"Xiangling, just put it on the Northland Bank tab."
Furina paused, suddenly feeling a bit embarrassed. Two gods dining together… and still putting it on credit? She sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"Forget it. Miss Xiangling, how much is the meal? I'll pay."
"Oh! That'll be 7,000 Mora."
"Alright."
Furina handed over the Mora and left Wanmin Restaurant with Zhongli.
As they walked, Zhongli kept glancing at her, his expression unreadable.
Furina touched her face. "Zhongli? Why are you staring at me? Is there something on my face?"
"Apologies. I just didn't expect you to actually have Mora."
Furina rolled her eyes. "You're the god who created Mora! How do YOU not have any?"
"By general rational judgment, that's true. But I now live as a mortal. I must follow mortal customs, not divine ones."
"So you're just used to spending freely, huh? Back then, you could just conjure Mora whenever you wanted."
They laughed and chatted as they made their way to Wangshu Inn, climbing to the highest floor. Furina leaned on the railing, gazing out.
"It's beautiful… I wish Neuvillette could see this."
Zhongli murmured,
"To buy osmanthus wine and share it with an old friend… but when shall we meet again?"
Furina smiled and stepped closer.
"Still reminiscing, old man? Let the past rest. Look to the present—or the future."
Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past, and a green-haired youth with a tattooed arm and a jade spear knelt before Zhongli.
"Lord Rex Lapis, is there something you need me to do?"
"Xiao, there's no need for formalities. I am merely Zhongli now—not the Geo Archon."
"No matter what you say, you are still my lord. That truth cannot be changed."
Zhongli sighed. "You stubborn child…"
Furina chuckled. "Zhongli, your little yaksha is quite loyal."
Xiao narrowed his eyes. "Who are you to speak so casually of the Lord?"
He raised his spear, but Zhongli stopped him.
"Xiao, it's fine. She is Focalors, the Hydro Archon of Fontaine. We're here to discuss important matters."
Xiao lowered his weapon and bowed. "My apologies, Lady Focalors."
"No worries. I'm not the petty type."
"I won't disturb you further. There are still monsters nearby I must deal with."
"Wait!" Furina called out just as Xiao turned to leave.
"Yes, Lady Focalors?"
"I've heard of a Thunder Yaksha—one with four arms. Do you know him?"
Xiao's eyes widened. "Fu…she? You know where Fushou is?"
"I do. But whether I tell you depends on whether the old man allows it." She glanced at Zhongli.
Zhongli shook his head. "Xiao, I too know of an unnamed yaksha's whereabouts. But whether it's Fushou, I cannot say. When the time is right, you will know. Until then, I cannot reveal it."
Xiao nodded solemnly. "Understood. I'll take my leave."
After he departed, Furina and Zhongli sat down again.
"Are you sure it's right to keep this from him?"
"This journey is perilous. Without me, Xiao may not return. I'm preparing for the Rite of Descension—and soon, the vortex demon Osial will break free. I cannot afford distractions. By general rational judgment, it's best to wait until all is settled."
Zhongli paused. "But tell me, old friend—how did you learn of Fushou's whereabouts?"
Furina smiled. "Zhongli, you seem to forget… even The Chasm has water."
Zhongli chuckled. "Your words remind me of a certain drunken bard. Can you feel it? He's arrived."
Furina groaned, hand to her forehead. "Unfortunately… yes."