Before Xia Zhi was a bedroom in the familiar Fontaine style.
The familiar bed, the familiar wardrobe, the familiar full-length mirror...
This was his second time entering Furina's special dream.
He glanced toward the bathroom, where the sound of running water could be clearly heard.
What a coincidence.
She was bathing again.
Xia Zhi averted his gaze and entered Stealth Mode, his figure vanishing from sight.
Not long after, the girl emerged, wrapped in a towel.
This time, she was surprisingly well-behaved. Unlike the last time, she didn't throw herself on the bed, grab a pillow to cover her face, and mumble those weird lines.
Instead, she walked over to the large wardrobe and began pulling out one elegant dress and fancy hat after another, trying them on one by one in front of the mirror.
But no matter what she put on, she never seemed satisfied with how she looked.
Standing beside her, Xia Zhi silently observed her repeating this dressing routine over and over.
He had to admit—Furina had great taste. The problem was... her figure really didn't do the outfits justice.
After watching her fashion show for a good half hour, and seeing that Furina still looked just as enthusiastic, Xia Zhi quietly exited the dream.
At that very moment, Furina, still standing before the mirror, saw her reflection suddenly speak: "He's gone."
"Huh?"
Furina blinked in surprise.
"Cousin just left?"
"Yep."
"But I still have so many outfits I haven't tried on yet..."
Furina sighed and set down the hat in her hands.
"What a pity he didn't show himself. Otherwise, I would've just taken him down right then and there!"
"Heh."
"I'd go in for a wall slam, press my knee against his leg, grab his chin with my left hand—"
"Stop fantasizing out loud."
"Mwah mwah mwah mwah mwah…"
Furina flopped onto the bed, returning to her usual lifeless, salted-fish mode.
--
The next morning.
Xia Zhi first gave Yaoyao a few pointers on spear technique, then whipped up a big batch of the long-awaited Fontaine-style pasta, complete with seven or eight different sauces for everyone to mix and match.
One of the sauces stood out in particular—a thick, gray, cement like.
Charlotte scooped up a bit with her spoon, watching it slowly drip from the edge with curiosity. "Mr. Xia, what kind of sauce is this?"
"You can call it... No. 42 Concrete." [-_-]
"What a strange name... but it tastes really good!"
"Right?"
Surprisingly, the new sauce was a hit with everyone.
As he watched Charlotte savoring it with a satisfied expression, Xia Zhi casually asked, "Charlotte, I remember you said you've met Lady Furina quite a few times?"
"Yeah, I'm a journalist after all. And Lady Furina's a huge star!"
"Have you ever eaten with her?"
"Yes! Lady Furina loves cake. She's also a big fan of pasta."
"Cake and pasta, huh..."
Xia Zhi nodded thoughtfully and filed away the intel.
Two days passed quickly, and the hovercar finally arrived at Jueyun Karst.
This region was filled with mist-shrouded mountains.
According to Madame Ping, some peaks were still home to Adepti. There used to be more of them, but over the years, the Rite of Parting had sent most of them off.
The terrain here was extremely treacherous—climbing these peaks was nearly impossible for ordinary mortals.
Still, every year, many people seeking Adepti blessings would risk their lives to come here.
Shenhe had encountered quite a few such people in the past—and had promptly tossed them out.
As the hovercar continued flying north, a towering mountain peak came into view.
That was Mt. Aocang.
The hovercar began ascending rapidly toward the summit.
Compared to climbing on foot, this mode of transport saved an incredible amount of trouble.
Ganyu, Shenhe, and Madame Ping stepped out from the Serenitea Pot and stood inside the vehicle, gazing out at the familiar scenery through the window, each wearing a different expression.
Shenhe said softly, "When I left the mountain, Master told me to take this opportunity to integrate into human society. I doubt she expected me to be back after just six months."
Ganyu traced a finger along the window. "I was last here six months ago too, delivering letters to the Adepti."
Madame Ping's eyes were a little complicated. "The last time I came, I brought Yaoyao with me... I didn't expect that Cloud Retainer would later start researching such dangerous things."
Shenhe nodded. "Master can be a bit reckless sometimes."
Ganyu sighed. "She's always been like that."
Madame Ping sighed as well. "This time, I'll give her a proper talking-to."
"And what if she doesn't listen?"
"She's been knocked back to her original form. She wouldn't dare disobey now."
"..."
Before long, the hovercar reached the summit of Mt. Aocang.
A lush, verdant lake-side paradise spread out before them.
There were pavilions, tables, and chairs by the crystal-clear water.
Everyone disembarked.
Charlotte immediately pulled out her kamera and began snapping photos.
Zhu Zi, Ying'er, and the others looked a bit reserved.
Xia Ci glanced around and commented, "Nice place to retire."
Shenhe took a deep breath of the fresh mountain air and turned to smile. "Come with me, everyone."
They made their way to the entrance of the Adeptus residence.
The door was sealed.
Shenhe formed a hand seal and dispelled the barrier.
"Master is probably still in seclusion. I'm not sure if she sensed us. Apologies in advance if the hospitality is lacking."
"No worries at all!"
Everyone followed Shenhe inside, eyes full of curiosity.
"So this is where an Adeptus lives..."
"It's so warm inside!"
"So many floating islands!"
"Are these bridges made with Adepti arts?"
Shenhe explained, "They're Adepti sigils. They may look fragile, but they're actually very sturdy."
"How amazing!"
They reached the central floating island, where Shenhe invited everyone to sit and went to make some tea. "Please rest here for a while. I'll go check on Master's seclusion."
"Okay."
Ganyu spoke up. "Sister, I'll go with you."
Shenhe nodded. "Alright."
The two of them, familiar with the layout, made their way deeper into the residence and arrived at a secluded meditation chamber.
The door was also closed.
Unlike the main entrance, this one was sealed from the inside.
Shenhe reached out and gently knocked.
"Master…"
After a while, a mature, elegant voice came from within.
"Shenhe?"
"It's me."
A breeze stirred within the chamber, and the door opened on its own.
A spirit crane peeked out and looked around. "Why are you back? …Ganyu's here too?"
Ganyu looked at her and said, "Master, it's me. I came to visit you."
Cloud Retainer's eyes showed a hint of confusion. "What time is it now?"
"February. Master, you've been in seclusion for six months."
"Only six months...?"
"Master, how's your re-cultivation going?"
"There's been some progress… nothing you need to worry about." Cloud Retainer looked at Shenhe thoughtfully. "Shenhe, you've only been away for half a year, and you've come back already? Are you still struggling to adapt to human society?"
"No."
"Then why?"
"I'm traveling with my boss. We happened to pass by, so I thought I'd stop in to see you."
"Boss??"
"The benefactor you told me to take care of when I left the mountain."
"Him… wait, hold on! Shenhe, did you just smile? And your aura… why does it feel like… stronger than mine?!"
"Master, I've become an Adeptus."
"What?"
Ganyu added, "Master, I've also become an Adeptus now."
Cloud Retainer looked at her two disciples in stunned silence.
Had she really only been in seclusion for six months?