Chapter 28: Uncovering Liyue’s Secrets

The bustling streets of Liyue Harbor unfolded before Aether and his companions like a grand tapestry of life and trade. The air was filled with the scent of fresh seafood, incense from nearby temples, and the constant hum of conversations between merchants and travelers. It was a stark contrast to Mondstadt's open fields and wind-kissed cityscape, but Aether found himself fascinated by Liyue's rich and ancient atmosphere.

Amber was the first to break the silence, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "There's so much to see! Let's check out the market first. I've heard they sell all sorts of rare treasures here."

Lisa chuckled softly, her tone light as usual. "You're always drawn to the shiniest things, aren't you, Amber?"

Aether glanced around, knowing their mission required more than just sightseeing. "We should split up and cover more ground. Learn as much as we can about the people, the Qixing, and the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."

Amber saluted with a grin. "I'll handle the market! I've got the best eyes when it comes to spotting valuable information—and maybe some cool trinkets."

Lisa smiled. "I'll tag along with Aether. I have a few contacts in the city that might prove useful."

Rosaria, who had remained silent for most of the conversation, simply nodded. "I'll stick to the shadows and gather what I can. This city has layers, and I plan to find the ones most people overlook."

Aether watched as the group split off in different directions, each of them with a unique approach to uncovering Liyue's secrets. He decided to head toward the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, curious about its role in the city's governance and the mysteries surrounding it.

As Aether walked through the crowded streets, he noticed how the people of Liyue moved with purpose. Business transactions were being made everywhere he looked, contracts being signed, goods being exchanged. This wasn't just a city of trade—it was a city of precision, where every action seemed carefully calculated and weighed.

"Everything here runs on contracts," Aether muttered to himself, recalling Zhongli's earlier words. "Even their way of life is bound by agreements."

The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor came into view as Aether rounded a corner. The building itself was more understated than he expected, though there was a quiet dignity to its design. The entrance was guarded by large stone pillars, and lanterns hung from the ceiling, their warm light casting a soft glow on the cobblestone street below.

Aether stepped inside, the atmosphere immediately shifting to something more somber. The air was cool, and the scent of incense was stronger here, a reminder that this was a place where life and death intertwined.

"Can I help you?" a voice asked, cutting through the quiet.

Aether turned to see a young woman standing by the reception desk. She was dressed in dark robes, her demeanor professional but curious.

"I'm here to learn more about the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor," Aether said. "I've heard it plays an important role in Liyue's governance."

The woman gave him a knowing smile. "You're well-informed. My name is Hu Tao, and I'm the 77th Director of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. We ensure that the people of Liyue have a smooth transition to the afterlife, but we do much more than that. We help maintain the balance between the living and the dead, something essential to this land's peace."

Aether blinked, surprised by the ease with which she spoke about death. Hu Tao's energy was both lighthearted and eerie, a contrast that made him uneasy but intrigued.

"How does the Funeral Parlor relate to the Qixing and the Adepti?" Aether asked.

Hu Tao's eyes gleamed with amusement. "Ah, the Qixing handle the business of the living—contracts, trade, and governance. The Adepti protect this land from the shadows, keeping ancient forces at bay. We, however, walk between both worlds. We ensure the dead are honored, and we keep watch over the spiritual forces that influence Liyue."

Aether nodded, the pieces of the puzzle slowly coming together. "So you're part of maintaining the balance that Zhongli mentioned."

"Precisely!" Hu Tao replied, her smile widening. "Without balance, this city would crumble. The Qixing, the Adepti, and the Funeral Parlor all play a part in ensuring that Liyue thrives. But of course, things aren't always so simple. The Abyss Order, for instance, is a threat not just to the living, but to the natural balance we've worked so hard to maintain."

Aether felt a chill run down his spine at the mention of the Abyss Order. "What do you know about their plans?"

Hu Tao's playful expression darkened for a moment, her voice dropping to a more serious tone. "The Abyss Order is dangerous, and their motives are more than just chaos. They seek to unravel the ties that bind our world together. If they succeed, it won't just be the people of Liyue who suffer—every part of this land will fall apart, both the physical and spiritual."

Aether's resolve hardened. The Abyss Order's threat loomed larger than he realized. "We're doing everything we can to stop them."

Hu Tao's smile returned, though it was softer this time. "I'm sure you are. And if you ever need help dealing with more… spiritual matters, the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is always at your service."

After his conversation with Hu Tao, Aether made his way back through the crowded streets, his mind buzzing with new information. The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor wasn't just a business—it was a key player in maintaining Liyue's delicate balance between life and death. And the more Aether learned, the more he realized just how intertwined Liyue's survival was with these unseen forces.

By the time Aether returned to the meeting spot, the sun had begun to set, casting long shadows over the city. Amber, Lisa, and Rosaria were already waiting for him, each of them with their own discoveries.

"So, how did it go?" Amber asked, clearly eager to hear what Aether had learned.

"The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is more involved in Liyue's balance than I thought," Aether explained. "They maintain the spiritual side of things, making sure the dead pass on peacefully and keeping the forces of the afterlife in check. Hu Tao, the director, said the Abyss Order is a threat not just to the living but to the entire balance of Liyue."

Lisa nodded thoughtfully. "That confirms what we suspected. The Abyss Order is trying to disrupt every aspect of Liyue's power, from the physical to the spiritual."

Rosaria, ever the pragmatist, added, "We need to stop them before they can gain any more ground."

Aether couldn't agree more. The Abyss Order's plan was more dangerous than they had realized, but now they had a clearer picture of what was at stake. It wasn't just about defeating enemies—it was about preserving the delicate balance that held Liyue together.

"We have more work to do," Aether said, his voice filled with determination. "Let's make sure Liyue stays strong—no matter what."