He changed Tiwat

According to the records in "Yuanhai Zhuyou Jicheng", the "Haiqi Yuling Festival" should be able to reverse the phenomenon of "sacred land". Since ancient times, Haiqi Island has relied on the "Haiqi Yuling Festival" to curb the influence of "sacred land".

"As you know, the 'sacredification' of Umijima Island has become increasingly serious in recent years, and the land on Umijima Island can no longer produce food. We should have held the 'Umijima Spirit Festival' several years ago, but due to the shogunate's chaotic governance, we had to prioritize dealing with the 'military remonstrance,' which is why this festival has been delayed until now..."

The real reason the "Sea Spirit Festival" was delayed was that Xin Hai wanted to maintain the threat of "Holy Land Transformation." In case the "military remonstrance" failed, he would let "Holy Land Transformation" spread throughout the Inazuma region and perish together with Narukami Island—but Han Fulai certainly wouldn't reveal this at this time.

The divine child curled her lip and said, "Could it be that you overlooked some step, causing the ritual to fail? As a 'living human god priestess,' it's somewhat unqualified of you to not even be able to preside over a ritual properly?"

Xin Hai's expression was somewhat complicated: "I can guarantee in the name of the Coral Palace that there were absolutely no oversights in the procedures of the ceremony I presided over. The Blood Branch Coral that Ying retrieved from the Abyss Palace does indeed possess the power of the Great God, so there should be no reason for the ceremony to fail."

"However... the phenomenon of 'sanctification' shows no signs of being reversed; on the contrary, it has 'stopped.' This has never happened before in history."

"After all, this is a major matter concerning the survival of Haiqi Island, so I still tried my best to send people to Yuanxia Palace to investigate the situation."

"The communications from the various squads mentioned that 'an unyielding darkness has taken hold of the entire Abyss Palace,' and that previously unseen monsters have also appeared. Aside from that, the exploration has yielded almost nothing, and due to the harsh environment, many soldiers have suffered undeserved calamities..."

Ying nodded in agreement: "Yes, we just went down to help rescue those soldiers. Many members of the vanguard, the Third Division of the Rays, were injured and needed treatment, which is why Xin Hai used 'Transformation into the Moon'..."

Xin Hai was late not because he was putting on makeup and changing clothes, but because treating the wounded soldiers took up his time.

Ruko then added, "According to their report, in addition to the dragon lizards, a 'humanoid monster' that has never been seen before has also appeared in the Abyss Palace."

"'Armor that can move on its own'—that's what the soldiers said. Although it sounds like the ramblings of someone who's been mentally disturbed, all the wounded who returned described something like that."

“'Armor that can move on its own'…”

Han Fulai was taken aback.

This description sounds very much like the "Black Serpent Knights" he saw in the Abyss of the Rocky Mountains, who were once the Royal Guard of Kanria.

Speaking of which, thousands of years ago, Kanria did indeed send people to visit the Kingdom of White Night and attempt to steal one of its treasures—the appearance of the "Black Serpent Knight." Could it be related to that event from thousands of years ago?

Ruko continued, "Not only that, but in the darkness, even ordinary enemies become difficult to deal with. That's why the Ray Division 3 suffered heavy losses."

"However, the wounded who have been evacuated seem to have mentioned something else: a shrine maiden who calls herself 'Agi' is helping to treat the wounded."

“I’ve heard about this too…” Xin Hai frowned. “There is no such person among the registered priestesses of the Coral Palace. But according to the soldiers, she presided over the ‘Thousand Lantern Festival’ and maintained a sliver of light in the central area of ​​the Abyss Palace. Thanks to her, the wounded soldiers were able to have a safe place to recuperate.”

"'The Thousand Lantern Festival'?" The divine child blinked, as if she had thought of something.

Xin Hai explained, “'The Thousand Lantern Festival' is also an ancient ritual recorded in the ‘Collection of Abyssal Blessings’. It can dispel darkness with the power of light… However, this ritual can only be used in the Abyssal Palace, so it was not brought to Haiqi Island. Only a handful of people in the entire Coral Palace know about this ritual…”

Lu Zi shrugged slightly; she wasn't included in the "few people".

In the entire Coral Palace, aside from the elderly retired priestesses, it's likely that only Xin Hai actually reads the "Complete Collection of Abyssal Incantations." Young priestesses like Lu Zi actually spend more time acting as "tour guides" and "salespeople" than as "priestesses"... priestesses need to eat too!

Haege Island is so barren that, apart from fishing and pearl harvesting, it can only rely on tourism...

Xin Hai bowed his head to Han Fulai: "The identity of this 'Aqi' priestess is indeed suspicious, but she helped my subordinates, so I can't show her any hostility... I'm sorry, I should have investigated these things beforehand, but now I'm leaving the trouble to you..."

Han Fulai comforted him understandingly, saying, "Xin Hai, you already have a lot to do, and opening the Yuanxia Palace was originally my request. You hastily held the 'Sea God Spirit Festival' at my request, and you couldn't have foreseen the changes in the Yuanxia Palace beforehand. It's normal for accidents to happen."

"In any case, now that I'm here, I'll take over the affairs of Yuanxia Palace. Please take good care of the soldiers who were injured while exploring Yuanxia Palace."

"Yes, then I'll leave it to Mr. Han." A blush quietly appeared on Xin Hai's face.

Lu Zi sidled up to Xin Hai and whispered a few words in her ear.

Although she spoke softly, it didn't escape the fox spirit priest's large ears—

"Hehe, Lord Coral Palace, he's so good to you, and he keeps calling you 'Heart Sea.' When he gets back, would you like me to help arrange a date itinerary? I'm quite experienced in receiving tourists, you know?"

Xin Hai's face turned even redder.

The divine child gave a heavy "humph".

Xin Hai quickly pushed Lu Zi away and said seriously, "Be serious, Lu Zi! Otherwise... next year you and Na hope will switch shifts and be in charge of the floating spirit ecological management of Hai Zhi Island."

Lu Zi coughed and put on a serious face: "Lord Coral Palace, in my humble opinion, Aji's behavior is quite friendly. However, the situation is urgent now, and we do not have the resources to take precautions or doubt our allies at this stage. On the contrary, the matter of 'Holy Land Conversion' is imminent and cannot be lost."

"To remedy the failure of the 'Sea Spirit Festival,' we must find out why the 'sacred land transformation' has stopped rather than been reversed. For this purpose, we need someone who can go deep into the heart of the Fubuki Palace to investigate the 'Great Sun Chariot' left by our ancestors."

"I recommend General Ying and Paimon of 'Sea Gods Unrivaled' to represent our Coral Palace and accompany Mr. Han to investigate the Abyss Palace. General Ying and Paimon are both unrivaled warriors. Last time they were able to retrieve the Blood Branch Coral, and this time they can also dispel the darkness of the Abyss Palace."

"Furthermore, I have heard that Mr. Han has keen insight and once helped the rebels capture a spy from the Fools. If that witch Aji truly harbors evil intentions, she will surely have nowhere to hide in Mr. Han's eyes. Why don't we hand this matter over to Mr. Han for handling as well? What do you think?"

Han Fulai smiled slightly. This Miss Lu Zi was indeed loyal to Xin Hai. Although this method of flattering someone was a bit too obvious in his eyes, he was already planning to take over the affairs of Yuanxia Palace, so it wouldn't hurt to do a "political vetting" while he was at it.

Ying and Paimeng were clearly swayed by Lu Zi's act, both puffing out their chests and raising their noses high, looking as if the mere Yuanxia Palace was something they could easily conquer.

The goddess rolled her eyes in annoyance.

Sigh, it's really hard being his subordinate. On Narukami Island, I have to fight with A-Ying, and now on Umi-Gi-ji Island, I have to fight with other fox spirits.

She's clearly the real vixen, isn't she?

Oh well, what can I do? She's his only family.

In short... as long as she's around, no other vixen will have a chance, hmph.

Shinkai nodded, agreeing to Ruko's suggestion: "Yes, let's do as you say. I've already dispatched the Swordfish First Squad to Abyss Palace to continue evacuating the wounded. They will escort a few to the camp in the center of Abyss Palace. Ying, your Swordfish Second Squad will also be going, and you will be in command."

"in addition……"

As she spoke, she took something out of her sleeve and presented it to Han Fulai with both hands: "Mr. Han, please take this with you. It should be able to help you when you need to make a decision."

Han Fulai took it and saw that it was a uniquely shaped fragment of a jade pendant with patterns resembling dragons or snakes. The edges were damaged, as if it had been broken off from a whole piece of jade.

Ying and Paimon leaned over to examine it for a while, but couldn't figure it out: "Is this... a fragment of something?"

On the contrary, Ruko showed a rare expression of shock: "Lady Coral Palace, this... this is..."

Xin Hai shook his head, indicating that she didn't need to say anything more, and simply said, "...Haiqi Island no longer needs this. Moreover, the other two fragments are in Yuanxia Palace. If fate allows, we can take this opportunity to reunite them."

Ruko paused for a moment, then finally nodded: "Your subordinate understands, Lady Coral Palace. Then... the emergency remedial action—'Three Realms Road Feast'—shall be activated immediately."

On the way to Yuanxia Palace, Paimon kept repeating this strange operation code name, which sounded like a tongue twister.

What does "Sanjie Luxiangji" mean?

Ruko simply smiled without saying anything—in fact, she had heard the name from a shrine maiden named Agi, and she didn't know what it meant.

Since she could pretend to be an expert by not saying anything, Ruko could only smile knowingly and remain silent.

The Fox Fairy Palace Master, who saw through everything, smiled without saying a word. She probably knew more about the history of Yuanxia Palace than Xinhai did.

However, she was only accompanying Han Fulai to "ascend to godhood," so she had no obligation to help the fox spirit of Haiqi Island.

After leading everyone to Ueno, the acting captain of the "Swordfish Squad 1," Ruko explained the mission and then handed a teardrop-shaped, sea-blue gem to Ying.

"This 'Key to the Moonlit Abyss' is now entrusted to you once again. May the Great God of the Sea Bless you with good fortune in battle."

Chapter 271 The "Black Serpent Knight" Reappears [4k]

The "Key to the Moonlit Abyss" is the key to unlocking the seal of the Abyss Palace. Last time, when Ying and Paimon went to retrieve the Blood Branch Coral, they used this key to open the abyss beneath Haiqi Island.

According to Ruko, this "teardrop" was forged from a drop of divine blood left behind by the sea god Orobas.

Despite having used it once before, Paimon still had a lot of complaints about it: "'Yu Hui Yu Yuan Zhi Yue'... Waaah, it's so hard to pronounce..."

To activate the divine power sealed within the "Key to the Moonlit Abyss," one must pronounce its correct name in the ancient language of the Sea God—this is, of course, also a kind of "word power."

Paimon clearly lacks any talent for singing, dancing, or rapping, and is completely helpless against such a rap-like name.

Ruko rarely has the opportunity to show her shrine maiden side, and it's only when she's chanting incantations and praying that people remember that this "guide sister" is actually a shrine maiden.

So the more Paimon racked his brains, the happier Ruko became.

"Please take this 'Key to the Moonlit Abyss' carefully." She repeated the words clearly.

Paimon couldn't stand anyone showing off in front of her: "You, you, you, say it again!"

Lu Zi smiled calmly: "'The Key to the Moonlit Abyss'."

Paimon stomped his foot: "You, you say it three more times!"

Lu Zi still smiled: "'The Key to the Moonlit Abyss,' 'The Key to the Moonlit Abyss,' 'The Bath of Spicy Pickling'..."

The smile shifted to Paimon's face.

"Tch, I bit my tongue." Lu Zi clicked her tongue, she was starting to think the name was quite tongue-twisting too.

Paimon glanced sideways: "So there's definitely something wrong with your naming! Change the name."

Lu Zi shrugged: "Even if it has to be changed, people hundreds of years from now will benefit... Just bear with it this time."

At this moment, Captain Ueno, who had been waiting for a long time, finally couldn't help but remind him: "Um... we still have a mission..."

Lu Zi coughed a few times: "Ahem, well, I'm about to perform the ceremony. General Ying, please cooperate with me."

Ying nodded silently, gripped the "Key to the Moonlit Abyss" in her hand, and recited the incantation to open the seal together with Lu Zi.

She learned all the languages ​​of Teyvat from Paimon, her "Teyvat guide," in less than half a month. Although she still had some difficulties with reading and writing, she could communicate without any problems.

Learning a few more tongue twisters in the ancient Haiqi language was naturally a simple matter for Ying.

On the other hand, Han Fulai found the "ancient language of the sea god" that Ying was reciting increasingly familiar—although he couldn't understand all the incantations, he could understand some of the words.

He was even certain that most students who had received compulsory education in China would share the same feeling... because those words were from textbooks and were commonly used.

As the two prayed, the once calm sea in the center of Haiqi Island began to rotate, slowly forming a huge whirlpool—"Moon Bathing Abyss".

This means that the path to Yuanxia Palace has been opened.

Holding the "Key to the Moonlit Abyss," Ying and Paimon were the first to jump into the vortex.

Captain Ueno and his "Swordfish Squad 1" soldiers followed.

Finally, there are Han Fulai and Shenzi.

He was actually prepared to jump down just like everyone else—but as he was about to jump, the goddess suddenly collapsed into his arms.

Hold me.

Under Miss Lu Zi's complicated and unspeakable gaze, Han Fulai carried the fox priest in a "princess carry" and leaped into the "Abyss of Moon Bathing" with the momentum of "You jump, I jump".

The "Miss Fox's great victory" smile on Shinko's face made Ruko sulk for a whole day.

Passing through the entrance to the "Moon Bathing Abyss" gave Han Fulai a sense of déjà vu once again—he had the same feeling when he rode the elevator in the Layered Rock Abyss.

Like the Abyss of Laminaria, the Abyss Palace, though geographically located directly below the Isle of Sea, is essentially an alternate world; the deeper one goes, the further away one feels from Teyvat.

Moreover, visually, this place also gives people the same feeling as the deep abyss of layered rocks, both being dark underground abysses, as if everything is shrouded in darkness.

While the workers in the Abyss of Layered Rocks still had miners' lamps or "lumen stones" to illuminate the way, the Palace Below the Abyss was completely pitch black.

Yingmei, who came down first, and the members of "Swordfish Squad 1" and "Swordfish Squad 2" who were already waiting for their captain, had already lit torches, but the light of the torches was also restricted by a strange force, and could only illuminate a very small area in front of them.

According to Han Fulai's visual estimation, the visibility was only about five meters. Beyond that range, the torchlight seemed to disappear.

Let alone ordinary people, even if Han Fulai were to use all his immortal power, or even if a divine child had eyes that were born with night vision, he would not be able to see anything here.

Of course, it wasn't like this before.

According to Captain Ueno, the "Dainichi Mikoto" of Fuchishita Shrine would continue to be lit even in the "Night" state, just like a moon hanging in the sky, and it would never be completely dark like it is now.

In addition, there are many coral branches left behind by the sea god Omikami. The light of those coral branches is enough to replace the "Great Sun Palace" as a "lighthouse" in the "Eternal Night" - otherwise the sea gods who used to live in Fuchishita Palace would not have been able to live here.

In fact, the "Dainichi Mikoto" and the coral branches are still in use.

"That 'Great Lighthouse'—that is, the 'Great Sun Palace'—is not too far from where we are now. We can see it in about ten minutes' walk," said Ying.

It's only a ten-minute walk, which is at most a few miles. Even a regular lighthouse's illumination range would be far beyond that distance, let alone a large-scale lighting device like the "Dainichi Mikoto" used to represent the "sun and moon".

But they couldn't see any light on their side...

"Because 'an unquenchable darkness entrenched the entire Yuanxia Palace'..." Han Fulai now had a real understanding of the situation in Yuanxia Palace.

It is the 'abyss'.

The divine child simply uttered three words, immediately resolving Han Fulai's doubts.

Yes, if there is any power that can obscure the perception of immortal power and the divine child's "Heavenly Eye," then it can only be the power of the abyss, which is on a higher level.

The "black mud" at the bottom of the deep rock abyss is the same thing.

The failure of the "Sea Spirit Festival" was likely caused by an anomaly triggered by the power of the abyss.

The appearance of those armored figures resembling "Black Serpent Knights" that could move on their own here is also explained. It is likely that a similar anomaly has occurred in this place as in the Abyss of Layered Rocks, and there may even be interference from the "Abyss Order".

Yes, that's very likely. The failure of the "Sea Spirit Festival" was probably also the result of obstruction by the abyssal demons.

No wonder the soldiers on Haiqi Island suffered heavy losses... How could mortals be a match for the monsters of the abyss? Moreover, the darkness here obscured the soldiers' vision, so even if they were highly skilled in martial arts, they would be at half their strength.

The soldiers of the two "Swordfish" squads, in groups of three or five, formed a "Inusaka Square Formation" resembling the shape of cherry blossoms to stand guard on the outer perimeter.

They were the most elite soldiers on Haiqi Island, but even they had suffered losses in the Abyss Palace. During their previous exploration of the Abyss Palace, the monsters suddenly emerged from the darkness, making them impossible to defend against. Those who were alone were easily attacked, so they could only move slowly in this defensive formation.

This time, their mission is to escort Mr. Han, this important figure, to the "Great Sun Imperial Carriage," so they must adopt this foolproof tortoise-shell formation. Although it will be slower, it will ensure safety.