Qiu Bai chuckled at Paimon's remark. He didn't think he sounded that old, but perhaps being around Zhongli made Paimon feel that way.
"I don't talk like that, little Paimon."
He smiled and patted Paimon's head.
"I told you to stop patting Paimon's head!"
Paimon dodged his hand and stomped her foot in frustration.
"Zhongli, I'll be heading off first."
"I made an appointment to visit the Qunyu Pavilion later."
Ignoring Paimon's protests, Qiu Bai turned to Zhongli.
"The Qunyu Pavilion? You mean that massive floating structure in the sky?"
Lumine asked in surprise.
Compared to the one in the game, the Qunyu Pavilion here was significantly larger—about four times its original size, though not overwhelmingly so.
"Yes, that is the Qunyu Pavilion, built by Ningguang, the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing."
Zhongli spoke in his usual composed manner.
"Just earlier, Yuheng of the Qixing came to see us."
"She invited us to go up, but I declined. However, my old friend here seems quite interested."
Zhongli smiled as he explained to Lumine and Paimon.
"Whoa, getting a personal invitation from the Tianquan herself?"
"I just didn't expect Qiu Bai to get invited too."
Paimon pouted, still holding a grudge over Qiu Bai patting her head, making her even more biased against him.
"Hey, do I really seem that unworthy?"
Qiu Bai touched his nose before continuing,
"You'll receive an invitation soon enough too. For now, I'll head out first."
With that, Qiu Bai walked towards the designated meeting point beneath the Qunyu Pavilion. Keqing had informed him earlier that he needed to find someone named Buyun and give a passphrase in order to gain access.
"Take care, old friend."
Zhongli watched Qiu Bai leave, his gaze following him until he disappeared from sight. Then, he turned back to Lumine and Paimon.
"Now then, let's begin preparing the materials needed for the Rite of Parting."
"Traveler, having experienced a nation where the gods have departed, how do you feel about Liyue—a land still under divine watch?"
Zhongli stood there, waiting patiently for Lumine's response.
"As expected, Liyue is the best."
Lumine took in her surroundings—the vast blue sky, the peaceful atmosphere, the elegant architecture, and the distinct clothing of the people. Most importantly, the food was amazing!
"Yes, the land of the Geo Archon holds a rich 3,700-year history, the deepest of all seven nations."
Zhongli's lips curled into a faint smile before he returned to his usual composed expression and continued,
"The preparations for the Rite of Parting will also become part of your journey, broadening your experiences."
"Liyue is the most prosperous among the seven nations. For years, it has been guarded by a god and ruled by the Qixing, making it difficult for the Fatui to exert their usual diplomatic influence here."
"Ningguang, one of the Qixing, remains highly vigilant against the Fatui. That may be why Childe seeks to leverage his connections with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Paimon clasped her hands behind her back and asked curiously,
"Hmm... but what does Childe gain from helping with the Rite of Parting?"
"I don't know, nor do I care. As far as I'm concerned, the Fatui are merely providing financial support."
"My only concern is ensuring that Liyue's traditions are not forgotten."
Zhongli explained calmly.
"Wow, financial support!"
Paimon's eyes sparkled as she looked at Zhongli.
"Yes, this is the first installment of funding provided by Childe."
"If we run out, we can always ask him for more."
As Zhongli spoke, he reached into his robes and pulled out a pouch of Mora.
"Alright, let's get moving."
"The first step in preparing the ceremony is to obtain the finest Noctilucous Jade, one of a quality worthy of the gods."
With that, Zhongli led Lumine and Paimon toward Xie Cui Trade...
...
Inside the Qunyu Pavilion, Ningguang sat elegantly, her long legs crossed as she examined the documents delivered by one of Keqing's informants. A faint, knowing smile played on her lips.
"I truly didn't expect that Mr. Qiu Bai from the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor would actually agree to come to the Qunyu Pavilion."
"Perhaps this Qiu Bai is an Adeptus in disguise."
She hadn't been particularly suspicious when Qiu Bai had suddenly vanished earlier. However, the information sent by Verr Goldet, the owner of Wangshu Inn, had left her somewhat uncertain.
Ningguang rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Liyue was in a precarious state—the Geo Archon had been assassinated, an Adeptus had gone missing, and the attitudes of the remaining Adepti remained unknown.
For now, all she could do was proceed cautiously, taking things step by step. The weight of responsibility on her shoulders felt heavier than ever.
And then there were the Fatui. Her intelligence network had confirmed that three of their Harbingers were currently in Liyue—La Signora, Childe, and an unidentified third figure.
Regardless of their plans, one thing was certain: even without the presence of a god, Liyue Harbor was not so easily manipulated.
"For now, I should test the waters with Mr. Qiu Bai."
Setting down the documents, Ningguang took a deep breath and stepped outside. She gazed down at the bustling Liyue Harbor beneath her.
It was already noon, and the high sun bathed the Qunyu Pavilion in golden light, its vast shadow stretching over the city below.
"No matter the time, the Qunyu Pavilion will always hover above Liyue, bearing witness to the prosperity of the mortal world."
"One day, I will see to it that its shadow covers all seven nations."
Her amber eyes gleamed with determination.
...
Meanwhile, Qiu Bai had just approached the man known as Buyun.
"May I help you?"
Buyun looked at him with slight curiosity.
Qiu Bai spoke calmly, "Hello, do you sell the moon here?"
Hearing this, Buyun's lips curled into a smile.
"So, you're a friend of Lady Ningguang. Please, follow me."
With that, Buyun stepped onto a nearby floating stone and gestured for Qiu Bai to do the same.
"Step aboard, sir."
Qiu Bai followed suit, and as soon as he was on, the floating stone lifted into the air, ascending toward the grand pavilion that hung above the clouds.
Upon arrival, Qiu Bai took a moment to observe his surroundings, taking in the sheer magnificence of the structure. Not far away, he spotted Ningguang standing at the edge of the pavilion.
Sensing his presence, Ningguang turned, her gaze meeting Qiu Bai's.
She then strode toward him gracefully, her every step exuding confidence.
"Mr. Qiu Bai, it has been a while."
Ningguang greeted him with a smile.
"Indeed, Miss Ningguang. It's been some time."
Qiu Bai returned the smile lightly.
"It's quite windy up here, and one could catch a chill. Please, allow me to escort you inside for a proper discussion."
Ningguang's smile remained as she studied Qiu Bai. She hadn't paid close attention to him before, but now that she had the chance, his striking appearance caught her off guard.
She had met many accomplished men, but Qiu Bai stood out—not only for his vast knowledge but also for his refined demeanor, impeccable manners, and an air of effortless elegance.
"In that case, I appreciate the invitation, Miss Ningguang."
"This is my first time here, and it truly does feel like a palace."
Qiu Bai glanced around, unable to suppress his admiration. It was difficult to fathom just how much effort Ningguang had poured into building such a heavenly fortress in the sky.