"But where are we supposed to find the other Adepti?" Paimon asked in confusion.
After a moment of silent contemplation, Mooncarver finally responded, "Mountain Shaper and Cloud Retainer often appear around these parts, but whether you'll encounter them or not… that depends on fate."
He added, "Besides them, there's also the Conqueror of Demons, the Yaksha guardian. If you wish to seek him out, you might try heading to Wangshu Inn. Perhaps you'll find some trace of him there."
"Then let's go right away, Traveler!" Paimon flew excitedly to Lumine's side, urging her impatiently.
"Mhm, let's go." Lumine nodded.
...
Inside the Northland Bank, three Fatui Harbingers—The Gambler, The Fair Lady, and Childe—received an invitation from the Liyue Qixing.
Relations between the Fatui of Snezhnaya and Liyue's authorities had always been complicated—like a whirlpool of contradictions and conflict. While they did share certain mutual interests, there were also plenty of irreconcilable tensions.
Rosalyne sat languidly on a plush sofa, gazing absently at the invitation in her hands as though admiring a piece of art.
She frowned slightly, seemingly unimpressed by the message, treating it like a mere leaf drifting on the wind.
With a flick of her fingers, she tossed the invitation onto the table in front of her.
"What sort of trickery are these Qixing trying to pull this time?" Her voice was tinged with irritation and suspicion, as cold as a northern gale.
Beside her, Shajin stretched lazily and replied nonchalantly, "Perhaps they suspect we had something to do with that god's… 'fall,' hmm~?"
His tone was light, but there was disappointment in his eyes—like biting into a ripe fruit that turned out to be bland.
He had expected better from Ningguang and Keqing. But evidently, the reality had fallen short.
Based on the prior mission orders received by Rosalyne and Tartaglia, the contract with Morax had been clear: when the Archon "fell," the Fatui were to release the Vortex God, Osial.
Though The Rite of Descension had been manipulated behind the scenes by Shajin, it had only been a matter of time before the people of Liyue overcame the ensuing chaos.
But now, was Liyue truly ready to face a godless battle against a god?
Osial's power wasn't weak. Even if his power had been severely diminished—only a tenth of what it once was—he was still equivalent to a mid-tier Archon.
Even with the help of the Adepti and the Qixing, defeating him wouldn't be easy.
"Heh…"
Rosalyne let out a scornful laugh, as if mocking a clown too arrogant to see his own folly.
"Ridiculous. Do they want us to take the fall now? I hope they're not expecting us to gnaw off our own teeth in the process."
Tartaglia had no interest in diplomacy. In his eyes, it was just a mess of tangled strings—impossible to unravel.
He yawned. "Whatever. You guys decide~"
After some deliberation, the trio agreed to accept the invitation and attend the meeting as diplomatic envoys of Snezhnaya.
...
"Welcome, esteemed envoys of Snezhnaya~"
In the resplendent Foreign Affairs Hall of the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the atmosphere was tense and solemn. At the center of the Qixing sat Tianquan Ningguang, elegant and composed, her eyes calmly studying the three Harbingers seated opposite her.
Years of holding power had tempered her gaze with wisdom and authority—like a towering mountain: awe-inspiring, yet daunting.
Yet her eyes kept drifting toward the masked figure among them.
So similar… too similar! She thought to herself.
"Let's not waste time with pleasantries," Rosalyne sneered, legs crossed and arms folded as she stared arrogantly across the table.
Her voice was sharp and cold, like a blade cutting straight to the heart of the Qixing's dignity. It sent a chill down the spines of those present.
This was not mere provocation—it was unshakable confidence in her own strength.
The room fell silent. The Liyue representatives knew full well that the title of Harbinger was no empty honor.
There was no need to mention Signora, who once incinerated an entire region of monsters five centuries ago, nor Tartaglia, the youngest among them with a reputation that reached across nations.
And now this Gambler, the newest addition whose feats in Mondstadt spoke volumes—rumored to have subdued Stormterror with ease.
Compared to Snezhnaya, Liyue's upper-tier combat force fell short. This imbalance gave the Fatui an undeniable edge in this diplomatic clash.
Ningguang's lips curled into a faint smile. She knew this meeting would not be easy—but she did not fear it.
She clapped her hands gently, signaling the secretary at her side—Ganyu—to begin documenting the proceedings.
Taking a deep breath, she spoke evenly, "In that case, let us get straight to the point."
Signora said nothing, merely fixing her cold gaze on her hosts. The Liyue officials silently pondered the Fatui's intentions.
Ningguang knew this would be a delicate negotiation—each side probing the other, hunting for weaknesses.
Liyue's martial prowess may have lagged behind Snezhnaya's, but in economic strength, technological sophistication, and cultural heritage, it stood at the forefront of Teyvat.
And that was Liyue's foundation—its pride.
Ningguang's mind raced. This wasn't just a clash of strength—it was a contest of intellect.
She would make sure Snezhnaya understood: Liyue was not to be trifled with. Liyue had its boundaries—its principles.
As gazes locked across the room, the air grew taut, charged with tension.
This was a battlefield of words, where hidden currents surged beneath the surface.
Ningguang kept her smile steady.
"There's no need for such guardedness. We have worked together quite a bit regarding the Chasm, haven't we?"
Signora snorted but didn't argue.
Ningguang continued.
"In truth, the reason we invited you here today… is to request that your side…"
Her expression turned grave.
"…refrain from any 'little tricks' during this delicate period."
The atmosphere instantly grew hostile.
Ningguang's eyes sharpened, her words edged with unmistakable warning.
Signora's face darkened, her gaze glinting with offense and wariness.
"Little tricks? Tianquan, just what are you implying?" Her voice carried a biting chill.
"I believe you understand exactly what I mean," Ningguang replied, her tone unwavering. "In times like these, we must all tread carefully. Any action that disturbs the balance… could have grave consequences."
"Hmph. Tianquan, is that a threat?" Signora's voice now trembled with fury.
"No. Merely a reminder." Ningguang's gaze was resolute. "We all want stability—not chaos born of reckless interference."
A hard silence fell between them once more.
_
Please support my patreon, patreon. com/TravelerDouluo
And get early access to my 30 advance chapters.