At the Naganohara Fireworks Shop in Hanamizaka.
Lumine, Paimon, and Yoimiya had just returned after watching the concert organized by Arataki Itto.
Although Arataki Itto did not send any concert invitations to Shao Yun and the others, he did send one to Yoimiya, and the invitation even said she could bring others along.
So, Yoimiya took Lumine and Paimon with her. As for Shao Yun—since he had left early that morning, it was unfortunate that he had missed it.
As soon as they returned home, Yoimiya cheerfully said, "Arataki Itto's concert was absolutely amazing! What did you all think?"
Paimon, standing beside her, nodded excitedly and gave a thumbs-up. "It was super amazing!"
However, Paimon still couldn't help pointing out a small flaw in the concert.
"But the only thing that felt a little disappointing was setting off fireworks during the day! No matter how you think about it, it's just not as impressive as nighttime fireworks."
Yoimiya was pouring water for Lumine and Paimon. Hearing this, she gently shook her head and softly comforted, "This couldn't be helped. If the concert were held at night, it would definitely disturb the nearby residents' rest."
"And it might also cause extra trouble for the Tenryou Commission. These were all things Arataki Itto considered."
Just as the three of them stepped into the living room, Shao Yun followed in right after.
His eyes swept over and saw everyone there; a warm smile immediately appeared on his face as he said, "Wow, so you're all here."
Seeing Shao Yun return, Yoimiya quickly grabbed another cup, poured him some water, and said with slight regret, "Mr. Shao Yun, what a pity—you just missed a fantastic concert."
Shao Yun accepted the cup, took a light sip first, then replied unhurriedly, "In one's life, there will always be things we miss. If we miss it, then it can't be helped."
After speaking, he slowly put down the cup, waved at Lumine, and gestured for her to come over. "By the way, Lumine, step outside for a moment. I've got something to discuss with you."
Lumine, full of confusion, followed Shao Yun out of the fireworks shop.
Once outside, she asked, "What is it?"
Shao Yun took out the letter written by Candace and said softly, "I might not be able to go to Liyue with you for the Lantern Rite."
Lumine instinctively reached out to receive the letter.
But when she heard that Shao Yun wouldn't be going to Liyue with her for the Lantern Rite, her movement froze. Her hand stopped mid-air.
"Why? Didn't we already plan everything?" Lumine's eyes widened, staring at Shao Yun in disbelief.
Shao Yun let out a quiet sigh and explained helplessly, "Do you remember why we nearly wiped out the Abyss Mage population in the Sumeru rainforest back then?"
Lumine's heart tightened. Hearing this, she already guessed what had happened, and a wave of deep disappointment washed over her.
Still, she forced herself to answer, "Yes, to find my brother. To tell him about that god you saw who stopped the two of us."
Shao Yun nodded gently, raising a hand to softly caress Lumine's fair, delicate cheek. "That's right. So this time, I must rush back to Sumeru immediately—it's urgent."
Lumine bit her lip, her eyes filled with reluctance as she whispered, "But… I really wanted to spend the festival with you…"
Shao Yun could feel the longing and disappointment in her heart and apologized, "I know. But… I'm sorry."
Lumine furrowed her brows, thought for a moment, then slowly looked up, staring straight into Shao Yun's eyes with seriousness. "Then… why don't we both go back to Sumeru together? We won't go to Liyue for the Lantern Rite."
Shao Yun shook his head. Whether to let Lumine and Paimon relax for once or for some other reason, he immediately invoked Yoimiya to stop her.
"No—you already promised Yoimiya you'd take her to Liyue and look around. You can't stand her up. Besides, maybe I'll make it back in time. Who knows?"
When Shao Yun mentioned the promise to Yoimiya, Lumine felt a headache. She sighed inwardly—plans truly never keep up with changes.
"But… ah… when are you leaving?" Despite a thousand unwilling thoughts in her mind, Lumine reluctantly nodded.
Shao Yun answered, "Preferably now. It'll save time."
Watching Shao Yun preparing to leave right away, Lumine's head slowly lowered, her face full of sorrow.
"So urgent? Can't you leave tomorrow?"
Shao Yun placed his hand on her shoulder again and comforted, "Life is unpredictable."
Lumine raised her head slightly and embraced Shao Yun tightly.
After releasing him, she still couldn't rest easy and reminded him, "Be careful on the road."
Shao Yun took out the box Yae Miko had given him and handed it to Lumine. "Got it. Oh—this is for you."
Lumine accepted the gift box and opened it expectantly.
Inside was a dazzling golden fox hat.
Although Shao Yun thought it was great, when Lumine saw it, the corner of her mouth twitched awkwardly as she asked, "What is this?"
Shao Yun quickly explained with a smile, "A cute fox hat! And a Yae Publishing House VIP reading card!"
While speaking, he pointed at the exquisite VIP card inside.
Curious, Lumine took the fox hat from the box and put it on.
Then she quickly walked to the window of the Naganohara Fireworks Shop, examining her reflection in the glass.
Through the reflection, she saw herself wearing the fox hat, and a strange feeling rose in her heart.
After a moment, Lumine reached up and removed the hat, embarrassed. "This hat… feels weird. Even though it's gold and seems to match my style… I don't know why, but I don't feel like I'm suited to wearing things made from animal fur."
Seeing that Lumine didn't seem particularly fond of the gift, Shao Yun showed a helpless expression and shrugged.
"Yae Miko had that fox specially dyed gold. If you don't like wearing it, just store it away."
"Besides, there's still the free VIP reading card from Yae Publishing House."
…
In Sumeru, Aaru Village.
The blazing sun hung high as yellow sand blew across the land.
After rushing nonstop from Inazuma, Shao Yun didn't even take a breath before barging straight into the village chief's home.
"Miss Candace, I'm here!" Shao Yun called loudly as he hurried in.
Inside, Candace turned around with a gentle smile. "Mr. Shao Yun, you finally made it."
"Though you're a little late, fortunately you didn't miss anything important. This here is Mr. Sethos."
As she spoke, she raised her hand slightly in introduction.
Shao Yun followed her gesture and saw a desert youth standing beside her.
The young man had emerald-green eyes and brown hair, looking spirited, energetic, and confident.
There was no doubt—this was Sethos.
Sethos smiled at the breathless Shao Yun and teased, "Hello, Mr. Shao Yun. If you had come one day later, I might've already left Aaru Village."
Before his words faded, he stepped forward and extended his right hand. "I'm Sethos. Miss Candace mentioned you seem to be searching for traces of Abyss Mages in the desert?"
Shao Yun quickly shook his hand and nodded firmly. "Yes, I'm indeed tracking the Abyss Mages' whereabouts."
"I wonder if Mr. Sethos might be able to provide any leads?"
Seeing the two men about to discuss business, Candace tactfully excused herself.
Before leaving, she reminded them warmly, "You two chat. I'll go check on Mr. Kaveh."
As soon as she said that, Shao Yun asked, "Kaveh? He's here?"
Candace nodded with a small smile. "Yes. He's been here for days. He swore he'd stay until Aaru Village's library is fully completed."
…
Once Candace left, Sethos stopped dragging things out and got straight to the point.
"Let's get to business. When Candace told me you were looking for Abyss Mages, I was pretty curious. Why are you searching for such monsters?"
Sethos paused, then continued, "Could you briefly explain the details of your request?"
Shao Yun couldn't possibly reveal the truth in his heart, so he improvised with a playful deflection.
"What, are you planning to steal my reward?"
Sethos immediately understood the joke and waved his hands quickly. "Haha—no, no, don't misunderstand! If it's inconvenient, you don't need to say anything!"
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Shao Yun used his tried-and-true method.
"Just tell me—how much do you want for guiding me?"
Sethos simply shook his head calmly. "Miss Candace should've told you—no fee is needed. You built a library for Aaru Village; hiring me has already been paid for."
Seeing money wasn't needed, Shao Yun didn't hold back. "So where do we look for the Abyss Mages?"
After all, time was tight—chit-chat could be done on the road!
Sethos, fully prepared, replied calmly, "The Gate of Zulqarnain area in the Desert of Hadramaveth. It's very, very far. At least a two- or three-day journey."
Hearing that it would take two or three days, Shao Yun couldn't help asking, "Are you sure we need to go that far just to find an Abyss Mage?"
Sethos nodded firmly and explained, "I checked a lot of documents, and this is the only recorded place where Abyss Mages have appeared."
"Of course, if you're unwilling to travel so far, I can also accompany you to wander the vast desert and see if we happen to encounter one by chance."
Since there really were no better ideas, Shao Yun agreed.
"Alright. I'll listen to you."
After all—when it comes to professional matters, always trust the professionals.
===BREAK===
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