The stone merchant immediately began fawning over Zhongli, rubbing his hands together with an irrepressible grin.
"Excellent! Esteemed sir, I could tell at first glance that you were extraordinary—your generosity truly matches your bearing!"
Paimon immediately panicked, shaking her head frantically.
"Wait, this isn't something we can decide alone. We still need to discuss it!"
She then pushed Zhongli toward Aether and Rover.
"If the ritual only requires one type, wouldn't buying all of them just waste three times the Mora?!"
Paimon hurriedly clutched the money pouch in Zhongli's hand, terrified he might spend it all.
"Mora?"
Zhongli paused thoughtfully for a moment before realization dawned on him.
"Ah, indeed. I hadn't considered that earlier. For me, when making purchases, the amount of Mora is usually not a concern."
The moment these words left his mouth, even Aether stared at Zhongli in astonishment.
Who in the world spends money so lavishly without even thinking about Mora?!
"I'll purchase all the Noctilucous Jades here and gift them to Mr. Zhongli."
A familiar woman's voice rang out, startling the group once again as they turned toward the shop.
Ningguang was examining the Noctilucous Jade in her hand, causing Rover to frown slightly as his hand subtly moved to the hilt of his sword.
"What are you doing here?"
Aether spoke while preparing for combat, but Ningguang merely observed Rover and Aether with a faint smile before leisurely replying.
"I've come only to invite the two of you to the Jade Chamber for a conversation. Let us consider our previous encounters misunderstandings. These Noctilucous Jades shall serve as my apology. Should you require any further expenses, you may seek me out."
Upon hearing this, Zhongli turned his attention to Ningguang.
"Do you mean that?"
Ningguang nodded naturally, and Zhongli gave a slight nod in return, inwardly pleased at having acquired a third wallet for his expenses.
Aether hesitated, instinctively glancing at Rover, who in turn waited for Zhongli's opinion.
"Young friend, you may go ahead. I can handle the ritual preparations alone."
Seeing that Zhongli had no objections, Rover relaxed before turning back to Ningguang.
"Then, please lead the way."
The Jade Chamber, floating above Liyue Harbor, served as both the intelligence and decision-making hub of the Liyue Qixing's "Tianquan" Ningguang and her private residence.
Its resplendent exterior and commanding height above Liyue left no doubt about Ningguang's supremacy among Liyue's merchants.
Upon boarding the Jade Chamber, Aether's eyes widened at the sight of its dazzling opulence. He and Paimon curiously surveyed their surroundings.
When Rover stepped aboard, a faint unease stirred within him—not because he suspected a trap, but because he sensed something familiar on the Jade Chamber... Just as he was about to dismiss the thought, the Tacet Mark on the back of his hand trembled, and Abby emerged.
"Rover, do you feel it too?"
Abby cautiously scanned their surroundings. Rover sighed inwardly—his premonition had been correct.
"This familiar sensation... it's similar to the spatial rift we encountered after descending from Mt. Firmament's peak."
Rover's eyes lit up. Abby's words ignited a spark of hope within him—did this mean there might be a way back?
Following Abby's guidance, Rover soon arrived at an open area with an expansive view.
"Mhm, found it."
Abby cautiously pointed to a corner at the far end of the platform. Rover approached slowly. Upon closer inspection, he noticed miniature spatial distortions swirling around the spot, though no black hole had formed. He theorized that a powerful collision of forces might be needed to fully open the rift.
Back on Mt. Firmament, the battle between Jinhsi and the Sentinel had triggered a secondary resonance of temporal forces. Such a clash of immense power could very well tear open a rift in time. Perhaps once the crisis in Liyue was resolved, he could attempt to use his Spectro powers here.
"Rover!"
Paimon's voice snapped him back to reality. Ningguang had already prepared an array of tea utensils, awaiting her honored guests.
...
"You two are the heroes who resolved Mondstadt's dragon crisis. I have always trusted Acting Grand Master Jean's judgment."
Ningguang handed each of them a cup of premium tea before continuing.
Paimon picked hers up and took a pretend sip, only to find the taste less than pleasant.
Rover didn't touch his. He understood the reason behind Ningguang's sudden change in attitude. First, Aether's ability to summon so many adepti indicated significant connections—a valuable ally for the Liyue Qixing. Second, Rover's own formidable strength meant that, given Liyue's current situation, Ningguang could ill afford to make another powerful enemy.
Sure enough, as if confirming Rover's thoughts, Ningguang spoke.
"Earlier misunderstandings with Rover, coupled with Aether's close ties to the adepti, naturally led to distrust between us. I invited you here today solely to clear the air."
After stating her purpose and allowing the two to digest her words, Ningguang opened a window overlooking all of Liyue.
"In ancient times, numerous gods waged prolonged wars that only ended two thousand years ago. Our Archon was among the victors of that war, and beneath Guyun Stone Forest lie the remains of those he defeated."
Ningguang sighed, her voice tinged with sorrow.
"The death of our Archon is an unimaginable catastrophe for Liyue. To our people, Rex Lapis was paramount. His passing has placed immense pressure upon the Qixing—we must provide answers to Liyue's citizens. Issuing your warrants was a necessity.
"Moreover, under the Fatui's influence, rumors have spread throughout Liyue that the Qixing staged a coup. The longer this drags on, the worse it becomes for us."
Rover and the others now understood Ningguang's predicament.
"Why hide the Exuvia?"
Ningguang's expression turned solemn as she answered earnestly.
"It was a necessary measure. We are in the light; our enemies lurk in the shadows. Since their goal is the body of the Warrior God, we must use it to our advantage. That said, I have moved the Exuvia to the Golden House. You may inspect it yourselves."
Aether had his answer. Seeing her objective achieved, Ningguang smiled and gestured to the wall behind them.
"I shall send you back shortly. Consider the intelligence on these walls part of my apology—you may peruse it freely."
With that, Ningguang departed. Rover stood and quickly scanned the intelligence on the wall, one piece catching his attention.
"The Fatui are researching and replicating Sigils of Permission?"
Aether read aloud, following Rover's gaze. Paimon immediately clapped her hands to her head upon hearing this.
"According to Cloud Retainer, Sigils of Permission were originally used during the Archon War to channel divine power."
In an instant, Rover understood. His gaze subtly shifted toward Guyun Stone Forest.
Even Zhongli wasn't entirely clear on how the Fatui planned to release the sealed god—now it was obvious.
"Gentlemen, the time has come. Please follow me."
After some polite exchanges, Rover's group reunited with Zhongli.
"The Liyue Qixing have agreed to provide us with a venue for the funeral. With both the Qixing and the Fatui assisting, preparations have progressed much faster. I have already arranged everything required—all that remains is to select an auspicious date..."
Before Zhongli could finish, an unexpected disturbance arose. The Jade Chamber above Liyue began moving without warning, and countless Millelith soldiers mobilized throughout the city, placing Fatui agents under surveillance.
"Terrible news, Mr. Zhongli!"
A Fatui envoy tasked with liaison duties rushed over, panting heavily.
"What happened? Speak slowly."
The envoy took several deep breaths before collecting his thoughts.
"The adepti... the adepti have come to demand answers. The Qixing have all left the city to intercept them, while the Fatui are under surveillance everywhere. I've heard conflicts have even broken out at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor."
Zhongli frowned and turned to Rover.
"Rover, come with me. I fear worse may be coming."
Rover nodded. He understood Zhongli's intent perfectly. He then patted Aether's shoulder.
"This time, trust your own judgment. If you wish to prevent Liyue from falling into crisis, think back to what Ningguang said—where is the most likely place for disaster to strike?"
Rover had given Aether ample hints about where to go. In Zhongli's plan, Aether absolutely had to lead Childe to the Golden House.
And right now, Childe was hiding not far from them—this act had to be convincing.
"Got it, Brother Rover. I won't let you down."
As Rover and Zhongli hurried off, Aether pondered gravely before suddenly realizing something. He turned to the envoy.
"Where is Childe now?"
"Lord Childe? I don't know his whereabouts."
Aether smacked his forehead and immediately sprinted toward the Golden House.
"What? What's going on?"
Paimon asked in confusion as they ran. Aether explained between breaths.
"The Fatui's goal is to obtain a god's Gnosis, and right now, the Gnosis is most likely inside the Exuvia. The Golden House is where Childe will definitely go—we have to stop him."
Paimon hesitated.
But... Childe doesn't even know the Exuvia is hidden in the Golden House, does he?
She nearly voiced this thought, but her tiny brain considered that perhaps Childe had already obtained some intelligence. Checking it out couldn't hurt.
...
"Young friend, I sense the Abyss Order's presence within Liyue Harbor."
Finding no conflict at Wangsheng Funeral Parlor's entrance, the two stopped outside.
The Abyss?
Rover now grasped the severity of the situation. Zhongli's original plan hadn't accounted for the Abyss Order as a variable.
Back in Mondstadt, the Abyss Order's attempt to recruit Dvalin for their invasion had been thwarted. Subsequent intelligence from Diluc revealed that someone codenamed "the Princess" now led the Abyss Order.
And now, with the Geo Archon seemingly truly dead, the Princess might seize the opportunity to wreak havoc in Liyue Harbor—hence Zhongli's reason for bringing Rover along.
"Heheh, my time to shine!"
Abby puffed out his chest proudly as he emerged, sniffing the air with his tiny nose before pointing in a direction.
"This way!"