Xiao stood at the balcony of the Floating Palace, the moon casting its silvery glow across Liyue Harbor below in yet another night. The distant sounds of waves crashing against the rocks and the soft rustle of leaves in the wind were drowned out by the turbulent thoughts swirling in his mind. He could still feel the remnants of demonic energy lingering in the air, the echo of the hooded figure's presence haunting him.
As he turned to re-enter the ornate hall, the soft click of heels against marble echoed in the corridor. Ningguang appeared, her posture regal, the sharpness in her gaze betraying the undercurrent of concern that had settled in the palace. “Xiao,” she said, her voice steady yet warm. “Thank you for coming. There’s more to discuss.”
The adeptus nodded, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall, his expression inscrutable. “I followed the demonic chi. It’s a threat that must be taken seriously, especially after what I witnessed.”
Ningguang gestured for him to follow her deeper into the palace. The walls were adorned with intricate carvings and artwork, a testament to Liyue’s rich history. But all Xiao could see were reminders of the weight of responsibility that rested upon his shoulders.
As they walked, Ningguang continued, “The chamber housing the Amber Heart was not the only place of significance. There are three other artifacts tied to the Yaksha, the Pyro, Hydro, and Geo Yaksha. Each artifact is kept in its respective temple, scattered throughout Teyvat.”
Xiao's brow furrowed, his heart quickening at the mention of temples dedicated to his friends, his family. “And where are these temples located?”
“The Pyro Yaksha’s temple is hidden in the depths of Sumeran sands. The Hydro Yaksha’s shrine lies in Fontaine, protected by the waters that shield it. Finally, the Geo Yaksha’s temple is in the heart of Liyue, buried beneath the earth, guarded by ancient creatures,” she explained.
“Have you sent guards to protect these shrines?” Xiao demanded, his tone sharper than intended.
Ningguang nodded, her expression serious. “I’ve already dispatched a millelith unit to each location. They will secure the temples and keep a watchful eye. However, we must remain vigilant. If that figure was indeed after the Amber Heart, they may attempt to target the other artifacts as well.”
Xiao’s mind raced, a mixture of dread and determination igniting within him. “I want to be informed the moment any threats arise. If someone dares to approach those temples, I will be there to stop them,” he insisted, his voice low but fierce.
Ningguang turned to him, a faint smile playing on her lips, one that held a hint of admiration. “I expected nothing less from you, Conquerer of Demons. Your commitment to protecting Liyue and its people has always been unwavering.”
He offered a curt nod, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Images of the hooded figure flashed through his mind, the intensity of their gaze, the sheer hatred that had radiated from them. They were not merely a thief, they were a harbinger of something darker, something that threatened the already fragile peace of Teyvat.
As they reached the grand hall adorned with shimmering crystals, Ningguang paused, turning to face him. “Xiao, we must also consider the bigger picture. If we act rashly, we may provoke a confrontation that could escalate beyond control.”
“I know the consequences,” he replied, his voice low and steady. “But we cannot afford to underestimate our enemies. The Qiong Qi are gone. There's no point in letting their legacy be tarnished further, whatever this person is planning with their chi.”
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cursed wings of grief | genshin impact x f.reader
Fanfiction"..i guess we really aren't that different, you and i." when the time was right, she would remind them of the power they had dismissed. she would make them remember the qiong qi. and she would watch them burn. __ -this is a xiao x reader published...
