Two days passed.
In the office of Yuehai Pavilion, Ningguang was reading through the notes when a peculiar knock echoed from the door.
"Yelan, come in."
The door opened, and Yelan walked inside.
Ningguang set the papers down and looked at her. "How did it go?"
"I've found the Subrosium and already delivered it to Hanfeng Ironmongers. The blacksmith has crafted the [Wonder Core]."
"Excellent."
"Additionally, I discovered something that might interest you."
"Oh?"
Yelan handed Ningguang several tattered pieces of paper.
"What are these?"
"The Subrosium records were found in an abandoned village near Mt. Tianheng. The village was evacuated over a decade ago due to an incident involving the remnants of an ancient god. Most of the villagers left, leaving only a few elderly behind. While searching, I came across these notes, which recount a sorrowful story of a father who traded his daughter, Ah He, in exchange for a method to resurrect his wife..."
After reading the notes, Ningguang's expression shifted slightly. "The girl mentioned here, Ah He—could it be..."
Yelan nodded. "From what I gathered from the elderly villagers, it appears so. The family in question, from the eastern part of the village, was a branch of an exorcist clan. Within just a few days, the wife passed away, the young daughter disappeared, and the husband later hanged himself. A neighbor named Mingjun mentioned that the young girl might have been taken away by an Adeptus. A few years ago, she even visited the village with her striking white hair and otherworldly demeanor..."
[ Changed Mist Veiled Elixir Stone to Sunset Vermillionite ;-; ]
"An exorcist clan… white hair… So, it really is Shenhe. Let's set this matter aside for now. With the [Sunset Vermillionite], [Wonder Core], and [Adepti Sigils] gathered, and the Jade Chamber rebuilt, it's time to deal with the trouble at sea."
"Understood."
"What about Adepti?"
"The Conqueror of Demons has been on guard by the coast for the past two months. Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper stayed behind after Granny Ping's birthday celebration, rather than returning to the mountains as usual. Cloud Retainer has not made an appearance for reasons unknown, but her disciple Shenhe has remained in the lowlands. It seems they are cautious about this situation."
"After all, Beisht was a follower of an ancient god. It's understandable for them to be concerned. While it's reassuring to have the Adepti as a safety net, Liyue is now a land of human governance. We cannot rely on the Adepti for everything. This should be treated as a crucial test. We must overcome this crisis using our own strength to show the Adepti that entrusting Liyue to us was not a mistake."
"Understood."
"What about the Fatui?"
"Since the incident with Zhiyi was exposed, we've detained the Fatui diplomat. They've been relatively quiet since then."
"Good. Have the [Wonder Core] delivered to the construction site, and I will meet with the other Qixing to prepare for this. Notify Beidou as well."
"Understood."
Yelan left.
Ningguang looked out the window toward the ocean, her gaze cold and resolute.
"Worst case... I'll just build another Jade Chamber."
---
At Summer shop.
During dinner, Zhu Zi curiously asked, "Why didn't Miss Ningguang come by the shop today?"
"She's probably busy with official duties. After all, she's one of the Qixing."
Xia Zhi didn't think much of it.
However, the next afternoon, when Ningguang still didn't show up for her massage and dinner, Xia Zhi began to feel that something was off.
After dinner, he took out a few Mora and tossed them on the table, performing a divination for Ningguang.
"She'll face calamity tomorrow?"
Xia Zhi glanced at the result, then picked up the Mora and tossed them again, this time divining for Shenhe.
"As expected, she'll also face calamity tomorrow..."
Xia Zhi quietly put away the Mora, a thought forming in his mind.
If I knock Shenhe out tomorrow and keep her from leaving the house, how will her calamity manifest?
Or perhaps this would let her avoid the calamity altogether? Would that make me her benefactor for helping her avoid it?
---
The next morning, Xia Zhi woke to the usual soft knock at his door.
He opened it to find Shenhe standing outside. He took the hairband from her hand and had her sit at the edge of the bed while he tied her hair.
"Shenhe."
"Mm?"
"Do you know the purpose of this hairband?"
"It looks nice."
"Besides looking nice… it allows me to reach you instantly."
"!"
"So no matter what happens, always wear it properly. Understood?"
"Mm!"
"Your hair is done."
Shenhe brushed her fingers over her hair, then turned to look at him.
"Sticky Grass Seeds."
"...Fine, fine. Here you go. What flavor candy today? Oh, it's honeydew... Hmm."
The two of them quietly enjoyed their fruit candy before heading downstairs to wash up.
---
As they were having breakfast, Yelan came knocking on the door.
"I'm here to see Miss Shenhe."
"Ah? Shenhe, someone's here for you!"
"You're… I remember you've been to our shop before."
"I'm one of Miss Ningguang's people, Yelan. Miss Shenhe, this is a token from Miss Ningguang."
Yelan handed over a letter.
Shenhe opened it and read it.
"This is the letter my master asked me to deliver to Miss Ningguang last time. What does she need me for?"
"Some of the Adepti Sigils you delivered were damaged, and they don't seem to align well with the new [Wonder Core]. Miss Ningguang hopes you can come to the site and help resolve the issue."
"I see. This is something my master entrusted me with. I'll do my best... Boss, I'd like to take the day off."
"Alright."
"Miss Shenhe, please follow me to the Jade Chamber construction site."
"Mm, let me finish breakfast first..."
Xia Zhi looked at her and asked with a smile, "Miss Yelan, have you eaten breakfast?"
"Not yet."
"Why not join us?"
Yelan hesitated briefly, then nodded.
"Then I'll take you up on your offer."
"It's just soy milk and fried dough sticks, nothing fancy. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all… They're delicious."
After breakfast, Yelan and Shenhe prepared to leave.
Xia Zhi softly said, "Be careful on the road."
Shenhe turned back to look at him. "Mm, I will."
Xia Zhi "watched" them leave and pondered.
I didn't expect Ningguang and Shenhe to connect in this way.
"Diona."
"Boss!"
"I have something to do in my room. You're in charge of juice preparation this morning."
"Got it! Leave it to me, boss!"