Bonus chapter for 100 powerstones
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Shajin turned toward the voice.
A crane descended from the sky like a white streak of lightning, landing before Shenhe and spreading its wings protectively.
Its feathers shimmered like snow, and each flap carried a fresh, crisp breeze.
Shajin sighed and raised both hands.
"I truly mean no harm. I'm just an ordinary Fatui Harbinger~"
His tone held a helpless warmth.
"You must be Cloud Retainer, correct? I only came to discuss something with you."
He smiled, gentler this time.
But Cloud Retainer and Shenhe remained wary. The moment he mentioned the Fatui, their vigilance only grew.
Shenhe's spear stayed raised, eyes hard.
Seeing this, Shajin sighed and pulled a small glowing cube from inside his coat.
The cube shimmered with a soft, condensed light—it pulsed with immense power.
Cloud Retainer's eyes widened.
"This is… the power of the Geo Archon!?"
She was stunned—clearly recognizing the energy within.
Shajin nodded.
"Before Morax passed, he entrusted this to me. I was asked to help you repair the broken Guizhong Ballista here in Jueyun Karst."
Cloud Retainer's expression shifted in disbelief.
She hadn't expected Rex Lapis to be concerned with such a matter even in his final days.
She knew how vital the Guizhong Ballista was. If repaired, it could mean much for Liyue's future—especially now, in this godless era.
Still, she couldn't help but question the motives of a Fatui envoy.
Shajin rubbed his forehead.
"It's true—I'm a Harbinger. But I didn't come to provoke anything. I'm simply fulfilling a task from the Geo Archon."
"He believed that repairing the Guizhong Ballista would help protect Liyue in the long term. So please, trust me. I mean no harm."
Cloud Retainer didn't want to believe the Archon would send a Fatui Harbinger. But the divine energy before her made denial difficult.
After a long silence, she finally nodded.
She accepted the cube and felt the energy within. A rare wave of emotion rose in her heart.
She turned to him.
"Fatui Harbinger. Follow me to my abode. But know this—should you try anything, you will regret it."
Shajin yawned, clearly unimpressed by the threat.
Cloud Retainer led the way, flying ahead. Shajin followed with Shenhe close behind, ever watchful and tense.
"Relax, Miss Shenhe. I don't mean you harm. In fact, if you need help, I'd be glad to offer it."
She said nothing.
Shajin, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease. He casually admired the passing landscape, as if sightseeing.
Eventually, Cloud Retainer stopped at the entrance of a cave.
"This is my domain. Enter."
She stepped inside without waiting.
Shajin followed—and found a dazzling display of mechanical wonders.
Bird-shaped contraptions, beast-like constructs, mechanical flowers and trees—each one intricate and elegant.
He couldn't help but whistle. "Impressive. Your knowledge of mechanisms is remarkable."
Cloud Retainer raised her chin with pride, though she feigned modesty.
"I dabble. But how did you know I was skilled in mechanisms?"
He grinned. "I saw those stone lions on the way in. I guessed they were your handiwork."
"And this place—it's full of ingenious designs. You must have put great care into it."
She nodded, clearly pleased.
Sensing her softening, Shajin pressed further.
"Your designs aren't just clever—they're alive with intention. I have a colleague who's also an expert in this field. Perhaps I could introduce you someday…"
But the compliment didn't charm her.
Instead, her eyes sharpened, and with a flick of her wing, she deactivated some of her mechanisms.
Shajin scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"Please, don't misunderstand. I'm just curious. I'd never try to steal anything—"
That made things worse. Cloud Retainer shut down the remaining constructs.
Shajin: "…"
He raised his right hand solemnly.
"I swear—I won't take a single thread or needle from your domain."
Cloud Retainer narrowed her eyes but relaxed slightly.
"Regardless, you'd best stay on your best behavior. Or I will make you regret it."
Shajin nodded obediently.
But in his mind, he sighed.
So cautious… I only came to deliver something, and now it's turned into such a hassle.
All this trouble… just for one immortal shell.
_
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