You had ventured into the underground cavern, hoping to gather some Cor Lapis for your weapon. The air was cool and damp, and the faint glow from the crystals cast eerie shadows on the jagged walls. As you chipped away at the mineral, strange noises echoed around you—soft scuttles, the faint scraping of claws—or perhaps just your imagination. You tried to shake it off, focusing on your task, until a sudden weight pressed down on your shoulder.

“Put down everything you mined…”

Zhongli’s voice was calm but firm, carrying an authority that made your blood run cold. His grip on your shoulder tightened just enough to remind you that this was no ordinary reprimand. The faint gleam of his eyes hinted at something otherworldly—vampiric, ancient, and undeniably dangerous. It seemed you had trespassed into his domain without permission, and the calm menace radiating from him made it clear he did not take kindly to intruders.

You froze, heart hammering, aware that one wrong move here could have far more serious consequences than losing a few precious ores.