Liyue, Liyue Harbor.
Under the cover of the "Concealment Form's Stealth Domain," Nolan and his companions emerged from the teleport waypoint, only revealing themselves once they reached a secluded corner.
Their main objective today was to find Shenhe and learn methods to strengthen their mental abilities.
But just as they were heading towards the Jade Chamber, a somewhat familiar voice called out from the side.
"Yo, long time no see, everyone." Childe greeted Nolan and the others with a smile.
"A Fatui member!" Paimon cautiously retreated behind Lumine.
Lumine subtly clenched her fists at her waist, slightly surprised as she looked at this guy named "Childe."
"Hey, hey, there's no need to be so wary, is there? Aren't we all friends now?"
Tartaglia waved his hand in a slightly helpless manner.
"We're not quite friends yet. If you're here to ask for that talisman back, we can return it to you."
Sunlight brushed over Lumine's skirt, casting a glow on her over-the-knee boots as she shifted her posture, crossing her hands over her abdomen.
Thanks to their encounter with Shenhe, they hadn't needed to use the "All Purpose Adepti Seeking Talisman" and had successfully met the Adepti.
"No rush on that. So, you managed to meet the Adepti, right? How did it go? Did you find out anything?"
Tartaglia asked, not seeming surprised.
After all, holding the "All Purpose Adepti Seeking Talisman" meant they were bound to meet the Adepti.
"The Adeptus sent us back immediately after learning of the passing of the Geo Archon. We didn't get the chance to ask anything."
Lumine shook her head, a bit disappointed.
She had indeed wanted to follow this Fatui Harbinger's earlier suggestion to ask the Adepti if they knew anything about the god who had taken her brother, but now she'd have to wait for another chance.
Speaking of which, since Cloud Retainer had directly enhanced them with Adepti arts and sent them back, they hadn't had the chance to deal with that black Wild Boar King. Who knows if Chongyun and Xingqiu remembered to take care of it?
"Ah, that's really unfortunate," Tartaglia said, leaning against the wall, showing a bit of sympathy.
"By the way, what was the reaction of the Adepti when they heard about the Geo Archon's assassination?"
Tartaglia pressed on.
"What, are you so eager to know the Adepti's stance? Could it be that you really intend to spark a conflict between the Adepti and the Qixing?"
Nolan asked with feigned suspicion.
He knew that the idea of instigating a conflict between the Adepti and the Qixing was actually being orchestrated by the Geo Archon himself.
This "Childe" in front of him was merely a crucial pawn being manipulated.
After all, in the original story, whether it was guiding the Traveler to find the Geo Archon's body or ultimately breaking the seal on the ancient god, using that powerful external threat to unite Liyue's Adepti and Qixing all required him.
And the Traveler, in this case, Lumine, should now also include himself. They would likely become Childe's guides.
Once Childe found the Geo Archon's body and discovered the absence of the "Gnosis," he would be infuriated and break the seal on the ancient god.
As for why the Geo Archon chose them as guides for this pawn?
It was probably because Lumine just so happened to want to find the Geo Archon to ask about her brother.
With their current strength, neither Nolan nor Lumine could prevent these events from unfolding.
Even telling Ningguang and the others wouldn't make much of a difference.
Moreover, this event is a landmark moment that will push Liyue into a new era of comprehensive human governance—it's a positive development, so there's no need to stop it.
With the Geo Archon overseeing everything, nothing unexpected will happen.
So, in hindsight, it seems that following the Archon's plan is the best course of action. This way, the ultimate outcome will be a beautiful conclusion where no one gets hurt.
Only a bad ending requires effort to change. Since this one is good, it's best to just let things unfold naturally.
If Nolan, thinking he knows the story, tries to interfere, he might end up being disliked by the Geo Archon, or worse, cause some unforeseen incident that leads to a less-than-ideal outcome.
If anyone were to get hurt because of his meddling, he would feel guilty about it.
At this moment, Nolan had come to terms with the situation.
However, even if he planned to cooperate with the Geo Archon's act, he couldn't make it too obvious. Otherwise, it would be easy to see through.
That's why he deliberately questioned Childe like this.
After all, Childe is a Fatui Harbinger, yet he's showing such concern for Liyue's internal conflicts. It would be unusual if Nolan didn't express some doubt.
"Haha, I said don't think of me as such a bad guy." Tartaglia scratched his head, not bothered by Nolan's suspicions, and continued, "Didn't I say before? I just happen to have a way for you to find out what you want to know."
"A way? Besides giving us the 'All Purpose Adepti Seeking Talisman' to find the Adepti, do you have another method?"
Lumine pressed down on her skirt to keep it from being blown up by the wind, her amber eyes staring directly at Childe.
If there really was another way to learn about her brother, she wouldn't mind trying it. If it turned out to be dangerous, she could always stop.
She knew this journey wouldn't be easy the moment she decided to find her brother who was taken by a god. Taking on some risks was inevitable.
She had thought it would be a lonely journey.
But first Paimon appeared, then Nolan, and along the way, she met friends who had now become her support.
So, there was no reason to back down.
"Of course, there is. If the Adepti can't help, then why not seek out the Geo Archon?"
Tartaglia crossed his arms and smiled.
"The Geo Archon? But hasn't he already passed away? What's the point of seeking him out? Are you saying he could be resurrected?"
Paimon floated in the air, spreading her hands with a puzzled expression.
"Heh, not to mention resurrection—whether the Geo Archon is even dead is still uncertain. The most pressing task is to find the Archon's body that the Qixing have hidden. Only after seeing it with your own eyes will you know the truth, right?
"If he's still alive, you could directly ask him the questions you seek answers to."
Tartaglia flicked a strand of hair from his forehead with his gloved hand, smiling as he spoke.
He had actually done his research. He knew the girl in front of him was seeking the Seven Archons to find her family, but he didn't say it outright to avoid suspicion that he had ulterior motives.
That would just make his plan more complicated.
After all, there aren't many people with both the strength and the right circumstances to seek out the Geo Archon, except for them.
"That does make sense."
Lumine crossed her arms, her exposed, snow-white back revealing the slightly protruding, elegant lines of her shoulder blades.
The Adepti could easily see the Archon's body, and while they had gained some favor with Ningguang by providing information, they were still outsiders to Liyue.
If they were to ask Ningguang to let them see the Archon's body, she would likely refuse.
After all, as a god, even in death, the Geo Archon deserved respect, and not just anyone could come and see him.
There would need to be a legitimate reason.
"I happen to know someone who can arrange for you to see the Geo Archon's body through official channels. He's also in need of a few helpers for what he's currently working on. How about giving it a try?"
Tartaglia, aiming to gain their trust, didn't press further about the Adepti's attitude toward the Qixing.
In truth, regardless of the "Mighty and Illuminated Adepti's" stance, the Geo Archon's passing would inevitably draw them to Liyue Harbor. This would temporarily occupy the Qixing, whether or not a conflict arose.
As long as he could follow these two Honorary Knights to the Geo Archon's body during this time, he'd be able to obtain the Gnosis!
Lumine found the timing of all this a bit too convenient.
Why does this guy always show up when we're in trouble, and just so happens to have a solution?
It's too suspicious! This Fatui Harbinger must have some ulterior motive.
But she didn't want to pass up this opportunity either.
Lumine, feeling a bit conflicted, glanced at Nolan beside her, hoping to hear his opinion.
"Maybe we should go check it out, since it involves your brother."
Nolan definitely wanted to help Lumine. If they didn't go, they wouldn't meet the person Tartaglia mentioned, and if nothing unexpected happened, that person would be Zhongli, the human form of the Geo Archon.
If they missed this chance to meet the Archon, they might not get another suitable reason to do so later.
"Alright."
Lumine ran her pale fingers through the golden strands of hair at her forehead, rubbing her temples and letting out a silent sigh.
With Nolan's support, her thoughts solidified.
After all, with someone as cautious as Nolan around, they were unlikely to run into any serious danger, and even if they did, they'd have a good chance of retreating.
Having known him for so long, Lumine had realized that Nolan wasn't the type to force something if he wasn't confident.
This was something she liked about him because it gave her a sense of security.
As a girl, she naturally preferred being with someone who could provide safety, and who would consider her needs, over someone reckless who caused her constant worry.
In these aspects, Nolan excelled.
[Lumine Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 170 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.9 (645/900)]
Hmm? Nolan glanced at the notification from his character interface, surprised.
As expected, the higher the affection level, the easier it is to gain more affection points. Looks like Lumine has noticed one of his "shining qualities" again. No wonder I'm so great!
While Nolan was feeling pleased with himself, Tartaglia smiled and asked, "So, does that mean you agree?"
"We need to make sure this really is through official channels. We don't want to end up unnecessarily making enemies of the Qixing," Lumine said calmly as she adjusted her scarf.
"Haha, of course. You can rest assured. Be at the Liuli Pavilion before 3 PM, and I'll arrange for that friend of mine to meet you there."
Tartaglia secretly breathed a sigh of relief. They had finally agreed.
Then, as if remembering something, he sighed and continued:
"Recently, I don't know why, but that Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing has been suspecting us Fatui of assassinating the Geo Archon, constantly investigating us and looking for evidence.
"Even the patrols of the Millelith near the Northland Bank are several times more frequent than on other streets.
"If she sees me chatting with you for this long, she might drag you off to the Ministry of Civil Affairs for 'tea.' So, I'd better get going. Remember to come this afternoon."
Tartaglia waved and merged into the crowd, gradually disappearing.
"Hehe, he mentioned that Keqing is investigating the Fatui. It probably has something to do with the information we leaked," Paimon said with a grin.
"Yeah, and with that, the Fatui will have even less chance to cause trouble," Lumine said, a smile playing on her lips.
"Let's go. Forget about that guy for now; we should head to Shenhe."
Nolan took Lumine's soft, pale hand and began walking toward the direction of the Jade Chamber, with Paimon flying alongside them.
Lumine sighed helplessly.
I really don't get why this guy always habitually grabs my hand, and he's even clingier with Fischl. Does he just like physical contact with girls that much?
Jade Chamber.
With the combined use of Level 3 "Anemo Manipulation" and Lumine's coordination, they were able to use their wind gliders to fly up to the floating structure.
"Oh, it's surprising that you could fly straight up here without being blocked by the barrier set up by Lady Ningguang. Looks like she gave you 'visitor' privileges. That's quite unexpected," Zhenhai, who was already on duty, remarked in a slightly envious tone.
He and his fellow Millelith guards needed to use the array set up on the ground to reach this place. Naturally, without it, he had no way to fly up here on his own.
"Hmm? Is that so?" Nolan rubbed his chin, a bit surprised.
The game never mentioned anything about a barrier around the Jade Chamber, but thinking about it, it made sense. After all, this was Ningguang's private palace.
There's no way it wouldn't have the necessary defensive measures.
Otherwise, with the Jade Chamber being so conspicuous in the sky, any flying bird monsters wouldn't hesitate to stop by for a rest.
"So, does that mean the Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is also a 'visitor'?"
Nolan remembered that the first time he came here, Hu Tao had brought him up.
"Naturally. Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is a leader in her field.
"If there's any relevant policy to be made, Lady Ningguang would consult her for her opinion.
"Also, a few days ago, Director Hu Tao came to see Lady Ningguang about helping to organize the 'Rite of Parting' for the Geo Archon. I'm not sure if they finalized anything yet, though. The Ministry of Civil Affairs hasn't posted any announcements."
Zhenhai, who often found his guard duty a bit dull, took the opportunity to chat a little more.
"I see, but what exactly is the 'Rite of Parting'?" Paimon touched her forehead and then spread her hands, expressing her confusion.
"Although the exact reason for the sudden passing of the Geo Archon hasn't been uncovered, the departure of any Adeptus is a deeply sorrowful event. The 'Rite of Parting' is a ceremony to send him off."
As a member of the Millelith, Zhenhai was somewhat knowledgeable about these matters.
"Oh, so it's that kind of ceremony." Paimon didn't press further with her questions.
"By the way, we're here to see Miss Shenhe. She was arranged by Lady Ningguang to stay here last night," Nolan explained their purpose.
Zhenhai seemed a bit puzzled by his words, perhaps because he wasn't aware of this since it might have happened after his shift. He thought for a moment and then said:
"Please wait a moment, I'll go inside and ask my cousin—uh, I mean, Bai Xiao about it!"
(End of Chapter)
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