, vaguely discerning an ominous aura clinging to the petals.

Although Mona did not know the origin of the flower, she could say with certainty that it was definitely related to the "Abyss".

According to Dain, the Intiwat is the national flower of Kanria and once bloomed in every corner of the Kanria land. This flower will no longer grow if it leaves the land of Kanria and will become very hard. Only when it returns to its homeland will the petals become soft again. It symbolizes the "wanderer" and signifies the "tenderness of homeland".

Han Fulai handed the flowers to Ying.

"It was obtained by me and Dainesreb from the ruins beneath the Abyss of the Rocky Mountains. It came from your blood relative, Empty."

"These are... flowers left by my brother?" Ying's hand trembled slightly, which was unusual for her.

The moment Ying received the flower, she faintly heard some background noise.

The connection from her blood relatives caused several images to flash before her eyes, seemingly of her brother... but she couldn't see them clearly.

Intiwat is not a phonograph, and Musk Reef is not a deep abyss. While Ying couldn't access the memories within the ruins, she could sense that this flower held important information.

Han Fulai nodded. "Yes, they are flowers he left in some ruins to commemorate the dead Kanriyans."

"You...you've seen my brother?" Ying grabbed Han Fulai's sleeve urgently, as if afraid he would run away like Wendy.

"So it was you who Venti said we could find clues in Liyue!" Paimon flew over and grabbed his other sleeve.

"Sorry, I just remembered... Uh, you two can let go, I really won't run away..." Han Fulai began to tell Ying about his experience in the ruins with some embarrassment.

His experiences lately have indeed been quite "fulfilling." If Wendy hadn't reminded him just now, he doesn't know how long he would have kept this "Intiwart" flower hidden away.

After he finished explaining the past images he had seen in the ruins and the plans of the "Abyss Order," Ying finally released him.

"Before the 'Abyss' engulfs the throne, I have an unfinished war with 'Heavenly Principle'..."

Ying remembered what Sora had said to her the last time she saw him.

Right before her eyes, protected by the "Apostles of the Abyss," her only remaining loved one was separated from her once more. She stood there in the empty ruins, unable to process what had happened...

Her brother's parting words still lingered in her mind: "I have already traveled once. So, you must also reach your destination like me, so that you can leave behind the essence of this world in your own eyes. We will meet again eventually. But don't rush, Ying. I have enough time to wait for you. Our time... has always been enough."

Seeing Ying standing there in a daze for a long time, Paimon waved his little hand in front of Ying with some concern: "Ying, are you alright?"

Ying shook her head gently. "I'm fine, Paimon. He said, 'We will meet again.'"

She looked up and thanked Han Fulai: "Thank you for bringing me news of my brother... If it's alright, could you please take me to the Layered Rock Abyss?"

Although she had heard Han Fulai's account, she still needed to see many things for herself.

For example, Ying suspects that the inverted ruins underground might be related to the "reversed defiled idol" she saw in Mondstadt. Moreover, based on Han Fulai's description, if she went to those ruins, she might also see her brother offering flowers to the dead Hilichurls.

Besides, there might be some information that Han Fulai didn't discover, but that she could sense through their blood ties.

In short, she didn't want to stay in Mondstadt for even a day longer...

However, Han Fulai had also told her that the Layered Rock Abyss had only recently opened, and the Black Rock Factory was currently only allowed to resume operations in the upper areas. Although the black mud in the lower layers was no longer being regenerated, the black mud accumulated over many years could not be completely eliminated in a short time. Therefore, the Seven Star Government still restricted access to the lower parts of the Layered Rock Abyss, and for the time being, only exploration teams with government permission could enter.

The upside-down city is located in the lower part of the Lava Abyss. If Ying wants to enter, she needs permission from the Liyue Hall of Glorious Hill and the support of an exploration team. Han Fulai is a big shot in Liyue, and it would be much easier with him by her side, which is why Ying asked him for help.

"Yes, of course... but I'll have to stay in Mondstadt for a while, so it's really inconvenient in the short term..." Han Fulai understood Ying's feelings, but he also had things to do in Mondstadt, and he couldn't just abandon his responsibilities and go back to Liyue now.

Moreover, he had just learned about the clues to the "False Heaven" and received the "Starry Wings" from Venti. He had promised to help Venti with some Mondstadt matters in exchange for information, so it was impossible for him to accompany the lower Rock Abyss at this time.

"I see... It's alright, Paimon, let's go by ourselves." Although Ying was a little disappointed, she only thought it would be a bit troublesome. Anyway, the Traveler had already traversed Mondstadt with just a bladeless sword and Paimon, so there was no reason to be afraid of the Deep Rock Abyss.

"Are you planning to go soon?" Han Fulai asked.

Ying nodded: "I plan to leave for Liyue tomorrow."

"I see..." Han Fulai thought for a moment, "That's easy. After we get back tonight, I'll write you a 'letter of introduction.' Take the letter to Liyue Harbor and find Ningguang, the star of Tianquan. Just say you're my friend, and she'll take care of everything else for you."

Paimon was shocked: "Tianquan Star... isn't that the Seven Stars of Liyue? You have such influence that you can ask the Seven Stars for a favor!"

Mona muttered to herself, "His influence is probably greater than you think..."

Chapter Fifty-Four: The Cavalry Captain Without a Horse

"Gift of the Angels" is always bustling at night. It not only offers the most famous wines in Mondstadt, but also performances by the renowned bard "Six-Fingered Joseph." Coupled with the Mondstadt people's love of alcohol, the bar is always packed.

But the bar seemed rather deserted tonight.

Because of the meteor shower, most of the knights who usually spend half the night at the bar after work are out on duty. Some regulars are also unconscious due to the meteor shower and have not yet recovered, so there are far fewer people now.

"Six-Fingered Joseph" stood in front of the bar, listlessly strumming the strings.

As a popular bard in Mondstadt, "Six-Fingered Joseph" was quite well-received, at least a few months ago. His harp skills were top-notch even in Mondstadt, known as the "City of Pastors," and the name "Six-Fingered" was a compliment to his plucking technique.

But ever since that short bard in the green trench coat appeared, his audience has dwindled. Joseph had intended to challenge the strange bard to a duel, but after hearing his beautiful singing before the statue of the wind god, Joseph himself became captivated...

His competitive spirit as a bard drove him to create new works to win back his audience. However, creating new works that could surpass his former singing voice was easier said than done. Therefore, Joseph has yet to regain his former glory.

Fortunately, the guy in green was rather idle and wouldn't perform at the bar even once a week, which allowed him to retain his position as a resident singer at "Angel's Gift".

He had planned to perform his long-awaited new work for the bar's patrons tonight, but with so few customers, it was hard to muster any enthusiasm.

Of course, as professional bards, even with few guests, they still need to put on a professional performance.

After tuning the strings, he cleared his throat and began to sing his new composition:

"When the sun sets on an ancient kingdom, even the brightest pearl loses its luster."

"Gold loses its luster, and white silk is stained a dull yellow."

"The lost underground kingdom of Kanria brought disaster."

"The Black Sun Dynasty collapsed, and disaster broke through the ancient city walls, spreading across the continent. The alchemists known as 'Gold' fell into sin, giving birth to countless dark monsters. The black serpent—the evil dragon, 'Durin'—rose from the sea, its shadow looming over Mondstadt."

"But at this time, the Lion Fang Knights' legacy was in vain, and the eagle banner of the Knights of Favonius could not fly in the wind."

The music was mournful, like weeping and lamenting, as if it were the wails of the people of Mondstadt five hundred years ago.

"The endless lamentations finally summoned the god of Mondstadt once more—the Wind Singer. The Sky Harp was plucked once more, and the wind dragon was summoned once more."

"Now Mondstadt only has the Wind Dragons to rely on. The evil dragon and the Wind Dragons then engaged in a desperate battle in the storm."

"The wind dragon ultimately triumphed, biting the dragon's throat but swallowing its poisonous blood. The dragon's poisonous blood was the distorted gold, the power that caused mountains to collapse and the earth to perish."

"The wind dragon protected Mondstadt, thinking that this would make people understand it. So it fell into a long slumber."

"The lyre of the sky played a mournful tune. The lyre of the sky said, 'When you awaken next time, you should be free. Dragon, who should be flying freely in the high heavens, all things will eventually understand your beauty…'"

The music shifts again; after a long prelude, Joseph finally turns from narrative to song:

The Dark Ages Have Arrived

At this time, the lion's teeth were decayed, and the eagle banner was no longer raised.

The dragon drew near to Mondstadt.

Suffering is the shadow that hangs over the cathedral.

Alas, poets have reassembled their poetic discourse.

The Sky Dragon answered the call and came.

Fight to the death against the evil dragon in the storm.

The Sky Dragon swallowed the venomous blood of the evil dragon and fell into a deep sleep.

Years later, however, no one recognized its revival.

Why do people nowadays despise me?

The Sky Harp remained silent.