Chapter 79: I Like Him Too

Ningguang remained silent for a long time, slowly digesting everything she'd just heard. In the end, she nodded slightly.

"…As you command."

The moment her words fell, another resounding dragon's roar echoed through the heavens, loud and mighty like a grand bell.

The sound was deafening. Ningguang's ears rang as dizziness washed over her.

When she finally regained her senses, she found herself grounded once more in reality.

Standing before her was Shajin, his signature mischievous grin tugging at his lips.

He stood extremely close—so close that they could feel each other's breath.

Ningguang instinctively stepped back, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks.

T-Too close!

But Shajin didn't push any further.

Instead, he stretched lazily, a soft smile playing at his lips as he spoke gently.

"Looks like Morax already explained everything to you. That's good—it saves me the trouble of repeating it all."

At his words, Ningguang lowered her gaze and bit her lip lightly, replying in a soft voice.

"Yes… Rex Lapis has told me everything."

"Shajin-gege, I'm sorr—"

But before she could finish her apology, Shajin stepped forward swiftly, grabbing both her cheeks and stretching them outward with a tug.

Liyue's high and mighty Tianquan, the very embodiment of grace and authority in the eyes of the people, now had her face being gleefully pulled and distorted by Shajin like a child's toy.

Shajin studied her scrunched-up expression—and burst into laughter.

He let go, then gently ruffled her hair.

"I don't need your apology, Ningguang. I'm no longer the Gambling Saint of Liyue, nor the Gambler of Snezhnaya. Right now… I'm just me."

Ningguang rolled her eyes and slapped his hand away—but the smile on her face simply couldn't be hidden.

She cleared her throat, tidied her clothes, and composed herself. Then she turned toward the people of Liyue.

With steady steps, she moved forward.

Suddenly, she raised both arms. A brilliant golden light streaked across the sky, and from above descended a shimmering golden decree.

The voice of the Geo Archon echoed from within, repeating the decree's contents:

"It is with regret that I declare—upon facing my tribulation, I have perished. Only a remnant of my soul remains, soon to dissipate."

"I had foreseen this long ago. I summoned you here to entrust you with three matters of great importance."

…

As the final word faded, the crowd below fell into solemn silence—a moment of mourning for the Geo Archon who had protected Liyue for millennia.

In that stillness, it felt as if time itself had frozen.

Every face was etched with grief and sorrow. All eyes turned skyward, quietly paying final respects to their god.

Then—Ningguang's voice shattered the silence.

Strong and unwavering, it rang out with a resolute determination.

"Everyone…"

Her words stirred the people from their grief.

"What's done is done. Rex Lapis's final wish was for us to use our human wisdom to build a better future—together."

She took a deep breath and declared loudly, "By the will of Rex Lapis, the title of 'criminal' upon Shajin is hereby lifted. His exile is revoked!"

Her words struck like a ray of dawn, piercing the darkness in people's hearts.

The somber mood dissolved in an instant as faces lifted, eyes now gleaming with hope.

"And as thanks for saving Liyue, Rex Lapis offers his dead body as a gift."

"And on behalf of Liyue's government—"

Ningguang continued her proclamation.

…

Meanwhile, on the other side, Keqing threw herself straight into Shajin's arms.

Her eyes sparkled with joy and relief, all her burdens seemingly forgotten.

Tears clung to the corners of her eyes—tears of happiness.

She clung to Shajin tightly, soaking in his warmth, her heart brimming with delight.

"I knew it…"

She whispered.

"Shajin…"

"I just knew…"

Her voice trembled slightly.

Shajin gently patted her back, then raised a thumb to softly wipe away the tears slipping down her cheeks. He said in a tender voice:

"Our Yuheng mustn't cry like a child now~"

Keqing buried her face in his chest, as if trying to release all her pent-up emotions at once. In a fit of petty revenge, she even wiped all her tears on his shirt.

But soon, she stepped back, regaining the elegant composure of the sharp and decisive Yuheng, save for her slightly red eyes.

She gave a gentle smile, her tone firm.

"You're right, Shajin. Crying isn't my style."

Then she clasped her hands behind her back. A radiant smile bloomed on her face like springtime flowers, her eyes bright with joy and anticipation.

"Welcome home, Shajin."

Shajin couldn't help but laugh as well, replying:

"Yeah… I'm home."

A warm, gentle atmosphere flowed between them, as if time itself had paused to witness the moment.

But not far off, Ganyu stood frozen, hesitant.

She wasn't sure whether she should step forward and disturb the scene.

She quietly stood there, watching Shajin and Keqing, emotions swirling within her.

While she was lost in thought—

A sudden pat landed on her back.

It was Cloud Retainer.

"This one is not so old-fashioned. When it comes to a disciple pursuing her own happiness, this one gives full support."

"You've done much for Liyue already. It's time to think about yourself for once. Don't worry so much, Ganyu—go."

Ganyu's face turned a rosy pink.

"It's not like that, Master, I…"

Cloud Retainer frowned in exasperation.

"Ganyu, happiness is something you must fight for. I still remember when you were little, and you—"

Ganyu immediately rushed forward and clamped her hand over her master's mouth.

"I—I get it! I'm going now, just please don't say any more, Master!"

And with that, she bolted.

Cloud Retainer sighed and shook her head.

"Ah… this child. If only she had half the eloquence I do, she wouldn't still be like this now~"

Suddenly, she felt a tug at her sleeve.

She turned around—

It was Shenhe, gently tugging at her clothes.

"What is it, Shenhe?"

Shenhe pointed to Shajin, then to herself.

"Master… I think I like him too."

Cloud Retainer: "???"

_

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