Xiao made his way to a secluded cliff, overlooking the sprawling landscapes of Liyue. The night had fallen, blanketing the land in a tranquil darkness, with stars sparkling in the clear sky. The gentle wind rustled through the trees, but it did little to dispel the heavy weight that rested on Xiao’s heart. He settled onto the rocky ground, his body curled into itself, trying to find solace in the quiet of the night.

Xiao’s normally composed demeanor had given way to an unprecedented vulnerability. His usual stoic expression was now marred by the trails of tears streaming down his cheeks. His breaths came in ragged, uneven gasps, and he clenched his fists tightly, as if trying to hold onto some semblance of control.

The battles he had fought over countless years, the friends he had lost, and the immense responsibility he bore weighed heavily on him. Each victory came at a cost, and the emotional toll was becoming unbearable. The faces of fallen comrades and the cries of those he could not save haunted him relentlessly. The solitude he had chosen by duty now felt like an unbreakable chain, binding him in a cage of sorrow and isolation.

Xiao tried to steady his breathing, but the memories and the burden of his mission continued to overwhelm him. His mind was a maelstrom of regret and grief, and the peaceful setting seemed to mock his inner turmoil.

Suddenly, Aether, the Traveler, appeared on the horizon, drawn by the muffled sounds of distress. He followed the echoes of Xiao’s anguish until he reached the cliff where Xiao was sitting. Seeing Xiao in such a fragile state, Aether's heart tightened with concern.

"Traveler..."

Xiao murmured, his voice breaking and laden with despair, as he noticed the Traveler approaching.

His tears continued to flow, and he tried to shield his face with his hands, his shoulders shaking,he hurried and wiped his tears.