"Live together?" Xiangling felt her face heating up with embarrassment.
Hearing Madame Ping's words, Ye Xi's brows furrowed slightly. He remembered Shenhe's story most clearly of all. A father, in a desperate attempt to save his deceased wife,
had pushed his own biological daughter into the abyss! Anyone with a shred of humanity would want to curse that father as a beast. Yet, in the end, the parents actually repented.
It was the kind of story that left you with nowhere to vent your anger, forcing you to just swallow the "blades" the writers sent your way.
Tragedy...
Even though he had worked at the company for many years, he truly, deeply loathed that kind of corporate culture. From Honkai Impact 3rd to Genshin Impact, the tragic twists in those stories were enough to make one's stomach ache.
But it had to be saidsincere affection rarely lingered, but a well-placed tragedy always captured the players' hearts. The more miserable the story, the more deeply it remained in the players' memories.
When Shenhe's character background was in the design phase, he had been a vocal opponent of such a heartbreaking plot. And then... he was promptly transferred to the modeling team.
Speaking of which, Shenhe's story was an eternal pain in his heart.
Thinking of this, he nodded toward the Adeptus. "Adeptus, if it is within my power, I will go."
Just then, an ethereal voice echoed in his mind.
[Hidden Mission Activated]
[Help Shenhe complete her tribulation]
[Reward: 3200 Primogems]
Seeing the reward, Ye Xi couldn't help but praise the System's conscience. That was a direct gift of twenty pulls!
Madame Ping smiled happily upon receiving Ye Xi's response. "Good, good. That child Shenhe being able to form such a positive connection is her own blessing."
At this moment, Yae Miko, who was standing to the side, became dissatisfied. she was still waiting for Madame Ping to agree to her previous request.
"Senior, this wasn't part of the contract! How can you introduce another girl?"
Yae Miko felt like she was suffering a massive loss! Originally, it was the Serenitea Pot in exchange for one girl, Xiangling. Now, it had turned into the Serenitea Pot in exchange for two! This was a total rip-off!
Madame Ping asked with a smile, "Did I establish a contract with you just now?"
Yae Miko froze, subconciously shaking her head. Indeed, they had only spoken verbally; no formal contract had been forged.
Seeing Madame Ping's triumphant smile, Yae Miko crossed her arms in a huff. "Senior, if you are going to be so untrustworthy, then I'm going to back out as well. Aren't you afraid I'll become hostile toward Xiangling?"
Madame Ping's eyes sparkled with wisdom. "I am not afraid. Ye Xi just established a contract with me to protect Xiangling. If you were to bully my precious disciple, Ye Xi would never let you off lightly because of that contract."
"You!" Yae Miko was dumbfounded. She hadn't expected Madame Ping to set a trap for her! This was exactly like the time she used fried tofu as bait to play a trick on her years ago. She was simply too cunning!
If she bullied Xiangling, Ye Xi would definitely punish her. But upon closer reflection, the contents of the contract were no different from before. Madame Ping gave the Serenitea Pot to Ye Xi and entrusted Xiangling to him.
As for Shenhe, she was something that came after the contract. It was just a way to play the emotional card, hoping Ye Xi would help. Even if Ye Xi didn't go, he wouldn't be violating the contract.
However, knowing Ye Xi's personality, he would never leave Shenhe to her fate.
Yae Miko finally conceded, sighing deeply. "Senior, when it comes to being cunning, you truly take the crown. We little foxes can't compare to you after all."
Madame Ping laughed. "I'm old; I can't compare to you youngsters..."
Hearing this, Yae Miko couldn't help but grumble internally. As expected, the older people get, the more shrewd they become. It's terrifying!
Watching Yae Miko and Madame Ping whispering secrets to each other, Ye Xi felt like he was being kept in the dark. He had no idea what that fox was saying to the Adeptus. But the feeling wasn't bad. At the very least, the Serenitea Pot was now in his hands.
To be honest, he really didn't know what he could have said to earn Madame Ping's trust. The Serenitea Pot was her most precious treasure. In the game, the Traveler only received it after saving all of Liyue.
He couldn't save Liyue right now because nothing major was happening! Attempting to get something for nothing from Madame Ping should have been harder than reaching the heavens.
Originally, he had only intended to meet her and become a familiar face, waiting for a future opportunity. He hadn't expected Yae Miko to whisper some unknown "enchantment" into her ear! Madame Ping had actually handed over the Serenitea Pot directly.
Fortunately, Yae Miko was his wife now. Otherwise, who knew if she would have plotted against him! If a pink-haired fox like her were scheming against you, how could you ever have a peaceful day? He decided he would have to reward Yae Miko for this. She had been a huge help! One must distinguish between rewards and punishments; a job well done deserved a bounty.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the moment Madame Ping and Yae Miko were whispering, Xiangling moved closer. With a shy expression, she whispered, "Um, Ye Xi, don't misunderstand my Master's words. Actually..."
"Actually, she just hopes you can look after me more in the future, and..."
"And..." Xiangling grew more embarrassed as she spoke. She had no idea how to smooth the conversation over! After all, her Master had been very blunt about this being a dowry. Those words were practically a marriage proposal!
And Ye Xi accepting the Serenitea Pot meant he had accepted the proposal. By any logical standard, the engagement was a success! She was now technically Ye Xi's fiancée.
But she wasn't ready for this yet! Suddenly becoming Ye Xi's fiancéethe shift in identity was just too fast! She had to find a way to stabilize this rapidly progressing relationship and take it one step at a time.
"Ye Xi, actually, what Master meant was that you should help me taste new dishes more often!" Xiangling's eyes lit up as she found a reason she thought was plausible.
Ye Xi smiled. "Don't worry. Liyue is a nation that values 'contracts.' Since I promised Madame Ping I would protect you, I naturally won't break my word."
While he said this, he was internally laughing at how amusing Xiangling was. You silly girl, the Serenitea Pot is a dowry. If I don't marry you, wouldn't I have to return it to Madame Ping? That won't do. If I violate a contract, I won't even be able to stay in Liyue anymore. The Wrath of the Rock can kill people!
Hearing Ye Xi's inner thoughts, Xiangling immediately averted her gaze, not daring to meet his eyes. Her heart was a chaotic mess.
What do I do... Ye Xi completely understands the meaning... This is so embarrassing! What if Ye Xi wants me to stay with him tonight... Although the bed at home is very big... Oh my goodness!
Xiangling was both shy and joyful. Believing Ye Xi had already decided to marry her made her incredibly happy. But they had only met a few days ago, without even a single date or any romance, and now they were engaged. The progress felt far too fast! Yet, the thought of Ye Xi being her one and only for the rest of her life made her heart flutter.
In truth, it was impossible for Xiangling not to understand his value. She knew Ye Xi was no ordinary person. First of all, he could use four different types of elemental power! Four! Usually, anyone who obtained a Vision was considered a child of destiny. Someone who could use four elements... wasn't that a god?
Most importantly, Ye Xi could make Ley Line Blossoms bloom! Last time at the Geo Hypostasis, she had seen with her own eyes as Ye Xi obtained three small items from a Ley Line Blossom. Although she didn't know what they were for, they were definitely extraordinary. The treasures within the Ley Line Blossoms were the essence of the earth itself!
Ye Xi would surely continue to make Ley Line Blossoms bloom in the future. Being with such a miraculous person, she couldn't help but fantasize about how many wonderful experiences and adventures lay ahead! To be a witness by Ye Xi's side was a magnificent thing in its own right!
Soon, the conversation between Madame Ping and Yae Miko ended. Madame Ping spoke to Ye Xi with a kind, motherly air. "Alright, you two should go and see the Serenitea Pot. This old woman is going back to rest."
She knew there was no need to disturb the young people further. Now that her precious disciple Xiangling's future marriage was settled, she could rest easy. Furthermore, she needed to find Cloud Retainer to check on Shenhe's situation and share the good news.
"Take care, Adeptus." Ye Xi bid her farewell. Yae Miko and Xiangling also waved goodbye.
After watching Madame Ping leave, Ye Xi couldn't wait to take out the Serenitea Pot. He didn't want to wait another minute; he wanted to see what it looked like inside! He wondered if it could compare to his own Mini-world.
His Mini-world was a masterpiece of creation where any change could be made with a single thought. If the world of the Serenitea Pot was like that, things would be much easier!
Yujing Terrace was guarded by the Millelith, so it was very safe. He placed the pot on a table, and as soon as the lid opened, a force of suction pulled him in. Even Yae Miko and Xiangling were caught in the wake and swept into the Serenitea Pot Realm!
When Ye Xi regained his senses, the scene before him left him stunned. A hot spring pool came into view, the mist-filled air providing a sense of comfort. A few Sakura petals floated on the water's surface. On the other side was a small pavilion he knew all too well, complete with stone tables and stools.
This place was identical to his Mini-world in Inazuma! When he saw the small villa behind him, he was nearly one hundred percent certain: this was the Mini-world he had opened in Inazuma!
Yae Miko also looked shocked. "Could it be that this Serenitea Pot Realm has merged into one with the space beneath the Sacred Sakura?"
Ye Xi felt a surge of excitement. He wanted to verify this! If the Serenitea Pot and the Sacred Sakura's Mini-world had established a connection, didn't that mean he could return to Inazuma whenever he wanted? It was just a matter of going from one door to another! If that were the case, he could see his friends in Inazuma at any time!
Yae Miko, familiar with the layout, found the exit of the Mini-world. With a slight surge of her yokai power, she slipped out of the space.
Outside, cherry blossoms were falling in the afternoon sun. Several Shrine Maidens were cleaning the shrine. Seeing Yae Miko suddenly appear, they hurried forward to greet her.
"Lady Guuji!"
"Has Lady Guuji just woken up? Everyone was worried about you."
"Yes, we haven't seen Lady Guuji all day. We thought you had fallen ill from overwork."
The Shrine Maidens of the Grand Narukami Shrine cast worried glances her way.
Yae Miko maintained her calm facade. "Don't worry, I am fine. I've just been a bit tired lately and slept a little longer. Since there is nothing urgent here, I shall return to rest for a while longer."
After saying that, Yae Miko returned to the Mini-world. The Shrine Maidens outside looked at each other.
"Lady Guuji works day and night; it's only right she rests after so much exhaustion."
"True. I hope Lady Guuji rests well."
"I get the feeling she didn't sleep well last night."
"..."
Inside the Mini-world, Ye Xi needed to confirm one thing. If the items inside the small villa were the same as those in Inazuma, it would prove this was the same space!
Xiangling followed behind Ye Xi in wonder, looking around. "Is this the Serenitea Pot? It really is magical! I wonder if there are any new ingredients!"
Ye Xi felt a bit helpless. As expected of Xiangling. In a strange new place, her first thought is always to find ingredients. In a way, she's incredible.
Hearing his thoughts, Xiangling chuckled secretly. To her, if she didn't look for new ingredients, she would miss out on many delicious new dishes!
Ye Xi explained to Xiangling what had happened last night under the Sacred Sakura in Inazuma, including how this place was exactly the same as that Mini-world.
Xiangling became instantly interested, her face full of surprise. "You mean we can go directly to Inazuma through the Serenitea Pot?!"
Ye Xi nodded. "If we can confirm it, then yes, it can be done."
He looked forward to it being true. That way, no matter where he was, he could always return to his own bed to sleep. No matter how gold or silver other places were, they couldn't beat his own humble abode!
Xiangling's eyes sparkled. "That's great! Doesn't that mean I can go to Inazuma to look for ingredients whenever I want? Fresh Sea Ganoderma, newly picked Sakura Bloom, and live Onikabuto... we could even do business! Right now, Inazuma specialties in Liyue are ridiculously expensive. If we transport them directly through the Serenitea Pot, won't we make a fortune?!"
Ye Xi pushed open the door and invited Xiangling inside. As they walked, he said, "If you do that, Ningguang will have your hide. You'd basically be driving her toward bankruptcy."
Such an act would not only disrupt the market but also leave transport fleets like Beidou's with nothing to earn. Ye Xi wouldn't do such a thing. At most, he would satisfy the supply needs of Wanmin Restaurant, since they were family.
Xiangling giggled and scratched her head. "By the way, the design here is so unique!"
She had never seen a design like this. The walls were pure white, the floors seemed to be made of wooden planks, and the tables, chairs, and cabinets all felt very novel.
Ye Xi smiled and said, "Do you like it? If you do, you can move your very big bed in here, and we can live together."
"Eh?!"
Hearing Ye Xi say this so suddenly, Xiangling's face flushed crimson as she traced circles on the floor with her toe. She hadn't prepared herself for this yet! But since Ye Xi said so, should she obediently move in? If she refused, would Ye Xi hate her?
Although it was a bit sudden, if Ye Xi wanted it, she certainly wouldn't refuse!
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