Shajin rubbed his temples, clearly exasperated, his voice tinged with helplessness.
"Looks like you still need time to get used to life down here, Shenhe. But staying here is probably for the best—much better than being corrupted by that rascal Cloud Retainer up in Jueyun Karst."
As he spoke, he cast a discreet glance toward a certain corner.
Shenhe tilted her head, pondering the comment. She didn't quite understand the hidden meaning, but felt it would be impolite to ask directly, so she simply nodded in agreement.
Just then, Paimon suddenly cried out and zipped in front of Lumine, her voice urgent.
"Oh no! Lumine, didn't Keqing say Ningguang's hosting some kind of Jade Chamber Reconstruction Contest? It's getting late—if we don't hurry, we'll miss it!"
Lumine's eyes widened as realization hit her. She slapped her forehead in frustration.
"Ah! I completely forgot! I'm such an airhead! Come on, Paimon, let's get going!"
She and Paimon turned to leave in a hurry.
Seeing this, Shenhe also rose, finishing her tea in one gulp, and said calmly:
"To be honest, one of the reasons I came down the mountain was to participate in the contest hosted by the Tianquan. Since that's the case, why don't we go together?"
She looked to Shajin and nodded slightly, indicating her intent to leave.
Shajin returned the nod with a smile and said,
"Understood. Then I wish you three the best of luck in the competition. Safe travels~"
Shenhe gave him a slight bow in thanks, then left alongside Lumine and Paimon.
As he watched their silhouettes disappear into the distance, Shajin took a quiet sip of his tea, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
"Still not coming out, you tsundere crane?"
"Excuse me?! Who's a crane? Who's tsundere?! I'm going to find Yanfei and sue you for slander!!!"
Grumbling filled the air as a figure emerged from a patch of grass nearby, a few fallen leaves still resting on her head.
Shajin poured another cup of tea for Cloud Retainer, teasing as he did:
"Now, now, don't get so worked up, Cloud Retainer. You'll spike your blood pressure like that~"
Cloud Retainer sat down and downed the tea in a single gulp, then gave a sharp snort.
"Hmph. Just looking at you is enough to raise my blood pressure."
Shajin casually plucked the leaves off her head.
"Right, right, whatever you say, Master Cloud Retainer~"
Cloud Retainer averted her gaze, coughed lightly, then continued.
"Also…"
She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and recited:
"'In the days of old, an immortal arose with the clouds and rainbows, dwelling alongside sun and moon. Wise and unbound, she came to be called Xianyun, for she walks the path of leisure.'"
After a brief pause, she added:
"From now on, just call me Xianyun."
Shajin chuckled and shook his head.
"All right, all right… Xianyun it is. You're the boss."
"Self-praise really does roll off the tongue for an adeptus like you, huh?"
"Still worried about Shenhe, are you?"
Surprisingly, Xianyun didn't put on her usual air of pride. Instead, she nodded.
"Yes… That's part of it. That child grew up in the wild, accustomed to solitude. Even though she's now freed from the emotional bindings of the red rope, she's still adjusting."
"With Ningguang planning to rebuild the Jade Chamber, it felt like the right time. After all, Shenhe gave up the chamber for the sake of all Liyue."
"One of the three crucial items for the Jade Chamber's reconstruction is the Adepti Sigil. While I could craft it myself, this is also an excellent chance to test Shenhe's cultivation."
"She asked to descend the mountain, so I used this contest as a way to temper her."
"But in truth… I just worry about her. With the Traveler at her side, I can rest a little easier. Next, I plan to check in on Ganyu. Would you like to come with me?"
Shajin thought for a moment. He didn't have anything urgent to deal with anyway, and he trusted Rosalyne to handle the Inazuma reports.
Why not accompany this lonely old… bird to visit her other child?
He stood and adjusted his pink sunglasses and hat.
"Let's go then. See if Ganyu's secretly working overtime again behind our backs~"
…
Meanwhile, atop Yujing Terrace.
Ningguang stood at the summit of the platform.
"I've gathered everyone here today to announce something important."
"Some of you may have already heard the rumors—yes, I am indeed planning to rebuild the Jade Chamber."
A murmur rippled through the crowd below.
"Rebuild the Jade Chamber? That's a massive undertaking…"
"I heard the rumors too. No wonder building material prices have been soaring lately…"
"The Jade Chamber holds deep meaning for Lady Ningguang… If I could get involved with this project…"
Ningguang smiled as she listened to the hushed chatter.
"No need to get ahead of yourselves. Ever since the rumors started spreading, many have approached me through various means, hoping to join the reconstruction effort."
"At this point, the site has been selected, and the materials prepared. However, three critical components are still missing."
"These are the Sunset Vermillionite, the Wonder Core, and the Adepti Sigil."
Some among the crowd exchanged uncertain glances.
One voice piped up:
"Pardon me, but aside from the Sunset Vermillionite, I've never even heard of the other two…"
Ningguang remained composed as she explained.
"The Vermillionite must be large and refined enough to bear the name Sunset Vermillionite. It's the foundation for lifting the Jade Chamber into the sky."
"The Wonder Core is the heart of the chamber's internal mechanisms."
"And the Adepti Sigil—it fuses adeptal arts with mechanical components. It's indispensable."
"While all three are rare, I trust in your connections and capabilities. It's only a matter of time before they're found."
"In war and construction alike, speed is paramount. I will pay a generous price for any of these items."
"Additionally, the first three who bring them to me will earn a chance to ask me one question—any question, and I will answer truthfully."
"I believe that reward will not disappoint."
Lumine narrowed her eyes.
A chance to ask any question?
There was indeed something she wanted to know.
Shenhe glanced at the eager glint in Lumine's eyes.
"Lumine, are you planning to ask Ningguang something?"
"I've got a strategy in mind."
Paimon clapped excitedly.
"Oooh! If Shenhe's the one coming up with it, it's gotta be amazing!"
Shenhe shook her head calmly.
"I don't know if it's amazing—but it should be effective."
"As long as we eliminate everyone ranked higher than us, we'll come in first."
Lumine facepalmed.
Paimon floated mid-air and stomped her feet.
"No way! That's totally not allowed!!!"
Shenhe looked a little disappointed.
"Really? What a pity~"
Lumine groaned.
"Hey! Don't sound disappointed!!!"
_
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