A night's rest left Jiang Ning feeling refreshed.
The next day, discovering that Xiao hadn't returned to the rooftop, the two of them set off directly.
They didn't encounter any monsters along the way.
After all, they were already approaching Liyue Harbor's territory.
This alone showed how diligent the Millelith were in their duties.
"They're almost too thorough with security."
Jiang Ning remarked admiringly.
Shenhe, quietly following behind Jiang Ning, finally couldn't help but ask: "Little brother, when we could simply use adeptal arts to ride the crane there, why must we walk?"
Jiang Ning said: "I don't know what Master's thoughts are, but returning to the mortal realm means we shouldn't use adeptal arts unless necessary."
"Besides, I've been in this world for so long, but apart from Jueyun Karst and Mt. Aocang, I haven't seen its wonderful sights. I want to see more."
There was something else Jiang Ning didn't mention - as the two walked through Liyue's outskirts, occasionally helping passing merchant caravans and local residents troubled by monsters, it gave him a sense of wandering the world with a sword by his side.
It was a small fulfillment of his previous fantasies.
Back in Guili Plains, the Millelith patrol density and numbers seemed to have more than doubled.
Probably because of the Rock Lawachurl incident? Moreover, each checkpoint seemed to have a Millelith instructor.
When they encountered Jiang Ning and Shenhe, these Millelith soldiers saluted them without conducting any inspection.
"Looks like news about us has spread..."
Jiang Ning mumbled.
"Let's hurry, Senior Sister. We should try to reach Liyue Harbor by nightfall."
"Mm, alright."
...
"What are your thoughts about that child Jiang Ning, Xiao?"
The rooftop of the Wangshu Inn seemed to have been cleared out, with not a single person around.
Xiao, who earlier that day had received junior's courtesies from Jiang Ning and Shenhe, was now kneeling on one knee before the silhouette of a handsome young man, showing utmost respect.
"Cloud Retainer has taken in a good disciple." Xiao said, lowering his gaze.
"That child, I've observed him for over two years. He's a youth of good character, and perhaps his special ability could help you break free from the remnants of the demon gods' influence."
If Jiang Ning were here, he would certainly recognize the young man as Mr. Zhongli, who had taught him spear techniques and Geo element manipulation.
"Even without that child's help, I would still assist Rex Lapis in guarding this place," Xiao said firmly.
Zhongli gave a light chuckle and said no more.
Even if his own problem couldn't be solved, he was unwilling to let the younger generation take risks? However, Zhongli believed that Jiang Ning could solve the problem plaguing Xiao. And wasn't this year's Rite of Descension requested by that child Keqing? Zhongli was very much looking forward to what surprises that young lady who advocated human governance would bring him.
...
Liyue Harbor at night was like a city that never slept, with every household lighting their lamps.
Under the illumination of the lights, it appeared luxurious yet filled with an ancient and magnificent atmosphere.
The red wood and black tiles looked as grand as the Forbidden City from his former homeland.
Moreover, he had seen Genshin Impact's promotional videos before.
The scene before him was clearly much larger than what was shown in the game's promotional materials.
And much more luxurious too. But that made sense - this was the center of a nation, a place where thousands of ships passed through and countless merchants gathered.
How could it be as small as shown?
Despite it being night, there were still many people entering Liyue Harbor.
For some reason, there was a sense of outward ease but inner vigilance.
"Senior Sister, let's go queue up over there."
Jiang Ning felt they should follow the rules like ordinary people, but unfortunately, their otherworldly bearing was too obvious - even in a crowd, they stood out like cranes among chickens.
The Millelith soldier responsible for registering people entering Liyue Harbor noticed this pair, one tall and one small.
He quickly stepped forward, looking at Jiang Ning happily while saluting, then said:
"As unmovable as the mountains! Young hero, we meet again. Thank you for saving my life!"
Jiang Ning looked for a long while but couldn't recognize who this person was, and could only ask: "Um, you are...?"
The Millelith soldier said: "You might not remember me, but yesterday, with that Rock Lawachurl... I'm embarrassed to say, I was the one knocked unconscious by the shockwave..."
"Oh, the one who wasn't injured but was lying on the ground? How did you end up here?"
Jiang Ning recalled, having some impression of him.
The soldier explained: "The captain assigned me here to recover. I said I was fine, but the captain worried about after-effects, and seeing I wouldn't rest, assigned me to guard Liyue Harbor's gate..."
Though still work, it was much safer inside Liyue Harbor than outside.
Jiang Ning nodded: "I see... your captain really cares about you all."
"Indeed. But you two don't need to queue here, please go right in."
Jiang Ning was surprised: "Wouldn't that break the rules?"
"Not at all. Lady Keqing specifically instructed us to accommodate you two honored guests if you came to Liyue Harbor. Besides, this isn't really breaking any rules."
The soldier explained. "I see... thank you then. Senior Sister, let's go."
Smiling at the Millelith soldier, Jiang Ning left holding Shenhe's hand.
If Liyue Harbor seemed prosperous from outside, inside it was truly a sea of lights.
People in every street and alley wore happy smiles.
Everyone seemed content and prosperous.
"The Lord of Geo is truly impressive," Jiang Ning praised.
Shenhe said: "Speaking of Rex Lapis, the Rite of Descension is approaching."
"Rite of Descension?" Jiang Ning was curious.
On their way here, he had coincidentally heard many merchants and civilians mention this term, but he didn't know what it actually meant.
"The Rite of Descension is, simply put, the day when Rex Lapis appears before Liyue's people with divine signs each year..." That was all Shenhe knew.
Jiang Ning half-understood - asking his senior sister to explain was really putting her in a difficult position... This was when he needed... "System, speak up, explain."
[Coming right up! The Rite of Descension, besides what your senior sister mentioned, is when Rex Lapis is said to walk among the common people in countless forms, feeling their hardships and examining their lives.]
[So every year on a specific day, he appears in his true form to guide Liyue's future direction. This day basically determines Liyue's hottest business opportunities for the next year or even several years!]
"I see..." Jiang Ning understood.
So it was basically like an annual board meeting, with the boss coming to speak.
The Rite of Descension... they'd arrived just in time.
It must be quite lively? Jiang Ning was looking forward to it.