Aozang Mountain, Adeptus Abode of Cloud Retainer
After lingering alone for a while, Shenhe picked up her spear and returned to the Adeptus abode she shared with her master.
The Cloud Retainer, in her crane form, was tinkering with a small mechanical device, her wings infused with adeptal energy. Sensing Shenhe’s return, she continued fiddling with the contraption, her tone casual.
“You’re back? What happened at the storage area?”
Shenhe glanced at the small mechanism her master was adjusting and lowered her voice.
“A group of thieves broke into your storage, Master. They stole many of your inventions.”
“What?!”
The Cloud Retainer’s wings twitched, causing the mechanical parts she was holding with adeptal power to fall to the ground. Her beady eyes widened in fury.
“How dare some miscreants steal my inventions?!”
It took her a while to calm down. Folding her wings back, she spoke in a gentler tone.
“Did you encounter them?”
“Yes… I’m sorry, Master. Their leader was strong. I couldn’t stop them.”
“Forget it. They were just some old artifacts. As long as you weren’t hurt, it doesn’t matter. Go and rest for now.”
The Cloud Retainer was about to return to her tinkering when she noticed Shenhe standing still, seemingly lost in thought. Sighing, she set down the mechanism and looked at her disciple with concern.
“You look troubled. Would you like to tell me what’s on your mind?”
“Master… I want to go down the mountain.”
“Down the mountain?”
The Cloud Retainer blinked, momentarily stunned.
She knew Shenhe had once secretly descended the mountain for some unknown reason, only to return shortly after with a troubled expression.
Now, she was asking to go down the mountain again—and this time, she was telling her openly. Could it be that her disciple’s heart had started to open up?
“What brought this on all of a sudden?”
“I… I want to find someone.”
Shenhe’s voice was low, her expression a mix of conflicting emotions—anger, and perhaps a hint of embarrassment.
“Someone? The thieves who stole from my storage?”
“Yes…”
The Cloud Retainer nodded slightly, believing she understood Shenhe’s motives.
Her disciple had always had a fierce nature, and it was likely that she had been bested in a fight and now wanted to reclaim her pride.
“Did he hurt you? Or perhaps insult you? Tell me, and I shall avenge you!”
“No, neither…” Shenhe shook her head.
“Then what happened? Speak clearly.”
“He… he grabbed my waist…”
“…?”
Several Days Later
After leaving Jueyun Karst, Luo Qing did not reunite with Ovilia’s team. Once he confirmed their safe departure, he returned to Liyue on his own.
The journey to Jueyun Karst had taken nearly two months, most of it spent on the road—a significant waste of time, in Luo Qing’s opinion.
With all that time, I could’ve gone fishing with Zhongli a dozen times.
Damn it, Childe… you owe me for this.
Finally back in his room, Luo Qing gazed out at the ocean view and spoke calmly.
“So, Natalia, what’s been happening in Liyue while I was away?”
“Lord Luo Qing,” Natalia began, “ever since the death of the Geo Archon, the Qixing have been consolidating their power. They’ve nearly taken control of all Liyue’s affairs. And…”
She hesitated for a moment before continuing in a lower voice.
“Rumor has it that the hidden Adepti have also heard of the Archon’s death. They’re planning to return to Liyue to confront the Qixing. Some of them have already arrived, and they’ll likely head to the Jade Chamber soon to demand answers.”
“So, quite a bit happened in these two months…” Luo Qing muttered, shaking his head. He suddenly noticed that their usual trio was missing a member. Confused, he asked, “Where’s Igor? I sent him to keep an eye on that Traveler. Why isn’t he here to report?”
“Uh… Lord Luo Qing, Igor was discovered a few days ago while monitoring the Traveler…”
“He was caught? Did he mention my name?”
Luo Qing’s urgency was palpable. Although his surveillance of Lumine was mainly to keep track of events, it would be difficult to explain his intentions if discovered.
“No, he didn’t. In a panic, he claimed he was a long-time admirer of the Traveler and that his strong desires led him to follow and… uh… spy on her. The Millelith arrested him for harassment. I think they said he’ll be detained for half a month, so he should be out in a few days.”
Luo Qing’s expression grew complicated. Well, that’s… clever of him, I suppose, he thought, appreciating how Igor had deftly avoided implicating him.
I’ll have to give him a raise when he gets out…
“By the way, Lord Luo Qing, that secretary of the Qixing… Ganyu, I believe, came by once while you were away. She seemed to have something she wanted to confirm with you.”
“Hm, Ganyu?”
Luo Qing was puzzled. She didn’t recognize me last time we met. Why would she seek me out now?
Oh well, I’ll deal with that later if we cross paths again.
“Also, has the Traveler returned?”
“Yes, her wanted notice has been withdrawn. It seems the Adepti pressured the Qixing into backing down…” Natalia hesitated briefly before continuing.
“Additionally, the Traveler visited Lord Childe shortly after her return. They seemed to have made some sort of agreement and even had dinner with your fishing buddy, Zhongli.”
“Got it. Understood.”
Luo Qing stood, stretching with a yawn.
“You’ve all worked hard while I was away. Take a break; I’ll handle things from here.”
With that, he left the room.
Since Lumine had already met with Childe and Zhongli, it meant they were likely preparing for the Rite of Parting.
Given his close bond with Zhongli, Luo Qing figured he could seamlessly insert himself into their group and interact with Lumine more directly.
Heading out, he walked downstairs, turned right, passed through the commercial street’s red wooden pavilions, and made another right turn—arriving at the entrance of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
To find out Zhongli’s whereabouts, all he needed to do was ask the head of Wangsheng, Hu Tao.
It had been a while, and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor seemed busier than when Luo Qing had left, with more attendants present. The once nearly empty parlor, home only to Zhongli and Hu Tao, now bustled with activity.
Scanning the room, Luo Qing didn’t see Hu Tao’s distinctive hat and twin ponytails. He pulled aside one of the attendants.
“Where’s your boss, Hu Tao?”
“Lady Hu Tao went to Wuwang Hill recently. She should be back in a few days.”
“She went to Wuwang Hill?”
Luo Qing paused, wondering if Hu Tao’s legendary quest had begun.
But it’s too early in the timeline for that…
Unable to make sense of it, he decided not to dwell on the matter. Hu Tao would return sooner or later, and then he could ask her directly.
Unlike Sumeru, Liyue lacked any advanced communication network. Most people relied on the power of their voices, and it was genuinely hard to contact someone who was away.
Leaving Wangsheng, Luo Qing was at a loss, unsure where to find Lumine and the others.
He wandered aimlessly through the bustling commercial street, but there was no sign of Lumine’s group.
Luo Qing was considering returning to Childe for information when he heard female voices nearby.
Looking up, he saw Ganyu and Shenhe walking side by side, chatting as they approached him.
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