Chapter 22: Entering Liyue

As Aether and his companions crossed the threshold into Liyue, the air seemed to shift. The mountainous terrain stretched out before them, the peaks rising high into the clouds like silent guardians of the land. Liyue was known for its rich history, its powerful geo-adepti, and the bustling trade port of Liyue Harbor. It was a place unlike Mondstadt, with a different energy coursing through its veins—a blend of ancient tradition and modern progress.

Amber's eyes sparkled with excitement as she looked around, taking in the towering mountains and the distant sounds of the harbor city below. "Wow! Liyue is amazing! Look at those mountains!"

"It certainly has a different feel from Mondstadt," Aether said, his eyes scanning the horizon. "But we should stay vigilant. We don't know what threats might be lurking here."

Lisa smiled, clearly enjoying the new surroundings. "Oh, I'm sure there's plenty to discover here. Liyue is a land of mystery, after all. And if there's something unusual going on, we'll find out soon enough."

Rosaria, ever the silent observer, took in the sights with her usual calm expression. "The Abyss Order wouldn't stay away from a place like this. There's too much power here for them to ignore."

Aether felt a sense of awe as he looked out over Liyue's vast landscape. It was a world full of potential, and somewhere within this region might be the clues he needed to find his sister. But there was also a sense of urgency—if the Abyss Order was active in Liyue, it could spell disaster for the region, just as it had threatened Mondstadt.

As they made their way down the mountain path toward Liyue Harbor, the bustling sounds of the city began to fill the air—merchants calling out, ships unloading cargo, and the general hum of life in the harbor. The towering stone pillars and statues of ancient gods loomed over the city, a testament to Liyue's deep connection to its past.

"Liyue Harbor is massive!" Amber said with wide eyes. "I can't wait to explore."

Lisa gave a light chuckle. "Oh, I'm sure you'll find plenty of things to keep you entertained, Amber."

Aether led the group toward the heart of the harbor, where the Adventurers' Guild was located. It was their first stop to gather information about the strange activity they had heard about on the borders of Liyue. If there was any place to get reliable intel, it was the Guild.

As they entered the Guild's building, they were greeted by Katheryne, the familiar receptionist who also managed Mondstadt's Adventurers' Guild.

"Welcome, Travelers!" Katheryne greeted them with her usual enthusiasm. "It's good to see you all again."

"Good to see you too, Katheryne," Aether replied with a smile. "We're here to find out more about the strange activity near Liyue's borders. Have you heard anything?"

Katheryne's expression grew more serious. "Indeed, there have been reports of unusual movements—particularly in the Jueyun Karst region, where the Adepti reside. The locals have seen strange figures and heard disturbing sounds in the night. The Qixing and the Millelith have been investigating, but they haven't been able to identify the source yet."

Aether exchanged a glance with Lisa. "This could be connected to the Abyss Order. They've grown bolder in their movements."

Lisa nodded thoughtfully. "The Adepti are powerful beings who protect Liyue. If the Abyss Order is trying to disrupt that balance, it could cause chaos."

Katheryne continued, "There are also rumors of treasure hoarders causing trouble in the region, but it's unclear if they're related to the larger threat."

Aether's mind raced. If the Abyss Order was involved, he couldn't afford to wait. He had seen firsthand what their influence could do to a region, and Liyue was too important—too powerful—to let fall into their hands.

"We'll head to Jueyun Karst," Aether said, his voice firm with determination. "If the Abyss Order is behind this, we'll stop them."

Lisa nodded in agreement. "We'll need to be prepared. Liyue is different from Mondstadt, and the challenges here will be new. But together, we'll face whatever comes."

Amber pumped her fist in the air, her usual enthusiasm shining through. "You can count on me! Let's show them what we're made of!"

Rosaria, ever the silent sentinel, gave a nod of approval. "Let's get moving. The longer we wait, the more ground they gain."

The journey to Jueyun Karst took the group deeper into the wilds of Liyue. The landscape was breathtaking—towering stone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and ancient temples hidden among the mountains. But as they ventured further, Aether couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.

"Do you feel that?" Aether asked, his voice low as they made their way through a narrow mountain pass.

Rosaria, ever perceptive, nodded. "Yes. We're not alone here."

Amber gripped her bow, her eyes scanning the cliffs above. "There's something off about this place…"

Lisa's fingers crackled with Electro energy as she prepared for anything. "Stay sharp, everyone. The Adepti are known to guard this area, but there could be other forces at play."

Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed through the trees, and Aether's instincts kicked in. He drew his sword just as a group of treasure hoarders emerged from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with greed.

"Looks like we've got company," Amber said, quickly drawing her bow and firing off a few arrows.

The treasure hoarders, clearly underestimating the group, charged forward with reckless abandon. But they were no match for the combined strength of Aether and his companions. Aether's sword flashed with Anemo energy as he cut through the hoarders' ranks, his movements swift and precise. Amber's arrows flew true, taking down the enemies one by one. Lisa's Electro energy crackled through the air, sending shocks through the treasure hoarders, while Rosaria moved swiftly through the shadows, her spear striking with deadly accuracy.

"This was too easy," Rosaria muttered as the last of the treasure hoarders fell.

Aether wiped the sweat from his brow, his senses still heightened. "Something's not right. These guys aren't the main threat."

Lisa smiled knowingly. "Oh, dear, it looks like we're just getting started."

Just as she spoke, the ground beneath them began to tremble, and a dark energy surged through the air. Aether's heart raced as a familiar presence filled the area—the Abyss Order.

"They're here," Rosaria said, her voice steady but filled with urgency. "We need to be ready."

Amber gripped her bow tightly, her eyes narrowing. "I knew something was off. Let's take them down!"

The Abyss Order's forces emerged from the shadows, led by another powerful Abyss Mage. Their dark magic swirled around them, filling the air with an oppressive energy that sent a shiver down Aether's spine.

But Aether's resolve was unwavering. With his companions by his side, he was ready for whatever came next.

"Let's finish this," Aether said, his sword glowing with elemental energy.

The battle had begun.