At Heyu Teahouse, on the open-air stage of the second floor.
Ji Ming was accompanying the old gentleman from Wangsheng Funeral Parlor—Zhongli—sipping tea and listening to storytelling. As a youth of the new era, Ji Ming wasn't particularly fond of this kind of entertainment. No matter how you told it, it always circled back to the same tales about the Geo Archon, Morax.
It had been two days since his housewarming banquet.
Ji Ming had prepared two tables at the feast—one for the eight sworn brothers of the Old Ninth Sect, the other for his remaining guests.
From Wangsheng Funeral Parlor: Hu Tao, Zhongli, Steward Meng, and the ever-self-effacing attendant everyone called "Miss Not Worth Mentioning."
From Wanmin Restaurant: Xiangling. He'd also invited Chef Mao and Second Aunt Su from the neighboring stall, but both had declined, citing how busy business was.
From Mt. Aocang: Shenhe, Ganyu, and Cloud Retainer—heavyweights, without question.
All in all, the banquet had gone smoothly. Both tables were considerate of Ji Ming's feelings. Beyond polite nods of greeting, there'd been no interaction between the two sides.
Ji Ming, meanwhile, had run back and forth between them, drinking quite a bit—only to be escorted back to his room by Steward Meng in the end.
Perhaps because he'd enjoyed a free feast, Zhongli had grown noticeably closer to him. Lately, the old gentleman had taken to dragging Ji Ming along on leisurely outings.
Just like today.
Zhongli listened intently as Iron-Tongue Tian spun his tale, while Ji Ming focused on his tea. Neither disturbed the other.
"Young friend," Zhongli asked softly, "do you perhaps dislike stories of the Geo Lord?"
"Mm… I wouldn't say I dislike them," Ji Ming replied. "It's just that Tian Tiezu's version is too… smooth. I don't really like wish-fulfillment stories. Even Morax couldn't have protected Liyue just by flexing once—there must've been countless adepti and ordinary people paying the price behind the scenes."
A trace of approval surfaced in Zhongli's eyes. He nodded.
"You speak wisely. The true Morax would never have safeguarded Liyue so effortlessly."
Ji Ming waved it off. "We've never even met Morax. Let's stop talking about him—haven't you noticed Iron-Tongue Tian and the other guests already glaring at us?"
"Young friend wishes to meet Morax?"
"Can Morax make Mora rain for me?"
"…No."
"Then I don't want to meet him."
Zhongli chuckled softly.
Ji Ming reminded him of someone familiar—among the Liyue Qixing, there was also one who held little reverence for the Geo Archon. That one was decisive and sharp, while Ji Ming was easygoing to the point of indifference.
Now that the boy had become Cloud Retainer's disciple, and—under Zhongli's subtle guidance—had already crossed paths with Xiao at Wangshu Inn, he would surely grow closer to the other adepti in time.
Liyue would eventually enter an age of human governance. Zhongli had already held secret talks with the Cryo Archon of Snezhnaya. When the plan reached its critical point, Liyue Harbor would be made to walk on its own.
Of course, a Liyue without a god's protection would be fraught with danger. The Qixing could maintain order in the open—but someone like Ji Ming, with ties to the adepti, could safeguard the shadows.
If Ji Ming proved suitable… perhaps this Gnosis need not be handed to the Cryo Archon after all.
A free-spirited Geo Archon might suit Liyue's future of human rule even better.
Ji Ming scratched his ear and glanced at Zhongli, who had fallen into thought.
"What's with that look, Zhongli?"
"Do you enjoy opera, young friend?"
"Never really watched it. I'll know once I do—but with my impatient temperament, I doubt I'll like it."
"The next performance is by Master Yun. It's worth watching."
Ji Ming had heard of her.
The current head of the Yun-Han Opera Troupe, respectfully called "Master Yun" by the people of Liyue. Her family had once been blacksmiths—until an ancestor went against tradition and fell in love with opera, turning the Yun family into a theatrical lineage.
Born into a famed opera clan, Yun Jin excelled in composition and performance alike, her voice among the finest of the age. Her appearance carried a heroic elegance—a true woman of valor.
Ji Ming had never seen her perform before. Since he was already at Heyu Teahouse today, it seemed only right to watch properly.
Iron-Tongue Tian soon concluded his storytelling. Amid the audience's anticipation, a long, lingering pipa melody arose. A graceful figure drifted out from behind the curtain, light as an autumn breeze—rich, yet never heavy.
Yun Jin's entrance was met with thunderous applause. Zhongli joined in; Tian Tiezu hadn't received treatment like this.
After clapping, Zhongli turned to Ji Ming with a faint smile.
"Well? Do you like opera now?"
"I don't know if I like opera," Ji Ming said frankly. "But I definitely like this Master Yun."
His gaze was steady, not rude. Sitting in the front VIP row, their earlier conversation had likely been heard. Onstage, Yun Jin spun lightly, lifted her sleeve to hide a smile, then continued her performance.
The opera told a tale of adepti and fallen gods—Ji Ming wasn't especially interested. Still, out of respect for Yun Jin, he refrained from chatting with Zhongli.
When the performance ended, Ji Ming finally turned and said,
"Master Yun really is popular. Her vocal tone's comfortable to listen to. You've got good taste, Zhongli."
"You may come enjoy it often," Zhongli replied. "Master Yun's opera is peerless in our age. It'd be a shame to miss it."
"No need. I'm not interested in opera itself. If I came just because she's beautiful, it'd feel disrespectful to her."
For someone who'd lived in the underworld, Ji Ming had impeccable boundaries—easygoing, yet always making others comfortable. A natural friend.
Probably inherited from his mother. Even his surname followed hers. From his father, he'd only inherited that same carefree streak.
Just as Ji Ming reached for his purse to pay, a server hurried over and whispered,
"Please wait, sir. Master Yun says the tea is on her. She wonders if the two of you might step inside for a brief chat."
Ji Ming looked to Zhongli. "Does she know you?"
"We've spoken a few times. Not close."
—Only close enough that Zhongli once gave her a Vision. Truly, not close at all.
Ji Ming nodded and turned back. "Alright. Lead the way."
They followed the server through winding staff corridors, ducked beneath lifted curtains, and finally entered the dressing room—where Yun Jin was removing her makeup.
She studied Ji Ming through the mirror and greeted him first.
"Good day, esteemed sir."
That was… new. Since when had Ji Ming been called "esteemed"?
"No need for that," he said. "I'm Ji Ming—just use my name. This is Zhongli, consultant of Wangsheng Funeral Parlor. I hear you two know each other."
He pulled Zhongli along and sat casually. Yun Jin blinked in surprise.
"Indeed. You're very free-spirited, Ji Ming. I like free-spirited people."
Zhongli smoothly added, "No need for excessive courtesy, Master Yun. Too much of it makes Ji Ming uncomfortable."
Ji Ming nodded in agreement.
"Miss Yun Jin—if there's something you want to ask, just say it. Even just to repay the tea, I'll answer honestly."
Tea hardly counted as repayment. What a strange boy.
Yun Jin clasped her hands and smiled. "Ji Ming, I have a dream."
You too? Ji Ming had dreams as well—like becoming the Tianquan and ruling Liyue.
…Just kidding. Too many rules. Freedom was better.
"My dream," Yun Jin continued, "is for opera to be loved by the younger generation. But as you know, most opera audiences are middle-aged or older. Young people like you and Zhongli are rare."
Ji Ming raised a hand. "But young people do listen. Like me. Like Zhongli."
Yun Jin shook her head, serious.
"I heard your conversation earlier. You admire my appearance, not the opera itself. I appreciate your respect—but I want your honest opinion."
Ji Ming sighed. Even Zhongli looks ready to listen…
"Alright," he said carefully. "Disclaimer first—I don't understand opera. Please don't take this as advice; treat it as idle talk."
"Mm. I'm listening."
Please don't look so serious…
"Young people like personal heroism," Ji Ming began. "Adepti and gods are legendary, sure—but they're hard to relate to."
Yun Jin thought for a moment. "So… more focus on an individual hero?"
She grew excited. Privately, she adored trends—and even listened to Xinyan's rock music.
His words felt like a revelation. Opera had to evolve with the times.
Encouraged, Ji Ming went on.
"Basically—make it feel good. Add plots like 'a disgraced youth rises to fame and washes away past humiliation.'"
"That sounds wonderful!"
"Right? And your vocals could be more impassioned. Not that they aren't beautiful—but they're too beautiful. You don't feel the fire."
"Go on!"
"Use fewer pipa passages. Add drums and guzheng. When the hero's down—pipa and flute. When he rises—continuous drums and strings. The hype skyrockets."
Yun Jin clapped enthusiastically, cheeks flushed.
"I get it! Rock music!"
…Wait.
So beneath the opera master was a rock-and-roll girl?
Ji Ming stiffened. "Ah—maybe not rock exactly. That'd attract youth, sure, but you'd lose the older audience. I wouldn't want to ruin Yun-Han Troupe's name."
The applause faded. Yun Jin looked embarrassed. After a pause, she whispered,
"Ji Ming… can you keep this secret?"
"What secret? I didn't hear anything. Did you say something, Miss Yun Jin?"
"Thank you!"
She stuck out her tongue, then brightened.
"As thanks for your suggestions, I'll give you a Yun-Han Troupe VIP card. Free entry to all performances—tea and snacks included."
A treasure. Absolutely taking it.
From this day on, Ji Ming became Yun-Han Troupe's most loyal supporter—and Master Yun's most faithful fan.
The only concern was whether Yun-Han Troupe might someday transform from Liyue's opera titan…
into Liyue Harbor's most famous rock band.
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