Chapter 9: A Traveler from Another World
Above the skies of Liyue, a grand floating palace loomed—its extravagance unmatched.
This was none other than the Jade Chamber, the personal stronghold of the Tianquan Star, Ningguang.
No one truly remembered when this architectural marvel first appeared. Over time, it had expanded, growing from a small pavilion into a colossal structure floating above Liyue Harbor.
Whenever major commercial affairs needed handling, Ningguang would retreat to the Jade Chamber, allowing only her three trusted secretaries—Baixiao, Baiwen, and Baishi—inside.
She would spend her time there, overlooking Liyue, contemplating decisions as her assistants processed vast amounts of information, summarizing reports and pinning them on the walls.
Before the walls were completely covered, Ningguang would always reach the best solution.
Then, she would shred the documents, scattering the fragments into the wind, creating an illusion of sudden snowfall.
For years, this floating palace had been the source of countless decisions that shaped Teyvat's economy.
At the same time, it was also a vault of secrets—where knowledge from all corners of the world flowed in.
For merchants, it was a dream come true.
For Liyue, it was the last line of defense.
---
Inside the Jade Chamber
"Ningguang, why did you call me here?"
Keqing stepped inside, following Baishi's lead.
Upon entering, she immediately noticed that she wasn't alone.
Aside from Ningguang, an unexpected figure was present—Tianshu Star, Tian Shu.
Tian Shu was the eldest among the Qixing and rarely involved himself in daily affairs.
For him to be here meant something serious was happening.
Keqing glanced around.
Also present were Yan Bang, the Millelith captain, as well as Baixiao, Baiwen, and Baishi—Ningguang's three most trusted aides.
Clearly, this wasn't a casual meeting.
"Heh heh, little Keqing, take a seat."
Tian Shu chuckled, gesturing to an open chair.
Once Keqing was seated, Ningguang finally put down her tea cup and gave Baixiao a slight nod.
Baixiao understood immediately.
She stepped forward, pulling out a Poké Ball that Keqing immediately recognized.
With a flick of her wrist, the ball opened, releasing a burst of white light.
A small orange fox materialized.
Fennekin.
Tian Shu raised an eyebrow and leaned in closer to examine the creature.
Fennekin, startled by his intense gaze, quickly hid behind Baixiao.
"Little girl, may I see that small ball from earlier?"
Tian Shu asked after a brief moment of thought.
"Of course, Lord Tianshu."
Baixiao handed the Poké Ball to him.
Tian Shu examined it thoroughly—turning it over and over, zooming in on its details, marveling at its craftsmanship.
It took him a while before he finally reluctantly returned it.
"Tianshu, what do you think?"
Ningguang asked, smiling.
Tian Shu, however, shook his head.
"I don't know. It's… remarkable."
"It has no elemental energy, no Adepti magic, and isn't even alchemy-based. It's purely driven by technology."
"This is definitely not from Teyvat."
Tian Shu scoffed, his tone filled with disdain.
"I know Fontainians well enough—they could never create something like this."
Keqing frowned.
"So what you're saying is… Pokémon aren't from Teyvat?"
Ningguang simply smiled, producing a stack of documents and handing them to Keqing and Tian Shu.
The documents contained detailed transcripts of Li Pan's conversations with Baixiao, Baiwen, Baishi, and Yan Bang.
There weren't many pages—both of them finished reading quickly.
"Hoho… 'Hoenn Region'? 'Kalos Region'?"
Tian Shu chuckled.
"I've lived many years, yet I've never heard of these places."
It was obvious what he meant.
"So that 'Boss Li'… could he be an outsider, like the Traveler?"
Ningguang turned to Keqing.
"Are his business permits in order?"
Keqing had already anticipated this line of questioning.
"Yes. Everything is legally registered… though I can't quite remember when I approved it."
A knowing silence fell over the room.
Tian Shu let out a sigh.
"Looks like someone will have to probe this 'Li Pan'."
Ningguang's gaze deepened.
"Let's hope he's not another Alice."
Tian Shu stood up, stretching his back.
"I'll leave this to you youngsters. I'm too old for this. I have a fishing trip to attend to."
With that, he waved and strolled out of the Jade Chamber.
---
Meanwhile, in Liyue Harbor…
Landorus walked out of Pokémon Home, clutching a bag of Mora, beaming as he looked around.
The citizens of Liyue stared in disbelief.
To them, this must be an Adeptus.
Liyue had been founded by Rex Lapis and the Adepti—though many had since retreated into Jueyun Karst, their legends still lingered.
Now, seeing Landorus floating above the streets, many immediately linked it to the Adepti.
Landorus, however, wasn't concerned about the attention.
His senses were finely tuned to agriculture, and he could instinctively locate the best crops in Liyue Harbor.
He quickly zipped through the city.
In just minutes, he had crossed half of Liyue Harbor, appearing as nothing but a streak of golden light to passersby.
"Heh heh, this should be the place."
Landorus stopped in front of a shop, sniffing the air.
He could smell the rich scent of fresh produce inside.
But before he could enter—
"Boss! What's with these prices?!"
A heated argument rang out from inside the store.
"I bought these for 10,000 Mora last time, but now you're charging me 30,000?! That's ridiculous! If you don't fix this, I'll report you to the Ministry of Civil Affairs!"
A sharp, fiery voice filled the air.
Landorus raised an eyebrow.
That voice belonged to someone passionate.
Inside, the shopkeeper let out an awkward laugh.
"Oh, come on, Master Xiangling, don't say that! Lately, it's been raining non-stop in Qingce Village, and the Jueyun Chili crops have been ruined!"
"Prices have tripled! Even if you go to other stores, you won't find any cheaper."