Zhongli continued explaining to Paimon and Lumine, detailing why Inazuma's ruler had enacted the Sakoku Decree and the Vision Hunt Decree. His gaze then shifted toward the two.
"At this moment, even I, the eldest of the Eight Archons, have 'passed away.' This will only further solidify her determination to pursue eternity."
"When she issued the Vision Hunt Decree, she must have repeated the words she so often spoke to her people."
"Among the ideals pursued by the Eight Archons, only eternity comes closest to the Heavenly Principles."
Zhongli's voice was calm as he explained.
"The ideals pursued by the Eight Archons?"
"I don't think I have any particular ideal."
Qiu Xue touched her chin, her mouth twitching slightly. For a moment, even she found herself at a loss.
What was her ideal? Slacking off? Taking it easy?
"Alright then, is there anything else you want to know?"
Zhongli glanced at Lumine and Paimon, who still seemed to have questions.
"Oh, right! Zhongli, what's the deal with that whole 'failed tribulation' thing?"
Paimon looked at him curiously.
Qiu Xue, standing behind them, covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.
"Haha, I can't believe they actually came up with that excuse."
"Failing a tribulation? That's the best they could come up with?"
Zhongli had already heard of this theory before, but hearing Paimon bring it up still managed to make him chuckle—an exceptionally rare sight.
"However, the Qixing were eager to conclude the matter and ceased their investigation into the assassin. The truth is, they had already learned through other means that the Geo Archon had not actually perished."
"It wasn't just the Qixing—I also gave subtle hints to the Adepti."
Zhongli's tone remained even as he spoke.
"Hints? What kind of hints?"
Paimon waved her hand, puzzled.
"Hm... have you ever heard of a rather convenient adeptal technique called sending dreams?"
Zhongli glanced at Paimon and explained.
"Ohhh, so that's why! No wonder!"
"Well, Zhongli, I think that answers everything."
Paimon and Lumine exchanged glances before turning toward Qiu Xue and Zhongli.
"In that case, how about we go grab a meal at Wanmin Restaurant?"
"I may not have any money, but my old friend here certainly should."
Zhongli smiled as he looked at them.
"Hm… we have been running around non-stop without a proper meal."
"In that case, let's go!"
Paimon clapped her hands, excited.
...
After a hearty meal at Wanmin Restaurant, Paimon stepped outside, rubbing her stomach, while Lumine stretched lazily.
"Well, I guess this is where we part ways for now, Qiu Xue, Zhongli."
"Thank you, both of you."
Lumine placed a hand over her chest, looking at the two with gratitude.
"Mm. Then, until we meet again."
"I hope your journey leads you to the one you're searching for."
Qiu Xue gazed at Lumine and Paimon, her eyes gentle as she spoke.
With that, the four of them went their separate ways. Qiu Xue and Zhongli walked side by side through the streets of Liyue Harbor.
"Morax, I need to return to Qingyun Peak for a bit."
"The Hall Master must be getting impatient. Would you mind explaining things to her?"
Qiu Xue came to a stop, turning to face Zhongli.
"I'll take care of it."
"What about you, my old friend? What do you plan to do next?"
Zhongli looked at her with mild curiosity.
"I plan to travel across all seven nations."
"I've been asleep for so long… I've barely seen the world at all."
Qiu Xue brushed back a few strands of hair as she spoke.
"Morax, take this."
As she spoke, a jade ornament materialized in her hand, shaped like a yin-yang fish, shimmering faintly with flowing light.
"If the seal on Azhdaha is on the verge of breaking…"
"Crush this stone."
Qiu Xue's voice was calm as she placed the jade in Zhongli's hand.
"Mm, I'll keep that in mind."
"The seal on Azhdaha… it won't hold for much longer, will it?"
Zhongli furrowed his brows, sensing the condition of the seal he had placed.
"Well then, I'll be off, Morax."
"My younger sister at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—I'll leave her in your care for now."
Qiu Xue smiled at Zhongli before turning and walking toward a secluded corner of the street.
Zhongli silently watched as his old friend disappeared from sight. Only then did he turn and make his way toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
...
Reaching an empty alley, Qiu Xue's form shifted, transforming into Qiu Bai. With a single teleport, he vanished.
...
Jueyun Karst, Mt. Aozang
Qiu Bai made his way toward his cave dwelling, only to stop in his tracks, staring in shock.
"What the—?! Who the hell blew up my cave?!"
His once-intact dwelling was now buried beneath massive boulders. He stood frozen for a moment before rubbing his chin in thought.
"The only one who knows my cave's seal… should be Liuyun."
"Guess I'll go ask her."
With that, Qiu Bai walked toward Liuyun's cave, politely raising a fist and knocking twice.
The entire peak of Mt. Aozang trembled from the force of his knocks.
...
Inside the cave, Liuyun was tinkering with a mechanical device, still in her human form. Operating mechanisms like these was far too troublesome in her beast form.
Just as she was about to install a new part, a sudden BOOM BOOM echoed from outside.
"Who dares?!
"How insolent—to disturb an Adeptus so rudely!"
Startled, Liuyun leapt to her feet, bracing herself with a hand against the table.
Nearby, Shenhe, who had been calmly munching on medicinal herbs, blinked at her master's sudden outburst.
"Master? What's wrong?"
Her cool, composed voice carried through the cave as she looked over.
"It's nothing, Shenhe. I'll go take a look."
With that, Liuyun strode toward the entrance.
...
Outside, Qiu Bai had been waiting for some time, growing a bit impatient.
"What's taking her so long? Should I knock again?"
Just as he raised his hand, the cave's seal suddenly shattered, and a graceful figure stepped out.
"You are…?"
Liuyun eyed him in confusion, prompting Qiu Bai to realize—Ah, right. I'm still in my mortal form.
"Liuyun, it's me—Meleaus."
"But now, I go by Qiu Bai."
He smiled as he introduced himself.
"Hmph. So it's you, you fool."
"You vanished for so long—so you must have turned mortal, just like the Lord of Geo."
Liuyun crossed her arms, snorting haughtily.
"So? What do you want?"
"Why aren't you sulking over your ruined cave instead of bothering me?"
Qiu Bai raised a brow. "Liuyun, have you been to my cave?"
Liuyun coughed lightly. "Ahem. Of course not."
"Besides, didn't your cave have a passcode? Something like 1145-something, wasn't it?"
Her eyes shifted away, and she put on a completely innocent expression.
From behind her, Shenhe's cool voice rang out.
"Master, weren't you just at the Immortal Lord's cave?"
"I remember you saying, 'It's been abandoned for so long, it might as well be destroyed.'"