Faced with the onrushing Treasure Hoarders, Qin Yu directed her four Satellite Components to fly into the enemy's blind spots. With a mental command, beams of light erupted from the components, striking the enemies from all sides.
"Ugh!" The enemies collapsed.
With a wave of her hand, the four Satellite Components swiftly returned to hover around her.
"Qin Yu, are you really human?" Paimon suddenly asked, for some reason.
"Huh?"
"I'm a genuine human, you know," Qin Yu replied. "Why would you ask that?"
"Well... you use all these weird weapons and techniques, kind of like those Ruin Machines!" Paimon explained.
"Ahahaha, is that so? I'm not a fan of close combat, so I prefer ranged attacks whenever possible," Qin Yu said.
Even when close combat was unavoidable, she would seize the opportune moment, strike, and retreat immediately.
Close-quarters engagements were too risky for injury, and Qin Yu hated getting hurt. Aside from the potential for scarring, even the pain itself was unbearable.
"Enough about that—are you alright?" Qin Yu asked.
The man rescued from the cage let out a sigh of relief.
"I'm fine, thanks to all of you. If you wouldn't mind, please allow me to repay your kindness!"
The man introduced himself as a supplier for "Mingxing Jewelry," making a living by collecting antiques.
The "Sugar-Frosted Slime" dish was now ready, with all the necessary ingredients gathered. All that remained was the cooking process and final packaging.
Paimon asked if they had a gift box, and the supplier said they did—the most popular style in the Seven Nations, which he offered to give them. However, they would need to return to Mingxing Jewelry in Liyue Port to retrieve it.
So troublesome... Qin Yu grumbled inwardly as she followed the trio back to Liyue Port.
The gift box was indeed the popular style, one Qin Yu had seen countless times before, the only difference being the color.
They also borrowed a large clay pot to prepare the "Sugar-Frosted Slime."
"It's done! Qin Yu, come and have a taste!"
"I-I'll pass. This is a gift for Lady Ningguang, after all. I just need to witness its creation," Qin Yu said with a forced smile.
Absolutely not eating it!
Paimon sighed regretfully. "What a shame."
Lumine echoed, "A shame indeed."
What's so shameful about it? Qin Yu thought.
Once Lumine had wrapped the gift, Qin Yu led them to Yujing Terrace.
Approaching the gatekeeper, Qin Yu smiled politely. "These two are the guests I mentioned earlier."
"Very well, proceed to the pavilion then."
As they ascended to the Jade Chamber on the floating stone platform, Paimon clung tightly to Lumine's shoulder.
"Wow, we're flying!"
Aren't you always flying? Qin Yu thought.
"Haven't you been flying the whole time?" Lumine asked.
"Well, yeah."
Listening to their conversation, Qin Yu thought their bond seemed truly strong. They had clearly been adventuring together for a long time, a fact that stirred a faint envy within her.
"How did you two meet?" she asked curiously.
"I fished her up," Lumine replied.
"Eh?"
Fished her up? What kind of metaphor is that? It didn't really sound like one. But how could you possibly fish up such a peculiar creature? Qin Yu subtly observed Paimon.
Fishing, huh? Qin Yu suddenly felt intrigued.
She wondered if fishing herself might yield some strange catch—Ah, never mind, just ordinary fish would be fine.
I'll try it sometime, anyway.
Lost in her musings, the trio had already arrived at the Jade Chamber. Qin Yu led them through the grand hall to Ningguang's office.
"Lady Ningguang, I've brought them," Qin Yu announced.
Ningguang stood before the intelligence wall, a faint smile gracing her lips. "Thank you for your hard work."
She turned her gaze to Lumine.
"We've been expecting you for quite some time, traveler who returned from Jueyun Karst."
Qin Yu instinctively positioned herself behind Ningguang, glancing at the intelligence wall. The report about the Fatui's replication of the Sigil of Permission was prominently displayed in the center.
It wasn't there when we set out, but it's been added now... Ah, so that's why. It's a lure.
Having understood Ningguang's intentions, Lumine refocused her attention.
"Gifts? Thank you for your thoughtfulness," Ningguang said with professional warmth, smiling. "Without further delay, I'd like to get straight to the point. What do you think?"
Lumine nodded.
"Very well. However, I know you distrust the Qixing. Let's proceed in a Q&A format."
"As for whether I'm telling the truth... I can swear to Rex Lapis that my answers will be truthful—though ultimately, it's up to you to judge." Ningguang smiled kindly.
Paimon exclaimed in surprise, "She's swearing an oath already!"
"After all, I invited you here to resolve our misunderstandings," Ningguang explained.
Lumine pondered for a moment, organizing her questions.
"What exactly happened with Rex Lapis's death?"
Ningguang sighed. "Regrettably, the investigation remains inconclusive. After all... this is the death of a god, not a common criminal case."
"Why do you believe the culprit was among the crowd of onlookers?"
"It was merely an expedient measure at the time—a formality, really. How could the Qixing simply stand by idly under the public gaze? The interrogation was perfunctory; once answered, you were free to go," Ningguang explained.
"Why hide Rex Lapis's Exuvia?" Lumine asked directly.
Ningguang replied candidly, "Firstly, to stabilize the situation, and secondly, to guard against those with ulterior motives. The Fatui have been growing increasingly brazen behind the scenes, crossing many lines. Without stabilizing the situation, chaos would likely worsen."
Lumine pressed on, "Where is Rex Lapis's Exuvia hidden?"
She's just going to ask directly!
"The Golden House," Ningguang replied, her tone unflinching.
"The Golden House..."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Indeed. Though I can't allow you entry at present, there's no need for me to deceive you."
Lumine considered this thoughtfully.
"Is that all you plan to ask?"
"No, one last question: How can I enter the Golden House?" Lumine asked earnestly.
"Naturally, you'd need the Qixing's permission," Ningguang stated.
"..." Lumine remained silent.
"However, we currently have no intention of granting anyone permission to enter the Golden House, not even you, despite my correspondence with the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and my acknowledgment of your achievements... The current circumstances are exceptional, even with the Rite of Parting."
Ultimately, for the current Qixing, the Rite of Parting wasn't primarily about bidding farewell to an Adeptus. Rather, it was about using the "rite" to buy time and seize opportunities.
Lumine sighed, "I see."
"But I know you've been assisting with the Rite of Parting's preparations. For the Qixing, this rite serves as a grace period for the full takeover of Liyue. You've been a tremendous help."
"As a token of gratitude—and compensation—you may choose one item from me to take with you," Ningguang said with a warm smile.
Qin Yu interjected at the opportune moment, "But Lady Ningguang, there's one item that really shouldn't be..."
Ningguang nodded thoughtfully, "Hmm..."
Her gaze settled on the intelligence wall.
Paimon followed her line of sight, noticing the documents on the wall and recalling something she'd heard earlier.
Once the Jade Chamber, that palace in the sky, scatters "snowflakes" made of intelligence slips, the commercial world of Liyue will undergo a massive upheaval, the storyteller had said.
Intelligence that could shake up the entire commercial world? That must be incredibly valuable! Paimon pondered.
Ningguang chuckled, "Don't worry. It's useless to us now."
"But the value of that..." Qin Yu hesitated, then said with a sigh, "Very well, I understand, Lady Ningguang, if you insist."
The master and servant's rehearsed exchange raised Lumine's suspicions, but Paimon had already spoken up.
"Then we'll take that piece of paper on the wall!"
Success!
My acting is truly divine, Qin Yu thought gleefully.
"Paimon..." Lumine sighed, hands on her hips.
She glanced at Qin Yu and Ningguang, sensing they were deliberately leading her on. Still, this was a perfect opportunity to test Ningguang's claims.
As she pondered, Lumine approached the intelligence wall, studied it briefly, and removed the most conspicuous piece of information.
"Have you made your choice?" Ningguang asked.
"Mm-hmm."
Ningguang smiled faintly. "Take it directly. You're welcome to explore the Jade Chamber further and relax. No need for formalities."
Lumine shook her head. "Thank you for your hospitality, but we have other matters to attend to. We'll take our leave now."
"Is that so? Very well. I wish you safe travels. And rest assured, I've already rescinded the Millelith's orders to arrest you. You need no longer fear apprehension in Liyue Port."
Paimon's eyes widened in realization. "No wonder we haven't been chased by the Millelith anymore! Thank you!"
"You're welcome. It's the least I could do."
Afterward, Lumine and Paimon departed from the Jade Chamber.
Ningguang immediately reverted to her usual composed demeanor.
"With that matter resolved, I wonder what choice this person will make... Truly fascinating individuals. What do you think, Qin Yu?" Ningguang smiled.
"I agree."
If only I could have a Paimon of my own, she thought wistfully.
But if I did, she'd probably accidentally reveal my true self in a heartbeat. So it's best to just dream about it.
Besides, Qin Yu had no desire for constant companionship.
Ningguang's gaze fell upon the gift on the table.
"Since they've brought us a gift, let's see what it is."
With that, Ningguang unwrapped the package.
Before her lay the duo's masterpiece: the Sugar-Frosted Slime.
"Is this... a dessert?" Ningguang asked, puzzled.
"Yes... but..."
"But?"
Qin Yu explained, "It's made from slime."
"Slime... Did they learn this from Xiangling? Well, it's the thought that counts. Let's give it a try."
Really? You're actually going to eat it?
Qin Yu knew wasting food was wrong, but the thought of slime being the main ingredient made her stomach churn. She never expected Ningguang would actually try it.
Ningguang had Qin Yu fetch a spoon, then scooped up a small bite and put it in her mouth.
"Hmm..."
Qin Yu asked anxiously, "How does it taste?"
"Qin Yu."
"What is it—mngh?!"
Ningguang scooped up a second spoonful and, taking advantage of Qin Yu's open mouth, deftly slipped it in.
The brief, hard touch of the spoon brought a refreshing coolness and a surprisingly sweet, delightful flavor.
Qin Yu's eyes lit up.
Amazing! Who knew slime could be turned into such a delicious dessert?
"This is unexpectedly delicious," Ningguang remarked.
"Mhm!"
This dessert had come to Paimon in a dream.
Could she be a genius?
Suddenly, Qin Yu's mind flooded with ideas. Perhaps they could turn slime into other dishes as well.
The moment this thought struck her, she was eager to experiment, her previous aversion vanishing without a trace.
"While that's true, Qin Yu, you can't start serving it on the dining table," Ningguang teased. "I still prefer ordinary, normal dishes for everyday meals."
Qin Yu blushed. "I know."
Right.
It's best to stick to the normal for everyday meals.