Ch 34

Even Zhong Li shook his head helplessly. He indicated that he had too easily agreed without thinking to make it fair with Qiqi. There was no way around it; it fell to the Traveler to break the child's illusion.

The Traveler explained to Qiqi, "Coconut milk does not come from Coconut Sheep; it comes from coconut trees."

"Ah..." Qiqi reacted with a thoughtful expression.

After a moment, he wore a bewildered look, as if he had given up on thinking. At that moment, a young man's voice came from outside.

"Haha, what a meaningful life lesson. Thank you for taking care of my Qiqi."

The newcomer was Bubu Pharmacy's owner, Baishu. After introductions, Paimon exclaimed, "So the owner isn't Qiqi but this guy with medicine ingredients hanging around his neck?"

"Truly pitiful, Qiqi is already so naive, yet there are even more gullible victims than her," the white snake around Baishu's neck spoke with no mercy, mocking Paimon.

"Ah! Those ingredients... that snake, it's speaking!!!"

Paimon was utterly shocked, while the Traveler seemed to be used to it.

"This is Liyue; nothing is strange here."

In any case, with the shopkeeper back, things were easier to handle. Eternal Incense was naturally stocked at Baishu's place, and it was of exceptional quality. However, the price was a bit tricky: three million Mora.

"Three million!?"

"You might as well rob a Golden House!"

The Traveler obviously couldn't accept this price. Zhong Li, on the other hand, was contemplating seriously.

"Three million... At first, it doesn't sound like much, but when you consider it rationally, it's indeed quite challenging."

It seemed they would have to ask Childe for help again.

[Twenty minutes later]

Childe arrived at Bubu Pharmacy, learned the situation, and burst into uncontrollable laughter at first. Eventually, he reluctantly played the role of a money bag. He also mentioned establishing a fast supply route for coconut milk with Bubu Pharmacy. Baishu agreed to give a discount on the Eternal Incense, reducing it to 2.99 million Mora.

"What's the difference between three million and two million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand!?"

"Well... two million nine hundred ninety-nine thousand... At first, it doesn't sound like much, but when you consider it rationally, it's indeed one thousand less."

The content of this second chapter, "A Long Farewell," lived up to its name. Overall, it was a series of events that took place during the preparation for the Adeptus ceremony. There weren't many plot twists, but it undoubtedly showcased the characters' personalities.

By now, Keqing had a preliminary understanding of this man named Tartaglia. He was like a silver blade swathed in velvet, mysterious, and inscrutable, making people vigilant.

The story wasn't over yet, and Keqing planned to thoroughly complete this mission.

Returning to Yujing Terrace.

This place has been rented by Zhong Li. The ceremony to send off the Adepti and the one to invite the Adepti are held at the same location. According to Zhong Li, this has been approved by Liyue's Seven. "So, Traveler, in this farewell journey to the Rock God, what have you gained?" Zhong Li asked.

"It's been quite a strange journey," the Traveler replied.

"Strange?" Zhong Li seemed somewhat surprised by this answer.

"I'm not sure if I've experienced the life of a rich person or the struggles of a poor one."

"Haha..." Zhong Li chuckled. "Which one is the answer? Questions during a journey are always so complex. Let the Traveler savor their experiences. By the way, as a reward for assisting in the preparations for the Adepti ceremony, I've decided..."

"To treat you."

Zhong Li said these two words with a calm expression.

What? Did I hear that right? Zhong Li is actually treating us?

"Hmm? Oh, don't worry; this time, I'll remember to bring money."

Zhong Li gave a reassuring look.

As evening arrived, Zhong Li's chosen place for the treat was Three Waves Over the Sunset.

Apart from good wine, the ambiance here was exceptional. There were also storytellers narrating tales behind a folding screen.

Zhong Li arrived on time and had even preordered the dishes.

At that moment, the storyteller on the stage, with his unique voice and intonation, said, "If you all are willing to listen, I'll continue telling the story of Lady Ningguang's Jade Chamber."

"As you all know, up on this harbor, there is the Adepti Abode above the clouds, the Yun-Heng Mansion."

"What is a Hand that Sees the Heavens, you may ask? Well, this is what it looks like—a Hand that Sees the Heavens—this is the celestial industry set up by Lady Ningguang."

"On a clear day, when you look down from the decks outside those palace gates..."

"Amazing! That's the breathtaking scenery of half of Liyue Harbor..."

As the storyteller's voice continued, the perspective gradually zoomed into the sky. The scene of half of Liyue Harbor appeared on the screen.

However, when the perspective reached the top of Yujing Terrace, a familiar figure caught Keqing's eye.

"This figure, it's... Ganyu?"

Ganyu stood on high ground, overlooking Liyue Harbor below. It seemed like she was gazing in a certain direction.

However, this scene didn't last long. On the screen, a piece of parchment unfolded. Depicted on the parchment was Ningguang's Jade Chamber.

Then, the screen, accompanied by the storyteller's narration, came to life. This dynamic form of presenting a story, using both painting and text, had appeared in Mondstadt's previous chapter and was considered innovative in this game. This time, the story to be told was about Ningguang's Jade Chamber.

"It is said that whenever important matters arise, Lady Ningguang always visits this Jade Chamber."

"She dismisses everyone else and brings only three trusted aides with her."

"Why bring those three trusted aides along?"

"It turns out they're here to organize information and handle documents on the side."

In the scroll, Ningguang's figure appeared. Holding a folding fan, she exuded an extreme air of nobility and elegance. Her gaze was slightly solemn, as if she held control over everything.

"Summaries are posted on the wall, and they keep increasing."

"But before this white wall is filled, Lady Ningguang will definitely make the final decision!"

"After the decision, she will crush all the documents."

"Swoosh—scattering those scraps of paper out of the window."

"Wow, they flutter and fall, like an unexpected flurry of snow!"

"In the eyes of all the merchants in Liyue, it's like an ink stain on the snowfield—conspicuous!"

"There's a poem: Drifting and fluttering like snow in the clouds. Dense and sparse, every word is precious. In the blink of an eye, the world bows down, and everyone knows that heavenly authority is supreme."

At the end of the scroll, Ningguang leaped off the paper. The crimson pupils seemed to size up the viewers from within the painting. A faint smile hung on the corner of her lips.

In the palm of her right hand, the Jade Chamber floated there, symbolizing Ningguang's control over everything, with heavenly authority as her wrist.

Even Keqing had to admit that Ningguang was indeed an outstanding figure among the Seven of this generation.

From this storyline, it can also be seen that Mr. Takumi's evaluation of Ningguang is extremely high. Otherwise, he wouldn't have needed to specially create such an animation to showcase Ningguang's achievements.

It's estimated that in the next version, Ningguang will make her debut as a playable character. And judging by the momentum, she will undoubtedly be a super powerful five-star DPS character.

Regarding this, Keqing didn't feel much envy or jealousy. Although she disagreed with Ningguang on some principles, in Keqing's heart, she still had great respect for Ningguang.

Among the five-star powerhouse characters in the game, there should be a place for her.

The animation ended, and just as Ganyu, who had been overlooking from a high place, arrived at Three Waves Over the Sunset.

"Finally found you, the one who returned from the absolute darkness."

A gentle voice with a hint of coldness came through. The Traveler thought it might be the Liyue Qixing coming to apprehend them, so they immediately grabbed Paimon, ready to flee.

"Please wait, I'm not from the Qixing, nor am I a bounty hunter coming to capture you," explained Ganyu. "But I am indeed an emissary of the Liyue Qixing... I am Ganyu, the secretary of the Liyue Qixing. Abode, and I've come to see you."

"The one who returned from the absolute darkness... Please pardon my lack of formality while being in the common world."

"But I bring with me this letter, an official invitation personally drafted by Miss Ningguang, using her status as the "Tianquan"."

"An invitation for you to visit the 'Palace in the Clouds'."

"You say... an invitation?" The Traveler and Paimon were somewhat surprised. Just moments ago, they were discussing Ningguang, and now her emissary had arrived.

"Yes, Miss Ningguang said this: 'Please have her come, I wish to see her.' And at the 'Palace in the Clouds, I will accompany her in meticulously... severing the intricate threads of hidden currents.'"

With Ganyu's words, a message appeared on the screen.

​Is it over now? The second act's mission has been completed. Following the precedent of Mondstadt missions, everything will come to a complete conclusion in Act 3. Just as Ningguang said, the intricate threads of hidden currents will be severed one by one in the new mission.

Now, Keqing had something she needed to verify. She stepped out of the private room, and her sharp gaze quickly scanned the hall.

She remembered very clearly. Among the numerous players in the hall, she had seen Zhong Li's figure once before. However, despite her deliberate search this time, she couldn't find the gentleman.

One of Keqing's subordinates, who was playing the game, put down their phone and approached to report. This subordinate served Keqing in the game's storyline and acted as an informant.

"Has Mr. Zhong Li come today?"

"He did come, but he left earlier."

Keqing nodded. "What about Childe? Is he still in his room?"

"Yes, Lady Keqing, I haven't seen Childe leave his room."

Hearing this, Keqing couldn't help but sigh in relief. "Go back to your seat and don't let others notice your identity."

"Yes, Lady Keqing!"

After understanding the current situation, Keqing washed her hands in the restroom. Even though Zhong Li wasn't here, as long as Childe was still present, there was no need to worry too much. Suspecting Zhong Li's identity was merely Keqing's unilateral speculation. The specific verification would probably have to wait for the third act of the new version's storyline.

On her way back, she passed by Childe's private room and deliberately paid attention. She heard sounds of movement coming from inside.

Keqing had already let her guard down and was preparing to return to her own private room. However, she suddenly stopped. There was something off inside!

Keqing, after all, was a Vision holder and skilled in martial arts. She was highly sensitive to details like changes in aura. If the person inside was Childe, they wouldn't be making such sounds. Her gaze sharpened.

She directly pushed open the private room's door. There was someone inside, but it wasn't Childe.

"Well, if it isn't Lady Jade Chamber?" The woman inside the private room greeted with a smile, but there was a hint of mockery in her eyes.

Oh no! She had been fooled! Childe had likely already completed the mission and secretly exchanged identities with a member of the Fool's Guild. He had probably left the game hall long ago. He knew there were spies from the Qixing in the hall, as well as informants from the Fool's Guild.

Keqing's thoughts had been anticipated by Childe. In the game's storyline, she had always observed Childe from a third-person perspective. Now, Keqing was experiencing firsthand how cunning and sharp the Fool's Guild's executive officer was.

"Could it be... Ningguang... is in danger?" Realizing the situation, Keqing's heart skipped a beat. She immediately left the game hall and headed for Yujing Terrace. Her eyes showed an unprecedented seriousness.

"I hope I can make it in time..."

....

On the second floor of the Liyue Game Hall, there was only one floor between it and the gaming area downstairs. However, for anyone other than Takumi, it was like an insurmountable barrier. Without his permission, no one could cross it. This building had been recognized by the system as the third game hall and was essentially Takumi's domain. To know something or change something was just a thought away.

In these past few days, as the storyline of Liyue unfolded, the city of Liyue Harbor was in turmoil. The Seven, members of the Fool's Guild, and others were all busy in the web of information, preparing for what was about to happen. Takumi naturally noticed this situation, but he didn't care. Outside could be as chaotic as it wanted, but inside his game hall, players had to abide by the rules of being a gamer. Whether it was Keqing or Tartaglia, they both seemed to feel the imposing aura of the shop.

No matter how much they clashed on the surface, at least in this game hall, they didn't dare engage in open conflict. The current situation was complex, and all the factions were wary of Takumi. So, lately, Takumi had been quite leisurely. The daily capital flow was already in the billions, and Mora had become just a number for him. As for the corresponding points, they were there, but Takumi fortunately rewarded himself with a legendary ten-pull.

The legendary-level draw cost 10 million Mora for a single pull, so a ten-pull added up to 100 million points. For Takumi, it was just a drop in the bucket. He couldn't help but sigh. Gacha games, making money so easily!

After a ten-pull, he obtained quite a few miraculous items. Adeptus Beans: a magical food that, when consumed, would keep you from feeling hungry for ten days. It also had strong recovery properties, almost instantly rejuvenating the body from extreme fatigue as long as the person was still alive, bringing the body back to its optimal state.

Momotaro Rice Balls: When thrown, if they were eaten by a certain kind of animal (excluding humans), that animal would completely obey the person who threw the rice ball.

There were quite a few functional items like this, not very useful for now, but who knew when they might come in handy in the future. Takumi decided to keep them for now.

Of course, there were also things he found quite interesting. Like this "Flower of Life."

"Flower of Life: When melted, the person who melds with it can communicate with all things and bestow sentience upon them."

When Takumi saw this item, he thought of the storyline on the islands in version 2.8. The squirrels, "Big Meatball," and even the tanuki all gained the ability to communicate with humans for a specific period. It should be an effect influenced by some ability. The duration wasn't very long, and they all returned to their normal states in the end.

After melding with this "Flower of Life," Takumi would also have similar abilities. Moreover, if he wished, he could even permanently activate their sentience.

Takumi immediately melded with the "Flower of Life."

In addition, there was another item he extracted. One of the Twelve Seals: the Sheep Seal.

Like the previous Horse Seal, you could choose between the state of the rune stone or perfect rune fusion. Takumi naturally chose the latter.

When used on a person or animal, the Sheep Seal could make the target's soul leave their body. The soul could ignore any obstacles and possessed the ability to fly. However, the soul couldn't affect the material world in any way.

Furthermore, the Sheep Seal had another function, which was to enter the target's dreams.