Chapter 548

The new year had arrived.

As the clock struck midnight, fireworks lit up the skies over Liyue Harbor and Guiliyuan Square.

With each burst of color, the night became brighter, and those still awake gazed at the spectacle with joy.

Happy smiles adorned the faces of everyone who saw the beautiful fireworks.

In Ganyu's manor, the guests from Inazuma watched the fireworks through the window.

Chiyo had a warm smile on her face.

"Ei, what do you think? Should our Inazuma celebrate the New Year like this next year?"

She turned to her sister.

Ei nodded without hesitation.

"That sounds wonderful!"

"Out with the old, in with the new—family reunions!"

"It suits us well, don't you think?"

She looked around the room.

Everyone was present—Huzhai Palace, Mikoshi Chiyo, and the others.

Unfortunately, not everyone could return.

Some were gone forever.

But there was no need to be greedy.

Having her friends back was more than enough.

She felt truly satisfied.

Only after losing something once do you understand its true value.

Of course... it would be even better if Mikoshi Chiyo hadn't taken her phone.

As she thought of this,Ei felt a little annoyed.

She really wanted to snatch it back.

Since Chiyo got hold of her phone, it hadn't been returned.

And to make matters worse, Chiyo had become addicted to games.

She was even better at them than Ei.

Although Ei wanted to reclaim her phone, seeing Chiyo's genuine excitement, she held back.

As for Huzhai Palace?

She was also playing, but it was on a certain mischievous fox's phone.

So Ei didn't mind.

Huzhai Palace wasn't doing well in the game.

She had lost so many times.

If it were Ei, she would have won long ago.

Heh! Such joy from winning!

For a brief moment, Ei felt a sense of superiority.

Finally, someone worse than her at games!

Chiyo, observing her sister's enthusiasm, couldn't help but laugh.

"Alright then!"

"Next year, we'll celebrate the New Year together in Inazuma."

A happy smile spread across her face.

But she quickly composed herself.

She turned to General Raiden.

"General! Is everything alright in Inazuma?"

The general nodded calmly.

"All is well."

"Everything is running smoothly."

"Many are very interested in Liyue's New Year traditions."

A purple light shimmered in the general's eyes.

The internet in Inazuma was buzzing with excitement.

As someone who could access the internet without a phone, General Raiden had a firm grasp on everything happening in Inazuma.

Chiyo's smile grew even brighter.

"That's wonderful."

She watched the fireworks bloom in the sky.

"Alright."

"Let's all get some rest."

"If we wait for the fireworks to end, it'll take hours."

She led the way upstairs.

Fireworks? They would go on for hours.

If you watched too long, you might even get bored.

Unlike those little ones who never seemed to tire of them.

Everyone agreed and started heading to their rooms.

Ei finally managed to snatch her phone back.

Without a word, she dashed to her room.

Originally, Chiyo wanted to sleep with her.

But Ei declined.

What a joke!

How could she play games with her sister there?

Besides, weren't they too old to sleep together?

Little did Chiyo know, her once-clingy sister had become quite independent.

Now that there were games to play, Ei had no time for anything else.

Chiyo didn't mind.

She returned to her room alone.

After changing into pajamas, Chiyo crawled into bed.

She thought about how much she owed Takumi and sighed.

"Really..."

"The debt keeps growing..."

Takumi had revived her first and then helped bring back Huzhai Palace and Mikoshi Chiyo.

The debt of gratitude felt immense.

How could she repay such kindness?

Only with a promise?

Thinking of Liyue's customs, Chiyo's cheeks turned a light shade of pink.

Marrying Ei to him?

No... that didn't seem quite right.

Besides, that silly girl...

Could she offer herself instead?

The thought made her feel shy.

Emmm...

Forget it.

She decided not to overthink it.

She would sleep first.

Tomorrow, they could go up the mountain to offer prayers.

Maybe she could join in the fun.

Would there be a temple for Morax?

She could offer him some incense!

With that thought, Chiyo slowly closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Morax—Zhongli—was still enjoying his time with the adepti.

They, too, admired the fireworks.

Zhongli couldn't hide the joy on his face.

It was rare to see him so genuinely happy.

It was as if he had stumbled upon endless Mora.

He felt a deep contentment seeing Liyue thrive.

His only hope now was for Takumi and the others to continue guiding Liyue toward prosperity.

As the fireworks began to fade, Zhongli finished his drink.

The adepti also started to leave, returning to their abodes.

As for a certain Barbatos?

He was carried away by his loyal friend.

After all, they were neighbors.

Once everyone had left, Zhongli also went to rest.

The next day was the day to offer incense to the adepti.

He wondered how many would go up the mountain.

He was quite curious.

If the adepti received such respect, it would certainly benefit them.

Zhongli was looking forward to it.

The next morning, many from Liyue Harbor began their journey into the mountains.

They headed to the temples to offer prayers.

Thanks to the convenience of transportation, more people were willing to make the trip.

They brought offerings and busied themselves happily.

Even on the streets with small shrines, people stopped to pay their respects.

Chiyo woke up early.

She even woke up her sister.

Together with the group from Inazuma, they went to find Takumi.

When they arrived, they saw that Takumi and the others were still at home.

They showed no sign of leaving.

Chiyo was puzzled.

"I thought you were going to worship the gods today?"

"Why aren't you going out?"

She was genuinely confused.

Had she misunderstood?

Takumi's expression was filled with confusion.

"Why would I go to worship?"

"Have you forgotten who I am?"

Goodness, asking him to worship the gods?

Would the adepti even accept it?

In theory, he was the second-generation Geo Archon.

If anything, they should be worshipping him!

Chiyo's confusion deepened.

Had she made a mistake?

Takumi saw their interest and thought for a moment.

"If you're that interested, when the Kitchen God's festival comes, we can arrange something."

"I'm sure Guoba would be very happy."

If they were so keen on it, why not worship Guoba?

Or if not, they could always go to Zhongli.

It wasn't impossible to light a few incense sticks in front of him.