Ding!
"The host has obtained a pair of stockings condensed from the Law of Yin and Yang!"
The system's voice echoed in Qiu Xue's mind.
Her mouth twitched at the notification. That's it? That's the name? She sighed and opened the item description.
What appeared before her was a pair of gradient stockings, adorned with golden patterns on both sides. The lower half was black, gradually fading into white as it extended upward.
Description: Stockings condensed from the Law of Yin and Yang. The opposing forces complement each other, nourishing both divine power and the soul.
"…They actually look pretty nice."
"Guess I'll try them on."
With a mere thought, the white stockings on her legs transformed into the black-and-white gradient pair.
A warm sensation enveloped her legs, akin to being submerged in soothing hot water.
"…This feeling."
"These stockings are replenishing both my divine power and my soul."
As she relished the unexpected comfort, Qiu Xue turned her gaze toward Lumine and Paimon.
At that moment, the two were still caught up in their argument.
…
"Traveler! How could you do this?!"
Paimon crossed her arms, frowning at Lumine.
"Hahaha! Paimon's about to get spanked!"
Lumine smirked, hands on her hips, clearly amused by Paimon's plight.
…
"Alright, alright, Paimon. Let's go outside and take a look."
"I won't tease you anymore."
Lumine ruffled Paimon's hair.
…
"Hmph! Paimon wants something delicious to eat!"
"Otherwise, I won't be able to calm down all day!"
Paimon puffed up her cheeks, turning away with an exaggerated huff.
…
Watching their playful exchange, Qiu Xue chuckled softly before gracefully approaching them.
"Alright, little Paimon. You too, Lumine."
She reached out, gently patting both of their heads before turning her gaze toward Paimon.
"I was just teasing you, little one."
"But no more badmouthing me when we're out in public, alright?"
Qiu Xue smiled warmly as she looked at the floating Paimon.
…
"Yay! Qiu Xue is the best! Oh—uh, and Qiu Bai too!"
Paimon clapped her hands together, grinning at Qiu Xue.
…
"Alright, let's go, Paimon."
"Goodbye, Zhongli. Goodbye, Qiu Xue."
Lumine waved before leading Paimon out of the Northland Bank.
…
Qiu Xue turned back, her eyes meeting Zhongli's.
"Morax, shall we take a walk as well?"
A soft smile graced her lips.
…
"Haha, that sounds like a fine idea."
"With an old friend beside me, how about we head to 'Three Bowls is Never Enough' for a meal afterward?"
Zhongli's gaze softened as he nodded.
With that, the two of them stepped out of the Northland Bank together.
…
As soon as they exited, Qiu Xue halted, her eyes lifting toward the vast blue sky.
"At last… I no longer have to hide my identity from the adepti."
She murmured, a faint smile curling at her lips.
…
"Come now, old friend. Let's go."
Zhongli's voice was warm as he watched her in quiet contemplation.
"…Alright, Morax."
Qiu Xue chuckled lightly and nodded.
Side by side, the two walked through the bustling streets.
…
Naturally, they attracted attention.
…
"Look, who's that beautiful woman walking beside Master Zhongli?"
A woman dressed in Liyue-style clothing nudged her friend excitedly.
"I don't know, but she looks like a fairy…"
"She kind of resembles that new girl from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Qiu Yue, was it?"
Her companion tilted her head thoughtfully.
…
"Could they be sisters or something? She's really pretty."
Another passerby chimed in, admiring Qiu Xue.
…
"Seriously, Wangsheng Funeral Parlor is full of good-looking people."
"And she's walking with Zhongli… could it be—"
The first woman gave them an intrigued, almost gossiping glance.
…
"Haha, old friend."
"You certainly draw a lot of attention in your female form."
Zhongli chuckled, turning to Qiu Xue with an amused smile.
At that moment, Qiu Xue rested her hands gently on her abdomen, a soft smile in her luminous eyes.
With every step, her graceful legs moved with quiet elegance, exuding an air of gentleness and serenity.
Due to her height, she had to tilt her head slightly to look up at Zhongli.
"…Hmm."
"It is quite attention-grabbing."
Qiu Xue pressed a fingertip against her lips, closing her eyes slightly as she smiled at Zhongli.
"But Morax, your little fake body was adorable."
"It was so tiny… and when it fell from the sky, it even stuck out its tongue."
Qiu Xue blinked playfully at him, her tone teasing.
…
"Ahem…"
"If that form were too large, it would have made delivering the oracle during the Rite of Parting difficult. Additionally, I was concerned the structures might not be able to withstand the weight."
Zhongli coughed lightly into his hand, his face showing the faintest hint of embarrassment as he responded with his usual composed demeanor.
…
"Hehehe."
Qiu Xue chuckled behind her hand, watching Zhongli's reaction with amusement.
Teasing this old man is actually quite fun.
If he kept up that solemn expression all the time, it was bound to get tiring.
…
As they arrived at the lotus pond beneath Yujing Terrace, Qiu Xue crouched down slightly, gazing at her reflection in the water.
She reached into the pond with her delicate hands, plucking a lotus flower and bringing it close to inhale its fragrance.
Zhongli, meanwhile, stood silently behind her, arms folded across his chest.
…
"Hey, did you hear? Turns out the assassination attempt on the Geo Archon was real!"
Not far away, a Liyuean man in martial attire whispered to a miner beside him.
"Of course I heard! Anyone who dares to go after the Geo Archon must be seriously dangerous."
"They say it was some young guy from the Fatui… I think his name was Childe."
The miner waved his hand dismissively as he spoke.
"Fatui, huh? Those people are always up to something shady."
"Keep your voice down! What if one of them hears us?"
The warrior beside him nervously glanced around, lowering his voice.
…
"Relax. Don't we still have the Immortal Lord?"
"I'm sure he'll protect us."
The miner chuckled, reassuring his companion.
All around, others were discussing the same topic.
…
"Our Immortal Lord is incredible!"
"With a single sword strike, he killed that sea god!"
"But I heard rumors that he's fallen into slumber again…"
Throughout the streets, people talked excitedly about both the Immortal Lord and the Geo Archon.
…
And yet, the very figures they spoke of stood by the lotus pond, calmly admiring the scenery.
…
"Let's go, Morax. We should take a look," Qiu Xue murmured, slowly rising to her feet.
She turned to Zhongli with a smile, her gaze reflecting the water's tranquility.
…
"Mm."
Zhongli nodded, and together, they made their way toward the entrance of Yujing Terrace.
…
A massive crowd had already gathered.
Standing at the forefront was Feng Yan, an instructor of the Millelith.
And within the sea of people, Lumine and Paimon stood watching the platform, their gazes fixed on Feng Yan.
…
"It's Qiu Xue and Zhongli!"
Paimon turned around, waving excitedly at the two approaching figures.
…
"Qiu Xue, Zhongli—are you here to watch the Rite of Parting too?"
Lumine eyed them curiously.
One of them pretended to be asleep, and the other faked their death…
And now Zhongli's actually attending his own funeral?
Lumine couldn't help but press her lips together, resisting the urge to comment on the irony.