Venti stared at Qiu Bai in fear, worried he'd actually drag him from the tavern all the way to Wolvendom.
"But... they haven't arrived yet, right?"
"So let's just keep drinking. We can worry about it when they show up."
Venti chuckled nervously, took a few more gulps, and looked at Qiu Bai.
"Yeah, by the time we're done drinking, they'll probably be there."
Qiu Bai smiled and nodded, amused by Venti's hesitation.
Time passed as the two chatted and exchanged stories, recounting everything that had happened over the years.
"Haha... looks like they've arrived."
Qiu Bai grinned, finishing the last drop in his cup.
"Yeah, time to head out, I guess."
"But... are we really just going to run over there?"
Venti looked at him, confused.
"What else? You got another plan?"
Qiu Bai raised a brow with a smirk.
"Flying's faster than running, isn't it?"
"Wait—don't you have that teleportation ability?"
Venti suddenly remembered and looked at Qiu Bai, puzzled.
"The one you used a thousand years ago... teleporting instantly over huge distances."
He sipped his wine, eyeing Qiu Bai across the table.
"Haha, didn't think you still remembered."
"Well then, let's go."
Qiu Bai nodded with a smile, glancing around the tavern.
"But I can't use my ability in here."
"Too many people around. Let's head outside Mondstadt first."
He turned to Venti with a grin.
"Good idea, flying's exhausting anyway."
"Way more convenient with you around."
Venti nodded quickly.
"Then let's go."
Qiu Bai smiled, and the two of them left Angel's Share, heading toward the outskirts of Mondstadt...
Once they reached a secluded spot, Qiu Bai transformed—his form shifting into Qiu Xue.
Venti, standing beside her, was stunned silent, dumbfounded by the breathtaking woman now in front of him.
Qiu Xue looked at him with a serene, almost playful gaze.
"My Archons... you actually turned into a full-on woman."
Venti circled around her in disbelief.
"As the God of Balance... male and female represent balance too, don't they?"
Qiu Xue chuckled, covering her mouth with one delicate hand.
"Hold on tight, Venti."
"Let's go take a look."
She smiled, watching him still frozen in place.
"(⊙o⊙)..."
Venti was still processing the change, staring at her blankly.
He couldn't quite wrap his head around the fact that Qiu Bai had really turned into a woman.
"Oh, come on now!"
Qiu Xue grabbed him by the nape with a graceful hand.
"Ow—easy, easy!"
Before he could say more, Qiu Xue activated her ability, and the two vanished...
The scene shifted. Qiu Xue and Venti reappeared at the cliff above the territory of the Wolf Lord.
"Looks like they've already arrived."
Qiu Xue narrowed her brows as she gazed down at a massive wolf silhouette.
Its large tail shimmered with snow-blue light, and its glowing eyes scanned the area.
A massive, eerie purple formation held it in place with chains—it couldn't move.
Abyssal energy was slowly eroding the Northern Wolf King's mind.
Below, Lumine and Razor stood ready for battle, facing off against the Abyss Herald.
"Yeah... looks like we're right on time."
"Boreas..."
Venti muttered as he looked at the wolf.
"Heh, leave it to me."
Qiu Xue smiled faintly, then leapt down. Her feet touched the ground lightly as she landed gracefully.
"You're not welcome here!"
Razor barked, stance firm, voice sharp and fragmented.
"Hahaha... a mere remnant of a soul, and still playing the protector?"
"Trying to guard others? Your strength is nothing compared to the claws of the Archons."
The Abyss Herald sneered, glancing at Razor, then at Boreas.
"If you submit to us..."
"You can regain power equal to the gods, just like before."
His tone was brimming with confidence.
"Lies..."
Boreas growled, his massive form glaring at the Herald.
"Archons are born divine.
Those who ascend through a Vision or a Gnosis lack true authority."
Qiu Xue rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
She was curious—how exactly was the Abyss planning to restore Boreas to his former godhood?
Even reviving a fallen Archon would demand an immense price. And this was Andrius, no less.
"...Well, except for the God of Salt,"
she thought, hand resting under her chin.
Even the weakest Archon had their domain—like producing infinite salt.
If the Abyss could restore Andrius, why would they still need her power?
"Unless... could they just be bluffing?"
Her lip twitched. After all, it was easy to make big promises.
Hidden and observing, Qiu Xue remained still.
"What is this ritual?! He looks like he's in so much pain!"
"Is it... something like what they used to corrupt Dvalin's mind?!"
Paimon looked at Boreas, trapped in the massive purple ring, visibly worried.
"Wolf... won't give in... but can't... hold on..."
Razor growled, eyes locked on the Abyss Herald, ready to strike.
"Been thinking too much..."
"Forgot there's a fight going on."
Qiu Xue snapped back to focus, brushing her forehead with one hand.
She slowly stepped toward Razor and the others.
"I'll handle this."
"It's just another Abyss Herald."
Lumine stepped forward, unsheathing her sword and fixing a hostile glare on the Herald.
"Lumine! Paimon!"
Qiu Xue's voice rang out behind them.
Just as Lumine was about to charge, she paused, recognizing the sweet voice.
"Qiu Xue!"
Paimon turned as well, spotting her approaching silhouette.
Qiu Xue strode toward them, her long legs graceful with every step.
"Another one come to die?"
"No matter how many times, your efforts are meaningless!"
The Abyss Herald rushed forward right after speaking.
"Serve the Abyss!!!"
Qiu Xue's elegant brows drew together.
She raised one palm and swung it like a calligraphy brush.
A streak of inky-white energy arced forward like a stroke of paint on paper.
The Abyss Herald's eyes widened in alarm at the sight of the strange, brush-like slash—he tried to stop his charge.
But it was already too late.