[System Quest Update: Challenge: Legend of the East I]
[Quest Summary: You must face the abyss-led monster army alone, taking your first step toward becoming a gunslinger renowned across Teyvat, and ultimately donning the "Legend of the East" set.]
[Reward: Legend of the East Set Fragment x1]
[Note: With your current strength, success is guaranteed only if you face them alone. If others interfere or distract you, the outcome will be unpredictable.]
Shao Yun stared blankly at the pop-up in front of him, especially at the words "Abyss Order."
He hadn't expected his joking words to Noelle back then to actually come true.
A prophecy fulfilled…
Lumine went to take care of the evil dragon, and he was here to take on a monster army.
No—he was even more impressive than Lumine! She had backup. He was going solo.
Reading the "Note" again, he had to admit, the system did have a point. If others were helping, he'd be forced to worry about them. That would only drag him down.
After a moment of thought, Shao Yun exhaled deeply, the restlessness in his chest somewhat calmed by the crisp air.
He composed himself, then turned to the four standing nearby, his eyes steady and voice commanding.
"Kaeya, Lisa." He called out to them first. Hearing the tone in his voice, both straightened up reflexively.
"You two are to mobilize every knight you can. Ensure that the city's internal security remains intact."
He then pointed deliberately at the distant Goth Hotel and continued with emphasis.
"Focus your attention on the Fatui. Those bastards won't let a chance like this slip by. The hilichurls outside are small potatoes—the real threat is within. Got it?"
Kaeya and Lisa exchanged a glance and nodded, immediately setting out to carry out his orders.
Then Shao Yun turned to Amber, asking with concern, "How are you feeling now?"
Amber rolled her shoulders and smiled. "Good enough to move around."
Shao Yun nodded. That was all he needed to hear.
"You're going with Kaeya and Lisa. Keep tabs on the Fatui." He paused before adding, "Even though you're feeling better, don't be reckless."
Amber hesitated. With so few knights, they were barely holding order. If all were pulled in for internal security… who would stop the army outside?
Shao Yun caught her hesitation and pressed firmly, "Amber, fortresses crumble from the inside. Trust me—I know what I'm doing!"
His tone left no room for argument. Now wasn't the time for questions—it was time to move.
Amber was visibly moved. After one last look at the gathering hilichurls outside the walls, she steeled herself and ran back into the city.
With Amber gone, Shao Yun turned his gaze to Noelle, who stood with a serious expression.
Noelle had been watching her companions one by one get assigned to internal security. She thought surely she would be the one to face the monster horde. Her heart pounded with anticipation and excitement.
In her mind, she could already see herself charging into the hilichurl army, claymore in hand.
She straightened her back, her chest puffed with determination, eyes gleaming with resolve, ready to accept the task she longed for.
But Shao Yun's words hit like a bucket of cold water dumped over her head.
"Noelle, you're to evacuate!"
Those words were like a dagger, cutting through her proud illusion. Her eyes widened, filled with disbelief and defiance.
"Why?! Everyone else is dealing with the Fatui—are you planning to face them alone?!" Her voice was incredulous and angry. She couldn't comprehend why Shao Yun would make such a choice.
Even without the "solo" clause, there was no way he should be the one taking the front line!
Shao Yun met Noelle's eyes, the usual depth now laced with reluctant concern.
He knew her willpower—and her stubbornness. But this was far beyond what she could grasp. He didn't have the strength to protect her while fighting.
He drew a deep breath and spoke with as much calm authority as he could muster. "Go to the shelter. Or help Kaeya with the Fatui. This—this isn't your fight."
Noelle bit her lip, her eyes burning with resistance. She shook her head hard, fighting back: "Didn't you tell me yourself? Don't take on more than you can handle—you need help!"
Shao Yun couldn't help but smile wryly. She was even quoting him now.
"You learn fast. You're just like that werewolf, Marston."
Noelle blinked. "Who?"
Before he could answer, a horn blast echoed from the distant hills.
Shao Yun turned to look. The hilichurls had fully assembled.
He breathed a little easier. Amber had exaggerated. It wasn't ten thousand… but two to three thousand, easily.
And among them—blue Abyss Mages chanting dark spells.
The sun was almost gone—just a sliver remained. He had no more time to argue.
"No time to explain. Since you're so determined, I've got a job for you."
Noelle, thinking he'd finally relented, nodded eagerly. She followed him down from the wall. The two quickly reached the bridge.
Shao Yun pointed to an abandoned wagon stacked with crates near the side of the road. "Noelle, push that cart onto the bridge. Block the path!"
Noelle didn't hesitate. She rushed over and pushed the heavy cart with her strength, positioning it squarely in the center of the bridge.
Shao Yun wedged two rods through the wheels to lock it in place.
Noelle watched him work, realization dawning. "I get it. You'll stay in the cart and snipe from afar—I'll hold the line in close combat, right?"
Shao Yun glanced at her bright, naive face. If I really needed a frontliner, he thought, I'd chain Kaeya here as a meat shield first.
"Brilliant. You're too smart!"
He didn't have the heart to correct her.
The hilichurl ranks were now fully formed, led by Abyss Mages. Noelle drew her claymore, ready to charge.
Shao Yun sighed. There was no persuading her.
"Noelle, come here. I'll teach you a combat technique," he said, gesturing her over.
Noelle hurried to him, curiosity lighting up her face.
"What kind of technique?"
They were still a few steps apart. Not close enough. If he tried now, she might dodge and swing back.
Shao Yun beckoned again. "Closer. I'll whisper it. Come on, I won't hurt you."
Noelle obediently leaned in, bringing her ear close to his mouth.
In that moment, Shao Yun brought his hand down in a swift chop to the back of her neck.
Noelle's eyes widened in surprise. "You—"
But before she could finish, she slumped unconscious into his arms.
Shao Yun caught her gently, guilt flooding his heart.
Carrying her back toward the city, he whispered, "You're just a fifteen-year-old kid. Even without the system's warning, I wouldn't let you risk this."
Back in the city, every knight, whether on duty or not, had taken up arms.
Kaeya and Lisa had cleverly deployed what little manpower they had to secure every critical point and guard against the Fatui.
Despite the shortage, a few knights were dispatched to assist Shao Yun at the main gate.
Returning to the gate, Shao Yun handed the unconscious Noelle over to them with a serious expression.
"Take her to HQ. It's too dangerous here. She doesn't belong on this battlefield."
One of the knights, seeing him walk back outside, shouted, "Hey! Where are you going?! The gate's about to close!"
Shao Yun looked back, calm and fearless. "I'm doing what's right. I'll hold them off. Don't listen to Kaeya—your job is to guard against the Fatui!"
"Remember, no matter what happens, focus inside the city. Even if I die out there, do not split your attention!"
"You're insane! Come back!"
But Shao Yun didn't stop. The knights gritted their teeth and pulled the lever.
The gates fell shut, sealing the city off from the outside world.
Shao Yun returned to the wagon at the bridge's center, climbing atop it.
The tremors of thousands of marching feet made the ground quiver.
Looking out over the sea of hilichurls—a black tide stretching to the horizon—he gripped his carbine tightly.
He inhaled, chambered a round.
This is even more thrilling than the train robbery scene.
Zhang Fei once shouted down a million troops at Changban Bridge—now Shao Yun stands alone with four guns, facing the hilichurl horde.
[Legend of the East Challenge Starting: Countdown—60 seconds.]
Just then, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a flash of gold—a figure atop a far hill, glowing in the fading sunlight.
Shao Yun's heart skipped. You're here… why not check on your sister instead? Come to see if I'm worthy to stand beside her, huh?
That thought made him laugh. The tension and pressure evaporated for a moment. He waved at the golden figure and shouted provocatively:
"Hey! I don't know if you can hear me, but—Lumine's doing great! I'll take good care of her, so relax, okay?!"
His voice carried clearly across the distance. The figure twitched—and suddenly, several blue figures rushed forward, restraining him tightly.
"Hahaha, you mad now!" Shao Yun jeered.
But his gloating didn't last long. The countdown hadn't even finished before another deep horn bellowed—the hilichurl horde surged forward like a tsunami.
"You jealous little goblin!"