Episode 171: Is Rex Lapis an older sister?
『 Lumine, hearing Ying'er' about to utter another embarrassing analogy, quickly raised her hand to interrupt:
"Okay, okay, I get it...!" With that, Lumine pulled Paimon and scurried out of Wanmin Restaurant.
Meanwhile...
Watching Lumine's retreating figure, Ying'er inexplicably smiled.
"Indeed, you have a great talent for this; you understand it as soon as I explain."
" Extraction in progress "
Soon, the two returned to Wanmin Restaurant with three bottles of refined Essence and handed them over.
"Miss Ying'er, we're back."
Ying'er carefully inspected the three bottles of Essence, a smile blooming on her face.
"Mmm~ As expected, it's exquisite Silk Flower Essence, excellent! The final step, I'll take care of it."
She carefully poured the three bottles of Essence one by one into a pre-prepared pot.
Before long, everything was ready. Ying'er took out three exquisite small boxes, filled them with the finishedperfumes, and placed them on the stove.
"Finished! All three perfumes are ready. And you, my friend, were a wonderful assistant."
"It seems you're someone willing to put effort into emotions, which is truly rare and commendable."
Facing Ying'er's teasing, Lumine mustered her courage and responded: "Not at all, not at all, I just happened to think of you the whole time."
This surprised Ying'er...
"Oh my, you actually remember the little I casually mentioned?"
"You're more likable than I thought, I might even be tempted by accident, hehehe."
"That's because you're Miss Ying'er," Lumine replied, not to be outdone.
This again drew a burst of laughter from Ying'er.
"Hehe, what a delightful child. Well then, let me, in my excellent mood, give you a brief overview of each scent? It might just help you match the right scent to the right occasion—"
"This first one is sweet as candy, straight out of a fairy tale... Younger women will love it.;"
"The second one is for those with refined tastes... The first choice for daughters of high society.;"
"Finally, the third one has a soft by lingering scent, like a mist that captures the last light of dusk. Mature women adore this one."
"All clear? Don't get them mixed up now, you'll ruin the mood~" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Miss Ying'er products are quite good, whether it's fragrances or clothes, they're all excellent." ]
[ March 7th (Honkai: Star Rail): "Sounds great, Sweet as Candy, I want it too." ]
[ Himeko Murata (Honkai: Impact Third): "The third kind, I think it suits me very well, Theresa should be the first kind." ]
[ Theresa (Honkai: Impact Third): "..." ]
[ Aqua (KonoSuba) "Are these all for the gods? I want them all!" ]
[ Aqua (KonoSuba) "Kazuma, you must sacrifice these good things to me, a goddess!" ]
[ Kazuma Satou (KonoSuba) "You want my ass, we can't afford any of these things." ]
[ Aqua (KonoSuba) "Wuwuwu." ]
[ Kazuma Satou (KonoSuba) "Stop pretending, I won't believe you." ]
[ Tanya von Degurechaff (Youjo Senki) "So many things for the gods?" ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "I wonder what type of fragrance God would like?" ]
[ Bailu (Honkai: Star Rail): "Isn't that god already deceased? Can they still choose?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, that naturally depends on the god's own choice." ]
[ Venti (Genshin Impact): "Exactly, everything depends on what the god likes." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "...." ]
[ .....]
『 Lumine gave Ying'er a thumbs up and promised, "Don't worry, such a small matter won't trouble me."
After receiving the answer, Ying'er quietly leaned into Lumine's ear and whispered, "Good. Be sure to come visit if you ever need help with anything, okay? I'll leave you with some parting words: One who tries to sail three boats simultaneously should be careful not to go overboard~."
" Lumine, teased again, chose to remain silent. "
Originally expecting some profound wisdom, it turned out to be just teasing again. Lumine could only smile wryly.
Seeing this scene, Ying'er seemed to understand Lumine's thoughts immediately and quickly reined in her mischievous thoughts.
"Hehehe, I won't tease you anymore, sister's off. Remember to come find me at Scent of Spring sometime, okay? You're always welcome.~"
Before her words faded, she gave Lumine a bright smile, turned, and gracefully left Wanmin Restaurant.
After putting away the three perfume boxes, the two also bid farewell to Chef Mao and left. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "It wasn't easy, we finally got rid of them." ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "You've worked hard, both the Traveler inside and outside." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "It's alright." ]
[ Monkey D. Luffy (One Piece) "With such fragrant things, this pot will make the dishes smell good too." ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "Probably not, right?" ]
[ .....]
『 The scene shifts,
On a lush green grassland, Lumine and Paimon accidentally found Zhongli standing not far away, gazing intently at a statue, as if time had quietly stopped around him.
"Mr. Zhongli, were you just staring blankly at this statue? Did our slow movements make you wait too long?" Paimon quickly flew forward, asking softly with a hint of apology.
Zhongli seemed to only then realize their return, responding gently: "Oh? You're back. No, I just arrived here not long ago, I haven't waited long."
"Because compared to the Rex Lapis' statues over Liyue, my short time just now was but a fleeting moment."
Listening to Zhongli's words, Paimon waved her hand in confusion and said, "Haha, well, how can a person compete with a statue?"
Zhongli chuckled softly, changing the subject: "That is true. Well, have you brought the perfumes?"
At this moment, Lumine carefully took out the three perfumes, which had been obtained through much difficulty, from her satchel and handed them over: "Please take them, three portions of perfumes, not a single bit less."..
Zhongli took the perfumes and, without even a closer look, said: "I've truly troubled you two. Next, please offer these three gifts to the statue in order."
After hearing what Zhongli said, Lumine placed the three perfumes she held at the base of the Seven-Day Statue.
Following the order he had just mentioned, she placed ⟦Golden House Maiden⟧, ⟦Valley Weaver⟧, and ⟦Fate's Yearning⟧ on it respectively. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "As expected of the Traveler, so diligent in her work." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Although it's my future self, I still feel a little shy." ]
[ Amber (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, you deserve it." ]
[ .....]
『 While Lumine was still busy not far away, Paimon and Zhongli were not idle either; the two were chatting happily.
Paimon took the opportunity to relay everything Ying'er had mentioned earlier to Zhongli.
In the midst of their lively conversation, Lumine appeared to have stumbled upon something new.
When the first two items were offered, everything was calm, but as soon as it came to the third, the Seven-Day Statue of the Geo Archon suddenly lit up, as if sensing something.
This sudden change startled even Paimon, who exclaimed: "Wow! It's the third one, His Majesty the Rex Lapis actually prefers this third one."
Zhongli feigned curiosity and asked: "Is there anything special about this third one?"
Paimon tilted her small head in thought, then raised her hand and said seriously: "I guess, this third one should be the favorite of mature big sisters. Could it be that our Rex Lapis is actually a big sister with intellectual charm?" 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "I didn't expect His Majesty Rex Lapis to like this kind of thing?" ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "Then, can we use this to invite immortals?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Probably not, right?" ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "I think, it's better not to." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "Why? If the Archon likes it, why not offer it?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "...." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "What, do you have any thoughts?" ]
[ Zhongli (Genshin Impact): "Ahem, no, Director says it's right." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "This item is handmade by Miss Ying'er, do you want to work Miss Ying'er to death?" ]
[ .....]
『 "Intellectual big sister? Hmm, it's not impossible." Zhongli slowly said to the two as he recalled, "I've heard that the Rex Lapis's manifestations are ever-changing; perhaps such an image truly exists."
Under Zhongli's vivid narration, the two seemed to grasp a bit of understanding: the form of a god is not fixed; perhaps one day it will become female, just like the mature style of perfumes that the Archon likes; nothing is impossible.
At this moment, the doubts in Lumine's heart also quietly dissipated, and she no longer believed that Zhongli was the Rex Lapis.
(After all, the Archon likes mature big sister perfumes, and this guy in front of her clearly doesn't resemble that.)
Paimon, listening, a hint of regret flashed across her face: "So that's how it is, but it's a bit of a shame. The great dragon we met was shocking, but that great dragon..."
"Now we can only hope that the Liyue Qixing can quickly catch the real culprit." Paimon changed the subject, her tone filled with anticipation.
Seeing Paimon's slightly worried look, Zhongli unconsciously emphasized his previous words again: "Ha, I've already told you this clearly; it has nothing to do with us. Those high-ranking big shots will naturally handle it. As for us, we just need to quietly arrange Rex Lapis's farewell ceremony properly."
"It's really curious, what unusual plans are hidden behind the Qixing and that Childe asking us to do this?"
Zhongli shook his head lightly, "Hmm, these questions, let's ponder them when we see the Immortal Ancestor's remains."
"So, we've finished another step in our preparations. What's next?" Paimon pressed.
Zhongli folded his arms across his chest and responded indifferently: "Next, I would like the two of you to help me borrow the Cleansing Bell."
With the new term, Paimon's small face was again filled with confusion: "Cleansing Bell?"
Seeing this, Zhongli immediately explained in detail: "At present, a friend of mine named Madame Ping is the guardian of the Cleansing Bell."
"She often wanders near Yujing Terrace. Find her, mention my name, and she will understand."
As Paimon listened, a question suddenly popped into her head: "Hey, but isn't Mr. Zhongli coming with us this time?"
After all, it was Zhongli's friend; wouldn't it be easier if he went himself? Asking them to borrow it, did it mean Zhongli didn't plan to go along? Otherwise, why would he say that?
As if seeing through their thoughts, Zhongli chuckled softly: "Hmm, I have some reasons why it's inconvenient for me to show my face, so I'll have to trouble you two."
"Once the matter is settled, just come find me at Yujing Terrace."
After giving instructions, Zhongli turned and slowly walked away in one direction, his pace slow but with a hint of urgency, as if avoiding the barrage of questions Paimon might throw at him.
The remaining two knew perfectly well that the person in front of them wouldn't reveal anything more, so they simply turned around and followed the instructions to Yujing Terrace to find Madame Ping.
Along the way, Paimon couldn't hold back and started her rapid-fire commentary again: "How strange, why has Mr. Zhongli become so secretive this time?"
In Paimon's perception, the more at ease Zhongli was, the more he was enveloped in a veil of mystery.
Like this time, he didn't even want to show his face, as if deliberately avoiding someone.
However, this was irrelevant to the two of them; after all, they were already used to running errands. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Madame Ping?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Isn't she the one who sells tea?" ]
[ Madame Ping (Genshin Impact): "Indeed, I didn't expect it to be my turn so soon." ]
[ .....]
『 The scene shifts,
After another small adventure, the two once again stepped onto the stone steps of Yujing Terrace. Following Zhongli's earlier guidance, they quickly found a kind old woman in a corner by the terrace.
Through this old woman, known to everyone as Madame Ping, they learned many beautiful legends about the Glaze Lilies and discovered that the Cleansing Bell was indeed in her keeping.
Madame Ping seemed very happy about their visit and didn't mind sharing the story behind the bell.
After recounting the bell's origin, she half-jokingly asked if the two could wait patiently, or if they preferred to search for it themselves.
Upon hearing this, the lively Lumine, being a renowned Traveler, couldn't sit still. Searching for treasures was her forte.
However, once they stepped into Madame Ping's magical (literally "heaven in a pot," referring to a small world within a magical object), the two were immediately stunned by the vast expanse before them. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "It's so big here." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Is this the legendary heaven in a pot?" ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Madame Ping, who possesses this, couldn't she be an Adeptus too?" ]
[ The Doctor ⦍11th⦎ (Doctor Who): "Amazing, such a small thing, yet it contains such a large space." ]
[ The Doctor ⦍11th⦎ (Doctor Who): "If only my TARDIS could be so convenient." ]
[ Madame Ping (Genshin Impact): "Hehe, yours can travel through time and space, that's also very amazing." ]
[ .....]
『 Although the space within the pot was vast, the path of exploration was winding.
After a thorough search and exploration, they finally discovered the legendary bell on an ancient altar.
Madame Ping praised them profusely, then smiled and sent them out of the pot.
This series of experiences made Lumine wonder if Madame Ping might also be a hidden Adeptus.
Those things beyond common sense would never come out of nowhere.
As for Lumine's suspicions, Madame Ping merely smiled mysteriously, indicating that it was enough for her to know in her heart.
After a few pleasantries, with Madame Ping's parting words, Lumine reluctantly bid farewell.
Remembering her appointment with Zhongli, Lumine quickly returned to the Yujing Terrace plaza where they first met.
As expected, Zhongli was standing there, gazing at the sky, lost in thought.
With the gentle chime of the bell, Zhongli's thoughts were instantly pulled back to reality.
Soon, the Cleansing Bell safely landed in his palm.
Zhongli carefully examined the bell in his hand, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
"Hmm, very good, this is indeed the Cleansing Bell, and it's well-maintained." Zhongli nodded approvingly, "So, why don't we also offer the perfumes we prepared earlier?"
Hearing this, Lumine, without a word, directly pulled out the already prepared perfume from her pocket and placed it on the table next to Zhongli's Cleansing Bell.
After doing all this, Paimon finally spoke, asking the question she had been holding back for a long time: "You wouldn't happen to know Madame Ping, too, would you?"
"Haha, of course I know her. Otherwise, how would I know the Cleansing Bell was with her?" Zhongli responded calmly, seemingly implying something, yet saying nothing at all.
Paimon could only smile helplessly at such a Zhongli.
"Hmm... A bit suspicious, but if you don't want to say, we won't press further."
"However, Madame Ping asked us to pass on a message: if you have time, come sit and have a cup of tea. The old woman doesn't have much good stuff, but a pot of tea she can certainly offer."
As she said this, Paimon even bent down and coughed twice, imitating Madame Ping's manner. Zhongli's usually calm face also showed a rare smile.
"Hahaha, that tone really doesn't suit you, but her teapot tea is indeed exceptional."
"When the time is right, I will bring good tea and visit her."
Paimon returned to seriousness, calmly asking Zhongli about the next task.
"Alright, alright, what's the next step for the ceremony?"
"Next, we're going to buy kites," Zhongli said blandly, stating the next arrangement.
Paimon's eyes lit up, clapping her hands.
"Kites? Mr. Zhongli, are you going to take us to play? Is it a halftime break?"
The weather in Liyue was perfect right now, a great time for flying kites. Although Paimon herself could fly, she was still full of anticipation for this new activity of flying kites.
This series of preparations, coupled with the tense escape during the earlier search for the Adepti, had truly exhausted them.
With the accumulated fatigue of these past few days, Paimon also longed for a good rest. 』
『 .....』