Chapter 91: The Emperor Is Dead, Let’s Fire Up the Oil Pot!

Awakened by the gentle call of morning birdsong, Lumine stirred. It was as if nature itself had rung its bell—soft, yet persistent.

She slowly opened her eyes, adjusting to the sudden brightness.

Rising with a quiet yawn, she looked toward the campfire and saw Shao Yun still sitting there.

Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she asked with a tinge of confusion and sleepiness, "Didn't I tell you to wake me?"

Her voice was slightly husky but crisp in the tranquil morning air.

Shao Yun turned his head with a smile. He stood and walked over with a steaming cup of coffee, handing it to her gently. "You looked too peaceful in your sleep—like a little kid. I couldn't bring myself to wake you."

Lumine took the cup, blew gently on the surface, and took a small sip.

The bitter aroma spread slowly in her mouth, like morning dew easing the dryness of her spirit.

She looked at Shao Yun with curious eyes. "Aren't you tired?"

Shao Yun shook his head casually. "I can go days without sleep and not feel tired. Don't worry about me."

Reduced stamina consumption—sleep wasn't essential for him anymore.

Just then, Paimon was roused by the chirping birds in the distance. She rubbed her eyes and stretched with a yawn, trying to shake off the last traces of sleep.

Messing with her hair, she murmured contentedly, "Ah~ that was such a good sleep."

Shao Yun watched her with a gentle smile and offered, "Want some coffee to wake up?"

The moment Paimon heard "coffee," she shook her head vehemently, wrinkling her nose.

"No thanks! I'm not drinking that bitter stuff!"

She even pulled a funny face in defiance.

A while later, as Lumine finished her coffee, Shao Yun gathered his thoughts and said, "Let's get ready for the Rite of Descension. I'll pack up the tent."

Lumine nodded in agreement and pulled Paimon out of the tent with her.

Seeing Shao Yun deftly extinguish the fire and prepare to dismantle the tent, she asked, "Need help?"

Shao Yun shook his head with a smile. "Nah, I've got this. You can try next time."

…

Liyue Harbor in the morning was shrouded in mist, like a watercolor painting.

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon walked leisurely in the morning breeze toward Yujing Terrace.

The streets were bustling, throngs of people weaving through one another. Most were out-of-town merchants setting up stalls, eager to capitalize on the grand occasion.

Most people heading toward Yujing Terrace looked like big merchants. There weren't many locals.

Paimon blinked curiously. "Why don't we see many Liyue locals? Isn't this their biggest festival of the year?"

Shao Yun smiled faintly. "The people of Liyue have grown up basking in the Geo Archon's blessings. They're used to the Rite. Besides, they all have their own lives and jobs. Not everyone has the luxury to come out like the out-of-towners and merchants."

Paimon scratched her head, still puzzled. "But... doesn't the Geo Archon deliver divine guidance for the year? Isn't that a big opportunity to make money?"

Shao Yun shook his head with a chuckle. "Sure, but not everyone can capitalize on that. Even if you knew what was coming, you'd need capital and foresight to profit. The big merchants aren't about to let ordinary people take a share."

Paimon nodded slowly. "Oh... so that's how it is..."

Shao Yun shrugged. "Anyway, we don't need to worry about that. We're travelers. Those guys can hoard all the Mora they want—it's got nothing to do with us."

They soon arrived at Yujing Terrace, where the Millelith were maintaining order with precision.

Moving through the crowd, they came to the exquisitely decorated Yiwan Hall, radiating solemn majesty.

Paimon, excited, tugged Lumine's hand. "I heard that wishes made on this day are extra effective! Lumine, Shao Yun, let's try!"

Lumine smiled and nodded.

The three of them went to a censer. Lumine closed her eyes and made a quiet, sincere wish.

Afterward, she turned to Shao Yun. "You should make one too. Paimon and I are going to the next censer."

Shao Yun stared at the incense burner, hesitating.

He wasn't particularly superstitious, but seeing how excited they were, he didn't want to ruin the moment.

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and silently wished: 'I wish I could kill without being wanted... and that treasure hoarders would line up to get robbed.'

He opened his eyes—nothing happened.

A breeze stirred, and the censer wobbled slightly, as if about to grow legs and flee.

Shao Yun muttered, "Really? That small wish was too much?"

Just then, Lumine and Paimon returned.

Seeing his awkward expression, Lumine asked, "What'd you wish for? You look disappointed."

Shao Yun forced a smile. "Nothing, just gave it a try. Doesn't seem to work too well this year."

Then, closing his eyes again, he silently added a second wish: 'Then... kill the guy in the top hat for me.'

When he opened them—crack.

The censer had developed a fissure.

Shao Yun froze, staring in disbelief.

Lumine and Paimon noticed too, shocked. "Shao Yun! What did you wish for?!"

Shao Yun snorted. "Just kidding around. No idea what's wrong with this little censer."

Then the system flashed a message in front of him:

[Please refrain from making strange and inappropriate wishes.]

Shao Yun grumbled internally. 'As if this broken thing could grant anything.'

He turned to Lumine and Paimon. "Totally useless! Let's go watch the Rite instead."

They arrived at the ceremonial platform—it was packed tight, like a sea of people. No space to move.

Paimon pouted. "So many people! How are we supposed to see anything?"

"Maybe we should push in a bit? Would be a shame not to see anything."

But Shao Yun had a sudden idea. Turning to Lumine, he said, "Hey, I've got a plan. Climb on my shoulders, or I'll lift you up. You'll see everything."

Lumine's cheeks flushed. She waved her hands. "No way! That's so embarrassing—I'm not a kid!"

But Shao Yun was already squatting. "Come on! You're the only one in Teyvat who gets this treatment. Don't waste it."

Reluctantly, Lumine gave in. She carefully climbed onto his shoulders. Shao Yun grabbed her ankles and stood tall.

Instantly, they drew attention. Lumine turned bright red, covering her face with her hands.

"Let's move back a little… this is so embarrassing."

Shao Yun patted her leg cheerfully. "Don't worry. People would kill for this spot!"

Feeling his hand, Lumine blushed even more. "Don't pat my leg!"

Her voice was so soft it barely carried.

"Alright, alright. No more patting."

With Lumine on his shoulders and Paimon hovering nearby, they stood at the crowd's edge with a perfect view.

Ningguang stood before the altar, radiant in the sunlight, a true star over Liyue.

Two women in qipaos stood silently behind her, enhancing the ceremony's elegance and gravity.

Paimon lay on Lumine's head, wide-eyed. "So that's Ningguang of the Liyue Qixing! She's so beautiful!"

Shao Yun quipped, "Sure, but in my eyes, you're prettier."

Lumine blushed again. "Shh! Not so loud—someone might hear!"

Her face reddened, her charm only growing.

Shao Yun grinned. "Have some confidence! Anyone who says otherwise, I'll dig their eyes out!"

Just then, Ningguang looked skyward and declared—

"The auspicious hour has arrived."

Her voice rang out, clear and commanding, arresting everyone's attention.

Shao Yun grew excited and patted Lumine's leg again. "You have a camera? Quick! Let's get a shot of this!"

Lumine nudged him with her foot, half-laughing. "Stop patting my leg! But yes—I have a Kamera."

"Perfect! Get ready! We're about to witness something unforgettable!"

From Emperor to fried Archon today—this deserves a snapshot!

Lumine pulled out the Kamera, aiming to capture the Geo Archon's descent.

Ningguang stood tall at the altar, her gaze blazing. Her lips moved, and Geo energy surged like molten rock.

A golden pillar of light shot skyward, illuminating the entire sky.

The clouds shimmered with rainbow hues, blooming like celestial flowers.

Even the wind seemed to join the moment, whispering through the crowd.

Shao Yun's eyes sparkled. "Lumine, ready! This is it!"

Perched atop him, Lumine held the Kamera steady, eyes locked on the sky.

Her fingers hovered above the shutter, waiting to capture the perfect moment.

But just then—the clouds blackened.

The golden pillar vanished.

A beast—half-kirin, half-dragon—plummeted from the sky.

It nearly crashed into Ningguang, who leapt back just in time.

The crowd gasped, backing away in shock.

Lumine and Paimon were stunned. Lumine nearly dropped the Kamera.

Ningguang, regaining her footing, fixed her gaze on the Archon's now-lifeless form.

Paimon clung to Lumine's back, trembling. "What just happened?!"

Shao Yun, still calm, turned to Lumine. "Did you get the shot?"

"I-I was too shocked to press the button!"

"Wha—?! You missed it?! That moment was worth a fortune!"

Ningguang stared at the Geo Archon's corpse, heart pounding.

Then she turned sharply, her voice like a blade. "The Lord of Geo has been slain—seal the area!"

The Millelith sprang into action, locking the grounds down.

Paimon panicked. "We have to run!"

Lumine turned to Shao Yun, desperate. "Put me down! We'll be trapped!"

But Shao Yun remained composed. "Why are we running? Paimon—did you kill the Archon?"

Paimon waved frantically. "Of course not!"

"Lumine? Was it you?"

"No! I'd never...!"

Shao Yun gave a bitter laugh. "What, then—was it me?"

The two fell silent, uncertain.

"What's with the silence?! Of course it wasn't me! The guy faked his death—it has nothing to do with us!"

"We're just travelers, adventurers. The Lord of Geo dying has nothing to do with us."

His reasoning calmed Lumine and Paimon.

Shao Yun smiled slightly. "Liyue is a place of reason. We have nothing to hide. Running would only make us look guilty."

His words reassured them, and they relaxed.

Lumine looked down at him, hesitating. "You make sense... So… can you put me down now?"

Shao Yun shook his head. "Nope."

Lumine blinked in surprise. "Why not? The Rite's basically over…"

"Better to keep things as they are. Moving might draw suspicion."

Lumine glanced down, worried. "But… aren't you tired?"

Shao Yun smiled smugly. "I'm happy to carry you."

Just then, a Millelith soldier approached.

Shao Yun whispered quickly, "Don't say anything. Here comes the questioning."