Chapter 92: Ningguang’s Invitation

A Millelith soldier approached with steady steps, his gaze falling on Shao Yun before shifting to Lumine, who was riding on his shoulders.

There was a trace of confusion in his eyes, but more so the calm and focus of a professional.

Shao Yun looked at the Millelith soldier, his expression calm as still water, and asked lightly, "Is there something you need?"

The Millelith soldier pointed at Lumine, his voice low and firm.

"May I ask you to put the young lady down? While there's no explicit rule against letting your girlfriend ride on your shoulders, it certainly draws too much attention."

Upon hearing this, Lumine's face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and urgency. She hurriedly urged Shao Yun, 'Put me down, quick!'

Seeing that even the Millelith had spoken, Shao Yun had no choice but to squat down slowly.

Lumine took the opportunity to jump off his shoulders. After steadying herself, she adjusted her dress, a faint shyness still lingering on her face.

The Millelith soldier straightened his expression, his voice growing more serious.

"I need to question the three of you. My words may be a bit direct, but I must ask for your cooperation. I'm just following orders, and I hope you understand."

Shao Yun nodded in acknowledgment.

"I understand, we'll cooperate," he said indifferently, as if he had already anticipated this moment.

The Millelith soldier scrutinized Shao Yun and his companions sharply, his brows furrowing slightly as if trying to discern whether they were hiding any secrets.

"You don't look like locals. Could you show me something that proves your identity?"

Upon hearing this, Shao Yun quickly pulled out his Adventurer's Certificate from his backpack and handed it to the Millelith soldier, explaining, "We're adventurers. This is my credential, please take a look."

The soldier took the certificate and examined it closely, murmuring to himself.

"Mr. Tacitus... Hmm, the credentials are in order."

He looked up, returned the certificate to Shao Yun, then turned to Lumine.

Lumine also quickly produced her Adventurer's Certificate and handed it over.

After a careful inspection, he nodded and said, "Very well, your identities have been confirmed. Sorry for the inconvenience."

"May I ask when we'll be allowed to leave this place?" Shao Yun called out to the soldier who was about to leave.

The soldier turned and replied, "You'll have to wait for Lady Ningguang's orders before you can leave. Please be patient. We'll arrange it as soon as possible."

Though his tone was calm, there was a firmness in his gaze that allowed no refusal.

After the Millelith soldier left, Shao Yun turned to Lumine and Paimon.

"See? Next time something happens, don't panic."

Both replied in unison, "Got it."

The three of them then rested at the scene of the Rite of Descension.

A while later, the entire crowd had been thoroughly checked by the Millelith.

A Millelith captain approached Ningguang and reported the situation.

"Lady Ningguang, we've completed a thorough investigation. Everyone present has been questioned, and we've found no anomalies."

Ningguang frowned slightly, seemingly lost in thought.

She then spoke slowly, her voice carrying a tone of unquestionable authority.

"What about the people from Snezhnaya? Did you investigate them properly?"

The Millelith captain nodded. "We conducted strict checks on the Snezhnayans in the venue. They are all registered legal merchants, no problems there."

Yet, doubt flashed in Ningguang's eyes. She seemed to sense something amiss and furrowed her brows deeper. After a moment of contemplation, she said, "The venue... Hmm, I see. Immediately assign more personnel and expand the search perimeter."

The captain hesitated. Looking around, he noticed the crowd beginning to stir uneasily. Worried, he said, "Lady Ningguang, what about the attendees of the Rite of Descension?"

Ningguang weighed her options, her gaze sweeping the crowd.

After a pause, she finally said, "They cannot leave yet. Increase efforts to calm the crowd and ensure order doesn't spiral. Then expand the search, and pay special attention to the Snezhnayans!"

The captain accepted the order and rushed off to make arrangements.

Just then, Ningguang's gaze caught a tall figure in the distance.

"That person... could it be..." she murmured, filled with doubt. "Could that be the one called 'Shao Yun'?"

She glanced at the "body" of the Geo Archon on the altar.

"Impossible. The intel says he killed many Fatui, but to kill a god..."

As Ningguang wrestled with her thoughts, a Millelith soldier ran up.

"Lady Ningguang, we found a suspicious person! It's the Fatui Harbinger Childe. He was acting sneaky. When we approached, he fled. We're pursuing him now."

Ningguang nodded, a plan quickly forming in her mind.

"Good. Once he's caught, bring him to the Jade Chamber."

She turned her gaze back toward Shao Yun.

"Now I can properly welcome my esteemed guests."

She immediately turned around and summoned two Millelith soldiers.

"You two, come with me."

The soldiers exchanged a glance, then followed her as she walked toward Shao Yun.

…

Elsewhere, Shao Yun looked at Lumine and Paimon, laying out their next steps.

"Lumine, Paimon, what do you think we should eat next? Liyue Pavilion and Wanmin Restaurant both sound good."

At the mention of food, Paimon's eyes lit up, as if she could already see delicious dishes waving at her.

"Wow, I want to eat at both!" Paimon said excitedly, practically drooling.

Shao Yun considered for a moment before continuing, "How about this—let's go to Liyue Pavilion this morning, then I'll find a place for us to stay. You two can explore the city…"

He stopped mid-sentence and shook his head.

Liyue isn't Mondstadt. Mondstadt is completely safe, but Liyue... he hadn't even burned down the Northland Bank yet!

He was concerned that Lumine and Paimon might run into trouble on their own, so he changed his mind.

"Let's stick together. After lunch at Liyue Pavilion, we'll find a place to stay. Then maybe visit a tailor to get Lumine an outfit like mine. For dinner, we'll go to Wanmin Restaurant for a hearty meal. Paimon, how does that sound?"

Paimon nodded eagerly.

"Great idea, great idea!"

At that moment, Ningguang approached with two Millelith in tow, her steps composed and precise, exuding nobility and authority.

"Welcome to Liyue, honored guests," Ningguang greeted, her voice clear and pleasant like a mountain spring. She gave a slight nod of courtesy.

Paimon froze, clearly not expecting Ningguang to appear so suddenly.

She turned to face Ningguang, flustered and unsure, stammering, "Ah? Lady Tianquan? You…"

Lumine also seemed tense. She took a deep breath to calm herself, bowed slightly, and said, "Hello…"

Shao Yun, by contrast, was composed. He scanned Ningguang up and down and said bluntly, "Hello. You must be Miss Ningguang. Seeing is believing. What do you want?"

Ningguang appreciated Shao Yun's straightforwardness and didn't seem bothered by it. She replied gracefully, "You are quite direct. But I prefer dealing with forthright people. I would like to invite you to the Jade Chamber for a discussion. What do you say?"

Her tone was firm, yet warm and inviting.

Upon hearing this, Paimon's eyes widened in disbelief. "The Jade Chamber? Are you seriously inviting us there?"

Ningguang smiled and nodded. "Yes. I'll make sure you receive the best hospitality, a proper welcome."

Shao Yun frowned slightly, a hint of caution in his voice. "This is our first meeting, right, Miss Ningguang? You're being very warm—do you have an ulterior motive?"

Ningguang seemed to have anticipated the question. She smiled lightly, pulled out a letter, and handed it to Shao Yun.

"Mr. Shao Yun, you worry too much. Although this is our first encounter, Acting Grand Master Jean of Mondstadt sent me this letter, informing me of your arrival in Liyue Harbor and asking me to look after you."

Shao Yun accepted the letter and examined it carefully with Lumine and Paimon.

To be sure, he even pulled out the temporary pass Jean had given him to compare handwriting—it matched.

The letter clearly requested Liyue to extend care to the Honorary Knight, Paimon, and Shao Yun.

Still, a part of Shao Yun remained wary. After all, handwriting could be forged.

Just then, a system notification appeared.

[Personal letter from Jean Gunnhildr verified.]

If the system confirmed it, then there was no room for doubt. Shao Yun's worries were finally eased.

"Although it still feels a bit strange, thank you for the invitation. Please, lead the way."

His words were like a stone cast into a calm lake, stirring waves of shock. The Millelith nearby exchanged surprised glances.

Shao Yun actually asked Ningguang to lead the way? Unbelievable.

Even Ningguang herself was stunned—no one had spoken to her so candidly in a long time.

Shao Yun noticed her reaction and furrowed his brows. "Is there a problem? We don't know how to get to the Jade Chamber."

Ningguang snapped out of it and gave him a deep look before nodding.

"Alright, please follow me."

She turned and instructed the Millelith, "Lift the lockdown. Let the attendees of the Rite of Descension leave."

The soldiers sprang into action, unlocking the area so the trapped attendees could finally go.

Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon followed Ningguang toward the Jade Chamber.

Some high-ranking merchants who hadn't left yet looked on in astonishment.

One widened his eyes and exclaimed, "Lady Ningguang personally escorting people to the Jade Chamber? That's unheard of!"

Another chimed in, "Exactly! Who are those three? To receive such treatment from Lady Ningguang? Could they be some mysterious merchants we've never heard of? I need to dig up some information—fast."

As Ningguang led her guests away, the remaining merchants buzzed with speculation.

Arriving at the floating platform, Ningguang approached the Jade Chamber's guide, Bu Yun.

Seeing her approach, Bu Yun stepped forward respectfully. "Lady Ningguang, greetings."

Ningguang gave a small nod in reply. Then she turned slightly and introduced, "Bu Yun, these three are my guests."

Bu Yun looked at the trio behind her, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes before it was quickly replaced by respectful composure. "Understood, Lady Ningguang."

The four of them stepped onto the Cloudstepping Stone, which carried them up into the blue sky.