Liyue, Qingce Village.
Under the night sky, the terraced fields were filled with water that reflected countless stars. A few glowing fireflies flew across the surface, shining even brighter than the stars at this moment.
Qingce Village, located to the left of Wuwang Hill, was a relatively quiet village. Most of the villagers were elderly, with few young people left, as most had gone to the city to seek opportunities.
"Thank you so much, for helping me bring the cured meat down so late. You were asking earlier about some strange devices, right? Just follow the road through the village, and you'll find them."
An old lady stood at the door, speaking to a blonde girl and a small flying creature.
"Hehe, don't mention it!"
Lumine and Paimon waved goodbye to the elderly woman and walked in the direction she had pointed.
When they had arrived at Qingce Village from Wuwang Hill, they noticed several elderly villagers chatting in the cool evening air. One of them had called out to the pair, asking what brought them to the village so late. After explaining they were adventurers, the old woman understood.
Adventurers, after all, were used to wandering in the wild. It wasn't strange for them to arrive here at this hour. The woman also asked them to help retrieve the cured meat from her rooftop terrace, as she had stayed out talking too late and her legs weren't steady enough for the stairs.
During their conversation, Lumine had also inquired about strange devices, like teleport waypoints, in the village. The woman confirmed their existence.
"Hey, Paimon think Paimon see a teleport waypoint!"
As they crossed a wooden arch bridge beside a giant waterwheel—likely used for irrigating the fields—Paimon spotted the waypoint standing at the edge of a cliff not far ahead.
"Looks like it. Let's go check it out."
Lumine noticed the red glow from the inactive waypoint and quickened her pace, climbing the steps of the small path leading to the top.
Suddenly, two teleportation requests appeared in her mind, asking to be transported to her location. Without hesitation, she agreed. It was clear that these requests came from Nolan and Hu Tao. Since they hadn't communicated with her beforehand, it was likely an emergency.
The group had prearranged this process. In urgent situations, they could use "Interstellar Travel" to teleport without prior notice. In less pressing circumstances, they would send a warning first to avoid wasting time during critical moments.
As soon as Lumine accepted the request, Nolan and Hu Tao appeared on either side of her, both looking visibly relieved.
"Whoa, you're back! Did you find anything?"
Paimon didn't seem surprised by their sudden arrival, given that she could now use this ability as well. Lumine, too, glanced curiously at Nolan and Hu Tao.
"We ran into a powerful enemy. To avoid being detected, we hurried back. The good news is, we confirmed that those green-eyed crows definitely came from the Beast Realm."
Nolan explained everything that had just happened to Lumine and Paimon.
He had some confidence in his "Concealment Form" skill, especially since he was standing at a considerable distance. Whatever was on the other side of the space rift shouldn't be able to detect him.
However, the creature on the other side—possibly a "Golden Boss Beast" of some crow-like species—had the ability to disperse his sword intent using spiritual power. It was likely far stronger than him.
The thought of it discovering him and delivering a similar spiritual attack was troubling.
Nolan hadn't had the chance to explain or use the newly acquired negative balancing ability from "Harmony" with Lumine or Fischl yet. Even if they wanted to help share the damage, they wouldn't be able to.
In this situation, survival took priority, and retreat was the wisest option!
"So that's what happened. It seems your relentless attack on those crows attracted the attention of a much stronger enemy on the other side of the rift," Lumine remarked, crossing her arms and placing her right index finger on her lips in thought.
"At least, for now, they shouldn't be able to stir up any more trouble," she added.
To send more green-eyed crows from the Beast Realm would likely take time, enough to notify Ningguang, Keqing, and the other Qixing members to send the Millelith to handle it.
"Maybe, but it's a bit of a pity we didn't finish off all of the green-eyed crows," Hu Tao said with a sigh, spreading her hands in a gesture of helplessness.
As a Liyue native, Hu Tao naturally didn't want any threats lingering in her homeland, so she felt a bit more fondness toward Nolan for the good work he'd done earlier.
[Hu Tao Has Developed Good Feelings Towards You, Obtained 180 Affection Points. Current Affection Level: Lv. 4 (170/400).]
"Yeah, it's getting late. Let's head back," Nolan nodded.
After clearing out so many crows, his Adventure EXP had surged from the remaining 7,000 after upgrading "Focus Technique" to over 60,000 now. It wasn't as much as the time he was surrounded by enemies, likely because Lumine hadn't helped with the clearing this time. The "Honorary Knight" title hadn't had the same impact.
For now, they'd wait for the situation around the space rift to settle. If the enemy was still there next time, they could return to deal with the remaining crows. Hopefully, he could rack up just as many Adventure EXP then.
Lumine activated the teleport waypoint in Qingce Village, and the group transported back to Alchemy Square. By the time they arrived at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, it was already 9 PM.
Sensing their return, Zhongli was already waiting at the entrance. With his arms folded, he gazed thoughtfully at the softly flowing stream below the railing, seemingly contemplating some deep philosophical truth.
"Oh, you're back, Director," Zhongli greeted as they approached. "So, are the Everlasting Incense and Glaze Lilies ready?"
"Of course."
Just as Nolan was about to respond, Hu Tao, with her hands on her hips, interjected somewhat discontentedly, "Zhongli, how can you just ask that right off the bat? We just got back. Can't you at least offer us some good tea first?"
"Hmm, you're right. My apologies, Director. Please, come inside, all of you."
Zhongli, in his usual serious manner, stroked his chin as if genuinely reflecting on Hu Tao's words before nodding and heading inside to prepare tea.
...
Nolan was a bit flustered and quickly said, "Haha, no need to trouble yourself, Mr. Zhongli. It's already late. We'll just hand over the items and be on our way."
At that moment, Lumine handed over the Everlasting Incense and Glaze Lilies to Zhongli.
"Very well. The Rite of Parting is tomorrow. Be sure to attend," Hu Tao said, waving to the group as they prepared to leave.
"Got it. No problem," Nolan nodded in response.
Afterward, he and Lumine returned to Alchemy Square and teleported back to Mondstadt.
(End of Chapter)
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