Chapter 042: A Night Visit to the City Walls

After arranging matters for Lumine and Paimon, Shao Yun turned his attention to the other three. Feeling that he shouldn't show too much favoritism, he handed each of them a basic healing potion—just a token gesture.

When he reached Venti, he remembered the incident with the Skyward Harp and asked, "I remember giving you a stick of dynamite. Do you still have it?"

A mischievous smile curled on Venti's lips as he casually replied, "I traded it for wine. Do you believe me?" He blinked, his face full of playful teasing.

Shao Yun narrowed his eyes at Venti, knowing the bard was joking but maintaining a serious tone. "Be serious. If something happens, remember to use it. Don't hold back."

Venti's smile faded, and he nodded solemnly. "Don't worry, I still have the dynamite."

After handing him the healing potion, Shao Yun caught a faint whiff of apple wine on Venti's breath. He frowned and handed him an additional bottle of bitter medicinal wine.

"Why are you giving me two bottles?"

Shao Yun shook the healing potion in Venti's hand and said simply, "This one is for injuries."

Then he shook the bitter medicinal wine, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "And this one is for when you inevitably get drunk while searching for Dvalin's tears. It'll sober you up!"

The bitter medicinal wine was designed to fully restore stamina. As the name suggested, it was so potent that even the most exhausted person would be jolted awake by its bitterness—far more effective than any apple wine.

Venti chuckled self-deprecatingly at Shao Yun's words. "Do I really seem that unreliable to you? Sure, I like to drink, but I'm not so irresponsible that I can't handle serious situations."

Shao Yun, unimpressed, unleashed his sharp tongue. "You're reliable when you're not drinking, but unfortunately, you're either drunk or on your way to getting drunk most of the time!"

Venti, hearing Shao Yun's harsh words, tried to defend himself. "Hey, I was pretty reliable when I helped Lumine escape from the Favonius Cathedral, wasn't I?" He attempted to use past events to prove he wasn't as unreliable as Shao Yun made him out to be.

Shao Yun raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile spreading across his face. He rolled up his sleeves, pretending to prepare for a scolding.

"Oh, you dare bring that up? I haven't even settled that score with you yet, and here you are, bragging about it!"

The others burst into laughter, even Diluc's lips twitching upward as he watched Shao Yun and Venti's playful banter.

Lumine, pretending to hold Shao Yun back, laughed and said, "Haha, Shao Yun, calm down, calm down. Haha..."

Venti was like that "one-shot" uncle—always drinking, but surprisingly reliable in dangerous situations. However, when there was no danger, Venti was the most unreliable of them all!

The only differences were that he never borrowed money and would always say "Ehe" when confronted.

Once the teasing died down, Shao Yun mounted his horse and turned to Lumine, giving her a serious reminder. "Lumine, if the hilichurls in Dadaupa Gorge prove too much to handle, make sure to retreat with everyone. I'll handle it for you!"

Then he looked at Paimon and added, "Paimon, if there's danger, make sure to hide behind Lumine."

Next, he turned to Diluc and joked, "Master Diluc, I won't have time to stay here tonight, but I might trouble you in the future."

Finally, he faced Jean, his voice firm. "Acting Grand Master Jean, don't worry. I'll protect Mondstadt. If those Fatui dare cause trouble, I won't leave a single one alive!"

He had given everyone except Venti a word of advice.

Venti watched Shao Yun expectantly, waving his hand as if to remind him. "What about me? Don't you have anything to say to me?"

His tone was playful, but there was a hint of genuine anticipation.

Shao Yun rubbed his chin, pretending to have forgotten. "Ah, I almost forgot about you." He paused, thinking for a moment, then turned to the others. "Everyone, keep an eye on Venti. If he gets drunk during the mission, slap him twice or make him drink the bitter medicinal wine I gave him. That'll sober him up!"

Venti's face fell. "Hey, Shao Yun, that's too harsh! Why do I get slaps and bitter medicine while everyone else gets kind words and farewells?"

Shao Yun smirked, unfazed. "Fine, I'll change my plan. No slaps for Venti. Instead..." He turned to Diluc, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Master Diluc, if Venti gets drunk while searching for Dvalin's tears, make sure every tavern in Mondstadt refuses to serve him alcohol!"

Venti's face paled at the suggestion. "No, no! If I get drunk, just slap me!" He clasped his hands together, pleading.

But Shao Yun wasn't done. He pretended to be shocked, mimicking a famous warlord's tone. "You'd actually get drunk?!"

Venti quickly clarified, "No, no! I would never get drunk!" His voice was frantic.

Shao Yun feigned misunderstanding, his tone teasing. "So you're saying you'll still drink, then?"

Venti, realizing he was being toyed with, pouted slightly. "That's not what I meant..."

...

The playful banter between Shao Yun and Venti ended amidst everyone's laughter. It was time to stop delaying.

Shao Yun waved goodbye to everyone, a cheerful smile on his face. He gently patted his horse's neck, and the horse, as if understanding its owner's mood, swished its tail in response.

With a light tap of his heels, Shao Yun left Dawn Winery.

The night sky was dazzling, the moonlight casting a mysterious glow on the winding path ahead. Riding through the quiet night, Shao Yun felt the cool breeze against his skin. The rhythmic clip-clop of the horse's hooves echoed through the empty fields, clear and distinct.

The distance between Mondstadt and Dawn Winery had felt vast the first time he traveled it, but after a few trips, it no longer seemed so far.

As he drew closer, the outline of Mondstadt became clearer. Finally, Shao Yun crossed the bridge and stopped at the city gates.

His horse panted heavily, its hooves tapping lightly on the ground, but it refused to enter.

Shao Yun smacked his forehead, berating himself. "Darn it, I forgot to ask Acting Grand Master Jean for permission to ride my horse in the city. This city defense pass... why did I have to add those extra words?"

The distance from the gate to Amber's house wasn't short, and if the Fatui decided to cause trouble while he was asleep, he'd be at a disadvantage.

Looking up at the towering city walls, an idea suddenly struck him. His eyes lit up.

Acting Grand Master Jean had given him a city defense pass. Why not just rest on the city walls?

As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Shao Yun slapped himself. Wasn't this turning himself into a workhorse, living and sleeping at his post? But with no other options, he had no one to blame but himself for his earlier slip of the tongue.

He stabled his horse and approached the gatekeeper, Swan, presenting his temporary city defense pass to gain access to the walls.

A stranger arriving at night and requesting to climb the city walls? To anyone, it would sound like a joke or a spy's ploy.

Swan, the gatekeeper, didn't hesitate to refuse and even threatened to arrest Shao Yun and take him to the Knights of Favonius.

But honestly, Swan was out of his depth. Shao Yun could easily take on a dozen ordinary knights.

To avoid unnecessary conflict, Shao Yun held up the temporary pass Acting Grand Master Jean had given him. "I have a pass..."

Swan's stern expression turned to one of surprise. He had never seen such an informal pass before. He took it and examined it closely, his eyes filled with a mix of confusion and disbelief.

"Huh? This..."

The pass was just a card. At first glance, it looked fake. But upon closer inspection, it bore Acting Grand Master Jean's handwriting and her personal seal in the corner.

Thinking Swan might have missed the seal, Shao Yun pointed to it and said firmly, "This is a temporary city defense pass. See? It has Acting Grand Master Jean's seal. It's genuine."

Swan thought it over. Regardless of the pass's appearance, the seal was what mattered. If the seal was real, then the pass was valid.

He respectfully returned the pass and allowed Shao Yun to ascend the walls. "The seal is indeed Acting Grand Master Jean's. You may proceed."

Swan watched Shao Yun's retreating figure, a sense of familiarity nagging at him. He muttered to himself, "That guy's Face looks so much like the person who caught the Raptor the other day!"

After some thought, Swan shook his head. It was probably just his imagination. With so many people coming and going, similarities were bound to happen.

As Shao Yun stepped onto the city walls, he looked up at the night sky. The Milky Way stretched above him like a scattering of diamonds on black velvet, shimmering with a mysterious allure.

Facing the city's exterior, a cool breeze brushed past him, carrying the faint scent of earth and the distant glow of streetlights on the bridge.

The bridge spanned the wide Cider Lake, its lights standing lonely yet resilient in the night.

Turning around, Shao Yun took in the view of the city. The bustling commercial district was brightly lit, the warm glow from the Cat's Tail Tavern spilling through the windows, as if one could almost smell the wine and hear the lively chatter.

In the distance, the residential area was quiet, with only the occasional bark of a dog breaking the silence.

Shao Yun took a deep breath, savoring the unique atmosphere of the night. Standing on the city walls, he admired the scenery.

"Ah, the view here is quite nice."

What should one do when faced with such a beautiful view? Paint, of course!

He quickly pulled out his notebook and began sketching both the cityscape and the view beyond the walls. This was a rare opportunity—not everyone could climb the city walls at night to enjoy such a sight!

After finishing the last stroke, Shao Yun admired the vivid sketch before him. In this simple drawing, the nearby plains and distant mountain ranges came to life. Just by looking at the black lines, one could almost hear the howling wind and feel the ancient history of the mountains.

With the painting done, it was time to rest.

He put away his notebook and leaned against the city wall, pulling his hat low to cover most of his face. Shao Yun rested his head against the wall, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. His breathing grew steady and deep.

...

As time passed, the eastern sky gradually lightened with the first hints of dawn.

The sun slowly rose, its golden rays bathing the land and gently warming Shao Yun's body. The warmth seeped through his clothes, like a pair of gentle hands caressing him.

In his drowsy state, Shao Yun vaguely sensed the surrounding warmth.

But then, a soft and familiar voice reached his ears, pulling him from his slumber.

"Mr. Shao Yun, Mr. Shao Yun, is that you?" The voice was gentle yet clear, filled with concern.

Shao Yun frowned slightly, waking from his dream. He struggled to open his eyes.

Before him was a familiar face.

"Ah? Good morning, Noelle..."