Tartaglia led Shao Yun, Lumine, Paimon, and Zhongli into the most renowned Liyue cuisine restaurant—Liuli Pavilion.
As the private room door opened, the group filed in and took their seats.
The interior was elegantly decorated, with an antique charm that made time seem to stand still. The ancient atmosphere of Liyue Harbor permeated every corner, drawing one into its quiet reverence.
Tartaglia turned to the waiting attendant and said softly, "You may serve the food now."
The attendant gave a slight bow. "Understood. Please wait a moment."
With graceful steps, the attendant left to begin preparing the grand Liyue feast.
As they waited for the food to arrive, Tartaglia turned to the trio with a smile. "By the way, I don't suppose you're all familiar with what the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor actually does? I could give you a quick introduction."
Paimon shook her head slightly. "No need. Shao Yun already explained it while we were touring Liyue Harbor. In simpler terms, it's the place that handles burials and funerals."
Tartaglia chuckled and looked at Shao Yun. "That's a very concise and easy-to-understand way to put it. If it were me, I might throw in something like 'a sanctuary for Everlasting rest.'"
Shao Yun responded with a dismissive glance, shaking his head. "Flowery words don't beat plain ones."
Just then, Zhongli picked up the conversation.
His voice was calm yet commanding, like a clear spring cutting through the noise—reaching straight to the heart.
"Since you're already familiar, I'll get straight to the point."
Shao Yun gave a nod. "Go on."
Zhongli paused briefly, as though gathering his thoughts, then asked, "Are you familiar with the Rite of Parting?"
Shao Yun didn't hesitate and nodded.
"From the name alone, I'd say it's a funeral rite for the Adepti."
Zhongli's eyes glinted with appreciation. His tone remained even and sonorous. "Mr. Shao Yun is quite astute."
He continued, "The era of the Adepti is fading, and the age of mortals is steadily arriving."
At this, he paused, as if leaving a space for reflection. A deep sigh followed, full of wistful solemnity.
"In years past, when an Adeptus departed, a grand memorial would be held. That is Liyue's tradition. As the progenitor of all Liyue's Adepti, the Geo Archon should receive the same honor."
Lumine now understood clearly. She leaned forward slightly, hands clasped over her lap as she regarded the refined man before her.
"Mr. Zhongli, are you asking us to assist you in organizing the Rite of Parting?"
Zhongli gave a small nod, his deep gaze filled with centuries of wisdom. He spoke slowly, his voice steady and magnetic.
"I heard you've had close dealings with the Anemo Archon in Mondstadt. Since this ceremony concerns a god, your assistance would help things go smoothly."
Lumine reflected in silence. Whether for her brother or out of respect for a fallen deity, she felt she should accept.
So, she nodded. "We'll help. But forgive me for asking—are there so few people in the Wangsheng Funeral Parlor that you're handling this alone?"
Zhongli stroked his chin, thoughtful. "The Parlor's director has been unusually busy with a so-called 'important client' lately—she hasn't even come home. She insisted on handling it personally, so preparations for the Rite have fallen to me."
Shao Yun's mind stirred. He recalled what Xiao had mentioned about a powerful fiend. If that demon was really the top-hatted man, then Zhongli's retirement plan might get postponed.
But seeing Zhongli's calm composure, perhaps he was wrong—maybe it was just a local Liyue demon.
Zhongli watched Shao Yun, who was now deep in thought, brows slightly furrowed.
Noticing this, Zhongli gently asked, "Mr. Shao Yun, is something troubling you?"
Shao Yun looked up at the voice. A flicker of confusion passed through his eyes before he concealed it and changed the subject.
"Nothing, Mr. Zhongli. So long as you can tell Lumine what she wants to know, I'll do everything I can to help with the Rite."
Seeing he didn't want to go deeper; Zhongli nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Mr. Shao Yun. Then, shall we begin the preparations now?"
Shao Yun took a deep breath, steadying himself before replying. "Before that, I'd like to ask—who's covering the cost?"
At that moment, Tartaglia chimed in. "Let the Northland Bank handle it. It's a small matter."
Shao Yun glanced at him, then at Lumine, who was already prepared to set off.
"As long as we're not paying, I've got no objections."
A system prompt appeared.
[The cost of the Rite of Parting will be covered by the Northland Bank.]
Well then, I won't hold back. Fatui money isn't real money anyway.
"Alright then…"
Just as Shao Yun was about to get up, Paimon clutched her belly and complained, "But we haven't eaten yet… I'm starving!"
Shao Yun looked at her and figured it would be a shame to skip Liuli Pavilion's delicacies.
He turned to Zhongli. "Let's eat first, shall we?"
Zhongli nodded. "Of course."
…
Moments later, a line of attendants entered with trays, each placing a dish carefully on the table.
The hot steam and rich aromas filled the room, causing Paimon to nearly bounce with excitement.
Finally, the last dish was presented, and the attendant gave a polite nod. Everything was served.
Paimon couldn't hold back any longer. She grabbed her chopsticks and began devouring the food enthusiastically.
Her cheeks puffed with delight, mouth full of exquisite flavors—every bite a feast for her tastebuds.
…
After the meal, the group exited Liuli Pavilion together. Tartaglia stood by the doorway, satisfied as he rubbed his belly.
"There are some matters I need to attend to at the Northland Bank. As for the bill, just send it to them—like Miss Ningguang does."
"If you dare not reimburse it, I'll have my way of collecting," Shao Yun quipped.
It was said jokingly, but Tartaglia felt a twinge of pressure nonetheless.
"You're blunt as ever, Mr. Shao Yun. Then, I'll take my leave." With that, Tartaglia turned and disappeared from view.
Paimon watched him go, her brow furrowing with suspicion. She turned to Zhongli.
"Mr. Zhongli, I've been wondering—letting Childe help with the Rite… isn't that kind of risky? Could it be a Fatui plot?"
Zhongli shook his head calmly, his eyes deep and steady. "I only want Liyue to remember its traditions. The Rite of Parting is an act of respect. If Childe wishes to assist, why turn him away?"
"But why would he take on such a thankless task?" Paimon pressed.
Zhongli's gaze grew serious. He smoothed a fold of his robe, pondering for a moment before replying.
"You must know by now, the Fatui seek the Visions of the other Archons. The Geo Archon has passed, and his body is hidden by the Liyue Qixing. Even the Adepti couldn't see him."
He paused briefly, then continued, "Only by invoking the Rite of Parting—an old Liyue tradition—could the Fatui get near the Geo Archon's remains and attempt to take his Gnosis."
Paimon's eyes widened in shock. "That's... incredibly dangerous! Mr. Zhongli, you knew this and still let him help?"
Zhongli smiled faintly, his expression full of weary wisdom.
"As I said, I don't want the people of Liyue to forget their traditions. Whatever schemes the Fatui have are not our concern."
Paimon looked like she wanted to argue, but Shao Yun cut her off.
"No more questions, Paimon. We help Mr. Zhongli with the Rite, and he gives us the answers we want. That's all that matters."
He patted her back, signaling her to calm down, then turned to Zhongli, eyes steady with trust.
"Mr. Zhongli, we trust in your wisdom. Childe said you know the past and present—please help answer Lumine's questions."
Zhongli's expression softened with humility at the praise. "You flatter me, Mr. Shao Yun. I only know a thing or two."
Shao Yun shook his head and leaned in, patting Zhongli's shoulder, his voice low.
"Come on, Mr. Zhongli. I know you know far more than you let on. Here's the deal: we help you with the Rite, you give us the answers. Got it?"
Zhongli blinked, then nodded.
"You have my word. But if there are things I truly don't know, then I hope you'll understand."
…
Zhongli began briefing them on the task.
"First, we need the finest Noctilucous Jade—stone pure enough to rival the divine."
Lumine asked, "Where can we find that kind of jade?"
Zhongli smiled faintly, his eyes glimmering. "Jade Mystery shop at Mingyun Village. They have just the quality we need."
"Alright, let's go together then."
But Shao Yun proposed a different plan.
"Mr. Zhongli, I suggest we split up. That way, we can get everything faster."
Zhongli frowned slightly, concerned. "The items required for the Rite are not ordinary. They must be chosen with care."
Shao Yun grinned, full of confidence. "Don't worry. As long as you give me the details, I'll get the job done."
Seeing his determination, Zhongli relented. "Very well…"
He tasked Shao Yun with acquiring Glaze Lilies for making incense, and Everlasting Incense.
He even listed the types, where to process them, and where to find them.
Shao Yun pulled out his notebook and wrote everything down.
"Got it. Those two things—I'll get them. And don't worry, I'll go about it legally. No stealing, no robbing."
Lumine and Paimon felt his joke was a bit cold. Zhongli, however, found it amusing and offered one more reminder.
"Glaze Lilies can be found at Bubu Pharmacy. Ask the shopkeeper, Baizhu. Everlasting Incense, however, is rarer—but you'll also likely find it at the same place."
Shao Yun waved confidently.
"I'll get it done in a day."
Lumine looked at him with concern. "Are you sure?"
He turned, eyes gleaming with certainty.
"The Northland Bank is footing the bill—not our money. With enough coin, anything's possible. I bet we can finish this Rite in two, maybe three days. Then we'll get what we came for."
He turned to Zhongli. "Once I've got the goods, where do I bring them?"
Zhongli pointed toward Yujing Terrace.
"The usual place—Yiyan Hall."
Shao Yun nodded.
"I'll head there once I'm done." He looked at Lumine, voice serious. "Stay safe. If anything happens—run with Paimon."