Chapter 34

After a busy day of fieldwork, Keqing returned to Yuehai Pavilion, planning to work overtime on paperwork in the evening.

However, she encountered Ganyu, who was beaming with joy as if she had just resolved a troubling matter.

Keqing's heart skipped a beat.

Could it be that the secretary of Yuehai Pavilion had knowingly broken the law?

Keqing tentatively asked Ganyu, "Ganyu, what's this about...?"

Ganyu replied, "It's nothing, just that I finally put a sudden idea into action..."

Keqing's heart cried out in alarm, thinking this must mean she had done something to poor Jiang Ning!

Meanwhile, Ganyu felt somewhat relieved.

Because that afternoon, she had forced Ying'er's pottery shop to temporarily close using various reasons like fire safety violations.

She had even fined Ying'er a sum of money.

Though she couldn't bring herself to punish her fellow disciples, Ying'er, who was the instigator and could at least be considered an accomplice, absolutely needed to be severely punished.

After a busy afternoon, Ganyu felt satisfied, having vented her helpless rage.

"Ganyu, regarding this matter, I'll turn a blind eye this time... but if possible, try not to do such things in the future."

Keqing suggested very sincerely.

At least wait until he's grown up, she thought.

Ganyu was startled – her first act of using public office for private purposes in thousands of years, though legal and compliant, was still driven by personal motives.

Did Keqing already know about this?

As expected of the Liyue Qixing.

Ganyu said, "Don't worry, Keqing, it won't happen again."

Keqing muttered to herself that of course it wouldn't happen again, since it was already done...

But Ganyu had worked hard for Yuehai Pavilion and Liyue for thousands of years.

Some things just needed to be handled with discretion.

Keqing said, "As long as you understand. I'll be going now."

With that, she left, while Ganyu let out a sigh of relief and patted her chest.

Thank goodness. If even the normally strict Keqing said this much, the other Qixing probably wouldn't say anything either.

However, she really shouldn't use her position for personal matters again.

Ganyu went to Yuehai Pavilion to handle some documents, then packed some food from Wanmin Restaurant before returning to her residence.

Her little junior seemed to like Wanmin Restaurant's cooking, so they could eat there from now on.

"Little junior, I'm back. What are you doing?" 

Ganyu asked with a smile as she opened the door.

Jiang Ning said, "Senior Sister, during the Rite of Descension, could I go there to watch?"

Ganyu replied with a gentle smile, "Of course. You and Shenhe can come with me to the inner area. As disciples of the adeptus, you're considered juniors of Rex Lapis, so no one will question your presence in the inner area."

"Thank you, Senior Sister."

Excitement flashed in Jiang Ning's eyes.

Rex Lapis – he had heard about him when he first got into this world. As the god of Liyue, which was modeled after his homeland, he naturally felt a sense of belonging and curiosity about Rex Lapis.

However, in the two years since he'd been here, he hadn't seen Rex Lapis even once.

This time, he had to meet him at least once. This year, wasn't Keqing in charge of the Rite of Descension?

Seeing Jiang Ning's happy expression, Ganyu was also delighted. It seemed her junior hadn't been traumatized...

Then, Ganyu's gaze fell on Shenhe, her smile gradually fading. She suddenly sighed and said, "Let's eat. This won't happen again, Shenhe..."

Shenhe nodded and sat down with them.

...

Over the next two days, Ganyu was nowhere to be seen, and she had taken Shenhe with her. Jiang Ning, with nothing to do, spent his time telling stories to Zhongli while learning spear techniques and Geo element control from him.

To Jiang Ning's surprise, his progress with the Geo element in these two days of training exceeded what he had learned in a year with his senior sister.

This further confirmed his belief that Zhongli must be an exceptional adeptus.

Today was the last day of training, as tomorrow would be the Rite of Descension. Just as Jiang Ning was about to leave, Zhongli suddenly asked:

"Jiang Ning, what do you think Liyue would become without Rex Lapis?"

Jiang Ning was stunned, then said, "Liyue would lose its absolute military deterrent against outside threats..."

"What if Liyue could overcome the threat of demons through its own power?"

Jiang Ning replied, "From what I've read in the texts, demons vary in strength, and even with adepti present, dealing with demons would likely cost many human lives."

"King against king, general against general, demon god against demon god – this is an unchangeable truth. Even if we could repel the demons, what then? Depleting our resources once or twice would lead to a slow death."

Jiang Ning sighed and continued, "After all, Teyvat is still a continent ruled by demon gods. During the Archon War, countries without demon gods were absorbed by others, and I think it's still the same now... it's just a matter of time. Don't forget, human lifespans are very short compared to demon gods, and you can't guarantee that every generation of the Liyue Qixing will be wise rulers."

Zhongli fell silent, seeming to contemplate something.

Jiang Ning bowed to Zhongli with a disciple's courtesy and left.

This was also Zhongli's requirement these past two days.

Having learned his spear techniques, adeptal arts, and even his Geo element, it was proper to show a disciple's respect.

The autumn wind whistled mournfully. After a long while, Zhongli finally sighed:

"The burden is heavy and the road is long, but perhaps there's still a chance..."

...

"Senior Sister Ganyu, Senior Sister Shenhe, I'm back... Eh, where's Senior Sister Ganyu?"

Returning home, Jiang Ning found only Shenhe sitting quietly alone, with no sign of Ganyu.

Shenhe said, "Sister seems to be dealing with some problems in the Rite of Descension preparations. Something went wrong with the subordinates, so she might need to stay overnight to handle it."

"What?" Jiang Ning said, "That's so tough?"

Shenhe explained, "I heard Sister didn't actually need to be there, but she was worried and wanted to supervise... so tonight it's just the two of us for dinner."

Jiang Ning nodded, "I see... well, let's eat then."

After dinner, Jiang Ning wanted to go to bed early since tomorrow would be the bustling Rite of Descension.

However, as he tried to return to his room, a strong yet soft hand grabbed him.

Turning around, he saw Shenhe, her face slightly flushed, looking stunningly beautiful.

Shenhe awkwardly said, "Junior Brother, Sister isn't here today, I..."

Looking at Shenhe's expectant expression, Jiang Ning understood.

Around him, Shenhe had only two modes besides her quiet state.

Hungry and seductive.

And now, they had already eaten their fill.

Jiang Ning gritted his teeth, ready to accompany his senior sister even at the cost of his life.