The three moved quickly, arriving near Yujing Terrace without wasting much time.
Just a few more steps up these high stairs, and they'd reach Granny Ping's place.
Near the base of Yujing Terrace's stairs lay a pale green lotus pond, dotted with artificial rockeries. A censer sat atop the central rock formation.
Stone lanterns lined the pond's edge. With night having fallen, this area looked particularly beautiful now.
Most visitors here were couples—the atmosphere was undeniably romantic—along with scholars and poets.
This wasn't the upper level of Yujing Terrace, so restrictions were minimal. Plus, this area housed a pharmacy.
Bubu Pharmacy. Staffed by two Vision holders: Qiqi and Baizhu.
Baizhu, known as "Doctor" to the people, could sometimes flash a cunning, merchant-like smile, other times, a gentle, kindly one. Yet no one disliked him.
He'd treated countless Liyue citizens over the years. Doctor Baizhu often took Qiqi to various regions, helping those in need receive medical care.
Thus, most people spoke highly of him.
As for Qiqi—some loved her, others feared her. She was, after all, a zombie.
You didn't have to visit Bubu Pharmacy to encounter Qiqi. Sometimes in the wilderness, you might spot a small, adorable zombie fighting monsters or gathering herbs.
Qiqi was an herb gatherer. Anyone familiar with her knew this.
"Qiqi, time to go."
Inside Bubu Pharmacy, Baizhu called to Qiqi, who was doing her morning stretches nearby. Even during the festival, they couldn't rest.
For a healer, this was routine.
"Ah, Qiqi's coming." A flat, emotionless girl's voice replied, carrying an eerie coolness.
Qiqi approached Baizhu step by step, clutching a medical kit.
Seeing everything prepared, Baizhu gave a few instructions to the receptionist pharmacist and left with Qiqi.
---
Elsewhere
Along their route, streets and alleys were packed with people holding Xiao lanterns.
Everyone chatted and laughed, gazing skyward as if anticipating something.
"Never getting to make my own Xiao lantern... that's such a shame."
Bonanus said with a hint of envy. She kind of wanted to craft one herself.
Lantern Rite's Xiao lanterns weren't just beautiful—they carried sincere wishes skyward, slowly drifting into the distance.
But did wishes actually come true? Bonanus had no idea.
She only remembered that in her previous life's game, every time she lit the Xiao lanterns left over from events, she'd always end up pulling Qiqi.
"They do look wonderful. But making one now? Probably too late." Bosacius shook his head regretfully.
They'd spent the whole day playing, never once mentioning lantern-making. It hadn't been part of their plans, so it simply slipped their minds.
"There's always next year's Lantern Rite." Xiao crossed his arms, quietly watching the lanterns.
"Guess we'll have to wait until next year." Bonanus shook her head lightly. Who knew what might happen in a year?
Peaceful as these times were, unexpected things could always occur. Adepti weren't omnipotent, after all.
But these weren't concerns for now. Worrying about things that hadn't happened would only bring anxiety.
"Don't regret it too much. At least you'll get to experience releasing lanterns soon enough."
Xiao stepped forward, gently rubbing Bonanus's shoulder in comfort.
"I'm fine, Alatus. But maybe I'll learn how to make them sometime. Hope whichever teacher I find won't mind a slow learner."
Bonanus smiled expectantly. If she mastered lantern-making, she'd craft the biggest Xiao lantern ever!
As for design... a giant dragon-shaped Rex Lapis! Surely everyone would love that!
"Oh? If Sister Bonanus wants to learn, I could spare some time to teach." Xiao said seriously.
"Really? Then I'll be troubling you, Alatus." Bonanus agreed happily. Having such an adorable little brother as a teacher? That'd be awesome.
Bosacius, trailing behind, watched the two chatter away while he couldn't get a word in. He couldn't shake the feeling he was just a third wheel.
Yujing Terrace
Climbing the high stairs, Bonanus kept spotting tall Millelith soldiers. Looking at their heights, she couldn't help but feel another pang of envy.
She really wanted to be tall! She wasn't asking for much—just Jean's height would do! Failing that, Lisa's would work too!
"Quite a few soldiers here!" Bosacius rubbed his chin. He'd carefully observed the stationed troops along the way.
They all looked fairly capable. Mortals, sure, but their presence was undeniable.
"Of course! Yujing Terrace is where the important people gather!" Bonanus told him. As adepti, they probably counted as important people too, right?
The Millelith stationed here felt energized every day. They gave their all, hoping to catch someone's eye and earn promotion.
Of course, for every striver, there were slackers. If you looked carefully in certain hidden spots, you might spot some Millelith playing Genius Invocation TCG on duty.
"So this is where Sister Ping lives?" Bosacius surveyed the surroundings. It really did seem like a nice place.
Cultivated Silk Flowers and Glaze Lilies adorned the area—beautiful and relaxing to look at.
"This isn't her residence. She has her own teapot." Xiao stood aside, arms crossed, correcting him calmly.
Granny Ping, who considered herself mortal, couldn't afford Yujing Terrace property. If you chatted with her, she'd likely say:
"An old woman like me can't afford those high Yujing Terrace prices. I generally live in my teapot."
Some believed this, some didn't. But few dared underestimate Granny Ping.
"We can ask her later." Bonanus scanned the area, searching for the building she'd visited during the day.
Having only been there once, her memory wasn't crystal clear. Still, it should feel somewhat familiar.
"Big Brother Bosacius! Alatus! It's that one!" Soon, Bonanus spotted their target.
The three exchanged nods. Seeing the door open, they walked straight in.
Upon entering, they nearly collided with Yanfei, who was organizing documents. Yanfei looked curiously at the three adepti.
But when she noticed the drawings on the other two's faces, she paused momentarily.
Then, quickly recovering, she stepped forward to greet them warmly.
"Great Serpent General! Whirlwind General! Conqueror of Demons!"
Yanfei respectfully addressed them by their titles and adeptal names, which immediately made all three feel uncomfortable.
"Just call me Xiao." Xiao spoke first. He didn't need overly respectful titles—just his name sufficed.
"Same here. Just call me Bosacius." Bosacius nodded.
Bonanus simply smiled gently. Having met once before, she didn't need to act distant.
She stepped forward, lightly ruffling Yanfei's soft hair, and said in a warm voice:
"Don't treat us like elders. Think of us as your big brother and big sister instead."
Hearing this, Yanfei squirmed shyly. Just as the records described, Bonanus was truly gentle.
"Okay~" Yanfei rarely showed this childlike side. For a lawyer like her to act this way? Precious indeed.
"Honored adepti... um... Sister Bonanus, Granny Ping and Senior Ganyu have been waiting inside. Let's hurry!" Yanfei got down to business.
Bonanus's eyes crinkled. She immediately linked arms with Yanfei and headed into the back garden.
The other two nodded and followed. A gathering like this? Truly rare.