The next morning.
Yelan rose from the Jade Chamber and stepped onto the plaza, gazing down at the construction site below.
Thanks to last night's treatment, her eyesight felt even sharper.
She took out her bow and tested the string—it felt too light now.
Looks like she needed a new one to match her strengthened body.
She didn't wait for Ningguang and headed down to the site's cafeteria alone.
It was still early; the cafeteria hadn't officially opened. But Mr. Xia was already inside cooking, along with Xiangling and Guoba.
Yelan approached to greet them.
"Good morning, Mr. Xia. Xiangling."
"Good morning, Miss Yelan. Feeling better?"
"Mm. Thanks to Mr. Xia."
"No problem. Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
"Want me to cook you some noodles?"
"Yes, please."
"Take a seat. I'll bring it over."
Yelan nodded and sat at one of the tables.
Before long, Xiangling brought her a steaming bowl of noodles.
"Here you go!"
"Thanks."
It was tailored to her taste—extra spicy, with lots of chili.
She took a bite.
Still not as good as homemade, but very comforting.
Halfway through her meal, she saw two Adepti walk in.
Soon after, Xiangling brought them each a bowl of noodles.
She noticed theirs weren't spicy.
Yelan lowered her gaze and ate more quickly.
Once she finished, she took her dishes to the kitchen, then walked over to the table where the Adepti were seated and gave them a polite smile.
"Esteemed Adepti, good morning."
"Good morning, Miss Yelan."
They knew her—they'd dined at the Summer Shop together before.
"May I sit?"
"Of course. Do you have business with us?"
"Yes, but there's no rush. Please finish your breakfast first."
"Very well."
Yelan sat down, watching the door and patiently waiting as they ate.
Both of them went back for seconds.
She noticed they seemed to have larger appetites than before.
"Miss Yelan, please go ahead."
"You may have heard I was dispatched by the Qixing to The Chasm to investigate the anomalies…"
She briefly summarized her mission.
When she mentioned the "dark sludge," both Adepti frowned.
Yelan paused, then said, "Last night, during a massage, Mr. Xia told me I had residual Abyssal Aura in my body."
Moon Carver's expression grew grim. "So it was the Abyss…"
It wasn't surprising—Mr. Xia was a mystery himself. Of course he would know about the Abyss.
Yelan continued, "He extracted the Aura for me, and—"
"Wait," Mountain Shaper said, face twisting strangely. "What did you just say?"
"I said Mr. Xia extracted the Abyssal Aura from my body."
"Extracted?"
"How did he extract it?"
"He used a long, thick, rod-like tool and inserted it into my body."
"…?!"
The two Adepti exchanged a look, both coughing awkwardly.
"Ahem. Please, continue, Miss Yelan."
Yelan wasn't clueless—she could tell the Adepti had misunderstood. But she didn't bother explaining.
"Afterward, Mr. Xia and I discussed the matter in depth."
"You discussed it… in depth…"
"He said the issue was serious and should be reported to you."
"Understood. We'll treat this matter with the proper gravity. Thank you, Miss Yelan."
"It's my duty."
Although her report was done, Yelan made no move to leave. She remained seated.
The Adepti couldn't exactly discuss the Abyss openly in front of her.
"Do you have other business, Miss Yelan?"
"Yes. That was official business. Now, I have a personal matter I'd like to consult Moon Carver about."
Moon Carver blinked at her calm, smiling face—and suddenly had a bad feeling.
"What is it…?"
"I've long heard that you're skilled in divination. Since my line of work is dangerous, I'd like you to read my fortune for the year."
Moon Carver nodded. Seemed reasonable. He was about to agree when she added softly—
"I'm not getting any younger, and my family's been pushing me to marry. I'd also like you to read my love fortune."
!!!
Moon Carver froze, feeling a chill in his soul.
Wait. You were just "deeply conversing" with Mr. Xia last night, and now you want me to read your love prospects?
I only came here early to eat some noodles—do I deserve this?!
That's Mr. Xia you're talking about!
It was already terrifying enough seeing the former Dendro Archon treated like a cousin at his place—and now the former Electro Archon too?!
I just want to live long enough to eat another [Gods' Temptation]…
"Moon Carver?"
"Ah?"
"Why are you so quiet?"
"It's just…"
"Do you not wish to divine for me?"
"It's not that. It's just… not very convenient right now…"
"Not convenient?"
"Yes, apologies. I've decided not to perform divinations this year."
"Didn't you say the same thing last year?"
"…How did you know that?"
"Ningguang told me. She said you ended up reading hers anyway—and that it was spot-on, exactly the same as what Mr. Xia said. That's why she recommended I come to you."
"…"
Moon Carver's mind raced.
"Ahem… Miss Yelan."
"Mm?"
"I once discussed the art of divination with Mr. Xia and found him to be remarkably skilled—far more than I. I truly pale in comparison."
"So you mean…"
"Rather than asking someone like me, you'd be better off seeking him out directly."
"I see…"
Moon Carver nodded fervently, speaking seriously, "Romance is a major life event. And your work is dangerous—especially now, having been exposed to the Abyss. That kind of thing distorts fate. My readings might be skewed, and I'd hate to mislead you."
Yelan was silent for a moment, then bowed her head. "I understand. I won't trouble you, then."
"Apologies for not being of help."
"It's alright. Thank you."
Yelan stood and walked toward the kitchen.
Moon Carver watched her tall silhouette, wiping sweat from his brow with visible relief.
Mountain Shaper leaned over and whispered, "Didn't Mr. Xia remove the Abyssal Aura from her? What distortion? Were you just spouting nonsense?"
Moon Carver glared. "Who understands divination here, you or me? I said it's distorted, so it's distorted. Quit your yapping."
"…Fine."
Moon Carver stood. "Let's go!"
"What's the rush?"
"It's time to get to work!"
"But the other workers haven't even come to eat yet…"
"Then we should really leave. Stop hogging the table!"
"You're really something—hey! Don't drag me! Fine, fine—let's go!"
Yelan stood at the kitchen door, hesitated, then gently knocked.
"Mr. Xia."
"Miss Yelan? What's up?"
"Are you free this morning?"
"Yes. Once breakfast is done, I'll be free."
"Alright. I'll wait outside."
"Okay."
Yelan stepped out and noticed the two Adepti were already gone.
Off to work already?
Truly dedicated, those two.
She couldn't help but admire them inwardly.
The Geo Archon might be gone—
But with grounded Adepti like this, Liyue's future didn't seem so bleak.
Of course, more importantly, there was still Mr. Xia.
Yelan's thoughts drifted to Ningguang again.
Her status as Tianquan definitely offered more flexibility than her own as a Special Intelligence Officer.
At least… she had time to fall in love.
Tianshu, huh…
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