"Yes, that's correct," Nolan nodded.
Even though the method Shenhe taught them to enhance their mental strength was at the behest of Cloud Retainer, it was important to acknowledge the one who actually provided the help.
However, as a disciple of an adeptus, Shenhe was powerful and, due to the red ropes sealing her emotions, had little desire. Thus, she likely wouldn't have anything she needed their help with.
Shenhe's short top was slightly lifted by the mountain breeze, briefly revealing the lower half of her ample chest, wrapped in her black bodysuit.
She lowered her head and pondered for a few seconds. "I do have some doubts that I wish to consult you about."
Nolan was surprised—he had assumed she wouldn't need anything from them.
"Doubts? Even with an adeptus as your master, you still have doubts?" Paimon asked, puzzled. In her mind, an adeptus, if not all-knowing, should possess great wisdom. How could there be a question that an adeptus couldn't answer?
"My master once said that, although I have outstanding talent in adeptal arts and have severed my worldly ties, I am still human. 'Morning dew and evening immortal herbs'—this kind of life may be fine for now, but it's not a long-term solution. I need to find a balance between being an adeptus and a human.
At the time, I asked my master about this, but she said that since she is an adeptus, she doesn't understand humans. She told me to find the answer on my own."
Shenhe shared her dilemma.
"A balance between being an adeptus and a human? That's such a profound question!" Paimon, who had been brimming with confidence to showcase her knowledge as Teyvat's greatest guide, was suddenly stumped.
She clutched her head in frustration.
"Is it because the immortal herbs and dew aren't providing enough nutrition?" Lumine asked, puzzled.
Perhaps for an adeptus, there is a way to avoid the need for food, surviving on just a little immortal herb and dew. Although Shenhe is a disciple of the adepti, maybe she hasn't reached that level yet.
"That makes sense. Maybe you just need a few more big meals!" Paimon immediately came up with this idea, her mind overflowing with "superior" wisdom when it came to food.
"Not quite. Adepti don't only consume immortal herbs and dew; they simply don't favor worldly food," Shenhe shook her head, dismissing the idea.
Perhaps due to her preference for bland foods, she didn't find heavily seasoned meats particularly appetizing.
"After all, most adepti are not human by nature. So, if you continue to adopt their lifestyle and way of thinking, your 'humanity' might indeed fade away.
At that point, you might see us as nothing more than ants.
Cloud Retainer probably doesn't want that to happen, which is why she asked you to find a balance between being an adeptus and a human," Nolan speculated, drawing from his knowledge of the game.
"Is that so?" Shenhe straightened her hair, reflecting on the idea. She wasn't entirely sure, but living in the mountains with only a few adepti and forest animals for company had indeed made her more aloof and detached.
"In reality, this matter may not be as difficult as it seems.
Right now, you're living like an adeptus in the wilderness. So, maybe if you spend some time living in Liyue Harbor, interacting with people, you might find a way of life that suits you," Lumine suggested.
"Yes, my master and the other adepti should be heading to Liyue Harbor soon to confirm whether the Geo Archon has truly passed away. After that, I'll speak with my master about staying there for a while.
But I don't know anyone in Liyue Harbor. If it's not too much trouble, could you show me around when the time comes?" Shenhe asked after some thought.
"Hehe, of course! We're always picking up commissions, so we can take some on together while we're there!" Paimon responded enthusiastically.
"Thank you," Shenhe said calmly, standing on a smooth stone, her every movement still exuding a faint celestial aura.
[Shenhe Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You. Obtained 180 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv.3 (10/300)]
After learning the skill to enhance their mental strength and agreeing to show Shenhe around Liyue Harbor to experience human life once the matter with the Geo Archon was resolved, it was almost noon.
Nolan and the others used their Wind Gliders to fly directly from Mt. Tianheng down to Liyue Harbor, where they had lunch at Wanmin Restaurant. Shenhe expressed that she enjoyed the soup noodles made by Xiangling.
"I've recently come up with a dish using Slime Condensate stir-fried with lean meat and onions. Would you like to try it?" Xiangling asked with a confident smile as they were ordering.
Although Nolan had faith in Xiangling's cooking skills, he didn't dare to be the first to try a new dish, so he politely declined.
However, Paimon was intrigued and ordered a plate, enjoying it immensely.
After lunch, Shenhe left first, saying she would return to the Jade Chamber to wait for the adepti to arrive.
Nolan and the others stayed at Wanmin Restaurant, chatting with Xiangling, who was temporarily free, sharing some of the interesting things they encountered while seeking the adepti.
Around 3 PM, they headed towards Liuli Pavilion.
The Fatui Harbinger and his friend should be waiting for them there.
...
Liyue Harbor, Liuli Pavilion.
In front of one of the largest and most luxurious teahouses in Liyue, even in the afternoon, many well-dressed people were coming and going.
Last night at Xinyue Kiosk, it was a similar scene.
"Welcome to Liuli Pavilion. Are the three of you here to be seated directly, or do you have a reservation?" The two receptionists at the entrance smiled at the two young adventurers and the small white floating creature approaching.
"We should have a reservation under someone with orange hair," Paimon explained.
"Orange hair?" One of the male receptionists shook his head slightly. "We have many guests coming and going at Liuli Pavilion, and several with orange hair, so I'm not sure which one you're referring to."
"Oh, okay. We'll just go in and look for them ourselves," Lumine said, nodding her fair chin.
"Alright, please go ahead!" The receptionist gestured for them to enter.
The large doors were already open. As Nolan and the others walked in, they saw that the hall was filled with round tables, many of them occupied, with only a few empty seats left.
"Oops, we forgot to ask where that Harbinger was sitting. How are we supposed to find him now?" Paimon said, shrugging her shoulders.
"It is indeed a bit troublesome. I don't see him anywhere in the hall, and it would be rude to knock on each door one by one," Nolan said, shaking his head slightly.
Just as they were feeling a bit lost, a voice suddenly called out from upstairs, "You've finally arrived! Haha, come on up, we're on the second floor."
The Fatui Harbinger "Childe" was leaning over the second-floor railing, raising a hand to greet them.
"Wow, you finally showed up! We almost left without you!" Paimon exclaimed, glaring at Childe.
"Haha, sorry, sorry! I forgot to tell you which private room I had reserved. Please come up; my friend is already waiting for you," Tartaglia said with a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his head.
"Alright then," Nolan replied as they started up the stairs to the second floor.
The second floor mostly consisted of private rooms, and since it wasn't mealtime yet, it was much quieter than the bustling hall on the first floor.
Soon, they followed Childe to a room. He gently pushed the door open, revealing a man with short black hair sitting inside. His calm demeanor carried a hint of authority, as if he had seen and experienced everything, leaving little that could catch his interest.
"Hehe, hello, Childe's friend," Paimon greeted the man, who was dressed in a refined and dignified manner.
Zhongli took a sip of tea, then turned his head to the group entering the room and nodded slightly, "So, you must be the famous Travelers. I've heard about you from our Director. Recently, she brought back an interesting device called a 'bicycle' and has been riding it everywhere, completely neglecting her duties at the Hall. She's such a troublesome child."
"Director, bicycle? Could it be..." Lumine's fair face showed a thoughtful expression.
"Hey, don't just start chatting without me! I'm the one who brought you all together, remember? Let me introduce everyone," Tartaglia interjected, feeling a bit left out as he stepped forward to regain some attention.
"Ahem," Tartaglia cleared his throat, first pointing to Zhongli, "Yes, this is Mr. Zhongli, a guest consultant for the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the main person in charge of the upcoming 'Rite of Parting.'"
Then, pointing to Nolan, Lumine, and Paimon, he said, "Zhongli, these are the Honorary Knights from Mondstadt, Mr. Nolan and Miss Lumine, along with their good companion, Paimon!"
"So you're with Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? No wonder you know Hu Tao," Paimon said, realizing the connection.
"The 'Rite of Parting'—we just heard about it today. Is this the official way you mentioned for us to see the Geo Archon's body?" Lumine asked, looking at Childe.
"That's right. The Liyue Qixing have been so focused on finding the culprit that they've delayed the 'Rite of Parting' until now. Even as an outsider, I couldn't just stand by and watch," Tartaglia said with a hint of regret.
"So, you're going to hold the 'Rite of Parting' yourselves?" Paimon asked, slightly puzzled.
"Yes, don't worry. This has been approved by the Liyue Qixing. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to take you to see the Archon's body," Zhongli said, his voice calm and measured.
"So, what do you need us to do?" Nolan asked, feeling a bit tired as he let his arms rest at his sides, imitating Lumine by placing his hands on his waist.
"Well, it's a bit complicated. Let's all sit down, have some tea, and talk it through," Tartaglia suggested with a smile.
Nolan and the others sat around the large round table. On the table were some exquisite afternoon tea snacks, looking both refined and luxurious—exactly what you'd expect from Liuli Pavilion, a restaurant on par with the famous Xinyue Kiosk.
Paimon, without hesitation, picked whichever snacks she liked, figuring that since it was the Fatui guy's treat, there was no need to hold back.
"The 'Rite of Parting' hasn't been held for a long time," Zhongli began, sipping his tea. "Even at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, we had to consult old records to barely piece together the entire process. Fortunately, I happen to know a thing or two about it, so Hu Tao entrusted me with the responsibility of organizing the ceremony.
"The Hall Master(Director) has already arranged for staff to prepare the venue, but I still need a few assistants to help collect the essential materials required for the 'Rite of Parting.'"
Zhongli took another sip of tea, then set his cup down on the table.
"So I recommended you guys to Mr. Zhongli," Tartaglia added, lounging in a chair with one leg crossed over the other.
"Indeed, and I must also thank you for your generous financial support for this 'Rite of Parting,'" Zhongli glanced at Tartaglia before calmly continuing, "Next, you'll be working separately from me to gather the necessary materials. If time permits, we should be able to collect everything by the end of today."
"No problem. What materials do we need to collect?" Nolan nodded in agreement and asked.
"High-quality Noctilucous Jade and Silk Flowers. Do you know how to identify their quality?"
Zhongli's expression remained calm, and though he didn't smile, his words and demeanor had a soothing effect, making everyone feel at ease.
Oh no! I'm actually thinking a man looks handsome! Nolan quickly tried to clear his mind by picturing the beautiful faces and graceful figures of women like Jean, Lisa, Amber, Sucrose, Eula, and Fischl to dispel the thought.
He slowly poured himself a cup of tea, took a sip, and admitted calmly, "Honestly, we've never even seen Noctilucous Jade or Silk Flowers before."
Zhongli paused for a moment before responding, "That's not a problem. When you go to buy Noctilucous Jade, just ask the seller, and they will show it to you. You can ask them to shave off some of the edges and expose it to high heat. The higher the luminosity and the bluer the color, the better its quality."
"Oh, I see! Got it. What about the Silk Flowers?" Paimon asked excitedly.
"Explaining the quality of Silk Flowers is a bit more complex, so to save time, I'll handle that part," Zhongli replied after some thought.
With the plan to meet back at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor once the materials were collected, Nolan and the others finished their tea and snacks and set off to buy the Noctilucous Jade.
Nolan recalled that in the game, the Noctilucous Jade was purchased from a merchant near the alchemy bench in the square, a chubby guy whose name he couldn't quite remember.
So, without needing to ask for directions, they headed straight there.
After walking for a while, they finally arrived at the alchemy bench square, just as the sunset began to glow.
The mineral vendor's stall was still open, and the vendor, a man known as Shitou, was fanning himself out of boredom when he noticed the group of young people walking directly toward his stall.
Sensing business, Shitou stood up and greeted them, "Welcome, customers! Are you here to buy or gamble on stones? I guarantee that all my goods are top quality—you won't be disappointed!"
(End of Chapter)
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