Chapter 96: Tomorrow, I’ll Take You to Find the Adepti

Miss Xingxi's voice carried a rare firmness, as if she'd just made an important decision.

Shao Yun paused mid-step, turning back to look at her.

"I'm warning you now—I want a set of riding gear, not some jewel-encrusted ball gown."

He stressed the point, wary that she might misunderstand the commission.

But Xingxi didn't seem to hear the caution in his tone. She nodded enthusiastically, as if already seeing a shining future unfold.

"Mingxing Jewelry has extensive connections. We will make a set of clothing that satisfies you!"

Her confidence brimmed over.

Shao Yun promptly doused it with a splash of cold water.

"Then why shouldn't I just post a request at the Adventurers' Guild? That'd be faster and more efficient."

Xingxi's tone shifted, near pleading.

"But please… let me be the one to help. I promise to make the most fitting, most comfortable outfit."

Her eyes sparkled with urgency, as though his refusal would be the end of the world.

Shao Yun frowned, looking over the shop that clearly had little to do with tailoring.

"You're a jewelry store. Why take on a clothing job at all?"

Xingxi's expression shifted to surprise, like his question had caught her off guard.

"You don't know? Word's already spread like wildfire through Liyue's merchant circles—Lady Ningguang herself gave you three the highest level reception. I just want to establish a good relationship. Please! An opportunity like this is priceless!"

What the hell? That little event's already turned into gossip?

Shao Yun mentally connected the dots—between the ceasefire pact, the disappearing Geo Archon's body, and the sudden wave of generosity.

Ningguang really is a mastermind. With no scapegoat for the Archon's death, she used us as a distraction—lavishing hospitality on us to divert attention. No wonder she's willing to foot the bill. Probably using us as bait to keep the masses occupied.

Becoming one of the Liyue Qixing must mean you're no stranger to calculated moves. But since she's offering benefits… I'll refrain from putting a bullet in her skull—for now.

Later, I'll "reimburse" her by emptying half the shops in Liyue.

Shao Yun turned to Lumine, eyes asking her opinion.

"What do you think?"

Lumine gave a small nod, clearly moved by Xingxi's sincerity. Seeing the earnestness in her eyes, she replied softly, "Sure, I guess. She's practically begging."

Xingxi's face lit up like the sun breaking through clouds. She clapped her hands together in gratitude.

"Thank you, thank you! I'll take your measurements right away—height, weight—we'll tailor the perfect outfit just for you!"

As Lumine followed her inside, Shao Yun smirked and quipped, "If you get kidnapped, just scream. I'll storm in and kill everyone except you and Paimon."

Lumine gently shoved him with a smile.

"The greatest threat in Liyue is already under a ceasefire with us. Relax. Don't go off shooting people again."

…

Soon, Lumine reemerged.

Shao Yun walked over to meet her, curiosity in his eyes. "So, what's your height and weight?"

But her expression darkened instantly.

She shot him a glare, then suddenly stomped hard on his foot.

"Don't ask a girl her height or weight! Even my brother knows better."

She added with a cold edge, "Ask again, and you're sleeping in the hallway."

Just then, Xingxi—completely unbothered—seemed about to speak. "Miss Lumine's height is about—"

Only to be cut off as Lumine slapped a hand over her mouth.

"Don't you dare," she hissed. Her eyes were frantic, unwilling to let the secret slip.

"Seriously, it's not like I'd think less of you because of your height." Shao Yun shook his head. "Fine, I won't ask again."

Lumine relaxed, removing her hand and sticking out her tongue at him. "Bleh~!"

Shao Yun didn't take offense. He turned to Xingxi.

"Miss Xingxi, I'd like you to make something similar to what I'm wearing now—but more feminine."

His voice was calm, but resolute.

Xingxi studied him briefly, her eyes falling on his sharpshooter's outfit. She nodded.

"Understood. No problem."

Still, Shao Yun added a firm reminder.

"Remember—it has to be riding-appropriate. Form-fitting. Durable. Not easy to tear. Money isn't an issue. Bill goes to the Jade Chamber. Ningguang will cover it."

"How should we notify you when the outfit is finished?" Xingxi asked.

Shao Yun thought for a moment.

"Deliver it to the Adventurers' Guild. Ask for Tacitus Kilgor."

Xingxi nodded quickly. "Tacitus Kilgor. Got it."

Suddenly, Paimon caught wind of someone selling candied hawthorn skewers nearby and immediately dragged Lumine away.

Shao Yun was about to follow when he heard Xingxi call softly behind him.

"Wait!"

He turned around to find her holding the qipao, now neatly boxed in a decorative gift case. She held it out with a slightly guilty smile.

"Here. This qipao… take it as a gift from me."

Shao Yun blinked, then narrowed his eyes.

"I don't want a secondhand dress."

But Xingxi shoved it into his hands before he could fully refuse, her voice rushed and pleading.

"Then just… dispose of it for me. I can't sell it, and I've got no reason to throw it away myself. Think of it as a bonus. Do me this favor."

A system notification popped up.

[Flowerchu's Luxurious Qipao: Though secondhand, it was only worn once. (This is a 'Unique' item.)]

Shao Yun looked at the box in his hands, clearly conflicted.

I'm not a pervert. What do I want with some woman's secondhand dress?

Unique, huh? She's living a fine life in Mondstadt now—plenty of time to wear a qipao properly.

Just then, Paimon's voice called out.

"Shao Yun! They've got candied hawthorn! Hurry!"

"Coming!"

And so, unintentionally, he tucked the qipao gift box into his [Eastern Legends Backpack] and ran to catch up—promptly forgetting all about it.

…

Night fell. The lights of Liyue Harbor sparkled like scattered stars under the deepening sky.

The trio had spent the whole day exploring, marveling at the city's beauty and splendor.

Yet, even after hours of wandering, the vastness of Liyue Harbor continued to amaze them—so many alleys and corners yet to be discovered.

Back at the inn, Paimon collapsed onto the bed, out like a light.

Lumine sat in a chair, sipping water, her gaze distant and heavy.

She set the cup down and looked at Shao Yun, her voice tinged with concern.

"Shao Yun, I don't think we should just keep eating and playing around like this…"

Shao Yun lounged on the chaise, eyes half-lidded with leisure. He turned toward her with a small smile.

"Why not? Isn't it great?"

Traveling on someone else's dime? This kind of blessing doesn't come around often.

Lumine pursed her lips, tone firm.

"We came to Liyue to ask the Geo Archon about my brother. Even though the Archon's gone… Tartaglia said there are still the adepti. We can't give up now."

Shao Yun frowned slightly and waved dismissively.

"You're not actually trusting him, are you? You can't take a Harbinger's word at face value."

Lumine hesitated. "But… we did sign a ceasefire. Visiting the Northland Bank might give us some useful clues."

At that, Shao Yun's expression changed subtly. His eyes narrowed.

"You really think the Fatui are being generous? Maybe he wants us to gather intel on Liyue's adepti—for him."

His words hit like a sharpened arrow, piercing through what Lumine hadn't considered.

She faltered, troubled.

"This…"

She tried to reply, but Shao Yun pressed on.

"Think about it. I wiped out the Fatui in Mondstadt, and somehow he knows we're in Liyue looking for the Archon? And he was skulking around the venue like a thief. Doesn't that strike you as suspicious?"

His rapid-fire reasoning left her without room to argue. She slowly nodded.

"You're right…"

But then, her eyes clouded again.

"But the Archon is gone. If I'm going to find my brother… I have to try the adepti."

Shao Yun shook his head, a trace of a smirk on his lips.

"You really want to meet the adepti? You don't need to rely on the Fatui. I have ways."

Lumine's eyes lit up. She put down her cup and quickly walked over.

"Are you serious?"

Shao Yun rose from the lounge with quiet confidence.

"Don't underestimate my network. I've got contacts everywhere."

Her fists clenched with urgency, voice speeding up.

"Then let's go find them tomorrow!"

Shao Yun paused at her eagerness, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Don't you want to enjoy Liyue a little longer? The food, the views…"

But Lumine shook her head, eyes sharp.

"No. It's urgent. We came to Liyue to find my brother's trail. The sooner we find him… the sooner he can be prepared."

He already knows. If he's not dead from stress yet, it's a miracle.

Shao Yun met her gaze, then gave a small nod.

"Alright. If that's what you want, I'll go with you tomorrow."

Honestly, I still want to see more of Liyue. Mondstadt was such a mess—thanks to that top-hatted clown, I never got to relax with Lumine there.

Then she blinked, suddenly thoughtful.

"Wait… how do you plan to find the adepti?"

Silly girl. Isn't Xiao at Wangshu Inn one of them? I'll just ask him to take us to the deer and the birds.

"You'll see tomorrow. Just trust me."