High atop Mt. Aocang, two Adepti argued throughout the night.
By dawn, Cloud Retainer finally conceded—albeit reluctantly—that Aila could acknowledge Mountain Shaper as half a master.
This was unlike Shenhe's case. Shenhe, in name, had only Cloud Retainer as her master. Though the other Adepti doted on her and taught her many things, none had ever formally taken on that role.
Now it was different.
Mountain Shaper had become Aila's half-master—her second, in all but name—while Cloud Retainer remained her primary master.
Mountain Shaper was dissatisfied, yet he could only accept the arrangement. After all, Cloud Retainer had overseen the treatment personally, and even the Geo Archon himself had approved it. There was nothing more to be said.
With the matter settled, the two Adepti returned to their abode and began instructing Aila in various forms of knowledge and cultivation.
At the same time, after an entire night of live broadcasting, Futsu Mitama chuckled softly and closed the Chat Group stream, resuming his daily training.
Within the group, he directly questioned Zhongli about the parts of "Eight Directions Containing Jade to Shine" he could not grasp. On the surface, the technique seemed like an ordinary Geo elemental skill, yet its depth far exceeded appearances.
Whenever confusion arose, he asked Zhongli—and Zhongli answered patiently.
Concepts that had once felt obscure were explained with remarkable clarity: how to better guide the Geo element, how to restrain impatience when attempting to activate the techniques within.
First, Zhongli told him, he needed to sense the ever-present Geo element surrounding him. Geo existed everywhere. Those who stood upon the earth could feel it, yet few could command it.
If Futsu Mitama wished to truly unleash the recorded techniques, he would have to comprehend them step by step.
Futsu Mitama naturally agreed, nodding in earnest.
After another night of training, dawn arrived.
The time was six in the morning—the moment the sun rose over the horizon. One by one, the members of the Chat Group awoke. Zhongli reminded everyone to wear the trinkets he had prepared before beginning the daily check-in.
Then, he distributed his gifts. Aside from Raiden Makoto and Azhdaha, everyone received a special ornament.
[Azhdaha: "Hmm? What is this?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Ah… not having a body is such a nuisance. I want one too."]
[Zhongli: "With nothing better to do, I fashioned a lucky charm according to ancient texts."]
[Zhongli: "It should slightly increase the chance of obtaining items."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Mr. Zhongli, why the sudden interest in this?"]
[Zhongli: "I am somewhat embarrassed. The check-ins have yielded nothing but experience for so long—even I cannot help but hope for better odds."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "It's quite beautiful."]
[Yae Miko: "The craftsmanship is exquisite. It seems you've done this sort of work before, Mr. Zhongli."]
[Albedo: "Luck… I don't sense much difference."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "A charm that boosts luck? Does such a thing truly work?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "I'm not sure either. @Zhongli, do I simply wear it?"]
[Zhongli: "Yes. Keep it on you—but do not place too much faith in it."]
Outside the Chat Group, Futsu Mitama examined the jade pendant Zhongli had sent. No matter how he looked at it, it scarcely resembled a lucky charm. Only then did Zhongli clarify in the group that Futsu Mitama's was different—a jade pendant rushed overnight just for him.
Carved with unique dragon patterns, it was unmistakably refined.
Futsu Mitama fastened it to his waist. The moment he did, a gentle calm settled over his heart, easing the restlessness that had lingered within him.
"Wonderful."
He extended his hand, and faint Geo elemental ripples gathered in his palm. The change was subtle yet undeniable—his affinity with Geo had increased. He could not help but sigh inwardly. As expected of something crafted personally by the Lord of Geo himself.
A confident smile spread across his face.
With the Geo Archon's blessing upon him, surely this check-in would not disappoint. Rubbing his hands together in anticipation, he turned his attention back to the Chat Group.
[Azhdaha: "10 experience."]
[Raiden Makoto: "15 experience."]
[Zhongli: "23 experience."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "25 experience."]
[Kamisato Ayaka: "14 experience."]
[Albedo: "It seems everyone's luck remains rather… ordinary."]
[Yae Miko: "@Futsu Mitama, have you checked in yet?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Not yet. The true hero always appears last."]
[Yae Miko: "Hehe~ How intriguing. I just drew a fortune for myself."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Three, two, one—together?"]
[Yae Miko: "Very well. Today's fortune says I have great luck."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Three."]
[Yae Miko: "Two."]
[Futsu Mitama: "One!"]
[Yae Miko: "One!"]
[Futsu Mitama: "Damn—60 experience!"]
[Yae Miko: "Great luck… and only 80 experience?"]
[Zhongli: "Perhaps the effect of boosting luck does not extend to the Chat Group itself."]
[Futsu Mitama: "It's fine! I still have Aila! @Aila."]
[Aila: "Hmm? Young master? Ah, it's time for the daily check-in. Understood—I'll put on the charm right away."]
[Aila: "..."]
[Azhdaha: "As expected, nothing dropped?"]
[Raiden Makoto: "That would be normal. This Chat Group feels beyond the comprehension of Teyvat—perhaps even above the Heavenly Principles."]
[Zhongli: "Even so, the charm should still be useful in daily life."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "Indeed. It's beautifully made."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "Items that influence luck are rare to begin with."]
Then—
[Aila: "I checked in…and I got something."]
For a brief moment, the entire group fell silent. After two long weeks, beyond experience points alone, an item had finally dropped again.
Futsu Mitama stared at the message, then laughed softly.
"As expected… it really is Aila."
In that instant, Cloud Retainer's words echoed faintly in his mind. Aila's original destiny had been one of wealth and nobility. Her life should have unfolded without turbulence—yet for reasons unknown, that destiny had been stolen from her.
Even so, within the Chat Group, Aila's luck was consistently far better than anyone else's.
Many of the items Futsu Mitama relied upon—the wine-brewing methods, the forging techniques, the Broken Pocket Watch, the Perfect Elegant Maid's Manual—three out of those four had all come from Aila's sign-ins.
"Hmm?"
Nearby, Shenhe paused mid-sip of morning dew, glancing toward Futsu Mitama with faint surprise. Why was he suddenly sighing while thinking about his junior sister?
[Zhongli: "What is it?"]
[Azhdaha: "Oh?!! What is it?! I'm curious!"]
[Raiden Makoto: "Goodness… since joining the group, I've never signed in for an item."]
[Yae Miko: "As expected of you. Both aptitude and luck—truly enviable. Why wasn't it me who picked you up that snowy day, I wonder?"]
[Aila: "It's… a maid outfit."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "?"]
[Kuki Shinobu: "?"]
[Futsu Mitama: "What does it do?"]
Everyone knew this much: while the Chat Group often rewarded nothing but experience, any item that did drop was invariably exceptional.
Kamisato Ayaka's presence-erasing outfit. Sangonomiya Kokomi's condensed resin. Kuki Shinobu's shrine maiden attire.
Each of them had been powerful enough to affect real combat or cultivation.
If Kuki Shinobu hadn't adamantly refused to wear hers—and if Aila herself weren't still adjusting to such things—that miko outfit alone could have significantly enhanced one's strength.
As for Futsu Mitama himself… a grown man wearing a shrine maiden outfit was, of course, out of the question.
Now that Aila had obtained a maid outfit instead, he was naturally pleased—and curious.
Sign-in items always came with a description, but experience had proven that descriptions rarely told the full story. Hidden effects were almost guaranteed.
The wine-brewing method never mentioned its physical enhancement or Electro resistance. The miko outfit never stated its ability to induce elemental resonance. And condensed resin…was capable of resisting erosion itself.
[Aila: "According to the description, it's a specially tailored maid outfit that enhances stamina and elemental power. Its defensive capability is extremely high. I tested it with a blade—it couldn't be cut."]
[Sangonomiya Kokomi: "You tested it immediately…?"]
[Zhongli: "Enhancing stamina and elemental power…"]
[Aila: "Yes. The fit is perfect. After putting it on, my mind feels even calmer. I believe it has additional effects not listed."]
[Raiden Makoto: "That's quite good. At the very least, it directly translates into strength."]
[Azhdaha: "Much better than experience points."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Exactly. Anything's better than that cursed experience."]
[Yae Miko: "Hah… 'great fortune' only gave me experience. How despairing."]
[Kuki Shinobu: "@Futsu Mitama, I'm already on my way. I should reach Mt. Aocang soon. I'll explain what happened in Liyue Harbor when I arrive."]
[Futsu Mitama: "Alright."]
With that, Futsu Mitama continued waiting atop Mt. Aocang.
Two hours passed in a blink.
Both he and Shenhe sensed movement and looked up—just in time to see Kuki Shinobu leaping gracefully across the terrain, a large bag slung over her shoulder.
"Have you eaten yet?" she asked upon landing.
"No," Futsu Mitama replied, shaking his head.
"I drank some dew," Shenhe said calmly. "I plan to eat fresh Glaze Lilies later."
"..."
Kuki Shinobu stared at her. Fresh…Glaze Lilies?
She knew they were edible—nutritious, even—and Mt. Aocang was abundant in Glaze Lilies and Qingxin. Enough, realistically, for Shenhe to survive an entire year.
But—did she truly live off foraged mountain plants?
Kuki Shinobu's gaze drifted to Shenhe's near-perfect physique. Could one really maintain such a body by eating nothing but Glaze Lilies, Qingxin, Sweet Flowers, Sunsettias, and berries?
That was—terrifying.
"Never mind. I'll cook." Kuki Shinobu sighed. "If we're staying here long-term, I also bought tents."
She set the bag down, producing cookware and utensils, then glanced at Futsu Mitama.
"Go set them up."
"Three tents?" Futsu Mitama raised his thumb. "As expected of you—thoughtful."
A faint smile appeared on Kuki Shinobu's face. She liked that feeling. Being needed meant her efforts mattered.
While she began preparing food with practiced efficiency, Futsu Mitama helped Shenhe assemble the tents—mostly teaching her how, as she'd never done so before.
By the time the dishes were finished, the three tents were barely standing.
Breakfast began.
In the Chat Group, Kuki Shinobu asked whether Aila wanted to come out to eat.
Aila replied that her master believed her heart was not yet stable, and it was best she remain within the cave. Her meals had already been reduced to simple sustenance—much like Shenhe's.
Still, Aila admitted the cultivation was effective. Her understanding of the Mind's Eye and Mirror's Reflection of Tranquility was deepening by the day.
Zhongli, Raiden Makoto, and Futsu Mitama all agreed—this path allowed her growth to be visibly steady.
"By the way," Futsu Mitama said while eating, "you mentioned something happened in Liyue Harbor?"
Shenhe also turned her gaze toward Kuki Shinobu, listening quietly.
"You're famous now," Kuki Shinobu said evenly.
"Wanmin Restaurant, the Guiyan Assembly, and Ningguang's factions have all promoted you."
"A Primo Geovishap," she added, "is a treasure from head to tail."
At Wanmin Restaurant, Xiangling had used the Primo Geovishap meat to draw culinary masters from across Liyue.
Guiyan Assembly launched sales of Primo Geovishap scales, drawing blacksmiths in droves.
And through her merchant network, Ningguang released Primo Geovishap dragon blood—sending alchemists rushing to Liyue Harbor.
"Honestly," Kuki Shinobu said, "I didn't expect a single Primo Geovishap to cause such an uproar."
Futsu Mitama nodded. He'd anticipated value—but not this. If Ningguang and Guiyan Assembly pushed hard enough, the profits could easily reach tens of millions of mora. Perhaps even a hundred million.
"Good news," he said with a broad smile.
He was already calculating how many houses he could buy across the Seven Nations. Liyue Harbor, in particular, was simply too comfortable.
If not for Aila's situation, he would've stayed longer—listening to Yun Jin perform, running into Xingqiu and Chongyun, watching Xinyan play, or visiting Bubu Pharmacy to pat Qiqi's head.
For now, though, Mt. Aocang would be home.
"By the way," Kuki Shinobu said, pointing to the now nearly empty bag. "Did you notice what was at the bottom?"
"What?" Futsu Mitama froze.
He stepped over and looked—then his eyes widened.
"You went to the Guiyan Assembly?"
These were the forging materials the shopkeeper's daughter had promised him earlier—materials intended not for weapons, but armor for Aila.
Kuki Shinobu nodded. "She delivered them personally this morning."
Futsu Mitama fell silent, weighing the materials in his hands.
With these, plus Liben's basalt pillar—forging armor was now possible.
"Cloud Retainer," he called.
The crane Adeptus emerged from the cave.
"What is it?"
"When is the Primo Geovishap hunt?" Futsu Mitama asked. "I may need to return to Liyue Harbor briefly."
"Tonight," Cloud Retainer replied calmly. "Primo Geovishaps are nocturnal."
"If it remains active on Liyue land, this Adeptus will find it."
Her confidence was absolute.
"Good," Futsu Mitama said.
Futsu Mitama nodded at her words and replied earnestly, "I'll return tonight. I'll have to trouble you with Aila in the meantime."
Cloud Retainer's extended crane neck swayed gently as she spoke in an even tone, "This adeptus will naturally care well for her disciple. However—Shenhe, you must eat a little less. Do not repeat Ganyu's past mistakes—"
"Understood, Master!" Shenhe cut in swiftly.
For some reason, she felt that if her master continued—and if those words somehow reached Sister Ganyu's ears again—something truly terrifying might unfold.
"Hmph. Very well." Cloud Retainer withdrew her head. "This adeptus shall continue instructing Aila."
She seemed quite occupied once more.
With Cloud Retainer's permission secured, Futsu Mitama turned to Shenhe. "Care to take a stroll through Liyue Harbor together?"
Shenhe had remained on Mt. Aocang for a long while now. Inviting her out felt only natural.
"No need."
She shook her head lightly, rubbing her rather flat stomach as she answered with seriousness, "Today's training is not yet complete. And tonight, I may face a Primo Geovishap."
"I heard Master say it is an earth-shaking Vishap—large as a small mountain. Not something a Mitachurl or lesser creature could contend with."
"For tonight's battle, I must first adjust my state."
At her words, both Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu understood. This diligence was not prompted by the Primo Geovishap itself—it was Cloud Retainer's comment that had truly spurred her on.
Don't be like Ganyu back then—
Kuki Shinobu couldn't help recalling Azhdaha's words.
Ganyu had once choked a massive beast to death—because she was too plump.
Just how plump had she been?
With that, Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu descended Mt. Aocang, heading toward Liyue Harbor. Along the way, Futsu Mitama complained lightly, asking why Kuki Shinobu hadn't mentioned earlier that all the materials had already been gathered. Had he known, he could've returned to Liyue Harbor that very morning.
Kuki Shinobu calmly explained that it was better she deliver them to Mt. Aocang first. After all, forging armor could take time. If delays arose—and they were forced into battle while en route—fighting while hauling such a large bag would be far from ideal.
Moreover, back in Inazuma, the Fatui had targeted her more than once. Even she had needed effort to shake them off.
The Fatui in Liyue were no less troublesome. They were clearly watching them. Carrying such conspicuous cargo would only invite trouble.
That was why she had risen early, bringing along the pots, pans, and three tents purchased the previous night, and made straight for Mt. Aocang. She had happened to encounter the shopkeeper's daughter along the way and accepted the materials then.
During her journey, Kuki Shinobu had conducted multiple counter-reconnaissance checks. Only after confirming she wasn't being followed did she ascend Mt. Aocang.
Hearing all this, Futsu Mitama found himself at a loss for words.
As they spoke, Liyue Harbor soon came into view.
"Yo—what a coincidence!"
Just then, Hu Tao appeared, Homa in hand. She leaned closer, smiling brightly. "You're coming back too? I just returned from Wuwang Hill myself. Care to eat together?"
Faced with Hu Tao's lively grin, both Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu felt an inexplicable chill.
When Hu Tao said eat together… did that mean she would cook?
"No need." Futsu Mitama refused flatly. "Shinobu and I are already full."
"Yes." Kuki Shinobu nodded immediately, her tone grave. "We're heading to a blacksmith to borrow tools and forge armor for Aila."
"By the way, Director Hu," she added, "you were gone quite a while. Have you only just resolved that wrongful death?"
Hu Tao had been away for a full day and night. Surely that was excessive for a single vengeful spirit.
"Oh my~" Hu Tao waved her hand helplessly. "That one was…special."
"She did have grievances, and Zhongli and I helped resolve them. But after her resentment faded, she refused to pass on."
"She felt it would be too much of a loss—she still wanted to live."
"So she attacked us instead." Hu Tao smiled. "In the end, I beat her up and dispersed her resentment by force. I told her plainly—if she refused repentance, I'd send her off on the spot."
"After some heartfelt persuasion, she finally chose to rest in peace. I escorted her back to the Boundary myself."
She nodded in satisfaction, as though pleased with her own benevolence.
Kuki Shinobu's lips twitched. Those words were terrifying—spoken far too casually.
Sent off on the spot…
Futsu Mitama, meanwhile, wondered what sort of spirit could dare challenge both Hu Tao and Zhongli.
Hu Tao suddenly recalled something, frowning slightly. "That said, Zhongli suddenly disappeared mid-job."
"I know he's busy, but still… it's a little irritating." She sighed. "Though everything that needed doing was done."
With Hu Tao chattering beside them, the atmosphere lightened considerably. Soon, the trio passed identity verification and entered Liyue Harbor.
"Oh, right," Hu Tao said suddenly. "You mentioned going to a blacksmith, didn't you? I know one who works with the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. Their history isn't as long as ours, but their craftsmanship is solid. I'll take you there."
Neither Futsu Mitama nor Kuki Shinobu refused. After thanking her, they followed.
Under Hu Tao's guidance, they soon arrived—only to see a familiar figure at the entrance.
"Hmm?" ×3
Futsu Mitama, Hu Tao, and Kuki Shinobu all stared at Zhongli, who was conversing with the owner.
"Oh?" Zhongli turned, surprised. "You're all here?"
Hu Tao rarely visited such places, and Futsu Mitama and Kuki Shinobu were supposed to be on Mt. Aocang.
"Zhongli, why are you here?" Hu Tao asked.
"Just ordering a few items," Zhongli replied casually, then looked to Futsu Mitama. "Are you here to forge something?"
"Mm." Futsu Mitama nodded, pleasantly surprised.
With Zhongli present, the final product might be even better.
"Oh?" The blacksmith owner—Old Zhang—stepped forward enthusiastically. "You've come to the right place. Cold Steel Weapons is well-known throughout Liyue. We can forge anything—or assist, if you have a blueprint."
"I'd like to borrow your tools," Futsu Mitama said politely. "I intend to forge it myself."
He instinctively glanced to his side.
Normally, Aila would handle the mora.
But Aila was still on Mt. Aocang.
Oh no.
His heart skipped.
He had forgotten his wallet.
"I see." Kuki Shinobu sighed, rolling her eyes. She took out a pouch of mora and tossed it to Old Zhang. "This should cover the rental."
Old Zhang caught it, weighed it, and smiled. "That'll do. Enough for a full day."
Futsu Mitama looked awkwardly at Kuki Shinobu.
"It's fine," she said calmly. "You keep all your mora with Aila. A truly dutiful young master."
Futsu Mitama coughed lightly. "Next time for sure."
He entered the forge, inspecting the tools.
Hu Tao and Kuki Shinobu stood aside, watching with interest.
"What materials do you have?" Zhongli asked, stepping closer.
"These." Futsu Mitama laid out the auxiliary materials.
Old Zhang's eyes flickered in surprise—each was worth a small fortune.
Zhongli nodded. "Acceptable quality. But you're missing a main material."
Futsu Mitama smiled and produced the basalt pillar Liben had given him.
Zhongli's eyes widened slightly. "Such refined basalt—where did you obtain this?"
Compressed pure Geo.
Armor forged from it would be priceless.