Lumine and Paimon arrived at Yujing Terrace, where a crowd had already gathered.
The two picked a spot, curious to see what was about to happen.
Not long after, Ningguang stepped out from the Yuehai Pavilion.
The whispering crowd immediately fell silent, clearly here for her.
Ningguang glanced briefly at Lumine.
Then, turning her gaze away, she spoke solemnly, "I've gathered you all today to announce something important."
"Some of you may have heard rumors already. Recently, I've indeed been planning to rebuild the Jade Chamber."
[Arataki Itto: Rebuild? Smash it for me!]
[Haha, even selling Itto wouldn't cover the cost!]
Her words sparked an immediate buzz among the crowd.
"Rebuild the Jade Chamber?! That's a massive project…"
"So the rumors were true. No wonder building material prices have been skyrocketing…"
Some looked serious. "The Jade Chamber means a lot to Lady Ningguang. If we can get in on this…"
Others were more direct, stepping forward to ask, "Lady Ningguang, is there anything we can help with?"
Ningguang smiled slightly, urging everyone not to rush.
Since the news broke, many had already contacted her through various channels, eager to join the project.
However, there were indeed a few matters she wanted to entrust to those present.
The project's site had been selected, and various materials were prepared.
But three critical items were still missing:
[Resonant Dawnstone], [Thousand Marvel Core], and [Adeptus Talisman].
At this, the crowd glanced at each other.
Most shook their heads, admitting they'd never even heard of these.
This was expected.
If they weren't rare, Ningguang wouldn't have made such a fuss.
[Isn't this just a bidding site?]
[What's a Thousand Law Core?]
"This… forgive my boldness, but aside from the Dawnstone, I've never heard of the other two…"
Seeing their confusion, Ningguang patiently explained.
Only a Dawnstone of sufficient quality could bear the title [Resonant], the foundation for the Jade Chamber's flight.
The Thousand Marvel Core was the heart of the Jade Chamber's mechanical structure.
As for the Adeptus Talisman, it served to effectively combine mechanical devices with Adeptus arts, equally indispensable.
After her explanation, Ningguang added, "Though these three are rare, with your connections and abilities, finding them should only be a matter of time."
[Adeptus Talisman? Too easy—help me, Mu Yang!]
[You're treating Mu Yang like your mom now?]
[Mechanical devices and Adeptus arts? I can do that too—help me, that woman!]
[How dare you! Which woman?]
[You actually took the bait?]
Of course, Ningguang knew these items were precious.
She offered her reward:
The first three to gather the materials would get a chance to ask her a question.
No matter the question, she would answer.
This sent a ripple through the merchants present, who understood the value.
As the Tianquan of the Liyue Qixing, Ningguang oversaw Liyue Harbor's planning and law revisions.
Whoever got information from her would gain a head start.
"Haha, what a coincidence. I just heard a rumor about the Dawnstone not long ago."
A skinny man chuckled, bowing to those around him.
"Everyone, I'll take my leave first."
With that, he laughed heartily and strode out…
"Damn it, we need to move fast. We can't let others get ahead!"
The place turned into a race track, everyone eager to profit from this opportunity.
Lumine, having been caught up in work, hadn't heard about the Jade Chamber's reconstruction.
Ningguang approached. "You heard what I said, right? Interested in joining?"
Lumine asked, "Can we really ask anything?"
Ningguang crossed her arms. "As long as it's something I know, I'll tell you."
[Really anything? Hehe…]
[You, still full of dirty thoughts.]
[You're not him—how would you know?]
Seeing Lumine's eyes light up, Ningguang cautioned,
She'd already sent people to investigate her brother, but there were no leads yet.
If Lumine asked about that, she'd likely be disappointed.
Lumine felt a bit deflated. Even Ei and Yae Miko knew little about it.
With only Liyue's resources, Ningguang likely couldn't uncover such secrets either.
Still, Lumine said she had nothing else to do and could help.
She stretched casually.
"After being a server for so long, my hands and feet are rusty. Taking on a commission will get me back in the groove."
Ningguang was delighted.
"Excellent. The Jade Chamber's reconstruction is a major undertaking. I'll provide appropriate compensation."
Lumine nodded, then asked, "Have you mentioned the Adeptus Talisman to Mu Yang?"
"I did. He said he's not particularly skilled with talismans."
"Fair enough. Each Adeptus has their strengths. Mu Yang's probably better with swordsmanship."
[Adepti masters each have their specialties.]
[What about you, Master Mu?]
[I'm just a tiny bit useless (points to the cosmos).]
"Thank you both. Regardless of the outcome, I'll pay you accordingly."
With that, she gave Lumine the project's address and went to handle other matters.
The two were about to leave the city to check out the site near the Golden House.
But as they turned, they saw an unexpected scene.
In Liyue Harbor, under broad daylight, someone was harassing a frail woman.
How could they tolerate this? Lumine immediately rushed over.
At the scene, the white-haired frail woman was blocked by Scarred Liu.
"Miss, you carry yourself with such grace and elegance. You're clearly destined to stand out in this Jade Chamber reconstruction."
"We've got intel on those materials. Come, let's find a quiet place to talk."
The woman spoke, her tone icy. "No need."
She turned to leave.
Scarred Liu grew anxious. "Don't be like that! Hey, don't go!"
His lackey, mesmerized by her beauty, kept staring at her back.
Scarred Liu smacked his head. "What are you standing there for? Follow her!"
"Oh, oh!" The two trailed after her.
So, they were selling information.
Though it felt more like robbery.
Lumine quickened her pace. The white-haired woman felt strangely familiar…
Lumine followed them to the steps below Bubu Pharmacy.
The woman was cornered again.
Scarred Liu smirked wickedly. ()
"Hehe, miss, nowhere to run this time, huh?"
"Don't worry, we're not bad guys. Pay a little, get valuable intel. Nobody loses, right?"
"Boss, I've got a bad feeling," the lackey piped up, finally contributing.
He hadn't been staring for nothing.
"Look at her aura—it's different from others. And her hair's white. She's not ordinary…"
[Boss, she's not in the same art style as us!]
[My art style is above yours!]
[What, Pain from Naruto?]
Scarred Liu could see that too.
But a fat sheep like this—how could he let her go? Who'd pay his gambling debts?
The woman spoke again. "I said I don't need your information."
"If you didn't hear me just now, I'll repeat it one last time."
Her words carried a clear warning.
Scarred Liu laughed in frustration. "What kind of noble lady is this? Got no common sense?"
Did she really think they were just selling info?
They were robbing her!
"This isn't about what you need. Just hand over the money, and we're good."
At the word "common sense," the white-haired woman pulled a book from her pocket:
Liyue Harbor Life Hacks.
Lumine: ???