Chapter 89: Liyue Harbor

Standing shoulder to shoulder once more at the spot from the previous night, Shao Yun and Xiao gazed out over Dihua Marsh, now cloaked in a golden veil under the morning light. The land exuded a serene, tranquil beauty.

The two stood in quiet appreciation, savoring this rare moment of peace.

Suddenly, Xiao broke the silence, turning to Shao Yun with a faint but noticeable urgency in his tone.

"By the way, do you still have any more of that elixir? If possible... could you give me another?"

Shao Yun blinked in mild surprise. He hadn't expected Xiao to ask for something outright. But quickly regaining composure, he pulled a bottle of the specialized miraculous elixir from his pack and handed it over.

"Here. This is the last one," Shao Yun said.

Xiao accepted the elixir and carefully stowed it away, then offered his thanks.

"Thank you, Shao Yun."

Watching him, Shao Yun recalled what that wandering doctor had once told him.

"No need for thanks. But let me remind you—this elixir isn't a cure-all. It won't heal chronic ailments or completely erase the karmic debt within you. It can only temporarily ease the pain and help you feel better. You know your own body best."

This was a miraculous tonic, not some mythical resurrection pill. Its main function was to boost the body's resilience, allowing the user's natural strength to combat internal afflictions.

Xiao nodded, indicating his understanding.

"I know. I never expected it to fully heal me. I just hope that at critical moments, it can help hold back the corruption... so I don't lose control."

With that, Xiao turned to leave.

But just before departing, he paused and looked back over his shoulder at Shao Yun.

"I owe you a great debt. If you ever find yourself in danger, call my name. I'll do everything I can to help you."

Shao Yun chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"Xiao, I appreciate the gesture. But you should know—if I run into something I can't handle, calling for you would just get you killed too. It's not worth it."

Xiao fixed him with a steady gaze.

"Shao Yun, you underestimate me. I might not be able to solve every problem... but in a moment of crisis, I can at least buy you a sliver of hope. Remember what I said—if you're in danger, call my name."

With those words, Xiao's figure faded into the distance beyond Wangshu Inn.

'Looks like I snatched Lumine's storyline… oh well, consider that one less romantic rival!'

…

Shao Yun stepped quietly into the room, gently closing the door behind him as he waited for Lumine and Paimon to wake.

Morning light streamed through the lattice windows, casting warm rays into the room.

Before long, both Lumine and Paimon stirred awake, traces of drowsiness still lingering on their faces.

Shao Yun greeted them with a smile, reminding them that a new day had begun and a long horseback journey awaited.

The trio packed up, mounted their horses, and set off on their journey south.

The scenery slowly unfolded to the rhythm of hoofbeats, revealing the vast and majestic expanse of Guili Plains.

Guili Plains—an ancient ruin just beyond Liyue Harbor—had long been abandoned after many upheavals, leaving only desolate walls standing vigil.

Yet gazing upon this old and mysterious land, one could still feel the echoes of age-old stories.

…

As the sun dipped low in the sky, bathing the world in gold, they finally arrived at the pass between two mountains.

Shao Yun reined in his horse, looking back at Lumine with a glint of determination and anticipation in his eyes.

"If we keep following this path through the pass, we'll reach Liyue Harbor," he said, pausing. "This time, though, there won't be a helpful Amber to lead us. We'll need to be mentally prepared."

Floating in the air, Paimon seemed to be mulling over his words. She turned and began introducing Liyue Harbor to Lumine.

"Liyue Harbor is the most prosperous trading port in all of Teyvat—and the most densely populated too. I remember there's a saying that goes like this..."

She closed her eyes, recalling the phrase.

"A flourishing harbor where a thousand sails converge, governed by countless contracts, producing endless goods and gourmet treasures from the Seven Nations."

Lumine's face showed a hint of concern.

"Do you think we'll get lost in Liyue Harbor? With so many people and so many streets, it must be a maze."

Shao Yun smiled and shook his head, his tone confident.

"Relax. No matter how crowded it is, we won't get lost."

'How big could it be? Two Mondstadts combined together, tops.'

Shao Yun trotted forward a few more paces—and the sight that greeted him almost made his jaw drop.

His gaze locked onto the distant view of Liyue Harbor, a surge of awe rushing through him.

On the glittering sea, ships clustered like forest trees, each vessel quietly anchored, bobbing gently on the waves.

Their sails flapped lightly in the breeze, rustling like whispers of distant tales. Their hulls swayed gently with the tide, speaking of seafaring hardships and joys.

Within the harbor, pavilions and towers rose in elegant tiers—green, orange, and golden roofs gleaming under the sunset, glowing with mesmerizing brilliance.

Shao Yun couldn't help cradling his chin in awe.

"Is this really Liyue Harbor? Are we sure we didn't stumble into the legendary El Dorado?"

No—even the El Dorado wouldn't match the sheer splendor of Liyue Harbor! His voice brimmed with disbelief, unable to trust his own eyes.

Lumine, equally amazed, said, "If we tried walking around Liyue Harbor once, do you think it'd take us a whole day?"

Her tone was tinged with excitement and curiosity, clearly enchanted by the vibrant port.

The trio stood motionless, completely captivated by the sight of Liyue Harbor's splendor.

Eventually, it was Paimon who snapped out of the daze and urged, "Stop staring, let's go! We still need to find a place to eat and stay!"

With that, the three of them continued forward toward the harbor.

To avoid unnecessary attention, Shao Yun swiftly recalled the two horses into his system's portable stable.

He knew well how bustling and lively Liyue Harbor was and didn't want the horses drawing extra eyes.

Then, together with Lumine and Paimon, he walked toward the city's entrance.

Bathed in sunset, the towering wooden archway at the city gate looked even more majestic.

Intricate carvings adorned the structure, telling tales of Liyue's illustrious past.

Stopping before the gate, Shao Yun politely approached a stationed Millelith guard.

"Hello, may I ask you something?"

The guard gave the group a brief once-over before nodding. "Hello. What do you need?"

Shao Yun asked directly, "When does the Rite of Descension begin?"

The Millelith replied, "Tomorrow morning, 8 a.m."

Shao Yun nodded, thankful for the information. He turned back to Lumine and Paimon with a faint smile.

"Looks like we arrived a day early. That's good—we'll have more time to explore the city."

Then he proposed, "Same plan as always. I'll find a place to stay. What about you two?"

Lumine thought for a moment and said, "Paimon and I will stop by the Liyue Adventurers' Guild. Let's meet up later at Wanmin Restaurant—how's that?"

Just before she mentioned "Wanmin Restaurant," Shao Yun furrowed his brow. 'When did she meet Xiangling? Why don't I remember that?'

He looked at Lumine and Paimon, curiosity in his gaze. "Wanmin Restaurant? How did you hear about that place?"

Paimon blinked and began recalling aloud, "Back in Mondstadt, remember when we passed through Springvale? We met a girl named Xiangling. We helped her win a cooking contest, and she was so happy she invited us to visit Wanmin Restaurant in Liyue if we ever stopped by."

Then she added thoughtfully, "Oh right! I think that day you said you were going out to collect herbs or something, so you didn't come with us."

A soft pang of regret stirred in Shao Yun's chest. He sighed. "Had I known, I should've gone with you. Sounds like I missed a lot."

Paimon quickly tried to cheer him up. "Don't worry! Once we get to Wanmin Restaurant, I'll introduce you to Xiangling. She's really nice!"

Shao Yun tapped Paimon lightly on the head, smiling. "To you, little one, is there anyone not nice?"

Paimon held her head and grumbled.

"That's cause all the bad people already got dealt with by you. Of course only good people are left!"

The group split up—Lumine and Paimon headed for the Adventurers' Guild.

Shao Yun wandered alone through the lively streets of Liyue Harbor as night fell. Lanterns lit up, illuminating the ancient and vibrant port city.

He passed Yujing Terrace, where crews were busily preparing for the Rite of Descension. The air was thick with solemnity and reverence.

Feiyun Slope buzzed with life. Vendors called out, customers haggled, voices overlapped in a bustling symphony of daily life.

Despite the city's prosperity and activity, Shao Yun couldn't find a place to stay.

He scoured every inn, only to find them all fully booked.

With no other choice, he asked around until he was directed to Wanmin Restaurant on Chihu Rock.

Inside, the lights were bright and the place was buzzing. Master Mao greeted Shao Yun warmly at the door.

"What can I get you, guest?"

Shao Yun shook his head and pointed toward Lumine and Paimon seated inside. "I'm here to meet someone."

He joined them at their table.

Paimon waved excitedly, calling out, "Over here, Shao Yun!"

Taking a seat and glancing around at the lively atmosphere, Shao Yun couldn't help but remark, "Liyue sure is crowded."

Lumine poured him a cup of tea and handed it over. "Here, have some."

He accepted it, watching the tea leaves unfurl slowly in the hot water. "Tea again?"

He could manage a sip or two—but any more, and the bitterness and unfamiliar taste really didn't sit well with him.

Lumine shrugged with a hint of helplessness. "It's either tea or hot water. Should've stocked up on drinks in Mondstadt."

That reminded Shao Yun—he actually had a bottle of Mondstadt beverage in his bag.

But if he took it out now, Paimon would definitely want some. And given a choice between Lumine and Paimon, of course he'd give it to Lumine—and watch her drink it too. Otherwise, knowing her, she'd hand it to Paimon.

He took a small sip of tea, grimaced slightly at the taste, and shifted his attention back to Lumine and Paimon.

Then he began recounting the hardships of his solo journey.

"You wouldn't believe it—Feiyun Slope was packed. I felt like I was being shoved into the sky just trying to walk the streets."

His voice carried weariness and frustration, clearly showing how rough his walk had been.

Lumine gently patted his back, asking with concern, "Rough day, huh? Let me guess—you didn't find a place to stay?"

Shao Yun sighed and nodded with a wry smile.

"Don't even ask. Every inn is full. I wanted to settle in first before digging up info, but I can't even meet the most basic need."

He paused, then added, "I'm thinking of checking with the Adventurers' Guild later—maybe they'll have a lead on places to stay."

Lumine didn't say much, only offered encouragement. "No worries, we'll go look again after dinner."

Then she added, "Also, you're not paying tonight. My treat."

…

"The food's here!" Xiangling's cheerful voice rang out like a mountain spring, instantly lifting the mood.

She beamed with her big, bright eyes and lively smile, carefully bringing over three fragrant, colorful dishes from the kitchen. The aroma added life and cheer to the room.

She laid out Boiled Black-Back Bass, Braised Three Shreds, and Beast Meat Mint Rolls before the trio, each dish exquisitely presented and incredibly tempting.

Paimon's eyes sparkled with delight at the sight.

Then she turned to Shao Yun. "Xiangling, this is our traveling companion—'Shao Yun'!"

"Hello."

Xiangling studied Shao Yun with curiosity and said with interest, "Oh, you're Shao Yun! Paimon mentioned you back when I was foraging in Mondstadt."

Shao Yun grinned. "And what did Paimon say about me? I'm curious."

Paimon chuckled sheepishly and gave Xiangling a wink, clearly prompting her to say something nice.

Catching the hint, Xiangling thought for a moment, then said with a mischievous smile, "Well, she often said you were amazing... but also mentioned she's never seen you cook. So, your culinary skills might be a little lacking."

Shao Yun laughed heartily. "Paimon wasn't wrong. I'm not very picky about food, so I've never worked on cooking much."

Xiangling's eyes lit up at the topic, her gaze fixed on him as if ready to dig up every culinary story he had.

"Oh? Shao Yun, what's the worst thing you've ever eaten? You must have some wild stories!"

Shao Yun smiled, a glimmer of nostalgia in his eyes, and shared an old tale.

"Once, I had a stew made by a guy named Pearson, nicknamed the 'Naval Admiral.' He cooked up skunk stew... without removing the scent glands. Just skinned it, tossed it in with some venison, bird meat, and potatoes—no seasoning at all. The result—"

He paused dramatically, eyes twinkling, watching for Xiangling's reaction.

She was already making a disgusted face, as if the dish had materialized before her.

"Don't tell me it smelled like stinky tofu…"

Shao Yun continued, "Worse. It smelled like a fermented outhouse. Just thinking about it still makes my stomach turn."

Xiangling looked horrified. "Dear Archons, what kind of life did you live back then? And what on earth was that Pearson guy thinking?!"

Even Lumine pinched her nose, as if she could smell it too. "Shao Yun, please—stop. We're about to eat."

He laughed. "Alright, alright. But ever since then, my taste buds have become pretty unfussy. I can eat just about anything now."

Xiangling shook her head. "Shao Yun, you've really been through a lot. If I ever meet that Pearson, I'll teach him what cooking really means."

He runs a general store in Rhodes now. If you do meet him, say hi to John for me.