A delicate sweetness lingered in the air.
With Almond Tofu and Lumine's Satisfying Salad in hand, the two hurried back up to the terrace. As expected, the Conqueror of Demons still stood there, gazing over Liyue's vast lands.
He sensed them immediately.
"You again." His tone carried faint impatience as he prepared to leave.
This time, Paimon called out first, successfully stopping him. Lumine stepped forward and presented the dishes—especially the carefully prepared Almond Tofu.
Xiao paused.
A subtle flicker crossed his golden eyes at the sight of the dessert. He did not refuse. In silence, he accepted it and took a bite.
While he ate, Lumine succinctly explained everything—the assassination of Rex Lapis, the chaos in Liyue Harbor, the position of the Liyue Qixing.
Xiao's movements still.
"Rex Lapis… met such calamity."
His voice dropped, heavy and solemn.
"For centuries, no matter how the world changed, I never imagined Liyue would stand without his guidance."
His gaze sharpened.
"And the Liyue Qixing—those who govern the mortal realm—what role do they play in this upheaval? Are they capable of resolving it?"
After a moment of contemplation, he made his decision.
"I will seek Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, and Cloud Retainer. The Adepti must gather and determine our course."
Lumine hesitated. "Will the Adepti take control of Liyue Harbor?"
"The Adepti do not shirk responsibility," Xiao answered firmly. "Though I prefer distance from mortal affairs, duty is duty. We are bound to Rex Lapis by contract."
"For our god is the God of Contracts."
As he turned to leave, Paimon quickly asked their final question.
"Wait! What about Little Ming—the little ghost?"
This time, Xiao did not show annoyance.
"In the course of subduing demons, one occasionally encounters spirits that have done no harm yet cannot be sent on."
"Little Ming is such a spirit. Verr Goldet and the innkeeper have agreed to shelter her temporarily."
"So Wangshu Inn even handles ghost childcare?!" Paimon exclaimed.
But before she could say more, Xiao vanished in a streak of jade light.
With their task complete, Lumine and Paimon left Wangshu Inn and returned to Liyue Harbor, heading straight for the Northland Bank.
Northland Bank, Liyue Harbor
Tartaglia waited casually at the entrance, greeting them with his signature grin.
"Ah, you're back. I trust your trip to Jueyun Karst was fruitful?"
Lumine recounted their encounters with Mountain Shaper, Moon Carver, Cloud Retainer, and finally Xiao—especially the Adepti's decision to intervene.
Tartaglia stroked his chin thoughtfully.
"Interesting. Even the Fatui intelligence network lacks detailed records of these Adepti."
He paused.
"In return, I have information for you. Liyue Qixing's stance on Rex Lapis's death is… perplexing."
He let that sink in.
"Their official statement claims that until the culprit is apprehended, no one may approach the Exuvia, to preserve the scene."
"Furthermore, they seem intent on suppressing the matter entirely. But with so many witnesses at the Rite of Descension, rumors cannot be fully contained."
Paimon blinked. "Exuvia? What's that?"
"In simple terms," Tartaglia explained, "Rex Lapis was also an Adeptus. The Geo Archon, Morax, is honored as the Progenitor of the Adepti."
"All the 'Three-Eyed, Five-Manifested Adepti' active today once swore contracts with him to defend Liyue."
Paimon nodded. "That explains why they care so much."
"Indeed. By contract, if the Qixing betray Liyue's interests, the Adepti may hold them accountable."
His voice lowered.
"Yet why hide the sacred Exuvia? Why guard it so tightly? There must be more beneath the surface."
Lumine frowned. "I can't accept that."
Paimon agreed. "We came to Liyue to see the Geo Archon. If the Exuvia is locked away, the Traveler's goal of meeting the Seven will fail!"
Tartaglia's eyes gleamed.
"You're searching for the Seven? For what purpose?"
Lumine shot him a guarded look—no answer.
He chuckled approvingly.
"Well handled. A good traveler doesn't reveal their hand so easily."
He spread his hands casually.
"This time, though, I truly can offer practical assistance."
A faint smile lingered on his lips.
"If you wish to see the Exuvia… there may be a way."
The undercurrents of Liyue Harbor stirred ever more violently.