Momon had set aside the mission of locating Aether and Paimon, confident that the Millelith were no longer pursuing them and that they were safely hidden somewhere in the city.

He now sat at a table with Ningguang, Keqing, and an elderly man known as Uncle Tian. Ganyu was there as well, along with Ningguang's servants, and to his surprise, Yelan had also joined the gathering.

All eyes were on Momon, their expressions tense and filled with alarm. The Honorary Knight from Mondstadt had just confirmed what many had dismissed as outrageous rumors—the Dark Warrior, Momon, was indeed an extraordinarily powerful individual.

Keqing's voice carried a tense undertone as she addressed the table, her eyes focused on Momon. "The situation is dire, and the citizens are growing more and more desperate to know if Rex Lapis is truly dead. We are doing everything we can to uncover who is responsible for this crime, but the pressure is mounting."

Momon leaned back slightly, his masked face unreadable. "You think the citizens will stay calm once they hear the truth?"

Ningguang, her expression composed but serious, answered, "The truth will be a double-edged sword. If we reveal that Rex Lapis has fallen, the city might spiral into chaos. But withholding the truth for too long will only breed distrust and panic. We must be strategic in our approach."

"May I speak?" Yelan asked, her voice sharp. Ningguang gave a nod of approval. "Momon..."

Momon could sense the disdain in Yelan's gaze and had a feeling he knew where this was headed.

"It seems trouble follows you wherever you go... First at Dihua Marsh, where you nearly killed Adeptus Xiao, and now here in Liyue Harbor. I need to know—did you eliminate a team of ten men at Wangshu Inn?" Yelan's voice was steady, but there was an edge to her words.

Momon leaned back slightly. "Hmm... Ah, those men. Yes, that was me."

"Why?" Yelan pressed, her tone hardening.

"Before my encounter with that Adeptus, some Treasure Hoarders tried to rob us, so we dealt with them. Later, at Wangshu Inn, I noticed we were being followed and assumed they had come back for revenge, so I... took care of them," Momon explained nonchalantly.

Yelan's anger flared. She had been observing all night, yet somehow, he had obliterated her team without her even noticing. How is that possible? she fumed inwardly.

Yelan's eyes narrowed as she processed Momon's admission. Her fists clenched beneath the table, the frustration and anger evident on her face. "You obliterated my team without so much as a second thought," she said, her voice taut with restrained fury. "And you did it without even confirming who they were."

Momon's expression remained calm, but his tone carried a hint of indifference. "I acted based on the information I had at the time. They were following us, and given the situation, I took action. If they were truly your men, then that's unfortunate."

Ningguang, observing the exchange, interjected to diffuse the tension. "Yelan, it's clear that Momon's capabilities are far beyond ordinary. While we need to address these incidents, we must also focus on the larger threat facing Liyue. Our immediate concern should be the stability of the city and how we address the situation with Rex Lapis."

Ganyu, still processing the information, nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We must find a way to handle both the unrest among the citizens and the potential conflict with the Adepti. This is not the time for internal disputes."

Yelan glanced at Ningguang, then back at Momon. "Next time, there won't be any misunderstandings," she said, her voice low but carrying a clear warning.

Uncle Tian's voice cut through the tense atmosphere in the room. His eyes, though old and tired, held a sharp curiosity as he addressed Momon.

"I wanted to ask the Honorary Knight…" Uncle Tian began, his gaze steady. "How do you personally explain the situation with the death of Rex Lapis?"

Momon, seated at the table surrounded by Liyue's most influential figures, took a moment to gather his thoughts. His expression was calm, but his eyes hinted at a deeper understanding of the complexities involved.

"Well," Momon started, leaning slightly forward, "in my opinion, there are a few possibilities regarding the death of Rex Lapis. First, it could be the work of a powerful enemy. Given the level of strength required to overcome an Archon, it's reasonable to suspect that someone with immense power is behind this."

The room fell silent as the gravity of this possibility sank in. Ningguang's brow furrowed, and Keqing exchanged a worried glance with Ganyu. The notion that an enemy of such magnitude could be lurking among them was a sobering thought.

"Second," Momon continued, "there is the possibility that Rex Lapis himself chose to end his reign. He is, after all, one of the oldest gods. Such a decision, while seemingly absurd, could be his way of relinquishing control, perhaps as a form of self-imposed retirement or transcendence."

A murmur of surprise rippled through the room. The idea that an Archon might simply step away from their duties was an unsettling concept, challenging their understanding of divine beings and their roles in their domains.

"And third," Momon said, pausing for emphasis, "this could be some sort of test.

The room fell into a contemplative silence. Ningguang's eyes widened with realization, while Keqing's expression shifted from concern to thoughtful consideration. Ganyu's usually serene demeanor was clouded with uncertainty.

"Test?" Uncle Tian echoed, his voice tinged with disbelief. "A trial for the people?"

Momon continued, "Yes, a test. From my perspective, it's possible that Rex Lapis's death might be a trial or a challenge, something set in motion to evaluate the strength and resilience of Liyue, or even humanity as a whole. It's possible that his death was orchestrated as a trial for the people of Liyue—a way to see how they would handle such a crisis and whether they could stand on their own without his direct influence."

Ningguang's brows furrowed as she considered this. "A test by whom? And for what purpose?"

"That," Momon replied, "I can't say for sure. It could be a divine test or something orchestrated by forces beyond our understanding. It might be a way to ensure that those who are meant to lead are truly worthy."

Keqing crossed her arms, clearly skeptical. "And if this is indeed a test, what are we supposed to do? How do we pass it?"

Momon's eyes shifted to Keqing. "To pass any test, one must demonstrate strength, wisdom, and the ability to adapt. Your leadership will be crucial in guiding Liyue through this turmoil. Showing resilience in the face of adversity and making decisions that benefit the people while maintaining stability will be key."

Ganyu, still deep in thought, added, "But if it's a test, does it mean that the outcome is predetermined or influenced by those who set it in motion? And how do we know what they are looking for?"

Momon shrugged slightly. "That's the challenge of such tests. Often, the purpose is not just about the end result but about how one responds to the journey. It's about proving oneself through actions and decisions rather than having a clear, defined path."

Uncle Tian stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze never leaving Momon. "Your perspective is… intriguing, Momon. It offers a different lens through which to view this situation. We will need to consider all possible angles as we move forward."

Momon leaned back slightly, his eyes scanning the faces around the table. The atmosphere was thick with unease, but his voice remained calm and measured as he spoke.

"That's just my opinion, sir," Momon said, addressing Uncle Tian and the rest of the Liyue Qixing. "His death might have an even deeper meaning than all the possibilities that I mentioned."

Uncle Tian furrowed his brow, clearly deep in thought. The room was silent for a moment as everyone absorbed Momon's words. The implications were unsettling; the death of a god-like Rex Lapis wasn't something that could be easily explained, and the idea that it could be a test or something even more profound added another layer of complexity.

Keqing exchanged a glance with Ningguang, both of them considering the weight of Momon's words. "A deeper meaning…" Keqing echoed, her voice thoughtful. "If that's the case, then we need to be even more careful in how we proceed. The consequences of misunderstanding this event could be catastrophic."

Ningguang nodded slowly, her expression unreadable. "Indeed. We must tread carefully and consider all possibilities. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Momon. Your perspective is invaluable to us."

Momon stood up from the table, his presence commanding attention even as he prepared to leave. His imposing figure cast a long shadow over the room, but his demeanor remained respectful and composed.

"I am happy to help," Momon said, addressing Ningguang with a nod. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go look for my companions. They might be dead worried about the situation. If you need me, I'll be in the city."

Ningguang nodded her expression a mixture of gratitude and concern. "Of course, Momon. Thank you for your assistance and for sharing your thoughts with us. We'll be in touch if we require further help. Please, take care of yourself and your companions."

Ganyu, who had been silently observing, offered a faint, reassuring smile. "I hope you find your friends quickly and safely. If you need any assistance, don't hesitate to ask."

Momon paused in the doorway, his hand resting on the frame as a thought crossed his mind. "One more thing…" he said, turning back to face Ningguang and the others. "Was that dragon actually Rex Lapis? Sorry to ask this, but when I saw the Statue of the Seven, he had a human-looking form."

Ningguang, who had been watching him leave, now straightened up slightly. "That form of Rex Lapis is called Exuvia," she explained, her tone patient and informative. "But like many gods, he has the ability to take on various forms. The dragon you saw was indeed one of his forms—one that represents his true power as the Geo Archon."

Momon nodded, absorbing the information. "I see… so gods can take multiple forms. That explains a lot."

He hesitated for a moment before asking another question that had been nagging at him. "Have you buried his corpse?"

Ningguang shook her head gently, her expression serious. "Oh, no, no. We moved Exuvia to the Golden House. Until all of this is resolved and we've uncovered the truth, Exuvia will remain there under careful watch."

Momon gave a final nod. "Thank you for the clarification, Ningguang. I'll be on my way now."

Momon acknowledged their words with a respectful bow before turning to leave the room. As he made his way out, the heavy door closing behind him, he was met with the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor. The city was abuzz with activity and concern, and Momon knew he had to navigate this chaos to find Aether and Paimon.

Stepping into the lively streets, he could see the distress and confusion etched on the faces of the citizens. The death of Rex Lapis had thrown Liyue into disarray, and tensions were running high. With a determined stride, Momon began his search, scanning the crowd for any sign of his missing companions.

Momon's footsteps echoed softly against the cobblestones as he approached the bustling port. The sight of the small, floating figure of Paimon caught his attention immediately. Her silver hair shimmered in the sunlight, unmistakable even from a distance. Next to her stood Aether, his blonde hair tousled by the sea breeze as he engaged in conversation with a tall, redheaded man.

The redhead noticed Momon approaching from a distance, his demeanor shifting slightly as he recognized the formidable presence. With a casual smile, he finished his conversation. "Well then, see ya!" the redheaded man said smoothly, his voice tinged with a hint of mischief as he waved off.

Paimon, still hovering beside Aether, waved cheerfully after the departing figure. "Bye, Childe!" she called out, her voice bright and chipper.

"Aether," Momon called out, his deep voice cutting through the ambient noise of the port. Both Aether and Paimon turned to the sound of his voice.

"Momon!" Paimon exclaimed, her eyes widening with relief and joy as she recognized him. She darted closer to him, her small form hovering at eye level. "We were so worried about you!"

Aether stepped forward, his eyes scanning Momon for any sign of injury or distress. "What happened after we got separated?" he asked, his voice steady but laced with concern. "We thought you might've run into some trouble."

Momon nodded, his gaze briefly shifting to the direction where Childe had vanished. "I had a... meeting with the Liyue Qixing," he said, choosing his words carefully. "They had some questions, but it's been resolved for now."

Paimon huffed, crossing her arms. "Those guards are so annoying! How could they think we had anything to do with that?"

"They were scared and desperate," Momon replied calmly. "But what matters is that you're both safe. We need to stay low for now. The Liyue Qixing is investigating the situation, but tensions are high."

Aether nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "We'll keep a low profile. Did you learn anything else?"

Momon hesitated for a moment before speaking. "At the meeting with the Liyue Qixing. They confirmed that Rex Lapis' body had been moved to the Golden House. It's being guarded until they can determine what happened."

"That's good, right? At least they're taking it seriously," Paimon chimed in.

"Yes, but there's more. The Adepti might not take the news of Rex Lapis' death well. If they believe humans are responsible, it could lead to conflict," Momon explained, his tone grim.

Paimon's face paled at the thought, her usual cheerfulness replaced by worry. "Oh no, that would be terrible! Liyue would never be the same if a war broke out between the humans and the Adepti,"

Aether looked out over the harbor, the weight of the situation settling heavily on his shoulders. "We can't let it come to that. There has to be a way to prevent a war."

"You can't," a soft but firm voice spoke from behind them.

Momon, Aether, and Paimon turned swiftly to see who had spoken. Standing before them was a tall, strikingly beautiful woman with long, flowing silver hair. Her pale, iridescent eyes shimmered with a strange, otherworldly light, and her expression was as calm as the surface of a still lake.

"Who are you?" Paimon asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and caution.

"My name is Shenhe," the woman replied, her tone serene. "I am an Adepti disciple."

"Adepti disciple?" Momon repeated, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I thought all Adepti were some type of demons."

"You are wrong," Shenhe said simply, her gaze unwavering as she met Momon's eyes. There was a quiet strength in her voice, one that hinted at both wisdom and power.

"Okay, okay, let's not get into that right now," Aether interjected, stepping between them to ease the tension. "What did you mean by 'You can't'?"

Shenhe hesitated for a moment, her gaze shifting away from them as if she were grappling with some internal struggle. "The Adepti... they are…" she began, but her words were abruptly cut off by the sound of her stomach growling loudly.

Paimon's eyes widened in surprise. "Huh? You're hungry?"

A faint blush tinged Shenhe's pale cheeks, an almost imperceptible hint of embarrassment crossing her usually stoic expression. "It seems I am," she admitted quietly.

Paimon giggled despite the seriousness of the situation. "Well, we can't have a serious conversation on an empty stomach! Let's grab something to eat, and then you can tell us what's going on with the Adepti."

Shenhe's voice was calm but firm as she listed off her usual meal: "Qinxin, Glaze Lily, Violetgrass. These are my usuals."

Paimon blinked in surprise, her small mouth forming a perfect "O" of confusion. "Aren't those... medicinal herbs?" she asked, tilting her head as if the idea didn't quite compute.

Shenhe looked at Paimon, her expression as serene as ever, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her pale, iridescent eyes. "Medicinal herbs?" she echoed, as if the term was unfamiliar or perhaps irrelevant to her. The concept of food as something other than sustenance seemed foreign to her, a reflection of her life away from the mundane pleasures of the human world.

Paimon floated closer, scratching her head in bewilderment. "Yeah, you know, the stuff they use to make medicine? Not exactly what you'd expect for lunch..." She trailed off, realizing that this might be another aspect of the Adepti's strange ways that she didn't fully understand.

Shenhe didn't respond, her gaze distant as if she were contemplating something far beyond the conversation. The silence stretched for a moment before Paimon, never one to dwell too long on confusion, clapped her hands together as if a brilliant idea had struck her. "Anyway! Bubu Pharmacy's not far from here, and they've got all sorts of herbs! Let's take Shenhe there for a big medicinal meal!" Paimon suggested with renewed enthusiasm, already imagining Shenhe's plate piled high with Glaze Lilies and Violetgrass.

Aether chuckled softly at Paimon's excitement, though he glanced at Shenhe with a bit of concern. "Are you sure those are the only things you eat? Maybe we could get you something a little more... filling?"

Shenhe's eyes flicked to Aether, her expression softening just a bit. "These herbs sustain me," she said simply as if that was all there was to it.

Momon, who had been silently observing, finally spoke up, his deep voice cutting through the air. "You're an Adepti disciple, right? Do you not require anything more than these herbs to sustain yourself?" His tone was a mix of curiosity and something else—perhaps concern, or even a hint of skepticism.

Shenhe's gaze met his, and for a moment, the two regarded each other in silence. "I have lived a different life from most," she replied enigmatically. "These herbs are enough for me."

Paimon, ever the optimist, took Shenhe's hand (or at least tried to, given her size) and began leading her toward the pharmacy. "Well, if it works for you, it works for us! Come on, you'll love Bubu Pharmacy—it's full of all kinds of stuff!"

The redhead who Aether was speaking a moment ago was looking at the group from the roof of a building. "The Exuvia is being held at the Golden House, huh... Thank you, Momon, you made my job easier."

As they made their way through the bustling streets of Liyue Harbor, the crowd seemed to part for them, as if sensing the powerful presence in their midst. Momon remained deep in thought, still turning over Shenhe's interrupted warning about the Adepti in his mind. Aether kept pace with Shenhe, his curiosity about her piqued further by the strange encounter.

When they finally reached Bubu Pharmacy, the familiar scent of herbs and medicine filled the air, and Paimon floated eagerly inside. "Let's get you that big medicinal meal!" she chirped, her voice bright and welcoming. Shenhe followed, her steps light and graceful, but there was still that air of mystery surrounding her, as if she were carrying a burden known only to herself.

As they entered the pharmacy, Aether cast a glance at Shenhe, his expression soft with concern. "Maybe after you've eaten, you can tell us more about what you were going to say earlier. About the Adepti..." and Shenhe nodded.

As they stepped into Bubu Pharmacy, the warm, herbal aroma enveloped them, mingling with the scent of freshly prepared remedies. The interior was a harmonious blend of traditional Liyue architecture and the modern functionality of an apothecary, shelves lined with jars of dried herbs, roots, and various elixirs.

A tall man with glasses and a kind, almost serene demeanor greeted them. His presence was calm, exuding a gentle authority that fit perfectly with the tranquil atmosphere of the pharmacy. "Welcome to Bubu Pharmacy!" he said, his voice smooth and reassuring. Beside him stood a small girl with blue hair, a talisman affixed to her forehead, her eyes half-lidded in a perpetual state of sleepiness.

Momon's gaze fell on the little girl, and he felt a slight jolt of surprise ripple through him. His sharp, undead senses recognized immediately what she was—a zombie. The talisman on her forehead was unmistakably the mark of the undead, though she seemed to move and act with a kind of life that was different from the other zombies he had encountered in the past. It wasn't often that he encountered another being who shared a connection to death, and for a moment, he found himself intrigued.

"Hello, sir! We'd like to order some Qinxin, Glaze Lily, and Violetgrass," Paimon announced cheerfully, her voice cutting through Momon's thoughts.

The man with the glasses, whom Paimon assumed to be the owner of the pharmacy, smiled warmly at them. "Of course," he replied with a nod. "Qiqi, could you please fetch those for our guests?"

The little girl, whom he had addressed as Qiqi, nodded obediently, her movements almost robotic but with a certain gentleness that belied her nature. "Yes, Doctor Baizhu," she said in a soft, monotone voice, before turning to gather the requested herbs.

As Qiqi moved off to retrieve the herbs, Paimon floated closer to Baizhu, her curiosity piqued by the unusual duo. "Are you Qiqi's guardian?" she asked, her eyes wide with innocent interest.

Baizhu chuckled softly, adjusting his glasses. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Qiqi is under my care here at Bubu Pharmacy. She's quite a capable assistant, despite her condition."

Momon, who had remained silent until now, studied Baizhu with a critical eye. The man seemed harmless enough, but his calm demeanor and the way he interacted with the undead girl spoke of someone with a deep understanding of life and death. "She's a zombie," Momon stated plainly, his tone neutral but with an underlying hint of curiosity.

Baizhu nodded, his expression not wavering in the slightest. "Indeed she is. Qiqi was revived through the power of an Adeptus a long time ago and now assists me here. She may be different, but she is a cherished part of our little pharmacy. Baizhu's eyes gleamed with a hint of intrigue as he regarded Momon. "You seem to possess quite a bit of knowledge yourself, especially to recognize Qiqi's condition so quickly," he remarked.

Momon gave a slight nod, his gaze drifting to Qiqi, who stood quietly by Baizhu's side. "Yeah, I do," he replied, his voice steady but carrying a weight of experience. "But the zombies I know aren't anything like her. They're not friendly—they're mindless, relentless, and will tear your face off the moment they catch a whiff of you."

Baizhu chuckled softly, though his expression remained thoughtful. "Qiqi's resurrection was a result of a very specific and powerful talisman. It grants her a semblance of life, but she retains a degree of her humanity, which is why she can function as she does. But about the other zombies you are talking about... that's scary."

Momon raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "A talisman, huh? That's impressive work, to bring back someone with enough of themselves intact to still be... well, themselves."

Before the conversation could continue, Qiqi returned, holding a small basket filled with the requested herbs. "Qinxin, Glaze Lily, Violetgrass," she recited in her usual monotone, presenting the basket to Shenhe.

"Thank you," Shenhe said, her voice as calm and measured as ever. She took the basket from Qiqi, her pale fingers brushing against the zombie's small hand briefly.

Baizhu gave them a polite nod. "If there's anything else you require, please don't hesitate to ask. Bubu Pharmacy is always here to serve."

Momon glanced at the basket of herbs, then back at Shenhe, who seemed content with the selection. "I hope this is enough to satisfy you," he said, his voice carrying a trace of dry humor.

Shenhe nodded slightly. "These will do," she replied, her eyes distant, as if still occupied with thoughts far removed from the present moment.

As they prepared to leave the pharmacy, Aether turned to Baizhu and Qiqi, offering a grateful smile. "Thanks for the help. We'll be on our way now."

Baizhu nodded in return, his expression as serene as ever. "Take care. And if you need anything more, you know where to find us."

With that, the conversation drew to a close, and the group made their way out of Bubu Pharmacy.

Shenhe finished off her meal of medicinal herbs, her delicate fingers wiping away the last traces of the glistening green essence. She looked both relieved and ready to continue their conversation. The dim light of Bubu Pharmacy cast a warm glow on her silver hair, accentuating the intensity in her pale eyes.

"Alright, Shenhe, what was that you wanted to tell us?" Aether asked, leaning forward with a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Yes," Shenhe began, her voice steady and measured, "the Adepti have learned about the death of Rex Lapis. They believe that the one responsible is either the Liyue Qixing or the Demon God who nearly killed Adeptus Xiao."

Aether and Paimon exchanged worried glances. Momon's encounter with Xiao was not unknown to them, and they could see the gravity of the situation unfolding before them.

"Momon, I think you've put yourself into some trouble," Aether said, his tone tinged with concern.

Shenhe's gaze shifted to Momon, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You're the Demon God they speak of?"

Momon shook his head firmly, his expression serious. "No, I am not a demon, nor did I kill Rex Lapis. We all witnessed how his corpse fell from the sky during the Rite of Descension. It was clear to everyone present."

Shenhe studied Momon's face, searching for any hint of deceit. Her brows furrowed in thought. "If you're not responsible, then who is?" she asked, her tone edged with frustration and urgency.

"How the hell should we know that?" Momon snapped, his voice sharp and filled with urgency. "We are not from Liyue, and you should know better who the enemies of the Geo Archon are—those who would want him dead."

Shenhe's expression softened as she took a step back, her gaze lowering in a gesture of apology. "Forgive me," she said softly, her tone sincere despite the harshness of the conversation.

Momon's shoulders relaxed slightly as he noticed the genuine remorse in Shenhe's voice. He sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration. "It's fine," he said, his tone softening. "Sorry for raising my tone. This situation is just... overwhelming."

Shenhe nodded appreciatively, understanding the gravity of the situation. "My master, Cloud Retainer, has sent me to Liyue Harbor to inform the Qixing that the Adepti are preparing to take action against them," she said, her voice steady despite the dire news she was delivering.

Aether, who had been listening intently, exchanged a worried glance with Paimon. "So, the Adepti are serious about this," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "They're actually planning to come here and destroy the Liyue Qixing?"

Shenhe nodded solemnly. "Yes. The Adepti believe that the Liyue Qixing is responsible for the death of Rex Lapis, and they preparing for potential conflict. My master has tasked me with delivering this message so that the Qixing can prepare and hopefully find a way to prevent such an outcome."

Paimon hovered closer, her expression troubled. "But if the Adepti come here to attack, won't that just make everything worse? Liyue will be in chaos, and everyone will suffer."

Momon glanced at Aether with a wry smile under his mask. "Guess it's up to us again, just like in Mondstadt, huh?"

Aether nodded, his expression resolute but tinged with concern. "It looks like it. We can't let the Adepti destroy everything without trying to find a solution first."

Paimon, floating a little higher in agitation, looked between the two with wide, worried eyes. "Wait… You want to go up against the Adepti?!" Her voice was a high-pitched mix of fear and disbelief. "That sounds really dangerous! I don't want to fight them!"

"If there's no other choice…" Aether's voice was firm, his resolve clear. "We might have to face them. The conflict seems unavoidable if the Adepti decide to act."

Paimon's small frame trembled slightly as she hovered closer to Aether. "But… fighting the Adepti? Isn't there any other way?"

Momon's gaze was fixed ahead, his thoughts weighing heavily. He turned to Shenhe, who had been quietly listening to the conversation. "Miss Shenhe," he began, his tone shifting to a more tactical edge, "in the ranks of the Adepti, who is the strongest among them?"

Shenhe hesitated for a moment, clearly torn by the gravity of the information she was about to reveal. But the urgency of the situation made her decision clear. "It's Adeptus Xiao," she said, her voice steady but filled with a hint of unease. "He is one of the most powerful Adepti."

Momon's eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement. "Is that so…" he murmured, a smirk forming under his mask. The thought of facing Xiao again was something that seemed to amuse him because he let him live once but this time there wont be a second chance.

Aether and Paimon exchanged glances, their faces reflecting their shared concern. Paimon's eyes were wide, her fear evident.