"I wonder what Longhua wants with us. But since it's her, we'll have to put our plans to go to Inazuma on hold for now."
"No rush."
Walking through the streets of Liyue, Lumine shook her head at Paimon's words.
"Besides, Longhua is an adeptus. She might have a way to help us get to Inazuma."
"Good point. Let's hurry over, then."
The cutscene ended, and Dingdang, controlling Themis, took flight, following the quest marker to Longhua's residence.
"I bet we're about to start running errands again," Dingdang said as she flew.
"But if it's for the Sect Leader, I'm more than willing."
「I'm willing too!」
「The Sect Leader's rewards are on a whole different level compared to others.」
「I'm not greedy. Sect Leader, just give me 800 this time.」
「What do you mean 'not greedy'? Asking for 800 right off the bat? Even the Sect Leader can't handle your greed!」
「Even though the Sect Leader's character can't be ruined, I think miHoYo might not be as generous this time. They've already spent tens of billions preparing for the Genshin tournament.」
「There's still the card game tournament after this. miHoYo's definitely thinking about making money now.」
「Even if they want to make money, they can't skimp on the Sect Leader.」
「Other characters are one thing, but if miHoYo dares to be stingy with the Sect Leader, just watch how many people will complain.」
「For this Genshin tournament, I'm going to use the Sect Leader and make her famous!」
「You think you're the only one with that idea? Good luck getting her in the tournament.」
「If you're aiming to win, it's better not to use newly released characters.」
「Dingdang, are you going to participate in the Genshin tournament?」
"Of course! I've already made plans with a few streamers to form a team," Dingdang replied before quickly shifting her attention back to the game.
They had arrived.
As they approached the entrance, another cutscene began.
Longhua lay on a recliner, eyes closed, seemingly at peace. Lumine and Paimon walked into the courtyard through the open gate.
Hearing their footsteps, Longhua slowly opened her eyes, turned her head, and stretched lazily.
"Sluuurp—!"
Dingdang sucked back her drool, staring greedily at Longhua's figure.
The camera, of course, took its time showcasing Longhua from head to toe as she stretched: her snow-white arms, slender neck, gently rising chest, willow-like waist, long yet shapely legs, and her feet, toes curled and taut.
Even as a woman, Dingdang felt overwhelmed by the sight, let alone the male viewers in the livestream.
At this moment, the chat was filled with howls, with no coherent words in sight.
After stretching, Longhua calmly sat up, slipping her delicate feet into black mid-heel shoes and adjusting them with her fingers before standing.
A young girl standing nearby stepped forward, gently draping a black-gray coat over Longhua's shoulders.
Looking at Lumine and Paimon, Longhua softly spoke:
"Long time no see, Traveler, Paimon. How have you been?"
The cutscene ended, transitioning into normal dialogue.
"We've been great! We even went to the Golden Apple Archipelago recently," Paimon said, waving her arms excitedly.
"What about you, Longhua? How have you been? Did you call us here because you need help with something?"
"Not exactly. I wanted to invite you to visit Shanhaijing."
Longhua's voice was calm and gentle:
"The negotiations with the Qixing are over. Next, I'll be returning to Shanhaijing to announce this to the people and lift the protective barrier around the hidden island. You're my friends, and I'd like you to witness this moment with me. I also want to show you the Shanhaijing I created and the Xuanlong Sect. Would you like to come?"
Lumine smiled and nodded. "Of course."
"That's great! I've been so curious about the legendary Shanhaijing!"
Paimon did a backflip in the air, clearly thrilled.
"No rush. Take your time to prepare. I'll wait here for you."
The dialogue ended.
At this point, talking to Longhua again would advance the quest and set them on their way to Shanhaijing.
But of course, as a streamer, Dingdang wasn't about to leave just yet.
She controlled Themis to approach the blue-haired girl standing behind Longhua. The girl's name appeared:
「Xuanqing」
Clicking on the name initiated a dialogue.
Instantly, Themis transformed into Lumine, entering a dialogue scene, while the girl named Xuanqing began to chatter.
"Shanhaijing will need Mora to interact with the outside world. Should we release some information to Liyue's merchants first?"
As she spoke, Xuanqing turned to Lumine.
"Traveler, hello. Since you're a friend of the Sect Leader, you're a friend to all of Shanhaijing and the Xuanlong Sect. On behalf of Shanhaijing and the Xuanlong Sect, I welcome you. Do you have any questions?"
「About Longhua…」
「What kind of place is Shanhaijing?」
「Is the Xuanlong Sect a martial arts school?」
「I have no more questions.」
Dingdang chose the first option.
"The Sect Leader is the adeptus who created and rules over Shanhaijing. To us, she is a great being, akin to a creator."
"However, we don't usually refer to her as an adeptus, because to us, her more important role is as the leader of the Xuanlong Sect."
"The Sect Leader is the teacher of all Shanhaijing, as well as a mother and father figure to everyone here. She isn't aloof like the adepti of legend but remains within reach of all."
The dialogue ended, and Dingdang selected the second option.
"Though it might sound like boasting, Shanhaijing is a place that will never disappoint you."
"Those who accidentally stumble upon Shanhaijing call it the 'Isle of the Adepti,' and it lives up to that name."
"It's hard to explain in detail, and I don't want to spoil the surprise. You'll understand what Shanhaijing is like once you see it for yourself."
The dialogue ended again, and Dingdang chose the third option.
"Are you asking if the Xuanlong Sect is like the martial arts schools in Liyue?"
"In some ways, yes. Since the Sect Leader is a master of martial arts, many disciples in the sect practice martial arts and carry dual swords—one greatsword and one single-handed sword."
"But the Sect Leader teaches more than just martial arts. What she truly imparts is the way of survival for all people."
"Any knowledge that helps people live better lives, the Sect Leader teaches. Martial arts, and even adeptal arts, are just a part of that knowledge."
"If you're interested, you can become a disciple of the Xuanlong Sect. Then you'll see for yourself what the sect teaches."
The dialogue concluded, and Dingdang, having no further questions, returned to Longhua.
"Traveler, Paimon, are you ready?"
"We're ready."
Longhua nodded slightly.
"Then let's set off."
『Chapter 1, Act 5』
[Mountains, Seas, and Stars]
『Unlocked』