Shao Yun and Lumine arrived at the Crux Clash arena, where the crowd's fiery enthusiasm formed an impenetrable wall around the stage.
At the center stood Uncle Yun—a broad-shouldered giant who had once taken second in the Chihu Rock freestyle brawling tournament and captured members of the Treasure Hoarders. His presence alone radiated sheer power.
Among the crowd, Paimon instantly spotted Shao Yun and Lumine. She waved her arms excitedly to catch their attention.
"You two finally made it! The final's about to start—you can't miss it!"
Seeing her so thrilled, Shao Yun smiled and asked, "Seems like you're really looking forward to this match, Paimon?"
"Of course!" she grinned. "It's the finals!"
The three shared a brief reunion, enjoying a rare moment of leisure.
But Shao Yun's mind was already elsewhere—he hadn't forgotten that one of the contestants, Fei Fei, was secretly a member of the Treasure Hoarders, here to steal the Vision.
It had nothing to do with him, technically, but he figured he might as well handle it and save everyone the trouble.
Finding a good moment, he turned to the others and excused himself.
"You two enjoy the match. I've got some... 'personal business' to take care of."
Lumine's eyes stayed fixed on the arena. "Oh, don't take too long."
Slipping away through the crowd, Shao Yun's departure didn't escape Kaedehara Kazuha's sharp perception. The wind whispered something to him—and realization dawned.
Without a word, he quietly followed.
Before long, he caught up. "Shao Yun."
Shao Yun turned and gave a friendly wave. "Hey, Kazuha."
"You're heading toward the Vision, aren't you?" Kazuha's gaze flicked toward the storage area where the prize was kept, suspicion clear in his eyes.
With a smirk, Shao Yun tapped the side of his head. "As you once said, sometimes instinct is more reliable than any clue. Want to come along?"
Kazuha's eyes shone with approval. "Of course. That Vision is the promised prize—I won't let anything happen to it."
…
In one quiet corner of the Crux Clash venue, a seemingly ordinary table held a white gilded box that shimmered faintly. Inside was the empty shell of a Vision, meant to go to the winner.
Because this was a contest hosted personally by Beidou, everyone assumed it was well-guarded. No one dared approach recklessly, and so the box sat there—unguarded, but hidden in plain sight.
Fei Fei, a contestant in disguise and real member of the Treasure Hoarders, slinked his way to the box.
His shifty eyes scanned the area, then zeroed in on the box.
Step by cautious step, he approached.
Reaching it at last, his gloved hand brushed against the cool metal surface. With painstaking care, he lifted the lid.
There it was—an empty Vision shell, resonating faintly with Inazuman aura.
His heart pounded with anticipation, his lips curled upward. Almost there...
He reached out and took the Vision, slipping it carefully into his pocket like a long-sought treasure.
But as he turned to leave, a crisp click—ka-chak—rang out behind him. It sliced through the silence like a death sentence.
Shao Yun stood there, revolver cocked, his piercing eyes locked on Fei Fei's back. His smile was cool, amused, dangerous.
"Kazuha, come see what we've got here. A rat who doesn't steal food—just Visions."
Fei Fei froze, then whirled around—and found himself staring down the barrel of Shao Yun's revolver, centered right between his brows.
"How'd you want to die?" Shao Yun asked coldly. "Hanging? Or drowned?"
Fei Fei's legs gave out. He dropped to his knees, palms clasped, groveling.
"Mercy! Please, sir, I just stole a thing—don't kill me over it!"
Shao Yun didn't flinch. He kept the muzzle pressed tight to Fei Fei's forehead.
"Oh? You think you're in the right?" His voice dripped venom. "Let me tell you something—truth is in the hands of the one holding the gun. If I say you deserve to die, then you do."
Fei Fei was nearly sobbing. "Help! Somebody, please help me!"
A calm voice broke the tension.
"Shao Yun, that's enough. Let's take him to the Captain."
Kazuha's hand rested lightly on Shao Yun's shoulder, steady and reassuring.
Seeing the matter handled, Shao Yun nodded. With a flick of his revolver, he motioned for Fei Fei to stand.
"Move it. Lucky for you, that wasn't my property. If it were..."
He leaned in close, whispering in Fei Fei's ear.
"You'd get to find out what it feels like to hang yourself with your own intestines."
Fei Fei whimpered like a kicked puppy and nearly passed out.
…
Fei Fei was dragged back to the main venue between the two men.
Beidou eyed the trembling thief. "Shao Yun, Kazuha... what's this?"
Shao Yun chuckled. He nudged Fei Fei forward with his revolver. "Go on, rat. Confess."
Fei Fei collapsed in a heap and burst into hysterics.
"I'm sorry! I lost my mind! I stole the prize Vision! Please forgive me—I was wrong!"
He fished the empty shell from his pocket and held it up like a peace offering. "I'll withdraw from the contest. Just please don't kill me!"
Shao Yun cocked his head. "That's it? Nothing else to say?"
Fei Fei stammered desperately, "I swear I'm a good person! I just got tempted! My opponent was too strong—I panicked! I regret everything!"
Shao Yun's smile deepened. "Funny. I never called you a bad person. So why are you so eager to say you're a good one?"
Fei Fei froze. He realized his slip—too late.
Shao Yun reached into Fei Fei's tunic and pulled out a Treasure Hoarder insignia, dangling it before him.
"What's this, then? Mr. Treasure Hoarder?"
That changed everything.
Beidou's eyes narrowed. Her fury lit up the arena like thunderclouds.
"You dare pull a stunt like this under my nose? You Treasure Hoarder scum are really getting bold!"
Fei Fei fell into a desperate kowtow. "Please! I'm sorry! I won't do it again!"
Beidou's command was sharp and cold. "Guards! Take him to Liyue Harbor. Turn him over to the Millelith."
Shao Yun raised an eyebrow at the 12+ rated judgment. If this idiot had tried to rob me, he mused, he'd already be hanging by his guts from the mast.
Two sailors from the Alcor hauled Fei Fei away.
Beidou pinched her temples. "Great. Final match's ruined before it even started. Thank you both—I didn't think anyone would have the gall to pull something like this here."
Shao Yun shrugged. "Treasure Hoarders—bunch of brainless twits. There's nothing they won't steal. They don't care about rules, timing, or place—just profit."
Beidou sighed. "Guess next time, we'll need tighter security."
Shao Yun gave her a casual wave. "Well, I'm off to find Lumine."
He left them behind as Beidou and Kazuha discussed how to explain this mess to the audience.
…
The final round of the Crux Clash ended without a fight.
Uncle Yun won by default and became the center of attention.
Beidou and Kazuha personally handed him the prize.
Kazuha presented the Vision. "Here, Uncle Yun."
He accepted the shell, eyes brimming with hope. But after many attempts, he couldn't ignite it.
With a sigh, he returned it. "Guess I failed. Here—you better hold onto it."
Kazuha tucked it away and handed him the true prize.
"Then take this—your championship medal."
Uncle Yun pinned the medal proudly to his chest. It gleamed in the sunlight.
"No Vision? No problem. I'll still live a hell of a life."
His words weren't just for himself—but for everyone watching.
Beidou raised his arm high.
"Let's hear it for the champion!"
Cheers erupted across the venue. The crowd roared their support.
Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon clapped among them.
Shao Yun leaned closer to Lumine and asked softly, "If you had entered, you'd be the one up there right now. Any regrets?"
Lumine shook her head, her eyes locked with his.
"None. Learning to shoot with you brings a joy no medal could match."
Warmth flooded Shao Yun's chest. He chuckled and patted her shoulder.
"At this rate, you'll surpass me before long."
Lumine shrugged playfully. "I still prefer one-handed swords, though."
Shao Yun's eyes gleamed with mischief.
"Then how about this: left hand for your sword, right hand for your revolver. What do you say?"
She laughed. "I can't. This outfit doesn't let me use my sword."
Shao Yun blinked, confused. Her cowgirl outfit seemed pretty flexible...
The system chimed in.
[Lumine in "Rising Star" attire can use foreign sword styles.]
[Lumine in "Cowgirl" attire specializes in revolvers.]
[Note: The two outfits are incompatible. Weapons cannot be cross-used.]
Shao Yun blinked in realization. Huh. Never thought clothes would limit weapon use...
He glanced at her sidearm and made up his mind.
"Then just stick with this outfit. Like they say, 'Beyond seven paces, a gun's faster. Within seven paces, it's still faster and more accurate.'"
Lumine raised an eyebrow teasingly. "What, don't like my old outfit?"
Shao Yun chuckled and gently brushed a finger under her chin.
"Silly. I like you, not what you're wearing. Whatever you choose, I'll always back you."
Lumine smirked and puffed her cheeks. "That's more like it…"
…
As night fell, the Crux Clash faded into memory. The crowd dispersed. Guyun Stone Forest returned to its peaceful rhythm.
The Alcor rested silently by the shore, preparations for departure nearly complete.
Crates of supplies were loaded aboard, while Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon waited quietly for the day they'd set sail.
Late that night, inside the ship, Paimon had already drifted into a blissful sleep, her little body sprawled across the bed in perfect tranquility.
Shao Yun, however, stood by the door, eyes shining with anticipation. He peeked out now and then, lips whispering the name in his heart—Lumine.
Then, the door creaked open.
Lumine stood in the doorway, hair still damp from a bath, cheeks flushed, her face radiant with warmth.
Without hesitation, Shao Yun crossed the room in a few swift strides and pulled her gently into his arms.
With a teasing smile on his lips, he whispered, "Lumine… it's time."