The Next Day.
North Dock, just outside the entrance bridge to Liyue Harbor.
A blonde traveler was slowly approaching, followed by a gluttonous little floating creature.
"Wow, Lumine, look, this must be the Liyue that the bard was talking about!"
"We finally made it!!!"
Recalling the rush from Mondstadt all the way here, Paimon's face was full of emotion.
"Hehe, the days of eating wind and sleeping rough are finally over."
"Lumine, let's hurry and ask a local about it."
"The bard said Liyue's annual Rite of Descension is happening in these next two days—don't know if we're late already."
"If we want to find the Geo Archon, there's only this one chance in a whole year."
"Mm."
Hearing this, Lumine nodded slightly.
"Hopefully we're not too late."
They had pushed themselves along the whole journey, afraid of missing the Rite of Descension. After all, it was only during this occasion that the Archon appeared in Liyue Harbor.
If they missed it, the next chance wouldn't come until a year later.
There might be other ways to meet this god, but why complicate things when there was a simple, direct path?
Lumine wasn't afraid of trouble, but she didn't want to create it unnecessarily.
This so-called Rite of Descension was no doubt the easiest way to face the god.
"Wow…"
"So many people."
"It feels so lively."
As they crossed the bridge into the harbor, the pair finally experienced what it meant to be in a true trade capital.
Crowds bustled in every direction.
"It must be because of the Rite of Descension."
Lumine responded softly:
"This is the biggest event of the year. Normally, it shouldn't be so crowded."
"Oh, right, Lumine!"
Paimon floated in front of her, suddenly serious.
"Did you know? The currency we use—Mora—is actually named after this god!"
"And, and, when we're in Liyue, we mustn't directly call the Archon 'Morax,' or we'll instantly be branded as rude foreigners!"
"So here, we should follow the locals and call him 'Rex Lapis.' That's the respectful title Liyue uses, and we need to follow their customs!"
"Rex Lapis, huh?"
Lumine nodded. "I understand."
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
They weren't here to cause trouble—they were here to find her brother.
Better not to attract attention.
And besides, she didn't even know whether this god was an ally or an enemy yet.
Best to be cautious.
"Hehe, now you're getting it~"
Paimon's face beamed with smug pride.
"..."
Lumine chose silence.
This Paimon—always swelling up with pride for no reason, only to be smacked back down again.
She was used to it.
"Paimon, go on!"
Lumine pointed.
"Okay, leave it to me!"
Paimon confidently puffed her chest and floated up to a stranger sitting on some steps.
"Hello, sorry to bother you, but could you tell us…"
"..."
Lumine stood quietly, listening carefully for the information she needed.
The Rite of Descension was indeed today.
It would begin at noon, held at the highest point of Liyue Harbor—Yujing Terrace.
"Thank you, thank you~"
Paimon pressed her hands together in thanks, then drifted back.
"Lumine, I asked! All set."
"Got it."
Lumine nodded. "Let's head to Yujing Terrace."
"Mmhm!" Paimon nodded quickly. "It's almost time already!"
No time for washing up or finding an inn.
With noon approaching fast, they needed to hurry.
And Paimon didn't mind—after so long camping outdoors, what was one or two more days?
Finding her brother came first.
Everything else could wait until after they met the Geo Archon.
The two hurried off toward Yujing Terrace.
At the same time.
Yujing Terrace, atop the Moon-Sea Pavilion.
Several figures stood in two groups at the balcony rail, looking down at the sea of people below.
Guizhong, Madame Ping, Cloud Retainer, Moon Carver, River Flows, Yingda… even Ganyu was present.
"The Rite of Descension… how many years has it been since I last saw it."
"Indeed, it's been long since I came to Liyue Harbor. It has truly changed with the times."
"You all should learn from Madame Ping—why hole up in the mountains so much? Look at this place, so lively."
"True. Stay up in the mountains too long, and you really do turn into old relics."
"Less of your jokes. I may visit rarely, but at least I come. Unlike those two."
"..."
Moon Carver and River Flows wanted to retort, but… leaving Cloud Retainer behind while the two of them went out traveling—well, it did feel a bit guilty.
Better not to argue, lest Cloud Retainer catch hold of this as ammo later.
On the other side—
"Ganyu, Ganyu! Liyue has changed so much over the years. I hardly recognize it. Later you must take me out to explore it all properly!"
Yingda wrapped an arm around Ganyu's shoulder, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Though revived three days ago, three days was nowhere near enough to take in all of Liyue.
Her curiosity burned strong.
"Of course~"
Ganyu smiled gently:
"When I have time, I'll take you to see everything, anywhere you want."
"A promise then!"
Yingda's eyes lit up, then she leaned closer to whisper:
"Ganyu, you've already met Mr. Taro, haven't you?"
"Yes."
Ganyu nodded. "I met him last night."
"Perfect!" Yingda whispered excitedly:
"You know where he lives, right?"
"I do." Ganyu blinked. "Yingda, you're planning…?"
"Yes."
Yingda nodded heavily.
"Brother Bosacius is missing. Menogias and Bonanus have yet to be revived."
"Xiao must guard Dihua Marsh—he cannot leave easily."
"And… his karmic debt remains heavy. He cannot freely walk among mortals."
"So this time, it must be me."
The five Yaksha siblings shared deep bonds.
Now that only she had revived, her heart could not rest easy.
Xiao had carried the burden alone for centuries—she could not let her younger brother continue to suffer alone.
As the elder sister, she had to shoulder it.
And she still owed a debt.
Even slavery would not be too much to repay it.
"Yingda…"
Ganyu reached out to ruffle her hair, her voice warm:
"Mr. Taro is easy to talk to. And over the years I've gathered some wealth too."
"When the time comes, we can offer it together. You don't need to worry."
"After the Rite of Descension, when I'm free, I'll go with you."
"Uu~ thank you, Sister Ganyu!"
Yingda hugged her tight, half laughing, half crying.
"I knew you were the best."
"..."
Ganyu's lips curved gently as she patted Yingda's back.
"Alright, alright."
(End of Chapter)
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