The Chasm Delvers

Phew, this air sure is familiar! It's been a long time since I came down into these mines.

Don't get careless, Qiong. I for one smell something unfamiliar.

I mean, we couldn't jump straight down. Maybe we were just distracted by the swaying of the crane.

You... You've spent too much time above ground.

Paimon didn't smell anything at all... Do all of you miners have such keen noses?

Haha! A lack of a good nose could forfeit you your life down here! That said, we should still be fine. The finches are still quite lively.

Look, the Lumenspar has grown all the way down here too. That wasn't the case the last time we came down here.

Wow, that really did happen! Let's go have a look!

Y'know... it feels like someone just stole Paimon's thunder.

To think that Lumenspar would appear so close to the surface. I was always of the opinion that these things could not appear in more structurally vulnerable locations.

They are fragments of that "thing" underground, traveling up the veins of the rock before finally arriving here.

Hey! Stop spouting nonsense. They were originally rocks from the local area, which is why they became like this. They just underwent some kind of transformation process and formed crystals, that's all.

The analyses that the Qixing commissioned us to conduct reveal that they are by and large made of ore from the local area. They've just been affected by some outside force, thus creating these strange crystals.

Huh, look over there! That crystal looks just like the Adjuvant you have with you, Traveler!

Why don't you take the Lumenstone Adjuvant and have a look, Traveler?

That's right. The Adjuvant is made of the same material as these crystals. These formations will thus naturally react to one another on account of that similarity.

Hey, is that all you have to say?

Um, don't fight, you two...

We're not fighting...

Yeah, we're not...

What I mean to say is that it doesn't matter whether you're fighting or not. Zhiqiong and I need to set up a temporary camp up ahead, so don't run off while we're doing that.

The crystals we discovered will be very useful for our subsequent exploration. If you find anything after this, please make sure to contact me.

My skills haven't rusted away just yet, so I can help you process some of the raw ore. I believe that it'll prove quite useful to you in your adventures.

And, um, also... don't fight, alright?

Got it, got it!

Understood.

That's a good pair of kiddos. I'll get you some candy later. Anyway, if you find anything strange nearby, please report it in a timely fashion.

Actually, do you remember what Jinwu said the last time about Uncle He...

I haven't forgotten. And since you're here, Traveler, could you help me out once again?

Uncle He is our senior here in the mines. Several years ago, he was one of those who went missing when we Chasm miners were dispersed. He's hard of hearing, and may not have heard the alerts.

The pensions from Huishan Hall and Shenglu Hall are quite generous, and his family has already long arranged for his funeral... But although I'm not much of a believer in the supernatural, I can't help but feel that he's still alive down here somewhere.

He really was an old hand. Whether it be avoiding disasters in the mine, how to escape, how to wait for rescue... He knew it all. Taught me a lot of it, too.

That's why I believe that he must be alive in here somewhere, even now... I won't give up searching for him.

I'll point you to a few places where he was sighted before we dispersed... Who knows? You might still be able to find some clues there.

As for me, I'll be exploring the deeper parts of the mining caverns.

Oh yes, don't forget your candy, now!

You're not coming with us?

She still needs to help us draw some maps. The pathways of The Chasm's underground mines are intricate and complex, and we won't get very far at all without those maps.

Oh, you're back.

Uncle He left this behind.

Huh? He did, did he? Go on then, tell me!

Umm... Black Magma... Lumenstone... and mushrooms?

Huh. That's weird, and a familiar sort of weird, too. Let's head back to the encampment. It would be best not to linger here.

Here we are. Strange... where'd Zhiqiong run off to...

Hey! Zhiqiong! Zhiqiong!

*sigh* I'll wager she's gone running off to some other corner of this place to draw her maps again...

She drew this just after you left.

She's probably gone deeper in to explore. Please tell her for me that she should quit leaving everyone else behind to go running off by herself.

If anything bad happens, we're all gonna get dragged down with her. Jinwu's fist will know no mercy, I tell you.

That sounds... scary...

Pretty scary indeed.

Alright, then. Less idle talk, more action. You can either help me set up here, or you can go scout ahead.

Sorry if I'm not the most courteous character. I just want the things I do to be of use to everyone.

Ah yes, by the way, if you see some raw Lumenstone ore along the way, bring some to me.

I will find some way to turn them into more effective Adjuvants. As far as my experience can tell me, these things will be very useful down in the mines.

"Don't slip and fall!"

(A picture of a person plunging into the depths is crudely drawn on the notice board.)

"Stay safe while you use heavy machinery!"

"Do not use any heavy machinery to move the Lumenspar discovered in the depths of The Chasm!"

Ah, it's you, Traveler! You're here!

It's that whole spiel about safety again, isn't it? I'm sick of hearing it already.

I grew up in the mines too. What wouldn't I know about the hazards down here, huh?

As for any unknown dangers... Eh, our seniors always used to use their experience to judge whether things were dangerous or not. And in the end, they'd use the results to rationalize their experiences instead.

I've had it up to here with their arrogance. I'm sure you feel similarly as a senior adventurer, don't you?

If Iris was able to scare you off climbing Dragonspine just by giving you the standard safety talk, you would've missed out on so much adventure!

Alright, stop trying to persuade me. I don't want to argue with you over something this dumb. Can we just, you know, change the topic?

I mean, look over here. I'm currently studying the terrain over here, all the better to draw our maps...

It's just that... I found that the way ahead is blocked by some... strange stuff.

If you could take some samples or pictures of it, I'm sure that both the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Adventurers' Guild would be quite pleased.

I would have done it, but... I dropped my Kamera while descending into the mines, so I can only rely on you now, hehe!

Also, there are a few other spots... Yup. Here, and here. I found the tracks of Treasure Hoarders in these areas...

Sorry, which place is where now? Paimon didn't understand you at all!

You just drew a bunch of Xs and lines...

Hahaha, sorry... Just a force of habit. I always forget that not everyone is born with a natural instinct for cartography.

But it's alright, I will follow you and show the way ahead.

We can approach any of these few locations first, so pick whichever you like.

In that case, let's go.

This is all thanks to you. Please, take this.

Thank you.

Ah, come on, there's no need to be so polite. I mean, Khedive's the one forking out the Mora! Oh, wait, shh... Best we be quiet, lest that stingy scholar from Sumeru hears us.

*cough* Ahem. Shall we go and look for Jinwu? We can probably probe her experienced mind concerning some of the questions we had on the way.

Alright, I won't keep you any longer.

Ah, you're here. What is it? Would you like me to refine your Lumenstone Adjuvant?

"Watch out for falling rocks!"

I believe that Zhiqiong should more or less be done with the map by the time you return.

However, I still need to wait for the transport team above ground to shift our tools down here, so you're free to explore for the time being.

This is the engineering operations center. All uninvolved personnel, please stay out!

"Most of the engineering platforms and the related machinery have been dismantled. All involved personnel, please return to the surface to await further instructions."

"The light is fading... My crystal lamp should last for another 4 hours..."

"...There's not much food left. I should be able to find the water filter from memory, but we must find a new source of light..."

"Huh, those lights are floating... or are they walking? Am I starting to see things due to a lack of oxygen?"

"Some strange black magma is oozing out of the depths of the earth. I'm not sure if calling it 'magma' is precise... But it looks very ominous. Best not to get near it..."

"...I went deeper still and retrieved some strange mushrooms. I'm not certain if they are edible or not..."

"...The 'magma' seems to have attracted some elemental lifeforms. Now, if they can eat it, perhaps I could too..."

"...No, something's wrong. Something's gone wrong with those little things. I'd better leave. This is surely not to be taken for sustenance..."

"...once you get used to it, mushrooms actually don't taste too bad. It might be best to relocate to a spot where mushrooms might be found and to make camp there..."

"...When I get too near to the black magma, my thoughts grow jumbled and my senses become agitated. But when I stand close to these crystals, these deleterious effects retreat greatly..."

"...I once heard Little Jinwu say that some... 'Adjuvant' thing can be used to store energy from these crystals. I should ask her about that when I get back to the surface..."

"...My ears itch. I can hear someone calling out to me, telling me that there is water in the depths. Mushrooms..."

"...Oh dear. I fear that I must be going quite insane..."

(An aged diary. The pages bear some strange purple-black burn marks.)

"...The excavation team shall be disbanded today, and once the collected data has been properly organized, it shall be handed over to the messenger from Huishan Hall tomorrow. Additionally, we have found that the office door has been opened three times. It may be the work of Treasure Hoarders, so everyone must stay on alert..."

"The detailed data has been sent to the secretary at Yujing Terrace such that the long-term implications for the Chasm may be estimated... A strange black mud-like substance was also discovered..."

"...Purple-black mud... below... people... something came through the crack in the door..."

"We, the Chasm Exploration Team, have made this place our temporary base camp. All members, please pay attention to act within safety parameters at all times. Do not act alone without permission, and do not touch any unknown materials within the depths of The Chasm!"

"Recently, we have discovered an unknown black mud-like substance in part of the main mining area. It is exceedingly dangerous. All spelunkers must be on double guard. Be sure to avoid areas tainted by this substance. If you have any questions, please ask Zhiqiong to show you the way around."

"Taliesin's shoes have gotten wet. Could we ask the resupply team to send down some changes of clothes and shoes?"

"Also, Jinwu needs a set of backup tools with which to process the Lumenstone Adjuvants. Could the resupply team please send these over as soon as possible? Thanks!"

(This half-torn sheet of paper is filled with complex mathematical workings and geometry. They seem to have something to do with astrology...)

"The 'Mountainator' cannon within the main mining area seems to remain undamaged. We should be able to use this to open up a path and save ourselves significant amounts of time exploring this place."

"However, we need to first clear the area of roving bandits. Fortunately, there's good news: the Millelith are already on the move cutting off their links with Treasure Hoarders on the surface."

"If their connection to the surface is cut, the Treasure Hoarders underground will likely fall back of their own accord..."

"We need more supplies of vegetables. Also, having stayed down here without sunlight for too long, everyone needs eggs, mushrooms, and fish to keep themselves nourished."

(This notice is very old indeed. It seems to have been put up by miners well before the exploration team ever arrived on the scene.)

"The mines are a sprawling, complex place. Ensure that you carry a finch cage with you at all times while navigating any narrow spaces within in case of any leakage of poisonous or flammable gasses! Do not forget what our comrade Erge taught us!"

(The edges of this incomplete sheet of paper have been charred a deep brown. It seems that someone read this under torchlight without keeping a safe distance...)

"All miners have been equipped with specialized crystal lamps, so please do not bring flaming torches down into the mines. Additionally, professionals will direct you as to where you might start a fire. Please do not strike camp by yourself if you are unfamiliar with the terrain..."

"Please observe strict order while you disperse. Take your personal belongings with you and do not panic. Once the signal arrives from the surface, you may start leaving gradually in small groups!"

"As for all those who have gone too near to the 'crystal fragment,' please report to the medical team immediately, regardless of whether you had a negative reaction or not, and leave The Chasm as soon as possible!"

"Comrades, please do not panic and follow the higher-ups' announcements!"

(This announcement and the messages written under it have been partially covered by newer notices. This might have been put up not long after the mines were sealed.)

"After the 'crystal fragment' was discovered, the amount of Lumenstone Ore present increased rapidly. As for its benefits or potential risks, we require the exploration team to further confirm them..."

(This old namelist seems to have been left here by the very first exploration team sent after the mine was sealed.)

"We would like to invite the following professional staff to set up camp here to take samples, do research and learn how we might appropriately utilize Lumenstone:"

"...Deputy Research Director, Jinwu. Experiment Assistant, Azadi... Explorers, He Zhi, He Wei..."

"Watch your step!"

Ah, it's you, Traveler! You're here!

It's that whole spiel about safety again, isn't it? I'm sick of hearing it already.

I grew up in the mines too. What wouldn't I know about the hazards down here, huh?

As for any unknown dangers... Eh, our seniors always used to use their experience to judge whether things were dangerous or not. And in the end, they'd use the results to rationalize their experiences instead.

I've had it up to here with their arrogance. I'm sure you feel similarly as a senior adventurer, don't you?

Alright, stop trying to persuade me. I don't want to argue with you over something this dumb. Can we just, you know, change the topic?

I mean, look over here. I'm currently studying the terrain over here, all the better to draw our maps...

It's just that... I found that the way ahead is blocked by some... strange stuff.

If you could take some samples or pictures of it, I'm sure that both the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Adventurers' Guild would be quite pleased.

I would have done it, but... I dropped my Kamera while descending into the mines, so I can only rely on you now, hehe!

Also, there are a few other spots... Yup. Here, and here. I found the tracks of Treasure Hoarders in these areas...

Sorry, which place is where now? Paimon didn't understand you at all!

You just drew a bunch of Xs and lines...

Hahaha, sorry... Just a force of habit. I always forget that not everyone is born with a natural instinct for cartography.

But it's alright, I will follow you and show the way ahead.

We can approach any of these few locations first, so pick whichever you like.

In that case, let's go.

This is all thanks to you. Please, take this.

Thanks.

Ah, come on, there's no need to be so polite. I mean, Khedive's the one forking out the Mora! Oh, wait, shh... Best we be quiet, lest that stingy scholar from Sumeru hears us.

*cough* Ahem. Shall we go and look for Jinwu? We can probably probe her experienced mind concerning some of the questions we had on the way.

You know something? Jinwu doesn't like talking about this, but just like how you're famous for your exploits on Dragonspine, she was also quite the famous figure down at the mines... *cough*

I heard that she helped to guide the Millelith search parties, and that they saved a lot of people together. Still, those things are in the past now. I shan't mention them too much, lest she gets mad again.

Alright, I won't keep you any longer.

Take Photo

This looks like that dark-thingamajig that we saw earlier...

Eh? Have you seen this before?

That's right, and Jinwu told us to warn you to be careful, too! And did you listen? Nooo...

The locking mechanism hasn't rusted away yet. In fact, it looks like it's been lubricated. Looks like someone maintained it even after the mine was sealed.

The breech also looks whole... It's just that the safety is currently locked down.

What is he talking about?

The tunnels ahead were sealed using large rocks when the miners were dispersed... Looks like that's where we're going to need to use this cannon again.

But without any shot, cannons, no matter how large, are useless. As such, we need to find ourselves some.

Hmph, don't say it like I didn't know that, Mr. Know-It-All.

There's a store room nearby that should contain the cannon-shot. With any luck, not all of it was moved away when the miners were dismissed...

Let's head that way, then.

Let's go.

This is the place. *cough* Ugh, the gate's locked.

Looks like we'll need to use two keys at once to open the door... Oh come on, why are you Liyue people so conscientious about the silliest things?

Oh, cut the useless chatter... See that notice pasted next to the gate? If nothing else, that tells us that our cannonballs can be found within.

Well, that's one thing, but how do we know if the fuses have been well-preserved or not? I wouldn't get our hopes up just yet.

Oh, great — we have an optimist over here. Cut it with the quitter talk, would you?

...Seriously, what am I doing, listening to a Treasure Hoarder doubt us left and right?

Exactly! Don't you two fight, alright?

Hmph, alright. Let's continue. Maybe Jinwu knows how to open this gate.

We'll be pretty busy after it opens, too. We'll have to activate a signaling device to get the breech open.

Jinwu said that there should be an observation point for the demolitions team that overlooks the cannon and that we'll be able to adjust the signal from there, which will let us unlock the cannon from a safe distance.

"...We made the acquaintance of a few new companions down there, and they're requesting a few boxes of things to eat and drink. Now, we can't leave any new companions to starve just like that (especially when they've got the Mora to fork up in exchange), so could someone get them what they need quickly?..."

"...Also, this should give that new guy called Clitopho — you know, the fake medicine man — something to do. I'm pretty sure the mine warehouses store some food and drink."

"...We've already sent one batch of people. What's with the lack of reply, huh?"

Phew! Thank you for saving my life...

Wait a moment... I remember you! You're that Toclipho guy from back at the mine!

Uh, what? No! That wasn't... I—I don't sell any fake medicines! I'm Clitopho, yes, but not the one that's into pharmaceuticals. No sir!

Huh. So the medicines you sold were fake?

What? No! Impossible! The medicines I sell are one-hundred-percent the real deal! I mean, you saw the miners! They drank it, and they felt great!

And didn't you say you were the non-pharmaceutical Clitopho?

Ah, uh... Right, that was after my life selling medicines ended. And it all ended when that... when that Toclipho sold fakes under a false identity!

He sold fake medicines under a false name and ruined my reputation! That's right. That's why I swore off selling medicines forever!

And just as I was changing tacks, I was captured by that band of Treasure Hoarders...

But yes, that charlatan is truly despicable...

Yup, he's a real piece of work, to want to trick those in the same business as him like that!

And so, what was the false name of this "Toclipho" again?

Clitopho!

Uh. No, wait. Clitopho isn't a fake name. It's a real one...

Doesn't that make "Toclipho" a fake name?

No... Wait, yes. Yes. He took my name falsely, so "Clitopho" is now a false name. We're clear now, right?

Ooh... So "Toclipho" became a real name.

What a shame...

What's a shame?

You nearly confessed without us having to try too hard.

Let's take him back up. The Millelith have a lot of questions for him, most likely.

Or we could deal with him right here and now.

What?

Hey! This isn't the time for such jokes.

Hehe, hehehe. Paimon thinks it's pretty funny.

B—But you're not laughing. And no, this isn't funny at all!

W—Wait a moment! This isn't the time for an interrogation!

I don't know about you, but carrying a Treasure Hoarder you scared half to death around doesn't appeal to me one bit. Either way, let's take him back to the camp first.

Hey, hey, hey! Take me along, would you? I'll be very useful to you! I mean, as you can see... I've been kicked out of the Treasure Hoarders...

So now I'm an upstanding citizen again, y'know?

Oh, so that's what counts for "upstanding citizen" to you, huh...

And what are your skills, again?

I can... make explosives?

Not fake medicine?

No, no, he said "explosives."

And your explosives aren't fake, either?

No, they're for real this time!

...

...I'm not at liberty to include you on the team. As for how we should deal with you, Jinwu would be a better judge of that. But I guess she'll just hand you over to the Millelith.

But we'll keep an eye on you. All Treasure Hoarders are not to be trusted, let alone someone who sells fake medicine...

Oh come on, I don't do that anymore!

Oh, we know, we know! Let's go, shall we?

"Please take note!"

"The Chasm has been closed indefinitely. All blasting tools have been sealed within this storehouse. If you do not procure both the two necessary keys simultaneously, this gate will not open."

"The fuses and cannonballs have been placed separately to prevent any accidents from occurring!"

This is all thanks to you. Please, take this.

Thanks.

Ah, come on, there's no need to be so polite. I mean, Khedive's the one forking out the Mora! Oh, wait, shh... Best we be quiet, lest that stingy scholar from Sumeru hears us.

*cough* Ahem. Shall we go and look for Jinwu? We can probably probe her experienced mind concerning some of the questions we had on the way.

You know something? Jinwu doesn't like talking about this, but just like how you're famous for your exploits on Dragonspine, she was also quite the famous figure down at the mines... *cough*

I heard that she helped to guide the Millelith search parties, and that they saved a lot of people together. Still, those things are in the past now. I shan't mention them too much, lest she gets mad again.

Alright, I won't keep you any longer.

Ah, you're back.

Hmm, Clitopho? What are you doing here?

Hehe... Well...

You know this guy, Jinwu?

Yes. He used to sell fake medicines above ground. He'd go around advertising this "Real Man's Meds" nonsense, only for the workers to buy it and find that it was just Valberry Jam.

Well, not that it was harmful, and it was cheap and pretty tasty. It was chilled in ice, too, so it was, all things considered, a way better deal than drinks purchased from a long way off in the city.

So, you've fallen in with the Treasure Hoarders in the meantime, have you?

Um, you could say that... Kind of. Hehe.

How did you know that he...

Haha! You've got a lot to learn, kiddo. I didn't spend 20-odd years of my life down in these mines for nothing, you know?

You can wash the soot off your face, but you can't change the color your hands are dyed.

Alright then. Tell me, what can you do? We don't feed idlers around here.

Well now, guess that alchemy you learned has finally been put to some use, huh? Well, we do need a demolitions team at the moment.

Wait. Didn't we get in touch with a demolitions expert from Mondstadt? Why do we need to count on him?

Oh, you mean her? So, Muning received an apology letter just this morning, saying that the kid had blown the stove right off this restaurant called "Good Hunter" and got grounded as a result...

Even her... guardian, I guess? This guy called the Cavalry Captain, I think. Either way, he got grounded too, and he was supposed to come with her.

I'm not sure what this is. Maybe it's some kind of code for people in Mondstadt? Either way, she's not coming.

Um, who might that be...?

Should we call this fortune... Or misfortune?

Hmph, so even you think so huh, Traveler? Well, I guess it's your lucky day, Clitopho.

Come on, Zhiqiong. Clitopho here's from Mondstadt, so he's not too far off the mark from what we were looking for. He'll serve.

Thank you, Jinwu! Thanks so much! So... I guess I count as a member of the team now?

Once you've proved your worth.

Well, I've got no faith in this fellow. The demolitions team is a key appointment. Lives will be at stake! And we're giving this to a Treasure Hoarder...

Oh, quit your yammering, you.

I've known this kid way longer than you have. He's not a bad person. Never had the courage to, anyway. Just give him some time.

So, other than meeting some new friends, were you here for anything else?

Well, the path to the lower levels has been sealed off by stone, so we're going to use the "Mountainator" to clear that path.

Pfft. The Mountainator, eh? Hahaha!

Eh? What are you laughing about?

Haha, very funny.

Pfft, sorry. Heh. I mean, call me old fashioned, but in the Engineering Department, we all called this the Safe Blasting Mechanism 2156.

But I suppose Mountainator works too. It's a cute nickname, no doubt.

If you want to use that cannon... Eh, it's a shame I wasn't part of the demolition crew, and I need to take care of the camp over here. Still, I think that you should be able to find a manual nearby.

Ah, right. I also believe that the keys to the facility should also have been hidden separately in two different water filtration devices. Let me mark them out on the map for you...

Wait, what? Isn't that the same as hiding your house keys under the doormat? What kind of security measure is that?

Well, you say that, but The Chasm was never a place that ordinary people could access. Even if people with other intentions entered...

It's not entirely likely that they would immediately think to find the two keys in such obvious places. Am I right, my Treasure Hoarder friend?

Ugh... Well, Erge wasn't able to find the storehouse keys, that's for sure.

What? That idiot doesn't count. But anyway, I need to continue working on these maps... So I leave Clitopho to you guys.

You're not worried about him?

Hmph, I'll keep a close watch on him. Who knows if he's got some poisonous plan against us. Even if Jinwu trusts him, I won't let my guard down...

I can't be at ease until he's in the hands of the Millelith... Keep an eye on this guy. Don't even give him a chance to try anything.

Alright, now that you know where the storehouse keys are, don't disturb me any further, alright?

By the way, Traveler. You must have seen some raw Lumenstone ore on the way here, right?

If you need to, come look for me and I'll help you polish 'em up. They're actually pretty good as adjuvants down in this place.

They seem to have the power to restrain the encroachment of that black mud-like substance, almost as if they were born to be enemies. The principle of how that works escapes me, though.

Haha, what can I say? I'm just not all that learned outside my profession. But once you see "that thing," I think you'll understand.

How did it go? Did you finish making the Unmoving Essential Oil?

We got it! And we took good care of it, too!

Here it is.

We've found the cannonballs! They're in perfect shape! How do the fuses look?

Not great. They can't be used anymore.

How did that happen?

The fuses in here have all been designed such that they are activated by a catalytic reaction with Geo, but the anomalies down here in the mines must have affected them.

The Geo-catalytic elements within the fuses have all turned into this strange, inert blue crystal, so they're all useless.

Well, that's not good. We weren't prepared for such strange goings-on.

Well, there were definitely some words in there that Paimon didn't get at all.

So, what happens to the cannonballs without the fuses?

Uh, that's not a very bright question...

Eh? What was that again? Paimon couldn't hear you.

Nothing... Nothing. I'm just saying that without their fuses, none of these cannonballs would explode even if you kicked them around like a ball.

Because, uh, well. The fuse is what makes the explosive material explode, you know? The fuse reacts with Geo, and then with the contents of the cannonball, and then...

And then "BOOM"! Right?

Yes, "boom." But without their fuses, these cannonballs won't explode at all. Ugh, this is going to be tough.

Aren't Geo reactions themselves inert?

Aye, that's basic alchemical knowledge, that is. However, the potential energy within elements can be quite hard to estimate.

Hmm, for example, if you were to pressurize Geo elemental particles such that they would be densely packed inside a small vessel, an elemental reaction would generate significant explosive force all the same.

Huh. That reminds Paimon of the curious abilities used by people with Geo Visions.

Huh. Then where do they hide all the Geo elements they use?

The principles work differently for elemental users. That's a completely separate matter to how the miners of Liyue make ad-hoc fuses.

...You know, how does a Treasure Hoarder from Mondstadt like you know all this stuff better than people from Liyue?

Hehe, wanna guess?

Gah! Can we hit this guy already?

Hey! Paimon's not your dog or something!

*cough* Well, if you trust me, I could make a simple fuse here at the Crafting Bench.

Eh, you know what? It's not that we don't trust you, but you are a Treasure Hoarder, and you're not a miner, either... Who's to say you won't blow us all sky-high?

And even if Paimon does trust you, it's not like Traveler would...

Well, the job's all yours.

Eh? Didn't Zhiqiong say...

Alright, alright, stop explaining already! Ugh, what's Paimon going to do about you...

I doubt he'd risk blowing himself sky-high as well...

If you ask Paimon, this is how all the bad guys in stories would want it to go.

But since you say so, Paimon will listen to what he has to say.

Alright, Clitopho, go ahead.

It's not that hard, actually. It's just that there is some minute risk involved, in case you're worried.

We just need to get one vial of Unmoving Essential Oil with double the usual density.

Isn't that some kind of potion?

Exactly. As I said earlier, a double-density potion can also serve to catalyze an elemental explosion. I used this principle to collapse some tunnels during my time with the Treasure... Uh, sorry. Never mind that I said that.

It's fine. We don't really care about your Hoarder days!

If I might ask, how "minute" is this risk?

Well, if an accidental explosion occurs — which it might, considering the unstable nature of concentrated essential oils — the explosion shouldn't be able to drastically alter any geological formations.

Oh, that's a pretty small explosion, then. That's fine! Paimon's not too worried.

That said, any organic matter within the explosion radius might experience "disintegration," "breakage," "leakage," "separation," and...

No need for the jargon. I get it.

Paimon didn't get it, but it sure sounds scary...

Khedive has set up a Crafting Bench back at camp, but we can first attempt to follow the formula to make the essential oils here.

If you don't have enough materials on hand, you can find some other way to get the essential oil we need, and we can continue from there... Uh, please keep the formula with you. Just follow it, and we'll be fine.

In any case, please be careful when walking around with said oil. Shake it too much or drop it accidentally, and there might be an explosive accident.

Alright, alright, stop trying to scare us already!

Huh, alright, that's it, don't shake it... steady now... Alright. Looks like this will do. Now, we just need to insert the fuse into the cannonball.

Okay, that should do it. Be careful now, don't bump that thing around everywhere, or things might get lively in here.

I'm back with a new map! Go on, have a look!

Thanks for your trouble.

Nice!

Ah, it was nothing. I'm just glad to be able to help. How are things on your end? Did you find the cannonballs?

Hey, careful! This one's got a fuse in it already. If you move it around too much, we're all gonna be done for!

Hey, hey, hey! When did you start putting on airs?

If you were the one holding the bomb, you'd sound pretty brave too, I'll bet.

Is that a threat? Have you stopped hiding your true Treasure Hoarder colors already? Well? Gonna blow us up now?

Come on, I've said this before: bombs are indiscriminate. You go on like this, and I don't think it'll matter whether *I* want to blow you up or not.

Hmph. It's not like I can read your mind or something. Who knows what thoughts you're having in that mind of yours?

You Treasure Hoarders are all the same. Criminal minds with criminal mindsets. And now you've even got the bomb with you. Great, huh?

And what of that? If it was in your hands, you'd have blown us up 30 times by now!

...Sorry. I just don't trust this Treasure Hoarder.

That works for me. I can barely respect someone who jumps at every shadow she sees, either.

Hey, are you two even listening!?

...Okay, okay.

Alright, go ahead.

So, I'm not asking you two to trust each other or anything...

I know, but he...

You don't know what we were doing earlier.

That's true. She wasn't around to see us working on that bomb, after all...

You shut it as well.

...

...But if you don't work together, we're going to get nowhere fast.

...

...

That's all I have to say.

Wow, Traveler actually got mad... Let's just drop that argument already, okay?

The two of you've already put up walls before you can even talk. That's no way to properly communicate!

Since we're all on the same exploration team, let's just talk nicely, okay? Just this once?

Regardless, I'm going to go operate the Mountainator.

I'll go with you.

I'll stay in the camp then... Uh, don't get me wrong, I'd love to help, but I think Jinwu needs my help more. I've also got to thank her for taking me in, you know?

Uhh... It's fine, I... Since Traveler has said so, I'll trust you. Not that I didn't before, but...

Alright, alright, let's head off before you start arguing again!

Look! We've done it!

Awesome! Bullseye!

Looks like that Clitopho does know what he's talking about after all. Guess we blamed him unjustly...

See what I told you?

Hehe. Yeah, you were right. I was too hasty.

Paimon wonders what's up ahead. Ooh, it's scary, but it's also exciting! Shall we continue onward?

Yes, let's go.

Lumenstone only started springing up like mushrooms within The Chasm after the miners discovered this thing... This is definitely no coincidence.

From the way it floats and its damaged state, it really does look like the fragments that Iris said existed on Dragonspine.

And yeah, I am talking about those floating fragments that you found earlier. Who knows, they might also be inexorably attracted to unite with a large fragment somewhere...

Perhaps some nameless ancient civilization sleeps under our feet, just like the ancient catacombs on Dragonspine. What do you think?

The changes to the geological structure of The Chasm have been... accelerating. The black substance that you see covering the rocks only started showing up everywhere recently.

I can't be sure, but I think that these things are all related: the mud, the flowing light, and this floating crystal fragment.

Hmm... Why would you think that?

Well, that's because they all make me feel sort of... queasy?

It's like getting motion sick on a carriage, or like losing your sense of direction on a ship in a storm...

Eh? Really? Paimon feels alright.

Are you unwell?

Thanks for your concern, but I'm fine. I've had my fair share of bouts of vertigo or seasickness. I'll be okay.

Don't push yourself more than you should, alright?

Mm-hmm, thanks. Ah, yes. Have you noticed...?

There are three strange devices around this crystal... thing. We should probably investigate them. What do you think?

Phew... Thanks. Those monsters were just too much... I've never seen them before, either. Where did they come from?

Whoa, how are you more tired than we are? Traveler was doing all the fighting, really.

Sorry for... being a burden... I'll be fine. Just need to... get some rest over here. The air though, it's... kinda thin. Chest feels kinda... tight.

Ugh, look at you. Even Paimon's starting to feel a bit uncomfortable now.

It's fine... Let's go ahead and have a look at... those devices. I saw some spots of light floating coming to rest on those cliffs above... It's almost like they're... alive...

Um... You'd best just rest here for now. We'll go alone! And don't collapse on us here, okay?

Let's go investigate those spots of light, shall we, Traveler?

Paimon gets a feeling that they might be the key to reactivating those devices...

*cough* *cough* *panting*

Phew...! That's better! Much better! The air... *cough* suddenly got a whole lot cleaner!

That thing... flew away, and blasted a path open for us?

Whoa, you scared us! It's almost like you had a case of "terminal acidity."

Oh yeah, sure, just focus on Paimon and stuff!

By the way, "terminal lucidity" is not used this way!

Shouldn't we be more concerned about Zhiqiong?

Haha, I'm fine now. I was just suffering from maladjustment a moment ago, so I might have looked pretty frightening. But I'm fine now. Please don't worry.

It's like how people might feel faint due to the thinned air if they climb a very high mountain for the first time, or find it hard to breathe in deep waters.

These are all small problems — things every good adventurer must overcome. No problem at all, really.

Small problems, says the person who talks about them so dramatically.

You sure you're alright?

Also, don't watch from so close when we're fighting! Just look at the state you're in already.

I'll be fine, really! Don't you underestimate me...

That's what adventurers should be like. They should walk with death and consider deadly peril a friend.

We fear neither death nor danger...

So... *cough* This is nothing I can't handle.

What... are you even talking about...

It's nothing. Please don't worry about me! *cough*

Not a few paces away from where you nearly collapsed, and you're talking nonsense again.

That's right! We're talking about something different altogether... Stop being stubborn and go back to the surface to rest!

No, please... *cough* listen to me. They're not different. They're the same thing.

What just happened was just a small setback. I can overcome it for sure.

The environment here is no harsher than that of the Mare Jivari... Please don't laugh at me, but I don't think I'm much inferior to Stanley in adventures.

Then ordinary people like me can do the same as those seasoned adventurers, just with some extra grit!

That's what I believe. I will persist no matter what... and I'll do my best not to be a burden to you.

...

...

Then let Paimon ask you a question. Earlier, when you came into contact with that... black, muddy, smelly stuff, did you feel uncomfortable like this, too?

Kinda? It wasn't that serious...

Don't try to downplay it! Give us an honest answer!

Well, yes, but... Just like this time, I just needed to tough it out, you know? It was nothing serious...

This person has got to be the King of the Land of Understatements! How can you be sure that you won't be in mortal danger if exposed to it for too long?

You might feel better if you go back to the camp and take a rest.

I can't! This expedition has just gotten exciting, you know? I don't want to slow us down...

It's best that you go and tell everyone else what we've found.

That's right... Jinwu, Khedive, and the others still need you to guide them! If you run off by yourself into the depths, who's going to lead the way for them?

...

Please go back and tell them of the dangers that may await them ahead.

But... But...

No worries. We'll be fine.

...Okay. I understand.

Do you really?

Um... I'll go back to camp and guide them through a safe path clear of the dark mud as we go deeper into The Chasm.

Sorry, I was being too stubborn.

Hmph, better keep your promises and hold your horses and stay clear of dangerous places!

Pfft... Alright, I get it. I'll do as you say.

That's the spirit! Traveler, let's head off!

"Low lamp post, high-frequency flicker."

"Middle lamp post, low-frequency flicker."

"High lamp post, low-frequency flicker."

Wait, what does that even mean...

Thanks for your faith in me. I won't let everyone down.

Um, alright... In that case, I won't waste your time any further.

Lumenstone only started springing up like mushrooms within The Chasm after the miners discovered this thing... This is definitely no coincidence.

The changes to the geological structure of The Chasm have been... accelerating. The black substance that you see covering the rocks only started showing up everywhere recently.

I can't be sure, but I think that these things are all related: the mud, the flowing light, and this floating crystal fragment.

Hmm... Why would you think that?

Well, that's because they all make me feel sort of... queasy?

It's like getting motion sick on a carriage, or like losing your sense of direction on a ship in a storm...

Eh? Really? Paimon feels alright.

Thanks for your concern, but I'm fine. I've had my fair share of bouts of vertigo or seasickness. I'll be okay.

Don't push yourself more than you should, alright?

Mm-hmm, thanks. Ah, yes. Have you noticed...?

There are three strange devices around this crystal... thing. We should probably investigate them. What do you think?

How was it? Did you have any trouble putting the Unmoving Essential Oil together?

Ah, that's fine, that's fine. Even a seven-year-old kid should be able to read the formula I wrote! Just try it a couple more times — just mind you don't hurt yourself!

We should be able to load the cannonball now. Be careful, the fuse has already been mounted...

Ugh, if we had known that we had to do this, we should have just mounted the fuse here and loaded the cannon all at once!

That's all water under the bridge by now, Paimon...

Give me a hand over here, please!

"...Serzhant Anton has discovered a large bell to the southeast. The rock walls have "their" script all over it..."

"...This is very similar to the large bell that the Kapitan-Poruchik discovered in the ruins to the northwest. Perhaps..."

"...We dispatched Snezhevna and Fadeyka to ring the two bells in their respective corners..."

"...As the terrifying tolls reverberated through the stone, the black fog dissipated. What a strange phenomenon... it's almost like the bells were announcing someone's arrival..."

"...Ten were lost, two vanguard squads took immense damage. The Kapitan-Poruchik ordered a retreat..."

(A simple map falls out from the diary. The map marks out the two bells in the northwest and the southeast, with two ominous skulls to go with them.)

May I ask for your name?

My apologies, but The Chasm has been closed indefinitely. We do not take guests here.

Unless...

Unless...?

Unless you can get permission from Yujing Terrace... Or if you are on a special commission.

However, things have been quite unusual lately, and our bosses have been most busy... I'd advise that you mind your own business, lest you disturb them.

Please leave at once. This is for your own safety.

You still owe Lan Mora for drinks. Don't you forget that.

Eh? Oh, so that's what you're here for? Hmph... Alright, alright. These adventurers... Can't ever trust them to come out and speak their minds.

Alright, then. If you have any questions, ask away. I will answer them — provided that I know the answer.

Here's the Mora that Xingqiu said he'd lend you.

Oh my! As expected of Liyue's great hero — coming in the nick of time to my aid!

*cough* Uh, I mean, considering your long-term partnership with the Ministry of Civil Affairs, just ask me any questions you might have.

Could you tell me more about The Chasm?

Right, so about the Chasm... If you don't intend to leave just yet, you're free to explore the area a bit. But please do keep your actions within the remit of Liyue's laws and statutes.

I should mention, though, that there is a place that I highly recommend you avoid.

For example, the great mine in the center of The Chasm has had a Seven-Star Array cast over it... By which I mean exactly what I say — it is a seal placed over the area by the Qixing.

Well, that's quite the clear explanation.

As for the weak... I mean, focal point of the array, it lies in the Bedrock Keys surrounding the area. These were placed by the Qixing themselves. Connected in series, they affix the energy flowing through the array.

The area around the Bedrock Keys has seen an abnormal amount of Geo elemental coalescences. It's almost as if the "thing" beneath yearns to finally emerge...

...Uh, never mind me, I was just talking to myself. So yes, that's how things are. Please do not — and I repeat, do not — go near the Seven-Star Array, and don't even think about going down there to explore.

The Bedrock Keys are definitely not losing structural integrity, and the surrounding areas are most certainly not plagued by any strange Geo elemental convergences. So please, don't you think of doing anything at all.

But...

Hmph, I know what you're going to ask.

There are most certainly no precious treasures down there, nor are there any prehistoric fossils to be had. And banish any thoughts you have about giant ancient ruins... Yes, please do not bear any fruitless expectations toward this place.

The way you're saying all this is super suspicious!

Not even mushrooms will grow down there! Nor are there wish-granting stones! And there are definitely no sailors who grow strong just by eating mushrooms! Again, do not get your hopes up!

Uh, yeah, sure! There's no need to be so fierce...

I suggest that you go speak to Zhiqiong first. She is an adventurer hired by the Ministry and was once a miner here. She knows The Chasm's geography like the back of her hand...

Also, let me write you a certification real quick. When she sees it, she'll know that you're trustworthy.

That said, I must warn you that Zhiqiong is definitely not the sort of person who has trouble standing still, and definitely has no thoughts of undoing the array and having a look underground.

So there's no way that she would ever put a team of idle adventurers together to brazenly enter hazardous areas! As such, you can forget about asking her to help you enter The Chasm's mines.

Uh huh. Got it.

Did... did you really?

As long as you understand, we're good, in which case, I won't take up any more of your time.

Huh, so there are stories about us too...

Of course! They are very popular in the city, you know? If you ask me, I'd say that Tea Master Liu Su and Iron Tongue Tian are both good in their own way, but I just prefer Iron...

Oh, don't worry, I get it, I get it. Iron Tongue Tian's style is definitely not for everyone. I do sometimes find that his choice of words and phrases features too much slang...

But as for Liu Su... He takes a while to get going, you know? Sometimes, you're there for two hours before you start going "oh hey, this is pretty good!" Some people like that style, but I find it uninteresting...

And if you mean to say that "this is just a story, it won't get stale," let me just say this — if this were food or drink we were talking about, it would surely go bad if we wrapped it up and covered it for half a day without opening it up...

*cough*

Oh, are you alright? Something wrong with your throat?

No, no... It's probably just a case of too much information.

Uh... Um, sorry. I got a bit too excited there and didn't really consider if you were interested in what I was saying. Hehe...

Still, since you're here, Traveler, are you here at the Qixing's behest? Did Muning end up revealing some other information to you? Um, you know, like...

"Don't touch the Bedrock Keys! There's nothing under The Chasm! Zhiqiong won't help you!" You know, stuff like that, repeated over and over?

Muning did indeed tell us all that.

Hah! Well, he didn't scare us!

Hehe, indeed, he wasn't doing that at all.

Eh?

So all the things he mentioned are true?

*cough* Well, Muning is, in the end, a specialist hired by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. Even if he wanted to ask for help, there's a lot that he's not allowed to reveal in public.

So he can only "warn" us, and thus impart the means of getting into The Chasm to you in a roundabout way. In essence, when he says "you shouldn't," he really means that "you can."

What a weird guy...

In any case, you also mentioned that he wrote you a certification and told you to come find me.

That note which you now carry means that you have the authorization to travel through The Chasm without any obstruction. Of course, barring any personal intervention by the Qixing.

And the fact that he suggested that you find me means that I should tell you the way into the depths of The Chasm!

Eh!?

That Muning...

Hahaha! Well, for what it's worth, I apologize for all the covering-up that we're doing. But trust me, we have very good reasons for doing so.

While the "thing" that they dug up under The Chasm is truly abnormal, our investigations cannot be done with too much pomp and ceremony, lest the people be alarmed... That is the Qixing's standing order.

As such, we can only function under the cover of a no-entry order, secretly gathering explorers and scholars to enter The Chasm and conduct investigations.

This is all to, if necessary and where possible, stave off the crisis that festers beneath the earth.

So all the people at the encampment were...?

That's right. They were all brought on as support staff. They're all pretty reliable... uh, well, mostly.

That you came here is also no coincidence. More than one big shot in the Qixing has already recommended that we enlist your aid. And honestly? We've little reason not to comply.

In any case, it is also said that your aid is not necessarily difficult to enlist...

Eh? Doesn't that mean that we were tricked?

Well, Paimon, time to leave.

Hmph, that's right! Don't you treat us like a bunch of idiots!

Uh, please wait! I was just passing on my superior's message. Those were her words, not mine! Just, uh, let me take those words back, alright?

Byeee!

Come now, this is the Qixing we're talking about! They won't short-change you for your aid!

It's not as if I'm short on Mora or anything...

Paimon too...! Well, that said, having more Mora isn't a bad thing...

*cough* Well, if we could mitigate the safety hazards in The Chasm, any underground treasures or valuables will be given to the one who discovers them.

This is a special privilege given by the Qixing, just to the two of you.

Really? No tricks now!

Well, in that case...

That's right! Treasure!

Haha, alright, alright. Can we safely say that you've accepted this commission, then?

Alright, we'll do it for the treasure.

Woohoo! New treasure!

Alright! Here's to a new adventure, then!

Again, let me apologize for wasting your time on all these other things. Let's get down to business, shall we?

If we wish to enter The Chasm, we first need to find an Adjuvant made from a material known as Lumenstone. Only with it can we move in the dark down there.

Only those with Visions can use this Adjuvant, but considering that you can use elemental energies without a Vision, it's my guess that you should have no problem making use of the Adjuvant.

So, where do we find this thing?

It's in a warehouse to the south. The warehouse is well-guarded, so it should be pretty secure. Just come back once you've gotten ahold of the catalyst.

We're back, you big liar!

Eh? Me? What happened?

What do you mean, "it's well-guarded"?

Huh? That... shouldn't be the case. When I was guarding the place, the Treasure Hoarders wouldn't even dare come near it.

...Wait a moment. Who did you say was guarding the warehouse, again?

Uh, me?

Well, are you guarding it right now?

Well, come on now. Which adventurer in their right mind would let themselves get tied down with such a boring task, am I right?

...!

Ah. Right.

...

...

...

Well, putting your dereliction of duty to one side for the time being...

Hee—hee...

Huh, you destroy— I mean, undid the bindings on the Bedrock Key so easily! Guess we were right to put our faith in you two!

Eh, Muning has already sent a damage report ahead of us. So technically, the Bedrock Keys were damaged *before* we arrived, not after.

Well, that leaves four more that we need to handle. Ah, yes, I've drawn a basic diagram that shows where three of the four are. I hope it'll be of use to you.

As for the last one... Honestly, I'm not very sure where that is anymore. After the miners were dismissed, there was a seepage incident in that mine, causing the cylinder to be submerged under the waters...

In any case, just settle the other three sites. We'll meet up after that and think about what to do next...

Not coming along with us?

Not this time... I mean, I was originally assigned to guard the warehouse, but thanks to my slip-up, I nearly let the Treasure Hoarders in there. Honestly, I'm already in your debt for not reporting my error...

Things could get bad if Muning catches me and puts me on the trail of some errands again, so I'll just stand guard as I should... For now.

Still, I believe that this riddle will be no match for the two of you at all!

We're back! The three Bedrock Keys have all been destroyed.

Shh!

...What's up all of a sudden?

Don't start! It's nothing much... just the earth shaking, that's all. Perhaps the mountain rocks are being destabilized by the loosening of the seal... Do you feel it?

Not at all...

You fly, so of course you don't.

Huh. That's a good point...

I guess it's just a miner's instinct. If you grew up in a mine since you were young, you'd know a thing or two about the language of the stones.

Wait... Watch out!

Whoa! The ground really is shaking! Paimon's having trouble standing straight!

You don't stand at all!

Aaaahhh! Eh... the shaking... stopped?

Phew... Looks like it's over for now. Thankfully, we were above ground. If we were in the mines when this earthquake happened...

Hopefully, Muning and the others don't blame this on us.

But now, the sealing array's power has been greatly decreased. We just need to deal with that last Bedrock Key. Let's go!

Ten crates of meat, ten crates of vegetables, various amounts of firewood and camping equipment to be given to the Millelith outpost... Three crates of various ores to be sent to the Huishan Hall warehouse in exchange for spare parts for tools... in various amounts...

Alright, sorry for making you wait. What do you need... Ah, it's you!

Eh? Since when were we all that familiar with you...?

I mean, you are the heroes who saved Liyue. Your deeds are remembered by us all.

Since you're here at The Chasm, you must be here on some important business. In which case, I'm sure you must have a permit from Lady Keqing, right?

Uh...

We don't.

Really? I mean, sorry to trouble you... Since you must be very familiar with Lady Ningguang, a permit from her might hold still more weight. Could I see it, please?

Hehe...

Well, we don't have that, either.

Well, the Lord Tianshu is reclusive yet approachable, and also has great vision and the good of the people at heart. Surely he was the one who gave you permission to enter the Chasm, then?

May... maybe?

In that case, would you mind letting me see your papers?

...

Huh, I guess you don't have that, either. Well, Ms. Ganyu works at Yujing Terrace, supporting the Qixing directly, so I'm sure her opinion would be in lockstep with theirs. You at least have her permission, don't you?

(Actually, you know what? We could have just asked Ganyu to sign off on this!)

I can, uh, go look for her right now...

...

...

...

*sigh* ...

So... you've come at a bad time. This is really not the season to be visiting The Chasm. The Ministry of Civil Affairs is still working on eliminating a great safety hazard within, so this is still very much a danger zone.

If you have been commissioned by some merchant to urge us to open the mine faster, then I suggest you read the report I submitted to Shenglu Hall carefully.

Uh, what's this person talking about, exactly?

So, about Lan...

Ah, did she tell you about some "special commission"? Well, I am the representative of the Ministry in this place, and as far as they are concerned, any commissions from the Adventurers' Guild hold no weight here.

So you can't... I mean, don't you also try using her to put pressure on me. It won't work...

Pfft. That wasn't convincing at all!

Alright! Alright! Can we change the topic, please? Let's get back down to business!

So, about Xu...

I've been friends with the two young masters of the family he serves for a long time. The younger of them, Xingqiu, is a warm-hearted and chivalrous soul for someone of his age. I was definitely right to put my faith in him.

Of course, I also have you and Xu to thank in this case... *sigh* If this sum hadn't come in this month, I'd have some trouble making ends meet before my next payday.

Either way, I can now start worrying about next month's expenditures.

Man, how much Mora does this guy owe...

Heh, well, old habits die hard, you know?

But to be honest, I haven't had the time to go to Yanshang Teahouse in a long while Not since I got assigned here, anyway.

It's just that old debts still need paying, you know? I... guess I'll have to trouble all of you in the future as well.

*sigh* You're right. I suppose I just don't consider these things enough.

Ah, it's you! Hello there!

Muning was the one who introduced me. This is his...

Yes, yes, forget that sheet of paper. I already know who you are just fine!

That Muning... All he does is put on airs and write papers. Everything's gotta follow this or that procedure and all that tripe. You know, stuff that makes you look important. I couldn't care less for that stuff...

In any case, your name is already well-known throughout the Adventurers' Guild, never mind any of your other contributions to Liyue.

Of course, many new recruits at the Guild have heard of your exploits on Dragonspine from Iris. Hehe, that includes me, you know?

Piercing the frigid blizzard to open a path, discovering an ancient, forgotten kingdom beneath the ice and frost, reaching the perilous summit, confronting the great change that came over that place with a mortal form...

The things you've experienced, the obstacles you've overcome, the truths you've uncovered... They can be summed up in one word: adventure! True adventure!

Precisely!

Wow. This is actually quite a shock to Paimon. Are we really that awesome?

Haha! And this isn't even mentioning the great battle you had with that sea monster on the Jade Chamber. Now, I wasn't there to witness it, mind you, but I haven't missed a single telling of that story!

Ah, it's you! Hello there!

Muning was the one who introduced me. This is his...

Yes, yes, forget that sheet of paper. I already know who you are just fine!

That Muning... All he does is put on airs and write papers. Everything's gotta follow this or that procedure and all that tripe. You know, stuff that makes you look important. I couldn't care less for that stuff...

In any case, your name is already well-known throughout the Adventurers' Guild, never mind any of your other contributions to Liyue.

Haha! I mean, you had that great battle with that sea monster on the Jade Chamber. Now, I wasn't there to witness the event, mind you, but I haven't missed a single telling of that story!

Don't worry, I won't run off. Just retrieve the Lumenstone Adjuvant, and things should go fine.

Honestly, I'm not too sure about how the Bedrock Key works, but you could start from looking into those cage-shaped Geo elemental formations over there.

What is that?

These strange formations have been puzzling the Ministry of Civil Affairs for some time now. They seem to have grown up from the bedrock of The Chasm over the last two years, and their properties are very similar to those of the "thing" underground.

We say this because they can undergo some kind of disintegration when under the influence of the anomalies.

Later, Huishan Hall's investigations revealed that they have been absorbing Geo elemental energy from the surroundings, slowly eroding the structure of the Bedrock Keys...

It is a most ominous phenomenon, almost like something is consciously trying to break the sealing array.

We have to clear them out twice every month, but they will always grow back quickly... and they have only grown back quicker over time.

Perhaps that "thing" below is growing restless... and that is why the Qixing has sent us to investigate.

Please don't talk to me for the time being, or I'll get in trouble again...

"Again"...?

Uh, just don't sweat that...

Very impressive! That should be the last one. With this, the array sealing The Chasm has dissipated, and we can explore the area underground.

That said... We should probably go and pay Muning a visit first. Hmph, not that he's going to do anything other than scold us, though.

See? What did I say? You weren't guarding the warehouse as you should've at all!

You've really done it this time, Zhiqiong. How are we going to resolve this matter, huh? Are you going to take responsibility for undoing the array of your own accord? Can you?

Ah, you're here. *sigh* So... how are you going to explain destroying the Bedrock Keys?

You...! Ugh, alright! You're taking responsibility for this. As for the rest, we'll wait for the Qixing to make their judgment first.

Hehe, don't you worry, Muning only gets mad at people who don't care. Otherwise, he's just a worrywart — not a bad person.

Well, let's leave his stubborn temper aside first. Once you're ready, I'll round everyone up to follow you down into the mines.

Our purpose this time is to reach the deepest level of The Chasm, map it, and... uh, investigate the source of the anomalies.

Ah, yes, I almost forgot — welcome to the Chasm Exploration Team!

If you'll allow me a bit of your time, let me introduce you to the team.

This is Khedive, a scholar specifically called in from Sumeru. His specialties are ores and biology. He's this exploration team's leading man... well, in scientific and financial matters, at least.

This is Jinwu, who's in charge of safety. The repair and maintenance of any facilities we use and our security is ensured by her.

And this is... Taliesin. He's a bard from Mondstadt... and goodness knows why he insisted on coming down here with us.

Also, perhaps you'll discover new allies once you get down into the mines, eh? Haha, who knows?

And last but not least, you have me, the super hands-on surveyor! My job is to help scout the way forward and draw maps, which I'll share with you all, of course!

Well, please head over to the crane by the mines once you're ready. Originally, it was meant to transport goods, but it can also bring a few people up and down the mines, no problem!

Hmm, that said, since you have your wind glider, I suppose that you'd be fine even without the crane, eh?

If you understood what I said at all, please stop hanging around this place.

If not...

If not...?

*sigh* If not nothing, really. All I can do is write weekly reports.

Weekly reports?

Just a somewhat bothersome, meaningless, but nonetheless necessary document.

Why don't you just stop writing them?

That won't do. I have to at least inform people that you've shown up here, you know?

The last report was sent out yesterday. In other words, the Ministry of Civil Affairs should get word of your presence here in a couple of days.

When that happens, someone might actually drop by and forcibly get you to leave.

So you're free to act before then, got it?

Got it.

That's good. Hmph, if it wasn't for your great deeds in Liyue's service... Eh, you know what? Forget it.

It's great to see that you're alright! What... what were those two creatures? I've never seen anyone... or anything like that... *cough*

Alright, alright, there's no need to be so strict. I won't risk provoking them, I know...

How did you get in front of us?

We came through a hidden mine on the western side that just so happens to let us get around the areas infested with the black matter and the strange creatures below... *cough* Ugh...

Uhh, are you alright?

I'm fine, I'm fine... That road was pretty hard to find. It might've been some sort of path the Treasure Hoarders carved out en route to their loot stashes... But I can't imagine them wanting to come this far down, either...

Well, our campsite isn't too far away. Let's talk as we go, shall we?

*cough* Oh, hello there. Is there something you need?

You're coughing away! You sure you're okay?

I'm alright, really... The air down here is just kinda thin, which doesn't sit too well with me.

Ah, yes. This is the map that I drew earlier... *cough* *cough* Ugh. Well, that feels better.

Uh, you'd best rest up. Don't go running around all over the place, now!

Speaking of maps, we've got one for you as well...

It's a map of "The Two Strange Bells"... Seems like it's something those dastardly Fatui left behind!

Thank you! I'll incorporate this new location into my map!

...Wait a moment. Did you say "Fatui"? They've tunneled into this place as well?

Certainly looks like it.

Looks like we've got to be even more careful while exploring The Chasm...

Speaking of which, we found this...

You've been around here more, Zhiqiong, so you probably know what this is used for, right?

This? I think I found a gate with a symbol similar to this one somewhere deeper down.

*cough* *cough* Ah, sorry. If I remember correctly, you could hear the wind behind that gate... I'm quite sure that there should be a large open space behind it for us to explore.

I wonder what relationship this thing has to that gate? Might it be a key of some sort? *cough*

Zhiqiong's right. This is a device used to unlock the gate.

Whoa! Where did you come from?

A "hello" before joining the conversation might be nice.

Sorry, um... I was just too eager to say that this strange device is indeed used to open doors.

I once looked into similar devices, and just as luck might have it, the device in your hands is an exact match to the one in my research lab.

Unfortunately, neither alchemy nor basic mechanics can help us understand the energy held within these devices, nor can they explain the principles behind their ability to unlock and lock gates...

We Amurta take a rather dim view of those who rely purely on theory. That said, we often have to work with those blockheads from Spantamad all the same...

*sigh* Well, that's all I can tell you. There isn't much else to be said with regard to the Akademiya...

Oh, I have a pillow right here, you can keep talking...

Oh, I'll stop, I'll stop... I didn't form this exploration team to divulge all our secrets or something.

Whatever the case, if we're able to find that gate that Zhiqiong spoke of, we'll be able to use this strange device to open it.

Let's go together then, shall we? Ever since you shared this new map with me, I've been left with this last section unmapped!

I just thought that we could... *cough* ... Whoops, sorry. You know, we could get it all done in one go! *cough* Haha... *cough* Sorry, sorry... *cough*

...

...

We can leave the map thing aside for now. Have you... had close contact with that black, muddy stuff at any point?

Oh, I'm fine. The environment's just not sitting too well with me, y'know? I mean, this is nothing for a true adventurer! *cough* *cough*

Nothing? Hey. You'd better wake up, you hear? You're the only person — I repeat, the only person in the whole team — who has shown such serious negative reactions during this process.

We have to send you up to the surface to rest. If we go now, there's still time.

...

Alright, alright, don't look at me like that. Do whatever you want. It's not as if I'm your parent or something.

Will you really be fine?

That's right, you've been coughing this whole way!

*cough* I'm fine... I can take it.

I joined this team of my own accord. I'm not going to change my decision based on what others say.

Mm, yes. And I suppose that as an adventurer, your primary concern is the remuneration?

If you're willing to leave, I'll make sure you're compensated. It'll be quite the generous package. The representatives from Liyue will understand as well.

...

*cough* *cough* Sorry, I'll have to excuse myself now. The area Traveler cleared out needs re-mapping. I shan't waste your time any further.

Right, Traveler. I'll head to the gate that I mentioned before later. If that's where you're headed as well, we can meet up there.

Hmph, this kid... is not to be reasoned with. At all.

You're being too harsh on Zhiqiong, Khedive.

Exactly. You were so curt, and you didn't explain anything either. Is there any wonder that you ticked her off?

Heh. I just didn't expect that she would have literally no concern for her life at all! ...You know what? Forget it. She can do what she wants.

And then she'll regret it later... and ask for help. That's how young people are. Always got to take a hit or two before they learn.

What exactly is wrong with Zhiqiong, anyway?

What we're facing is, in essence, very similar to the anomalies on Dragonspine, in the sense that their source is something alien to this world we know... and it involves the clash of two energies.

And that is why we had to get you on the team, Traveler, since you are able to manipulate the elements without the use of a Vision.

For normal people like us who neither have Visions nor can manipulate the elements, these anomalies are malignant, even fatal.

Those who have close contact with the source of the anomalies may begin to lose touch with the world. Some will weaken swiftly and even...

So, Zhiqiong...

...Is in trouble.

That's as much as I can say.

Wait, then what are we supposed to do? Should we chase after her?

*sigh* It's her choice...

...

But we can't just stand by and watch... We should at least try, Traveler.

Well, don't let me delay you either way. I'll leave you to your own business... There are still a great many secrets for us to discover down there.

And... if you meet Zhiqiong, please take care of her on behalf of the rest of us.

This doesn't look like a natural cave. It looks like something huge cut right through this place instead... Huh. Actually, "rammed right through" might be more accurate.

Y'know, Traveler... Don't you think this floating thingy looks rather familiar? This resembles what we saw on top of Dragonspine back then.

Their... "smell"... or "aura"...? Is pretty similar...

Whatever it is, it's really spooky...

What have you discovered, Paimon?

Uh, whatever it is, this is pretty creepy...

Y'know, doesn't that stone tablet look kinda new to you? It doesn't look like it fits in with the ruins around it at all!

(Although the inscription cannot be understood per se, a little observation reveals that the engraving is a map of the surrounding area, and that the other pictures have something to do with the floating crystal...)

Hmm, so the big crystal has five weird devices around it, and these lines are connected to the crystal... Gah, Paimon can't read this! Why is this diagram so messy!?

Looks like we need to activate those five devices...

Then, uh, someone needs to hit the crystal or something... and then the black spots will disappear...

After that... Wait a minute, why did they draw this big worm? Hmm... Seems like this stone tablet is telling us to beware of the super big worm.

Perhaps it's warning us to beware of stepping on worms...

Huh... That sounds a lot easier to get... But still, we've got to try before we know for sure.

Also, Traveler, look at that purple-blackish stuff. It's all over that big crystal! Looks pretty similar to that dark mud we encountered before, too.

This looks exactly as depicted on the stone tablet...

Mm, yeah, you're right...

Oh ho? Very fearless of you, Paimon.

Well, we're already here, so we might as well do something.

(This stone tablet looks a fair bit more recent than the rest of the ruins. It seems to have been set up not long ago.)

(Although the inscription cannot be understood per se, a little observation reveals that the engraving is a map of the surrounding area.)

(The tablet is also engraved with some complex pictures that have something to do with the giant crystal suspended before you...)

Great, you're back!

Yup, we're back!

There've been several earthquakes ever since you went through that gate. We don't know what's going on down there, but we're glad to see that you're both okay.

Well, you don't look too bad yourself. Looks like the rest helped, eh?

How are things on your end?

I've followed your advice and rested here all this while. I'm feeling a whole lot better now... Was this all due to "that thing" behind the gate?

I didn't go in there, but I could feel some strange pulsing within... Something amazing must have been back there, I'm sure of it...

*cough* I grew up listening to tales of the Yakshas, and some of my seniors used to say that one of them was sealed inside The Chasm and slumbers to this day.

I see... Thank you. So, as for the dark mud we... *cough* Sorry...

Yup, now that we've removed the taint from that large crystal, that stinky mud should be back underground in no time!

I understand... *cough* I'll inform the other team members. It seems that our exploration of The Chasm... has met with some initial success.

This is way stronger than that time at Qiaoying Village...

Well, we could use this opportunity to become an official exploratory team under the Ministry of Civil Affairs... But I don't think we'll be going anywhere any time soon.

After all, it was due to your spelunking that we were able to avoid the perils of the path, such that no one was injured or lost, and that our material losses proved negligible.

I think that we might stay here for a while yet, help the Ministry staff watch over the underground anomalies, and maintain the exploration facilities.

Did you encounter any strangers after we left?

What? Hmm... Well, I didn't see anyone on the way back and I fell asleep pretty quickly once I got back to camp, so I didn't see anyone else pass by.

What's wrong? What's with the sudden question?

Hmm, never mind, it's nothing...

*cough* Well, if you're leaving, don't forget to say hi to Muning as well... *cough* Tell him... that I'm gonna be promoted. Who knows who's gonna be the boss of who before long, eh?

*cough* *cough* Hey, Traveler, you're here! *cough*

*cough* What's wrong? You don't look so good. Did I annoy you in some way?

Y'know, Paimon's having trouble telling who looks worse between the two of you...

The road ahead is very dangerous.

You know, everyone's actually... really concerned about you. Please don't care so little about your own safety...

I... Of course I know they're worried. But it's like I said before. This is what an adventurer's life should be like!

No adventurers in this world would balk in the face of danger! And I have no wish to lie in bed in my dotage, withered by age, relying on others to eat or even to get myself to the toilet!

If the alternative is stability and boredom, I'll choose danger any day. I'd rather lay my life down here than lie in some cushy bed waiting for time to claim me.

I belong here. I know it. A comfy job with the Ministry? That's not for me. Khedive's Mora? It doesn't own me.

...

And as opposed to those lucky few who have Visions...

Adventure, exploration, challenge — these are things that can only be truly experienced by normal people like us!

So when it comes down to it, it's all about you, huh? Haven't you spared a single thought for others?

I've said it before, this is my own personal business. It's got nothing to do with anyone else. I'm... sorry that they might feel bad about the matter, but...

Must you really go deep into such dangerous places?

Yes. I mean, no... I mean, yes! I just... I don't want to be forgotten.

At least this way I'll leave some maps behind, and I'll have borne witness to the sights of The Chasm... and I would have accomplished all this, stepping into the realm of the forbidden, as a normal human being!

And the trail of the Yaksha who defended Liyue in legends might be behind this gate. If I could reach that place...

I don't know if I can make it there, but... I wish that I could get closer to these unknown places. Perhaps we might truly find the reason for the anomalies here in The Chasm...

Everyone needs a rest, ordinary or not.

...

We're all worried about you. Please don't take such poor care of yourself...

What you need to do right now is regain your strength.

Yup, that's right, you should totally get some more rest! The road ahead is still plenty dangerous. You can just wait for us to finish clearing the obstacles ahead before following after. It won't be too late!

Anyway... um... Someone needs to record down what we've seen, right? If no one records the stuff, no one will remember it, after all!

Huh, you've got a point there, Paimon.

Hee-hee!

...

I get it... I'll go back if you insist. But please, you keep your wits about you as well...

We will! Stay safe on the way back, now!

*sigh* Paimon has no idea if she really heard a word we said.

This doesn't look like a natural cave. It looks like something huge cut right through this place instead... Huh. Actually, "rammed right through" might be more accurate.

Hmm... Looks like we've come to the bit where we've got to "apply some external force to the crystal." You ready, Traveler?

Well, we've come this far. Let's just give it a shot like we always do, eh?

But...

Alright, come on, it's a big crystal! Don't you just wanna poke it?

Huh... Is... Is it over? It all kinda feels like a dream...

Looks like that thing up there has gone back to normal. The air feels less heavy, too.

Hmm, even though we've reached the bottom of The Chasm and even defeated the creature down there somehow... But it doesn't feel like we've answered any questions!

In fact, we've got more questions now than we did before!

Like for example... What was that thing above us? Why did a giant serpent come roaring out? Where did that dark mud and the strange monsters come from?

The monsters that followed the dark mud here seemed to be eating at the big crystal, and Zhiqiong mentioned that a Yaksha was here once...

Agh, this is way too many questions for Paimon!

Looks like The Chasm still has many secrets that are yet to be discovered...

Yeah, no wonder adventurers like Zhiqiong are so committed to exploring this place...

But things should quiet down a bit in here now that we've cleared this big thing up, right?

Still looks like a long way off before the mines can reopen...

But our exploration mission seems complete. We'll worry about that other stuff in the future!

Oh yeah, one more thing...

It feels like... someone helped us out during that fight with the big snake. Did you hear this "shoom" sound during the fight?

Um... Well, never mind. When we head back, we can ask Zhiqiong if she saw any strangers!

Great, you're back!

Yup, we're back!

There've been several earthquakes ever since you went through that gate. We don't know what's going on down there, but we're glad to see that you're both okay.

Well, you don't look too bad yourself. Looks like the rest helped, eh?

How are things on your end?

I've followed your advice and rested here all this while. I'm feeling a whole lot better now... Was this all due to "that thing" behind the gate?

I didn't go in there, but I could feel some strange pulsing within... Something amazing must have been back there, I'm sure of it...

*cough* I grew up listening to tales of the Yakshas, and some of my seniors used to say that one of them was sealed inside The Chasm and slumbers to this day.

I see... Thank you. So, as for the dark mud we... *cough* Sorry...

Yup, now that we've removed the taint from that large crystal, that stinky mud should be back underground in no time!

I understand... *cough* I'll inform the other team members. It seems that our exploration of The Chasm... has met with some initial success.

This is way stronger than that time at Qiaoying Village...

Well, we could use this opportunity to become an official exploratory team under the Ministry of Civil Affairs... But I don't think we'll be going anywhere any time soon.

After all, it was due to your spelunking that we were able to avoid the perils of the path, such that no one was injured or lost, and that our material losses proved negligible.

I think that we might stay here for a while yet, help the Ministry staff watch over the underground anomalies, and maintain the exploration facilities.

Did you encounter any strangers after we left?

What? Hmm... Well, I didn't see anyone on the way back and I fell asleep pretty quickly once I got back to camp, so I didn't see anyone else pass by.

What's wrong? What's with the sudden question?

Hmm, never mind, it's nothing...

*cough* Well, if you're leaving, don't forget to say hi to Muning as well... *cough* Tell him... that I'm gonna be promoted. Who knows who's gonna be the boss of who before long, eh?

Ah, you're here! Welcome to the Chasm Exploration Team's demolitions team base and water point!

We — by which I mean I, Clitopho — salute you!

Come, come, have a drink! Consider it my treat — just a little something for all you've done for me.

Well, I'm an official member of the team now, so since they're staying, I'm staying.

Well, things would certainly be easier if Khedive and Jinwu could get me some extra help...

Though that said, I wouldn't be able to call myself the sole member *and* team leader if that were to happen.

You're back, Traveler! How did things go? There's good news to be had from underground, I hope?

Hahaha! See what I told you? The exploration team were a reliable lot, and the expedition was bound to be fruitful!

I have received the ore samples and data that Khedive and Jinwu have gathered. The unknown matter is in full retreat, and the geological shifts have largely ceased...

...It's a good omen indeed. Thanks to your help, the Millelith have also expressed no objections to our plans for further exploration and restoration. In fact, they should be getting ready to descend into the mine themselves...

Hmph, that's right... So, who was the one who was trying their best to prevent us from going down previously, huh?

Uh, hehe... Come on now, there's no need to be so straight about such things.

I mean, I will pay you. And of course, The Chasm Exploration Team will become an official part of Huishan Hall from this day forth!

You need to work on your ability to change the topic...

That's right! But since there's Mora to be had, we'll forgive you this time.

Haha, thank you... And you know, I did get a real earful from the higher-ups myself for letting you go down there without so much as a report back to headquarters...

The higher-ups... Who?

Yeah, and who would bother coming down here themselves to give you an earful anyway?

You might not believe me... But it was the Yuheng herself. She seemed quite concerned for your safety.

Uh, seriously? So Keqing's been keeping an eye on us this whole time?

Uhh, but the person we met down there didn't look anything like her!

You actually saw that person clearly?

Eh? You forgot? It's the one that went "shoom" and went right by us! It was super flashy and stuff!

You met someone else down there? Are you certain that it wasn't a Treasure Hoarder or a Fatuus?

Hmm... This is certainly worth recording. But don't worry, the Millelith will help you look into it.

Ah yes, Traveler... Since I'm currently in charge of the exploration team's material needs, could I also ask you how things are with them at the moment?

Zhiqiong isn't looking too good.

That's right... she's still down in the mines, and she's not in the best of conditions.

Hmm... Jinwu did mention her condition to me. I'll send a report recommending that the Ministry send a medical team down. With any luck, she'll be patient and stay out of any hazardous zones.

Clitopho joined up, but...

He was a Treasure Hoarder previously. Will things really be okay?

Oh, him? We all know him. He's not a bad person by nature.

If you were able to trust him, Traveler, I don't think we'd gainsay you. Still, I think he'll have to wait for a while before he can be welcomed in any official capacity. Let's just call it a probation period, shall we?

About Khedive...

Oh, that fellow from Sumeru? Well, I won't lie to you — you can think of him as a sort of "proxy."

On the surface, he seems to be the organizer and the overall in-charge, but in truth, even he answers to the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

Of course, this comes with some "academic agreement" that the Qixing have with the Akademiya... The people upstairs went back and forth with the Akademiya for a while over this... and I'm not at liberty to say more, in any case.

Whatever the case, a researcher from overseas is not exactly someone we would normally use...

But since he's willing to pay for the team from his own pocket, I suppose we have little reason to refuse his help.

Well, what's the arrangement going to be from now on?

The Ministry will send more people down there. I suppose we've got to trouble our dedicated professional to delve into the perilous depths for us again...

"Your" dedicated professional?

*cough* Aaaanyway, thanks for your help! You're always welcome here at The Chasm, yes, indeed!

And there you go again, changing the topic so suddenly!

Okay, okay, let's not get too hot and bothered about that. In any case, the Ministry thanks you for your services, and we will not stand in the way of your activities within The Chasm any further.

Ah, it's you. Well, are you here to brave The Chasm by any chance?

The Chasm?

Paimon's never heard of any commission like that...

Oh, uh, you don't know about the Guild's commissions yet? Sorry, that's my mistake.

Well, The Chasm has been closed for a long time now. No one can go in without the Qixing's say-so, not even the Adventurers' Guild.

Well, we wouldn't dream of being a bother to the people at Yujing Terrace. It would be a counterproductive thing to do, messing with pre-established policy like that.

Even Ms. Ganyu, who seems like the most amicable of the bunch, would probably just smile at us and say "why don't you have some tea while you wait here?"

And then she'll leave you hanging for most of the day, until you start wondering whether she'd forgotten all about you till she was nearly off from work...

Hmph, and as we all know, Ms. Ganyu never gets off work.

Whoa...

That certainly does sound like a very Ganyu-esque way of refusing.

Either way, this means that Ms. Katheryne isn't going to be giving out any commissions about The Chasm anytime soon. Instead, we've got to find more... convenient people to help us out in private.

Convenient?

Yes, like for example, miners from Huishan Hall, members of the Millelith, staff at the Ministry of Civil Affairs. They can get passes to go in more easily, and...

And... what?

Well... So what I'm saying is, O valiant hero who saved Liyue from the sea monster, yet seems to have nothing to do all day every day, surely you can talk to the Millelith on our behalf?

No idea who you're talking about.

I'm talking about you.

C'mon, she was definitely talking about you!

Don't play dumb. Who do you think I'm talking about, Rex Lapis?

Hehe.

Alright, quit your bragging.

Whatever the case... You have our thanks for your help so far, and we'd like you to consider helping us again.

It's fine if the timing isn't convenient for you. It's just that... If you do end up passing through The Chasm, please help me look for a fellow named Muning.

Muning... Who's that supposed to be?

He's a specialist sent to The Chasm by the Ministry of Civil Affairs. We've got some personal matters that need settling. You can ask him about it if you meet him there.

Just pass this message along: "You still owe Lan money for drinks. Don't you forget that." He'll get the picture.

Got it.

Wait, hold on a moment! There's one more thing. If you take this commission up, just negotiate your payment directly with Muning.

Don't ask me why the arrangement is like this... We did this at the Ministry's insistence. Best not to question their decisions and all...

You're back. The Adventurers' Guild welcomes you.

What, you want me to tell you what's in there? Who knows, seriously?

Some say that the some miners dug up what they call "Wish Granter," but that they got the opposite of what they wished for when they wished upon it. Others say that they dug up some old dragon-king's tail down there. All tales as tall as mountains, of course.

Really, there's no point asking me about The Chasm. I'm not actually sure what happened there either. Just go ask Muning — this was also one of the Ministry's requirements, by the way.

Ah, you're the Young Master's friends. How do you do?

Please accept my apologies, but I have something to ask of you. Is this a good time?

Well, here's the situation: there's this friend of mine named Muning who often helps us in business matters.

It's just that he wound up owing a small sum of Mora to the Yanshang Teahouse in recent days, leading to him asking our young master for help...

...And the young master agreed without a second thought! Interest-free, if I might add. A most generous spirit... But best not one used while doing business, I fear.

Oh, come on, he was just doing a guy some justice. Isn't that a good thing?

Yes, of course... But as you can see, Young Master Xingqiu has gone out to "right wrongs and enact justice," while I'm a little tied up with work back here. As such, the only person we can trust with the matter of delivering the Mora is you.

He should be working at The Chasm. He basically lives there, so I doubt you'll miss him.

People actually still live at The Chasm?

Haha! Well, he is the specialist sent by the Ministry of Civil Affairs to the Chasm, after all!

Of course, that is a mine, so food, water, and daily necessities all need to be transported there from Liyue...

So there isn't much time for idling or for leisure, and life can be both tough and a little boring, but regardless, the remuneration is quite generous indeed.

Well... You are the great hero of Liyue. Perhaps it might still be a bit of a tall order to ask for huge favors, but I'm sure some people might be willing to make small exceptions for you, yes?

I believe that you'll be able to accomplish this task. If you do get stopped at the gates, though, come back here and we'll use some other methods instead.

Well, I'll help for Xingqiu's sake.

Thank you so much!

Again, I apologize for asking this favor of you, but we really are very busy at the moment. If there's any trouble, just come back later and we'll talk then.

Well, uh... Oh, right! Silly me. I can't believe I'm sending you out without even the briefest of introductions to The Chasm.

To be honest, though, I'm not sure I'll do a good job relating the matter to you... I think it was several years ago now when the miners unearthed something strange. What that is, I don't know — nor have I really had the courage to ask around.

Either way, this was reported to the Qixing by the Huishan Hall, and one of Ningguang's secretaries sent out an investigation team that returned and reported that there was some huge threat to everyone's safety, and that the mines must be closed...

As a result, the Chasm was rendered into its current state. The people of Shenglu Hall constantly ask when it will be reopened, but the Qixing will not allow it, leaving them to fret...