Wise and Belle seemed quite familiar with Hollow Zero. They had witnessed the power of Adeptus during a previous livestream—two extraordinary cranes and a colossal stag that smashed through an expanding Level One Hollow disaster with a single charge.
To Wise and Belle, suppressing Hollow Zero wouldn't be that simple.
After a moment of silence, Belle continued, "But they also mentioned deities even more powerful than Adeptus earlier. I wonder what kind of power deities possess, and if they could deal with the source of Hollow Zero..."
Wise spoke slowly, "Don't overthink it. Even if we can't suppress Hollow Zero, we can at least stop it from expanding further."
As he spoke, Wise suddenly thought of something: "Does Fairy know about this?"
Belle replied softly, "I haven't had a chance to tell it yet, but it probably heard everything..."
Wise said earnestly, "Let's have Fairy analyze it."
Speaking, the two entered another room filled with equipment.
It was late when Hu Tao, Sam Li, Guoba, Nicole, and the others finally left the Hare's House. They'd stayed until dusk, watching two movies before returning.
Meanwhile, Keqing and the other Adepts had also come back.
The moment she saw Keqing, Nekomata couldn't wait to ask, "How did it go? I heard you went to a dangerous Hollow today. Did you complete the suppression?"
Keqing nodded. "Yes, there were indeed many Ethereals inside. It took quite some time."
Cloud Retainer remarked indifferently, "Had it not been for Mountain Shaper wishing to observe the Ethereals' characteristics, this immortal would have unleashed the Giant Beast Packing Divine Machine long ago and wiped out that horde."
Mountain Shaper remained silent: "..."
His nature was even more cautious than Cloud Retainer. Observing the Ethereals' traits was also preparation for future battles.
At that moment, Cloud Retainer added, "It's a pity that girl has already passed the prime age for cultivating immortal arts. Otherwise, this immortal would certainly have taken her as a disciple."
The girl she referred to was naturally Hoshimi Miyabi. Within the Hollow, Cloud Retainer had witnessed Hoshimi Miyabi's martial cultivation and held her in high regard.
For mortals, cultivating immortal arts could only begin in childhood. Take Shenhe, for instance, or Yaoyao... Hoshimi Miyabi had already passed the age for mortals to cultivate immortal arts, so Cloud Retainer merely offered guidance on her sword techniques. She imparted the insights gained from her past exchanges with Inazuma's Electro Archon to Hoshimi Miyabi. As for how much she could comprehend, that depended entirely on her own destiny.
Then, Cloud Retainer added, "Tomorrow, this immortal shall return to Liyue to bring that girl Shenhe. She must undergo trials within the Hollow..."
In present-day Liyue, an era of peace prevails. Thus, even immortal descendants rarely find opportunities to wield their skills, possessing extraordinary techniques yet lacking combat experience.
Upon hearing this, Keqing replied earnestly, "I humbly request the Adeptus's assistance in bringing a contingent of Millelith soldiers and several staff members from the Yujing Terrace..."
Typically, mortals possessing the Vision could only use the Seven Heavenly Statues for teleportation themselves. Adepts or deities, however, were different. They could carry more items or a small number of humans.
Cloud Retainer nodded. "Leave it to this Adeptus."
That evening, Keqing and the Adepts did not stay overnight at Hare's House. Instead, they returned to the "temporary Yujing Terrace"—the building provided by the New Eridu government for Keqing. Her request for Cloud Retainer to bring personnel from Liyue was specifically to establish this temporary Yujing Terrace to support her work in New Eridu. Meanwhile, Hu Tao, Xiangling, and the others temporarily stayed at Hare's House.
Soon, the next day arrived.
Early in the morning, Xiao arrived at Hare's House. No one knew his purpose; after exchanging a few words with Billy and Sam Li, he departed.
Immediately after, just after breakfast, Zhu Yuan and Qingyi arrived. Each drove a patrol vehicle, parking them at the entrance of Hare's House. And Belle was seated inside one of the vehicles.
Zhu Yuan stated earnestly, "I'll take you now to train and assess the D22 Hollow in Bangboo."
Billy hurriedly replied, "Wait a moment, I'll grab my gear."
Nekomata couldn't help but urge, "It's not like we're going into battle. You won't need those two guns."
Anby countered earnestly, "We're entering a hollow. Accidents can happen. It's better to be armed."
Once everyone was ready, they followed Zhu Yuan and Qingyi to the D22 hollow designated for Bangboo's training and assessment.
This hollow had originally been suppressed. However, to extract ether resources, conduct void-based training exercises, and perform weapon tests, it hadn't been completely erased.
Zhu Yuan stated solemnly, "This is a D-class Hollow. Aside from the Ethereals used for training and assessments, there shouldn't be any other Ethereals inside."
Soon, the group arrived at the D22 Hollow Zhu Yuan had mentioned. True to Zhu Yuan's description, the ether concentration and activity here were extremely low. Even an ordinary person could stay inside for a day without suffering significant ether corrosion.
Soon, under Zhu Yuan's guidance, the group entered the training and assessment area for Bangboo creatures, where they encountered a large gathering of diverse Bangboo specimens. Some were clad in cardboard... Others wore hard hats... And some sported suits...
The moment they met, Guoba excitedly dashed forward: "Lu-lu-lu—"
The Bangboo gazed curiously at Guoba: "Hmm? Hmm-da (Are you here for training too?)..."
Beside them, Zhu Yuan stated earnestly: "Belle, Nicole, Sam Li, Miss Hu Tao—these Bangboo are entrusted to you. Teach them how to combat the Ethereals and help them obtain their Hollow Combat Qualification Certificates."
Nekomata smiled confidently: "Don't worry, Miss Zhu Yuan. We're pros at dealing with Ethereals."
Zhu Yuan nodded: "Yes, I trust you."
After Zhu Yuan and Qingyi left, Nekomata and Billy seemed quite enthusiastic about teaching the Bangboo, rushing over impatiently to begin their instruction.
They thought it would be easy.
But they failed right from the start.
These Bangboo had been hastily gathered here; it was their first time meeting each other, and they lacked any organization or discipline. No sooner had the training begun than several Bangboo wandered off to play.
Nekomata sighed in exasperation, "These Bangboo are too playful, meow. Just like curious kittens..."
Billy sighed helplessly, "This is too hard..."
But just then, a loud shout suddenly rang out from the side: "Lu-lu—"
Instantly, all the Bangboo fell silent.
Guoba stepped before them and called out again: "Lu, Lu-lu-lu, Lu-lu..."
Billy wondered, "What's he saying?"
Xiangling explained, "Guoba's telling the Bangboo to quiet down and focus on training. Anyone who disagrees can challenge Guoba one-on-one."