After pondering for a moment, Yunjin nodded.
"In that case, I'll discuss it with Mr. Zhongli."
Zhongli adopted a posture of attentive listening, while Lora also tuned in.
Yunjin addressed the group, "The new play I plan to stage is called The Divine Damsel of Devastation. However, this isn't my original work—it's a play my father created based on folk legends. It tells the story of a divine maiden who steps forward to protect villagers by battling demons, then catches the eye of Adepts due to her innate talent, ultimately transcending mortality to become immortal."
Zhongli nodded approvingly.
"It's a fine story. What difficulties have you encountered?"
Yunjin sighed.
"Opera requires emotional depth. My father left behind too few records—mere sparse, dry notes. How can they possibly capture the true story? I wish to investigate the legend firsthand, but I don't know where to begin. All I know is that the legend likely originated in a village near Tianheng Mountain."
After listening to Yunjin's account, Zhongli turned to Lora and asked, "Lora, what do you think?"
"With Liyue in turmoil and hidden currents swirling, traveling alone to investigate the Tianheng Mountain could be dangerous," Lora said after a moment's thought. "This is what we'll do: I'll speak with Ningguang and have her find some people to accompany you."
She knew full well who the protagonist of The Divine Damsel of Devastation was, but this matter concerned Shenhe—she could not make decisions for her.
"Would you trouble Lady Ningguang?"
Yunjin looked at Lora with surprise.
Zhongli interjected at the right moment, "Don't underestimate my old friend. Her status is no ordinary matter; she is now an honored guest of Tianquan Ningguang."
Yunjin clasped her fists in respect toward Lora.
"My apologies!"
"You flatter me, Guest Consultant. Your status is no less remarkable."
Lora gazed at Zhongli with an unchanging expression, her smile steady.
Being a deity? You've got to have some acting chops.
Playing off each other was rather amusing—after all, the stage wouldn't collapse.
Yunjin sincerely thanked Lora for her assistance, though Lora considered it hardly help at all. She hadn't personally accompanied Yunjin to investigate Tianheng Mountain; she'd merely relayed the message to Ningguang.
Zhongli finished his tea and rose.
"It's getting late. I should be heading back. Miss Yunjin, I'll take my leave."
"Goodbye, Mr. Zhongli!"
Yunjin nodded to Zhongli.
"Lora, will you stay here a while longer, or leave with me?"
Zhongli turned to Lora and asked.
"Oh dear, it's already dark. Of course I must return too—this child still needs a place to stay."
Lora pointed at Shenhe and smiled at Zhongli.
She then turned to Yunjin and bid farewell: "Miss Yunjin, I'll come hear your performance again next time."
"Miss Lora, take care on your way."
Yunjin nodded.
Lora and Zhongli walked together for a while. At the crossroads, he said, "The Wangsheng Funeral Parlor and the Jade Chamber aren't in the same direction. I'll head back first. That traveler and her friend should be staying at the inn once they return. You needn't worry."
"I'm not worried," Lora shook her head.
She was quite carefree; she certainly wasn't fretting over Lumine and Paimon.
Compared to those two, she was far more likely to get into trouble.
"Good night, Zhongli."
"Good night, Lora."
They bid each other farewell and walked off in opposite directions.
The moment Zhongli returned to the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor, Hu Tao blocked his path. Hands clasped behind her back, she watched him and asked, "Guest Consultant, where did you go today?"
"I accompanied the Traveler to prepare items needed for the 'Rite of Descension,' then listened to some opera."
Zhongli answered truthfully.
"Sounds delightful. Why not take the birds for a walk?"
Hu Tao inquired.
"I've done that before."
Zhongli replied.
"Uh..."
Hu Tao's eyelid twitched. She shook her head, pulled out a receipt from behind her back, and asked, "None of that matters, Guest Consultant. Tell me—what is this? A bill for a bottle of coconut milk. Was it for the Rite of Descension, or did you drink it while watching the opera? You even had a bottle of coconut milk delivered to Wangsheng Funeral Parlor!"
"Well..."
Zhongli knew instantly this was Lora's handiwork. He nodded.
"I just felt like a change of pace. My apologies, Master Hu."
"A bottle of coconut milk isn't the issue. I'm just curious about something."
Hu Tao shook her head. She hadn't blocked Zhongli's path over a bottle of coconut milk.
She looked at him and asked, "Is the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor not paying you enough? Or do you never carry cash? Why do bills always get sent back?"
"I didn't bring any,"
Zhongli replied bluntly.
Hu Tao stared at him, fell silent for a moment, then raised her hand to her forehead and waved Zhongli off.
"Never mind. It's fine. Guest Consultant, you should get back to work."
"Yes. Head to bed early, Master Hu."
Zhongli nodded, then walked around Hu Tao toward his quarters.
Hu Tao cleared her throat and said to the young accountant beside her, "Go ahead and process the reimbursement."
"Oh! Yes!"
The accountant finally snapped to attention and took the bill downstairs.
Meanwhile, Lora led Rhodeia and Shenhe toward the Yujing Terrace.
Back at the Jade Chamber, Lora dismissed Rhodeia, leaving only Shenhe behind. She looked at Shenhe and spoke slowly,
"The protagonist of the story Yunjin mentioned earlier, 'The Divine Damsel of Devastation'—that's you, isn't it?"
"It should be me."
Shenhe nodded, making no attempt to conceal it. In her view, Lora was an Adeptus and naturally knew her story; there was no need for secrecy.
"Do you wish for your story to be adapted for the stage?"
Lora continued, her gaze fixed on Shenhe.
"Adapted for the stage..."
Lora continued, "It means many people will learn of your past. Of course, they won't know your true identity."
After a moment's thought, Shenhe replied, "I suppose I wouldn't object."
"I had originally planned to send Yunjin alone to investigate the site. But having the story's protagonist accompany her might better reveal the truth. However, I never suggested to Yunjin that you should go. I want you to have your own choice. I respect every decision you make."
Lora looked at Shenhe and added, "You don't need to rush with your answer. Take tonight to think it over."
"I'll go with her, but I'm the fate of calamity... I..."
Shenhe's delicate brows furrowed slightly.
Lora addressed her, "Have you forgotten the crystal I gave you? It's imbued with my power, capable of purifying negative influences. Wearing it, you needn't worry your power will affect others."
"Really?" Shenhe seemed dazed.
Lora nodded.
"Power itself holds no inherent right or wrong. You, possessing this power, are not wrong either. You need not bear this 'sin' that should never have been yours to carry. You came from the people, and you must return to the people. The fate of calamity does not suit you. Be a true Adeptus, Shenhe."