Chapter 100
The Treasure Hoarders felt like they were having the worst day of their lives.
After stealing some items and preparing to flee, they found themselves ambushed by ghostly apparitions.
Chaos erupted as the group scattered in terror, completely oblivious to the fact that one of the "ghosts" had already snatched their stolen box.
It didn't take long for them to realize that the phantoms were corporeal, which emboldened them. Gripping their weapons, they swung at the figures, only for their strikes to pass harmlessly through.
The ghosts, almost mockingly, turned around and made exaggerated taunting gestures before continuing to thrash the hapless thieves.
"Junior Brother, these… 'creations' of yours are truly one of a kind," Yanfei muttered, torn between admiration and exasperation.
"They're corporeal when attacking, but intangible when hit? Isn't that practically invincible?" she asked.
Jiang Ning chuckled. "Not quite. They can be harmed by elemental attacks, even something as simple as a torch. Also, they're incredibly fragile—one solid hit, and they're gone."
He shrugged, adding, "I'm not a true death elemental Archon. If I had full dominion over such power, I could summon an army on my own—or even perform something as ludicrous as Edo Tensei."
"Good thing you're not," Yanfei said dryly. "Anyway, check the box—does it contain what we're looking for?"
Jiang Ning handed her the stolen box.
Yanfei inspected its contents carefully and nodded.
"Yep, it's all here. Even the official seal from the Feiyun Commerce Guild is intact."
"Wait, this is from Feiyun Commerce Guild?" Jiang Ning asked, leaning in for a closer look.
"Those crooks actually had the guts to steal from them?"
"Exactly. They probably thought it was a one-time gamble: take the loot, flee to another nation, and live a life of luxury," Yanfei explained.
"Of course, that's why the guild master was furious. I heard he dismissed several guards and escorts over this incident."
Jiang Ning smirked. "Can't say I blame him. Those guards dropped the ball completely, letting a couple of petty thieves pull this off."
"Still," Yanfei said, raising an eyebrow, "how do you plan to deal with the Treasure Hoarders?"
"Break their limbs, exile them to Lingnan, and… execution! Execution!" Jiang Ning declared dramatically.
"Calm down, Junior Brother! That's excessive—Lingnan? Where even is that?!" Yanfei teased. "It's just theft; they don't deserve death for this."
Jiang Ning laughed. "I was joking. Let me handle it. I'll turn them in—it'll boost my record."
"Fine by me," Yanfei agreed.
Jiang Ning called out to his ghostly minions, "Ah Da, Ah Er, stop playing around! Knock them out and bring them here!"
The Treasure Hoarders barely had time to process the situation before they were subdued, realizing too late they'd been outsmarted.
----
Back in Liyue Harbor, Jiang Ning handed over the bound Treasure Hoarders to the Millelith, then accompanied Yanfei to the Feiyun Commerce Guild.
At the guild's entrance, Yanfei addressed the guard: "We've recovered the stolen items. Please inform your guild master."
The guard broke into a smile. "Miss Yanfei, the guild master instructed us to escort you directly if you arrived. Please, follow me."
After a labyrinthine walk through the guild's headquarters, they were led to a reception room.
Shortly after, a young man entered.
His striking features, confident gait, and Hydro Vision at his waist made him look more like a wandering swordsman than a merchant's heir.
"Xingqiu? Why are you the one greeting us? Where are your father and elder brother?" Yanfei asked, clearly surprised.
Xingqiu sighed.
"Father and my brother are both occupied. So, I'm handling things for now."
He turned to Jiang Ning. "And this is…?"
"Oh, right! This is my Junior Brother, Jiang Ning.
He's the one who helped retrieve your stolen items," Yanfei explained.
"And Jiang Ning, this is Xingqiu, the second young master of the Feiyun Commerce Guild."
"Thank you, sir. I appreciate your help," Xingqiu said, bowing slightly in gratitude.
Jiang Ning blinked, caught off guard by the formality.
He glanced at Yanfei, who winked at him, clearly setting him up to receive credit.
"Relax, Xingqiu. I know what kind of person you are. No need to be so formal," Yanfei said, patting his shoulder.
"My Junior Brother is your friend too—treat him as such."
"In that case, I'll be more casual," Xingqiu said, his demeanor softening.
Jiang Ning gestured toward the box. "You should check its contents. Everything should be intact."
Xingqiu signaled for some staff members to inspect the box. After a thorough check, they confirmed that everything was accounted for.
"Perfect. Since your father isn't here, I'll arrange another meeting with my client later," Yanfei said.
"Please, wait!" Xingqiu interjected.
"Even if my father and brother aren't around, I insist on treating you to a meal for all your efforts."
Yanfei's eyes lit up.
"Free food? Junior Brother, what do you think?"
"I have no objections," Jiang Ning replied.
"Great! Time to bleed the young master dry!" Yanfei said with a teasing grin.
"Don't worry about that," Xingqiu said with a smirk, clearly used to her antics.
---
Yanfei suggested, "Let's call Xiangling, Hu Tao, and the others to join us.
It's been a while since we've had a proper gathering. Oh, and is Chongyun around? Let's bring him too."
Xingqiu nodded. "He's at the guild right now. I'll find him. You go grab Hu Tao and Xiangling, and we'll meet at Xinyue Kiosk."
"Right. Junior Brother, isn't Shenhe at home? Let's invite her as well," Yanfei added, suddenly remembering.
"Is that appropriate?" Jiang Ning hesitated.
Yanfei waved him off. "Why not? She's practically family to us. Isn't that right, Xingqiu?"
"Of course. The more, the merrier," Xingqiu agreed.
"Alright then, see you all shortly," Yanfei said, tugging Jiang Ning along as they headed toward Hu Tao and Xiangling's locations.
----
Soon, the group assembled and marched toward the upscale Xinyue Kiosk.
Xingqiu and Chongyun were already waiting for them in one of the private rooms.
Chongyun, a young man with icy-blue hair and the aura of a seasoned exorcist, greeted them warmly. His piercing gaze carried a quiet determination, though his calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the excitable group entering the room.
"Come on in, take your seats! I've already ordered some of your favorites," Xingqiu said, gesturing to the table.
Xiangling's eyes sparkled as she sat down. "Hmph! I heard Xinyue Kiosk recently introduced new dishes certified by none other than Zhongli. I'm dying to try them and see if I can recreate them later!"
As everyone settled in, Xingqiu took the time to make introductions for those meeting for the first time.
However, Chongyun's attention quickly zeroed in on Shenhe.
His brows furrowed as if he were trying to place her face, while Shenhe glanced back with equal curiosity.
"What's wrong?" Jiang Ning asked, noticing the subtle tension.
Shenhe shook her head slightly. "It's nothing. I just feel like I've seen this young man somewhere before."
Chongyun, meanwhile, was muttering to himself. "She… looks so familiar. Could it be—?"
Xiangling suddenly slapped the table, startling everyone.
"Wait! Now that you mention it, Shenhe's adeptal arts do resemble your family's exorcism techniques, Chongyun!"
"Really?" Chongyun leaned forward in shock.
"Could I… see an example?"
Shenhe glanced at Jiang Ning, who gave her a small nod.
She then performed a simple hand seal, channeling a hint of adeptal energy.
Chongyun's eyes widened. "It really is similar… But how do you—? Wait. Your mother… did she…? And didn't your family live in…?"
He rattled off a list of names and places, his voice growing more excited with each word.
Shenhe looked surprised but nodded.
"Yes, that's right. How do you know all this?"
Xingqiu placed a steadying hand on Chongyun's shoulder. "What's going on?"
Taking a deep breath, Chongyun explained, "If I'm not mistaken, Shenhe… would be my aunt. Her mother was my mother's aunt!"
"What? You're related?" Hu Tao's interest was immediately piqued.
Chongyun nodded.
"Yes. Our family records mention someone named Shenhe, who was taken by an adeptus to study in the mountains. I never thought I'd meet her in person…"
Shenhe's expression softened as she recalled her childhood. "Your mother… was she the kind older sister who used to visit and play with me?"
Chongyun nodded fervently.
Shenhe smiled faintly. "I see. So she's married and has children now…"
Hu Tao's mischievous grin spread. "Wait, wait, wait. If Shenhe's your aunt, doesn't that make you a generation younger than her?"
"So what?" Chongyun asked, already dreading the answer.
Hu Tao leaned in with mock seriousness.
"Well, Shenhe and Xiangling are fellow disciples, making them equals. And since Xiangling and I are friends, that makes me Shenhe's peer too. So technically… shouldn't you be calling us 'aunties' and pouring us drinks?"
Chongyun froze, his expression twisting into something between confusion and horror.
Yanfei chuckled.
"Relax. Generational gaps among adepti are notoriously messy. Just look at Granny Ping and Ganyu—they interact as equals despite their age difference. No need to overthink it."
Hu Tao eventually relented, but not without reveling in Chongyun's discomfort.
----
After the laughter died down, Chongyun turned to Shenhe with sincerity. "Auntie Shenhe, if you ever have time, please visit our home. My mother always speaks fondly of you during festivals."
Shenhe's typically stoic expression softened, a rare warmth flickering in her eyes. "Alright. I'll visit when I can."
Meanwhile, Jiang Ning observed the entire exchange, suddenly realizing: Wait… Does this mean Chongyun is technically my nephew?
As he pondered whether he'd now need to hand out red envelopes during the Lantern Rite, Shenhe grabbed his arm and pulled him closer.
"Chongyun, let me introduce someone important. This is Jiang Ning, your uncle," Shenhe said with utmost seriousness.
The room went dead silent.
Chongyun: "???"
Hu Tao: "!"
Xiangling: "!?"
Xingqiu: "…"
Yanfei: "…&%$#?!"
Shenhe's words had rendered everyone speechless.
While Chongyun and Xingqiu looked completely dumbfounded, Xiangling was staring in disbelief, and Hu Tao's excitement was mixed with mild indignation.
Yanfei, however, was the first to snap out of it, practically exploding. "Wait a second! What do you mean by that?!"
Shenhe's expression didn't waver. "I mean it literally. By mortal traditions, Jiang Ning and I are a couple."
"But you're senior and junior disciples! Isn't that weird?" Yanfei protested.
"How does that conflict with being married?" Shenhe asked, genuinely puzzled.
Yanfei was briefly at a loss for words. Damn it, there's nothing in Liyue's laws prohibiting this…
"Wait, isn't Jiang Ning just coming of age this Lantern Rite?" Yanfei blurted out, grasping for a counterargument.
Shenhe's calm reply shattered what composure remained: "I know. But I couldn't resist."
Yanfei's jaw dropped as Hu Tao snorted with laughter, her mischievous nature fully ignited.
"Couldn't resist?! What does that even mean?!" Yanfei exclaimed, flustered beyond belief.
----
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