Atsuko told the Traveler the method to get to Inazuma—by seeking out Beidou. So, let's go ask the miraculous Beidou.
Upon arriving at The Crux, Beidou happened to be planning a martial arts tournament, inviting those without Visions to participate. Although the Traveler could wield elemental powers, she was still someone without a Vision, making her arrival perfectly timed.
Aside from Beidou, there was another person who received considerable attention—a certain Kaedehara Kazuha.
[Lumine: "Is this another 'Bard'?"]
An Anemo Vision, not particularly tall, and fond of music and poetry—indeed, quite similar to a certain bard.
Speaking of which, in reality, Lumine wasn't particularly close with Kazuha at this point. On the other hand, Hu Tao and Kazuha got along quite well.
During the last Moonchase Festival, since neither of them could drink, they ended up discussing poetry together.
Hu Tao's talent for poetry, well… let's just say it "broadened" Kazuha's horizons, giving him even more inspiration for future compositions.
Oh, and incidentally, Kazuha actually purchased one of Hu Tao's "services"—a special package.
If Kazuha were to meet an unfortunate end during his wanderings in the future, Hu Tao would find him and bury him in a certain place in Inazuma, allowing him to return to his roots.
Returning to the book, Beidou explained the rules and rewards of the tournament to the Traveler.
The rules weren't particularly restrictive, with the main one being the prohibition of elemental powers—since the prize was an ownerless Vision.
This piqued the interest of many, drawing numerous skilled individuals without Visions to participate.
Not everyone was there for the Vision, though. Many simply wanted to see the skill level of other Visionless fighters.
Previously, news of this tournament had only spread to a few places around Liyue Harbor, and the participants were of mixed quality—ranging from the narcissistic to the deceived, and those with only a modicum of skill. In short, there were very few true masters.
But now, thanks to Lucian's promotion, practically all of Teyvat knew about it.
The local legends of Fontaine were rolling up their sleeves, already packing their bags for Liyue.
"Feels like we ought to thank Lucian for this…" Beidou laughed heartily.
Originally, she had just wanted to help Kazuha. With her influence as "Captain Beidou," she still held some sway in Liyue.
But now, she didn't even need to rally anyone—Lucian's book had done all the promotion for her.
However, this also meant that the participants wouldn't just be those without Visions. All sorts of masters would likely show up, though they'd at least refrain from using their Visions.
As such, the rewards would have to be adjusted. Kazuha's Vision could still serve as an incentive, but the champion's prize would need to be replaced with something else.
Kazuha, standing nearby, nodded. He held great fondness for Lucian and very much wanted an opportunity to meet him.
As for how he knew of Lucian—aside from the books, it was through Hu Tao…
During the Moonchase Festival, Hu Tao had told him plenty about Lucian, since Kazuha was someone who loved hearing stories. She shared many wondrous tales with him—most of which she had heard from Lucian himself.
While Kazuha and Beidou wanted to thank Lucian, Lumine wanted to "repay" him.
Originally, this tournament wouldn't have been particularly challenging, but now, thanks to him, what about her boat ticket?
Lucian, how are you going to make up for the boat ticket you owe me?
And here I've been cooking for you these past few days—guess I'll just make you a "Fishy Toast" as a reward.
That said, Lumine wasn't actually worried about getting a ride. Given her current relationship with Beidou, hitching a free ride wouldn't be an issue.
Meanwhile, at the Northland Bank, Tartaglia's eyes were practically sparkling. He had just returned to Liyue, and already something this interesting was happening?
Heavens, is this my reward?
As for the Vision—he could just hand it off to someone for safekeeping. The tournament? He was so there!
Tartaglia gave Lucian a thumbs-up for turning an ordinary martial arts tournament into the "Number One Under Heaven Martial Arts Tournament."
However, while praising Lucian, Tartaglia also felt a bit troubled. Now that he was back, it was time to repay the life he owed Lucian.
He just hoped Lucian would let him participate in the tournament before collecting…
Arlecchino sat quietly, watching as Tartaglia alternated between excitement and melancholy, practically bouncing around.
The tournament was indeed interesting, but Arlecchino had no intention of participating—at most, she'd go watch.
In Dihua Marsh, Jiangxue stroked his chin, intrigued. "This ought to be more fun than fishing."
On Dragonspine, Albedo pondered briefly before packing his bags, planning to head down to Liyue for a look.
At the Knights of Favonius Headquarters, in Jean's office, Kaeya also gave it some thought before speaking up: "Shouldn't Mondstadt's 'strongest combatant' also participate?"
The reason he wasn't at the tavern was because of the recent Abyss Order invasion. The Knights were still cleaning up the monsters, leaving him no time for drinks.
Though the cleanup was nearly done, as the Cavalry Captain, he couldn't leave the Knights just yet.
Since Lucian had written about Klee's story, everyone knew Kaeya was referring to her as the "strongest combatant."
Jean also thought it was a good idea. Klee had performed well during the recent incident, so taking her to Liyue for some fun would be fine.
As for Kaeya's suggestion of participating, Jean was certain he was joking.
"Very well, Kaeya. You'll take Klee, Noelle, and Amber to Liyue," Jean said.
She was still worried Kaeya might stir up trouble, so she assigned the more obedient and steady Noelle and the more likable Amber to accompany him.
If she gave Noelle instructions beforehand, Noelle's temperament would ensure she followed them—provided Kaeya didn't manage to trick her.
"..." Eula stared at Jean. She wanted to go too.
Only Jean, Lisa, and a few Captains were present in the office—Amber and the others weren't there.
Eula wanted to go not just because Amber was going, but also because a trip to Liyue meant seeing Lucian—something she'd been longing for.
Jean noticed Eula's gaze and, recalling Lucian's stories, understood her thoughts.
"Eula, you'll go as well. Sigh… What was supposed to be a leisure trip is turning into a diplomatic delegation. Now I have to draft formal correspondence…" Jean massaged her temples.
Eula was delighted, a faint smile tugging at her lips—though she still turned her head away with a "Hmph. Fine, I'll accompany them, then."
Elsewhere in Mondstadt, Mona was currently in a foul mood. After returning home, she used hydromancy to check and realized Lucian had visited Mondstadt—and she'd missed him.
"That damned Lucian!" Mona gritted her teeth.
If the mountain won't come to me, I'll go to the mountain. If I can't wait for you, I'll head to Liyue!
Similarly, Cyno had also been planning to visit Liyue for a while now, eager to spar with the "masters" there.
This tournament provided the perfect opportunity, so Cyno decided to set off.
He wasn't going alone, though—the Sumeru Fantastic Four and Collei were joining him.
Of their group, only Cyno had any intention of participating in the tournament. The others were mostly going for the spectacle, wanting to witness the world's strongest fighters.
Clorinde rang the "phone" Lucian had given her—the first time she'd actively used it.
Honestly, even Wriothesley was intrigued and wanted to go to Liyue for a look.
Furina and Navia also called Lucian, though not to participate—they just wanted to watch the excitement.
Now, the entire northwest was about to erupt into chaos.
===✧✦✧===
Character Voiceline · Kazuha: About Lucian
"You mean Mr. Lucian? I admire him greatly, and I'm very grateful to him. If given the chance, I'd love to travel with him.
It's just a shame… he doesn't seem too fond of going out, does he?"