Ch 31

"Actually, from the very beginning, when I wanted to pull 'Keqing' in the standard banner, I realized it," Ningguang admitted.

"In this kind of low-probability gacha behavior, having a specific goal often backfires," she continued. "Of course, it did go beyond my expectations when he spent 90 million Mora to pull that weapon."

Keqing nodded in understanding. In essence, Ningguang had been gambling, much like in the business world. In some investments, even though the risks seemed minimal, it was often these small risks that led to bankruptcy in the end.

"So, we've achieved our goal," Keqing said with a glint in her eyes.

In reality, Ningguang had known all along that her proposal for the bet wasn't really about the bet itself. It was a means to acquire Tartaglia's account information. The most critical aspect was how far Tartaglia had progressed in the storyline, specifically whether the "Archon" questline had reached a certain point.

For Ningguang, the 30 million Mora was merely the price to obtain this information. During Tartaglia's gacha session, they had indeed found an opportunity to see where Tartaglia was in the game. His in-game character was currently in the region of Mondstadt, with the map not yet fully explored. This meant that Tartaglia's storyline progression was just after completing Mondstadt's storyline and before heading to Liyue. He hadn't experienced the "Archon Murder" storyline.

When Ningguang learned this information, the 30 million Mora she spent, even if given away, was worth it. The subsequent increments weren't just a whim; she wanted to delay Tartaglia's progress in the storyline as much as possible. Additionally, it could be seen as a gift to Takumi, the owner of the game hall. Ningguang believed that Takumi was a figure who could influence the situation in Liyue Harbor. Building a good relationship with him in advance was absolutely necessary.

Therefore, regardless of whether she won or lost the bet, Ningguang had obtained what she wanted from the very beginning. She had never really lost, and that was a life motto of hers – gamblers would always place their hopes on the next roll of the dice, but ultimately, it was the house that made the money.

....

"Warning, danger ahead in the snowy mountains. Unauthorized personnel, please stay away!" Zhong Li controlled the Traveler and was currently interacting with a patrolling Anemo Knight on the road.

Although this NPC had no relevant missions for him, Zhong Li was still interested and approached for interaction. This was how he played the game. Even though he had already completed Mondstadt's main storyline and could have moved on to Liyue, he was still lingering in Mondstadt. Unlike other players, Zhong Li was truly 'playing' the game.

Of course, it might also be because he had too much free time. Ordinary players, even if they had the leisure, couldn't afford the hourly expense of 10,000 Mora.

This Anemo Knight near the Dragonspine region was currently preventing him from entering the snowy mountains.

"The snowy mountain is currently unopened on the map," Zhong Li thought. "In a future update, it should be accessible."

Through conversations with various NPCs, Zhong Li discovered many interesting things. Some NPCs gave him materials, others shared intriguing stories in just a couple of sentences, while some hinted at hidden aspects of the storyline. Overall, he gained a lot of details.

Each NPC had their own story, which was one of the reasons Zhong Li was deeply immersed in the game. In the past two days, he had spent more time in the game hall than any other player.

In the main storyline, he witnessed the Traveler and the God of Anemo's efforts to save their kin from the perspective of a third person. In his long life, he had never experienced everything in such a novel way.

Undoubtedly, the game's content had captivated him. He hadn't even bothered to watch other player play in the last couple of days, as he was fully immersed in the immersive experience of the game's content.

Another noteworthy aspect was the quality of tea in this game hall, which was no worse than what he had in Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. The price was also reasonable, only 100,000 Mora per cup. According to the owner, Takumi, it was refillable indefinitely.

Speaking of which, something that happened in the game hall earlier today might be worth considering. The bet between the Tianquan Ningguang and Tartaglia ended with Tartaglia spending 90 million Mora to pull the Skyward Harp.

Hmm... 90 million Mora, at first glance, might not seem like much, but rationally speaking, it should be a considerable sum. Many players around were discussing it, saying they wouldn't touch the weapon banner after witnessing Tartaglia's gacha session.

However, Zhong Li's focus wasn't on that. The bet between Ningguang, Keqing, and Tartaglia seemed like a competition, but in reality, there were hidden currents at play. Zhong Li speculated that all of this was related to a new storyline in Liyue.

There must be a significant event happening in the Liyue storyline.

"It seems I need to speed up the progress a bit," Zhong Li thought, temporarily setting aside his casual exploration gameplay style. He hadn't even started Mondstadt's legendary quests yet, but these things wouldn't disappear. Zhong Li had decided to initiate the Liyue storyline to see what kind of events had garnered such attention from the Seven.

Following the quest guidance, Zhong Li quickly arrived in Liyue Harbor. "The Jade Chamber's Traveler" was today. In reality, there were still more than twenty days left.

Zhong Li narrowed his eyes slightly. He seemed to have a premonition.

Sure enough, as the Jade Chamber's Traveler began, an anomaly occurred. The Rex Lapis' spirit descended from the sky. Ningguang immediately declared, "The Archon has been murdered, seal off the area."

Zhong Li's mouth opened slightly.

He hadn't shown this surprised expression in a long time. The content of this mobile game was actually everything he had been planning for in the future! Creating a fake death illusion to test the various forces in Liyue. Zhong Li had never mentioned this plan to anyone, and he hadn't even started implementing it himself. Yet, it was unexpectedly unfolding in this mobile game?

Even someone as scheming as him couldn't help but feel a bit restless. Previously, he had merely thought that the owner of this game hall was an outstanding individual among humans, who had designed and developed this novel thing called "mobile games." But now, it seemed even he had underestimated it. Takumi had actually foreseen his future plans! This couldn't be explained away as mere coincidence.

Although the storyline hadn't explicitly revealed how he had "died," the scenes unfolding during the Jade Chamber's Traveler event were almost entirely in line with what he had envisioned.

Suddenly, Zhong Li's expression changed. He seemed to sense something and looked toward the window. A sudden breeze rang the wind chimes hanging by the window. "Ding-a-ling..."

Zhong Li put down his phone, stood up, and walked toward the outside of the game hall. Unexpectedly, after many years, the God of Wind from the neighboring nation had come to Liyue Harbor once again. No, perhaps he should now be called Venti. Venti's arrival was probably inevitably linked to this mobile game.

Tartaglia stared at the rows of golden 5-star weapons in his backpack and felt a bit helpless. Did having so many Dust of Azoth imply that Lisa was replaceable? Because so far, she was the only character capable of using a magical catalyst. Equipping himself with a 90 million Mora Skyward Harp, looking at his six-level constellation, Tartaglia didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Sigh, forget it, since things have come to this, let's just keep playing," he said. "With so many 5-star weapons, maybe I can use them until version 6.0."

In Liyue Harbor, the storyline progressed rapidly. Through inquiries with passersby, he learned that the Jade Chamber's Traveler event was scheduled for today. He arrived at Yujing Terrace and the ritual began.

Tartaglia took a sip of his drink and watched the opening of the Jade Chamber's Traveler event with interest. However, soon his expression changed. At the scene of the ceremony, the Geo Archon himself had been killed, and his body had fallen in public!

This sudden turn of events left him in shock. Suddenly, Tartaglia seemed to realize something. "Damn it, I've been fooled!" He hadn't just lost a bet; the contents of this information were crucial for the Foolish People as well. He knew that Ningguang and her group must have completed this step a long time ago. So, the Seven already must have started their moves. The Foolish People's situation was about to become extremely complicated.

Tartaglia had originally wanted to leave the game hall immediately and take corresponding measures, but the moment his hand touched the door handle of the private room, he stopped. "No, if I continue this way, I'll still be in a passive position."

He turned back and looked at the glowing phone on the table. There was still a chance. As long as he continued advancing the storyline and discovered the real cause behind this incident, he could turn the tables. His team composition was already quite luxurious. Advancing the storyline and defeating the enemies would be much faster than Ningguang's group. So, there was still a chance to catch up.

Tartaglia believed that in another private room, Ningguang and her group were probably also accelerating the progression of the storyline. Whoever could complete the storyline the fastest would gain the initiative! He never expected things would become so delicate. Tartaglia's gaze regained its composure as he returned to his seat. "Next, let's see who can find the answers in this mobile game first."

.....

"Huh? Why is there a stone table here, with so many utensils and a wine jug on it?"

"There are inscriptions on the chairs next to it, '[Reside Here in Clouds],' '[Return Here in the End],' and '[Request the Geo Archon Here].'"

Inside a private room, Keqing and Ningguang were each participating in the Seeking Immortality storyline. Not long ago, they had encountered the first Adeptus, Moon-Carver Lord.

This Adeptus stated that he would make judgments about their matter and instructed the Traveler to inform the other Adeptus - Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and the Demon Subduer residing in the Wangshu Inn.

In order to efficiently gather information, Ningguang and Keqing had chosen to tackle different tasks first. Ningguang went to find Mountain Shaper, while Keqing sought out Cloud Retainer.

At this moment, Keqing had arrived at the Aocang Mountain and discovered traces left behind by the Adeptus. Paimon was curiously inspecting the marks on the chairs.

"'Archon'... Could it mean 'Geo Archon'? 'Return Here in the End'... I wonder what that means."

"'Reside Here in Clouds'... That's right! Among the Adeptus Moon-Carver Lord mentioned, there's one called 'Cloud Retainer!'"

"Hehe, if that's the case, maybe we can get Cloud Retainer's attention by preparing some food that Adeptus like?"

Following Paimon's line of thinking, Keqing easily found traces of offerings in the surroundings. After offering three dishes, the abode of the Adeptus, known as "Retreat of Clouds," opened up through a wind tunnel.

This domain is indeed a very distinctive secret place, filled with intricate puzzles and mechanisms. For Keqing, it was naturally not a problem. After spending a little time, she reached the end of the domain. Cloud Retainer had been waiting there for quite some time.

"You've managed to pass through the domain. You indeed have some ability," remarked Cloud Retainer. "What brings you here? Hurry and tell me; don't disturb my rest."

The Traveler proceeded to recount the events that had occurred in Liyue Harbor. Compared to the composed and angered Moon-Carver Lord, this crane-shaped Adeptus appeared more irritable.

"This is too absurd, unbelievable. I must investigate this!"

"No... What does 'suppressing' Liyue Harbor mean? Are you planning to destroy the entire Liyue Harbor?" Paimon panicked. "Think of a solution quickly! This Adeptus is serious! She really intends to suppress the entire Liyue Harbor!"

Keqing couldn't help but show a somewhat astonished expression. It seemed that not every Adeptus could be so rational. For example, the immediate response of Cloud Retainer was to suppress Liyue Harbor and subdue the Seven, clearly a radical among the Adeptus. Keqing and Ningguang found these types of Adeptus to be the most troublesome.

Under the continuous persuasion of Paimon and the Traveler, Cloud Retainer finally calmed down slightly. She expressed her intention to first verify the matter with other Adeptus before taking action against the Seven.

Meanwhile, Ningguang had also completed her meeting with Mountain Shaper. After conveying the message to this Adeptus, Mountain Shaper also found it hard to believe and planned to gather with the other Adeptus later.

At this point in the story, Keqing and Ningguang briefly exchanged information. Some of these Adeptus only existed in legends and would only appear in times of turmoil. With the world currently prospering, they had retreated to the mountains and fields. However, they had no intention of standing idly by after such a significant event. Moreover, they all displayed varying degrees of disappointment in the Seven.

This journey to seek the Adeptus had also allowed Keqing and Ningguang to gain some understanding of these Adeptus. They had started to think about how to maintain their relationships with them in the future.

Next, there was the last Adeptus to meet, the Demon Subduer at Wangshu Inn.

According to the mission instructions, they arrived at the inn's rooftop. Paimon looked around. "Huh? Isn't he here?..."

At this moment, a lyrical background music began to play. The Traveler slowly approached the balcony's railing. Perhaps they hadn't expected the view from this height to be so beautiful. The Traveler couldn't help but lean on the railing, gazing towards the distant scenery of Liyue.

A faint breeze blew through, causing leaves to flutter down. Suddenly, a cold voice echoed nearby. "Mortal eyes may not always see the truth."

To the left of the Traveler, the young Adeptus had somehow appeared unnoticed. This was Keqing's first encounter with the legendary Demon Subduer.

Beneath his short, deep green hair was a cold and sharp countenance that warned strangers to keep their distance. His eyes were as sharp as knives, and the exposed right arm bore intricate green patterns. This Adeptus, though in humanoid form, seemed more dangerous than the three beast-shaped Adeptus they had encountered earlier.

The Traveler seemed to recognize this, immediately pulling out the Unreconciled Stars emblem. "The 'Unreconciled Stars Emblem'? It seems you've come prepared," Xiao remarked. "But this token only ensures that I won't harm you, it doesn't mean you won't be affected."

"I... don't quite understand," Paimon timidly said.

"Venturing too close to the world of Adeptus and demons exceeds your bounds," Xiao explained. "Human souls are not as resilient as Adeptus', and their blood cannot bear such concentrated celestial energy. It's for your own good; leave immediately."

Xiao disappeared without giving them any chance to respond. It seemed this Adeptus wasn't easy to deal with.

"Well... we should go and consult with the innkeeper about how to communicate with Adeptus properly," Paimon suggested.

Following the innkeeper Fillet's suggestion to "prepare something delicious," the Traveler sought out the chef, Yanxiao, who had helped resolve the ghostly hand-trembling incident. With Yanxiao's assistance, they prepared Xiao's favorite dish, almond tofu.

Finally, they had another chance to meet with Xiao. While Xiao was eating, the Traveler quickly informed him of the situation.

Upon hearing the news, Xiao appeared slightly lost in thought but managed to stay composed. "Moon-Carver Lord... facing such adversity."

"I... can't imagine it. Regardless of how times change, I never thought I'd see the day when we'd lose the Lord of Geo in Liyue."

"What role did the Seven, who govern over humanity, play in this matter?"

"I will seek out the three True Adeptus, the Moon-Carver, the Waterkeeper, and the Cloud Retainer. It's time for them to make a decision."

The quest to seek the Adeptus had come to an end. It seemed an inevitable showdown between the Adeptus and the Seven was on the horizon.

Currently, the situation appeared highly unfavorable for Keqing and Ningguang, who were part of the Seven.

However, when they returned to the Northland Bank to find Childe, their conversation took a less friendly turn. The Traveler truthfully recounted the journey to find the Adeptus, and Childe responded with information of his own as a courtesy.