"Huh? Why do you need to report to Senior Sister Ganyu?" Yaoyao asked curiously.
"Because Ganyu is my girlfriend. If I'm going out, I should tell her—otherwise she'll worry."
"So you're in that kind of relationship?" Yaoyao understood what "girlfriend" meant.
The three of them went to Yujing Terrace and informed Ganyu, Ningguang, and Keqing—who happened to be there as well—before setting off toward Jueyun Karst.
As for his agreement with Xianyun, Lu Lin wasn't worried. In truth, the innovative mechanism he had promised was already finished—only final adjustments remained.
The five-day period served two purposes: first, to let Xianyun cool off and soften her stance; second, to see how Shenhe would react to his sudden absence.
According to his estimation, Shenhe's response during these days would teach Xianyun a valuable lesson.
As for Shenhe possibly feeling sad—he'd make it up to her later. After all, wasn't this all part of fulfilling her wish to spend the rest of her life together with him and her master?
And besides, spending five days with two adorable girls didn't sound bad at all.
Along the way, inquisitive Yaoyao asked again, "Why did you say goodbye to Sister Ningguang and Sister Keqing too?"
"Because they're my girlfriends as well."
"Huh? One person can have many girlfriends?" Yaoyao looked puzzled.
"Of course!" Lu Lin answered matter-of-factly, unintentionally skewing the two girls' worldview.
"Girlfriend… what is that?" Qiqi asked slowly.
"A girlfriend is a girl who stays with a boy forever," Yaoyao explained patiently.
"Oh… I need to… write that down." Qiqi pulled out a small notebook and began writing in elegant, ancient Liyue script.
Lu Lin had only seen that kind of script in old texts from Ningguang's collection.
"Qiqi is a zombie, and her memory isn't very good," Yaoyao explained. "So she writes everything down. Sometimes she even forgets who I am—but if I remind her to check her notes, she remembers right away."
"Lu Lin… Brother… written down," Qiqi said slowly, nodding. The talisman on her hat fluttered slightly, adding to her adorably blank expression.
"If you forget me too, I'll just remind you to check your notebook, okay?"
"Mm." She nodded again.
Yaoyao sighed softly. "If only there were a way to cure her."
"Don't worry. As long as you keep searching, you'll find one someday," Lu Lin said, gently patting her head.
"Even if I have to remind her for a whole lifetime, I don't mind!" Yaoyao said firmly, holding Qiqi's hand as they continued onward.
The journey to Jueyun Karst was long.
They traveled overnight, rested halfway through the night, then continued the next day. By afternoon, they finally reached the mountainous region.
Even at an accelerated pace, it took considerable effort.
Throughout the journey, Yaoyao acted like a capable little adult—attentive, considerate, and especially skilled at cooking. Even in the wild, she managed to prepare several delicious dishes.
When she and Qiqi easily dealt with a group of Treasure Hoarders blocking the road, Lu Lin briefly felt redundant. Still, he remained vigilant. The system had assigned him a protection quest—unexpected danger could appear at any time.
After arriving, Yaoyao took the lead, guiding them through the mountains to gather herbs. As Madam Ping's disciple, she was familiar with the terrain.
Under her direction, the trio climbed cliffs and traversed slopes. Within half a day, their baskets were full. Lu Lin even stored extra herbs inside his Serenitea Pot warehouse.
"That's plenty for now. Once Qiqi finishes gathering those up there, we'll head back!" Yaoyao called out.
"Qiqi! Did you hear me? Come down after you're done!"
Qiqi was halfway up a mountainside, collecting herbs from a crevice. Just as she turned to respond—
A flash of white light.
She vanished.
"Qiqi!" Yaoyao cried out, startled.
"Don't panic. She may have triggered a hidden domain entrance by accident. I'll check it out—you wait here," Lu Lin said calmly.
Liyue was ancient; hidden domains appearing unexpectedly wasn't unusual.
"I'm coming with you!" Yaoyao insisted. "I can help!"
Leaving her alone wasn't ideal either. If danger arose, he could always retreat to the Serenitea Pot with her.
"Then climb onto my back."
Without hesitation, Yaoyao climbed up and wrapped her arms around his neck.
He quickly scaled the cliff, reaching the crevice where Qiqi had disappeared. Among scattered stones glowed a faint white light.
"That must be it."
"Hold tight."
He reached toward the light—
The world spun violently.
Darkness swallowed him.
When Lu Lin regained consciousness, icy cold bit into his bones.
He was soaked through, sitting beside a freezing pond that emitted frigid mist. He must have fallen into it upon entering and been carried to shore by the current.
Yaoyao lay beside him, gripping his arm tightly, eyes closed. She was still breathing—but unconscious.
Likely from choking on water.
Without hesitation, Lu Lin channeled life energy through his [Healing Touch] ability—but drowning required proper first aid.
He laid her flat, cleared her airway, and began rescue breathing combined with chest compressions.
Fortunately, he had learned emergency response techniques—and with trait assistance, every movement was precise.
After two tense minutes—
"Cough! Cough—!"
Yaoyao sputtered, expelling water.
"Lu Lin… Brother… I'm so cold…"
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