In the pitch-black wilderness, the rock-yellow and ice-blue Elemental Power illuminated the surroundings.
Suddenly, the water-blue Elemental Power slowly transformed into purple, and Electro Element Power erupted violently from Tartaglia, radiating outward in all directions. Tartaglia began to unleash the power of his Delusion.
Mu Qingge slammed Vortex into the ground, summoning a Profound Shield that completely enveloped her.
"Lady Mu, brace yourself!"
Tartaglia charged forward, twin blades in hand, his powerful strikes crashing against the geo Shield, creating only ripples across its surface.
Maintaining her spear-planted stance, Mu Qingge watched Tartaglia assault her shield from all directions.
The shield she had conjured was far from easy to break, but to save time and fully enjoy the battle, Mu Qingge deliberately withdrew the shield, engaging Tartaglia in direct combat once more.
Tartaglia fused his twin blades into a long spear, unleashing his full strength in this transformed state.
Bang!
Mu Qingge delivered a powerful blow that sent Tartaglia flying backward, creating distance between them.
"Huff... As expected of Lady Mu! Looks like I'll have to pull out some real tricks if I want to have some real fun!"
As Tartaglia spoke, an even more formidable purple-black energy barrier enveloped him, and his berserk power began to coalesce at its center.
Mu Qingge frowned, tightening her grip on her spear.
Across from her, Tartaglia had completed his transformation and lunged toward her with a roar: "Come on!"
Mu Qingge's Elemental Power surged, her aura exploding outward. The Vortex Vanquisher crackled with overwhelming Elemental Power.
A dozen minutes later...
Mu Qingge stood leaning against a large tree in a grassy field, while Tartaglia lay sprawled on the ground, his dignity in tatters.
The victor was obvious.
"I-I admire you," Tartaglia rasped, stubbornly raising his right hand and giving a thumbs-up.
Few had ever earned Tartaglia's respect. The Kaiyang was one of them.
Her personality and strength resonated with him perfectly, and her beauty was breathtaking. During his time in Liyue, Tartaglia had challenged her to sparring matches at least three times, each time losing.
He had come to realize they were kindred spirits, both driven by a thirst for battle and a relentless desire to grow stronger. If not for their opposing loyalties, they might have become great friends.
Perhaps something more than just friends...
But thinking about what he was about to do to Liyue, he wondered if he would still be able to invite her to battle after that.
"The Fatui's activities have been escalating recently," Mu Qingge warned. "I must remind you to exercise restraint. If you fall into the hands of the Millelith, I won't let you off easily."
Mu Qingge had no idea what Tartaglia was thinking. She merely delivered her warning.
Tartaglia rolled over, switching from sitting up to lying down.
"Ha ha, Lady Mu, rest assured, I'll keep my subordinates in check."
"You'd better."
Mu Qingge glanced at the night sky. "It's getting late. I must leave. Farewell."
Tartaglia struggled to prop himself up with his hands, watching Mu Qingge's departing figure.
"Sss~ This woman... she really doesn't hold back."
-
Upon hearing the news, Mu Qingge immediately entrusted all her pending tasks to Feng Yan and rushed to the stall at top speed.
As everyone knows, all of Liyue are Rex Lapis enthusiasts.
There are ordinary Rex Lapis fans like the common folk, hidden Rex Lapis fans like Keqing, twisted Rex Lapis fans like the Regrator, anti-fan Rex Lapis enthusiasts, and of course, rational yet passionate Rex Lapis fans like Mu Qingge herself!
Mu Qingge's connection with the Geo Archon runs deep. She had come under the Geo Archon's notice when she was very young, and she was among the most devout followers of Rex Lapis.
In Liyue Harbor, this is common knowledge.
"Good morning, Lady Mu!"
"Morning, Lady Mu!"
"Good morning, everyone!" Mu Qingge greeted everyone with a smile, yet her pace never faltered.
After she left, the people who had greeted her began discussing:
"Lady Mu seems to be in a hurry."
"Haven't you heard? Old Yang brought a whole batch of exquisite Rex Lapis figurines to sell today. The craftsmanship is stunning—each one is very exquisite! I wanted to join the crowd and buy one, but the crowd was overwhelming..."
"No wonder! Old Yang's craftsmanship is truly unmatched. It's been years since he last came, so he probably brought his entire stock this time."
"Only matters concerning Rex Lapis could make Lady Mu so eager. I wonder if she'll actually manage to buy one."
"Of course she will! If you saw Lady Mu joining the queue, wouldn't you let her cut the line?"
"Ha ha, true enough!"
As they chatted, a cloaked figure darted past at an even faster pace.
-
Meanwhile, at artisan Old Yang's stall...
A crowd had gathered, but while many were looking, few were actually buying.
The reason was simple: they were incredibly expensive, each costing 500,000 Mora!
The larger ones in the center even went for a million Mora!
How could ordinary people afford such extravagance?
Yet despite the steep prices, every piece was undeniably exquisite, as evidenced by the murmurs of admiration among the crowd.
I may not be buying one—they're too expensive—but I can still appreciate that they're worth the price. I just can't bring myself to spend that much.
But this was Liyue Harbor, after all, a place teeming with wealthy merchants and nobles.
Even as the crowd lingered and observed, Old Yang had already sold several of his creations.
Just then, a handsome young man with refined manners, dressed in opulent black and gold attire, approached the stall. He picked up a small clay figurine and examined it closely.
"The choice of materials is ingenious, the craftsmanship exceptional, and the attention to detail impeccable. It's clear the artisan poured his heart into this piece, capturing much of Rex Lapis's divine essence. Whether displayed as a centerpiece or handled as a toy, it's well worth purchasing."
Old Yang recognized Zhongli and beamed at the lavish praise of his work.
"If Mr. Zhongli desires it, I can offer a ten percent discount."
Each of these pieces represented a significant investment of his time and meticulous effort, making the asking price reasonable.
Zhongli shook his head. "This item is exceptionally rare, yet the price seems too low. In my opinion, selling it for 600,000 Mora would be more appropriate."
"Ha ha! Mr. Zhongli speaks frankly, but I've already set the price and cannot arbitrarily change it. Otherwise, wouldn't I betray the spirit of contract so valued by Rex Lapis?"
"Indeed, my oversight."
"Then, does Mr. Zhongli still wish to purchase it?"
"Yes. No need for the discount; I'll pay the full price. As for the bill... please send it to Northland Bank."
As Zhongli finalized his transaction with the boss, a sudden gasp erupted from behind them.
Zhongli listened carefully and instantly understood.
She had arrived.