After finishing their meal at the Good Hunter in Mondstadt, Shao Yun decided to once again "raid" Mondstadt General Goods to prepare for the next leg of their journey.
Why always "raid" Mondstadt? Because things there were cheap.
This time, Miss Blanche was the unfortunate subject of another "raid."
Item after item from the shelves was packed into Shao Yun's backpack.
Then he stormed into the storeroom and cleared everything out.
At this point, even a mouse walking in would cry, and thieves would be generous enough to leave behind two sacks of rice.
Miss Blanche stared at the few lonely sacks of Mora left on the counter and fell into deep thought:
"Why does he always look like he's robbing the place when he shops?"
…
Shao Yun's shopping spree concluded successfully.
He, Lumine, and Paimon mounted their horses, laden with goods, and began the journey back to Liyue Harbor.
They didn't hurry—they savored the scenery, taking a leisurely day and night to approach the familiar, welcoming city.
As the first morning sunlight poured over Liyue Harbor, the whole city bathed in peace and serenity.
Standing on a high vantage point, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon gazed at the beautiful port city. Shao Yun turned to Lumine and Paimon and shared his plan:
"Before we leave Liyue, I'd like to pay a visit to some old friends. Would you like to join me?"
Lumine stroked her chin thoughtfully.
After a moment, she replied, "Actually, Paimon and I would prefer to find that girl from Inazuma, Atsuko, first—to learn more about Inazuma: how to get there, and its customs and climate. Locals always provide the most authentic, vivid firsthand information…"
Shao Yun smiled and nodded, understanding. If Lumine wanted to follow the storyline, he wouldn't object—and after all, Atsuko's intelligence could be very useful.
"In that case, let's split up. Where should we meet?"
Paimon immediately spun her clever little head and suggested a perfect meeting spot.
"How about at Wanmin Restaurant?"
Shao Yun laughed and lightly patted Paimon on her head in approval.
"You little one is really getting good at enjoying life! Alright, it's settled—we'll meet at Wanmin Restaurant, and that'll take care of Paimon's stomach too."
Paimon, pleased that her plan was seen through, grinned goofily.
"Heehee… a full belly is the most important thing, after all…"
…
After their temporary farewell at the entrance of Liyue Harbor, Shao Yun set off toward Yujing Terrace.
Along the way, the Millelith guards stiffened at his approach, fear evident in their expressions.
Within Liyue Harbor, Shao Yun's name had surpassed even that of an Archon as a shadow no one wanted to ignore.
Passing through crowded streets, Shao Yun eventually arrived at Yuehai Pavilion—the epicenter of Liyue's power, a convergence of decisions and secrets.
Though their hearts may have been tumultuous, the elite Millelith guards maintained calm professionalism, their eyes radiating reverence toward this "special visitor."
Secretary Huixin, a gentle and perceptive woman, greeted Shao Yun with careful composure.
"Hello, Mr. Shao Yun. May I ask what brings you here?"
Shao Yun, nodding to the Pavilion behind her, replied: "I'd like to see Keqing, Ningguang, and Ganyu."
At this request, her heart skipped a beat—she sensed that something significant was about to unfold.
"May I ask the purpose of your visit? I assure, no offense meant—just to serve you better."
Shao Yun sensed her fear and calmly waved his hand, conveying: I kill, but I don't devour.
"Don't worry—I'm just passing through. I came to say goodbye, just a few words, then I'll go on my way."
Upon hearing that, the tension left her shoulders. She escorted him into the Pavilion with sincere composure.
As soon as Shao Yun stepped inside, a chill swept the entire office area.
Staff turned, eyes wide in shock—and new recruits froze in terror, some diving under desks—fearing this legendary figure might suddenly attack them all.
Huixin, worried the scene would escalate, tried to guide him toward a more private reception room. But Shao Yun waved her away:
"No need for all that fuss. Just take me to meet Ningguang, Keqing, and Ganyu. I'll speak briefly and leave."
Nervous, Huixin assumed he was formally requesting an audience and bowed deeply.
"Please wait just a moment; I'll invite Madam Tianquan, Lady Yuheng, and Secretary Ganyu to meet you."
Shao Yun quickly responded: "No need for all that—just a quick meeting is enough…"
Despite his reassurance, she only gave a gentle smile and replied quietly: "It is my duty—please rest easy."
Then she hurried off to notify them.
Watching her leave, Shao Yun shook his head in exasperation:
"Honestly—I stole from the Northland Bank, slaughtered Pearl Galley, murdered two people in the street, and dismembered one—and they're still this tense? I thought I was pretty friendly…"
One official, overwhelmed, burst into tears.
Finally reaching this position, none hoped to die here.
"Help me… mama…"
A coworker hastily covered his mouth: "Shh—don't scream. If he gets angry, he might cook us all."
Hearing this, Shao Yun was at a loss—for fear, I guess.
To kill time, he wandered to a desk, picked up a file, and began skimming.
He was in Huishan Hall —the core of the Liyue Qixing and Qixingmen.
Liyue is the Geo Nation, and its lifeblood is mining.
Each file on that desk represented Liyue Harbor's prosperity and future—secret decisions, power.
Yet here he was, breaking the stillness in a most unusual way.
His expression serene as he browsed, the staff tensed, torn between intervening or fearing reprisal from this unassuming yet deadly visitor.
He seemed oblivious—or utterly unconcerned.
As he touched the heavy files, one official mustered courage:
"What you have there is this quarter's mining plan…"
Shao Yun interrupted indifferently: "I don't make money from mining—I'm just killing time. Feel free to leave me alone."
He shuffled through more confidential files until he reached one labeled "Chasm Resumption Application." His gaze flickered—and he murmured to himself:
"Chasm…"
It was the site they planned to explore after Inazuma—still some time away.
He quickly returned the file and resumed his "reading tour."
The staff were stunned—confidential documents treated like picture books.
At that moment, Huixin returned with Ningguang (Tianquan), Keqing (Yuheng), and Ganyu.
"Mr. Shao Yun, here are the people you wished to meet."
Shao Yun closed the files, approached them, gently removed his hat, and politely greeted:
"Ningguang Miss, Keqing Miss, Ganyu Miss—long time no see."
The three exchanged warm, refined smiles—like blossoms in spring:
"Hello…"
But beneath the surface, they were tumultuous.
Ningguang, Liyue's commercial queen, and Keqing, the principled Yuheng, both felt a flash of shock and disquiet. They had heard rumors of Shao Yun's actions in Mondstadt. A whole century-old noble line virtually erased overnight—that kind of power is terrifying.
As major business contributors, their fear of this harbinger ran deep.
Ganyu, the gentle adeptus-beast, felt a complex mix of awe and fear. Rumors from the Cloud Retainer hinted at changes in Liyue Harbor's weather and terrain linked to Shao Yun.
Then Shao Yun spoke, breaking the frozen silence:
"I'm here mainly to say goodbye. Lumine, Paimon, and I will continue our journey—to Inazuma. Before we leave, I wanted to see you all and say farewell."
The trio paused—prepared for anything, but not this—they were genuinely taken aback, but relieved.
Ningguang stepped forward, offering a calm, definitive smile:
"Oh, then I wish you a smooth journey. Thank you for all you've done for Liyue."
Indeed—though he'd killed, he never harmed ordinary citizens. He had cleared Pearl Galley and driven out the Northland Bank spies.
Shao Yun then exchanged brief pleasantries with Keqing and Ganyu before turning back to Ningguang:
"Actually, besides saying goodbye, I have something to ask you."
Ningguang relaxed—his respect and diplomacy had won over their tension.
"What is it? I'll do my best."
He explained:
"We're going to Inazuma, but I've heard they've closed their borders. I wanted to ask—how can we get there?"
Keqing considered, then explained:
"That is… tricky. I heard from a Liyue merchant just returned from Inazuma that the seas are blocked by constant storms. No regular ship can safely pass."
She continued:
"And foreign visitors are not treated well. Apparently, foreigners must remain on outlying islands. Inazuma's commissioners are strict—foreign merchants need special landing permits, registration… We're talking millions of Mora. Plus there are extra taxes and inspections—and often confessions at checkpoints…"
Listening carefully, Shao Yun finally spoke:
"We're not going for trade—those formalities don't matter to us. Do you know of any safe way to reach Inazuma?"
He knew reaching Inazuma would likely require Captain Beidou's help. Unfortunately, they hadn't met her yet.
Shao Yun resolved to take a simpler route: during this farewell visit, he'd ask for their assistance.
Ningguang, understanding his request, thought of her partner—Captain Beidou of the Crux Fleet.
She softly said:
"Have you ever heard of Captain Beidou of the Crux Fleet?"
Shao Yun nodded: "Yes—I heard tell from bards reciting Records of the Sea and Sky—they spoke of Captain Beidou."
Ningguang smiled gently:
"Yes. Her ship, the Alcor, is currently docked at Guyun Stone Forest for repairs. I can write a recommendation letter—you simply present it to Captain Beidou, and she will take you to Inazuma, free of charge."
Hearing that, Shao Yun pressed his fists in salute and said earnestly:
"Thank you so much. You've saved us from a lot of trouble."
Ningguang waved her hand demurely:
"Mr. Shao Yun, you flatter me. It's no trouble—just wait here, I'll prepare the letter now."
She turned and left to write the letter for Shao Yun.