Madame Ping was in noticeably high spirits today. She strolled leisurely through the streets of Liyue Harbor, her kind smile never fading. Though Osial's sudden appearance had caused great losses to Liyue Harbor, it had also ushered the city into a new era. Watching Liyue grow ever stronger brought her great joy as an adeptus.
And lately, Mountain Shaper had taken to building a dwelling next to hers for reasons she couldn't quite fathom. Having an old friend nearby made life more interesting. After all, having someone around who could burn through a pot just by cooking meant there was never a dull moment.
She wasn't sure who had let it slip, but several of her old friends had come down from the mountains to watch Mountain Shaper cook at his new place. The increased interaction among the adepti had brought back memories of the Archon War era, when they would often gather in Liyue Harbor to protect the mortals.
Perhaps it was this nostalgic feeling that made her suggestion to gather at Cloud Retainer's place so well received. Even the retired Rex Lapis had said he would bring Azhdaha along for a drink.
"I wonder what little Xiangling has prepared. I did say I'd handle the food. If it's too delicious, that little Ganyu will probably complain about getting fat again."
Madame Ping thought of Ganyu's adorable habit of complaining while reaching for more food, and couldn't help but smile. That girl was truly endearing, though her personality made it hard to know what to do with her.
"That girl has lived in Liyue Harbor for so many years now, yet she's never truly blended in. Maybe next time, I won't notify her of the adepti gathering."
"Having her spend more time with her friends wouldn't be a bad thing."
While thinking about how to help Ganyu, Madame Ping found herself at Wanmin Restaurant. A strange, unfamiliar aroma wafted from inside. Madame Ping paused—she had never smelled anything quite like it.
Then again, Teyvat was vast. Unfamiliar ingredients were hardly unusual. With that thought, she stepped into the restaurant.
The moment she entered, she spotted little Hu Tao, whom Rex Lapis had raised like a daughter, teasing Guoba—Marchosius—with some pastries. Seeing her old friend happily nibbling on a treat brought a smile to her face.
"Oh, Master, you're here! I just finished the last dish. Let me wrap it up for you."
Through the kitchen door, Madame Ping caught a glimpse of the strange, glossy mushrooms in the wok. She was curious about their taste. If not for the younger ones around, she would have tried one immediately.
"Madame Ping, you elders are having a gathering without inviting me? If Xiangling hadn't told me, I wouldn't have even known."
Su Bai's voice carried a hint of playful complaint. Madame Ping responded with a warm, grandmotherly smile. Su Bai was the youngest among the adepti, and she naturally doted on him.
"Little one, you were unconscious when we decided to get together."
"Oh, right. Hehe."
Su Bai let out a sheepish laugh. Seeing his goofy expression, Madame Ping shook her head helplessly.
"Little fox, don't worry. I won't drag you along like Cloud Retainer would. You should stay and enjoy yourself with your friends. You've grown up now. You should make your own choices."
"Really, Madame Ping? You're the most understanding adeptus."
Su Bai wasn't embarrassed about having his bluff called. If he could avoid the adepti gathering, a little awkwardness was a small price to pay.
After all, as the youngest, he was always asked to perform some talent at those gatherings. Those were his darkest memories. If he could go back, he would never have asked Cloud Retainer to take him along out of curiosity.
"Oh, and Madame Ping, those multicolored mushrooms were grown by me. They might have some special effects. It's best not to eat too many at once."
Madame Ping nodded slightly. It seemed those fragrant mushrooms were not to be taken lightly. She would have to let her old friends taste them first.
"I'll take them then. When little Xiangling returns, tell her she doesn't need to cook for me."
In Jueyun Karst, Zhongli walked along the path to Mt. Aocang with an annoyed Azhdaha. Frustrated, she picked up a pebble and casually dispatched a nearby Whopperflower.
"Azhdaha, don't take it to heart. In a place like Liyue, it's inevitable that some people will misunderstand or disrespect me."
"I know. But it still makes me angry. How can anyone think that coward Havria was more fit to guide Liyue than you?"
"That fool even claimed you tricked Havria—called you a liar!"
Azhdaha grew more furious just thinking about it. With no nearby target to vent her anger, she stomped the ground hard. Seeing the cracks form beneath her feet, Zhongli quickened his pace.
As Liyue Harbor's most notorious critic of Rex Lapis, he was curious to meet this woman Azhdaha mentioned. Though he didn't know where she had found such inaccurate historical accounts, he wasn't bothered by it.
If Havria had lived in this peaceful era, she would have been a revered goddess. She had simply been born in the wrong time.
"Enough, Azhdaha. It's normal for people to question me. Everyone thinks differently."
"What nonsense? You're the Geo Archon. No citizen should question their own god."
"But I have stepped down."
"I don't care. As far as I'm concerned, you are still the Geo Archon."
The two bickered all the way, with Azhdaha occasionally throwing a punch at Zhongli's knee. He wanted to lecture her, but whenever he tried, she would run off.
"That aura... Rex Lapis has arrived. And the other one must be Azhdaha."
On Mt. Aocang, Madame Ping sensed the two familiar presences and felt a wave of emotion. Those two were still as close as ever. And Rex Lapis was far too lenient with Azhdaha. Such disrespectful behavior, yet the Geo Archon showed no intention of reprimanding her.