Qiu Bai chuckled at Paimon's comment. He didn't think he spoke in an old-fashioned way, perhaps it was just because he was standing next to Zhongli that she got that impression.
"I don't speak like that, Paimon."
Qiu Bai chuckled and patted Paimon's head.
"I told you, stop patting my head all the time!"
Paimon dodged his hand, stomped her foot, and angrily scolded him.
"Zhongli, I'll be going ahead."
"After all, I have an appointment to visit the Jade Chamber later."
Not bothering with Paimon's irritation, he turned to Zhongli and said.
"The Jade Chamber? You mean that enormous building in the sky?"
Lumine asked in surprise.
The Jade Chamber here was much larger than in the game, though not by an extreme amount, roughly four times its in-game size.
"That's correct. That is the Jade Chamber, built by the Tianquan, Ningguang."
Zhongli spoke slowly.
"Just now, one of the Liyue Qixing, the Yuheng Star, came to find us."
"They invited us up. I declined, but my old friend here was interested in taking a look."
Zhongli smiled at Paimon and Lumine.
"Wow, having the great Tianquan herself personally invite you up…"
"I just didn't expect that Qiu Bai would also be invited."
Paimon pouted. Still upset about the head-patting, she now had a strong bias against Qiu Bai.
"Hey, do I really seem that unworthy?"
Qiu Bai rubbed his nose, then continued.
"You'll be invited too later. I'll be heading off first."
With that, he walked toward the area below the Jade Chamber. Keqing had told him earlier, he needed to find someone named Bu Yun and say a secret phrase to be allowed up.
"Take care, old friend."
Zhongli watched Qiu Bai figure disappear before turning back to Lumine and Paimon.
"In that case, let us prepare the materials for the Rite of Parting."
"Traveler, after witnessing a city without its god, how do you feel about Liyue, the land of a living deity?"
Zhongli stood still, quietly waiting for Lumine response.
"Liyue is still the best."
Lumine looked around the city, its vast blue sky, the pleasant scenery, and most importantly the food was amazing!
"Indeed. With a divine land that holds 3,700 years of history, its depth surpasses that of any other nation."
Zhongli smiled slightly before regaining his usual calm demeanor.
"The process of preparing the Rite of Parting will become part of your journey, broadening your horizons."
"Liyue is the most prosperous of the seven nations. In the past, it was guarded by a god and governed by the Qixing, so the Fatui's usual diplomatic tricks hold little sway here."
"One of the Qixing, Ningguang, remains ever vigilant against the Fatui. That is perhaps why Childe seeks to use Wangsheng Funeral Parlor as a means to conduct his business."
Paimon crossed her arms behind her back and curiously asked, "Hmm, but what benefit does Childe get from helping us with the Rite of Parting?"
"I don't know, nor do I care. To me, the Fatui merely provide financial assistance."
"I only hope that Liyue's traditions will not be forgotten."
Zhongli explained slowly, looking at Paimon.
"Wow, financial support!"
Paimon eyes sparkled as she stared at Zhongli.
"Yes, this is the first sum Childe provided for the preparations."
"If we run out, we can always ask for more."
Zhongli spoke as he pulled out a pouch of Mora from his clothes.
"Alright, let's get going."
"The first step in preparing for the ceremony is obtaining the highest quality Noctilucous Jade, worthy of a god."
With that, Zhongli led Lumine and Paimon towards Jie Cui Pavilion.
Inside the Jade Chamber
Ningguang crossed her long legs as she glanced at the document Keqing informant had sent her, a faint, knowing smile appearing on her lips.
"Who would have thought? That Mr. Qiu Bai from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor actually agreed to come to the Jade Chamber."
"Perhaps… this Mr. Qiu Bai is an adeptus?"
His sudden disappearance earlier hadn't raised much suspicion in her mind, but after receiving news from Ver Goldet, the owner of Wangshu Inn, she wasn't so sure anymore.
Feeling a slight headache, Ningguang rubbed her temples.
Liyue was in a precarious state, the Geo Archon had been assassinated, the Adepti's stance remained unclear, and Rex Lapis was missing.
With so much uncertainty, she could only take things one step at a time. The pressure on her shoulders felt as heavy as a mountain.
On top of that, the Fatui had three Harbingers present in Liyue—
La Signora, Childe, And an unknown third Harbinger.
She had yet to uncover who the third was, but whatever their goal, Liyue Harbor, godless or not would not be so easily manipulated.
"For now, I'll need to test the waters with this Mr. Qiu Bai."
Setting the document aside, Ningguang took a deep breath before stepping out onto the Jade Chamber's balcony, gazing down at the bustling Liyue Harbor below.
It was already noon, and the high-hanging sun cast its glow upon the Jade Chamber, its shadow stretching far across the mountains below.
"No matter when, the Jade Chamber shall forever stand above Liyue, bearing witness to the prosperity of mortals."
"One day… I shall extend its shadow over all Seven Nations."
Her golden eyes gleamed with ambition as she made her silent vow.
Below the Jade Chamber
Qiu Bai had just arrived before a man named Bu Yun.
"May I help you?"
Bu Yun studied the man before him with a puzzled look.
Qiu Bai spoke slowly, "Excuse me, do you sell the moon here?"
Hearing this, Bu Yun expression changed to a knowing smile.
"So, you're a friend of Lady Ningguang. Please, follow me."
He led Qiu Bai towards a Floating Stone Platform nearby, then gestured toward it with a smile.
"Please step aboard, sir."
Qiu Bai stepped onto the platform, which began to ascend steadily. Moments later, he had arrived at the magnificent, sky-floating Jade Chamber.
His gaze swept around in curiosity, taking in the architectural marvel. Not far ahead, he spotted Ningguang, standing at the edge of the Jade Chamber.
As if sensing his arrival, Ningguang turned her head, her golden eyes meeting his.
Then, with graceful strides, she walked toward him.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, it has been a long time."
Ningguang greeted him with a smile.
"It has indeed, Lady Ningguang."
Qiu Bai returned the smile, his tone light.
"The wind is strong up here, it would be easy to catch a cold. Please, allow me to invite you inside the Jade Chamber for a discussion."
Ningguang lips curled slightly as she observed him—this was her first proper look at Qiu Bai, and she had to admit she was surprised by his appearance.
She had met many young and talented men, but this Qiu Bai. His knowledge was profound, his demeanor refined, and his looks and manners… unusually pleasant.
"Then, I must thank you, Lady Ningguang."
"After all, this is my first time here it's like a palace in the heavens."
Qiu Bai glanced around, unable to suppress a soft sigh of admiration.
After all, a floating sky palace like this…
One could only imagine how much effort Ningguang had poured into building it.
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