Hoshimi Miyabi gazed at the Hollows ahead in confusion. Above it, she could see only two Adepts in the form of cranes—but the third was nowhere in sight.
Beside her, Tsukishiro Yanagi explained, "Look over there. That is the Adeptus Moon Carver. He has already taken human form. The giant stag spreading online is his true body."
As she spoke, Tsukishiro Yanagi raised her hand, pointing toward a man standing before the Hollows.
Hoshimi Miyabi was stunned. "So it's true... just as you said, their true forms are that massive."
At this mont, not only Hoshimi Miyabi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Sam Li, Nicole, and the others were present—many residents from nearby neighborhoods had also gathered.
They had originally fled, but after seeing the colossal stag shatter the Hollows, they had rushed back.
Now, they stood staring in awe at the Adepts. So prayed, others fild or live stread with their phones—yet not a single one dared step forward to greet them.
When they noticed Hoshimi Miyabi and Tsukishiro Yanagi approaching, the crowd quickly moved aside, making way.
"Section Chief Hoshimi Miyabi, that's the giant stag from earlier, right? Are they part of H.A.N.D. too?"
"Careful, Section Chief Hoshimi Miyabi! That one looks short-tempered... don't get ramd..."
"Immortals... they must be immortals from the old era..."
"I told you! The movies back then weren't just made-up stories—they're historical records! You didn't believe , but look! Immortals are real in this world..."
"Lu-lu-lu—"
"Hey, where did this Bangboo co from? Shoo! Don't ss up my livestream..."
...
Amid the chatter of the crowd, Hoshimi Miyabi, Tsukishiro Yanagi, Sam Li, Nicole, Hu Tao, Billy, and the others slowly advanced toward the Hollows.
As they drew closer, Tsukishiro Yanagi spotted a massive hoofprint stamped deep into the street, while nearby buildings bore heavy collision damage.
Hoshimi Miyabi then turned her gaze back to the void.
It was exactly as the citizens had said.
The Level 1 Hollows Disaster that had just erupted was already entering its decline, receding at a rate visible to the naked eye.
At this pace, it would vanish completely within an hour.
When they finally reached the Adeptus, Hoshimi Miyabi followed the Liyue etiquette Tsukishiro Yanagi had taught her and bowed.
"Hoshimi Miyabi, Section Chief of the Hollow Special Operations Unit 6, greets..."
She did not know which Adeptus stood before her.
Tsukishiro Yanagi reminded her quietly, "He is the Adeptus Moon Carver."
Hoshimi Miyabi said respectfully, "Greetings, Adeptus Moon Carver..."
At the sound of their voices, Moon Carver turned his head slightly and said calmly, "There's no need for ceremony. We ca to New Eridu precisely to deal with these Hollows."
Moon Carver kept his eyes on the receding void. Above, Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper still hovered in the air.
This was their first encounter with a Hollows disaster. They could not be sure whether it might erupt again, turning its decline back into expansion.
So, to be safe, they did not leave imdiately.
However, with Sam Li and the others now on the scene, Cloud Retainer and Mountain Shaper both relaxed.
They dissolved their imnse immortal forms, tens of ters in length, into two streaks of light that descended and took the shape of humans.
This sight left Hoshimi Miyabi utterly amazed.
She had long known that Adepts could change forms, but seeing them wield such techniques before her eyes was still overwhelming. Curiosity burned in her at the breadth of their powers.
Around them, the citizens of Ninth Street, now witnessing Adepts take human form for the second ti, erupted into cheers:
"Immortals! Just like the ones in the old films..."
"That giant stag transford this way too! Who else but Adepts could do that?"
"Guys, stop spamming the chat. Even if you send a rocket gift, I'm not daring to interview an Adeptus..."
...
After Mountain Shaper and Cloud Retainer took human form, Tsukishiro Yanagi quickly made introductions.
"This is the Adeptus Cloud Retainer. This is the Adeptus Mountain Shaper. And here is Xiao, whom you've already t."
As she spoke, Hoshimi Miyabi studied them carefully.
They were not as she had imagined. Unlike the ethereal figures from old-era films, these Adepts looked almost like ordinary townsfolk.
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper, especially—had she not known in advance, she never would have guessed they were immortals.
Xiao and Cloud Retainer were different. One looked like a young man, the other like a refined and elegant noblewoman.
When she had first t Xiao, she thought him rely a prodigious youth. Only now did she realize he was an Adeptus who had lived for over a thousand years.
No wonder his strength was so extraordinary.
Seeing her bow, Cloud Retainer smiled faintly.
"No need for such formality. I've heard your na often from Keqing and Nicole. eting you today confirms their praise—you are indeed a fine talent. Had this been a hundred years ago, this immortal would surely have taken you as a disciple."
Hoshimi Miyabi froze. "I..."
Cloud Retainer continued, "Though I cannot accept you as a disciple, I once traveled to Inazuma and exchanged swordsmanship with that general skilled in the blade. His technique, Musou no Hitotachi, was so profound that even I felt humbled. From it I gained insights. If ti allows, I could pass them on to you."
At this, Hoshimi Miyabi quickly bowed her head. "Thank you, Cloud Retainer."
She didn't know how deeply this Adeptus truly understood the way of the sword, but his earlier display—transforming into a giant crane and suppressing the Hollows—was proof enough of his imnse power.
If she could learn even a few of his techniques, it might allow her to take a great step forward on her martial path.
At that mont, Nekomata cried out in surprise, staring at the void.
"Look! The Hollows is fading even faster. At this rate, it'll vanish completely soon."
Anby said earnestly, "Forcing a newly erupted Level 1 Hollows to recede... it's unbelievable..."
Billy shook his head with a sigh. "If only I had that kind of power... By the way, Adeptus, could you teach a trick or two? Maybe how to make my bullets pack more punch?"
Cloud Retainer shook his head. "This immortal's expertise lies in the art of chanisms. I have no interest in the lump of iron you wield."
Billy's face fell. "..."
That "lump of iron" was no ordinary scrap—it was his twin pistols, his most cherished treasures. He polished and maintained them several tis a day.
As the Hollows continued to recede rapidly, Mountain Shaper said slowly, "Then... does this an the Hollows crisis has been resolved?"
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