Arriving at the Wangshu Inn and Meeting with Xiao

Although Gouba had lost his previous power, he was still a demon god after all. His perception must still be intact. If there were any dangerous places, he would definitely not let Xiangling take risks.

In addition, Xiangling's master is Madame Ping, who is an Adeptus. If Xiangling encountered any danger outside, Madame Ping would definitely intervene and rescue her. So, Master Mo's worry is unnecessary.

However, as a father, it is normal to worry. If Takarou had a daughter, he would surely give her the best, ensuring that she wouldn't encounter any danger. Even if she did, she would be able to handle it easily.

Speaking of which, Klee is quite something. She's probably the most troublesome child on the continent of Teyvat. After all, her mother is Alice, the woman who turned the Wind Dragon Temple into ruins. And the bombs that Klee carries have great destructive power. If it weren't for Acting Grand Master Jean and the others keeping an eye on her, Klee might have turned Mondstadt into ruins.

On the other side, Lumine and Paimon finished their conversation with the Mountain Shaper and continued their journey to find Cloud Retainer. They arrived at Mount Aozang.

On Mount Aozang, there was a lake in the middle. In the lake, there was a platform. It was a stone table with three seats around it.

Looking at this stone table, Paimon became curious, "Huh, why is there a stone table here with so many utensils and a wine jug?"

"Let me see... there are words carved on the chair next to it: 'Residence here,' 'Sit here until the end,' and 'Borrow from the Emperor here.' The 'Emperor' here... could it be referring to the 'Rex Lapis'?... 'Until the end'... I don't know what that means... 'Residence'... right, Cloud Retainer was mentioned among the Adeptus that Xue Meng mentioned!"

"Paimon, we came to find Cloud Retainer, but how can we meet her?" Lumine looked around, but there didn't seem to be any other clues.

"Lumine, there are so many utensils here. Perhaps this is the gathering place for the Adeptus to have meals. Hehe, if that's the case, maybe we can attract Cloud Retainer's attention by cooking something that iAdeptus like. Just now, when I flew up in the sky, I saw three places here where someone had cooked," Paimon suggested.

"Why don't we look around and see if we can find any clues?" Lumine agreed.

"Alright, Paimon, let's go and investigate. If we can find any clues, that would be the best."

"By the way, do Adeptus like to eat carrot and pork stir-fry?"

"I don't know if Adeptus like it, but you certainly do, Paimon."

"Hehe, maybe Adeptus and I have the same taste," Paimon laughed awkwardly.

After that, Lumine and Paimon found several offerings left by worshippers in three different locations around the area. They also found a recipe.

The first recipe was almond jelly.

The second recipe was stuffed matsutake mushrooms.

The third recipe was pearl jade soup.

The fourth recipe was mora meat.

"Four recipes! Lumine, you should follow the methods written here to cook. Make sure not to mess it up," Paimon said, looking at Lumine with anticipation.

With so much delicious food, if Lumine could make a bit more, maybe Paimon could also have a taste. Lumine does have talent in cooking, after all.

After all, before meeting Paimon, Lumine had been traveling on the continent of Teyvat for over two months. During that time, she had learned to cook many delicious dishes.

Since meeting Paimon, who had an insatiable appetite, Lumine couldn't afford to cook poorly, or else Paimon would criticize her relentlessly. Under such circumstances, Lumine's culinary skills had been improving.

After an hour, Lumine finally finished preparing the four dishes.

"Wow, Lumine, it smells so good. Can I have a taste?" Paimon asked with a mouthwatering expression. Lumine, hands on her hips, gave Paimon a stern look as if to say, "If you dare eat, I'll give you a scolding."

"Paimon, these dishes are meant as offerings for the Adeptus. Aren't you afraid of offending them if you eat them? What if all the chests we find in the wild are filled with cabbages?" Lumine warned.

"No, I won't." Upon hearing this, Paimon quickly restrained her greedy expression and waved her hands. She didn't want to eat a little bit and then end up angering the Adeptus, resulting in chests filled with cabbages in the future.

Seeing Paimon's fear, Lumine smiled and said, "Alright, let's go and place the prepared dishes on the table."

"Yay!" Lumine and Paimon went to the stone table and presented the dishes one by one.

Suddenly, the ground trembled, and a cave appeared not far away with a cracking sound.

"Hey, Lumine, look! There's a cave over there. Could it be the dwelling place of the Adeptus? Let's go and take a look," Paimon exclaimed.

"Let's go." Lumine and Paimon walked towards the newly appeared cave together.

Upon reaching the cave, Lumine and Paimon were sucked inside upon contact.

"Hmm... the aura of the 'Baiwen Forbidden Archives.' Although I don't know why you're here, I'll give you a chance because of your sincere offering. If you wish to meet me, you must overcome the challenges I have personally set in this cave," a female voice echoed as Lumine and Paimon just entered.

"Oh, this voice... could it be Cloud Retainer? Since she wants us to prove ourselves, Lumine, let's do our best and not let the Adeptus underestimate us!" Paimon cheered Lumine on from above.

Hearing Paimon's words, Lumine felt speechless but nodded nonetheless. Indeed, if they couldn't even overcome the challenges in the cave, they wouldn't be able to meet Cloud Retainer or inform her about the events in Liyue Harbor. So, no matter what, they had to overcome them. At this moment, there was no room for arguing with Paimon.

After about five minutes, Lumine and Paimon finally made their way through and arrived in front of Cloud Retainer.

Cloud Retainer looked somewhat surprised to see Lumine and Paimon standing before her. "To have passed through the cave, you must possess some skill. I am the resident of Liyue, borrowed by the Phoenix, Cloud Retainer. Tell me, what brings you here?" she asked.

"Did you build this cave yourself? And did you create the mechanisms within?" Lumine asked curiously.

"Naturally, besides the cave, I also constructed the mechanisms within. My 'Mechanical Arts' would even earn the praise of 'Until the End' and the Geo Archon," Cloud Retainer replied.

Paimon looked around and shrugged, saying, "Living alone in such a large cave with so many mechanisms... Are you living here to study 'Mechanical Arts'? It's just like the legends, where an Adeptus leaves the mortal realm and resides in seclusion, studying powerful things."

_______

"I... I just find social interactions too bothersome and wanted to find some peace and quiet," Cloud Retainer responded.

"But it hasn't been long since I found tranquility, and now you come with the 'Baiwen Forbidden Archives'..."

Lumine and Paimon exchanged glances. It was evident that Cloud Retainer had social anxiety. Otherwise, why would she hide in her cave? However, Lumine and Paimon chose not to mention this issue. It wouldn't be good if they angered the Adeptus by speaking up.

"Alright, alright! Tell me why you're here and don't disturb my rest," Cloud Retainer said.

"Cloud Retainer, here's what happened," Lumine explained in detail, recounting everything that occurred in Liyue Harbor.

After listening, Cloud Retainer reacted similarly to the other two Adeptus.

"What?! The Geo Archon was attacked?! How... how could this happen?! Someone dared commit such a heinous crime!"

This seemed too absurd and unbelievable. Cloud Retainer wanted to investigate further.

"No... wait! What do you mean by 'suppression' of Liyue Harbor? Are you planning to destroy the entire city?" Lumine interrupted.

"Besides, if the Geo Archon was attacked, it has nothing to do with the common people of Liyue Harbor."

"Even the Seven Stars of Liyue, who are stronger than ordinary people, may not be able to handle the Geo Archon's immense power."

"Perhaps there are other reasons for the Geo Archon's attack. It would be better to investigate first."

"If it's really the doing of the Seven Stars of Liyue, then we can make further plans."

Lumine felt somewhat helpless. Cloud Retainer's reaction was even more intense than Mountain Shaper's. "Suppression" of Liyue Harbor would undoubtedly involve the use of divine arts, potentially causing harm to many ordinary people. After all, when Adeptus fight, mortals suffer.

"Hmph, it's just a matter of using some thunderous means to prevent further trouble," Cloud Retainer replied.

"But... aren't you the guardian of Liyue Harbor?" Lumine stepped forward and looked at Cloud Retainer.

"Oh, traveler, are you trying to stop me?" Cloud Retainer asked.

"With your divine power, it would be difficult for me to stop you. However, I hope you can think it over. Even if you go there, you may not be able to handle the situation since it was a powerful force that caused the Geo Archon's demise."

"Perhaps this is part of that person's scheme. They intentionally led you to Liyue Harbor to destroy it."

"If you go ahead with this plan, you will fall into that person's trap."

Upon hearing Lumine's words, Cloud Retainer pondered for a moment.

"Hmm? You do make some sense. If it's truly a conspiracy, we need to be cautious in our actions," Cloud Retainer nodded.

Lumine's words had some truth to them. However...

"Yes, Cloud Retainer, Lumine is right," Paimon chimed in.

"If you're going to Liyue, you should observe carefully. If there is indeed a powerful enemy, we should join forces to eliminate them."

"After all, you have the Geo Archon's laws. You can't violate those laws and destroy Liyue Harbor, which was personally built by the Geo Archon. It represents his hard work!"

"I understand," Cloud Retainer finally replied.

"No matter whether the Geo Archon is still there or not, Liyue Harbor has indeed witnessed the prosperity of the Geo Archon step by step. When we go to Liyue Harbor, we will observe carefully. However, if it is truly the Seven Stars of Liyue who killed the Geo Archon, don't blame us, the three Adeptus!"

"Well, let's agree on that," Cloud Retainer said.

"Now that you have come to me, the next step for you is to go to Wangshu Inn and seek out the Dvalin Slayer."

"I suppose the Demon Suppression Saint is unaware of this news."

"We will wait for the Demon Suppression Saint in Liyue."

"Alright, you may leave now." Cloud Retainer spread her wings and urged Lumine and Paimon to leave.

"Well then, Lumine, let's go to Wangshu Inn and find the Demon Suppression Saint."

"Okay, Cloud Retainer, we'll see you in Liyue Harbor."

"Sure."

Lumine and Paimon left the immortal's abode together. Shortly after they walked out, they saw Cloud Retainer flying out from her cave and heading towards Liyue Harbor.

"Well, I hope Cloud Retainer will consider what we said after arriving in Liyue Harbor," Lumine muttered.

"But if we could fly like the Adeptus, we wouldn't have to climb and crawl around like this. It's so tiring."

"Paimon, don't you know how to fly? How can you get tired?"

"Even if I can fly, it's still tiring!" Paimon retorted.

Huh...

Wait a minute...

Suddenly, Lumine slapped her forehead, remembering something.

"Lumine, what's wrong?" Paimon asked, surprised by Lumine's sudden action.

"This just came to mind. Paimon, do you remember the weapon we obtained at the Century Comics Store, the Rainbow Sword?"

"Of course, Lumine. What about it?" Paimon asked.

"I just realized that the Rainbow Sword can be used for sword-flying!"

"Sword-flying? What does that mean?"

"It means standing on the sword and letting it carry us while flying."

"?????"

"Wow, Lumine, why did you remember this just now?" Paimon exclaimed, feeling annoyed.

If Lumine had remembered earlier, Paimon could have simply grabbed onto Lumine's clothes and let Lumine carry her, saving them from the fatigue of climbing.

Lumine felt a bit embarrassed and swallowed her tongue.

"I only just remembered it."

"After all, when we arrived in Liyue, a series of events occurred, and we were busy. If I hadn't seen Cloud Retainer flying just now and you hadn't reminded me, I might not have remembered."

"Alright, let's not be upset. Let me try it first."

After saying that, Lumine took out the Rainbow Sword and followed her memories in her mind, activating the sword's power.

After a while...

About half an hour later, Lumine, with complete control over the Rainbow Sword, could fly wherever she pleased.

Despite Lumine's youthful appearance, she had lived for thousands of years. She still had some skills up her sleeve.

Lumine guided the Rainbow Sword to appear in front of her and said to Paimon, "Paimon, let's go. Let's give it a try."

"Yay!" Paimon nodded and flew in front of Lumine, grabbing hold of Lumine's hair.

"?????"

Paimon, aren't you afraid of pulling out my hair? I don't want to go bald at such a young age.

Paimon chuckled and said, "Hehe... Lumine's hair is easier to grab."

________

Lumine glanced at Paimon and slowly stood on the Rainbow Sword. Then she gestured a spell and the Rainbow Sword lifted off, taking them with it.

"Ah! Ah! Ah!"

"It's really flying!" Upon seeing this scene, Paimon exclaimed in surprise.

Paimon tightly grabbed Lumine's hair with her little hands, afraid of falling. At first, Lumine's body swayed on the Rainbow Sword, hesitating as it was her first time flying like this. But after a while, Lumine finally managed to stabilize and control the Rainbow Sword. Then, the two of them stood on the Rainbow Sword and flew towards the Wangshu Inn together.

"Huh?" On the third floor of Wangshu Inn, there appeared a young boy in appearance.

His right hand had many green patterns. His gaze turned towards the sky, where Lumine and Paimon appeared. Hmm? Someone can actually fly in the sky. And it seems like she's standing on a sword? This scene surprised Xiao.

"Could it be the presence of the 'Baiwen Forbidden Archives'?"

"Who are these two, exactly?" Xiao was filled with doubts.

"Lumine, we're almost there! We're about to reach Wangshu Inn!"

"I have to say, flying with the Rainbow Sword is much faster than walking ourselves."

Seeing Wangshu Inn not far ahead, Lumine had a smile on her face. If they had traveled on foot, they might have just reached Jueyun Karst by now. But with sword flying, it was a different story. Damn, if only I had remembered earlier, we could have flown with the sword directly from Liyue Harbor. Wouldn't that be even faster?

What a pity, what a pity.

In the future, if we need to travel, we must remember the usefulness of the Rainbow Sword.

"We've arrived at Wangshu Inn, Lumine. Let's go down."

"Okay." Lumine nodded and controlled the Rainbow Sword to descend.

Then, she jumped off the Rainbow Sword and landed on the ground, while the Rainbow Sword flew into her hand. After putting away the Rainbow Sword, Lumine and Paimon looked at Wangshu Inn.

"Wow, Wangshu Inn is actually built around a big tree."

"It must have cost a lot of money, right?"

"Alright, Paimon, let's go meet the Demon Suppression Saint, tell him about Liyue Harbor, and then our mission will be complete. We can go back to Liyue Harbor, eat and drink well, and rest properly."

"Then let's set off quickly. Once we're back, I'm going to eat a big meal!"

"But who should we look for?"

"Let's go find the innkeeper of Wangshu Inn. Maybe he knows something about the Demon Suppression Saint." Lumine and Paimon arrived at the second floor of Wangshu Inn.

Here, they also saw a woman standing at the front desk. She should be the owner of Wangshu Inn.

"Hello, are you the owner of Wangshu Inn?" Paimon flew up to the woman and asked curiously.

"Excuse me, I'm not the owner of Wangshu Inn, I'm the proprietor. My name is Verr Goldet. What would you two like to eat?"

"No, we're not here to eat."

"We actually came to ask you something. Do you know anything about the Demon Suppression Saint?"

"Demon Suppression Saint? Oh, you must be talking about a peculiar young boy."

"He's upstairs. You can go and find him, but there's no guarantee that you'll be able to see him."

"Upstairs?"

"Thank you, we understand."

"Lumine, let's go up and have a look. We don't know if we'll be able to meet the Demon Suppression Saint." Lumine also expressed her gratitude and they walked upstairs together.

They reached the top floor of Wangshu Inn, but upon arrival, they looked around and didn't see any trace of the Demon Suppression Saint.

"Huh... is he not here?"

Lumine looked around but didn't see the Demon Suppression Saint. She took a few steps forward to have a full view of the surroundings around Wangshu Inn. While Lumine and Paimon were enjoying the scenery, suddenly a voice rang out.

"The naked eye is not always a reliable judge."

Lumine and Paimon were startled. They quickly looked and saw a young boy with large tattoos.

"The 'Baiwen Forbidden Archives'? It seems you came prepared... but this token only guarantees that I won't harm you. It doesn't mean you won't be harmed."

"Are you the Demon Suppression Saint?"

"I am the Traveler Lumine, and this is Paimon. We came to Wangshu Inn because we have something to discuss with you."

"Mortals who appear with the 'Baiwen Forbidden Archives' often say the same thing."

"Getting too close to the world of gods and demons goes beyond the limits. The human soul is not as resilient as an Adeptus, and the blood cannot withstand such a concentrated celestial aura. It's for your own good to leave quickly."

"Wait, we came to..." Before Paimon could finish her sentence, the Demon Suppression Saint disappeared.

"Ah, how infuriating! How could he interrupt us and not let us finish speaking!"

Paimon stomped her feet in the air, feeling angry.

"I really want to give him a derogatory nickname... but if we offend an Adeptus, will we only find cabbages in treasure chests from now on?"

"Uh... let's go and ask the innkeeper for advice on how to communicate properly with Adeptus."

After saying that, Lumine and Paimon walked downstairs. Soon, they arrived at Verr Goldet location.

"Hello, innkeeper. We're here. Can you tell us about that Adeptus..."

"Oh, you've already met Xiao?"

"Xiao? So the Demon Suppression Saint's name is Xiao."

"Yes, it's rare for him to be in a good mood and actually willing to meet people."

"So, having that kind of attitude already means he's in a 'good mood'?"

"Yes, a rare encounter with an Adeptus. Many people dedicate their lives to seeking Adeptus but never get to see one in their lifetime. When the God of Geo established Liyue, he relied on the power of Adeptus. However, most Adeptus only know how to defend Liyue through battles. So, for thousands of years, it has been the humans who have managed the operation of the trading hub, while the immortals remain secluded."

"Wow, innkeeper, you know so much."

Hearing Paimon's address, Verr Goldet corrected her, "Not 'innkeeper,' but 'proprietor'—"

"Anyway, since you have such a good connection with Adeptus, things will be easier for you. If you want my advice... hmm, try to make Xiao happy."

"Make Xiao happy? Innkeeper, are you suggesting that we treat Xiao like a child?" Lumine was surprised by this suggestion.

"Happy? It's hard to imagine what the 'Guardian Yaksha' would look like when he's happy..."

"Hehe, looking forward to it, aren't you? You can give it a try."

"But who should we look for?"

"Here's what you can do. First, go to the chef and get a serving of almond tofu, which Xiao rarely enjoys as a mortal delicacy. And then, showcase your specialty dish. You can freely improvise on that."

"Hmm... freely improvise. Lumine, what dish are you best at?"

"How about making a satisfying salad?" After thinking for a moment, Lumine pondered.