"Lanxi..." Zhongli glanced at the mist-blue-haired woman now standing before him.
Lanxi chuckled softly. "Surprised?"
"I am," Zhongli replied as he took his seat. "May I ask why you're here?"
Lanxi sat across from him, smiling. "The Rite of Descension is coming soon, isn't it? I came to enjoy myself~"
"You truly are the only one who would phrase it that way." Zhongli lifted his cup and took a sip.
"Hey—that's my cup…" Lanxi pouted.
"We are old companions who survived the war side by side. Sharing a cup shouldn't be an issue, no?" Zhongli said with a faint smile.
Lanxi sighed and pulled out another cup.
"That aside," she continued, leaning forward slightly, "Morax-chan, may I have a place to stay? I'll be here for a few weeks at most."
Zhongli stroked his chin, thinking.
"Since in terms of money, I have no money. So I can't afford a lodge." Lanxi shrugged.
Zhongli continued rubbing his chin, deep in thought.
"In that case, leave it to me. I have a friend who can arrange lodging for you," he said, crossing his arms.
"Hm? Your friend? Why not you?" Lanxi tilted her head. "Ah, don't worry, I'll repay you later."
"About that…" Zhongli hesitated, rubbing his chin again.
"Actually, there's no need for concern. When it comes to mortal currency, it's best to left it to him." He nodded, as if satisfied with his reasoning.
"The mortal currency you mean is 'Mora', right?" Lanxi said, raising a brow. "Aren't you its creator?"
Zhongli stared at Lanxi.
Lanxi stared back.
They held each other's gaze in silence.
Then, suddenly, Lanxi burst into laughter.
She covered her mouth with one hand, the other waving lightly in the air, still somehow maintaining her elegance.
"I'm only teasing you, Morax. No need to get tense~"
Zhongli shook his head.
"Anyway, I'm counting on you, alright? Morax-chan~"
Lanxi's figure slowly turned translucent, dissolving into mist.
"I'll visit again tomorrow~"
Her voice lingered as the mist drifted toward the open window and slipped outside.
Zhongli watched the window for a moment before closing it and heading out.
.
.
Few days later
"Traveler, we're here!"
After several days of travel, Lumine and Paimon finally arrived at one of the most bustling cities in Teyvat—Liyue Harbor. Governed by one of The Seven, the Geo Archon Morax, also known as Rex Lapis, the harbor had grown into one of the most important cities in the world.
"Woah! It's so crowded!" Paimon exclaimed as they weaved through the throngs of people.
"Well, the Rite of Descension is coming up, so it makes sense," she added with a sigh.
"But Traveler, where should we start?" Paimon asked.
"Hmm… first, we need to meet the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing—the one Jean mentioned."
"Right. But where do we find her?"
They both fell silent.
"…Let's ask around?" Lumine suggested, tilting her head.
"Yeah… let's do that."
They walked along the streets, searching for a less crowded area.
Eventually, they reached a quieter spot near a stone railing. There, a mist-blue-haired woman sat casually atop it.
They approached her.
"Hello!"
"Hm?" The woman turned around.
"Ara, hello there, cutie~ Do you need something?"
"'Cutie'? Somehow she reminds me of Lisa…" Paimon muttered.
"Ahem. We'd like to ask about the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing," Lumine said.
"The Tianquan… you mean Ningguang?"
"Ningguang? That's her name?"
"Yes. Ningguang is the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing. She's likely the person you're looking for." Lanxi paused, glancing at the crowd. "But…"
"But?" they both echoed.
"With the Rite of Descension approaching, someone of her status is probably buried in work."
"I see…" they both sighed.
"But when does the Rite begin?" Paimon asked suddenly.
"As I said—soon."
"Soon? Like… today?" Sweat began to form on Paimon's face.
Lanxi nodded.
"Traveler! We need to hurry! We can't miss this chance to ask the Geo Archon—quick, quick!"
Lumine nodded. "Thanks, um…"
"Lanxi. That's my name," she said with a smile.
"Mm. Thanks, Lanxi."
Lumine dashed after Paimon, who had already floated ahead.
Lanxi watched the flustered pair for a moment before giggling softly and walking away.
.
The duo hurried toward Yujing Terrace, where the Rite of Descension would take place.
"Phew… huff, huff… Paimon's tired…" she said, panting.
"What do you mean tired? You're flying," Lumine replied, walking from behind.
"Hmph! Flying uses energy too!" Paimon scoffed.
"Whatever. What now?"
"According to tradition, we need to pray and make a wish before joining the crowd."
"Alright."
They did just that, offering a brief prayer before stepping into the gathering crowd to wait.
Fortunately, they didn't have to wait long.
"The hour is upon us…"
A tall, elegant woman with fair skin, red eyes, and long pale hair stepped forward.
Ningguang—the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing.
Golden crystals formed in her hand and drifted toward a large ceremonial vessel at the center.
The vessel began to glow.
A brilliant golden light surged upward, piercing the sky.
Then—
Everything changed.
The sky darkened abruptly.
Ningguang's expression shifted in surprise.
A massive dragon suddenly fell from the heavens.
The crowd erupted into panic.
Boom!
The ground shook as the dragon crashed, forming a massive crater. Dust billowed into the air.
As it slowly settled, the enormous form became visible.
Rex Lapis.
Ningguang's eyes widened. She scanned the fallen dragon, disbelief written across her face.
Then she turned sharply to the crowd.
"Rex Lapis has been assassinated! Seal the exits!"
At once, the Millelith flooded the area.
The crowd descended into chaos.
"Did she just say Rex Lapis? The Geo Archon?!" Paimon shouted.
"W-Wait—does that mean the killer is among us?! What do we do?!" she panicked.
"Sigh… panicking will only make you look more suspicious. Calm down," Lumine said, shaking her head.
Then she turned and began walking away.
"W-Wait! Where are you going?!"
.
.