Chapter 208

Jiang Ning wasn't afraid at all. After Ai-chan's birth, he had received a gift. 

A wide-range purification barrier that could instantly purify Abyssal energy to the greatest extent. 

Moreover, those with Abyssal power would have 90% of their strength suppressed. 

When Jiang Ning first learned about this enhancement, his first thought was: 

Wow, this is like the localized version of the Divine Key's "Herrscher of Binding" ability in Teyvat. Am I the Herrscher of Binding now? 

Is the Abyss just Honkai energy?! 

Jiang Ning was genuinely startled. 

But this was also why he was so confident. 

If his strength hadn't yet reached the level of the Heavenly Principles' Sustainer, even with this power, he might have been overwhelmed by sheer numbers. 

Just like the Herrscher of Binding in the previous era, who was eventually worn down by sheer force. 

Otherwise, he would have already gone to the Abyss for a feast. 

This ability to weaken enemies, absorb their power to strengthen himself, and even purify his allies was truly a divine skill. 

Lumine was also annoyed, "Aether, I'm warning you. If you lay a hand on my husband, I'll really knock some sense into you." 

"You've been acting like a cryptic jerk for so long. I've wanted to punch you for ages." 

The Abyss followers behind Aether didn't dare make a sound. 

This was their leader's family matter. If they spoke up, they'd probably end up in a bad spot. 

"Husband… I haven't acknowledged him yet!" 

Aether's face darkened. If he could, he'd chop Jiang Ning into pieces! 

But for certain reasons, he couldn't. 

"Your Highness, don't forget why we're here…" 

The Pyro Abyss Lector beside him whispered a reminder. 

"Shut up, Enjou! Do I need you to remind me?!" 

Aether, already frustrated, snapped at Enjou, who had unwittingly stepped into the line of fire. 

Enjou shrunk back and didn't say another word. 

The Hydro Abyss Lector beside him patted Enjou's shoulder, sighing with a very human-like expression. 

Why bother? You talk too much, and now you've been scolded. 

Aether took a deep breath, "Lumine, I'm not here to fight today…" 

"Hmph, you brought Rifthounds to block our path and brought so many followers. If you're not here to fight, then who would believe you?" 

Kitsune Saiguu smiled, her eyes filled with undisguised disgust for the Abyss. 

Because Khaenri'ah delved into the Abyss, Raiden Makoto marched to war and ultimately fell in battle. 

Saiguu herself died defending Inazuma, and Chiyo, corrupted by the Abyss, disappeared… 

Each event was a bloody chapter of history. 

If Jiang Ning hadn't spoken yet, Ei would have already charged forward with her naginata. 

Her sister had returned, but Ei hadn't forgotten the grudges of the past. 

"I said I'm not here to fight… Forget it. I need to speak with Jiang Ning." 

Aether looked at Jiang Ning again but quickly added to avoid misunderstandings, 

"Because Jiang Ning's ability to purify the Abyss might be of great help to us." 

This statement left not only Jiang Ning stunned but also Ei frowning. 

What kind of joke is this? You're from the Abyss, and you're saying that the power to purify the Abyss is helpful to you? 

Is this some kind of trap? 

This only made Ei and the others even more wary. 

Shenhe even activated the safeguard. 

Everyone present noticed Shenhe's subtle move but didn't mind. 

If it came to a fight, so be it. 

Aether, seeing their heightened alertness, felt a headache coming on. 

He really didn't have any ill intentions… 

Enjou, standing beside him, kept his eyes down but inwardly sighed. 

Your Highness, we're here to ask for a favor. 

Your personal grudge against Jiang Ning is already inappropriate, isn't it? 

And look at him—he's talented, has a bright future, and most importantly, he's already… well, you know. 

He's your future brother-in-law, the father of your future nieces or nephews. Just accept it. 

But Enjou knew that if he said this out loud, he'd be beaten to a pulp. 

"How is it helpful to you? What do you mean…" 

Jiang Ning was genuinely puzzled and asked. 

Just as Aether was about to explain, another calm voice interrupted. 

"Oh? This is the first I've heard of this… However, coming to Liyue without notice, bringing Rifthounds and Abyss followers… You've violated the contract." 

Aether's expression turned helpless: 

"Morax, I know, but this matter is of utmost importance. I had no other choice." 

The moment Shenhe sent the signal, Zhongli spread the word. 

All available adepti mobilized immediately. 

Just like during the Archon War, each adeptus took their position, with some secretly replacing the current guardians of Liyue. 

Both familiar and unfamiliar faces rushed to the Chasm at top speed. 

"Master!" 

Jiang Ning saw Xianyun and Zhongli arriving with a formidable presence. 

Xianyun nodded slightly but didn't speak, her gaze hostile toward the Abyss entities. 

Even Madame Ping, though still smiling kindly, had her spear polished and ready. 

Azhdaha, the Earth Dragon, looked down at the group with a wild grin, ready to strike at the slightest provocation. 

"I told you, we really mean no harm…" 

Aether said. 

"You just said you wanted to chop me up." 

Jiang Ning immediately called him out. 

This made the adepti even more wary. 

"I was… Who told you to mess with Lumine?" 

Aether facepalmed. 

"Wait, this isn't the time for that… Morax, Jiang Ning, and Beelzebul, could we move to a more private location? I truly have something important to discuss." 

Aether extended the invitation. 

Azhdaha immediately protested, "Hey, aren't you going to invite me?" 

Havria chimed in, "Actually, I'd like to hear it too." 

Aether sighed, "Fine, you can all come…" 

But everyone looked to Zhongli, who pondered for a moment before nodding, "Very well." 

Aether breathed a sigh of relief, while Azhdaha grinned: 

"Brothers, keep an eye on things here. If they make a move, don't hold back!" 

The adepti rolled their eyes but remained on high alert. 

This group of adepti, under Azhdaha's command, sounded more like bandits than celestial beings. 

The god-level figures moved to a secluded spot. 

However, Aether brought Enjou along. 

Meanwhile, Eula, Kitsune Saiguu, and others looked on with envy. 

Liyue, usually so low-key, seemed to have an endless supply of powerful fighters. At a moment's notice, they could rally an overwhelming force. 

Eula thought to herself, no wonder Venti always told Jean to maintain good relations with Liyue. 

Even if they offended Snezhnaya, they couldn't afford to upset Liyue. 

Who knew how many adepti Liyue could summon if pushed? 

As for divine-level combat power, even without Jiang Ning, Zhongli and Azhdaha could take on multiple gods. 

Kitsune Saiguu, on the other hand, sighed inwardly. Inazuma was too small, and even during the heyday of the Youkai, there were only a few powerful beings. 

Coupled with the effects of the Sakoku Decree and the Abyssal corruption, Inazuma's forces were now a shadow of their former selves. 

Saiguu felt a deep sense of loss. 

But at least Liyue was now an ally, which provided some comfort. 

Elsewhere, the group found a quiet spot. Zhongli's spear was still in hand: 

"Now, can you explain?" 

Aether felt like he had sighed more today than in the past few centuries combined. 

"Can we put away our weapons? I didn't bring any, as you can see." 

Ei said sternly, "Do you think that's possible?" 

"Fair point… But why did you follow us?" 

Aether looked at Lumine, who had tagged along, his expression full of exasperation. 

Lumine retorted, "What's wrong with that? On one side is my man, on the other is my brother. Can't I listen in? Aether, if you don't behave, I'll hit you with my Dull Blade." 

Aether felt a headache coming on. They say a married daughter is like spilled water, but this was too much… 

"Forget it, let's not get sidetracked… What I want to say is that Jiang Ning's ability is indeed of great use to the Abyss… Enjou." 

"As you command, Your Highness…" 

Enjou bowed slightly, then removed his Abyss mask. 

Beneath it was the face of a scholarly yet somewhat disheveled middle-aged man. 

His appearance was unremarkable, the kind of face that would blend into a crowd. 

"This is…" 

Zhongli was surprised. Normally, those of the Abyss, like the Hilichurls, wore masks to hide their twisted, monstrous faces, corrupted by curses and Abyssal energy. 

But now, Enjou had regained his original appearance? 

This wasn't a disguise; he had truly been restored. The gods could tell. 

As for his body… it was still the massive form of an Abyss creature. 

"Is this for real?" 

Azhdaha was also shocked. 

Zhongli immediately understood, "So, your idea is…" 

Aether explained, "Earlier, while investigating, Enjou accidentally came across some of Jiang Ning's residual energy. Since it was about to dissipate, he absorbed it in a moment of desperation." 

"I just wanted to study the energy that could purify the Abyss. As a scholar, my curiosity got the better of me. In hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise," Enjou said with a smile. 

Aether glared at him, "You're lucky. If that energy had been meant to destroy the Abyss, you'd be six feet under by now." 

After all, Abyss creatures' bodies were largely composed of Abyssal energy. If the energy had been destructive, Enjou's actions would have been suicidal. 

Aether continued, "So, I wanted to see if Jiang Ning's ability could restore Enjou to a human. If it works… you'll be a benefactor to the Abyss Order." 

Jiang Ning stroked his chin, "And what's in it for me?" 

Aether paused, then said, "If you can do it and help restore our people, we'll not only let go of our grudges against Liyue, Inazuma, and Mondstadt but also help protect these regions." 

"The Abyss Order is only a part of the Abyss… the rational part. Many Abyssal creatures are beyond our control, driven purely by slaughter and corruption." 

Jiang Ning looked at Zhongli, who nodded, "He's right. Otherwise, I wouldn't have signed a non-aggression pact with him back then." 

Minor skirmishes were fine; the Millelith needed some training. 

But… in Liyue, aside from the Chasm, you'd only find Abyss Mages, not Rifthounds or Lectors. 

Jiang Ning said, "Alright… Let's give it a try. If it works, I'm willing to help." 

No one mentioned Celestia. It was an unspoken understanding. 

After all, everyone had some grievances with Celestia. 

If the Abyss Order destroyed Celestia, no one would care. But if the Abyss itself overwhelmed Celestia, that was unacceptable. 

The fall of Khaenri'ah, the remnants of the Abyss Order, the Seven Archons being commanded to intervene… 

Ultimately, it was Celestia's fault, though Khaenri'ah's leaders also bore responsibility for their ambition and greed. 

But what did that have to do with the common people? 

For years, the Abyss Order had clung to their grudge against the Seven Archons, but in truth, their goal was to overthrow Celestia. 

Now, with the hope of becoming human again, they were willing to let go of their hatred for the Seven Archons. But the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles had to die. 

Jiang Ning thought for a moment, "Then I agree." 

Aether sighed in relief, "That's great to hear." 

Lumine jumped in, "One more thing." 

Aether gritted his teeth, "What now?" 

Lumine put her hands on her hips, looking smug: 

"You've got some good stuff in the Abyss, right? Hand some over as payment, and don't forget my dowry." 

Havria mused, "That's true… Ei, what do you think? Inazuma has two gods marrying into the family." 

Ei looked confused, "Huh?" 

Wait, how did this involve her? 

Aether sighed, "I'll send the goods over later… Don't worry." 

Lumine nodded in satisfaction, "That's more like it." 

Aether said seriously, "Then, let's begin." 

With that, Enjou stepped forward. 

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