Use the Lantern Rite as tradition—
Plant the seed of the Divine Incense Path.
Let it take root naturally among the people of Liyue?
Too slow. Far too slow!
"Ningguang, your steps are too short," Keqing said flatly.
"When did your vision become so narrow?"
"…"
Ningguang's smile faltered slightly.
Narrow vision?
This was the first time anyone had ever said that to her—
and it came from Keqing of all people.
"Oh?" Ningguang didn't get angry. Her tone was calm.
"If you have a better plan, then speak. I'm listening."
"It's not a clever plan," Keqing replied, shaking her head lightly.
"But if it were me—"
"Tonight, I'd decide the policy.
Tomorrow, I'd have the General Affairs Bureau begin issuing orders.
Within ten to fifteen days, all of Liyue's lights would shine again."
"Public order forces would be mobilized to eliminate monsters and stabilize the land.
Then, using the Lantern Rite as the pretext—"
"We'd hold a grand military parade."
"What do you think?"
"...?" Ningguang's brows furrowed.
Was she serious?
The current Liyue was at a delicate point of transition.
To launch such a massive event now…
"Eh? I agree!" Guizhong suddenly brightened, clapping her hands together.
"Now that's a fine idea, Yuheng Star!"
"At this moment, Liyue is rife with undercurrents.
A grand parade would display strength—intimidate foreign forces, reassure our people."
"The Lantern Rite symbolizes light and hope.
People light their lanterns to pray for peace and happiness,
and to honor the brave who gave their lives."
"With that as the theme, once the Divine Incense Path is announced,
the citizens of Liyue will naturally unite behind it."
"...A military parade?"
Cloud Retainer raised a brow. "Now, that's rare."
"However, the Lantern Rite is only two months away.
The scale you're talking about… will there be enough time?"
"There will," Keqing answered firmly. "There's always a way."
"Besides, this plan will need the full support of you immortals."
Without the Adepti's backing, it wouldn't work.
Mortal effort has limits—no matter how sound a plan, it can only go so far.
To truly succeed, divine strength was indispensable.
"Hmm…" Moon Carver pondered briefly. "If this requires the strength of all Liyue,
then we can also summon the great exorcist families to help spread the word across the land—
and reveal ourselves to the world once more."
"The Master saved not only the Millelith,
but also many of Liyue's ancient families.
Since they owe their lives to him, they should lend a hand."
"The exorcist families, hm…" River Calmer nodded gently.
"Leave that to me. We share old ties."
The Adepti and the great families had long-standing relationships.
Many current elders were once his or Moon Carver's disciples.
With him reaching out, few would dare refuse.
"Thank you for your aid."
Hearing their agreement, both Keqing and Ningguang smiled.
The Adepti were not so aloof after all.
They had simply been misunderstood by mortals for too long.
"You two old fossils…"
Cloud Retainer frowned lightly.
"This immortal also has a disciple—Shenhe.
I'll send word tonight and have the child lend her strength as well."
But even as she spoke, worry flickered in her eyes.
She turned and called Ganyu over, whispering a reminder.
"Ganyu, Shenhe's nature is… unusual. You two should spend time together,
get familiar with one another."
Solitary star, cursed fate—both ill destinies.
Shenhe carried both. Her nature was twisted by twin calamities.
Were it not for the Adepti's guidance and the red cord binding her soul,
the result would have been disastrous.
But the red cord, while restraining her spirit,
had also made her detached from the mortal world—
naïve to its ways and emotions.
Without guidance, she could easily cause chaos.
"Shenhe, my junior sister?" Ganyu smiled softly.
"Don't worry, Master. I'll take good care of her."
She had known for some time her teacher had taken a new disciple.
Letters had mentioned the girl often—
but as the Qixing's secretary, Ganyu's worldly duties were endless.
Years passed, and she still hadn't met her sister-disciple in person.
"Then it's settled."
Guizhong clapped once more, voice bright.
"Everyone, do your best! This year will be lively indeed."
Her gaze then turned to Taro.
"Mr. Taro, what do you think?"
"No problem."
Taro nodded slightly. "I'll have Fanan handle the coordination.
He'll work directly with the Qixing."
"Fanan, hm?" Guizhong nodded approvingly, bowing slightly.
"Understood. Thank you, Mr. Taro."
"Thank you, Mr. Taro!"
The Adepti all bowed together in gratitude.
"…"
Taro scratched his head, smiling faintly.
"This is a little embarrassing."
He then looked toward Mino.
"Mino, your elder brother Fushou has already been revived.
Would you like to see him?"
"Thank you, sir."
Mino raised her head solemnly. "We all know our brother's temperament well.
Two months' time is nothing. There's no need to rush."
Their eldest was a man of loyalty and deep feeling—
all the siblings knew it.
And with the Lantern Rite only two months away, there was no hurry.
"Very well."
Taro nodded, then turned to Keqing.
"Keqing, I'll leave the crafting of effigies, spirit tablets, and memorial monuments to you.
Once they're complete, we can begin condensing the nation's fate and stabilizing its destiny."
"Understood." Keqing nodded deeply.
"I'll give this my full devotion. I will not let you down, Mr. Taro."
This plan was monumental for Liyue.
She wouldn't lag behind—no, she intended to lead.
As the Yuheng Star, being a pioneer was her duty.
"Good." Taro smiled. "Also… you stood me up once."
"I still remember."
"Ah…"
Keqing froze for a moment, then flushed awkwardly.
"Apologies, Mr. Taro. That was my fault."
"I'll make it up to you someday."
They had agreed to share a meal after the Rite of Parting—
but buried under paperwork and petitions, she had completely forgotten.
And truth be told, Taro hadn't exactly been innocent either.
He'd quietly shifted part of the logistics work to her office that same day.
A successful deflection—Keqing never realized he'd ditched her too.
"Eh? You two planning a dinner date?"
Guizhong leaned in mischievously. "Just the two of you?"
"Of course," Ningguang teased, smiling shamelessly.
"Two people—nothing more."
"Hah…" Keqing inhaled slowly. "How about this—during the Lantern Rite,
I'll host a grand banquet. Invite all the Adepti as guests of honor.
Would that be acceptable?"
"I approve!" Guizhong raised her hand immediately.
"It's been ages since we all gathered. Perfect time for a drink!"
The other Adepti exchanged glances.
"Fine," Madame Ping said first. "We'll agree.
Though I wonder—will the Geo Lord attend?"
"He wouldn't dare not to." Cloud Retainer huffed.
"How could an Adepti gathering be held without him?
If he doesn't come, I'll drag him myself!"
Laughter rippled across the room, echoing like chimes through the clouds.
(End of Chapter)
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