After hearing Baiwen's report, Ningguang nodded in satisfaction.
With the Traveler's help, this journey to a foreign land would surely go much more smoothly.
Then she turned to Keqing beside her.
"This time, I'll have to trouble you to lead the team. Please investigate thoroughly—find out what's going on with that land. Why are there statues of our Geo Archon's Seven? Is it truly territory that Liyue once lost…"
Keqing replied seriously, "I know what to do."
Lately, Liyue had seen its share of strange occurrences.
First, Consultant Zhongli of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor mysteriously disappeared…
Then the sealed Azhdaha vanished without a trace…
Now, this discovery of what appears to be lost Liyue land—even if it likely isn't—demands investigation. Especially because of the presence of two Geo Archon statues, and the possibility that Zhongli may have gone there himself. Keqing was determined to go in person.
She had also invited the Traveler and Paimon.
With their support, the investigation would be much smoother.
After a brief silence, Ningguang added, "This journey is full of unknowns. You should take more people with you."
Keqing shook her head. "Only those with a Vision can use the Statues of The Seven to teleport. With just me and the Traveler, it'll be enough."
After finalizing the plan, Keqing temporarily handed her work over to Baiwen, Ningguang's secretary, and made preparations.
She waited quietly for the Traveler's arrival the next day, ready to depart for the unknown land...
...
Time passed quickly, and before they knew it, the next day had arrived.
As usual, the streets of Liyue were bustling with activity—merchants from all over, locals going about their day, and travelers from distant lands.
After several months away, the Traveler and Paimon once again walked the streets of Liyue, immediately feeling a sense of comfort and ease.
Compared to the tension and hostility in Natlan, she still preferred Liyue's vibrant, lively atmosphere.
Paimon held a skewer of candied hawthorn in one hand and grilled meat in the other. As she caught a familiar scent in the air, her eyes lit up.
"Mmm! That smells amazing—it's osmanthus cake! Traveler, let's go get some!"
The Traveler glanced at the snacks in Paimon's hands and shook her head helplessly. "Maybe finish what you've got first, then we can go meet Ningguang and Keqing."
They had been staying in Natlan for some time.
Then, out of nowhere, they received a letter from Ningguang—urgent business, something about exploring an unknown region, and even a request to help search for the missing Zhongli…
Zhongli, missing?
At first, the Traveler didn't believe it.
But the moment they arrived in Liyue, they overheard street gossip all about it.
Some said Zhongli had racked up a mountain of debt from drinking tea and listening to stories every day, then went into the mountains to hunt Slimes and got eaten…
Others claimed he was killed by Hilichurls…
There were even rumors of him being kidnapped by bandits…
And of course, someone insisted he'd been assassinated by the Fatui from Snezhnaya. Damn those Fatui...
Each story was more outrageous than the last.
And yet every one came with oddly specific details—and even supposed eyewitnesses.
Hearing these wild rumors, even Paimon was speechless.
"What are they talking about? They clearly have no idea how strong Zhongli is. There's no way he'd be done in by Slimes, Hilichurls, bandits, or even the Fatui... That's just nonsense!"
To the public, Zhongli was just a consultant for Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, a leisurely man who wandered around listening to books and walking his bird…
But in truth, he was Liyue's Geo Archon. Even in retirement, his strength hadn't faded. Disappearing without reason? Impossible.
The Traveler said thoughtfully, "Even if we don't know where Zhongli went, I'm sure he had his reasons."
Paimon spread her hands. "You're probably right... But where could he have gone?"
The Traveler didn't know.
And Paimon certainly didn't.
The reason they came to Liyue this time was to investigate this unknown region and search for the missing Zhongli.
Walking through Liyue's bustling streets, they eventually reached the gates of Yujing Terrace.
After a brief check-in, staff members led them inside, and soon, they were face-to-face with Keqing.
As soon as they saw her—
"Keqing! We meet again!" Paimon said cheerfully.
Keqing smiled. "Traveler, Paimon—welcome back to Liyue Harbor."
The situation was urgent.
There was no time for small talk.
Keqing quickly briefed them on recent events in Liyue, along with the plan to explore the unknown region.
When she finished, Paimon was stunned. "What?! Even Azhdaha is missing now? The Traveler and I were planning to go give him a whack on the way!"
The Traveler looked contemplative. "So much happened while Paimon and I were in Natlan…"
Zhongli's disappearance didn't seem normal. It might be connected to Azhdaha's vanishing.
The Traveler turned to Keqing. "What do you need me to do?"
"I'm planning to go to this unknown area myself," Keqing said seriously. "I'd like to invite you to come with me."
The Traveler agreed without hesitation. "Sure. When do we leave?"
Seeing her agree so readily, Keqing responded just as swiftly. "We can leave right now."
However—
Paimon, standing off to the side, looked a bit worried. "But... that region..."
The Traveler shot her a look. "You're not still thinking we should wait, are you? Keqing personally invited us."
Keqing added, "Exactly. This matter is urgent—we can't delay it any longer."
Paimon could only sigh. "Alright... Let's hope this trip goes smoothly."
As the Traveler's guide, Paimon knew the entire continent of Teyvat inside and out.
But when it came to this newly discovered region, she knew nothing—which is why she was hesitant. Last time, she managed to stop the Traveler from going. But this time, she had no way to intervene.
Once the decision was made, the group immediately headed to the teleportation waypoint, preparing to use the Statues of The Seven to travel to the unknown region.
As they reached the gates of Yujing Terrace, they ran into Ningguang—and Xiao.
Paimon lit up. "Ningguang! Xiao! We meet again!"
Ningguang gave a faint smile. "You're just about to head out, right? Good thing I caught you—any later and I might have missed you."
Keqing asked seriously, "Is there something else?"
Ningguang replied with a smile, "This journey is filled with uncertainties—you could face any kind of danger. To ensure everyone's safety, I've invited Adeptus Xiao to accompany you."
Xiao stood silently nearby. "…"
Seeing him, Paimon grinned. "Awesome! Another strong ally on our side!"
The Traveler smiled too. "Xiao, welcome aboard."
Xiao's expression was firm. "This journey will be dangerous. I'll protect you—and we'll bring Mister Zhongli back."