Zhongli and Yun Jin could always be found near the storyteller's stage. From the tales of the Wanwen Bookhouse to the "Ten Tubs of Drowning Men" and the stories of those who ran until their legs gave out, the people of Liyue were captivated. After a long day of work, Liyue citizens loved nothing more than listening to a good tune or a dramatic narration. Here, for the mere price of tea, business was booming.
While Ningguang gathered intelligence on Inazuma, she found herself curiously studying the "Massage Gun" reward. Keqing and Ganyu watched her with bewilderment—why was she so fond of something that was supposed to be a punishment?
In Inazuma, at the Tenryou Commission:
"Lady Kujou Sara, the Yashiro Commission is hosting several small recreational events. Should we intervene or impose regulations?"
Kujou Sara had just returned from her archery practice. "Send men to maintain order. Ensure there are no safety hazards and define their permitted boundaries."
"Understood!"
"Reporting to Lady Kujou Sara: we have collected two more Visions over the past two days." A wooden box was presented to her.
Sara's gaze narrowed. Her expression remained cold, but she hesitated. "Place them in the warehouse and keep them under strict guard."
As her subordinate left, Sara looked up at the sky. The gloom had yet to lift. Although those two Visions were crafted with extreme skill, she could tell at a glance they were fakes. She knew the difference, but those without Visions would never realize.
"How much longer can this be delayed? Kamisato Ayato, have you started moving as well?"
Though Inazuma City had regained some vitality—with many people still completing their running punishments—the clouds of the Vision Hunt Decree remained. This miraculous broadcast had given Sara much to think about. Furthermore, whenever she thought about fighting alongside the Shogun and sharing those bean buns, she was too excited to sleep.
Compared to Inazuma City, Watatsumi Island was buzzing. Sangonomiya Kokomi's recent strategy was to retreat temporarily, allowing the frontline soldiers a much-needed rest. During their breaks from training, the sole topic of conversation was the broadcast.
"Her Excellency! I'm back," Gorou announced as he entered.
"Gorou, there are four days until the next broadcast. It's very likely to feature stories from Inazuma. We must seize the opportunity. If a good question appears, we must snatch the answer."
"Leave it to me, Her Excellency!"
In the Plane of Euthymia, Ei's mind was troubled by distractions. First, she kept thinking of those delicious bean buns—the subtle sweetness and delicate texture suited her perfectly. Second...
On the [Unlucky Board], she was tied for second place!
Arataki Itto held the top spot with 0 correct and 4 incorrect answers. Tied for second were Ei, Xiangling, Hu Tao, Sucrose, and Rosaria—all with 0 correct and 2 incorrect. However, her name was listed second.
How could a mighty Archon be second on a list of the unlucky?
"My mind is restless... that fox Miko is probably laughing her head off."
On the [Strength Leaderboard], Yae Miko, Diluc, Yoimiya, Yanfei, Beidou, and Xiao were tied for the lead with 3 correct and 0 incorrect. And the first name on that list was Yae Miko.
"This will not do! Someone! Tell Kujou Sara to come see me tonight!"
In Mondstadt, aside from repairing the quarter of the Knights' headquarters that Lisa had accidentally leveled, things were tense. Stormterror had been spotted flying overhead recently, leaving the citizens in a state of panic.
"Traveler! Paimon!" Venti took the initiative to find them.
"Tone-Deaf Bard! Weren't you busy performing for Master Diluc? Why did you sneak out?" Paimon asked, hands on her hips.
"I'm looking for you because I want to solve the Stormterror crisis."
Lumine: ???
Paimon: ???
During these seven days, the Holy Lyre der Himmel had been stolen. Diluc, Jean, Venti, and Lumine had just secured it and were preparing to collect the Dragon's Tears.
Diluc: "My intelligence network will gather the necessary info within days. We move then."
Jean: "I'll handle the Church and find a way to stall them. Venti, are you sure you can summon Dvalin?"
Venti (sneaking a sip of wine): "Trust me. I have my ways. I am, after all, the best bard in Mondstadt."
Lumine: "The new broadcast might start tomorrow. Even though Acting Grand Master Jean has the Immortal Binding Rope and Master Diluc is with us, if we can get more powerful weapons or a strength boost from the Q&A, we can solve the Stormterror problem more effectively."
"Lumine is right. We must prepare well."
In the canyon leading from Stormbearer Mountains to Dornman Port, Eula's Reconnaissance Company came to a halt.
"Captain? Is something wrong?"
Eula stared into the canyon. She felt a strange sensation, but as she scanned the area, there was nothing to be seen.
"We camp here. The mysterious broadcast returns tomorrow; keep a sharp lookout over this entire sector."
In a hidden crevice within the canyon, a purple and black liquid was beginning to ooze from the cliff walls.
The next day.
It was a cloudy day in Mondstadt. With the experience of the previous two sessions, everyone dropped their work by noon and waited.
「Ding—This session's broadcast: 'Imperishable Eternity, Like a Dream, Like Lightning.'」