Gu Chen's group of four chatted with Ganyu.
Inevitably, the conversation turned to Rex Lapis's "farewell," leaving Ganyu visibly saddened.
When Zhongli asked for her thoughts on the matter, Ganyu's true identity was revealed.
[Paimon]: A half-human, half-qilin! I really wanna touch Miss Ganyu's horns and feel what they're like~ (Xiangling · Starry-eyed)
[Ganyu]: L-Let's not talk about that... (Ganyu · Don't touch)
[Cloud Retainer]: Speaking of Ganyu, this one still remembers when she was little—
[Ganyu]: Lord Retainer!!
[Cloud Retainer]: Tch, fine, if you won't let me say it, I won't! Hmph! (Keqing · Pouting)
[Kaeya]: Lord Retainer, leaving us hanging like that is pretty rude!
[Gu Chen]: Lord Retainer, let's chat about it privately! (Wink)
[Ganyu]: (Ganyu · Don't touch) (Qiqi · Faints)
[Paimon]: Must be some embarrassing story from Miss Ganyu's childhood. Let's skip it for now. Anyway, Miss Ganyu's super nice—she even gave us a Glaze Lily!
With a wild Glaze Lily in hand, their preparations for the Rite of Descension were just about complete.
Gu Chen's trio decided to head back to Liyue Harbor right away.
No sooner had they returned than they heard it was a tense time— the Millelith were keeping a close eye on the Fatui.
The adepti of Jueyun Karst were finally on their way to Liyue Harbor, and they didn't seem to come in peace!
"Oh yeah! Mr. Zhongli. I heard your Wangsheng Funeral Parlor got dragged into some conflict and is facing off against the approaching militia!"
Zhongli sighed at the news. "This isn't good."
He turned to Gu Chen. "Traveler, I think the young lady by your side needs more tempering. If you want to stop an explosion about to go off, first figure out where the fuse is. Why don't you come with me to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor? I've been getting chummy with the Fatui lately. If Hall Master Hu can't handle things and stirs up trouble, we'll probably need your help."
Gu Chen's gaze fell on Lumine. "Is that okay? No pressure if not."
"I can handle it. I don't want to just be a pretty flower trailing behind you!" Lumine nodded earnestly.
Seeing this, Gu Chen said, "Alright then, be careful. Call me if it's too much—I'll rush over right away!"
"Got it!"
Lumine nodded, a smile on her face, warmth blooming in her heart.
The perspective shifted to Lumine. She hurried toward the Golden House, while not far behind her, Zhongli and Gu Chen didn't rush off. Instead, they watched her back.
Their expressions made it seem almost deliberate.
[Paimon]: Why are these two teaming up to throw Lumine into danger?!
[Lumine]: Why does it feel like Gu Chen always knows something...?
[Heizou]: From what we've seen, Mr. Gu Chen's wisdom far surpasses Miss Lumine's. He must have a complete scheme mapped out in his mind. Though he's playing every step within the game, he can clearly see the endgame. Now, Mr. Zhongli suddenly holding him back? He's probably keeping Mr. Gu Chen away from the Golden House. Tartaglia couldn't beat him even at full strength, let alone injured. Miss Lumine hasn't shown much combat prowess—she's been well-protected by Mr. Gu Chen—but someone who's clashed with gods before must be no slouch. She's the perfect pick! Mr. Zhongli might be the mastermind, or at least an accomplice!
[Paimon]: Oh wow, schemes everywhere! (Nahida · Pointing around)
[Lumine]: What's the deal with Liyue? Picking on the outsider, huh?
[Tartaglia]: Miss Lumine has reached the Golden House. The Ancestral Husk really is here!
In the video.
Lumine arrived at the Golden House.
Piles of Mora made even Paimon's eyes sparkle.
"No touching—the hand that reaches gets caught." Lumine shook her head, then added, "The vibe here's all wrong!"
"It's the Millelith—they're all passed out!" Paimon exclaimed in shock.
Sensing something off, the two rushed to check on the Ancestral Husk.
But then a familiar voice rang out.
"No Mr. Gu Chen?"
"Heh, that puts my mind at ease."
"As guides, your mission was done ages ago. Why come looking for trouble?"
Tartaglia emerged from the shadows with a cold smile.
"Your goal is to find the Gnosis inside the Ancestral Husk?!" Paimon demanded.
"As the Eleventh of the Fatui Harbingers, I must carry out the Tsaritsa's will."
"If Her Majesty wants it, we retrieve it."
Tartaglia grinned, as if it were no big deal.
[Paimon]: So cocky?!
[Lumine]: Gotta stay sharp around this guy!
[Tartaglia]: No need. I'm in a Liyue cell right now. (Jail cell photo)
[Paimon]: Awesome! Liyue works fast. But can Lumine take Tartaglia? (Worried)
[Lumine]: Easy. He's half-dead already—even at full power, he's no match for me! (Paimon · Leave it to me)
[Signora]: Childe, when did you quit the Fatui? Getting beaten drags down the whole Harbinger standard.
[Tartaglia]: ...
In the video.
Lumine and Tartaglia faced off, erupting into fierce combat.
Tartaglia exploited his edge to close in on the Ancestral Husk. To his surprise, no Gnosis.
Thinking Lumine had beaten him to it, Tartaglia flew into a rage and unleashed his Delusion: Demon King Armament, forged from Hydro.
But alas.
Tartaglia ultimately fell, reverting to his normal form.
Calm now, he mused, "Is the Ancestral Husk itself a decoy?"
"You mean..." Paimon shuddered.
"Rex Lapis isn't dead?" Lumine frowned.
"Probably not! How intriguing..."
"Haha, that means it's time for Plan B..."
Tartaglia sounded regretful. "I didn't want to go this route—it'd drag in the weak. But as a Harbinger, I can't be picky about methods... So, Rex Lapis, who played us all, if I wake an ancient god, can you still sit back and watch?!"
With that.
Talismans Free of Taboos materialized around Tartaglia, glowing brightly.
"With this many talismans' power, plus what the Tsaritsa granted, temporarily breaking the Geo Spear's seal isn't impossible!"
"Let this ancient malice swallow everything!"
In the next instant, Tartaglia vanished.
Lumine and Paimon bolted from the Golden House. The clear skies had turned to roiling black clouds, and from Qingyun Peak came an ominous, baleful aura laced with crushing pressure!
[Osel]: Haha, am I breaking free? (Rubbing hands)
[Keqing]: Don't celebrate yet—Tartaglia said Rex Lapis might still be alive!
[Osel]: Just say if he's dead or not!
[Rahu Dragon King]: He's definitely dead! (Nodding)
[Venti]: No way he's alive! (Nodding)
[Osel]: Perfect then! Hahaha, Liyue will soon be mine! @[Tartaglia] Break out quick. Once I'm free and ruling Liyue, I'll make you Grand General! And @[Gu Chen] lend a hand—I'll name you Divine Envoy, Tianquan on your left, Yuheng on your right!
[Ningguang]: ...
[Keqing]: ...
Plotting out loud like you don't even respect us?!
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