As morning arrived, Qiu Bai and his group woke up.
"Get ready, then come over and hold on to me."
Qiu Bai instructed as he glanced at Lumine, who was still tidying up her belongings.
"Got it, Qiu Bai. Almost done."
Lumine nodded, then turned to Bennett.
"Hehe, I don't really need to pack anything."
Bennett chuckled, scratching his head.
A short while later, Lumine and Paimon had finished preparing.
"Dain, you too."
Qiu Bai called over to Dainsleif, who was sitting nearby.
"Hmm, is everyone ready?"
Dainsleif nodded and looked at the group.
"Yep, all set! Let's go!"
Paimon stomped her foot in excitement.
Everyone grabbed onto Qiu Bai's clothing. Even though Bennett had no idea why they needed to do this, he followed suit.
In the next moment, the world spun around them, and they vanished from the cliffside.
With a shift in scenery, the group reappeared in a secluded area just outside Mondstadt.
Qiu Bai took a few steps forward, gazing at the massive city before them. The giant windmills spun gracefully, while the city's distinctive, elegant houses stood tall. The morning air carried a subtle floral fragrance.
"It's been a long time since I last came here."
"The city has expanded so much."
Qiu Bai stroked his chin, murmuring to himself. When he last visited a thousand years ago, Mondstadt had been about ten times larger than what it appeared in the game. Now, it had expanded to at least several dozen times that size.
Bennett eyes widened in disbelief.
"Whoa, Qiu Bai! That was incredible!"
"You brought us here in an instant!"
Qiu Bai laughed and casually waved a hand at him.
"Heh, just basic stuff."
Dainsleif simply nodded, already accustomed to Qiu Bai unique abilities.
Lumine and Paimon also nodded before the group made their way into Mondstadt.
As they entered the city, Bennett spoke up.
"Alright, I'll be heading off."
"Some adventurers are waiting for me."
He scratched the back of his head sheepishly.
"See you later, Bennett!"
Paimon waved her hand with a smile, watching as Bennett walked off down the street.
The streets of Mondstadt were bustling with life. People walked about with cheerful expressions, merchants called out to customers, the aroma of food drifted from the restaurants, and lively chatter filled the taverns.
Qiu Bai and the others made their way toward the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, observing the city as they went. A handsome young poet was composing a love poem, an artist was painting a portrait of a lady, and knights of the Knights of Favonius patrolled the streets. The lively atmosphere made Qiu Bai take an extra moment to admire the scene.
After walking for a while, they arrived before the grand cathedral of Mondstadt.
"A towering statue, a magnificent sanctuary," Dainsleif murmured, gazing up at the structure.
"The people of Mondstadt must have poured an immense amount of resources and effort into building it."
Qiu Bai chuckled, watching Lumine and Dainsleif discuss the cathedral.
"You guys go ahead and chat," he said with a small smile.
"I have a friend to find."
A familiar green silhouette flashed through his mind.
"Alright, we got it."
Lumine and Paimon nodded in understanding.
"I'll find you when you're done."
With that, Qiu Bai turned and walked away.
He made his way to a bench beneath one of Mondstadt's great windmills. Sitting there was a young woman from Mondstadt, quietly resting, a blindfold covering her eyes.
"Glory?"
Qiu Bai smiled as he sat down beside her.
"Hello, miss."
Hearing his voice, the blindfolded woman turned slightly in his direction.
"A voice I've never heard before… Are you a traveler?"
"I may not be able to see, but if there's anything I can help with, just tell me."
Her voice was soft and gentle, carrying a warm sincerity.
"My name is Qiu Bai, a guest consultant from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor in Liyue."
He introduced himself with a polite smile.
"Ah… My apologies, I should have introduced myself first."
"I am Glory."
A faint smile formed on her lips as she continued,
"I often sit here, waiting for Goodwin… Praying that on his way back, he can avoid those troublesome hilichurls or the Abyss Order and reunite with me soon."
As she spoke, there was a deep longing in her tone.
Qiu Bai sighed internally.
"Goodwin you have such a kind and devoted girlfriend, praying for you every day and yet, out of stubborn pride, you refuse to return to the city."
Of course, Qiu Bai knew who Goodwin was. He was the knight who had been lingering outside the city, unwilling to return, a name that often appeared on Mondstadt's commission board.
"How could he bear to leave such a gentle, blind girl alone in Mondstadt?"
"Ah, I'm rambling again…" Glory sighed softly.
"But I'm grateful to have someone to talk to."
"That makes me really happy."
Glory clutched the fabric of her clothes, her voice carrying a hint of shyness.
"Who is Goodwin?"
Qiu Bai asked, feigning ignorance.
"He is my lover. He left the city with Grand Master Varka expedition team."
"I felt reluctant when he left, but being able to join Lord Varka squad is something worth being proud of, right?"
A gentle smile appeared on Glory lips as she spoke of Goodwin. Her voice carried warmth and happiness.
Qiu Bai lips twitched slightly.
"Goodwin, you fool!"
"You have such a wonderful girlfriend, and yet instead of coming back to see her, you're hiding outside the city?"
The sweetness in Glory voice was enough to make his teeth ache.
"…But unfortunately, I don't know when the expedition will end."
"So, all I can do is wait."
As she spoke, the joy in her voice gradually faded, and her smile disappeared.
"Oh Wind God, please protect Goodwin and bring him back soon."
Even though she couldn't see, Glory turned in the direction of the Statue of the Anemo Archon, clasping her hands together in prayer.
Meanwhile inside the Angel's Share Tavern, within Mondstadt.
A certain green-clad bard was enjoying his drink when he suddenly sneezed.
"Ah… looks like I caught a cold."
He rubbed his nose absentmindedly.
Back at the windmill.
"Miss Glory."
Qiu Bai gazed at the praying girl and spoke softly.
"Hmm? What is it, Mr. Qiu Bai?"
Glory ears twitched slightly. She turned her head in his direction, a bit puzzled.
"Please don't move."
Qiu Bai chuckled lightly. He slowly raised his hand toward the blindfold covering her eyes.
A soft white glow of divine energy began to gather around his fingertips.
Glory felt a gentle warmth spreading across her eyes, a faint tickling sensation lingering.
"Such a beautiful bond you two share."
"May you be reunited soon."
Qiu Bai smiled. And then his figure vanished without a trace.
This was all he could do.
The rest would depend on Goodwin and whether he could muster the courage to return, so that the girl who loved him wouldn't have to wait in sorrow any longer.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist? Read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)