The next morning.
Xia Zhi and Xiangling made a delicious breakfast for everyone before getting ready to leave.
Cloud Retainer sealed off the entrance to the adeptal abode.
The Dragon King turned to Xia Zhi and said, "Mr. Xia, safe travels."
"Heading into Liyue Harbor, Dragon King?"
"Mm. I want to see how much it's changed over the years. Not sure if the taverns I used to frequent still exist… It's been centuries. They're likely long gone…"
"Time changes everything. Even if the taverns remain, the taste of the wine likely won't match your memories."
"True. In the end, the taste of wine depends on who you're drinking with."
"Well said."
Xia Zhi nodded, then his expression turned stern.
"That said—it's fine if you enjoy drinking, but if you're working at the school, no drinking on the job."
"Haha, naturally. I know that."
"Well, then. Until next time."
"See you tonight."
"…"
Charlotte, with heavy dark circles under her eyes, came over and handed a stack of manuscripts to the Dragon King.
"Uncle Azhdaha, these are the latest drafts I just received. I reviewed them all last night. Please help deliver them to the Liyue Newspaper Agency."
"No trouble at all. I was going to stop by and greet the editor anyway. It'll be good for future submissions."
"Thanks."
After a few more words, everyone boarded the hovercar and waved goodbye.
The Dragon King watched the car disappear into the horizon, then turned to Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper.
"Let's go."
The two adepti nodded. "Mm."
---
Yaoyao stood on the hovercar, holding her telescope, eyes sparkling as she looked out at the scenery.
The wind tousled her hair, but she didn't care. She shouted excitedly, "I see my house! And Papa and Mama!"
Cloud Retainer and Madame Ping stood beside her, keeping watch.
Seeing Yaoyao so happy, Cloud Retainer couldn't help but ask, "How long has it been since Yaoyao went home?"
Madame Ping thought for a moment. "Almost a year."
"That long?"
"I took her home last spring."
"Didn't she go back during the Moonchase Festival?"
"She was going to, but because of Mr. Xia…"
"What does Mr. Xia have to do with it?"
"Just after the festival, Yaoyao started part-timing at Mr. Xia's shop."
"And?"
"She told me herself—said the shop was too busy and she couldn't take time off, so she'd skip the visit."
"And you believed that…"
"She was firm for once. I let her be."
"…"
Though Yaoyao could see her house through the telescope, there was still some distance from Mt. Aocang to Qingce Village.
It wasn't until the afternoon that the hovercar finally arrived.
When a strange vehicle appeared overhead, the villagers were both alarmed and curious.
Including Yaoyao's parents.
The hovercar landed, and Yaoyao ran out, beaming as she rushed toward her parents.
Seeing a somewhat familiar young girl running at them, Yaoyao's parents were stunned.
Is that…?
"Papa! Mama!"
"Yaoyao?"
"Yup!"
"How did you grow so big?!"
Yaoyao's parents were in disbelief.
Last year she was still a tiny sprout. How did she suddenly look ready for marriage?
Madame Ping came over to greet them and explained, "This is indeed Yaoyao. Her growth is the result of successful cultivation."
"Adeptal arts!"
Seeing an adeptus step forward, they no longer doubted it.
After all, immortals were capable of anything—even accelerated growth.
More people began exiting the car.
Yaoyao's parents asked in hushed voices, "Madame Ping, who are all these people…?"
"They're some of my friends," she replied with a knowing smile. "We were traveling together and stopped by to visit."
All immortals?!
Yaoyao's parents quickly invited everyone inside, served tea and snacks.
Yaoyao's mother even went to the chicken coop, caught a hen, and prepared a full dinner.
Though the ingredients were simple and the taste couldn't compare to Xia Zhi's cooking, the rustic charm of a countryside meal had its own appeal.
That night, everyone slept in the Serenitea Pot.
After all, there were too many people, and Yaoyao's home didn't have enough rooms.
---
As dusk fell—
The gates of Liyue Harbor remained bustling with crowds.
The Dragon King stood at the entrance, gazing up at the two characters "Liyue," his expression filled with nostalgia. "I carved those characters myself, long ago."
Moon Carver and Mountain Shaper nodded. "Despite all the years of wind and rain, they remain untouched—thanks to your divine protection."
The Dragon King laughed. "Who would've thought things would turn out this way? It was just a casual gesture back then. This once-barren city is now so lively. It's wonderful…"
Nearby, a group of Millelith guards eyed the laughing man curiously.
They saw all sorts of people come and go—but a man standing at the gate, laughing to himself? That was rare.
The trio walked into the city. As they passed Bubu Pharmacy, they saw someone hobbling out.
The Dragon King raised an eyebrow. "Did he break a leg?"
Moon Carver observed and shook his head. "Doesn't look like it."
Mountain Shaper frowned. "Judging by how he's clutching his rear… looks more like pain in the buttocks…"
Just then, another patient came limping out—also clutching his backside.
The Dragon King, intrigued, quickly stopped one of them. "Excuse me, may I ask why you're walking like this?"
The man waved dismissively. "You must be new to Liyue, huh? No wonder you don't know. I just got a shot! I'm telling you, Doctor Baizhu's new treatment is incredible. No need for medicine—just one shot and you're better the next day! If you're feeling unwell, you've got to give it a try…"
The three looked at each other—expressions growing increasingly strange.
Although the Dragon King and the two Adepti were curious about Bubu Pharmacy's new treatment method, they ultimately chose not to go in for a look.
The line of patients waiting was just too long. It wasn't worth the squeeze, nor did they want to disrupt the doctor from treating those who truly needed it.
There would be time in the future to investigate.
Continuing down the street, they soon arrived at Feiyun Slope.
Both sides of the road were lined with towering buildings and bustling shops.
Well-dressed attendants stood at the entrances, while the crowds surged like a tide, and the air buzzed with noise—a vivid display of Liyue's thriving commercial atmosphere.
The Dragon King looked around with a smile of amusement tugging at his lips.
It wasn't until they reached Xinyue Kiosk that he finally stopped and exclaimed, "This little place is still here?"
Moon Carver replied, "Liuli Pavilion is still around too."
The Dragon King asked, "After all these years, I wonder if the dishes have changed."
Mountain Shaper shook his head. "Not much. The recipes have been passed down faithfully. If you're feeling nostalgic, we can dine there tonight."
The Dragon King glanced at a notice posted outside. "Seems like this place requires a reservation."
Moon Carver explained, "You need one to dine in, but takeout doesn't."
The Dragon King thought for a moment and said, "Then let's buy food from both places. I'll grab some wine too, and we'll drink with Morax tonight."
The two Adepti nodded in agreement.
----
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