Neill and Venti were near a path with a valley that gave a view of the sea. But...
VROOOOMMMM!
The sound of rain, thunder and the anger of the waves hitting the harbor was abnormal. Venti then saw something that I don't expect to see "Impossible! O-Osial ?!"
"GROOOOOOAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRR"
Neill noticed something floating away from the creature "A palace?"
Venti noticed something, a kind of platform with several crossbows "Those are ... The Adeptus ... And that weapon ... Is Guizhong's crossbow."
The two noticed how the crossbow lit up and launched several arrows of light towards Osial.
"GRROOOOOAAAAARRRRRR"
Osial roared in pain.
At that moment several portals were opened revealing various people with masks. Paimon took immediate aim. "It's the Fatui! They are attacking the Guizhong beacon."
Keqing drew his sword and charged towards the enemy as Aether jobs the battle.
PACHINK! SWASH!
The two managed to defeat all the Fatui. The Moon Sculptor looked up at the Ancient God "There are no more intruders. Now we can fully dedicate ourselves to ...!"
A gigantic beam of energy shot towards Osial creating a huge explosion causing the ancient to roar in pain "ROAAAARRRRR!"
Paimon shouted animatedly "It's working!" Ningguang noticed something strange.
Everyone watched as the column disappeared as thousands of meteor-shaped water fragments suddenly began to plummet towards the Jade Chamber.
Just when he was about to hit.
Everyone heard the sound of two lyres while two black holes of Anemo or rather two Oda's of wind absorbed all the attacks of the Ancient God (Venti's special ability)
Paimon looked up at the top of the chamber angrily "YOU ARE LATE BARDO DEAF!" Everyone included was surprised to see a boy floating above the camera.
Ningguang looked surprised "T-The ... Archon Anemo of Monstadt ..."
"We finally meet ~ * Ningguang of the Seven Stars."
She nodded "It is an honor to meet you ... I wish it were in better circumstances, Lord Barbatos."
CRACK ... CRACK ... CRASH!
At that moment they noticed several cracks in the platform as they quickly began to run but not all of them made it to the Chamber in time.
AHHHHH!
Before the others could do anything several currents of wind lifted the remaining members of the Geo Armada and Aether included back to Jade's platform.
Aether smiled as he turned around "Thanks for saving us Neill." Then from the cliff a boy identical to Barbatos lifted into the air flapping his wings with a smile as he landed gracefully on the stone pavement. "Don't give them to me. I'm in your debt for helping Venti and Dvalin."
Ganyu looked curious "This ... Who are you?" Before he could reply Xiao looked at his fellow Adepti "He is the Second Archon Anemo of Monstadt. Neill-sama."
Everyone from Liyue including the Geo Army was in shock. They had heard rumors about the Second Archon. But they weren't expecting him to come in person.
Venti landed next to Neill while looking at the Ancestral God. "Now is not the time. We have more pressing matters to attend to." They all looked towards Osial. The Cloud Preserver nodded (The white and blue crane) "They destroyed the Guizhong Beacon, without their support we cannot attack."
Ganyu looked worried "But the Jade Chamber is the last line of defense." She then looked at the bards "Neill-sama, Barbatos-sama. Your strength is on the same level as Rex Lapis. I am sure that with your powers you could defeat him."
"However, you are forgetting something." Venti looked seriously at the Adeptus and then at Osial "We need Rex Lapis's spears to seal Osial but without him ... Even if we defeated him ... We couldn't seal him and he would recover in no time."
Ningguang appeared in the middle of the group as she looked serious "I have another idea."
Adeptus mediated her, looked confused "What does Master Ningguang mean?"
"I will sacrifice the Jade Chamber." The Preserver of the Clouds asked curiously "What do you intend to do?"
At that moment the Chamber flew to stand over Osial. The six Adepti began transmitting energy to Aether who readied his sword.
Ningguang said goodbye to the camera. "Goodbye old friend ... Goodbye for now ... See you in the future."
The energy turned golden as his sword flashed with great intensity. "AHHHHH!" Aether drove his sword into the ground.
The chamber lights flickered before they finally faded as he began to plummet onto Osial.
KABOOOM!
A huge explosion stirred the sea as the rest were evacuated by the Adepti and the two Archons taking them directly to Liyue Harbor as the sky cleared showing the blue sky and the sun shining overhead.
They all looked up from the docks, what was left of Osial were just huge islands.
Paimon looked at what was left of that ancient creature "Is it ... finished?"
The great deer known as the Sculptor of the Moon looked calmly "The ominous aura of that monster has begun to fade."
He then looked at Aether. "The Seals of Permission last a short time. He has been forced once more by the Jade Chamber to return to the depths of the Guyun stone forest ... It will be some time before the Lord of the Vortex returns. wreak havoc."
Ningguang walked calmly, standing in the middle of the group. "We are indebted for your assistance. If the Adeptus weren't here, Liyue's future would surely be at stake." The cloud-shaper disagreed "Hm! Save your compliments. We weren't here by chance. Or are you trying to forget the reason that brought us here?"
Madam Ping approached along with Xiao who spoke to break that tension "Come on, you don't have to be so harsh. Preserver of the Clouds. I once heard that when Ningguang started doing business, he already had enough income to build the Jade Chamber. At first it was just a small room, and with its constant expansion it has become the palace that stands before you now. A lifelong testimony of Ningguang, both as a businesswoman and as the backbone of the seven stars of Liyue. Destroy the Jade Chamber to protect Liyue means a lot to her. To me such cooperation and sacrifice deserves at least some recognition, don't you think? "
Ningguang smiled looking at the Adeptus "At least I thought it could be used to turn the negotiations in our favor." Madam Ping laughed as she continued "Thank you all for listening to me. We know very well why the Adeptus came today. But we apologize, we cannot give in to your wishes."
The deer looked at the white-haired girl curiously "Oh?" Ningguang touched his chest as he continued speaking "As recorded over 3700 years ago. The Adeptus signed a contract with Rex Lapis to protect Liyue. Even to this day, Liyue and her lands have stood the test of time, immovable as I rock them, as they were a thousand years ago. This is no small feat. But that does not mean that the Liyue of today is the same city that it was three thousand six hundred years ago. Do not just cast your protective gaze upon these lands. Take a closer look at our city and each of its inhabitants. "
The moon sculptor approached her was threatening Ningguang "Are you questioning our means of protecting Liyue?"
Ningguang denied the Adeptus "I do not mean to offend you. I simply hope that our Adeptus ancestors see Liyue in a new light."
The white and blue plumage crane flapped its wings "Haha, did you say" ancestors "? I suppose you think you are also part of Liyue's lineage ..."
The white-haired ruby-eyed under gaze "This morning, Rex Lapis appeared to me in a dream. In the dream I longed to tell him that although the Seven Stars are mortal, we are bound to fulfill our contract. Each generation that passes from the Seven Stars leaves many things of value to the next generation. I also thought of telling him like past generations of the Seven Stars had struggled under his rule to survive in a mortal world, establishing a network of contracts that have since been known as "Commerce." But I did not dare to speak. I could only watch in silence until I woke up. "
Paimon looked at something in pity "Ningguang ..." Aether nodded "We are all in the same position," The Preserver looked at the blonde hair "
" The spectator sees more than the player. What are you trying to say? " Aether looked serious "Enter the moment that there is a discord between the protectors and the protected ... Harmony becomes difficult to restore."
"That's right ..." Everyone to Venti as his body and Neill's were enveloped by a green light, regaining their normal appearance. While Venti continued "This situation reminds me a lot about the Four Winds and My People. I tried to calm the opposition of my people but I thought ... That it would only bring injuries to both sides and nothing would end well for Monstadt. That is why I decided to leave or as some misunderstand ... Abandon them, let the people be free and choose their own path. Right now, you Adeptus have protected Liyue for centuries, generations. Yet even though everything remains the same. Mortal life is fleeting and new generations are born. I have lived 2600 years walking ... Living ... Being among mortals as one of them, Monstadt always changes despite remaining the same. And that is what Madam Ping proposes to you. Protect but also observe closely the people who live their life in Liyue. "
The Adeptus looked at each other. They did not expect Archon Anemo himself to say that. At that moment two people came to thank the Adeptus.
That opened the eyes of the Adeptus as Madam Ping spoke "See? Those are the new generations of Liyue.
The nation of contracts thanks the Adeptus for their protection. But the city cannot rely on their power to solve all problems. Although the blood is weak, there is still strength in those we call mortals.
Long ago the age of the contracts of the gods and Liyue is behind us. Now it is the age of the contracts between Liyue and her people. Isn't it so ? Venti. "
They all looked at the dark haired boy with green luminous edges who nodded "That's right." The Adeptus realized that the place they protected was no longer the same.
Xiao turned around while looking at Neill "Lord Neill, Aether ... I would like to accompany you on your journey." Neill smirked "No problem right Aether?" The golden eye nodded "None." The Adeptus nodded as Madam Ping smiled. "Oh. Don't expect the Great Demon Hunter to want to travel together with the two of them."
The sculptor of the Moon nodded "I see ... We wish you luck on this journey ... Great Hunter."
After that, they all dispersed, returning to their homes, leaving only Keqing, Ningguang, Ganyu, Xiao and the two archons along with Aether and Paimon.
The white haired of the Seven approached "Lord Barbatos, Lord Neill. Liyue is also in your debt. Great Archons Anemo and Monstadt. What you have done is something we cannot easily pay for." Venti denied "Morax was an old friend of mine, despite being a jester God."
BANG!
Neill hit him on the head immediately. "Hey! I know you were friends or you might call him that but be tactful. They just lost their Archon." Keqing crossed his arms "Despite seeing it with my eyes, I find it hard to believe that the Archons Anemo are present right here."
Neill apologized "Sorry about his attitude." Ningguang denied with a smile "No, not at all. The manuscripts about the relationship of a friendship somewhat ... Competive?"
Neill raised an eyebrow at the bard "I think more of a cat and dog fight." Keqing laughed "That's interesting."
The boy then looked at Ningguang "Ningguang, Keging and Ganyu. Also ask them for a favor." The three nodded as he continued, "Under no circumstances do you reveal my identity as Archon and Venti's. Since my name did not come out of Monstadt's mouth to protect us from the Fatui. I must ask them the same, do not tell anyone or him.
Liyue village upon us.
The three of them nodded as Ganyu smiled "I will report that to the other Adeptus as well." The boy nodded "You have my gratitude."
Venti was having a tantrum for a reason. Morax. While Neill looked with a vein. "Venti! Grow up at once!"
Later in the evening, following Rex Lapis's farewell ceremony and acknowledging Aether as Liyue's hero and learning the truth about Zhongli's secret.
Later...
Xiao, Aether and the two bards were sitting at a table inside the Wanmin restaurant where Xianling had offered them a discount with delicious food and a private room for them as she knows about Aether's feat and the presence of the two Archons. .
Venti and Aether along with Paimon got up with a smile "We will go see what else they prepare in case we want more variety. The two left the room. Zhongli had also been invited and arrived in the room shortly after. "Oh ..."
Neill and Zhongli's gazes met while the youngest couldn't speak since the older one spoke exhausted "You again ... Tell me you didn't come to drink excessively, drunk. You are a disgrace to the art."
Oh ... what a big mistake he made because he insulted the wrong person.
Neill had several veins on his forehead as he stood up and quietly as Xiao looked worried. Zhongli confused as the aquamarine eyes approached standing in front. The older one was going to speak but ...
BAM!
The former Geo Archon was sprawled on the ground with both hands on his crotch as he groaned in pain. Neill stared cold, satisfied as his little kick hit the mark. "A disgrace to the art, huh? You've got the guts to insult me for being a former Archon."
"Oh? What happened to the block headed buffon?" Venti asked as he entered with Aether and Paimon.
After a few moments everyone was sitting down as
Venti laughed out loud "I can't believe you would insult the Second Archon HAHAHAHA! And if he kicked you in the crotch, it would have been great to see him in person. HAHAHAHA!"
Zhongli was sitting still somewhat sore as he heard several footsteps and looked up.
⬆️Neill was pissed off. Very pissed off ...
The stoic man looked away at the food "Apologize... Neill-san." The boy kept his gaze as he sat down.
Xiao gulped as he ate his almond tofu. He didn't want to get into this at all ...
OMAKE: The Mora problem
Vineyard Sunrise
Childe, Diluc and Xiao were sitting on a chair watching two grandparents sitting on their knees on the ground while Neill and Aether were in front of them, not happy as they held their swords drawn.
Paimon floated by her side with a huge purchase receipt coming from the entrance. "Wine, wine, wine, wine, crystal lily premium perfume, wine, wine, wine, premium Adeptus menu, wine, wine ..." They both trembled as Paimon named what was on the purchase receipt while Neill and Aether's gaze was most terrifying.
At that moment, the sword of the aquamarine-eyed bard began to be enveloped by Anemo's energy just like that of Geo's golden-haired energy.
Zhongli immediately spoke scared "Wait! I-I promise I'll give you back the Moras, I swear, I swear as Rex Lapis."
Venti looked at Neill as he trembled "Y-yes ... I'll also d-return the Moras we spent."
But the duo began to accumulate even more elemental energy as they tightened their grip on their swords.
Neill: "Tell me Barbatos ... And where are you going to get the Moras?" The green-robed bard looked at the redhead but his face told him an idea. It's your problem, and you have to earn the Moras.
Childe denied Zhongli "I'm not going to pay that Sensei."
Zhongli and Venti felt a shadow loom over them as Aether and Neill's eyes blazed with anger.
Neill / Aether: "DIVINE PUNISHMENT !!!!"
From the vineyard the cried of both Archons echoed. "WE'RE SO SORYYYYYY!" The sound of several knocks could be heard throughout the vineyard.
What happened to them that night as punishment I left your imagination.
(If you see an error orthography or some similar kind. Apologize I am Spanish writer and this is my first time translating a fanfic.)