At six in the evening, at the Jade Chamber, Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe arrived as promised.
Night had fallen, and the Jade Chamber gleamed like a brilliant pearl embedded in the dark sky. The lanterns shone brightly, illuminating the surroundings as though it were daytime.
At its center stood a carefully designed stage. Lanterns of every color hung from it, dazzling the eye with their radiance.
In front of the stage, several tables were neatly arranged. Though the banquet was not large in scale, every detail reflected Ningguang's care and refined taste.
Exquisite porcelain tableware rested upon the plates, adding elegance and luxury to the gathering.
Even the tables and chairs were unusual—crafted from rare and precious wood, with visible fine grain, sturdy build, and a faint, natural fragrance.
Paimon exclaimed in excitement, "Wow, what a fancy banquet!"
As Paimon was curiously inspecting the scene, Ningguang's voice carried over.
"How is it? Though this banquet is not an official occasion, we still put in some effort. For example—my new outfit, as well as that of the Yuheng."
Ningguang slowly stepped into their view, dressed in a resplendent gown called Orchid's Evening Gown.
Its soft hues of blue and violet, the fine silk, and the exquisite embroidery exuded noble quality.
As she walked with elegance, sheer fabric swayed in the wind like a blooming orchid, releasing a faint, enchanting fragrance.
Keqing's voice soon followed.
"Lumine, Paimon, Shao Yun, and Shenhe, you've arrived! Welcome!"
Keqing approached, wearing a gown named Opulent Splendor.
The flowing fabric, with its deep black tones, lent her an air of calm dignity, carrying a subdued yet luxurious aura.
Of course, her signature cat-eared hairstyle remained, adding a hint of playful charm.
Paimon looked at the two of them in astonishment. "Whoa! Ningguang, Keqing, you changed into new clothes!"
Unlike the ever-serious Keqing, Ningguang boldly displayed her graceful figure before Lumine, Paimon, and the others. With a smile, she asked, "That's right. Well? What do you think?"
Lumine assumed Ningguang was showing off her new outfit and clapped in praise. "It's very pretty!"
Shao Yun, however, felt a little taken aback, seeing the outfits—originally tied to the Lantern Rite—appearing here of all places.
Could it be that Ningguang arranged this on purpose? Or perhaps there's some special meaning behind it?
As his thoughts wandered, Shao Yun noticed that Lumine was still wearing her usual dress.
He muttered under his breath, "I should've had you wear the outfit I bought for you too."
Hearing this, Lumine turned her head toward him, her gaze carrying a subtle reproach. She spoke softly, "Where did this needless sense of competition come from? We're here for a banquet, not a beauty contest."
With that, she turned back to continue conversing with the others.
Shao Yun shrugged helplessly. "Alright, my fault for talking too much."
After chatting a while, Lumine looked at Keqing with concern and asked about her condition.
"By the way, Keqing, how are you? Shao Yun told me what happened yesterday. Is your health alright?"
Keqing smiled gently. "Thank you for asking. I took the medicine Doctor Baizhu prescribed, and I'm feeling much better now."
Beside her, Ningguang also expressed her concern and reminded Keqing to rest.
"But if I recall, Doctor Baizhu wanted you to rest well. You should take a proper break."
Keqing flipped her hair with spirited confidence and replied, "I'll think about it in the future. Right now, there's no time to rest."
Then she looked at Shao Yun and the others. "Next, please look forward to the performances at the banquet."
…
Elsewhere, Xinyan—also invited—felt her eyes weren't enough to take everything in.
It was her first time stepping onto the Jade Chamber, and she was filled with awe and curiosity.
Seeing the grand decorations around her, Xinyan couldn't help but marvel.
"Whoa! So, this is the Jade Chamber? It's incredible!"
At that moment, Yun Jin noticed her arrival. Smiling, she waved and called out, "Xinyan, you're here! Over here."
Hearing her voice, Xinyan immediately waved back, excitement in her steps as she hurried over. "Yun Jin! This really is the Jade Chamber, huh? It's so luxurious!"
Yun Jin smiled warmly, pulling out the chair beside her and motioning for Xinyan to sit. "Don't get too excited just yet. This is your seat—I already arranged it for you."
Only then did Xinyan realize her seat was right at the center, closest to the stage. A wave of gratitude swelled in her heart.
Overcome, she hugged Yun Jin tightly, rubbing her cheek against hers in delight. "Yun Jin, you're amazing! Thank you for giving me such a great seat!"
Flustered by her enthusiastic embrace, Yun Jin tried to calm her. "Xinyan, don't be so passionate! We're good friends, after all."
…
Just before Yun Jin was to take the stage, Ningguang clapped her hands, drawing everyone's attention.
As the crowd turned toward her, she gave an opening speech.
Most of it was formalities—how Liyue overcame crisis through collective effort and unity.
But to Shao Yun, these words passed like wind in his ears. His thoughts had already drifted toward the intelligence on Sumeru. Because that was what Paimon wanted…
When Yun Jin began performing The Divine Damsel of Devastation, the story unfolded exactly as usual, without any alteration.
She vividly portrayed the bravery and resilience of the little girl in the tale.
At the end, Yun Jin added a scene inspired by Shenhe's longing for the kind of life she wished to lead.
Shenhe's eyes remained fixed on Yun Jin, her heart filled with boundless yearning.
"If only I could truly be like the story on stage…"
When the performance ended, thunderous applause erupted.
Among the audience, Xinyan could hardly contain her excitement, standing up to mimic strumming a guitar in celebration.
Yun Jin, seeing this, responded with the same gesture from the stage.
When her performance was done, Yun Jin stepped down and sat beside Xinyan, asking with a hint of anticipation, "How did I do?"
Xinyan's eyes sparkled as she nodded rapidly. "It was amazing, Yun Jin! You were incredible!"
Those around them—Shao Yun and the others—echoed the sentiment, praising Yun Jin's performance.
Amidst the chatter, Shao Yun noticed Ningguang was no longer there.
Turning to Keqing beside him, he asked quietly, "Miss Keqing, do you know where Ningguang is?"
Keqing blinked, then lightly pointed toward the Jade Chamber's inner hall. "I saw Lady Ningguang go inside just now. Do you need her for something?"
Shao Yun nodded. "She promised us something earlier. Now I need her to fulfill that promise."
He leaned close to Lumine, whispering, "I'll go ask Ningguang for the intelligence we need. I'll be back soon."
With that, he rose and left, heading into the Jade Chamber to find Ningguang and claim her promise.
…
Shao Yun entered the Jade Chamber and found Ningguang waiting.
She stood with her back to him, as though expecting his arrival.
At the sound of the door opening, she turned slightly, her gaze falling on him. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she spoke softly.
"So soon after the performance, you come to me… Was it my new dress and its aura that drew you here?"
She turned fully then, gracefully spreading her arms just enough to showcase the gown Orchid's Evening Gown and the figure it embraced, her long, pale legs accentuated in the movement.
But Shao Yun only met her gaze coldly, expressionless, and extended his hand with a single demand.
"Information."
Seeing her charms fail, Ningguang wisely ceased her display. She reached to the shelf and took up a thick file, handing it to him.
"Understood. Here—compiled intelligence on Sumeru from Baishi."
Taking the heavy file, Shao Yun frowned. "Just how much is inside this to make it so heavy?"
Ningguang lazily brushed back her hair. "That's already the condensed version. The originals filled half a room. Poor Baishi nearly worked herself to death this past month."
Shao Yun stuffed the file into his Legend of the East satchel. "Alright. I'll give it to Lumine and Paimon. My thanks to your secretary."
Then Ningguang asked suddenly, "Are you certain you'll go to Sumeru?"
Shao Yun nodded, puzzled. "Yes. We intend to head there. Why?"
Ningguang's brows furrowed as she considered. Finally, she spoke.
"I should tell you this first. According to our intelligence, a peculiar illness in Sumeru—the Eleazar—has been worsening these past few months."
"The number of infected is slowly increasing. Not quickly, but steadily."
Her expression grew stern. "So, my suggestion is, perhaps you should alter your route. For example—head to Chenyu Vale first, then travel by sea to Fontaine. Wait until Sumeru's situation improves before going there."
Shao Yun shrugged carelessly. "That's for Lumine and Paimon to decide. The final say is theirs. But… is the Eleazar really that serious?"
Ningguang thought, then admitted, "Not too serious. But for your safety, I felt I had to warn you."
"After all, we're on the same ship now. If something were to happen to you, it'd be impossible for me to face the adepti alone."
Shao Yun's eyes sharpened as he stared into hers. "You finally admit to your schemes."
Her lips curled faintly. "Indeed. Forgive me. I thought a hundred billion would secure your alliance. But clearly, I was too naive."
She spread her arms, closing her eyes in delicate resignation. "If you wish to throw me from the Jade Chamber, then do it."
Shao Yun studied her, then let out a cold chuckle. "Hmph. The offense you gave me was already settled—with a hundred billion mora. We're even."
"But one thing you must understand—I don't want to involve myself in Liyue's affairs. Stir up whatever storm you like. Just don't let it reach us."
Relief flickered in Ningguang's eyes. She smiled softly. "Rest assured, it won't."
Satisfied he had what he came for, Shao Yun turned to leave. "Thanks for the intel. I'm gone."
But as he reached the door, Ningguang called out.
"Wait, Shao Yun. I'll pay one billion mora, just to say one thing."
He stopped, turned, and looked at her with a mocking smirk. "One billion for a single sentence. Too much coin to spend?"
Ningguang smiled, running her hand slowly down her throat with a sultry cadence.
"I know your feelings for Lumine are deep, and I don't wish to anger you. But as a merchant, I'll speak honestly—if the day comes when you face what you cannot, my chamber will always be open to you."
Shao Yun's eyes narrowed.
In a fluid motion, he drew his Schofield revolver, cocked the hammer, and leveled it at her head.
"You're far too bold," he said coldly. "You've crossed the line."
He offered her no escape, only a deadly wager.
"Here's the game. Convince me in one sentence to let go of my anger—and I'll act as though nothing happened. Fail, and I'll put a bullet in your skull and hang your corpse on the stage outside."
Ningguang met his frozen gaze, realizing she had pushed him too far. She raised her hands slowly, mind racing. Then she found her answer.
Shao Yun cared most for Lumine. Appeal to that, and she would live.
Her lips curved faintly. With a lift of her brow, she spoke in an easy tone.
"If one day you suffer misfortune… then not only the Qixing, but all of Liyue will stand as Lumine and Paimon's shield and haven."
"I swear it. Should I break this vow, may the punishment of Geo fall upon me." Her voice grew solemn as she swore.
Shao Yun lowered the revolver, thumb pressing the hammer back into place before holstering it.
"I doubt your words. But you're lucky—you win. And you spoke more than one sentence. Ten billion mora. As usual, under Lumine's name."
Seeing the danger pass, Ningguang replied lightly, "Then I wish you and Lumine happiness. You're a perfect pair."
Shao Yun added, "And on the road to a brighter world, Paimon too."
Ningguang blinked, surprised, not having expected the little companion's mention.
Could it be he… No, impossible.
She quickly amended, "Then I wish you, Lumine, and Paimon happiness."
Shao Yun gave no reply. He simply drew a finger across his neck in warning.
As he opened the door, he muttered under his breath, "For this, I could even work with the devil."
Then he stepped out of the Jade Chamber.