"The true… Adeptus."
Shenhe fell silent upon hearing Lora's words.
Lora continued, "Yes, the true Adeptus need not isolate herself from the world because of the fate of calamity."
Shenhe remained quiet for a moment. She lifted her head, looked at Lora, and said, "Thank you very much, Purifying Water. I believe I understand what I must do from now on."
"So, regarding Yunjin and The Divine Damsel of Devastation, what is your choice?"
Lora inquired next.
"Let me accompany her. With me there, the story of The Divine Damsel of Devastation can also reach its conclusion," Shenhe told Lora.
Lora nodded.
"Very well. Tomorrow, you shall accompany Yunjin to the Tianheng Mountain. Should danger arise, use the crystal. I shall be immediately notified and come to your aid."
"Rest assured, Adeptus. Having trained under my master for many years, I possess my own abilities."
Shenhe nodded, seeking Lora's reassurance.
After this matter was settled, Lora also asked Ningguang to temporarily arrange lodging for Shenhe at the Jade Chamber. Once Liyue's situation stabilized, they would find a new place to settle.
That day, Shenhe went to Yunjin's location, shared some of her own circumstances, and offered to accompany Yunjin to Tianheng Mountain to investigate the truth of the events from years past.
Yunjin was naturally overjoyed. Both possessed the Vision, so traveling together would minimize their concerns.
Lora gazed out over Liyue's outer seas. As the Hydro Archon, she perceived every ripple with utmost clarity.
Rhodeia approached Lora from behind and stood respectfully.
"Rhodeia," Lora called her name suddenly.
Rhodeia's expression sharpened.
"My lady, what are your orders?"
Lora spoke slowly to Rhodeia, "Notify the Oceanids within Liyue. Have them prepare. Those near Liyue Harbor must enter all water sources throughout the harbor and regulate the water veins."
"Yes!"
Rhodeia nodded.
Any command from Lora would be carried out without question!
After Rhodeia departed, Ningguang emerged from the Jade Chamber. Spotting Lora standing by the railing, she asked, "Lady Purifying Water, why are you standing here?"
Ever since learning Lora's true identity, Ningguang had addressed her by the title Adeptus of Purifying Water and Judgment—both out of respect and to avoid revealing her real identity, lest it cause complications.
Lora replied slowly, "I am watching this sea… and the fury beneath its depths."
"The fury beneath the sea?"
Ningguang walked to Lora's side and gazed out at the sea as she did. She continued, "I've ordered the Millelith to reinforce all points around Liyue Harbor. We stand ready to meet any challenge! Liyue Qixing will never retreat."
"I've also sent Rhodeia to notify the Oceanids."
As Lora spoke, a secretary approached. She addressed both Ningguang and Lora, "Lady Ningguang, Lady Purifying Water, a letter has arrived from Mr. Zhongli, the Guest Consultant of the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. It is addressed specifically to Lady Purifying Water…"
"Letter?"
Lora asked, turning back.
"Here."
The secretary handed the letter to Lora.
Lora opened it. Inside was written only an address. Nothing else.
"I have matters to attend to. I must depart now."
Lora tucked the letter away and informed Ningguang.
Ningguang nodded.
"As an Adeptus and a distinguished guest of the Jade Chamber, you are free to come and go as you please. There's no need to inform me."
"A guest follows the host's lead. Since this is your domain, it's only proper to let you know."
With that, Lora turned and left the Jade Chamber. Instead of taking the floating stairway exit, she soared directly into the sky and flew into Liyue Harbor.
After leaving the Jade Chamber, Lora arrived at the address Zhongli had provided in his letter. She found him sitting alone, listening to a storyteller while sipping tea.
Though Liyue Harbor now faced immense calamity, daily life within its walls remained relatively peaceful—though everyone knew this calm was merely superficial.
Lora sat beside Zhongli and asked, "What did you want with me?"
"Your friend and her little floating companion have already gone with Tartaglia towards the Golden House," Zhongli said slowly, setting down his teacup.
"Your dragon skin… the 'Exuvia' is stored in the Golden House, right?"
Lora inquired, looking at Zhongli.
Zhongli nodded.
"Correct. Liyue Qixing has halted its Mora minting operations to secure the Golden House for the Exuvia. However, most guards have been redeployed to Liyue Harbor at this time, leaving the Golden House's defenses severely weakened. They should gain entry without issue."
"Shall I go and see?"
Lora inquired.
Zhongli hummed in acknowledgment before continuing, "I asked you to come precisely to entrust you with this task. Speaking of which, the Oceanids surrounding Liyue Harbor have begun rapidly moving toward the harbor—that was also your instruction, correct?"
"I had Rhodeia summon them. Once the creatures from the sea emerge, Liyue Harbor's water currents will inevitably become chaotic. Having them lend a hand is perfectly acceptable."
Lora nodded to Zhongli.
"These Oceanids aren't particularly powerful, but caution is still advised," Zhongli said with a quiet sigh. "We have our own methods to handle the disruption of Liyue Harbor's water veins. Don't let them pay with their lives…"
Lora hummed in acknowledgment before replying, "After all, they're my followers. I certainly won't stand by and watch them die."
After listening to a segment of the storyteller's performance, Lora rose to leave. Just as she was about to depart, she realized she didn't know the way and turned back to ask, "Hey, can I ask you something? How do I get to the Golden House?"
"Head south from here, cross the bridge out of Liyue Harbor, and follow the main road all the way," Zhongli directed her.
"Alright."
Lora nodded and departed.
Shortly after Lora departed, Zhongli also rose to take his leave. Leaving the storyteller's stall, he made his way to the shore.
The sea, usually rippling with gentle waves, now lay eerily still.
To prevent accidents, Liyue Qixing had halted all merchant ship traffic—a devastating blow to Liyue's commerce. Yet, at this moment, there was no other choice.
Zhongli found a spot to sit, snapped a branch to fashion a makeshift fishing rod, tied a thin line to it, baited the end with a small insect, and cast the line into the sea.
He sat there fishing, his gaze fixed on the unfolding events.
Meanwhile, Lora advanced at a rapid pace.
She had already reached the Golden House. Lumine and the others, along with Tartaglia, had entered its interior. Just as Zhongli had predicted, the guards were extremely lax—in fact, they were almost nowhere to be seen.