Nahida sensed Lumine's resonance with the statue the moment it happened.
Though imprisoned, she could still observe the world through the statues.
And so, she watched Lumine.
But to her surprise, Lumine merely resonated with the statue—then immediately left for Liyue.
This left Nahida deeply puzzled.
Liyue...
Recalling recent events there and the information she'd gathered, she realized something was changing.
I'd love to see it for myself...
A hint of melancholy flickered in her eyes.
Sighing, she pushed the thought aside.
There'll be time later.
Lumine, oblivious to Nahida's brief appearance, raced onward.
Her goal: Fontaine, to claim Hydro.
As she sped along, she sent Jiang Chen a message via talisman—
Dendro obtained. Heading for Hydro next.
With this, she'd soon unlock Hyperbloom reactions herself.
And she'd be back soon.
Jiang Chen received the message swiftly.
"That fast?"
"Not bad."
"Seems we'll reach Inazuma shortly."
He chuckled.
If time allowed, he might even swing by for a quick check-in.
Sumeru too—though his visit there would be… forceful.
And he already had the perfect excuse:
"The Akademiya dares imprison their own Archon? Outrageous!"
"As friendly neighbors, Liyue must intervene!"
"Besides, Nahida is the sister of Morax's old friend—helping her is non-negotiable!"
Bringing an entourage of Yakshas, adepti, and the Geo and Anemo Archons?
Perfectly reasonable.
And since Barbatos is here drinking, of course he'd join!
Also reasonable!
Jiang Chen was certain he could rope Venti into this.
A few bottles of wine would seal the deal.
Too easy.
Smirking, he returned to work.
Meanwhile, in Liyue Harbor—
Ganyu received an unexpected letter from Inazuma.
Blinking at the handwriting, she murmured:
"'Sister Ganyu'… Yae Miko?"
After everything in Inazuma, she's writing now?
Puzzled, she opened it.
Soon, the reason became clear.
Resurrection.
Of course.
News had spread everywhere—even isolated Inazuma knew.
Sighing, Ganyu penned a reply:
"This matter is beyond my authority."
"You must speak with Jiang Chen directly."
"If he refuses, no one can compel him."
"Not that I don't want to help—but I can't."
The letter was swiftly handed to a shrine maiden—one of Miko's agents—who departed immediately.
Once it was sent, Ganyu hesitated, then picked up the communicator Ningguang had provided.
Flipping through a small notebook, she found Jiang Chen's number.
"Jiang… Chen…"
"Here."
With clumsy fingers, she input the digits, then pressed the call button.
"Jiang Chen, are you there?"
Jiang Chen, mid-work, startled at the sudden voice.
"Ganyu?"
That was her, right?
"Yes."
"A letter arrived from Inazuma."
She explained the situation.
Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed.
So the fox already knew?
Not surprising—he'd never intended to hide it.
After a moment's thought, he responded:
"She wants to revive the previous Electro Archon, correct?"
His mind raced.
Ei.
Saiguu.
"Likely."
"And Lady Saiguu as well."
Ganyu understood Miko's motives.
She knew exactly who Miko would want back.
"Have her send the relics."
"Make that clear to her."
Ganyu froze.
"Huh?!"
She hadn't expected Jiang Chen to agree—let alone so bluntly.
"No need for shock."
"The previous Electro Archon was a skilled ruler."
"Liyue needs talent—her revival would be beneficial."
Ganyu's mind blanked.
'Liyue needs talent'…?
Is he saying he'll keep the revived Electro Archon in Liyue?!
Her expression twisted.
"That's… inappropriate, no?"
The current Electro Archon would storm Liyue in retaliation.
The sisters were close—
If Ei learned her resurrected sister was being held in Liyue…
Bloodshed was inevitable.
"No issue!"
"It'll be fine!"
Jiang Chen's smirk widened.
Zero fear.
"Very well… I'll end the call."
"I need to intercept that letter."
Hanging up, Ganyu rushed out.
The shrine maiden hadn't gone far—she could still catch her.
Within moments, she'd overtaken the woman.
"Wait—the letter needs revisions."
The shrine maiden blinked but complied, handing it over.
Ganyu hastily rewrote it, this time including a few communication talismans.
As she watched the messenger depart, unease settled in her chest.
Please don't let this backfire…
Jiang Chen wants Liyue to have its own Electro Archon?
This is… baffling.
And if he succeeded here—
Would he continue?
The previous Dendro Archon was gone.
So were others…
Was Jiang Chen planning to collect deceased Archons for Liyue?!
The thought was terrifying.