Following the voices, Shao Yun left camp and soon came upon Lumine, Paimon, and Yanfei.
The spot they stood in was the very place where, five days earlier, the "Celestial Nail" had crashed down.
Shao Yun's face lit with joy at the sight of them.
"Lumine, Paimon—it makes me so happy to see you again!"
Were Yanfei not present, he might not have resisted the urge to kiss Lumine right then.
Paimon blinked in surprise at his sudden appearance.
"Huh? Shao Yun? I was just wondering why you weren't at Katharina's camp—didn't expect to find you here instead."
Shao Yun pointed toward the smoky ridge above and explained patiently.
"Yelan had me set up camp there to make exploring easier. That's why you didn't see me at Katharina's camp."
Fearing Paimon might once again order him back "as a senior adventurer," he quickly added, "But don't worry—Yelan said it's free time now. I can spend this part however I want."
…
Yanfei, seeing him, cleared her throat and extended her hand politely.
"Hello, I'm Yanfei. You must be Mr. Shao Yun—pleased to finally meet you."
Shao Yun shook her hand with equal courtesy.
Then his eyes gleamed with mischief. "Famous? And what exactly have people been saying about me?"
Yanfei rubbed her chin, thinking aloud. "Let's see… special guest of the Jade Chamber, solver of the Chihu Rock water-well corpse case, and…"
She trailed off, realizing she couldn't recall more.
With a grin, Shao Yun "helpfully" supplied, "And the great bandit of the Northland Bank."
Yanfei froze, staring at him. "Eh? Bandit? Mr. Shao Yun, what are you talking about? I don't understand…"
Her wide-eyed sincerity made it hard to tell whether she truly didn't know or was feigning ignorance.
Paimon, seeing her confusion, flitted forward. "Shao Yun! Don't tease Yanfei like that!"
But Shao Yun only chuckled.
"Haha, I was just joking with her."
Paimon planted her hands on her hips, pouting. "Well, I don't think that joke was funny at all."
At that moment, Yelan dropped down gracefully from a tall stone pillar, landing with feline ease.
"My, it's lively here."
"Yelan!" Paimon waved eagerly. "Hi! Long time no see!"
Yanfei's eyes widened. "Oh! Yelan—it's been ages."
Yelan's gaze lingered briefly on Shao Yun, her lips curving wryly. "I heard every word. Shao Yun, you really are terrible at jokes."
Then, folding her arms, she turned her sharp eyes toward Yanfei, voice edged with teasing formality.
"As for you, Yanfei—just because the Chasm mines have reopened doesn't mean this restricted area is open to anyone. You'd still need authorization from the Ministry, preferably from one of the Liyue Qixing themselves."
Caught off guard, Yanfei scratched her head with an embarrassed grin. "Hehe, sorry about that… I rushed over when I heard about both the mining and the will. Guess I got a little too eager."
Yelan read her unease at once, seeing clearly she lacked proper clearance.
So, she pressed playfully, "Oh, there's no need to apologize. The famous legal consultant herself, come to the Chasm—why would you ever need my permission?"
Yanfei flushed, murmuring shyly, "If Yelan's present, then what I say hardly counts. I can… handle the paperwork later, right?"
Seeing her take the matter so seriously, Yelan waved dismissively.
"Relax—I was only teasing. I trust you won't do anything reckless."
Shao Yun seized the chance to needle her. "And you call me bad at jokes? Yours aren't much better."
Yelan sighed, exasperated. "Would it kill you to hold back the barbs in front of Lumine?"
Shao Yun shot her a cold look. "You're not paying me to flatter you."
…
Just as the group was about to disperse, Arataki Itto returned, storming toward them with his booming voice.
"Hey! You lot!"
Paimon turned at the sound, groaning under her breath. "Ugh, he's back already?"
Itto approached, face full of mock outrage. "So, you did ditch me on purpose, huh? Lumine! Paimon! Why aren't you on my side?"
With a helpless shrug, Lumine explained, "Because these are my friends too…"
Hearing that, Shao Yun leaned close, patting her shoulder. "So, you've befriended Arataki Itto as well?"
Lumine looked uneasy but forced a reassuring smile. "Honestly… I wouldn't say we're that close. But Itto thinks once you've met twice, you're already good friends. Still… he means well…"
Seeing her falter, Shao Yun waved it off. "Don't worry. I won't meddle in your friendships."
Relieved, Lumine smiled. She had feared he might object.
But as Itto drew nearer, Yelan stepped forward, hand outstretched to halt him.
"Stop."
Itto eyed her, confused and defiant. "Huh? And you are?"
Ignoring the question, Yelan's voice was cool. "This is a restricted area of the Chasm. Outsiders must turn back."
Itto barked a laugh, incredulous. "What nonsense! No signs, no fences—who says I can't walk here?"
Yelan remained calm, pointing behind him. "I've told you plainly. Leave. Now."
Itto glanced past her—and spotted Shao Yun.
His expression twisted with fury. He jabbed a finger at him. "Oh, I see how it is! He gets to stroll around—that murderer—but I can't?"
Kuki Shinobu immediately recognized Shao Yun. Eyes wide, she tugged Itto's sleeve urgently. "Boss, let's go. There's no need for a fight…"
But Yelan cut her off, her face unreadable.
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Then she gestured calmly to those behind her.
"Lumine and Paimon have aided Liyue countless times—I trust them completely. Yanfei is a renowned legal consultant—her principles are beyond reproach. And Shao Yun… is my employee."
Itto growled, pointing again. "He murdered Kujou Sara! And you dare employ him? Aren't you afraid he'll turn on you too?"
Yelan's reply was ice-cold. "Who I employ is none of your concern."
Kuki Shinobu stepped quickly between them, bowing apologetically.
"My apologies. My boss gets carried away sometimes. We'll be leaving right away."
Then she added gently, "But if this area truly is dangerous, perhaps a warning sign would help."
Yelan inclined her head slightly. "Thank you for the suggestion. I'll consider it. Now go."
Relieved she wasn't pressing the matter, Shinobu exhaled—only for Itto to flare up again.