The skies above Guyun Stone Forest were clear and bright. On the deck of the Alcor, crew members bustled back and forth between deck and cabin, each attending diligently to their assigned tasks.
Sunlight shimmered across the sea's surface, casting a golden sheen over the massive armed merchant ship.
At that moment, First Mate Sea Drake stood by the ship's edge, eyes fixed on a small black-awning boat slowly approaching in the distance.
He squinted, trying to make out the figures aboard.
Then he shouted, "Hey there, on the small boat! What business do you have approaching the Alcor?"
The fishing boat drifted closer, and Shao Yun stepped out from beneath the awning, standing at the bow and calling out, "Hello! We're here to see Miss Beidou."
Sea Drake paused at the mention of Miss Beidou, muttering under his breath, "'Miss Beidou'?" Then he quickly raised his voice again, "You mean our boss, Captain Beidou, right?"
Shao Yun called back, "That's right. We have some matters we'd like to discuss with her."
Sea Drake couldn't help but chuckle to himself at the strange way the name sounded. "Miss Beidou"? First time I've heard anyone call the boss that. Sounds a little off...
Still, he didn't forget his duties. Composing himself, he looked seriously at Shao Yun and asked, "May I have your name? And what's your business with the Alcor?"
Shao Yun paused, then replied, "My name is Tacit—uh, no, Shao Yun."
As soon as Sea Drake heard the name "Shao Yun," his face stiffened with gravity. "What! You're Shao Yun?"
Shao Yun nodded, reaffirming, "Yes, the name's Shao Yun. We mean no harm—just here to talk with Miss Beidou."
Sea Drake had certainly heard the name and knew it carried weight. He dared not delay. "Please wait a moment! I'll go inform the boss right away!"
He turned and dashed into the ship's interior.
…
Inside the Alcor's captain's quarters, Beidou—long black hair, bangs veiling her left eye, and crimson irises—sat at a table clad in her custom qipao and thigh-high boots, discussing details of the upcoming Crux Clash with Kaedehara Kazuha.
Kazuha wore his usual gentle, composed look. His white hair was tied into a short braid behind him, with two tufts standing upright on his forehead, highlighted with red that matched his eyes.
He donned a grey samurai outfit. The right sleeve of his robe was tucked into his waistband, leaving the right side exposed while the left hung freely, fluttering lightly with the wind. Around his neck were two scarves—one black, one red—and his Vision rested elegantly at his back. A maple leaf ornament was tied at his waist. The motif of maple leaves appeared subtly across his scarf, sleeves, and deep red hakama, giving his attire both mystique and grace.
Below, red leggings and black greaves accentuated his form.
Suddenly, Sea Drake burst into the room, shattering the calm. "Boss! We've got trouble!" he exclaimed, his face fraught with panic.
Beidou frowned slightly, her sharp gaze fixing on him. "What is it? Why the rush?"
Trying to catch his breath, Sea Drake replied, "That big troublemaker, Shao Yun, he's here. He's outside right now asking to see you."
Beidou blinked in surprise.
The name "Shao Yun" was no stranger to her, though they'd never met in person. She murmured, "Shao Yun? I've never had dealings with him. What's he here for?"
Kazuha's eyes flickered as if recalling something. He spoke calmly, "Beidou, isn't this the same 'Shao Yun' you and Lady Ningguang mentioned before?"
Beidou nodded, a complex look on her face. "That's him. People say he's reckless and deadly, but others claim he's a chivalrous outlaw. The incident with the Pearl Galley and the murdered woman in Chihu Rock—both were his doing. Personally, I think while he's ruthless, he's not a bloodthirsty maniac."
Kazuha nodded thoughtfully and turned to Sea Drake. "Brother Sea Drake, do you know why Shao Yun is here?"
Sea Drake shook his head. "I really don't. He just said he wants to see you."
Beidou stood up, cracking her shoulders as she spoke heartily, "Then let's go meet him."
Sea Drake hesitated, worried. "Boss, is that really safe...? Even the Qixing are cautious around him…"
"We've done nothing to offend him. What's there to be afraid of? Maybe he's here for the Crux Clash." With that, Beidou strode past Sea Drake and made her way outside.
Though still uneasy, Sea Drake followed silently behind her.
…
Elsewhere, Shao Yun, Lumine, and their ever-present companion Paimon had already been welcomed aboard the Alcor by its crew.
Pinghai, seeing them safely on board, quickly rowed away without asking for fare. In his mind, it was a choice between money and life—and he knew which one he valued more.
Better to live and fight another day!
Shao Yun stood on the spacious deck, quietly observing the famed ship that had witnessed countless tales and storms, as well as its steadfast crew.
Just as he was lost in thought, Beidou and Kazuha emerged from the cabin, breaking the silence.
Beidou paused when she saw Shao Yun—not alone, but flanked by Lumine and Paimon. That gave her a moment's surprise.
She had assumed he would come alone. Seeing this "elite team" made her more at ease.
Ningguang had once mentioned: if Shao Yun was accompanied by the blonde Traveler and the seemingly harmless but spiritually keen white "mascot," he would likely avoid any extreme actions.
So, Beidou burst into a hearty laugh and greeted them enthusiastically, "Hah! What a fine day to meet Liyue's legendary guardians—the three foreign adventurers I've heard so much about!"
Her gaze shifted between Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon.
Lumine blinked in surprise at Beidou's warm welcome and asked curiously, "You know us?"
Beidou nodded. "Of course. Ningguang often speaks of you—how you helped Liyue weather its crisis, defeated Osial, and drove off those annoying Fatui. She says you brought peace and calm to this land. I've got nothing but admiration for heroes like you."
Lumine blushed slightly at Beidou's praise and replied modestly, "You flatter us, Captain Beidou…"
But Beidou wasn't done. Shaking her head firmly, she continued, "Not flattery at all. If Ningguang herself praises someone—that's not something you hear often. That alone says volumes."
"When she talked about you, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of people could impress her so much. And now I see for myself—you truly live up to the stories."
Shao Yun couldn't help but chuckle. "Miss Beidou, you really know how to talk, hahaha."
Beidou turned to him, her eyes glinting with admiration. "You must be Mr. Shao Yun. As bold and dashing as the rumors say."
Shao Yun looked slightly uncomfortable with the compliment and waved his hand. "Alright, I don't know what you've heard about me, but I assure you, I won't be killing anyone on your ship. So, rest easy. We're here on business."
Beidou smiled and sobered slightly. "Oh? What business? Feel free to speak."
Shao Yun pulled a sealed letter from his coat and respectfully handed it to her.
"We're heading to Inazuma. Miss Ningguang told us to seek your help and even wrote us a letter of introduction."
Beidou took the letter, broke the elegant wax seal, and was immediately met with a strong floral fragrance that made her cough.
"Cough cough—Ugh, does Ningguang always have to use so much balm? Nearly choked me to death… Wait a minute, since when did she wear this strong a scent? Is she pranking me?" Beidou grumbled as she read.
The letter was brief and to the point.
Ningguang requested Beidou's assistance in ferrying Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon to Inazuma, and promised to cover the cost of their passage.
Beidou carefully folded the letter and, with her usual spirited demeanor, addressed the trio. "Got it. Welcome aboard. But it'll be a few days before we set sail. In the meantime, I'll have young Kazuha arrange a place for you to stay."
Paimon scratched her head. "Kazuha? Young? What's that about?"
At that moment, Kaedehara Kazuha stepped forward with a calm smile. "Greetings, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon. Captain Beidou speaks of you often. My name is Kaedehara Kazuha. Just call me Kazuha."
Beidou clapped him on the shoulder. "Perfect timing, Kazuha. I was just about to introduce you to our new friends."
She turned to the others. "This is Kaedehara Kazuha, a wanderer from Inazuma. For certain reasons, he's staying aboard my ship for now."
Kazuha's gaze passed over the three of them, serene yet perceptive. "I sense the intertwining of wind and earth upon you… a whisper from the stars above… and a faint trace of blood and sulfur."
Paimon blinked in confusion. "What... does that even mean? Sounds really strange…"
Shao Yun sniffed his clothes, bewildered. "Do I smell? I did shower recently..."
Kazuha shook his head gently. "Nothing like that. I simply believe that every fated meeting carries meaning."
Shao Yun murmured, "Weird... But I guess I'm weird too, so I can't really say anything."
Seeing the relaxed mood, Beidou patted Kazuha's shoulder. "Kazuha, help our guests find a comfy place to stay. I've got to make preparations for the Crux Clash."
Paimon's eyes sparkled. "Crux Clash?"
Beidou laughed. "That's a martial arts tournament I host. A lot of warriors sign up to show their skills."
She added with a sigh, "I thought maybe you folks came to compete. A shame you're just hitching a ride to Inazuma. It would've been a great show."
Paimon was hooked. "Captain Beidou, tell us more about the tournament!"
Beidou thought for a moment. "Well, it's not your average tournament. First, participants need a solid reputation—no tagalongs. And no Visions allowed. Wouldn't be fair otherwise."
Paimon turned to Lumine excitedly. "That means Shao Yun can't join, but you totally qualify!"
Lumine pinched Paimon's cheek, smiling. "Paimon, don't go signing me up for things. I never said I'd compete."
Paimon stuck out her tongue. "Hehe, but there's probably a prize! Wouldn't hurt to give it a shot…"
Beidou chimed in, "Paimon's not wrong. The prize is something special—a Vision without an owner."
That caught Lumine's interest.
"A Vision without an owner? How does that work?"
Kazuha explained, "When a Vision's original holder passes away, it dims. But the outer shell remains. I believe it still holds symbolic meaning."
"This particular Vision is the tournament's prize. If the winner can reignite it, then it's theirs—fulfilling its purpose once more."
Beidou turned to Lumine. "So? Interested?"
Lumine hesitated, glancing toward Shao Yun. "Shao Yun, what do you think I should do?"
Shao Yun paused, thinking. He'd once joined a tournament just for a ticket to Inazuma, but that wasn't necessary now. Besides, he had plans.
He tapped the revolver at his hip. "Personally, I'd prefer you not join. I was hoping to teach you and Paimon how to shoot…"
He trailed off, then added, "But I understand if it's something you really want. If so, I'll support you fully."
Lumine smiled wryly and turned to Beidou. "Sorry, Captain Beidou. I'm afraid I won't be entering the Crux Clash this time."
Beidou, though a little disappointed, maintained her bright and genuine smile.
"No worries—everyone's got their own path. But at least come watch! The heat of battle, the energy—it's quite the sight."
She then turned to Kazuha. "Kazuha, I'll leave the rest to you. I've got to get going."
Kazuha gave a respectful nod. "Understood, Captain. I'll take care of them."
He then stepped aside with grace and gestured. "This way, please. I'll show you to your room so you can rest."
Shao Yun tipped his hat politely. "Thank you for the arrangements."