"After just a few days apart, Azhdaha and Rex Lapis seem even closer than before. In all of Liyue, only Azhdaha can play around with Rex Lapis like this. This old woman can't help but feel a little envious."
Watching Azhdaha fool around with Zhongli, Madame Ping caught a fleeting hint of envy in her eyes. Among the female adepti, there wasn't a single one who hadn't harbored feelings for Rex Lapis at some point. Even she, Madame Ping, had once held admiration for him.
Sensing Rex Lapis approaching the peak, Xiao and the other adepti rose from their seats. Though Rex Lapis cared little for formalities, proper etiquette still had to be observed.
"You're all here. Sit, sit. Why are you standing?"
Azhdaha arrived at the peak and casually plopped down on a stone stool. Seeing her lack of manners while Zhongli sat beside her, Cloud Retainer shot her a disapproving glare. She seemed displeased with Azhdaha's behavior.
Noticing the glare, Azhdaha glared right back. Though she had no idea why Cloud Retainer was looking at her like that, that didn't stop her from making a gesture like she was plucking feathers from a bird.
"Azhdaha, do you really think this adeptus is someone to be trifled with?!"
"Enough, Cloud Retainer. Today is a rare gathering. There's no need for such tempers."
"And you, Azhdaha. Today we're celebrating my successful retirement. Behave yourself."
Zhongli ruffled Azhdaha's head, his tone clearly favoring her. Azhdaha stuck her tongue out at Cloud Retainer and settled down. She still had to show Morax some respect.
"Since everyone is here, this old woman will bring out the food."
Seeing that Cloud Retainer and Azhdaha had calmed down, Madame Ping finally felt safe bringing out Xiangling's dishes. If those two had started fighting and knocked over the food, the adepti would have been left eating nothing but the Qingxin and Glaze Lilies Ganyu had hoarded.
As Madame Ping brought out dish after dish from her subspace, various aromas filled the summit of Mt. Aocang. Cloud Retainer's eyes lit up at the sight of many dishes she had never tried before. It seemed she was in for a treat today.
After arranging the eleven dishes around the stone table, Madame Ping placed the grilled Illusion Mushrooms in the center. Recognizing the familiar mushrooms, Zhongli's expression shifted slightly.
He vividly remembered little Hu Tao, curious, taking a bite of one of these mushrooms growing in Su Bai's room. She had ended up acting like a drunkard, nearly setting Wangsheng on fire. If he hadn't been there at the time, the place would have needed rebuilding.
Though the mushroom was peculiar, its flavor was surprisingly excellent. For those with strong obsessions, it would conjure the illusion they most desired. It could be considered quite a valuable adeptal item.
If he recalled correctly, Su Bai had used these mushrooms combined with his illusions to restore Azhdaha's sanity. Zhongli glanced at Azhdaha, lost in thought.
Azhdaha, however, paid his gaze no mind. Since being freed by Zhongli, she hadn't tasted these mushrooms in a long time. Their wonderful texture and unforgettable umami made her mouth water.
"Madame Ping, what are these colorful mushrooms? I've never seen anything like them before."
As a legal expert in Liyue Harbor and a collector of information, Yanfei was surprised she didn't recognize them.
"Madame Ping, do they taste good?"
Ganyu also eyed the mushrooms with interest. They looked plump and hadn't been cooked with animal fat, making them a dish she could enjoy.
"Little Su Bai cultivated these with his adeptal energy. It's no surprise you haven't seen them, little Yanfei. As for the taste, this old woman hasn't tried them either. Little Ganyu can experience them herself."
"Eat, eat! If you don't, I will!"
Azhdaha had been craving these for a long time. In the illusion, she could pin Morax to the ground and beat him. The feeling was simply exhilarating.
Seeing everyone's anticipation, Zhongli was the first to pick up his chopsticks. He knew that if he didn't start, the others wouldn't dare touch the food.
The tender, smooth texture in his mouth made Zhongli admire Xiangling's timing. The mushrooms were perfectly grilled—not burnt at all, and the juices had been skillfully preserved inside.
With Rex Lapis making the first move, Madame Ping and the others each took a piece. Even Xiao, who usually only cared for Almond Tofu, grabbed a large piece and chewed.
In an instant, the mushroom's wonderful texture and hallucinogenic adeptal energy wove together, distorting the scenery before the adepti's eyes. Cloud Retainer was the first to fall into her illusion.
Zhongli stared at Cloud Retainer's vacant gaze, a spark of curiosity rising within him. What kind of illusion was his old friend seeing? If it was amusing, he wouldn't mind coaxing her to share it.
"Bosacius, Indarias, Bonanus, Menogias... I never thought I'd see you again."
Usually composed, Xiao slammed his hand on the table and shot to his feet. If Zhongli hadn't steadied the table in time, the dishes would have gone flying.
"Oh no, the illusion is distorting."
Seeing Xiao's panicked expression, Zhongli grabbed the last mushroom from the plate and shoved it into Xiao's mouth. The distorted illusion steadied once more. This time, Xiao was wise enough to suppress the surging adeptal energy within him.
"Hehe, I finally finished drafting the regulations for daily affairs! With these, I'll never have to worry about all those tedious matters again."
"Huh? Why did the illusion disappear?"
Yanfei wasn't as lucky as Xiao. In her excitement, she accidentally released her adeptal energy, shattering the illusion.
She looked around at the other adepti still lost in their visions, her adorable face drooping in disappointment. She had only just been rejoicing at being free of troublesome matters when it vanished.
"This item may bring happiness, but it is only fleeting. Don't be too disappointed, Yanfei."
Zhongli offered her some comfort. The Illusion Mushroom was merely an extension of Su Bai's adeptal energy. In the end, an illusion was still an illusion. To indulge in it and escape reality was not something adepti should do.
After a while, the other adepti emerged from their visions. Except for Xiao, they all looked at each other's smiling faces and burst into laughter. This little thing was quite amusing.
"It seems little Su Bai has been tinkering with many interesting things. Even I, who watched him grow up, didn't know about this mushroom."
Cloud Retainer flapped her wings in feigned displeasure, but the pride in her voice was unmistakable.