Liyue Harbor.
By midday, Bai Ling raised her head to look toward the sky.
Above Liyue Harbor, higher than the Golden House, higher still than Mt. Tianheng… in the sky above all the mountains of Liyue floated an island, held aloft by the Sunset Vermillionite. This silver-moon-like structure above Liyue was the Jade Chamber, and there stood Ningguang—the Tianquan Star, known also as the Eclipsing Star—quietly watching over the harbor below.
Perhaps their gazes crossed in that moment, but neither could truly see the other.
To Ningguang, it seemed like the people of Liyue were blessed with another day of clear skies. But standing this high up, she could feel the wind shift, sense the gathering clouds. Things weren't as calm as they seemed.
Footsteps sounded behind her. Baiwen approached quickly with a report: "Lady Ningguang, the one who returned from Jueyun Karst has already destroyed the Fatui's base that was producing Sigils of Permission."
"Oh? Then it seems her arrival in Liyue Harbor is purely of her own will, unconnected to the Fatui… and the Adepti, too… Hmm."
"But I still don't understand—why did she flee so frantically during the Rite of Parting?"
"We'll leave that matter for now. Liyue is facing a grave crisis. A combatant capable of standing against Stormterror must be recruited to our side. Only then do we stand a chance."
"Understood."
"What about the movements of the Adepti?"
"After receiving your invitation to negotiate, four of them are already on their way."
"So not all, then?"
"According to historical records, there are still several who haven't come…"
Ningguang sighed heavily. "Never mind. Even if they did all show up, we might not be able to handle them."
"Lady Ningguang… Do you truly believe there's a traitor among the Adepti? Couldn't it all be a misunderstanding?"
"That's something we'll have to ask them in person. What about Ganyu? Is she away?"
"She was told there was no work today. I believe she went to Dihua Marsh to unwind."
"Mm…" Ningguang exhaled deeply, her gaze sharpening. "Notify the rest of the Qixing. Begin the operation."
"Yes, ma'am!"
...
Dihua Marsh.
"Wang Xiaomei? W-Who's that? Ganyu and Wang Xiaomei—you didn't even get a single character right… By the way, how was your visit to the Jade Chamber?"
"Since you didn't tell us how to get up there, we had to figure it out ourselves!" Paimon said bluntly.
"Whaaat?! I-I didn't say?!"
Oh no… I really did only pass along Ningguang's words, didn't actually give them the access code to the Jade Chamber… I must've been too hungry at the time…
"We managed to find out on our own!"
Seeing Ganyu grow flustered, Lumine kindly added, "Since it wasn't a secret, you probably just didn't think to mention it."
"Y-Yes, that must be it…"
...
Jueyun Karst.
"Then why didn't Ningguang send Ganyu as her envoy?"
"Hmph! The Qixing admitted the Archon's death without consulting us, and they've excluded Ganyu entirely. Clearly they're seizing power and trying to take full control of Liyue!"
"Exactly! Ganyu has worked so hard for Liyue Harbor over the years, and they're just pushing her aside now? She must be devastated!"
"..."
"Record all this! We'll demand answers from the Qixing later!"
"Xiao, why are you so quiet?"
"I'm thinking… The Archon is watching all of us."
"Well, the Qixing's actions definitely wouldn't meet his standards!"
"Bullying Ganyu is a fact!"
"Time to make them pay!"
"..."
...
Northland Bank.
Today was the most nerve-wracking day since Vlad began guarding the doors of the Northland Bank. Even more stressful than his first day on duty. It was early winter, and yet sweat was soaking his back in the cold shadow of the bank.
Because today… they were pulling off something big. If the signal appeared, all the Fatui in Liyue would take up arms for the Tsaritsa—even in this foreign land.
Though he himself had no armor—meaning no Delusion—and was just an ordinary member, he was still a guard, and that role alone weighed heavily on him.
After today… would any of the Fatui in Liyue make it home?
Surely… many would die.
When that grim future crossed his mind, he could only mutter "For the Tsaritsa!" in his heart to steel his resolve.
At the same time, he prayed. Prayed the signal would never come. That way, no open war would erupt. The Fatui stationed in Liyue would still have an escape. And that person would remain safe…
His only relief was that today's operation was set for daytime, so Nadia wouldn't have to bear this pressure.
That's… good enough. That's good enough…
His undershirt clung uncomfortably to his sweaty back, but he stayed focused and dutiful.
Suddenly, the rapid sound of boots striking wooden stairs echoed in his ears. It came from below—and moved toward his left.
That sound… so many people, and in such tight formation. No mistake!
He coughed loudly and kicked the wall of the bank with his heel. Five seconds later, a large squad of Millelith emerged from the left stairwell. Many of them wore Visions. Their arrival was clearly hostile.
Cold sweat slid down his back. The thing he feared most had happened. But now that it had, there was nothing left to fear.
"The Adepti threaten Liyue Harbor! The Qixing, fearing unrest, have sent us to monitor the Fatui! Once the Adepti retreat, so will we. Please cooperate!"
"What does an Adepti crisis have to do with us?"
Despite his nerves, Vlad almost laughed at the absurd pretense—but held it in. He replied as he was supposed to: "Please cooperate!"
The bank's floor manager shouted from inside, "Hmph! You're trying to start a war between two nations!"
"Please cooperate! Courtesy before force. You've been warned. Refusal will result in military action!"
The Millelith captain didn't wait for a reply. He forced the doors open. Many of the customers inside were startled.
"Citizens of Liyue! The Adepti are moving. The Qixing fear the Fatui may exploit the chaos, so we're temporarily taking control of the Northland Bank. Please return home for now!"
"Hmph! The Northland Bank always conducts business by the book! This is slander!"
"If the Northland Bank is innocent, the Qixing will clear your name once the truth comes out."
"Let's go, let's go. We can come back after things settle down."
"No choice."
Customers left in trickles.
"Captain, there are unfamiliar faces among those leaving."
"No matter. Small fry—we'll let them go." The Millelith captain snorted coldly at the bank's manager, speaking loud enough for all to hear.
...
Wangsheng Funeral Parlor.
"Thump thump thump!"
"Who is it?"
"We're the Millelith. During our investigation, we discovered that funds from the Northland Bank were used in the funeral rites. We now suspect Wangsheng Parlor of colluding with the Fatui. Please cooperate with the investigation."
"Huh? The Rite of Parting was entirely handled by our guest consultant. We honestly don't know much about it." A bespectacled employee in Wangsheng's brown-and-black uniform opened the door.
"Where is that consultant now?"
"Out preparing the ceremony."
"What about your director?"
"Seems she went out to play with some friends. Want to come in and wait?"
"…Do you know where she went?"
"She didn't say. But she usually goes to Wanmin Restaurant, Heyu Tea House, Bubu Pharmacy, or Wuwang Hill. If she's not in those spots, who knows—maybe she's playing with someone's stone lion…"
The Millelith commander took a deep breath and split his troops. One team remained at the parlor. The rest fanned out.
His team headed for Wanmin Restaurant. When they arrived, they found a group of young people… blowing bubbles.
The unusual sight gave him pause. He stared—Hu Tao was blowing the biggest bubble of them all, proudly so.
Also present were Xiangling, the chef of Wanmin Restaurant; Xingqiu, second son of Feiyun Commerce Guild; Chongyun, of the exorcist clan; and a stranger. Except for the stranger, the others were regular faces around Feiyun Slope and Tiger Hill.
In fact, even the Parlor's guest consultant was widely known. With his broad knowledge, he'd helped many without them even realizing. If the Qixing hadn't demanded an investigation, no one would've suspected Wangsheng at all.
Noticing the Millelith, the bubble-blowers all turned to face them—each with a massive bubble hanging from their lips, an unintentionally comical sight.
Xiangling, the only one who hadn't managed a bubble, asked curiously, "Is there something you need from Wanmin Restaurant?"
It was just after 11 AM. Few had come for lunch, and the Millelith's break wasn't for another hour.
"We're here for Hu Tao," said the commander.
"Director Hu, during our investigation, we discovered that funds from the Northland Bank were used in the Rite of Parting. The Qixing now suspect Wangsheng Parlor of colluding with the Fatui. We need your cooperation."
Hu Tao's bubble popped. Unfazed, she responded as though she'd anticipated this: "Our consultant has a warm heart. He couldn't stand to see the Archon's body lie unburied. If the Qixing wouldn't act, someone had to, right?"
"Uhh…"
"But funeral ceremonies cost mora. If the Qixing didn't fund it, we had to seek sponsorship. As for how our consultant secured a deal with the Northland Bank… that, I honestly don't know~"
"Do you know where your consultant is now?"
"I saw he was just short of some glaze lilies for the ceremony. By my estimate, he should be gathering them in Dihua Marsh right about now."
"That complicates things. How about you come with us back to the parlor and wait for him there?"
"Do I have to go?" Hu Tao looked at her friends. "We're testing gum and bubblegum right now."
"'Tianji Star' has instructed us—until this blows over, everyone must stay in their designated positions. It's important."
"Fine… guess I'll go." Hu Tao's excitement vanished. She drooped a little as she said her goodbyes to the group.
"Wangsheng Parlor colluding with the Fatui? That's got to be a huge misunderstanding. Should we tag along?" Xingqiu suggested.
Since it concerned Hu Tao, Chongyun and Xiangling readily agreed. Victor Wang certainly had no objections.
Hu Tao brightened again. "Then let's bring the bubblegum! We can keep playing outside the parlor—I haven't had enough fun yet!"
The Millelith commander finally asked, "So you've been blowing all these bubbles… with that bubblegum?"
"That's right! We're still testing the flavors. Want to try some?" Xiangling offered cheerfully.
"Well then… maybe just a taste?"