Chapter 20: Nocturnal Encounter
"Come on, let your great master see if you've developed any strange issues."
Gu Sanqiu flipped the wings of the shadow eagle back and forth until it protested several times in a row, then abandoned the idea of continuing the inspection.
"Do you think I'm just petting you? Well, if you have such thoughts, you're really mistaken."
Gu Sanqiu spoke sternly, "Do you think those dark energies underground just now came from your own power? Even a child could see that's impossible, right? So, I need to check if you've been infected by something."
"Gah?"
The shadow eagle tilted its head, looking at Gu Sanqiu with a human-like expression.
I suspect you're teasing me.
"Hey hey, after all, I've fed you so many spirit pills, all paid out of my own pocket. Can't you show a little trust in your great master?"
Gu Sanqiu glanced at the blood stains all around and couldn't help but sigh.
"Forget it, let's just send them all off to meet Buddha. Looks like I won't be getting a good night's sleep tonight. Come with me for a stroll."
The shadow eagle soared into the sky, and Gu Sanqiu walked out of Lihyue Harbor along the main road, accompanied only by his lone shadow under the moonlight, feeling a hint of loneliness.
"Phew, on this stretch of road, there isn't even a soul in sight. The nightlife in Teyvat doesn't seem too bustling."
"This should be a teleportation anchor point, if I remember correctly."
Gu Sanqiu looked around where he was seated, and the rocky elemental energy in his hand pulsated like boiling water.
"It seems there's nothing detectable. I was hoping this thing could take me to Mondstadt to fetch someone."
Gu Sanqiu felt somewhat disappointed; it seemed difficult to use this thing for travel freedom.
"When I'm out, I'll find an opportunity to cut off his arm and leg for research, especially if it's that jerk."
Gu Sanqiu placed the drinking vessel on the ground and fed another spirit pill to the shadow eagle.
"If no one comes from Moonlit Pavilion tonight, let's spend the night together. It's been a while since I've attempted such a reckless operation, allowing your great master to fondly remember the past life."
"Such precious spirit pills are entrusted to your pet. The Gu Family lineage is indeed wealthy."
In the shadows, a figure wearing a large mage hat appeared. The way he stared covetously at the spirit pills made the shadow eagle unconsciously tremble and run to the other side with its unfinished snack, seeking its master's protection.
"Astrolabe, Mona Megistus."
"This is our first meeting, isn't it, Gu Xiangjun?"
". I came out to stay up all night. Can astrology even predict such trivial matters? I always feel like I need to hang a charge of invading privacy on you."
"According to the star chart, walking in this direction will help me achieve a recent goal, so I walked this way, but I didn't expect to run into you."
"The illustrious Lihyue Gu Xiangjun, out here in the wilds at this late hour, don't you think it's a bit tacky?"
"I've said I'm Gu Xiangjun, so whatever I like, those who have improper thoughts about my family must fawn over me. Even if I like to find a corner in Minlin and sing folk songs, they can only praise my elegance."
Mona paused, "This is an answer I didn't anticipate."
"Haha, there are always deviations in predictions. So, Miss Mona, the renowned astrologer of the martial arts world, what brings you to me?"
Gu Sanqiu took a sip of wine, "Let me guess, were you the one trying to gather information about me recently?"
"Correct. Originally, I intended to help you solve a problem and get closer, but unexpectedly, you solved it yourself."
Mona gazed at Gu Sanqiu, "What exactly is the purpose of that stone? If it's convenient, could you please tell me?"
"I advise you not to dabble too much in this area. It's a secret of our Gu Family."
Gu Sanqiu's tone turned cold, "Astrologers strictly speaking, in terms of seeking benefit and avoiding harm, share commonalities with those from the occult sects. I hope you won't lead yourself astray."
"If it's inconvenient, then forget it. Actually, I came to ask for your help with something."
"If you can help me find the mastermind behind the stone incident, I promise to help you with your task."
"I can't do that. The known conditions are too limited; my astrology cannot achieve that."
A hint of determination flickered in Mona's eyes. "As the leader of the Gu Family in Xuanmen, I believe your divination skills must be formidable. Honestly, I want to witness the divination skills of the Gu Family."
"Former leader. Is that why you've come to see me?"
Gu Sanqiu looked puzzled. He thought Mona might talk about "guidance from the stars" or "unique individuals," but her request was unexpectedly straightforward.
"Yes, that's exactly why. But there hasn't been a legitimate reason until now, and it's quite troublesome to establish a connection with your Gu Family."
Mona said matter-of-factly, "With the imminent reforms in Lihyue, the Gu Family is undoubtedly a focal point of change. I don't want to cause any trouble for myself."
"Since you put it that way."
Gu Sanqiu set down his wine glass and casually pulled out three pieces of Mora from his pocket.
"What's the question?"
"The question doesn't need to be too complicated. Just divine when the next collective discount event for all merchants in Lihyue Harbor will start."
A question mark appeared on Gu Sanqiu's forehead, and he glanced at Mona instinctively.
Can we even do this?
"What are you staring at? Aren't you going to divine, or do you intend to deliberately lose to me?"
Mona, irritated by Gu Sanqiu's stare, then sat across from him, laying her spellbook flat on her crossed legs.
"Oh, okay, let's begin."
Gu Sanqiu rested his chin on his hand and lightly shook the three pieces of Mora, letting them fall freely to the ground, noting their heads and tails. He repeated this action six times.
"Well, I've roughly calculated it. What about you?"
"I'm ready too."
Mona closed her spellbook, looking serious as she faced Gu Sanqiu.
"Shall we compare answers?"
"I always feel like it's the day before the end of a vacation, copying each other's homework."
Gu Sanqiu shrugged. "You go first."
"The next merchant discount should start in a fortnight. Lihyue will have a discount based on a special numeric festival."
Mona's tone exuded confidence. "And you?"
"As for me..."
Gu Sanqiu smiled. "Tomorrow."
"Tom... tomorrow?"
Mona looked shocked. "No, that can't be right. Tomorrow should be a perfectly ordinary day, nothing significant happening at all."
"Yeah, the future doesn't exist, but what's likely to happen is happening now."
Gu Sanqiu lifted his wine glass and took a sip. "Tomorrow, the purchasing team from Lightcloud Weaving House is likely to visit Lihyue for a major purchase. There might even be a tourist group from Mondstadt and goods prepared by Nanxia for the next trip, among other factors that could lead to a city-wide discount. These are things you can't see in divination."
(￣△￣;
Looking at Mona, who seemed somewhat stunned, Gu Sanqiu grinned maliciously.
"Young lady, times have changed."