Chapter 59: So You Too?!

Tianheng Mountain was a place of stunning natural beauty, its clear skies and flowing waters painting a breathtaking picture.

From its summit, one could see a mysterious and majestic structure—Jade Chamber.

Towering into the clouds and shrouded in mist, it looked as if it were tethered to the heavens themselves.

Lumine and Paimon stood at the foot of the mountain, gazing up at the imposing building.

They had tried using wind currents to fly up to the chamber multiple times, but each time, they frustratingly plummeted back to the ground midway.

"Paimon, how about you just carry me up there?"

Lumine sat on a large rock, one hand propping up her chin, eyes filled with helplessness.

She had already tried every method she could think of, but reaching that lofty chamber remained impossible.

Paimon stomped her foot midair.

"That's clearly impossible!"

She knew all too well she didn't have the strength to carry a human many times her size.

Just then, a squad of well-armored Millelith soldiers happened to pass by.

They noticed the oddly dressed traveler and the mysterious floating creature beside her. Pausing, they eyed them suspiciously.

"Stop right there! Who are you?" barked the captain of the Millelith.

Seeing the soldiers blocking their way, Paimon, surprisingly unafraid this time, puffed out her chest and spoke confidently.

"We're honored guests, personally invited by the Tianquan, Ningguang!"

The Millelith captain scratched his head in confusion, glancing back at his fellow soldiers. "Any of you heard about this?"

The soldiers behind him shook their heads in unison. None of them seemed to know anything.

Paimon's eyes went wide in disbelief. "No… Wait a second… Could it be that Ningguang… did this on purpose?!"

Then, like she had a sudden epiphany, she shouted, "She pretended to invite us to the Jade Chamber, but in reality, she set up this ambush to have the Millelith arrest us!"

Lumine stroked her chin thoughtfully. "Hm… Paimon, that actually makes a lot of sense."

At that moment, Paimon suddenly yelled,

"Ugh—I'm mad now! You soldiers over there, this is entrapment! Absolutely shameless!"

Her voice was full of anger and indignation.

The Millelith captain furrowed his brow, raising his White Tassel as he barked sternly,

"Hmph! Trying to deceive us? Seize them!"

He locked eyes on Lumine and Paimon, preparing to strike.

Lumine didn't hesitate—Dull Blade in hand, she readied herself for battle.

But just as tension peaked, a sharp voice rang out, breaking the deadlock.

"Stand down! What's all this commotion?"

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw a young woman with purple hair styled into cat-like tufts approaching at a brisk pace.

Her presence made both sides momentarily freeze.

"Lady Keqing! These two suspicious individuals were sneaking around Tianheng Mountain. We didn't know what they were up to," explained the Millelith as they saluted respectfully.

Paimon puffed up indignantly. "Who are you calling suspicious?! We're just looking for a way to the Jade Chamber!"

Her voice trembled slightly with frustration and helplessness.

Keqing looked at the pair with mild surprise.

"Hm? You're trying to get to the Jade Chamber? Who exactly are you two?"

Paimon crossed her arms. "We're invited guests! We're here to see the Liyue Qixing! And who are you, huh?"

Keqing chuckled lightly.

"What a coincidence. I am one of the Liyue Qixing."

"Eh?!"

Both Lumine and Paimon cried out in unison.

"I'm Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing."

"I've heard of you, Traveler. You're Ningguang's guest, aren't you? I didn't expect to run into you here of all places."

Paimon blinked in amazement.

"Wow—I never thought we'd bump into such a big shot in the middle of nowhere!"

Lumine gently patted Paimon on the head.

"Paimon, focus."

Only then did Paimon remember what they came here for.

"Right! Uh, Lady Yuheng, do you know why Lady Tianquan invited us to the Jade Chamber?"

Keqing waved her hand dismissively.

"Just call me Keqing."

"I suspect Ningguang simply wants the Hero of Mondstadt to stay neutral."

"At the very least… not to stand completely on the side of the Adepti. You'll understand once you get to the Jade Chamber."

Lumine frowned slightly.

"I haven't taken any sides. We've had some contact with the Adepti, but they're trying to protect Liyue too…"

Keqing scoffed.

"And by protect, you mean that condescending arrogance?"

"Because you're mere mortals, you're seen as beneath them. That's why they wouldn't even consider the possibility that you could be the so-called assassin capable of striking down an Archon."

"So of course they'd think Ningguang's blockade, her interrogations of civilians, and her manhunt for the culprit are all pointless—maybe even a smokescreen."

Keqing paused, seeming to remember that beating around the bush wasn't her style.

"Let me be blunt—this is underestimating people."

Paimon tilted her head and shook it.

"You kind of have a point… My head's tingling—I think I'm growing brain cells!"

Keqing continued,

"The age of the Adepti has passed. If even the Liyue Qixing can't face that truth… what hope is there for Liyue's future?"

Lumine gave a rare chuckle.

"You're the first Liyuean I've met who talks like that… besides Shajin, that is."

Keqing suddenly stepped forward, grabbing Lumine by the shoulders, eyes wide and intense.

"You said Shajin?! Do you know where he is now? Is the Twelfth of the Fatui Harbingers—The Gambler—actually him?!"

Her rapid-fire questions came so fast that Lumine was momentarily overwhelmed.

"One… one question at a time!"

Realizing she had lost her composure, Keqing let go awkwardly, coughing lightly to save face. But the anxiety in her eyes was impossible to hide.

Lumine studied her for a moment, then asked hesitantly,

"Keqing… do you have one of those special Mora, too?"

"Special Mora?" Keqing tilted her head. Then realization dawned.

She reached into a hidden fold at her waist and pulled out a coin that faintly glowed with golden light.

"You mean this?"

Lumine slapped her forehead.

Knew it…

"Sorry, Keqing. That involves Shajin's personal matters. I can't say more."

Keqing looked disappointed, but at the same time, a bit relieved.

She had feared hearing the truth—though part of her already suspected it deep down.

_

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