At dusk, the sun slowly sank westward, and the orange-red afterglow spilled over the construction site of the Jade Chamber, cloaking everything in a warm hue.
At this moment, the workers stopped their tasks one by one, gathering together, their gazes fixed upon the enormous Sunset Vermillionite in the clearing.
Even the Millelith soldiers on guard could not resist casting curious glances at it.
After all, earlier that morning, Ningguang had just announced the reconstruction of the Jade Chamber, and by evening such a massive plaustrite had already been delivered. No matter who it was, they would be shocked and curious.
Baiwen stood before the Sunset Vermillionite, her eyes filled with awe.
She circled the stone again and again, carefully examining every detail, then turned to Shenhe and said, "I never thought that on the very first day, we would see such a huge, fine-quality, and perfectly preserved Sunset Vermillionite! I declare that you have already passed this assessment."
With that, Baiwen excitedly pulled a notebook from her pocket, preparing to record Shenhe's name.
"In the 'Sunset Vermillionite' category, I can give you full marks… May I ask your name?"
However, Shenhe only shook her head gently, her expression calm as she replied, "I am not here to participate in the competition. This stone was transported on someone's behalf. Those three should be arriving very soon."
Having said so, she quietly stood aside, waiting for their arrival.
As luck would have it, just as her words fell, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon arrived. Paimon waved her hand and shouted loudly, "Shenhe! Miss Baiwen! We're here!"
Shenhe turned her head toward them and explained to Baiwen, "They've arrived."
Seeing the three, Baiwen suddenly understood. "So, it was you all. No wonder you were able to find such a rare Floating Stone."
After all, they were the great heroes who had saved Liyue. It all made sense.
Paimon, delighted by the praise, was happy but not arrogant. She flew beside Shenhe, smiling as she explained to Baiwen.
"Hehe, actually, it was mainly thanks to Shenhe. Without her, we would have had a hard time finding such a large Plaustrite."
Baiwen nodded and carefully wrote down the names of Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon, and Shenhe.
"Alright, I've recorded your names. To be honest, of all the pieces of plaustrite I've received so far, this one is the best."
With that, she put away her notebook and continued explaining to them, "If all goes well, we will use this Plaustrite as the foundation for the Jade Chamber."
Paimon glanced curiously around, tilting her head, faint question marks floating above it.
"Miss Baiwen, when will the Jade Chamber be finished?" she asked.
Baiwen tapped her temple lightly, calculating quickly in her mind before answering, "Hmm… according to the current plan, about half a month to twenty days."
Hearing this, Paimon widened her eyes in shock. "Huh? I thought it would only take a few days. It really takes that long?"
Scratching her head in puzzlement, Paimon frowned. Baiwen couldn't help but laugh, patiently explaining, "That is already considered very fast. This isn't some child's building blocks game, but actual construction."
"And besides, this is Lady Ningguang's Jade Chamber, so naturally the standards are higher. If Lady Ningguang hadn't prepared ample construction materials in advance, the time required would be even longer."
Paimon nodded in sudden realization.
"Oh, so that's how it is. I thought with so many workers, it could be done in just a few days." She sighed.
Baiwen looked at the Sunset Vermillionite beside her, patted it lightly, and said with relief, "In any case, the most troublesome Sunset Vermillionite has been settled. Now, only the 'Wonder Core' and the 'Adepti Sigils' are yet to be obtained."
At that, she suddenly remembered Lady Ningguang's instructions and quickly relayed them to Shao Yun and the others.
"Oh, right, Lady Ningguang specifically said you need not overwork yourselves. Even just coming to the site to take a look would suffice."
She added, "And Lady Ningguang has already arranged accommodations for the three of you, at the 'Wangshu Inn' where you once stayed in Feiyun Slope. I had been wondering how to let you know, but now the chance has come."
Compared to their previous lodging in rented houses outside the construction site, Ningguang had now provided Lumine, Paimon, and Shao Yun the best treatment, letting them stay for free in a Liyue Harbor inn.
Of course, it was very likely due to Shao Yun's "persuasion."
Hearing they already had a place to stay, Paimon lit up with joy, exclaiming, "That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Lady Ningguang!"
Baiwen smiled and waved her hand, reassuring, "Anyway, get some good rest, and don't tire yourselves out."
With that said, she turned and left.
By now, the sky was growing darker, the sun was about to set—it was indeed time for rest.
Paimon held up her tiny hand, counting on her fingers. "The other two things, we can take our time finding. For now, let's head to Liyue Harbor and rest at the inn Ningguang prepared for us."
Lumine and Shao Yun both nodded in agreement.
Just as they were about to leave the construction site, Paimon noticed Shenhe still standing in place, unmoving.
The reason was simple—Baiwen had just said the rooms were arranged for Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon. Shenhe didn't know what she should do.
Seeing her frozen in place, Paimon flew up, grabbed her right hand, and said, "Come on, Shenhe, what are you waiting for?"
Shenhe blinked, pointing at herself with her left hand in puzzlement. "Me?"
Paimon nodded firmly. "Of course! Come with us. You seem a little tired too—let's rest together."
With that, she tugged Shenhe along toward Liyue Harbor.
…
After a long day of work, when night finally fell, the four of them arrived at the Wangshu Inn in Feiyun Slope.
Since Shenhe had joined the team last minute, Ningguang had still arranged the same place the three had stayed in before.
The issue, however, was that there was only one bed available. Now with Shenhe added, it became a problem how to arrange her.
After all, they couldn't just let Shenhe and Shao Yun sleep on the two lounge chairs in the room.
But the problem wasn't too difficult. Shao Yun wasn't short on money, and money should be spent rather than hoarded.
He thus booked another room next door.
Originally, he intended the room for Shenhe, but to his surprise, Lumine and Paimon pushed him into it instead.
Lumine mercilessly shoved him inside, leaned against the doorframe with a radiant smile, waved, and said gently, "Shao Yun, rest well."
Turning back with a faint frown of displeasure, Shao Yun asked, "Hey, this room was clearly for Shenhe. Why are you making me take it instead?"
Arms crossed, Lumine blinked playfully. "Paimon said she was worried Shenhe might feel lonely at night, so we'll have to trouble you for one night."
"And besides, even if you stayed with me and Paimon, you'd still end up on the lounge chair with nothing to do. Isn't it better to have a room to yourself?"
Shao Yun pointed toward the original room across the hall. "Then where's Shenhe supposed to sleep? You wouldn't make her take the lounge chair, would you? Or maybe she gets the bed and you take the chair?"
Lumine shrugged nonchalantly. "Why are you so fixated on lounge chairs? I, Paimon, and Shenhe can squeeze together on one bed, can't we?"
Immediately, an image appeared in Shao Yun's mind—three girls, one tall, one medium, one small, lying under the same blanket, sleeping sweetly together.
His heart stirred, of course most of all for Lumine. Her sleeping face was what most captivated him.
Unfortunately, with Shenhe as a bright third wheel, his hopes of sneaking an early look at Lumine's sleeping face were dashed.
"Fine, you three lovely ladies can sleep on one bed, and I'll guard this lonely room." He sighed helplessly.
Lumine extended her index finger and poked his chest lightly. "Alright, stop complaining. Get some rest."
Waving goodbye, she shut the door.
Shao Yun shrugged helplessly, sat at the desk, and took out a bottle of Guarma rum from the Legend of the East pack, placing it on the table.
"Well then, let's enjoy the night in peace."
He sat down and drank alone.
Suddenly, he heard a sound, like the fluttering wings of a bird.
Then, Cloud Retainer's voice came drifting in.
"It took me quite a while to find you. To think you'd be living inside Liyue Harbor."
Hearing the voice, Shao Yun chuckled inwardly, knowing Cloud Retainer had once again taken bird form.
Next would surely be her telling Lumine and Paimon stories of Shenhe's childhood.
Shaking the last drops in his bottle, he sighed. "Forget it, I'll stay out of this storytelling session."
He drained the rest of the liquor in one gulp, deciding to find something else to do.
Suddenly, he smacked his forehead, eyes lighting up. "That's right, I almost forgot—I got a new outfit."
After killing Baal, he had acquired the set. But with everything else happening, he had nearly forgotten about it.
Excited, he went to the wardrobe, carefully pulling out the Legend of the East Set.
He eagerly put it on. The moment he did, the system's cold prompt appeared.
[You have equipped the Legend of the East Set. Set effects activated.]
Shao Yun felt every inch of the outfit fit perfectly against his strong frame, exuding an extraordinary aura.
Taking a deep breath, he felt a surge of vitality unlike anything before, his entire being refreshed, his spirit awakened.
All exhaustion and drowsiness vanished in an instant, leaving only endless strength and fighting spirit.
He stood before the mirror, carefully examining himself.
On his head sat a fine white big valley hat. His upper body was clad in a crimson velvet shotgun coat, with a dark-red paisley-patterned waistcoat and dress shirt beneath.
His lower body was dressed in town pants and black half chaps, with black luxurious relentless boots and cowboy deluxe spurs on his feet.
His hands wore cavalry gloves.
Looking at his reflection, Shao Yun nodded in satisfaction, murmuring, "As expected of the strongest outfit, the Legend of the East. It fits perfectly, feels comfortable, and looks imposing."