Watching the battle unfold on the surface of the "Void Veil" in Hollow Zero, whether it was Hoshimi Miyabi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Zhu Yuan, or Soldier 11, they couldn't help but worry for Sam Li.

They had never encountered such a colossal entity before. Could Sam Li win this time?

Zhu Yuan's brows furrowed with worry. "Who would've thought such a terrifying entity lurked within Hollow Zero? It likely surpasses even that rock colossus we encountered in the Outer Ring... Miss Keqing, Lady Xianyun, we should go aid Master Sam Li now..."

She knew full well that colossal ethereal was undoubtedly terrifying, far beyond what they could handle alone.

But Zhu Yuan couldn't stand by and watch Sam Li struggle alone. She wanted to help him, even if it meant making only a small difference.

Moon Carver shook his head with a smile. "No need to worry. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Just watch closely."

The Mountain Shaper also smiled faintly and said, "Master Sam Li is far stronger than you imagine. Rest assured, he will slay that monster swiftly."

The Adepti were supremely confident.

When it came to formidable foes, the gods they had faced during the Archon War were far more terrifying than these ethereal.

Take the Overlord of the Vortex, Osial, who once dominated the seas, capable of raising thousand-meter-high waves—was he not subdued by Geo Archon?

Or the Earth God, Romans, whose form could stretch thousands of meters, his colossal body as awe-inspiring as mountains—was he not shattered by Geo Archon and transformed into Liyue's fertile soil?

Yet the Adepti's gazes held no trace of worry—only joy.

It had been ages since they'd witnessed Geo Archon's majestic presence.

Seeing the Adepti remain utterly unflustered, Zhu Yuan, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Hoshimi Miyabi, and the others gradually calmed. They stared fixedly at the golden dragon drifting in the distance.

Suddenly, the golden dragon broke through Hollow Zero's "Veil," circled the outer sky, and then plunged back into Hollow Zero.

Soukaku pointed excitedly toward the distance. "Yanagi, Mr. Sam Li is so amazing! He can come and go freely between Hollow Zero and the outside world!"

Tsukishiro Yanagi said earnestly, "I'll go get some telescopes..."

The distance was too great; only a blurred silhouette of the golden dragon was visible. With binoculars, they should be able to see more clearly.

Soon, Tsukishiro Yanagi retrieved several pairs of binoculars from Scott Outpost. Standing on high ground, the group observed the distant battlefield.

However, both the golden dragon and the colossal Ethereal remained within Hollow Zero's "Void Veil." Even with the telescopes, they couldn't make out the golden dragon's form or the colossal Ethereal's appearance.

But the next moment, as the golden dragon grew increasingly fierce, the massive Ethereal seemed to be forced into a second form. It sprouted enormous arms and attempted to strike back at the golden dragon...

Apparently struck by the golden dragon's blow, half of the Ethereal's body broke through the Void Veil of Hollow Zero and emerged outside. The crowd finally glimpsed part of its form—an immense monster with enormous wings and arms...

The moment it breached the Void Veil, the Ethereal immediately retreated back inside. It resumed its battle with the golden dragon.

It seemed destined to be a protracted battle.

But after only a short while, the surface of Hollow Zero's Void Veil grew still. Both the golden dragon and the colossal Ethereal vanished.

Zhu Yuan wondered, "Is the battle over?"

Soukaku exclaimed excitedly, "Did Master Sam Li win?"

Tsukishiro Yanagi shook her head. "I don't know either... I hope Mr. Sam Li managed to slay that Ethereal."

If he did slay it, it would surely stabilize Hollow Zero for a period.

Keqing turned to look at Cloud Retainer. "Lady Xianyun, what's your take?"

Cloud Retainer spoke slowly. "Naturally, Archon... Mr. Sam Li won. That Ethereal was far too fragile, nowhere near the caliber of opponents from a thousand years ago."

Hoshimi Miyabi: "..."

Tsukishiro Yanagi: "..."

Zhu Yuan: "..."

Judging by his tone, he seemed to hold no regard for that Ethereal—a potential SS-tier, world-ending Ethereal...

But none of them had ever witnessed a world-ending Ethereal. Thus, they couldn't confirm its exact tier.

Since the Adepti declared Sam Li the victor, Hoshimi Miyabi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, and the others naturally believed him—after all, they too hoped Sam Li would win.

Just then, a chime sounded nearby.

"Already? Discussions about [Hollow Zero Soloed by Golden Dragon] are trending online. Someone captured the scene and posted it on the forum..."

Tsukishiro Yanagi immediately pulled out her phone. "Let me see..."

After opening the forum, sure enough, at the very bottom of the trending list, [Hollow Zero Soloed by Golden Dragon] had indeed appeared. In the blink of an eye, its ranking had already climbed two spots. It would likely reach the top soon.

Before long, the entire New Eridu would witness Sam Li transformed into a golden dragon.

At that moment, Hoshimi Miyabi took a deep breath and said earnestly, "We should head back. We need to write a report on the results of this operation..."

The thought of writing another report immediately made Hoshimi Miyabi frown. She disliked drafting lengthy reports; it would be far simpler to just give a verbal briefing to the Superior Officer.

Zhu Yuan quickly chimed in, "Right! I'll report your return to the Superior Officer immediately."

Before Zhu Yuan could report, Qingyi sighed. "Don't worry. I just sent the message to the Superior Officer's phone moments ago."

Zhu Yuan instantly relaxed. "You're always so thorough, Senior."

Soon, Hoshimi Miyabi led the members of Hollow Special Operations Unit 6 back to H.A.N.D. Headquarters. Zhu Yuan and Qingyi remained on duty here as ordered. Belle controlled Eous and rode in the Hollow Special Operations Unit 6 vehicle back to Sixth Street...

Meanwhile, Keqing and the other Adepti remained at Scott Outpost, awaiting the return of Geo Archon.

During this time, Cloud Retainer borrowed Zhu Yuan's phone and examined it closely. She discovered that this seemingly crude little device was actually exquisitely crafted—a rather clever little contraption...

Zhu Yuan offered earnestly, "If Lady Xianyun takes a liking to it, I can purchase a new one for you immediately."

Cloud Retainer shook her head slowly. "Ahem... this immortal... this immortal has no interest in such things."

Moon Carver immediately interjected with a smile. "Since Cloud Retainer declines, then I shall accept it. This immortal has long heard of the internet's fame and has been eager to learn more."

Cloud Retainer: "..."

Zhu Yuan hurriedly interjected, "Four Adeptis, please wait a moment."

Soon, Zhu Yuan drove the New Eridu Public Security patrol vehicle to the nearest district, purchased four latest-model smartphones, and distributed them to Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Vigilant Yaksha.