Before long, Zhongli had led the three Vigilant Yakshas at a measured pace to the vicinity of Liyue Harbor. It must be said, the journey had been rather taxing on the legs.
Traveling this way previously hadn't seemed so, as with the Yakshas' abilities, covering hundreds of kilometers in one go was no issue at all.
But Mr. Zhongli was different. His speed was akin to that of a centenarian.
Slow and elegant...
This caused the three Vigilant Yakshas following behind no small amount of vexation. If it were like the old days, they would have reached Liyue Harbor long ago.
The path had taken them past Qingyun Peak → Jueyun Karst → Wangshu Inn → Guili Plains, among other places—quite a lengthy trek.
Although the time spent was considerable, they had finally returned to Liyue Harbor.
In truth, their pace was still relatively fast. If they were to travel at an ordinary person's speed, it would likely take several days to return to Liyue Harbor.
The stones on the path were uneven, and some decorative rocks were worn and dilapidated, full of age, but the way was still passable.
Approaching the entrance at the north side of Liyue Harbor, this was a necessary route for commercial goods transport.
The gate was guarded by Millelith soldiers, who inspected the coming and going travelers, safeguarding Liyue's security.
Just as the four arrived, a Millelith soldier stepped forward with his weapon, asking somewhat puzzled,
"Mr. Zhongli, may I ask who these three are...?"
The Millelith soldier's name was Caile, one of the personnel checking goods at the land-based merchant entrance/exit of Liyue Harbor. Of course, their duties weren't limited to inspecting cargo.
Sometimes, they had more important matters.
They were public security personnel for Liyue Harbor, answering only to the Qixing's orders.
Simply put: gatekeepers.
This Millelith named Caile clearly knew Zhongli, but the three behind him were rather unfamiliar faces. Yet judging by their imposing aura and the beast-like horns no mortal possessed...
Could they be the legendary adepti?
But thinking back again, not long ago, a god had attempted to attack Liyue Harbor and was ultimately repelled by adepti.
As he had been guarding the gate the whole time, he hadn't witnessed it firsthand, but he heard from his comrades who came by that two adepti who once served Liyue Harbor had returned.
Could it be these individuals?
"These three are the Yaksha adepti who protect Liyue, the Five Foremost Yakshas under Rex Lapis."
"Now that two of these adepti have made a rare return, the adepti of Jueyun Karst entrusted me with guiding them on a visit to the mortal realm."
Zhongli explained calmly.
The man told lies without even batting an eye, making Bonanus struggle to contain her laughter.
And what was even more amusing was Mr. Zhongli saying "under Rex Lapis." It felt like an inside joke from her past life.
What does Rex Lapis have to do with me, Zhongli?
"Ah! Is that so?! Please, come in, come in." Hearing it was a matter entrusted by the adepti, Caile couldn't help but stand up straight, a hint of nervousness showing in his expression.
This was the first time he had been so close to adepti. As expected of Mister Zhongli, to have the privilege of guiding adepti to familiarize themselves with Liyue Harbor.
Truly admirable!
"I will notify the Qixing. I'm sure the lords and ladies will personally receive these esteemed adepti!" Caile adopted a respectful attitude, performed a brief courtesy, and prepared to leave.
"Unnecessary. Observing Liyue's current state, I believe there is no need to trouble them."
Zhongli stopped Caile, waving his hand slightly, then led the three inside. If one of the Qixing were to come, it would only add trouble for him.
His old friends had finally returned. If they were to be monitored during their re-acquaintance, surely it would cause them displeasure?
But honestly, Zhongli's words might as well have been unsaid. Regardless, one or two of the Qixing would likely come to assess the situation, if only as a gesture of respect.
"Understood. Esteemed adepti, please proceed at your leisure." Caile gave a slight nod, not overly concerned about the Qixing's affairs.
After the four left, Caile looked at Caixun beside him. This Millelith named Caixun, like him, was also a gatekeeper.
"The aura of those three adepti just now was so powerful. I felt quite pressured."
Caile wiped the cold sweat from his brow. It was the first time he had seen adepti openly visiting the mortal realm.
"Indeed. But rather than that, you'd better hurry up and inspect that batch of merchants' goods."
Caixun reminded him. There were still many people unchecked! Don't you dare slack off, kid!
"Alright, alright, I know..."
---
Zhongli and the Three
"It felt surprisingly easy to enter," Bonanus said curiously, looking around. Some scenes here were different from the game.
Compared to the game, this place seemed huge! And there were many more people, giving a sense of crowdedness, though most people gave them a wide berth.
Although most people in this passageway were foreign merchants who didn't know what Liyue's adepti looked like, their years in commerce had made them very familiar with discerning a person's aura. The unmistakably adeptal presence radiating from these three was glaringly obvious.
And the most obvious features were already on display!
See that very 'blue' female adeptus? Those large hands and pair of beautiful horns clearly marked her as no ordinary mortal.
And wasn't this woman just incredibly beautiful?! Even though these merchants had seen many beauties, they couldn't help but have their souls captivated by the beauty before them.
And look at that tall adeptus covered in purple markings! His four arms gave off an intimidating, unapproachable feeling.
After all, mortals generally only have two arms. Suddenly seeing someone with four would usually be considered a freak or a monster.
But if they were adepti, that was different.
"Tch..."
Seeing most of these foreigners' gazes fixed on Bonanus, Xiao couldn't help but click his tongue. He moved beside Bonanus, wanting to use his own body to block their line of sight.
But unfortunately, he was too short. @_@
Xiao was even shorter than Bonanus! Actually, Bonanus originally wasn't taller than Xiao, but thanks to the two horns on her head...
"Aiya, are these Liyue Harbor's adepti?"
"They seem to be! I'm quite knowledgeable about Liyue's culture. These people appear to be the Yaksha adepti!"
"Ah! That impressive? But don't Liyue's adepti usually not appear unless there's a crisis? Why are they all here now?"
"Who knows? I can't imagine what urgent matter would require the adepti to personally take action!"
"I suspect it's probably because of that god earlier. To prevent further danger, the adepti specially came for another inspection!"
The foreign merchants and some visiting foreigners whispered among themselves. It was the first time they had seen Liyue's adepti, and they were incredibly curious!
Compared to the three adepti behind, the one walking at the front seemed more like a leisurely old man out for a stroll, completely mismatched with the scene!
"Mr. Zhongli, there are so many foreign faces here!" Bonanus first patted Xiao's shoulder, indicating he needn't mind others' stares, then she turned and trotted up beside Zhongli.
This place was completely different from the game, which naturally ignited a spark of exploratory passion in her. Just kidding, in her past life in the game, she was an excellent exploration traveler!
And more importantly, in her past life, waiting for each new version update, miHoYo had always kept her on the edge of her seat.
Thus, she was always filled with passion for these unknown things.
"Indeed. This area is a necessary route for foreign merchants. The Millelith here work very hard every day."
Zhongli looked at Bonanus walking beside him and nodded slightly in agreement. But this wasn't his concern; it could be left to the Qixing.
"Foreign merchants coming to Liyue to do business first undergo inspection, then require a series of passes and certificates."
Zhongli stroked his chin. When he used to stroll around, he would often see Miss Yanfei handling such trade matters.
Zhongli greatly admired that young lady. After all, she hadn't formed any contract with him. She had no obligation to fulfill these duties, yet she had gone to such lengths.
Truly praiseworthy.
"That sounds quite troublesome." Bonanus rubbed her small head with her large hand, sticking out her tongue slightly.
Fortunately, arriving in this world, she was already an adeptus. Therefore, she didn't worry about being constrained by Mora.
Just kidding, she herself was Karmic Debt! The reason she didn't extract Karmic Debt from herself was to keep it as a contingency for the future!
Think about it—what if she found herself in some predicament later, with no Karmic Debt infected monsters nearby? What would she do then?
But thinking of the money issue, Bonanus couldn't help but furrow her brow, looking at Mr. Zhongli beside her.
"Oh, right, Mr. Zhongli, you mentioned treating us to a meal."
...
After a brief pause, Bonanus continued.
"By the way, do you have any mora on you, sir?"