Lumine and Paimon slipped quietly out of the area, moving as stealthily as they could. It didn't last long. Before they could get far, they were discovered.
A chase broke out.
Just when it seemed they would be caught, a mysterious brown-haired man intervened and drove their pursuers away, saving them both.
Later, he introduced himself as Childe.
Childe brought them to the Northland Bank, where he shared his thoughts on the recent events. His tone was calm, but there was a sharpness beneath it, as if he were already several steps ahead.
Before they left, he handed them a Sigil of Permission.
He instructed them to travel to Jueyun Karst and seek out the Adepti, to deliver word of what had happened before anyone else could influence their judgment.
With that, Lumine and Paimon set off.
.
Upon reaching Jueyun Karst, they encountered the adeptus known as Moon Carver. After explaining the events at Yujing Terrace, they were met with an explosive reaction.
"PREPOSTEROUS!!! The Liyue Qixing… utterly disappointing!" Moon Carver roared.
After a moment, he composed himself.
"Traveler, one is now aware of the unjust accusations placed upon you. The mind has reached a conclusion… yet one must consult with one's fellow adepti, lest judgment be clouded."
He paused, then continued.
"Take your Sigil of Permission. Carry a message on our behalf."
"Where should we go?" Lumine asked.
Moon Carver gave them directions—to Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer, and the Conqueror of Demons, the guardian yaksha.
Then, as if remembering something, he added:
"One more thing. At the end of your journey, seek Tianqiu Valley. There resides an adeptus—the Keeper of the Veiled Mist, Vela Nubilum. She is Rex Lapis's closest companion. But should you fail to find her, you may simply return."
With that, Moon Carver fell silent.
Lumine and Paimon exchanged a glance before heading off toward their first destination: Wangshu Inn.
.
At Wangshu Inn, they finally encountered the guardian yaksha—Xiao.
Or rather, they glimpsed him. He vanished almost immediately.
Only after preparing Almond Tofu and offering it to him did Xiao reappear, allowing them the chance to speak.
"Rex Lapis... How could this be?" Xiao spoke.
"I... can't imagine it. Though times have changed, I've never imagined a Liyue without him. The ruling Qixing... Just what role have they played in this?" His voice somehow, monotone. Like robotic which already prepared its sentences.
"... I will seek Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, Cloud Retainer and Mist Veiler. It is time they too made their decisions."
"Mist Veiler? is there another adepti we don't know?" Paimon asked.
"Where do you heard me from?" Xiao suddenly asked.
"From the adeptus that called Moon Carver..." Lumine answered.
"I see… He must have referred to her as 'Vela Nubilum' then."
"Oh! That's right!" Paimon chimed in. "He also called her the 'Keeper of the Veiled Mist.' Mist Veiler… that makes sense!"
Xiao gave a small nod. "She goes by many names. Mist Veiler is the one she prefers."
"Can you tell us more about her?" Paimon asked. "Moon Carver said if we can't find her in Tianqiu Valley, we should just return. Why is that?"
"She rarely stays in one place," Xiao explained. "She wanders—visiting others, traveling to places unknown. If you do not find her there, it is nothing unusual."
"…That's it?" Paimon pressed.
"If you wish to know more," Xiao replied, "you should ask her yourself… or those who knew her."
He paused.
"…Though most who knew her are long gone. The rest are nearing the end of their days."
After a little more conversation, Lumine and Paimon took their leave, setting their sights on Mountain Shaper.
.
After finding Mountain Shaper and mentioning Moon Carver's request, they recounted the events at Liyue Harbor.
"Rex Lapis… assassinated? At the Rite of Descension!?" he thundered. "What mortal in Liyue—no, in all the world—would dare commit such treason? Or perhaps the better question… what power could possibly achieve it?!"
He fell silent for a moment.
"Rex Lapis entrusted the adepti with Liyue's protection. We have always upheld this duty. As humanity prospered, we withdrew to the mountains… a gesture of goodwill."
"But now… Alas… Rex Lapis, gone…"
After a pause, he continued:
"Traveler, one now understands why Moon Carver has called upon us. Once certain matters here are settled, one shall convene with the other adepti."
With that, Lumine and Paimon moved on.
.
Next was Mt. Aocang.
After preparing an offering, they entered Cloud Retainer's abode, navigating its intricate mechanisms and puzzles.
When they finally reached her and explained everything, her reaction was immediate.
"Rex Lapis… assassinated!? How can this be!? Such a heinous crime… Who would dare?!"
After further discussion, Cloud Retainer resolved to investigate the matter herself and dismissed them.
.
At last, they arrived at Tianqiu Valley.
They searched.
And searched.
But there was nothing—no sign of an adeptus, not even a trace of mist.
Just as they were about to leave, a voice echoed in their minds.
"May I ask… what brings you two to this humble abode of mine?"
"W–Whoa! Who's there?!" Paimon cried, spinning around nervously.
Lumine scanned their surroundings, alert.
A soft chuckle followed.
"Follow the mist… and thou shalt meet one's true self…"
A faint, glowing wisp appeared before them.
It drifted forward.
The two exchanged a glance, then followed.
The mist led them through winding ruins until they stood before a massive door. Without hesitation, the wisp passed straight through it.
Lumine reached out.
The door slowly opened on its own.
Inside, a vast figure emerged from the shadows.
A long, serpentine qilin.
Its scales were smooth, fading into mist at the edges. Its flowing mane resembled blue, drifting water. Elegant horns curved backward, their tips glowing faintly.
Though smaller than Rex Lapis in his true form, it was still immense.
"Greetings, little ones. You may speak," her voice echoed gently through the chamber.
Lumine explained everything.
The silence that followed was heavy—but calm.
"…I see… What an unfortunate fate has befallen my dearest companion…"
Lumine and Paimon were struck by her composure. Unlike the others, there was no anger in her voice—only quiet sorrow.
"Do not worry," she continued. "One shall consult the others before deciding Liyue's future. You may return."
Mist gathered around them.
In an instant, they were back outside.
They had many questions—but for now, they chose to return to Childe.
Some answers could wait.
.
.