This time, Guinaifen didn't need the chat's reminder.
Xiao was standing in a much more noticeable spot than Qiqi.
"What's Xiao doing on that big rock? Is this his quest?"
[Xiao's here too?]
[Whoa, I didn't even notice! Streamer's sharp!]
Guinaifen approached, triggering the dialogue.
Xiao: "Why are you here? Has a solution been found for the danger in the sea?"
Lumine asked back, "The danger in the sea?"
Xiao: "Didn't Ningguang tell you?"
He crossed his arms. "There's been some trouble around Guyun Stone Forest. As per our agreement, I, as an Adeptus, won't intervene for now."
"But the danger is unpredictable, and I have my own plans."
Lumine asked what he was doing standing there.
Xiao: "This place is just one mountain away from Liyue Harbor."
"If things truly spiral out of control, I alone can hold the line."
The Easter egg dialogue ended.
Guinaifen nodded. "Nice, very cool."
[Whoa, that line—I'm done for!]
[Hold the line! My Xiao is so cool!]
[Guyun Stone Forest, that's basically confirming it's Osial, right?]
[Seems like the Adepti aren't planning to step in this time.]
[Feels like it'll be tough without the Adepti.]
[Is this a test for Ningguang?]
"Probably. But Mu Yang doesn't seem to be part of that group."
"Even if Mu Yang doesn't act, he's got a disciple who's inherited the strengths of all the Adepti—Shenhe's here."
With that, Guinaifen controlled her character and teleported back to Liyue Harbor.
— — — — — —
On Teyvat's side,
Mu Yang and the others returned to [Cold Blade Forge].
Master Zhang looked at the materials they brought back and was very satisfied.
These were all top-quality goods.
"I feel like I can forge something impressive with these." The blacksmith treated them like treasures. "Looks like I need to bring out my best skills."
With that, he began preparing to forge.
At that moment, Beidou arrived.
"Yo, old pals, how's it going on your end?"
"I ran into some trouble on my side. Xuling hasn't seen a [Thousand Marvel Core] before, and researching it from scratch will take some time..."
Paimon interrupted her. "No need, Beidou! We've got the [Thousand Marvel Core] covered with Master Zhang."
Lumine nodded. "Old Zhang said it won't take long to finish."
Beidou understood. "Then all that's left is the [Adeptus Talisman], right?"
"Mu Yang mentioned he's not skilled with talismans. So, who should we go to?"
Shenhe stepped forward. "I'll handle it."
Beidou, still unfamiliar with Shenhe, was a bit puzzled.
Shenhe explained that while Master Mu Yang's swordsmanship was unparalleled, he hadn't studied talismans much.
But she had other Masters.
"I've trained under my Masters for many years and know a thing or two about crafting talismans."
[Classic "know a thing or two" opener.]
[She's got the best of all worlds, huh?]
[Best of all worlds?]
[??? Best of what worlds?]
[Haha, this shot—Qiqi's still standing guard over there.]
Shenhe also revealed the true reason she came to Liyue Harbor.
"When we first met, I told you I came for the Jade Chamber, but not to compete."
"In truth, I was sent to deliver the [Adeptus Talisman]. Master Mu Yang informed Master Cloud Retainer, and she asked me to bring the talisman to Ningguang."
This was something Mu Yang and Cloud Retainer had discussed.
They hoped Shenhe could use this opportunity to reintegrate into human society.
Shenhe glanced at Mu Yang. "But now, it seems I've been isolated from the world for too long and lack a lot of common knowledge."
"Even with Master's books as guidance, it's probably not enough."
[Did you hear that, old man? Write more!]
[Liu Chan: No complaints here, I didn't even mind the length of The Memorial to the Throne.]
Shenhe continued, "I don't know if I'll stay in the end, but meeting you all has made me happy. Leave the talisman crafting to me."
Whether to stay was ultimately Shenhe's choice.
Others couldn't interfere.
Mu Yang was only responsible for observing Shenhe's performance.
Even if he concluded that Shenhe was suited to stay in Liyue Harbor and integrate into human society,
the decision would still be hers. Neither Mu Yang nor Cloud Retainer would intervene. (Nor would Ganyu—there you go.)
Beidou, as carefree as ever, said, "Meeting is fate."
"As Mu Yang's disciple, you must be quite the drinker, right? Come have a match with me someday, haha..."
Mu Yang spoke up. "No need to take it out on her. If you want to drink, come to [Three Bowls Won't Cross the Harbor] anytime."
The others waited outside.
Master Zhang and Shenhe began working on the [Thousand Marvel Core] and [Adeptus Talisman] respectively...
Not long after, Shenhe emerged from [Cold Blade Forge].
She seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.
"Phew... the talisman is complete. It may not compare to one crafted by Master himself, but it should still be of high quality."
Mu Yang could tell Shenhe was a bit nervous.
For one, there were many people here, unlike her usual environment.
For another, this talisman was for the Jade Chamber, so it had to be perfect.
Mu Yang took a look and praised Shenhe on the spot. Good work deserved praise.
She had first learned talismans and mechanisms,
and now her skills were masterful. Her earlier words were overly modest.
Receiving her Master's approval, Shenhe was quietly pleased.
Master Zhang had also finished crafting the [Thousand Marvel Core].
Since Beidou had contributed the least, she voluntarily paid Master Zhang's fee.
The group prepared to deliver the items to the Jade Chamber construction site.
At the Jade Chamber,
Paimon shouted excitedly from a distance, "Miss Ningguang's little secretary, we've gathered all the materials!"
Baiwen acted surprised. "Oh? So quickly?"
Whether she was genuinely surprised was anyone's guess.
After all, with a powerhouse like Mu Yang around, it shouldn't have been difficult.
Lumine explained that it was a joint effort by three people.
Baiwen took out her notebook. "So, it was gathered by three people... I see, I understand."
She inspected the [Thousand Marvel Core] and [Adeptus Talisman].
"Both items are flawless. It seems we're ready to determine the winners of this competition."
Baiwen called all the participants together.
"I announce that the three winners of this material-gathering competition are—Lumine, Yun Jin, and Beidou!"
The crowd below was dumbfounded.
"What? It's over already? I haven't even found my [Resonant Dawnstone]!"
"I can't accept this... I can't accept it! Lady Ningguang!"
"Sigh, I rushed as fast as I could, but I was still a step behind..."
Though the crowd was upset, being late was being late—there was nothing more to say.
Lumine looked around. "Where's Beidou?"
Baiwen replied, "Miss Beidou had some matters to attend to and has already left."
She continued, "Please return to the Jade Chamber in two days. Lady Ningguang will host you all there."
With that, she left.
On the way back, Mu Yang showed no signs of anything unusual.
But once he was out of Lumine and Shenhe's sight,
his inner drama king took over, deliberately showing a moment of weakness for the players.
As if the theatrics weren't enough, he even threw in a little monologue.
He revealed his right hand, gradually fading into silver frost. "Time is running out..."