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The meal brought a quiet sense of ease; at the very least, Aila had begun to face the shadows of her past. By the next day, she had already resolved to ascend Mt. Aocang and pay a visit to the Adeptus—Cloud Retainer.
Night fell over Liyue Harbor. Following Azhdaha's hint, Futsu Mitama slipped out into the lantern-lit streets in search of small mechanical gadgets. Naturally, he was not looking for flimsy trinkets. His destination was a workshop known for crafting intricate mechanical props of every kind.
The moment he stepped inside, he set down a hefty pouch of Mora on the counter and declared that he wanted several of the most difficult mechanisms available—the harder, the better.
At first, the shopkeeper eyed him warily, certain that this bold request heralded trouble. Yet after a brief exchange, he realized the visitor before him was likely a true enthusiast. Upon hearing that these mechanisms were intended as gifts for a friend, the shopkeeper's expression softened into one of knowing amusement. With a flourish, he presented several complex mechanical puzzles.
They resembled Rubik's cubes and Kongming locks—objects that could stump even the most patient of ordinary folk. Puffing out his chest, the shopkeeper boasted that the mechanisms produced in this very shop had once earned praise from Lord Rex Lapis himself, and thus possessed immeasurable value.
Futsu Mitama found the selection satisfactory, though he did not put much stock in the boast. After all, across the span of a thousand years, countless shops had been graced with Lord Rex Lapis' approval. It was no wonder that most renowned establishments in Liyue Harbor proudly bore some trace of his endorsement. As for the lesser-known ones, they had either risen to prominence—or vanished entirely.
Still, the golden words of Rex Lapis were not given lightly. With that much in mind, Futsu Mitama felt assured the shop's craftsmanship would be more than adequate—worthy enough to serve as a Meeting gift for the True Monarch of Ingenuity.
By the time he concluded his purchase, full night had settled in. The number of Millelith patrolling the streets far exceeded that of the previous two nights. Whether this heightened vigilance was due to the Geovishap incident, or simply a response to the surge of visitors arriving for the Rite of Descension, he could not say.
With such thoughts in mind, Futsu Mitama and his companions walked past a patrol unit. As they passed, their ears caught fragments of the Millelith's idle conversation.
"I still don't know who that guy was—the one fighting at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Thanks to him, we're stuck working overtime tonight!"
"It's been ages since anyone dared to pick a fight in Liyue Harbor. And they say the fellow even had a Vision—used elemental power right in the street."
"With the Rite of Descension so close, the higher-ups issued strict orders: public order must be maintained. Anyone caught brawling in the harbor will face severe punishment!"
Hearing the Millelith's chatter, Futsu Mitama and the two women simply continued forward without so much as a ripple in their expressions.
A street fight? That had nothing to do with them whatsoever. They were merely visitors from Inazuma—how could they possibly be involved?
Yes. Everything was clearly the fault of the Fatui Harbinger, Tartaglia. It had absolutely nothing to do with them.
"Yo! Back again?"
Upon returning to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, the trio found Hu Tao at the entrance, the Staff of Homa slung over her shoulder as she prepared to head out.
Seeing her, Futsu Mitama blinked. "What's going on? Got work? Didn't you say that during the Rite of Descension, no one would die?"
"And even if someone were to die, those old-timers would probably insist on holding on until the rite ends."
Hu Tao gave a bright smile. Puffing out her chest—flat as an unmarked tablet—she spoke with pride. "Funerals aren't the only thing we handle. Sometimes, we need to perform rites in places where unjust resentments linger."
"For example, Wuwang Hill. They say spirits have appeared there. Whether good or malicious, I still have to go check."
As if sensing their concern, she raised the Homa and spun it lightly, her expression earnest. "But don't worry! I'm plenty strong, so my safety isn't an issue."
Futsu Mitama eyed the Homa, then sighed. "Actually, I wasn't worried about you. I was wondering whether the ghosts would be alright."
Hu Tao wielding the Homa was simply overwhelming. Even evil spirits would hardly stand a chance. And if memory served, the Homa was practically a divine relic handed down through generations. In her hands, it could inflict devastating damage upon corrupt spirits. When it came to fighting evil, she had nothing to fear.
"Mm…" Kuki Shinobu shared the same sentiment. Hu Tao's display during Tartaglia's fight with Aila earlier that afternoon had left quite an impression.
Her Onmyodo—no, in Liyue, they should be called Talisman Arts—were clearly superior to Shinobu's own. But that was only natural. Shinobu had only served as a miko for a few years, while Hu Tao was a professional with generations of legacy.
Aila, meanwhile, stared at Hu Tao, recalling the food she'd cooked yesterday. She fell silent. Honestly, Hu Tao didn't need to do anything elaborate. She could simply present those dishes to the lingering souls and say: "Either go to the afterlife nicely, or eat these dishes—and I will send you there myself."
"How rude! Am I really that barbaric?" Hu Tao protested, hands on her hips, clearly displeased with Futsu Mitama's remark.
But then her eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh, right. Don't go picking fights with that Fatui Harbinger again. Because of your little incident, the Millelith have been working overtime. Elemental fights between Vision wielders are no joke."
"Some Millelith I know even came asking who did it. I didn't tell them. I just said I was out wandering at the time."
Her smile sharpened, gaze turning ominously playful. That look made Futsu Mitama instantly think of a line straight out of light novel:
'Futsu Mitama…you wouldn't want the Millelith to learn the truth, would you? Then you know what must be done.'
"Relax, relax!" Seeing his clearly terrified expression, Hu Tao burst into laughter. She patted him on the shoulder. "I won't drag you to Wuwang Hill. This time, it's me and Zhongli."
"He's already headed out, so I need to hurry or he'll lecture me again. And you're strong too. Even without a Vision—well, you don't have one, never mind~ Anyway, someone who can wield Electro like you is handy for exorcisms."
"Since you owe me a favor, I'll have you repay it next time."
With that, Hu Tao hefted the Homa and dashed off, humming.
Futsu Mitama silently mourned the spirits on Wuwang Hill—benevolent or otherwise. Benevolent spirits would simply be guided toward reincarnation as per Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's custom. But evil spirits? They would be facing both Hu Tao with the Homa—and Zhongli, the Geo Archon himself.
"When the sun comes out, I bask in the sun When the moon comes out, I bask in the moon"
Hu Tao's voice trailed off as she sprinted toward Wuwang Hill.
Futsu Mitama returned home with the others. They washed up and prepared for rest. Before sleeping, he idly chatted in the group and realized it had been nearly five days since he left Inazuma. Tomorrow would be the sixth.
Counting the day he departed…that meant his weekly boss fight—being unilaterally beaten by the Raiden Shogun—was imminent.
"What a pity~ I'm in Liyue, so I can't visit Shogun Raiden in Tenshukaku."
He spoke with theatrical regret, though a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. Although Raiden Shogun required him to receive weekly 'guidance,' he was in Liyue and could not return.
Surely, she would understand. And if she didn't—Raiden Ei certainly would. With that comforting thought, he lay down, opened "Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine", and began reading.
The gift from Zhongli carried profound significance. Compared to "Transcendence: Baleful Omen" and "Raiden Style · Martial Arts," bestowed by Raiden Makoto—impressive for offense but fragile defensively—this tome offered something else entirely.
His previous techniques were high-power but low-defense, forcing him to activate Chakra Desiderata every battle to avoid instant defeat—or teleport away if needed. But if he truly grasped everything within "Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine"
Then he might, in some sense, become a genuine successor candidate to the Geo Archon. It simply required talent. And Futsu Mitama read with relentless interest.
Thus, the night passed.
By morning, Aila and Kuki Shinobu were startled by his haggard appearance.
"What happened to you?"
"It's nothing. What Zhongli gave me is simply…difficult to learn." He waved a hand, insisting he was fine—just tired from reading all night.
"Is it really that difficult?" Kuki Shinobu asked.
She had personally witnessed his learning ability—exceptional enough to comprehend divine arts. He was the only one in their entire group capable of learning Raiden Makoto's uploaded techniques.
For someone like him to call Zhongli's gift difficult—could it have been created by a god?
Confusion rose within her. And with it, suspicion that Zhongli's identity was far less simple than he appeared.
"Mm." Futsu Mitama nodded. "Mr. Zhongli's gift is definitely not ordinary. It's probably something left behind by an Adeptus."
Kuki Shinobu was stunned. She had assumed it was merely an elemental art and hadn't paid it much mind. But hearing this—
Such a precious item, and Zhongli had simply handed it over? "Is it possible…Mitama, were you originally from Liyue?"
That was the only explanation she could think of. If Zhongli gave something precious to Aila, that might be because of her parents. But why Futsu Mitama? An Adeptus-level technique should cost an absurd fortune. Zhongli had gifted it freely. It made no sense.
"Mm…" Futsu Mitama didn't explain. From Shinobu's perspective, it was strange. But from Zhongli's viewpoint, it was perfectly reasonable.
He had seen his old friend—one not yet lost to erosion—and had spoken with Raiden Makoto, one of the original Seven Archons. For Zhongli, those moments alone were priceless. He had also observed Futsu Mitama's weaknesses via the group live feed, and thus wrote "Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine" for him to study.
"Never mind." Seeing his expression, Shinobu stopped pressing. When the time came, she would understand. Aila ate quietly, speaking little—likely out of nerves for meeting an Adeptus, or concern for the exhausted Futsu Mitama.
After breakfast, they packed up and departed.
As they stepped outside, Futsu Mitama glanced toward Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Its doors remained tightly shut—Hu Tao had not yet returned. If she were here, she would no doubt poke her head out and say, "Yo! Heading out? Safe travels!"
Though he'd only lived beside her a few days, he was certain she would have said exactly that.
"Let's go. Today's destination—Mt. Aocang!"
They set off, leaving Liyue Harbor behind.
And the moment they moved, the Fatui watchers hidden in the distance sent word back. Ever since Tartaglia's clash with Futsu Mitama, their vigilance had doubled. Intelligence confirmed Futsu Mitama possessed Harbinger-level strength. One careless move could ruin Childe's plans.
At Northland Bank, Tartaglia—fresh from breakfast and warming up—frowned upon receiving the report.
"Strange. They just left Liyue Harbor yesterday, caused a huge commotion, and now they're going out again?"
He genuinely found it odd. Yesterday, they went out to fight a Primo Geovishap.
He also knew they'd been taken to the Jade Chamber by Ganyu. With Futsu Mitama's unusual identity and the threat of the Primo Geovishap, of course the Qixing would cooperate with them. Tartaglia himself had been to the Jade Chamber and met Ningguang. He wished to deepen ties between Snezhnaya and Liyue…Yet for some reason, Liyue maintained its distance. A true mystery.
"We don't know," his subordinates replied. Logically, Futsu Mitama should be in Liyue Harbor selling Geovishap parts.
The Fatui had even planned to buy them at high prices—both to curry favor and to satisfy Dottore's growing interest. The Second Harbinger would soon arrive personally. Tartaglia grimaced. He did not look forward to that visit.
"Forget it. No need to monitor Futsu Mitama for now."
He waved the matter aside. He had fought the man himself—sending more watchers now would only risk discovery. Their frequent departures might be a tactic to flush out spies. Tartaglia had done such things himself.
He then paused, looking to his nearby subordinate. "What about Mr. Zhongli? Did he agree to meet today? I still want to dine and talk with him."
"Mr. Zhongli replied yesterday," the subordinate said quickly. "He is accompanying Director Hu for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor matters today. He can meet Master Childe tomorrow."
"We confirmed he left Liyue Harbor last night for Wuwang Hill. Director Hu as well."
Tartaglia deflated. What was this? Between Futsu Mitama and Zhongli both going out, should he also find some side work?
"Fine, fine. I'll go collect debts." He sighed. "Since both of them ran off, I may as well get into a fight."
"Shall I accompany you?" the Debt Collector asked.
"No need," Tartaglia replied. "Before I became a Harbinger, I did plenty of rough work."
And with that, the Northland Bank matters concluded.
Meanwhile, Futsu Mitama and his companions hiked for hours until they finally reached the foot of Mt. Aocang.
"Phew…we're finally here."
Futsu Mitama arrived at the foot of Mt. Aocang and swept his gaze across the winding trail. Travelers ascended in small groups, murmuring prayers or quiet hopes as they made their way toward the heights. The presence of Adepti on Mt. Aocang was common knowledge throughout Liyue, yet few had ever truly glimpsed them—fewer still had earned their blessing.
Still, no one ever claimed the Adepti had vanished. Rather, the common sentiment was that one simply had not been sincere enough to meet them.
"Let's go up as well."
With a steady breath, Futsu Mitama lifted his eyes toward the towering peak and began the ascent alongside Kuki Shinobu and Aila. Their pace far exceeded that of ordinary travelers; even the treacherous, uneven paths offered little resistance.
Along the way, snippets of rumor drifted to their ears.
Somewhere within Mt. Aocang, they said, dwelled a White-haired Immortal—a figure of icy demeanor, ruthless toward monsters, yet unexpectedly compassionate toward mortals. More than once, she had rescued travelers who had come seeking blessings, herbs, or merely the mountain's vistas. Her reputation as the White-haired Immortal of Mt. Aocang had spread far and wide.
Compared to the mountain as depicted in the game, the real Mt. Aocang was clearly not meant for human traversal. Many areas were utterly impassable for ordinary folk; even a seasoned martial artist would find the climb grueling.
After half an hour, the three reached the mountainside, intending to prepare a simple meal before resuming the climb. It was already noon—rest and nourishment were only natural.
"Grilled Lavender Melon for lunch?"
Futsu Mitama raised a brow at the bundle of Lavender Melon Kuki Shinobu withdrew from the Chat Group, a faintly complex expression flickering across his face.
"In the wild, without proper tools, grilled Lavender Melon is already pretty good." Shinobu gave a brief thanks to Kamisato Ayaka in the group before kindling a small fire, preparing the meal.
As she worked, she shot Futsu Mitama a glance and sighed. "If you want gourmet food outdoors, why not bring cookware? Or just add Xiangling to the group—tell her you're hungry and she'd whip something up instantly."
She couldn't help marveling again at how convenient the Chat Group—and especially its gift function—had become.
"Only one left…I'll have to use it sparingly. Unless the group levels up again, then maybe…"
Futsu Mitama broke off mid-sentence. His eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he activated Chakra Desiderata, drew Musou Isshin into his hand, and fixed his gaze ahead.
"Who's there?"
Aila rose immediately, hand on her hilt, following his line of sight. Shinobu's fingers slipped into her pocket, ready to release her Talisman Arts at the slightest movement. She trusted Futsu Mitama's senses implicitly. Even if she felt nothing, the moment he reacted, it meant someone was near.
A moment later, a woman stepped silently into view—long snow-white hair cascading down her back, red ropes wrapped around her form, attire revealing and striking. She regarded the three with cold, unreadable eyes.
"The White-haired Immortal of Mt. Aocang?" Shinobu's voice carried a note of surprise. The figure matched every description they had heard: red ropes, ethereal aura… and overwhelming strength. The moment she saw her, Shinobu understood instinctively—if they fought, she would lose in just a few blows.
Is this what a Liyue Adeptus is like? The sheer oppressive presence made it hard to believe she was merely human.
Aila's hand tightened on her sword. What Shinobu sensed, she sensed as well. After sparring with Tartaglia the previous day, Aila had barely learned to maintain Mind Eye during ordinary moments. It wasn't as powerful as Mirrors Reflection of Tranquility, but it was a start—enough to sharpen her senses and assess an enemy's strength.
Which was why she now felt it clearly: the White-haired Immortal before them was terrifyingly strong, and—yet again—Aila knew she stood no chance.
Of course, this time it was only natural. The woman was an Adeptus—a being who had lived countless years.
Futsu Mitama, however, recognized her at once. Shenhe. Disciple of Cloud Retainer. The one bold enough to challenge Beisht, servant of the Vortex Vanquisher—and prevail. If Beidou represented the very peak of human strength, then Shenhe was the absolute ceiling. Even Tartaglia at full power would struggle to defeat her outright.
"You three."
Shenhe finally spoke. Her silver-grey eyes reflected their silhouettes as she said calmly, "My master has sensed your arrival and has instructed me to receive you."
"?" ×3
All three were momentarily stunned. This was not the greeting they expected.
"You… aren't an Adeptus?" Shinobu couldn't help asking.
Aila looked equally shocked. Shenhe's ethereal presence was unmistakably Adeptal. How could she not be one?
"Mm." Shenhe gave a quiet nod, turned away, and began leading them up the mountain.
Shinobu and Aila exchanged incredulous looks. Human? She's human?
How could a mortal radiate such crushing power?
"Thank you," Futsu Mitama said politely, motioning for the two to follow.
Aila trailed silently behind. Shinobu gathered the Lavender Melon, intent on grilling it later.
Under Shenhe's guidance, they ascended swiftly. She knew every shortcut, every hidden path—proof she had lived here many years. She remained silent throughout the climb, her aloof disposition unmistakable.
Futsu Mitama, however, knew the truth: she wasn't aloof by nature. She simply lacked the ability to communicate well with others, and thus spoke sparsely.
Still far from the summit, he finally asked, "How did the Adepti know we were here?"
"Wind." Shenhe didn't look back. "My master is Cloud Retainer. Through the wind alone, she can perceive your arrival."
"And she said you are people of fate. Coming to Mt. Aocang, you must seek something."
Futsu Mitama recalled the strange wind currents in the game—how they carried the player upward when near her domain. Cloud Retainer, indeed, lived up to her name.
"As expected of an Adeptus," Shinobu murmured with admiration before asking, "Then… are you an Immortal Disciple?"
Shenhe nodded. "I have lived with my master since childhood, studying Adepti arts. As you say, I am an Immortal Disciple."
She then turned to Aila briefly. "Your state of mind is troubled."
Aila fell silent. Earlier, she felt no pressure knowing Shenhe was an Adeptus. But learning she was human—yet so overwhelmingly strong—made her heart churn anew.
Why is everyone I meet outside Inazuma so powerful? Only Zhongli-sensei seemed mild and approachable—largely because he relied on knowledge, not strength.
Keqing, Ningguang, Hu Tao, Ganyu…none could be taken lightly.
"Do not dwell on it," Shenhe added calmly. "I have trained for countless years. Your talent is not weak. Given time, you will grow strong."
Aila nodded faintly.
With Shenhe leading the way, a climb that should have taken hours was completed in less than thirty minutes. At the summit, a great crane stood upon a high platform. Her voice rang with majestic clarity:
"Retainer of the Raiden Shogun—state your purpose for visiting this Adeptus."
"!" ×2
Aila and Shinobu stared, wide-eyed. This was an Adeptus? The aura was immense—far stronger than Shenhe—but… why a giant bird?
"Forgive the intrusion, True Monarch. I have brought a Meeting gift." Futsu Mitama stepped forward and produced the mechanical trinket he had purchased the night before.
Cloud Retainer blinked, then let out a soft, amused hum. "Retainer of the Raiden Shogun, you are quite thoughtful."
A breeze lifted the mechanical toy from his palm, carrying it to her.
After a brief inspection, she nodded proudly. "This Adeptus believed it to be something else—but it is merely an improved version of a mechanism from a hundred years past. In those days, rumor claimed even Adepti could not unlock it. Naturally, this Adeptus went personally to Liyue Harbor, studied it for an hour, and solved it."
"That mortal craftsman had skill—nowhere near this Adeptus, of course, but admirable nonetheless."
She sent the mechanisms into her dwelling, clearly pleased with the offering.
Then, with a gentler tone, she said, "You have upheld proper courtesy in bringing a gift. Since you must surely have a request, speak freely, and this Adeptus shall assist if she is able."
Futsu Mitama smiled faintly and nudged Aila forward. "I have no request of my own. But my maid requires your help."
Aila's condition was indeed strange. Zhongli had explained how she once had black hair and intact memories—until they vanished entirely. Even after learning fragments of her past, no memory returned, as though something had erased everything.
Cloud Retainer studied Aila with mild curiosity. "She appears well. Her body is whole, save for a slightly unusual state of mind. She…"
The Adeptus suddenly paused. Her wings fluttered, and she descended from her high perch—a rare gesture that even Shenhe found startling.
Cloud Retainer approached Aila closely, scrutinizing her.
"Strange. Very strange. Not only is your state of mind abnormal… you yourself are incomplete. Your organs and soul are all present… and yet, something is missing. It is as though you stand before me—but another half of you remains elsewhere."
The group was stunned.
Incomplete? Aila? How could that be?
"This matter—this Adeptus cannot intervene." Cloud Retainer shook her head. Though she had glimpsed something, she refused.
"Why?" Futsu Mitama frowned. Cloud Retainer rarely refused mortals unless the matter was truly dire.
"This karma is too great." Her voice grew solemn. "If this Adeptus involves herself, the one behind this will likely turn their hostility upon Liyue—and upon this Adeptus."
The Archon was invincible—who could ever hope to surpass her? Yet even if such might stood beyond all challenge, this was not a matter she could be troubled with. And out of her own benevolence, she would never allow Liyue to become the target of inexplicably powerful foes.
"This…" Futsu Mitama faltered. He had not expected Aila's situation to be so grave that even Cloud Retainer hesitated to intervene.
"Since you bear the Electro Archon's Authority, you should be able to seek audience with the Raiden Shogun," Cloud Retainer declared, turning her gaze upon him as she laid out the most direct course. "Inform the Raiden Shogun of this girl's predicament."
"Should she choose to act, the matter can yet be resolved. And I trust no one would dare trouble her for doing so."
Her tone carried unmistakable reverence. After all, the Raiden Shogun stood as one of The Seven, equal in station to the Geo Archon himself. If she were to intervene, no complications would follow.
"Wait—please look at this." Seeing Cloud Retainer's stance, Futsu Mitama suddenly understood why Zhongli had entrusted Aila with a Talisman of Everlasting Morality.
With a subtle glance from him, Aila drew the talisman from where it rested against her chest.
"Hmm?" Cloud Retainer's eyes narrowed as she recognized the object. She shook her head lightly. "A Talisman of Everlasting Morality? Merely a token of the Archon's covenant with the people. With it, I, Cloud Retainer, may assist with most matters. But this particular issue…"
Mid-sentence, the talisman flared, its surface blooming with a soft, radiant gold. Cloud Retainer paused. Something had clearly reached her senses. When she spoke again, her tone had shifted entirely.
"I, Cloud Retainer… can also help you."
"?" ×3
Kuki Shinobu, Aila, and Shenhe all exchanged startled glances. Cloud Retainer's change in attitude was far too sudden—everyone presents felt it clearly. Just what had occurred?
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