Chapter 17 - Chapter 17

"I see, the Adeptus has taken another disciple... Then you must be my little junior disciple," Ganyu's gaze toward Jiang Ning grew gentler.

After all, he was the youngest junior disciple, and he looked quite young.

"Come inside to talk. It's somewhat improper to stay out here."

Saying this, she led the two into the Yuehai Pavilion.

With Ganyu leading the way, they naturally proceeded without any obstacles.

"Whatever instructions the Adeptus has given, you must tell me all about them later. It's been so long since I've gone back to visit Master."

While the three fellow disciples were sharing their experiences from Mt. Aozang and Jueyun Karst over the past two years in Ganyu's office, elsewhere, others were discussing them as the subjects of interest.

Liyue's intelligence network was very capable, especially with the Rite of Descension approaching, all departments were operating at full speed.

In Liyue, people first think of Rex Lapis, Morax, who ruled Liyue, and then of this generation's Liyue Qixing, specifically Ningguang of the Tianquan.

As the most powerful and capable Tianquan in history, there were several phrases describing her in folk sayings:

"Tianquan Ningguang, wealthy beyond measure, bright-eyed and beautiful, putting peach and apricot blossoms to shame."

These sixteen characters perfectly captured Tianquan Ningguang's exceptional abilities and stunning beauty.

This generation's Tianquan not only firmly held the leading position among the Qixing but also created a floating palace in the sky.

The Jade Chamber, built upon Floating Stones, a material of the adepti that could hover in the sky.

The Tianquan herself had even boldly declared her hope that one day, the Jade Chamber would float above all seven nations.

Her ambition was evident.

In the magnificent and luxurious Jade Chamber, Tianquan Ningguang was in her office listening to her secretary's report.

Bairen, Baishi, and Baizhuo, the three personal secretaries to the Tianquan, were said to have been trained by Ningguang since childhood and were absolutely loyal to her.

Standing quietly by the window in front of the three beautiful secretaries was the elegant lady in a white qipao adorned with gold embroidery - the Tianquan herself.

This Tianquan had white hair and eyes that sparkled like rubies.

Her noble and elegant temperament, combined with her prestigious position, was quite impactful even to other women.

Her cherry-red and supple lips parted, her voice unhurried and carrying a hint of shrewdness:

"So... these two adeptal disciples just happened to arrive in Liyue Harbor at this time?"

"Yes, Lady Ningguang," Baizhuo said.

"Call everyone back. There's no need for surveillance. With adeptal disciples, if we go too far, it might backfire. Besides, they might already know we've been following them."

Although the Qixing and the adepti might disagree on some matters concerning Liyue Harbor, they ultimately all wanted what was best for Liyue.

A brief observation of the two adeptal disciples' arrival would suffice.

There was no need to worry that they might harm Liyue Harbor.

Moreover, this year's Rite of Descension wasn't her responsibility; she just needed to review the intelligence for the Yuheng.

With a wave of her hand, the three secretaries understood and quickly bowed, leaving quietly.

Ningguang moved gracefully to the office window, looking down at all of Liyue Harbor, especially that one light still burning in the Yuehai Pavilion, particularly noticeable in the darkness.

She murmured to herself: "Adeptal disciples have entered the mortal world... What kind of sign might this be? I hope this opportunity will allow me to earn more Mora."

Upon reaching the office, both Jiang Ning and Shenhe relaxed a bit.

Especially Jiang Ning, who stretched lazily and said, "Finally, we don't have to endure those people's surveillance anymore..."

As disciples of the adepti, their vigilance and sensory abilities were far beyond ordinary people's. Although those were professional intelligence agents, to the two of them, they stood out as clearly as lights in the night.

However, this was just one of Liyue's security measures, so Jiang Ning didn't mind it.

Though Shenhe had nearly lost her patience midway, wanting to give those followers a severe beating.

But Jiang Ning had stopped her - if Shenhe had acted, things would have gotten serious. At the very least, many houses on this street would have needed reconstruction.

Besides, they had their senior sister now. If anyone still followed them tomorrow, well, they couldn't blame Jiang Ning for what might happen.

"This can't keep happening over and over, right?"

Shenhe nodded, agreeing with Ning Jiang's words.

Ganyu apologetically said, "I'm sorry, little junior disciple. With the Rite of Descension approaching, we need to keep track of unfamiliar faces arriving at Liyue Harbor. But I'll speak with them - no one will disturb you after this."

"It's alright, senior sister. I understand."

Ning Jiang smiled cheerfully. It was just like entering the capital during a national holiday - everyone needed to register and be prepared for inspection.

"So, what did the Adeptus send you here to do?" Ganyu asked curiously.

Ning Jiang said, "Master felt we should gain some experience in the mortal realm, so he sent us down the mountain. It happened to coincide with the Rite of Descension."

"Also, senior sister, do you know where we could find a place to stay?"

Ganyu replied, "In that case... why don't you stay at my place? My house is quite spacious with several empty rooms. During this period, you won't find any vacant rooms elsewhere."

"Won't we be bothering you, senior sister?" Although Ning Jiang was delighted, he still felt the need to be polite.

"Don't worry about it. I rarely spend time at home anyway, as I'm usually working overtime at Yuehai Pavilion. Besides, it wouldn't be right for me as your senior sister to let you stay elsewhere when you've come from so far."

Ganyu's voice had a gentle rhythm to it, like wind brushing through grass and flowers.

It was soft and soothing, making people feel at ease.

"Thank you so much, senior sister!"

Ning Jiang said.

"But tell me, in these past two years, has anything noteworthy happened with the Adeptus?"

It had been a long time since Ganyu had returned, and with her junior disciples' arrival, she found herself concerned about Cloud Retainer.

So, Ning Jiang vividly described everything he had witnessed at Mt. Aocang over the past two years.

Ganyu listened quietly with a gentle smile.

After what seemed like a long time, Ning Jiang finally finished giving a general overview and delivered Cloud Retainer's message to Ganyu.

Ganyu felt somewhat embarrassed: "Once things settle down, I'll go back to visit during the Lantern Rite..."

"But, junior brother, you're actually a traveler from beyond this world?"

Ganyu looked with amazement at her seemingly harmless junior disciple.

"And you can even solve Shenhe's constitutional issues?"

Ganyu felt that her master had truly found a treasure.