Listening to the cheers all around, Cloud Retainer glanced at the crowd, where fans were holding up signs with her portrait printed on them.

Venti couldn't help but laugh. "Miss Cloud Retainer, when did you make your debut?"

Cloud Retainer immediately frowned. "Mr. Venti, please refrain from such jokes with this immortal…"

Truth be told, Cloud Retainer felt a bit helpless. She had never wanted to show herself publicly, much less become a celebrity among the citizens of New Eridu. Yet now, she somehow had her own fan club—more organized than most pop idols.

Just then, the wail of sirens rang out from behind the crowd, prompting the citizens to scatter quickly.

Moments later, two New Eridu Public Security patrol vehicles pushed through the crowd and stopped in front of the Adepti.

Zhu Yuan and Qingyi stepped out of their cars. Seeing that both the citizens and the Bangboo had been safely rescued, Zhu Yuan finally let out a long sigh of relief.

As expected of Mr. Sam Li—his speed was beyond imagination.

At that moment, Qingyi asked, "What about Azhdaha? Is he still fighting the Ethereal?"

Cloud Retainer shook her head seriously. "That fellow wiped them out long ago. Then, by his own power, he tore open a spatial fissure and chased them into Hollow Zero to take revenge..."

Azhdaha had always been one to hold grudges.

Even when his memory had eroded, whenever he encountered the Geo Archon or other Adepti, he would still roar in fury, declaring he would settle all accounts.

Just a few days ago, when he arrived in New Eridu from the Outer Ring, if not for his concern for his wounded Bangboo followers, he would have already stormed into Hollow Zero to avenge them.

Hearing Cloud Retainer's explanation, Zhu Yuan and Qingyi exchanged shocked glances.

He had used a spatial rift to pursue his enemies all the way to Hollow Zero? That was beyond reckless—it was terrifying.

Then again, it was perfectly in character for Azhdaha.

When Zhu Yuan had first seen him, he had challenged Sam Li to "settle everything," and the two had fought fiercely. Only later did she learn that Sam Li was Liyue's Geo Archon—the mightiest of them all.

Realizing this, Zhu Yuan quickly asked, "What now? Are we going to Hollow Zero to rescue Azhdaha?"

Sam Li nodded. "Exactly. We're heading to Scott Outpost."

Mountain Shaper added, "Strictly speaking, it isn't a rescue. If Azhdaha wanted to retreat, his strength is enough to carve a path back from Hollow Zero. But with his temper, he won't stop until he's satisfied. We'll have to give him some support."

If not for that fiery nature of his, he wouldn't have charged into Hollow Zero alone in the first place.

Hearing this, Zhu Yuan replied earnestly, "Understood. I'll report to my superior right away and have Scott Outpost prepare in advance."

Sam Li nodded approvingly. "Thank you."

He then turned to the rescued citizens nearby. "These people, along with the Bangboo, will be in your care."

Zhu Yuan immediately agreed. "Rest assured, Mr. Sam Li. We'll take good care of them."

After giving those instructions, Sam Li led Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and Xiao out of the crowd.

To reach Scott Outpost as quickly as possible, the Adepti didn't bother worrying about the citizens' reactions. The moment they stepped free of the crowd, they revealed their immortal forms.

As the celestial cranes and divine deer soared away into the sky, cheers once again erupted around them.

Some people groaned in regret, realizing they had forgotten to ask for the Adepti's autographs.

This time, nearly everyone in New Eridu truly believed the Adepti could suppress Hollow Zero and save the world.

If even beings of myth could not do it, then the world truly had no hope left.

After the Adepti disappeared into the distance, those who had recorded them began uploading the footage online.

Within half an hour, the videos would no doubt top every trending list across major forums, sparking a storm of admiration and discussion throughout New Eridu.

When Sam Li and the others were gone, Zhu Yuan turned to check on the rescued citizens.

With the Adepti departed, the citizens saw no reason to linger and gradually dispersed.

Only one youth remained—a young man holding a harp. He looked vaguely familiar, though Zhu Yuan couldn't recall where she had seen him before.

Noticing this, she hurried over. "Sir, are you injured? Do you need assistance?"

Venti smiled faintly. "Injured? Help? Hmm... Do you have any wine?"

Zhu Yuan blinked in confusion. "For disinfection? We have medical disinfectants in the vehicle—"

She was about to ask Qingyi to fetch a medical kit when Venti interjected cheerfully, "Heh, of course not for disinfection! Fine wine is meant to be drunk."

Zhu Yuan fell silent. "..."

At that moment, Qingyi approached.

As soon as she saw Venti, she recognized him immediately. "It's you, Venti the bard. We meet again."

Venti smiled. "Heh, you remember me? How lucky."

Qingyi chuckled. "Your harp playing is quite unique—hear it once, and no one forgets."

Zhu Yuan blinked, then suddenly remembered. She had seen this young man before—months ago, when she was searching for the Golden and Platinum Bangboo in the hollow.

Even back then, she had sensed he was no ordinary person. A powerful one, in fact.

Then Venti said, "You're friends of Sam Li too, aren't you?"

Zhu Yuan tilted her head. "You know Mr. Sam Li as well?"

Venti laughed lightly. "Of course! Every time we meet, he treats me to the finest wine. A shame he's too busy today."

Qingyi smiled. "There's no wine for now, only tea. Would you like a cup?"

Venti sighed good-naturedly. "Heh, fine tea works too. Thank you, Miss Qingyi."

Without hesitation, Qingyi somehow produced a full tea set and began brewing tea with Venti right there outside the hollow.

Zhu Yuan could only sigh helplessly. "..."

Just then, the blare of sirens echoed again.

A vehicle bearing the H.A.N.D. Headquarters insignia sped over and stopped beside Zhu Yuan's patrol car.

Hoshimi Miyabi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Asaba Harumasa, and Soukaku all stepped out in quick succession.

As soon as she saw Zhu Yuan, Tsukishiro Yanagi called out urgently, "Where are Mr. Sam Li and the other Adepti? Are they still inside the hollow?"

Zhu Yuan shook her head. "No, they've already suppressed the hollow disaster and gone to Scott Outpost."

"Scott Outpost?" Tsukishiro repeated, surprised.

Zhu Yuan nodded. "Here's what happened—after Azhdaha defeated the high-tier Ethereal, he tore open a spatial fissure and went straight into the depths of Hollow Zero..."

Zhu Yuan then relayed everything she had just learned to the members of Section 6.