Venti's expression became somewhat complicated.
Celestia... lofty and distant, beyond reach.
The Seven Archons may appear to rule their respective nations with great power, yet they all exist beneath the gaze of the Heavenly Principles.
And now...
Venti knew the wonders of the card shop and understood the immense power it could bestow upon people. But the power it granted was too overwhelming—capable of elevating individuals beyond even his own comprehension as a god!
Many things, unless witnessed firsthand, no matter how they are described or conveyed through words, fail to leave a deep impression.
Only when seen with one's own eyes can the true magnitude of it be understood.
"Incredible!"
Venti uttered two words, his expression still carrying traces of lingering astonishment.
"Cognition is like a circle," Lu Heng said with a smile. "You, him, them, and even I—we are all frogs at the bottom of a well within this circle. Without external influences, our understanding remains fixed, unable to see the vast world beyond."
"So, I understand your mindset."
Lu Heng raised his cup in a gesture before taking a sip of warm tea.
"Tsk, running low on tea leaves."
"How about switching to wine?"
Venti grinned, sighing, "Now, even us frogs at the bottom of the well can catch a glimpse of the world beyond the well's edge. Thanks!"
"No need for such formalities."
Lu Heng shook his head with a laugh.
"Sometimes, you sound a lot like that old blockhead," Venti remarked seriously.
"I'm actually not that old," Lu Heng replied, shaking his head without elaborating further. "Alright, are you sure you don't want to try a few pulls? You might get lucky on the first try."
"No rush, no rush," Venti waved his hand dismissively.
A single pull cost 10,000 Mora—that would take days of busking to earn!
Too painful to spend!
"Eat up, eat up."
Tartaglia beamed.
The leap from Tier 1 to Tier 2 wasn't particularly significant.
Just a few Tier 3 cards were enough to elevate the Crimson Toad from Tier 1 to Tier 2.
It quickly grew to the size of a small calf.
But it also possessed its own unique ability—it could shrink itself back to the size of an ordinary toad.
Tartaglia thought this was perfect. He could hide it in his hand and, during a fight, suddenly summon the Crimson Toad to ambush his opponent. Who could possibly defend against that?
Though Tartaglia had a sense of martial honor and wouldn't usually resort to sneak attacks, it was better to have the option and not need it than to need it and not have it!
While Lu Heng, Venti, and Tartaglia were feeding the Crimson Toad, the news of Lu Heng's impending departure had already spread throughout the Court of Fontaine.
"What?!"
"Lu Heng is leaving?!"
This news struck Furina like a thunderbolt from the blue.
It was completely unexpected.
"Why so sudden, so soon..."
Focalors watched her distraught expression and sighed. "Go ask him yourself."
"Mm!"
Furina nodded firmly, not hesitating for even a second before turning and breaking into a run.
"Yes, I'm planning to set off soon to open a branch in Liyue," Lu Heng said into his phone. "No need to see me off—it's too much trouble. I'll just open a portal when the time comes."
"Thanks for the well-wishes. Likewise, I hope your work goes smoothly. Goodbye."
Lu Heng hung up after Neuvillette's call.
"Quite convenient."
Venti flipped through the phone in his hand—a purchase he'd reluctantly made for 20,000 Mora.
Since making calls and accessing the network required an equipment ID, he'd also bought an equipment terminal.
As for card pulls... Sorry, but asking any further would only bring forth tears of poverty!
"I think so too."
Tartaglia, still feeding the Crimson Toad, nodded in agreement.
By his estimate, the phones and equipment terminals should arrive in Snezhnaya in a day or two.
Ah, just thinking about being able to call the Tsaritsa to ask for funds brought him joy.
"Hm, someone's coming," Venti remarked.
Lu Heng turned to look toward the shop entrance.
He'd expected to see Furina at mealtime, but she'd rushed over much earlier than anticipated.
Furina had even used her Swift Cape card.
She ran into the shop, panting heavily, and asked Lu Heng directly, "You're leaving?"
"Next time, don't run so recklessly. I'll wait for you," Lu Heng said, pouring her a glass of warm water.
"Why so soon?"
Furina's voice trembled slightly.
Venti's expression shifted subtly. He tugged at Tartaglia's sleeve, signaling for them to leave the shop.
Tartaglia, puzzled, was dragged away by Venti.
"The Fontaine branch is already running smoothly. It's time to expand," Lu Heng replied in his usual gentle tone.
But Furina couldn't accept it.
She'd known Lu Heng would leave eventually—he'd confirmed it himself.
Yet she'd never imagined it would be so soon, so abrupt!
She was completely unprepared.
Sitting on the sofa, her hands clenched tightly on her lap.
The time she'd known Lu Heng was actually very short.
But in that brief period, he'd left an indelible mark on her.
Furina recalled their first meeting—how she'd been full of skepticism toward him.
After realizing everything was genuine, she'd visited the shop late at night.
Even though it wasn't business hours, he'd still welcomed her.
After experiencing the immense power of the cards, Furina realized Lu Heng might have seen through her true self.
So she'd opened up to him, sharing the struggles she'd endured over the years.
Even though it was just her venting, he'd listened patiently.
Every time they dined together, she'd chatter endlessly at the table. If it were her, she might have grown tired of it long ago, but he'd never shown the slightest impatience—always wearing that warm smile.
His arrival had given her the courage to face everything. He was the beam of hope in her dark world, the key to her cage.
He was a rare miracle in her life.
Now, even with her identity exposed, Furina was no longer afraid. She could openly confide in others.
But the person she confided in mattered.
Nothing could replace the feeling he gave her.
Furina had thought these happy days would last much longer...
Until this sudden rupture jolted her awake from her beautiful dream.
She desperately wanted to ask—Did you give me the power to break free from my fate, only to leave before seeing the final outcome?
I'll soon be free from this cage. Can't you wait just a little longer? Then I'll go with you!
Her vision blurred as tears welled up.
She bit her lip, struggling to hold back her sobs.
But she was utterly heartbroken.
The shop entrance was eerily silent, with countless pairs of eyes peering in, brimming with gossip.
"What's wrong with her?" Tartaglia whispered in confusion.
"Do you know what it's like when lovers break up?" Venti countered quietly.
Tartaglia froze for a moment before connecting the dots. "The boss is breaking up with Lady Furina?"
"Are you an idiot?" Focalors couldn't help but interject.
"Then what does it mean?" Tartaglia scratched his head.
"You blockhead... I was just making a comparison," Venti sighed helplessly.
Had his martial purity robbed him of his common sense?
High emotional intelligence might call it a "pure heart," but...
"You understand her better. How would you describe it?" Tartaglia turned to Focalors.
After a brief pause, Focalors said, "Her emotions are intense. People like her tend to be deeply affectionate... Right now, it's like watching a lover die helplessly in front of you."
With that analogy, Tartaglia understood completely!
Lu Heng never expected Furina to react like this after he mentioned opening a branch.
Her expression shifted several times before dimming, as if she'd lost all hope in life.
Her entire body was tense, tears streaming as she fought to suppress her emotions.
The sight left Lu Heng speechless.
To be honest, he was struck by a strong sense of déjà vu.
Furina cried so pitifully that it almost seemed like... he'd done something unforgivable.
It made his scalp tingle.
"Don't cry," Lu Heng said helplessly. "I'm just opening a branch. Fontaine is far from Liyue Harbor, but we can still call each other. Besides, I can open portals!"
He did his best to reassure her that this wasn't a permanent farewell.
"Ah..."
The utterly distraught Furina blinked, her stray hair swaying slightly.
Huh?
That's true.
Times had changed. Communication between nations was much easier now.
When introducing the new products, Lu Heng had said that the Interdimensional Communication Device allowed for instant contact across distances.
As long as he didn't leave this world, she could always call him!
"Besides, I'm not closing this shop. If I were gone for long, what would happen if someone pulled an Epic or higher card?" Lu Heng added helplessly. "I can't exactly ask you to watch the shop, can I?"
"No!"
"I refuse!"
Furina shook her head vigorously.
No way was she babysitting his shop! If she did, who knew when he'd return?
"See?"
Lu Heng spread his hands before teasing, "Stop crying. Everyone's watching the drama."
Furina glanced over.
A crowd had gathered at the entrance, craning their necks to peek inside.
Their eyes met.
In an instant.
Her face burned crimson.
E-Everyone saw that?!
"I... I..."
The emotional rollercoaster left her struggling to form coherent sentences.
After taking several deep breaths, Furina finally declared loudly, "I was just practicing for a theater role!!"
"Such realistic acting! I almost believed it!" Venti said solemnly, as if he hadn't been eavesdropping.
"How fascinating! When does the play premiere? I can't wait to see this scene," Focalors added eagerly.
"Gah—!"
Furina stomped her foot.
She'd never live this down!
The Primordial Will descended.
The crowd froze.
Wait, was this a murder cover-up?
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Furina sat upon the Throne of the Primordial One.
The throne trembled before vanishing in a blur.
Clearly, Furina had used Instant Transmission to escape the embarrassment.
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T/N:
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