Around noon, Qin Yu grew increasingly concerned about Shenhe's whereabouts. Her informant at Wangshu Inn reported no sightings of Shenhe.
She must have headed straight for Jueyun Karst, Qin Yu concluded.
Though she trusted Shenhe's strength, the current volatile situation—with the Fatui stirring up trouble—made Qin Yu anxious.
I should go look for her.
Just as Qin Yu, unable to shake off her worry, was approaching the city gate, a familiar voice called out beside her:
"I'm back."
"Wah!" Qin Yu jumped in surprise, recognizing the voice instantly.
It was Shenhe.
Qin Yu's gaze softened, and she smiled. "Welcome back! Did you encounter any trouble?"
"Yes, but I've eliminated them all."
"Ahaha, that's perfect if nothing else happened!" Qin Yu scrutinized Shenhe, noting only that she seemed a bit dusty.
Qin Yu took out her handkerchief.
"Hold still, I'll wipe your face for you," she said, gently wiping the dust from Shenhe's face.
"Thank you," Shenhe murmured.
"Don't mention it. It's nothing."
Evaluation: D
Since she says it's nothing, I guess I can ignore the evaluation. It's not like having one is a bad thing.
After wiping Shenhe's face clean, Qin Yu tucked the handkerchief away with satisfaction.
"What did Cloud Retainer say?"
Shenhe had returned to Jueyun Karst to inform the Adepti of Rex Lapis's passing. However, Lumine and Paimon seemed to have gone to Jueyun Karst as well.
I wonder if they crossed paths.
Shenhe paused for a moment before replying, "Master was furious, but... even more so, she was filled with disbelief and loneliness. The other Adepti also suspect something's amiss, but they don't plan to immediately storm Liyue Port to demand answers."
"Why not?"
"This matter is of grave importance. The Adepti must convene first to reach a consensus. But I believe their discussions won't last long," Shenhe said.
So, the Adepti will be arriving at Liyue Port soon.
Just thinking about it made her stomach ache.
Shenhe continued, "I don't believe the Qixing are at fault. I've expressed my opinion to the Adepti. I wonder... whether they will accept it."
"I see... Thank you for your hard work, Shenhe! You've done so well. Are you tired? Do you need to rest?" Qin Yu asked.
"I'm not tired. I think we should inform the Qixing about this matter first," Shenhe replied.
Qin Yu sighed inwardly.
That's not what I meant, she grumbled internally, grasping Shenhe's hand.
"It's been crowded lately. That's what worries me. Are you really alright?"
Evaluation: C-
A warm sensation surged through Shenhe's heart. Witnessing the Adepti's reactions had moved her deeply. Even on her way back from the mountains, she couldn't shake off a restless feeling.
But now, she felt completely at peace.
"I'm alright now," Shenhe assured her.
"That's good. Remember to tell me if anything comes up."
What I really want to say...
Shenhe pondered for a moment, then said, "Though I know Adepti must eventually part ways—Master told me many immortals perished during the Archon War—it never truly resonated with me since I never witnessed it myself."
"But now, seeing Master's lonely expression... it feels like a sharp ache in my chest, as if I've been stabbed."
Qin Yu thought that if Ganyu was feeling down, the other Adepti must be as well.
"Then I felt a sense of reality. I wanted to offer Master some words of comfort, but I couldn't bring myself to say anything," Shenhe slowly expressed her feelings.
"Why don't you visit your Master again afterward? Bring some gifts, have a chat—I think that should be enough," Qin Yu suggested with a smile.
Shenhe looked puzzled. "Just that?"
"Yeah, sometimes that's all it takes. No need for special words or grand gestures," Qin Yu replied with a smile.
Shenhe's mood brightened, realizing Qin Yu was right.
However, she then asked, "Could you come back with me then?"
"Me?"
Not again?
Last time was just a casual visit, so it wasn't a big deal. But this time, it was about comforting Cloud Retainer. Wouldn't it be better for Shenhe to go alone rather than dragging me along? After all, I'm just "Shenhe's friend."
Qin Yu felt this was inappropriate.
"That might not be a good idea."
Shenhe looked confused. "Why? I don't understand."
"Because to Cloud Retainer, I'm just your friend. It would be better for you to visit her alone rather than bringing me along. That's how I see it. Don't you agree, Shenhe?"
"But we're not just friends," Shenhe said, shaking her head.
Huh? If we're not just friends, then what else could we be? Qin Yu was now the one who was confused.
And this feeling was all too familiar... By the time Qin Yu realized what was happening, it was already too late.
"You're someone important to me, so I thought it would be alright."
Evaluation: C+
Tch, I knew she'd say that. Qin Yu thought to herself, absently smoothing her hair as she pondered for a moment.
Fine, if Shenhe says it's alright, then it's alright.
Qin Yu gave up thinking. If Shenhe wanted her to do this, then she would. However, considering their future plans, even if they rushed, the journey would still take a full day.
Another whole day spent with Shenhe.
And they still hadn't fulfilled their previous agreement: they had said Shenhe could stay over occasionally, but to this day, they hadn't even done it once.
Ugh! So annoying! We'll deal with this later!
"Since you put it that way, Shenhe, I'll agree. But can I decide the specific time? My daily schedule might get busier in the future..."
"I don't mind. Also, the golden-haired woman and the flying one I met earlier used the Sigil of Permission before me and met with the Adepti."
Did they beat me to it?
The Sigil of Permission... When we first met them, they seemed like newcomers. How could they have obtained the Sigil of Permission, let alone even know such a thing existed?
But they had entered the Northern Bank with "Childe," and the Northern Bank is Fatui territory.
If the Fatui had researched and replicated the Sigil of Permission, they must have given it to Lumine and Paimon. Then the pair went to Jueyun Karst to meet with the Adepti and speak with them.
The Adepti, having learned of the Geo Archon's passing, will inevitably come to Liyue Port.
From Lumine and Paimon's perspective, the whole sequence might have looked something like this:
We arrived!—Whoa, Rex Lapis is gone!—We ran away!—Now we're considered suspects!
With insufficient information, one's perspective narrows.
If we only convey what we witnessed to the Adepti, the "truth" they receive will also be incomplete.
"Rex Lapis is dead. The Qixing have declared it a murder case and pinned the blame on the crowd."
In the eyes of the Adepti, this might indeed be the truth.
If they were to be disappointed by this, a future conflict between humans and immortals seemed inevitable.
Conflict means chaos.
The Fatui, meanwhile, appeared to be using the Rite of Parting as an opportunity to probe the location of Rex Lapis's Exuvia.
Could they be aiming to exploit the chaos and seize something from Rex Lapis's Exuvia?
Perhaps divine power... or perhaps the god's essence? Or even to manipulate the dead god?
Any of these scenarios would be disastrous.
Moreover, their replicated Sigil of Permission could potentially be used to break the Archon seals... How utterly infuriating that they're stirring up trouble everywhere at a time like this!
All we can hope for is that the Adepti will soften their stance after hearing Shenhe's explanation.
Meanwhile, Lumine and Paimon are being used as pawns by the Fatui. Ningguang is certainly aware of this, yet she hasn't explained it to them, likely due to trust issues.
Their flight from the Millelith's interrogation might stem from their distrust of the local authorities.
Qin Yu sighed softly.
"Let's head back and report to the Qixing first," she said.
"Alright."
Upon returning to the Jade Chamber, Qin Yu found Ningguang standing on the platform outside the pavilion.
Ningguang's eyes were closed, as if sensing something. Her Vision glowed brightly.
Now's not a good time to disturb her, Qin Yu thought, and whispered, "Let's wait a moment."
"Mm, she's using elemental power to sense the Jade Chamber's mechanisms," Shenhe said.
"The Jade Chamber's mechanisms?"
"That's right. I can't see the mechanisms themselves, but I can sense their presence," Shenhe explained.
Qin Yu had no idea such mechanisms existed.
Ningguang's examination didn't take long. Soon, she opened her eyes, a trace of relief on her face.
"Lady Ningguang, were you just...?" Qin Yu asked, stepping forward at the opportune moment.
"Checking the Jade Chamber's mechanisms to ensure they're intact and functional. The results are most satisfactory. My old friend has not disappointed me," Ningguang replied, her tone cheerful.
Qin Yu knew Ningguang's "old friend" referred to the Jade Chamber itself, but what exactly were these mechanisms?
"Mechanisms?"
"Indeed. Explaining it would be rather complicated, but put simply, they're designed to repel enemies. Considering the Fatui's recent transgressions, we must prepare for all possibilities."
"Counterattack?" Qin Yu asked in surprise. "Does that mean it can transform?"
"Transform? No, it can't do that."
That makes sense. How could it?
Ningguang turned to Shenhe, who stood beside Qin Yu, and greeted her with a warm smile. "Welcome back. What was the Adepti's reaction?"
Shenhe recounted everything she had seen and heard to Ningguang, who showed no surprise.
"Thank you for speaking on behalf of the Qixing. This might ease their attitude when they arrive."
Shenhe paused for a moment.
"This city holds many memories of Qin Yu and her family," she said.
Wait, why are you suddenly bringing me up?! Qin Yu panicked.
Evaluation: B (Shenhe)
"I also have many precious memories here. I want to protect them. So, if there's anything I can do to help, just ask," Shenhe said calmly, expressing her intentions.
Ningguang smiled warmly, appreciating her sincerity. "Very well. But please don't refuse any rewards offered. Accepting them gracefully will put the other party in a better mood."
"Right, Qin Yu?" Ningguang asked, turning to her.
Why are you throwing the conversation back to me?
Is she implying I haven't been accepting rewards openly? But all I really want are Points and Mora, Qin Yu thought. In other words, as long as Ningguang is happy, that's what matters.
Shenhe felt the same way—as long as she was happy.
"Ahahaha, yes," Qin Yu replied.
But what Shenhe had said...
"This city holds many memories of Qin Yu and her family," and "I want to protect them." How could she say such things with such a straight face?
But that was just Shenhe being Shenhe. Qin Yu had long since accepted this.
And everything she said was true.
True... The thought made Qin Yu's chest feel inexplicably tight.
But it wasn't discomfort; it was more like overwhelming joy and emotion, as if they were clogging her chest, making her heart race and pound uncontrollably.
Wait, am I blushing?
Lady Ningguang said it's obvious when I'm embarrassed. Uwaah, no! Stop it! Qin Yu tried to regain her composure, but her body was no longer obeying her reason.
Why can't I stop?
No, stopping completely would be terrifying. She meant returning to normal, not having her heart race so wildly.
Her heart continued to pound fiercely.
This body is such a mess! Qin Yu sighed inwardly, feeling her entire body burning hot.
Evaluation: A- (Shenhe)
Right, I'll try this.
Seizing a good idea, Qin Yu quickly said, "Shenhe, could you please blow some cold wind on me?"
"Hm?" Ningguang's puzzled voice cut through the air.
"I understand."
Shenhe didn't ask why. She activated her Vision, conjuring a gust of frigid wind. Combined with the high-altitude currents and Qin Yu's qipao, Qin Yu instantly felt a chill course through her body.
Forced cooling successful!
Qin Yu shivered once, then relaxed, feeling relieved.
Truly, I'm as clever as they come.
Suddenly, her nose began to itch. She hurriedly covered her mouth and nose with both hands.
"Achoo!"
Ningguang exclaimed in surprise, "Qin Yu, don't catch a cold..."
"Achoo!"
"...Let's head back—"
"Achoo!"
Ningguang was repeatedly interrupted by Qin Yu's sneezes. Even though they sounded rather cute, she couldn't help but feel annoyed.
"Why blow cold air when you knew you'd get chilled?" Ningguang asked, exasperated.
"Ahaha..."
At that moment, Shenhe called out, "Qin Yu."
"Hm?"
"Hugs can provide warmth. If you don't mind, you can use me to warm up."
Evaluation: A+ (Shenhe)
Huh?!
No way! Are you stupid? Who would do something like that? And don't phrase it so weirdly—what do you mean "use you to warm up"? I'm not going to become that kind of woman!
After a series of silent complaints, Qin Yu smiled and said, "There's no need."
Ningguang was surprised by Shenhe's statement, wondering if they always spoke to each other like this in private.
She quickly added, "Indeed, there's no need for such formalities. Let's return to the pavilion. It's rest time now, perfect for enjoying tea and warmth."
That's more like it, Qin Yu thought.
While sharing tea with Shenhe and Ningguang, Qin Yu shared her suspicions with Ningguang, who nodded in agreement.
"Correct. The Fatui's likely goal is to exploit the chaos to approach the Exuvia of the Geo Archon. However, their exact intentions remain unclear."
"As for the Traveler, she should have sensed something amiss by now."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "It's time to invite her to the Jade Chamber and reveal the truth. Having played a pivotal role in the Stormterror incident, I'm curious to see what she'll do next."
The following day, Ningguang assigned Qin Yu a mission.
"It seems they're assisting Wangsheng Funeral Parlor with preparations for the Rite of Parting. Since you've met them briefly, I'd like you to invite them to the Jade Chamber."
"Understood."
This Traveler is really busy.