In the early morning, Liyue Harbor was bathed in the soft light of dawn, with a gentle breeze carrying the coolness of the night. Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon had set out early, ready to embark on a new adventure.
Lumine sat astride her horse, glancing at Shao Yun, who appeared relaxed and content. Recalling the events of the previous night, she furrowed her brow with a hint of urgency.
"Shao Yun, can you tell me now? What exactly is your plan?" she asked.
Shao Yun smiled slightly, his voice filled with confidence.
"Don't worry. Let's think it through. Our destination is Jueyun Karst to seek the legendary adepti. But before that, we'll pass by Luhua Pool, a place of exceptional beauty. I thought we could stop there briefly to admire the scenery."
Hearing this, Lumine couldn't help but feel anxious. She interrupted Shao Yun, her tone tinged with dissatisfaction.
"Shao Yun, we're here to find the adepti, not to sightsee. Why don't you seem the least bit concerned?"
Shao Yun waved his hand, signaling Lumine to calm down.
"Lumine, you've misunderstood. Liyue's landscapes are among its most precious treasures. Since we're here, why not appreciate them? As for finding the adepti, rest assured, I have a plan."
However, Lumine remained skeptical.
"You'd better be honest with me. Do you have a method to find the adepti? If not, I'll go back and ask Childe for help!"
Seeing Lumine's stern expression, Shao Yun hurriedly waved his hands, his tone appeasing.
"Ah, Lumine, don't be angry. I just wanted you to experience Liyue's scenery and local customs."
Lumine shot him a cold glance, her tone firm.
"Shao Yun, I don't like beating around the bush. Tell me your plan now."
Under Lumine's pressure, Shao Yun scratched his head, a wry smile on his face.
"Well... actually, I didn't expect it to happen so suddenly. But I promise, this journey won't disappoint you."
Unmoved by his words, Lumine turned her horse around, ready to head back to Liyue Harbor with Paimon.
Alarmed, Shao Yun quickly maneuvered his horse to block her path.
"Lumine, wait! I'll let you meet the adepti right now, I promise I'm not lying."
Lumine paused, casting him a wary glance.
"Shao Yun, I'm warning you, if you're lying, I'll make you sleep in the hallway!"
Frightened by her threat, Shao Yun nodded vigorously.
"Yes, yes, I promise I'm not lying. Lumine, trust me."
Taking a deep breath, Shao Yun raised his voice.
"Xiao! I need to talk to you!"
His voice echoed in the open surroundings, answered only by a few crisp bird calls.
Scanning the area, Shao Yun saw no sign of the familiar figure. Frowning, he called out again.
"Xiao! Where are you?"
The air remained silent.
Time seemed to stand still, each second dragging on. A minute passed, yet Xiao did not appear.
This shouldn't be happening! An adeptus wouldn't break a promise!
Lumine, observing Shao Yun's anxious demeanor, finally spoke.
"Shao Yun, although I suspect you're lying, you don't seem to be. What's going on?"
"I would never lie to you, but..." Shao Yun looked around, sighing helplessly. "This shouldn't be happening. Where is he?"
Just then, a figure suddenly appeared.
Xiao stood silently atop a large rock, his voice low and indifferent, like a breeze from the deep mountains, carrying a hint of mystery and aloofness.
"I'm here. What do you need?"
Paimon, startled by the sudden appearance of the adeptus, widened her eyes in amazement.
"Wow! It's really the legendary adeptus!"
Relieved, Shao Yun turned to Lumine and Paimon.
"This is the Conqueror of Demons I met at Wangshu Inn—Xiao."
Lumine smiled and waved at Xiao.
"Hello, I'm Lumine."
Paimon followed suit.
"I'm Paimon, the best guide in all of Teyvat!"
Xiao nodded slightly.
"Just call me Xiao."
His voice remained calm and indifferent.
After introducing himself, Xiao leaped down from the rock, landing gracefully beside Shao Yun.
His gaze held a hint of confusion, puzzled by Shao Yun's urgent summons.
"You don't seem to be in danger. Why did you call me?"
Shao Yun smiled slightly.
"Don't worry, it's not to invite you for a meal. I just have some questions."
Xiao nodded, a trace of wariness in his eyes, recalling past experiences of being pestered.
"Let me be clear, if it's about wealth and prosperity..."
Shao Yun quickly interrupted him.
"Rest assured, it's definitely not something trivial."
Xiao relaxed slightly, nodding for Shao Yun to proceed.
Shao Yun turned to Lumine, indicating she should speak, as she was the one seeking the adeptus.
Lumine took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts.
"Because the Geo Archon has passed away..."
Before she could finish, Xiao's expression changed dramatically. He turned sharply, his eyes intense.
"What did you say? The Geo Archon has passed away? When did this happen? I haven't heard anything!"
Startled by Xiao's reaction, Lumine quickly regained her composure.
"Yes, during the recent Rite of Descension..."
"What exactly happened? Can you explain in detail?"
Lumine recounted the events of the Rite of Descension to Xiao.
Upon hearing her account, Xiao's usually composed face showed shock and confusion.
Clenching his fists, his voice trembled.
"This can't be. The Geo Archon... how could he..."
He choked up before finishing his sentence.
The Geo Archon really put on quite a performance to retire!
Suddenly, determination flashed in Xiao's eyes. He looked at Shao Yun and Lumine, taking a deep breath.
"May I ask you for a favor?"
Lumine nodded.
"Go ahead. If we can do it, we will."
Xiao inhaled the cold air, calming his inner turmoil.
"A powerful evil spirit has appeared in Liyue recently. I've been tracking it and can't leave. Therefore, I hope you can inform Moon Carver, Mountain Shaper, and Cloud Retainer about the Geo Archon's passing. They must know this news promptly."
Shao Yun, upon hearing about the evil spirit, thought it might be the man in the black top hat.
Paimon floated in the air, her bright