Chapter 35: The Mysterious Crystal

As Aether and his companions emerged from the depths of the Chasm, the sunlight greeted them with a warm embrace. The fresh air was a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere of the cave below. However, the crystal in Aether's hand pulsed gently, a constant reminder of the power they had uncovered in the dark.

Amber stretched her arms, visibly relieved to be out of the Chasm. "Phew! I don't know about you guys, but I'm glad to be back in the sunlight."

Lisa nodded, though her eyes remained fixed on the crystal Aether carried. "As much as I enjoy a good adventure, we need to figure out what this is before the Abyss Order gets a chance to make another move."

Rosaria remained quiet, her eyes scanning the horizon as if expecting danger to strike at any moment. "We've delayed them for now, but this isn't over."

Aether, still feeling the weight of the crystal in his hand, glanced at Lisa. "What do you think? Could this crystal be connected to Liyue's history, or something even older?"

Lisa's brow furrowed in thought. "It's hard to say. The energy radiating from it feels ancient, but not in the way we're used to. This could be a key to something—perhaps a remnant of an older civilization or a powerful artifact that the Abyss Order was trying to corrupt."

Amber's eyes lit up with curiosity as she looked at the crystal. "It doesn't look dangerous. In fact, it kind of looks… pretty."

Rosaria, standing on the outskirts of the group, remained cautious. "Pretty or not, we don't know what it's capable of. We need answers before we let our guard down."

Aether nodded, knowing that the next step was clear. "We should head back to Liyue Harbor. Zhongli might have some insight into this. If it's connected to Liyue's history, he might know more."

With their path set, the group made their way back to the harbor. As they approached the city, the bustling atmosphere seemed like a world away from the dark mysteries they had just uncovered in the Chasm. The scent of spices and sea salt filled the air, a reminder of Liyue's vibrant culture and history.

At the Yuehai Pavilion, they found Zhongli, standing in his usual spot, observing the harbor with the calmness of someone who had seen the rise and fall of countless generations. As Aether and the group approached, Zhongli turned to face them, his golden eyes flickering with curiosity.

"You've returned," Zhongli said, his voice as calm as ever. "What did you find in the Chasm?"

Aether stepped forward and revealed the crystal, holding it out for Zhongli to see. "We found this. The Abyss Order was performing a ritual, and we managed to stop them, but this crystal… it feels important."

Zhongli's gaze sharpened as he studied the crystal. He reached out, his hand hovering just above its surface, as if sensing its energy. After a moment, he spoke, his voice low and thoughtful. "This is not of the Abyss. In fact, it is much older than Liyue itself. This crystal contains traces of ancient power, but it has been dormant for a long time."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "So, it's not from Liyue's history? Then what is it?"

Zhongli's eyes remained fixed on the crystal. "There are many legends of civilizations that existed long before the rise of the Seven Nations—civilizations that wielded power beyond what we know today. This crystal may be a remnant of one of those forgotten eras, a time when the lines between gods and mortals were blurred."

Aether felt a chill run down his spine at Zhongli's words. "Do you think the Abyss Order was trying to use it to summon something?"

Zhongli nodded slowly. "It is possible. The Abyss Order is constantly seeking ways to disrupt the balance of Teyvat, and an artifact like this could be the key to unlocking forgotten powers. But it is unclear what their true purpose is. What is certain is that this crystal must be kept safe."

Rosaria, ever practical, spoke up. "If the Abyss Order was after this, they're going to come back for it. We need to figure out how to keep it out of their hands."

Zhongli turned to Aether, his gaze serious. "For now, the crystal should remain with you, Traveler. Its power resonates with you, and it may reveal its secrets in time. But be cautious. The Abyss Order will not stop until they have what they seek."

Amber, her usual optimism tempered by the weight of the situation, nodded. "We'll protect it. Whatever the Abyss Order is planning, we won't let them succeed."

Lisa, ever the voice of reason, added, "It might be worth investigating any other places in Liyue that are tied to ancient history. If this crystal is connected to something bigger, we need to get ahead of the Abyss Order's plans."

Zhongli smiled faintly, his expression thoughtful. "Indeed. Liyue is a land steeped in history, and there are many places where ancient powers still linger. I suggest you visit the ruins near the Nantianmen region. There are whispers of forgotten temples hidden in the mountains—temples that may hold the answers you seek."

Aether felt a sense of resolve settle within him. "Then that's where we'll go next."

As they prepared to leave, Zhongli offered a final piece of advice. "Be careful, Traveler. The further you delve into the past, the more dangerous the journey becomes. But remember, the past is not just a place of forgotten memories—it is the foundation upon which the future is built."

With those words echoing in his mind, Aether and his companions set out once again, the crystal safely tucked away, its mysterious power still pulsing softly in his hand. Their journey was far from over, and the mysteries of Liyue—and Teyvat—were only growing deeper.

As they made their way toward the next destination, the weight of their mission pressed heavily on Aether's shoulders. But with his friends by his side, he knew they could face whatever dangers lay ahead.