As the voice echoed from midair, a figure drifted down from the clouds—it was none other than Moon Carver.
He gazed at the scene before him, brow slightly furrowed.
Moments later, another figure appeared in the sky—Mountain Shaper.
The two looked at Shenhe, unconscious and pinned to the ground by chains, and quickly deduced what had transpired.
The chains coiled around Shenhe glowed with a faint golden light, ancient and powerful like runes from a forgotten age.
"Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper. You're here," said Cloud Retainer, stepping forward.
Her expression was tinged with fatigue, but steadiness and resolve still shone in her eyes.
The two Adepti exchanged a glance and shifted into their human forms—two dignified figures landing on either side of Cloud Retainer.
Moon Carver stroked his chin, puzzled. "She managed to break free? Strange… and these chains…"
His gaze fell on the restraints binding Shenhe. A deep sense of unease rose within him.
Mountain Shaper also frowned. He walked to Shenhe's side and observed her closely—her face was pale as paper, breath shallow and erratic.
He reached out, gently placing his finger to her forehead, attempting to trace the source of the disturbance in her spiritual flow.
But the moment he tried to touch the chains, his body instinctively recoiled.
Mountain Shaper's eyes widened—this power far exceeded his expectations.
"These chains… just what are they?"
"They're mine~" came a voice from the side.
Shajin strolled over, his tone as carefree as ever, unbothered by the tense atmosphere.
Only then did Moon Carver notice the masked man. His eyes narrowed—this stranger radiated danger.
Cloud Retainer quickly explained, "He is Adventurine, codename the Gambler, a Fatui Harbinger. Rex Lapis entrusted him with restoring the Guizhong Ballista before his passing."
At first, both Adepti were wary upon hearing he was a Fatui, but the restored ballista and the sealed Shenhe told a different story.
It was clear—he had been instrumental in suppressing the incident.
"That this Adventurine was able to restrain Shenhe's outburst…"
Both immortals understood how difficult that feat truly was—subduing her without harm was no easy task.
Shajin glanced down at the thoroughly bound Shenhe, chuckling.
"Please, I'm just an ordinary man. Nothing special."
Hearing that, Moon Carver and Cloud Retainer exchanged looks of quiet exasperation.
If that's ordinary, what are we supposed to be for?
"In any case, thank you, Adventurine, for your timely aid," said Moon Carver.
The three Adepti expressed their thanks, knowing the consequences would've been far worse without him.
Then Moon Carver's eyes flicked toward Shajin with sudden curiosity. "Hm?"
He hesitated, then asked, "Adventurine, may I see your hand?"
Shajin tilted his head and extended his right hand.
Moon Carver frowned. "The one without the glove, if you don't mind."
With an exaggerated eye-roll, Shajin extended his left.
Moon Carver examined it closely—his expression slowly shifting to disbelief.
"…How strange…"
Cloud Retainer approached. "What is it?"
Moon Carver hesitated. Shajin waved it off.
"Go ahead, I'm curious too~"
With that, Moon Carver spoke plainly.
"Your fate… is the same as Shenhe's."
Shajin wasn't surprised. If anything, it confirmed a suspicion he'd long harbored.
"So tell me, Moon Carver—why don't I need a red rope? Why haven't I lost control like Shenhe?"
Moon Carver furrowed his brow. "That's exactly what puzzles me. 'Solitary Star' and 'Disastrous Evil' are catastrophic fates."
His gaze turned sharp.
"Disastrous Evil is the chief of the baleful omens—symbolizing destruction, misfortune, chaos. It brings disaster wherever it appears."
"Solitary Star represents separation, loneliness, and isolation. Together, they magnify each other, dragging the bearer into suffering and despair."
He shook his head, voice heavy with regret. His eyes fell on Shenhe—her cold, lonely face stirred quiet sorrow.
"Someone like Shenhe, cursed by this fate, can even suppress the lingering hatred of ancient gods."
He marveled at that, but his voice quickly turned solemn again.
"But…"
A mysterious gleam flashed in his eyes.
"Something is shielding your mind, preventing the cursed fate from overwhelming you."
"A force is tempering your fate—holding it at bay… and perhaps even altering it."
"…This is most unusual…"
He turned serious.
"Adventurine, though your condition is unique, you must still be cautious. If your emotions falter, the fate you bear may seize its chance."
_
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