On this bright and cloudless day, Shao Yun, Lumine, and the lively, adorable Paimon rode their horses and set off on a journey to Jueyun Karst.
Sunlight bathed the land, warm and brilliant, and even the air seemed to carry a faint sweetness.
Along the way, birds chirped joyfully, their songs like a beautiful melody that brought peace of mind.
As the trio passed by Luhua Pool, Shao Yun keenly noticed something was off with Lumine.
He gently steered his horse closer to her and saw that her brows were tightly furrowed, as if she were weighed down with worry.
Shao Yun lightly pinched Lumine's cheek and asked with concern, "What's wrong? You look really troubled."
Lumine brushed his hand away and let out a soft sigh. Her eyes showed a hint of confusion and frustration as she murmured, 'I feel... defeated.'
Shao Yun understood her unease and tried to comfort her. "Just because the Archon has 'died' and Xiao doesn't know about it, you're losing heart? That can't be it. We've still got a long road ahead—don't give up so easily."
Lumine took a deep breath and lifted her gaze to meet his. Determination shimmered in her eyes. "The Anemo Archon didn't know my brother's whereabouts. Now the Geo Archon has... passed away. It feels like the journey to find my brother is just too hard."
So, the Archon's fake death got you all emo, huh. Guess it's true what they say—idle hands breed anxious thoughts.
"Don't overthink it. Look at the scenery a bit—might help lift your mood."
With that, Shao Yun looked off into the distance at Luhua Pool. The water was a clear jade green, sparkling in the sunlight—a breathtaking sight.
He smiled at Lumine and said, "Lumine, if you're still not feeling great, we can stop here and take in the view of Luhua Pool for a bit."
Beneath the gentle sunlight, Lumine sat gracefully atop "Buell," gazing out toward the shimmering surface of the pool.
The sunlight danced across the water's surface like golden flames, creating a dreamlike beauty.
She quietly admired the view for several minutes. Though her bright eyes reflected the stunning scenery, her heart remained tense with unease.
She inhaled deeply, imprinting the moment into her memory, then turned to Shao Yun and said, "Let's keep moving and go inform the Adepti."
Shao Yun had been intently sketching in his notebook, trying to capture the beauty before him on paper.
But Lumine's sudden urging made him pause and look at her in surprise.
"It's only been a few minutes. You sure you don't want to look a bit longer?" Shao Yun asked, a note of reluctance in his voice as his eyes were once again drawn to the breathtaking Luhua Pool.
Lumine shook her head gently and said, "No. Let's hurry to Jueyun Karst—maybe the other Adepti will know something."
Seeing this, Shao Yun understood her sense of urgency. He set down his pencil and patted "Carrot," signaling that it was time to move on.
And so, the three resumed their journey to Jueyun Karst.
Along the way, Lumine sat atop her horse, her eyes slightly glazed as she drifted into her thoughts.
No matter how Paimon and Shao Yun tried to engage her, she only responded occasionally, her voice carrying a subtle weariness.
Soon, they came upon a small creek. After riding all morning, the horses were a bit tired.
"Let's take a break. The horses need some rest."
Lumine gently pulled on the reins, letting her horse drink leisurely while she stood nearby, gazing blankly at the distant stone forest.
Paimon flew up to Shao Yun, her voice low as if afraid to disturb Lumine's thoughts.
"Shao Yun, what's going on with Lumine? She's been so down this whole trip."
Shao Yun watched Lumine's silhouette, concern flashing in his eyes.
"She's missing her brother, obviously. Back in Mondstadt, the drunkard said we might find clues here in Liyue. But now the Geo Archon's gone, and we've lost our only lead. Plus, Xiao doesn't know anything about her brother either. Lumine must be feeling really lost right now."
Paimon nodded thoughtfully. "Then maybe we should start planning to go to the next country. We might find new clues there."
Hey hey hey! That plot jump is way too fast! Let's not rush things, okay?
We haven't even gone to Dragonspine yet, haven't met everyone! What's the rush?!
Shao Yun quickly said, "Paimon, did you forget? You haven't tried all the food in Liyue yet! Plus, Lady Ningguang agreed to cover our food and lodging—that's a rare treat. We gotta take advantage of it!"
The mention of food made Paimon instantly see the light.
"You're right! I haven't had nearly enough of Liyue's food! We can't leave so soon!"
Whew, managed to keep Paimon in check. Almost threw the plot off course!
After a short break, the two horses were refreshed and ready to continue the journey.
...
By afternoon, the three arrived at the famed landmark of Liyue—Jueyun Karst.
Towering peaks rose straight into the clouds, as if touching the heavens.
Mists swirled around the mountains, giving the area a surreal, otherworldly feel. Far from the hustle and bustle of the world, the terrain was treacherous and full of mystery.
The mountains loomed high, with clouds churning like dancing white dragons.
Fresh air filled the valleys, soothing and invigorating the soul.
Lumine's eyes sparkled with excitement and curiosity, her previously gloom-ridden expression cleared away by the majestic beauty of Jueyun Karst.
She took a deep breath, savoring the natural air, a rare smile blooming on her face.
"This place is so beautiful!"
Shao Yun and Paimon were equally awestruck, silently taking in the rare splendor before them.
After a while, Lumine took out the token Xiao had given them.
She held up the feather with curiosity, examining its delicate luster.
"How do we use this thing?" she asked Shao Yun, puzzled.
Shao Yun pondered for a moment, recalling Xiao's instructions.
"Xiao said that as long as we have this with us, the Adepti will come to greet us," he explained.
Lumine gave the feather a slight shake, half-expecting it to float or glow somehow.
But nothing happened—it simply rested quietly in her hand.
"How are we supposed to summon an Adeptus with this?"
Are we supposed to find seven feathers and then shout 'Come forth, Adepti!'?
Or maybe rub it and a genie pops out?
Just as the three were baffled, a majestic stag emerged from the woods, its movements steady and gaze filled with both authority and mystery.
This was no ordinary stag. Its very presence changed the atmosphere.
This was Moon Carver.
Moon Carver's eyes gleamed with wisdom as he looked at them and spoke in a deep, commanding voice: "Who dares trespass into Jueyun Karst? This is a land of the Adepti—mortals are not permitted to enter."
Hearing the voice, Paimon turned and gasped in surprise, her face lit up with awe and curiosity.
"Ah! A talking deer!"
Shao Yun's eyes lit up too.
"Holy crap! A three-star deer pelt! Where's my gun? My knife? I could skin this thing and make a legendary Eastlands pack for Lumine!"
Moon Carver suddenly shivered as if hit by a chill. He muttered, 'Why is it so cold all of a sudden? Is it going to rain?'
But the source of the "cold" wasn't the weather—it was Shao Yun's thoughts. If Moon Carver knew what Shao Yun was planning, one could only imagine his reaction.
Moon Carver looked at Lumine, noticing the feather in her hand. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
"That feather... it carries the aura of the Conqueror of Demons. I thought he had come himself…"
Lumine nodded. "That's right. Xiao sent us."
Moon Carver's brow furrowed further. "The Conqueror of Demons... sent you? How curious…"
He then introduced himself.
"I am Moon Carver. The Conqueror of Demons sent you to Jueyun Karst—what for?"
Lumine took a deep breath and began explaining.
"This is what happened…"
She recounted the story of the Archon's passing in vivid detail, each event etched in her memory like inscriptions on stone.
Moon Carver, upon hearing it, looked as if he couldn't believe his ears.
He shook his head, trying to clear his shock, then muttered, "This can't be… How could the Geo Archon die during the Rite of Parting? And we Adepti weren't even informed? The Liyue Qixing are really disregarding us!"
His voice grew louder and louder, until it was a furious roar.
He bellowed in anger, as if ready to overturn the entire mountain forest. His eyes burned with rage, unwilling to accept the abrupt news.
Paimon quickly flew up, trying to soothe him with her gentle voice. "Don't be angry. Maybe the messenger is still on their way."
She tried to calm Moon Carver, but her voice was overwhelmed by his thundering roar.
He didn't calm down. His roars echoed across the mountains, shaking all of Liyue awake.
His powerful voice reverberated through Jueyun Karst, as though it might tear the very heavens apart.
As he roared, birds and beasts that once dwelled peacefully scattered in terror, frantically seeking shelter.
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon all clutched their ears, stunned. Their horses neighed sharply in panic.
At that moment, two cranes soared through the sky. One of them was Mountain Shaper, who spoke in a displeased tone: "Moon Carver, why are you shouting so loudly? All of Jueyun Karst can hear you."
Hearing this, Moon Carver realized his outburst and fell silent, though his eyes still glinted with unease.
The other crane was Cloud Retainer. She looked around curiously and asked, "Where is the Conqueror of Demons? I sensed his aura, but don't see him."
Shao Yun looked at the two birds and thought, Three-star deer hide plus four pieces of poultry—should I get a pot ready?
Suddenly, Cloud Retainer noticed Lumine's feather.
"So, it was the item in the girl's hand that carries the Conqueror of Demons' aura," she said, her tone tinged with disappointment and confusion.
She added, "Wait, what are three mortals doing in Jueyun Karst? And these horses…"
Spotting the two fine steeds, her interest was instantly piqued. She circled them for a better look.
"It's been over four hundred years since I last saw horses. I think it was a Mondstadt traveler back then…"
And with that, she launched into a monologue about a Mondstadt adventurer who once rode into Liyue on horseback four centuries ago.
Moon Carver frowned and interrupted, urgency in his voice. "Cloud Retainer, this is serious. Not the time for stories."
Cloud Retainer looked up, mildly annoyed. She spread her wings with a sigh. "Fine, fine. This one shall stop. What big deal could it be anyway? These three mortals probably came seeking wealth or fame."
Her tone was haughty, as if worldly concerns couldn't possibly matter to her.
Shao Yun stood nearby, muttering internally.
You wear one robe for three people. Shenhe lives like a goat eating grass every day. What am I supposed to ask from you? You think you're some kind of baby-granting crane deity?
Moon Carver turned to Lumine, his tone serious.
"Traveler, please explain what happened at Liyue Harbor to Mountain Shaper and Cloud Retainer."
Lumine once again told the story of the Archon's death and Xiao's request for their visit.
Cloud Retainer was thunderstruck, her voice caught in her throat.
After a pause, she flared her wings in fury. Her feathers whipped wildly in the wind, echoing her inner turmoil.
"This is impossible!" she roared like thunder, shaking the sacred mountains. "The Geo Archon! How could he die so mysteriously!"
Without another word, she took flight, turning into a streak of light as she soared toward Liyue Harbor.
She had only one thought: to question the Qixing herself and uncover the truth behind the Archon's death.
Moon Carver watched her go, worry and unease in his eyes. He looked to Mountain Shaper, determination flaring within.
"Mountain Shaper, let's go to Liyue Harbor as well. Maybe we can find answers about the Archon's death."
Just as they were about to depart, a clear voice called out: "Please wait!"
Moon Carver turned back, puzzled. He looked at Lumine and gently asked, "Is there something else?"
Lumine took a breath and asked the two questions she had once posed to Xiao.
Moon Carver exchanged a glance with Mountain Shaper. Though Adepti, they knew nothing of someone who resembled Lumine.
"We're very sorry. We do not know anyone who looks like you. As for five hundred years ago, Liyue was in chaos. Monsters roamed everywhere…"
His voice carried deep apology. He knew he couldn't give her the answer she longed for.
Lumine lowered her head, her expression dim. "Thank you…"
Then, Mountain Shaper stepped forward to comfort her. "Young one, though I don't know why you seek someone who resembles you, please believe that if they are still alive, you will find them someday."
With that, Mountain Shaper joined Moon Carver and headed off toward Liyue Harbor.
Lumine watched them disappear into the distance and sighed.
"The trail's gone cold again. What now…" Her voice was tinged with fatigue and confusion.
Just then, Shao Yun walked up beside her. He gently patted her shoulder and said, "What're you worried about? Paimon and I will help you look. One year, two years—however long it takes."
His words brought a bit of relief to her heart. She looked up at the hand resting on her shoulder, warmth rising in her chest.
Paimon floated beside her, chiming in, "Yeah! If we don't find anything in Liyue, we'll just go to the next country. As long as we don't give up, we'll find your brother for sure."
Shao Yun, worried she might rush to leave Liyue, smiled and reminded Paimon, "Hey, don't forget my advice—let's enjoy Liyue a bit first!"