After Cloud Retainer accepted the Transponder Snail, she quickly disappeared. Su Han understood that she had returned to her laboratory once again. He stood up and said to Granny Ping, "Since the gifts have been delivered, I will take my leave."
"Mm. Come visit often when you have time. Yaoyao and Xiangling both like you very much."
"Speaking of Yaoyao, I did not see her today. Where did she go?"
Su Han only realized then that the little girl who was usually around every day was nowhere to be seen that morning.
Granny Ping smiled and said, "That child heard that you care a great deal about Qiqi, so she has been going to play with her these past few days. I think they should be back soon."
As the two were speaking, two little cuties walked in through the gate.
When Yaoyao saw Su Han visiting, she immediately said excitedly to Qiqi, "Come on, I will take you to see big brother. He is really nice."
"Mm."
The two held hands and trotted over, looking incredibly adorable.
Seeing Yaoyao and Qiqi arrive, Su Han smiled and said, "What a coincidence today. I did not expect to run into you here."
"Hehe. Yaoyao guessed there would be no comic update today, so that scary big sister should not be around. That is why I wanted to bring Qiqi over to play for a while. Big brother, please do not dislike Qiqi for not talking much."
"How could I? Come to my place instead. Let us not disturb the Adepti."
"Mm."
Su Han held Yaoyao's hand with one hand and extended his other hand toward Qiqi.
The little girl hesitated for a moment, then finally placed her hand into Su Han's. The first time he touched Qiqi, her hand felt a bit cool, but not stiff at all. Instead, it carried a comfortable, refreshing chill.
As expected of someone with adeptal fate. Even as a zombie, she was extraordinary.
The three went next door. Yaoyao looked at Su Han and asked, "Big brother, is there any way to save Qiqi? Yaoyao already asked Granny Ping. She said even the Adepti have no way to solve her problem right now. It is an issue at the soul level."
"Yes, that is indeed the case. Qiqi accidentally obtained adeptal fate and gained an immortal body. To solve her problem, ordinary methods probably will not work. From what I understand, Qiqi's soul seems to be somewhat fragmented."
In truth, Su Han also wanted very much to save little Qiqi. The problem was that he had no means that targeted the soul. Even nourishment would help. As long as Qiqi's fragmented soul could grow and mend, she would regain her consciousness and become a normal person. Unfortunately, he had no such treasure.
Hearing this, Yaoyao immediately felt disappointed. She had thought the amazing big brother could save the friend she had just made.
Qiqi looked at Yaoyao, then at Su Han. Although her memory was poor, she could feel that both of them cared about her. Qiqi then grabbed both of their hands and said haltingly, "Do not be sad. Qiqi is fine. My body is healthy. As long as I am not buried, it is okay."
"Qiqi!"
Hearing her friend's comfort, Yaoyao felt very upset.
Su Han had not expected Qiqi to comfort him instead. He gently patted her head and said, "Do not worry. Big brother is very amazing. One day, I will definitely help you regain your freedom. As for Hu Tao, you do not need to worry. I have talked with her many times recently. She should not try to bury you anymore."
"Really? That is good."
When Qiqi heard Hu Tao's name, fear still showed on her face. However, she was willing to trust Su Han once. His gaze was truly gentle, and just looking at him made Qiqi feel at ease.
"Mm. Do not worry. By the way, when you have time, Yaoyao, you can teach Qiqi to practice the Golden Light Mantra. I think if she can master it, she will become very powerful."
"Okay, big brother. Yaoyao will work hard. Qiqi, come. I will teach you a technique."
"Okay."
Qiqi replied in a flat voice. It was not that she was unhappy. Her zombie body simply could not express much emotion. Soon after, the two little ones went off to a quiet place to cultivate.
Su Han smiled and also entered a cultivation state. The next volume of Adventure King had not yet been fully unlocked, so with nothing urgent to do, he might as well cultivate for a while.
...
At the same time, within a snow-covered palace in Snezhnaya.
Rosalyne handed the Anemo Gnosis to The Jester. He took it, examined it, and burst into loud laughter.
"As expected of you, Rosalyne. Among all the Harbingers, you are the first to present a Gnosis. On behalf of Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, I thank you for your dedication. Your efforts will be remembered, and the pure, flawless nation will hasten its descent because of your contributions."
In the past, the Crimson Witch of Flames would have been overjoyed to hear these words, perhaps even laughing along.
But now, she realized that she was no longer so obsessed with the so-called pure white nation. Instead, Su Han's words kept echoing in her mind these past few days. It was truly strange.
Seeing that Rosalyne did not respond, Pierro the Jester looked at her in confusion and asked, "What is wrong? Are you injured? Should I notify Dottore?"
"No."
Rosalyne snapped back to her senses and shook her head. "My condition is fine. By the way, how are the others doing lately?"
Hearing her question, The Jester snorted coldly and said with displeasure, "Natlan is still the same as always. Fontaine has been fully handed over to Arlecchino. As for Sumeru, with Dottore there, there is no need to worry. Inazuma should not disappoint me either, at least not with Scaramouche involved. The most difficult situation right now is actually Liyue. Despite having a contract with Her Majesty, that brat Tartaglia has made no progress at all. Truly disappointing."
Listening to The Jester's complaints, Rosalyne immediately understood. Tartaglia's constant setbacks were likely due to Su Han obstructing things behind the scenes. With him around, it would be strange if Tartaglia made any progress.
"So where do you need me to go next?"
"Liyue. There is no rush for Inazuma. The Shogunate and the Electro Archon are nothing but fools. Only Liyue is of utmost importance. After all, that one was once the strongest god. Even Her Majesty has repeatedly instructed us to act with caution and maintain basic respect. Otherwise, if we anger that Martial God, even all of Snezhnaya would not be able to bear the consequences."
Hearing The Jester's description of Morax, the Crimson Witch did not care much. Instead, she wondered whether Su Han would think she was acting deliberately if they met again.
In Mondstadt, Su Han had already made concessions for her. If she now went to Liyue to seize the Gnosis, they would likely clash again.
Thinking of this, Rosalyne asked, "Could I go to Inazuma first?"
"Are you afraid of Morax? No. Rosalyne, you do not need to be afraid. That Archon has already signed a contract with Her Majesty and will not act rashly. Moreover, I do not trust that reckless brat Tartaglia at all. However, if you insist on going to Inazuma, then I will leave Liyue to Scaramouche."
"No. I was just asking. Liyue is fine. I will go there."
The moment The Jester mentioned sending Scaramouche to Liyue, Rosalyne immediately agreed. As a Harbinger, she knew all too well what kind of person Scaramouche was.
His madness was no less than her own. If Scaramouche went to Liyue, he would inevitably clash with Su Han.
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