At this moment, Beidou really wanted to climb up to the Qunyu Pavilion, grab Ningguang by the collar, and demand to know why Liyue had changed so drastically in just over a month of his absence. However, considering that a demon-god-level entity now resided on Guyun Pavilion, Beidou didn't dare to bring the Southern Cross Fleet too close to shore.
As for docking at Liyue Harbor, Beidou's flagship, the Death Omen Star, was the largest vessel in all of Teyvat. If it were to dock there, it would occupy all available space, leaving no room for other ships.
Just as Beidou was anxiously waiting, two figures swiftly flew toward the ship, landing on the deck in an instant.
"Hey, it's you, Keqing! And the two of you..." Beidou's gaze fell on Keqing, who was still in Smith's embrace after landing, her tone teasing.
Beidou had always respected the vigorous and decisive Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing. Though Keqing could be rigid and uncompromising, she was a necessary force in governance. Beidou, who had risen from humble beginnings, despised those who held high positions without contributing.
Though she found Ningguang a bit infuriating, Beidou acknowledged that she had done much for Liyue's common folk. By accumulating vast wealth from the rich and secretly funneling aid to the poor, Ningguang's actions, in their own way, aligned with Beidou's philosophy of redistributing resources. This unspoken understanding had led to their frequent cooperation.
Yet, seeing Keqing, who had always been so independent, nestled in a man's arms was unexpected. Beidou couldn't help but wonder what kind of charm this man possessed to win over someone like Keqing.
"This is Smith, my boyfriend, and also the Seven Star Advisor personally appointed by the Geo Archon," Keqing introduced calmly.
Hearing that Smith had been appointed by Rex Lapis himself, those present couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration. To be acknowledged by the Archon meant that Smith was no ordinary person. Moreover, the fact that he could fly only confirmed his extraordinary nature.
Perhaps... he was an immortal.
"Captain Beidou, I didn't have time to inform you earlier. From now on, the ships of your Southern Cross Fleet can dock near Yaoguang Shoal. A port has been arranged for your fleet, and even the water levels have been adjusted accordingly," Keqing stated, steering the conversation toward business.
"Yaoguang Shoal?" Beidou raised an eyebrow. She and Ningguang had known each other since childhood—back when Ningguang was just a street vendor pushing a cart along the shores of Yaoguang Shoal. Now, Ningguang was one of the esteemed Qixing, and Beidou commanded the greatest fleet in all of Teyvat.
"I never expected that you would open up a port at Yaoguang Shoal just for me. Well, if that's the case, I have no objections." The distance from Yaoguang Shoal to Liyue Harbor wasn't much different from Guyun Stone Forest's distance to the city, though the terrain was less ideal. However, since Keqing assured her that the necessary adjustments had been made, Beidou was willing to accept the arrangement.
"By the way, what's the situation with that?" Beidou's gaze shifted to the massive sleeping creature in the distance—Jiu Lama.
"That is Jiu Lama," Keqing explained. "You can think of him as the immortal guardian of Liyue's southern gate. He won't harm humans. Of course, if someone were foolish enough to provoke him, they would have to face the consequences."
She continued, "As for Guyun Pavilion and the surrounding waters, Jiu Lama has been assigned to oversee them, ensuring the security of both the region and the seals suppressing the ancient demons beneath."
"I see." Beidou nodded thoughtfully. If this fox-like entity was truly an immortal, then he was likely a follower of Rex Lapis. That realization filled her with even greater respect. Liyue's people revered their Archon and the adepti, and Jiu Lama's presence only reinforced the idea that something significant was unfolding.
"By the way, how is Inazuma these days?" Keqing asked, now focused on another pressing matter.
Hearing this, Beidou's expression darkened. "Recently, Inazuma's national lockdown and the Vision Hunt Decree have become more severe."
Beidou went on to explain the deteriorating situation, detailing how the Kanjo Commission and the Tenryou Commission had tightened their grip, with the common people suffering as a result.
Keqing's expression grew more serious. "Those bastards in the Kanjo and Tenryou Commissions are completely out of control. Even the Raiden Shogun herself is being misled."
"Lady Yuheng, what do you mean by 'misled'?" Kaedehara Kazuha, who had been listening quietly, suddenly interjected.
Despite all that had happened, Kazuha still held deep respect for the Raiden Shogun. He sought to understand how things had reached this state.
"Are you from Inazuma?" Keqing glanced at him before answering. "According to our investigations, the Kanjo and Tenryou Commissions have been withholding the true situation of Inazuma from the Shogun. As a result, she continues to believe that her rule has brought stability and prosperity. This illusion is what led her to enforce the Vision Hunt Decree and the national seclusion policy."
"How could they do such a thing?" Kazuha looked stunned, unable to comprehend how the highest officials of Inazuma could deceive their own god.
Beidou and the others shared his disbelief. Manipulating and lying to their own Archon—was that even possible?
"No wonder Inazuma feels so off lately," Beidou murmured. "Watatsumi Island has been trying to purchase supplies from us and even seeks additional support. I suspected that there was an unseen hand orchestrating these events."
She added, "If the Yashiro Commission is secretly funding the rebellion on Watatsumi Island, that would explain a lot. After all, the island shouldn't have the financial resources to sustain such efforts on its own."
"An unseen hand?" Smith's expression turned thoughtful. "If you're talking about the mastermind, it's most likely the Fatui. While the Yashiro Commission is indeed providing support, they wouldn't dare get directly involved. If they make a wrong move, it could cost them everything."
The atmosphere grew heavy with the weight of their discussion. Inazuma's internal turmoil was becoming clearer, but resolving it was another matter entirely.
As the Death Omen Star approached Yaoguang Shoal, Beidou gazed out toward the sea, her mind filled with countless thoughts. Liyue was changing. Inazuma was in turmoil. And in the shadows, powerful forces continued to manipulate events from behind the scenes.
One thing was certain—this was just the beginning.