When the girls returned from the market with groceries, Xia Zhi entered the kitchen and began preparing the meal.
Not long after, Zhongli arrived from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Ganyu came from Yuehai Pavilion, and Yanfei returned from her law firm.
Following them, Ningguang, dressed in a splendid gown, arrived with gifts in hand.
The last to arrive was a young man with a cold and aloof demeanor.
He had short, gradient blue hair, a purple diamond-shaped mark in the center of his forehead, and wore a fitted outfit. His white top was adorned with cloud patterns, featuring wide sleeves, a flowing ribbon in the front, and a trailing hem in the back. His legs, sleeves, and shoulders were decorated with jade-like ornaments and ancient-looking trinkets.
His wrists were armored, embedded with an Anemo Vision.
Around his neck hung a Vajra, his right arm bore the tattoo of a mythical beast, and a small incense burner hung from his left waist, along with a snake-shaped amulet in the middle.
From his right waist dangled a Nuo mask, primarily black, blue, and gold in color.
Granny Ping smiled at him and greeted, "Xiao, you're here."
The young man named Xiao nodded lightly, responded softly, and exchanged greetings with the other adepti before silently taking a seat in the corner.
He seemed rather uncomfortable with social interactions.
The adepti didn't find his behavior odd and kindly nodded at him with warm smiles.
Ningguang glanced at Xiao, her gaze tinged with surprise.
She knew of Xiao's existence—his name was on Yelan's special list.
Though he appeared to be a young man, his true age exceeded two thousand years. He was the last remaining Yaksha in Liyue, revered as the "Vigilant Yaksha."
Since the end of the Archon War, he had been stationed at Guili Plains under the order of Rex Lapis, dealing with the remnants of evil spirits for centuries.
To support his demon-slaying duties, the Qixing had even established a special agency called the "Wangshu Inn" in Guili Plains.
Xiao was a man of few words, dedicated to his duties, and rarely left his post.
In previous years, Xiao had never attended Granny Ping's birthday celebrations, so his presence this year was unexpected.
Ningguang's eyes flickered with thought, but she quickly abandoned her musings, as it was impossible to concentrate.
The tantalizing aroma wafting from the kitchen was simply too irresistible.
She suppressed the urge to drool and discreetly glanced around, noticing that everyone else was similarly distracted, no longer engaged in conversation but instead inhaling the delicious scent.
Even Xiao, sitting in the corner, had turned his gaze toward the kitchen.
After a torturous wait, the meal was finally served.
A lavish spread of dishes covered the large table.
Xia Zhi emerged from the kitchen, and the first person he noticed was Xiao.
Another platinum progress bar had appeared in the room.
"Mr. Xia, thank you for your hard work."
"Not at all. It was a bit rushed, so I hope the dishes are to everyone's liking."
Mountain Shaper brought out a jar of wine, claiming it was a treasured vintage he had saved for years, and poured everyone a cup.
A rich, mellow aroma of wine filled the air.
Diona looked at the wine in her cup with a troubled expression.
She didn't drink! Well, the rice wine the boss made last time didn't count.
But today was Granny Ping's birthday, and refusing to drink seemed impolite.
Adepti's face… should be respected, right?
As Diona hesitated, Xia Zhi poured the wine from her cup into his own empty one.
"Children shouldn't drink alcohol. Eat more dishes instead."
"Oh."
Diona felt a wave of gratitude.
The boss is so kind!
The table was filled with master-level dishes, and everyone enjoyed the feast, praising Xia Zhi's culinary skills.
Xia Zhi glanced at the three platinum treasure chests and one silver chest he had just unlocked in his inventory and smiled modestly.
Serving the adepti was the least he could do.
After the meal, Xiao was the first to bid farewell and leave.
Ganyu and Yanfei followed suit, as they needed to return to work.
Ningguang also stood up to leave. As she did, Moon Carver suddenly said to her with a meaningful tone, "Time is running short, Tianquan Ningguang. Are you prepared?"
Ningguang smiled softly and replied, "Please wait and see, esteemed adepti."
Facing the adepti with neither subservience nor arrogance, the aura of a wealthy woman was truly impressive.
Xia Zhi silently watched her leave.
The Qixing and the adepti seemed to be speaking in riddles. His first thought was the calamity he had divined for Ningguang yesterday.
Next month, at Guyun Stone Forest.
If that was the case, then time was indeed running short.
The divination had indicated that Ningguang and Shenhe would receive help from a noble figure. Could that noble figure be the adepti?
Xia Zhi glanced at Zhongli, who was calmly sipping tea.
With the Geo Archon and the adepti backing them up, even if Osial were to break free from Guyun Stone Forest again, it didn't seem too frightening.
Ah, whatever.
Such grand matters weren't for him to worry about.
His only concern was taking care of Shenhe.
Xia Zhi lowered his head to drink tea and chatted with the two adepti and Mr. Zhongli.
They had many stories to share, and listening to them was quite entertaining.
Granny Ping sat nearby, slowly unwrapping her gifts.
The first gift she opened was from Yaoyao—a bracelet as radiant as a sunset.
Granny Ping had already known about it, but she still pretended to be surprised and praised Yaoyao.
The little girl was delighted.
The two adepti, however, looked at the bracelet in Granny Ping's hand with a change in expression.
"Liyue actually has such a master carver now?"
"This bracelet must be worth a fortune. Yaoyao, how did you get it?"
The two adepti were concerned that Yaoyao might have done something improper.
"Sister Ganyu helped me pick the stone! It turned out to be such a beautiful piece of jade! And Big Brother Xia made the bracelet for me!"
The two adepti turned to Xia Zhi. "Mr. Xia, you know how to carve jade?"
Xia Zhi replied modestly, "I know just a little."
Moon Carver fell silent for a moment, then said, "...Mr. Zhongli also knows how to carve. The two of you might have some common topics to discuss."
Xia Zhi looked at Zhongli. "Is that so?"
Zhongli replied calmly, "I know a bit."
And so, Xia Zhi and Zhongli began discussing various topics related to rocks and carving, leaving everyone else completely lost.
Zhu Zi watched silently, feeling that the world of these experts was truly intimidating.
However, she did learn a new phrase for showing off in front of others.
"I know a bit."
It sounded quite scholarly.
But she felt that Mr. Zhongli's phrase didn't carry the same charm as the boss's.
The two adepti found themselves unable to join the conversation and felt a bit awkward.
Moon Carver coughed lightly and said, "Mr. Xia, do you happen to know anything about divination?"
Xia Zhi turned to him and smiled. "I happen to know a little about that as well."
Moon Carver became interested and began chatting with him, finding their conversation quite engaging.
Mr. Xia is truly a remarkable man!
After chatting about various topics for a while, Xia Zhi and Zhongli stood up to leave as it was getting late. Yaoyao followed her big brother to the shop to play.
The place was now left with only the two adepti and Granny Ping.
As Granny Ping tidied up the tea set, she casually asked, "Are you two leaving today or tomorrow?"
The two adepti exchanged glances.
"No rush."
"Huh?"
"With Beisht lurking in the sea, posing a constant threat to Liyue, we can't rest easy."
"Isn't Xiao always keeping watch by the coast?"
"Xiao is burdened by karmic debt. What if his condition worsens at a critical moment?"
"And there's Rex Lapis..."
"Since Rex Lapis has retired, there must be a reason for it. We can't trouble him to intervene casually."
"So...?"
"For the safety of Liyue, we've decided to stay here a bit longer."
"...Suit yourselves. Having two more people in the house will make it livelier."
"Mm, we'll go out for a stroll too."
Granny Ping watched their retreating figures and shook her head with a smile.
The two adepti left Yujing Terrace.
"Where to?"
"How about Feiyun Tea House for some tea?"
"okay"