After Lumine stated the reward she wanted, she turned to Ying'er, who stood beside her, smiling.
"I even used some special incense before coming here today."
"I thought you'd like it," Ying'er said with a hint of playful grievance.
"But I didn't expect you to have such a stunning beauty by your side."
"Ah~ I could never compare. Thinking about it is a little disheartening," she added with a teasing smile, glancing at Qiu Xue.
"You must be Miss Ying'er from Chunxiang Kiln."
"Hello, I'm Qiu Xue."
Qiu Xue stepped forward, her captivating eyes meeting Ying'er's as she extended a hand in greeting.
After all, who in Liyue didn't know about the infamous "Queen of Carriages"?
"Hehe, Sister Qiu Xue is truly beautiful."
"I'm sure plenty of people have their eyes on you... just like this heroic traveler here."
Ying'er chuckled, covering her mouth before reaching out to shake Qiu Xue's hand.
Lumine, upon hearing this, immediately nodded—yes, she definitely had Qiu Xue on her mind.
"And I like Ying'er too," Lumine added, turning her gaze to her with amusement. After all, who could resist a charming, confident woman like her?
"Oh my, so the traveler wants to have it all?"
"What a scandal~"
"But that means I have one more rival now," Ying'er giggled, casting a playful glance at Qiu Xue.
"Hahaha."
Qiu Xue laughed, amused by Ying'er's teasing.
"Alright, Ying'er, we still have some things to take care of. We'll head over there for now."
Qiu Xue spoke gently before turning away.
Nearby, Stone clutched his chest, his expression filled with sorrow.
"Sigh... The Geo Archon, the Immortal Lord..."
"Honestly, I'm sure everyone here feels the same as I do."
Qiu Xue twitched slightly at his words. He's not dead—just sleeping! Why is he making it sound like he's gone forever?
Lumine's gaze shifted toward Madame Ping.
"Sigh... The relationship between Liyue's people and the Adepti..."
"In the future, how will it continue?"
Before she even approached, she could hear Madame Ping murmuring to herself.
Lumine's eyes flicked to the Dust Cleansing Bell on the nearby table, then to the grief-stricken citizens of Liyue around them.
Paimon couldn't help but glance at Qiu Xue and Zhongli.
Noticing how both of them seemed completely at ease, she scratched her head in confusion.
The four of them walked toward the railing of Yujing Terrace.
"Hey, Zhongli, Qiu Xue—look at them."
"The people of Liyue think they'll never see the Geo Archon or the Immortal Lord again. Just look at this atmosphere—pure sorrow and nostalgia."
"So why do you two seem so... relaxed?" Paimon asked, puzzled.
"Haha, wouldn't you feel lighter too, Paimon, after letting go of such a heavy burden?"
Qiu Xue covered her mouth and chuckled before glancing at Zhongli.
"From a rational standpoint, shedding a 3,700-year-old responsibility would certainly bring a sense of relief."
"Oh, that reminds me—when do you all have time? I'd like to treat you to a meal at the Wanmin Restaurant."
Zhongli turned to them with a smile.
"Hmph, don't try to fool me, Zhongli! I can believe you handled three bowls of liquor just fine—"
"But Wanmin Restaurant charges even for tea! Can you really afford it?"
Paimon crossed her arms, looking at him with skepticism. After all, Zhongli had never seemed to have a single Mora to his name before.
"Uh..."
"Well, now that you mention it... I am a little short on Mora," Zhongli admitted, rubbing his chin awkwardly.
"Haha, don't worry, Morax."
"I can afford it."
Qiu Xue smiled at Lumine and Paimon before glancing at Zhongli's embarrassed expression with amusement.
"When he was the Geo Archon, Morax, he could indeed create Mora with ease."
"But since he has chosen to live as the mortal Zhongli, he should follow the traditions of mortals."
Qiu Xue spoke calmly, looking at Lumine and Paimon.
"Yes! Qiu Xue is the reliable one here!"
"Hm... but I think I finally understand why Zhongli never checks prices before spending. It's because he's not used to it."
Paimon waved her hand dismissively, glancing at Zhongli.
"But at the same time, he's also not used to not being able to conjure up Mora whenever he wants."
"So he's basically turned into a freeloader who eats for free and expects others to cover the bill."
Paimon turned to Lumine, speaking in an exaggeratedly slow and deliberate tone.
"Hahaha."
Qiu Xue couldn't help but laugh, covering her mouth.
Zhongli shot her a glance before clearing his throat.
"Ahem..."
"I only spent a little of the Fatui's money. No need to make me sound so terrible."
Feeling slightly embarrassed, he rubbed his chin as he explained himself.
"In the trade capital, people exchange more than just money and goods."
"They also trade wisdom, insight, identities, roles... even ways of life."
Zhongli paused, crossing his arms as he gazed down at Liyue Harbor from Yujing Terrace.
"No matter how much the Geo Archon Morax walked among mortals as the Lord of Geo, laughing and drinking with them…"
"It is still not the same as becoming a true mortal, like Zhongli."
Turning around, he addressed Lumine and Paimon with a composed expression.
Qiu Xue also looked at the two of them.
"Little Paimon, Lumine—both as Qiu Bai and as Qiu Xue…"
"And Zhongli as well… We will cherish the memories of walking Liyue's streets with you."
Qiu Xue nodded at Zhongli, then turned back to Lumine and Paimon with a gentle smile.
"It was a wonderful journey."
Lumine returned the nod.
"Yes… but all travel companions must part ways eventually."
Zhongli raised a hand and gave them a small wave.
"Well, I suppose it's time to move forward and continue the journey in search of the Eight Archons."
Paimon nodded, glancing at Qiu Xue and Zhongli.
"You've already met three of the Eight Archons of this world."
"However, continuing the journey may be difficult. The neighboring nation of Inazuma is currently under a state of isolation."
Zhongli explained slowly.
"What kind of Archon rules over Inazuma?"
Lumine asked curiously.
"Inazuma's Archon of Thunder, Baal, is much like how Liyue's people refer to me and my old friend."
"The Geo Archon, the Immortal Lord of Ying and Yang—just as we have other titles, she too is known by another name in Inazuma."
Zhongli glanced at Qiu Xue before continuing his explanation.
"Hm... I think I've heard her name before. Something like 'Raiden'..."
Paimon furrowed her brows, trying to recall.
"Raiden is one of her divine titles. But as the ruler of the Inazuma Shogunate..."
"She is respectfully known as the Raiden Shogun."
Zhongli looked at Lumine and Paimon, his voice steady.