By the time Luo Qing returned to his room, it was empty — Yelan was long gone.
"Master Luo Qing, that woman escaped!" Natalia gasped.
"I'm not blind. Stop making such a fuss."
"But, Master Luo Qing, she was such a beauty! Isn't it a shame to just let her go like that?" Sergei asked, confused.
"Sergei, watch your words! We are proud soldiers of Snezhnaya, not some bandit gang! Go outside and give me three hundred push-ups!"
[Frustration Value from Sergei +10]
Luo Qing turned to Igor next.
"Have the researchers arrived?"
"Master Luo Qing, they're already waiting downstairs," Igor replied respectfully.
"Bring them up."
Luo Qing waved him off and walked back into his room. After a moment, he added, "If any of you three eavesdrop outside my door again, I'll make you dance on Yujing Terrace. Got it?"
"Yes, sir!" the three chorused.
Luo Qing ignored the three troublemakers. They were the most troublesome of his former recruits back at the training camp, and he'd brought them to Liyue for good reason.
He checked his luggage and found no signs that it had been tampered with. Yelan must have been focused on escaping and hadn't lingered in his room.
Remembering her unwavering expression, Luo Qing knew he wouldn't have gotten any information from her, no matter how long he had Natalia tickle her. He had a good idea why she was there, so there was no point in pressing further.
He'd given her an out, hoping they wouldn't cross paths again.
Otherwise, it wouldn't be just a photo for the scrapbook next time.
Soon, there was a knock at the door.
"Come in."
At his command, several Fatui scholars entered the room.
"Greetings, Master Luo Qing. I am Ovelo, the head of the Fatui research division in Liyue." The leader bowed politely.
"We have been informed of your mission by the headquarters in Snezhnaya. Until Master Childe arrives, we are at your full disposal."
The Fatui's influence spanned across the seven nations, not for mere spectacle, but to gather any information or objects beneficial to Snezhnaya.
Whether they hailed from the Archon War or the Khaenri'ah cataclysm, the Fatui would claim them if they proved useful.
Their research institutes existed for precisely this purpose.
Artifacts from Khaenri'ah or ancient mechanisms left behind by the Adepti — all of these fell under their purview.
"Alright, Ovelo. Did you bring what I requested?" Luo Qing asked calmly.
"Yes."
Ovelo gestured to one of his assistants, who stepped forward with a small box and placed it on the table before Luo Qing. Opening it, he presented its contents.
"This is the newly recreated Forbidden Talisman. It should possess almost the same power as the original, but whether it will work against... that individual's creations has yet to be confirmed."
"Is that because you're too afraid to test it yourselves?"
Luo Qing chuckled, picking up the talisman to examine it closely. It was inscribed with ancient Liyue script in cinnabar ink, with Adepti energy faintly pulsing between the runes.
"Impressive that you managed to harness Adepti energy. How many of Liyue's hidden ruins did you plunder for this?" he asked, a teasing edge to his voice.
"Well, about that..."
"Liyue is, after all, an ally. Don't push things too far," Luo Qing warned with a smile.
"Of course, Master Luo Qing. We understand," Ovelo replied, bowing deeply.
"Good. You're dismissed. I'll test this thing out myself."
"Understood. We'll take our leave."
Once the researchers were gone, Luo Qing went to the balcony. He wasn't worried about Yelan returning for a sneak attack — no, this was something more important.
It was time for his second ten-pull.
He needed a spot with good Feng Shui to try his luck.
[Single Pull: 100 Points / Ten-Pull: 1,000 Points (Current Frustration Points: 1,083)]
"Heaven and Earth, hear my plea! Grant me a golden miracle!" Luo Qing chanted dramatically, pressing the ten-pull button with a flourish.
Ten meteors streaked across his system interface.
This time, surely it's gold...
Just kidding.
Still only purple.
With a string of swooshes, the ten items appeared in his inventory.
[You received: ]
Millelith Spear (+0) x1
Physique Enhancement Card x3
Affection Boost Card x2
Weapon Enhancement Card x2
Tears of Sorrow Card x1
Complete Restoration Pill x1
"Even the perfect Feng Shui can't save me..." Luo Qing sighed as he looked at the list of items. At least, this haul was a bit more useful than the last. He began examining his new treasures.
[Physique Enhancement Card: Use on a target to increase their overall physique by 100 points. (Standard Teyvat adult male physique: 100 points)]
[Affection Boost Card: Use on a target to increase their affection for the host by 10 points. (Maximum affection: 100)]
[Weapon Enhancement Card: Increases a weapon's enhancement level by +1.]
[Complete Restoration Pill: Heals all injuries of a target, restoring them to peak condition.]
"Definitely more practical than the last batch." Luo Qing nodded approvingly, turning his attention to the only purple item he received — the Millelith Spear.
Once the standard weapon of the ancient Millelith, this spear was crafted from the rock shards of Guyun Stone Forest. It was said to pierce anything, even dragon scales. With Adepti blessings, units of Millelith soldiers once used these spears to destroy demons and slay gods.
However, after the Archon War, the Millelith's capabilities had dwindled, and fewer soldiers were able to wield the Millelith Spear. The standard weapon of today's Millelith had become the lighter, more practical White Tassel spear.
Of course, the Millelith Spear Luo Qing acquired wasn't quite the same. His version could be enhanced.
Checking the details, Luo Qing noted that a single enhancement would boost the weapon's stats by 10%. With a maximum of +20, this meant he could potentially double its effectiveness.
Since he had it now, it wouldn't make sense to leave it in his inventory.
With a thought, the Millelith Spear materialized in Luo Qing's hand.
Thud.
The spear slipped from his grip, landing heavily on the mahogany floor with a dull thud.
He... couldn't lift it.
"Wow, this thing's really that heavy," he muttered, eyeing the slight indentation it had made in the hardwood. No wonder the modern Millelith didn't use it anymore.
For anyone else, that might be the end of the story.
But Luo Qing wasn't just anyone.
He had cheats.
With another mental command, he used all four Physique Enhancement Cards at once.
A rush of power surged through him, his muscles and senses sharpening instantly.
Four enhancement cards meant he now had five times the strength of a normal Teyvat adult male. In terms of raw physicality — strength, reflexes, endurance — he had reached the level of a seasoned Vision wielder.
Grasping the spear's handle again, Luo Qing gave it a gentle tug.
This time, he lifted it effortlessly.
Late Night, Jade Chamber
Under the dim glow of the lanterns, Ningguang leaned on one hand, her other delicately holding Liyue's recent development plans. Her gaze was focused, yet tinged with a trace of fatigue.
In just a short while, the annual Rite of Descension would take place, and she had to ensure all preparations were in order well in advance.
It was the most important day of the year — the day when the Geo Archon revealed himself to guide Liyue for the year to come. Every citizen of Liyue would be watching the ceremony, so there could be no room for error.
This year, it was Ningguang's turn to host the ceremony and receive the oracle. Everything had gone smoothly last year when Yuheng Keqing had presided over the Rite, and Ningguang had no intention of letting any mishaps occur under her watch.
Yet, the Fatui from Snezhnaya were making their moves at such a critical time. She couldn't help but feel uneasy — were they aiming to disrupt the Rite?
The enemy lay hidden in the shadows while she stood in the light. Any mistakes during the ceremony wouldn't just provoke discontent among Liyue's people — even the Adepti of Jueyun Karst might ridicule her for it.
"Back so soon?"
Ningguang closed the planning documents and glanced behind her. Emerging from behind the screen painted with mountain and river landscapes, Yelan approached slowly.
"It seems he's not as simple as we thought."
One look at Yelan's expression, and Ningguang could tell — she must have been thwarted by that man. There were traces of tears at the corner of Yelan's eyes, a faint blush on her cheeks, and a look of indignant frustration.
Could it be... she was teased?
Yelan spoke in a low voice. "He has a strange ability... he can control someone's body."
"Control their body?" Ningguang's eyes scanned Yelan up and down, a hint of doubt in her gaze.
So Yelan's embarrassed expression... was because he controlled her body, and then...?
"He captured me, but then deliberately let me go. I'm not sure what his intentions were."
"He didn't do anything else? No interrogation, for example?" Ningguang asked suddenly.
"..."
"Anyway, all the traits Snezhnaya mentioned match him. It's likely he's the newly appointed Fatui trainee Harbinger," Yelan said, her face tinged with a hint of red as she avoided answering Ningguang's question directly.
"A Harbinger coming to Liyue in secret instead of through official diplomatic channels... and hiding his true identity?" Ningguang mused.
"It seems I'll have to meet him myself soon," she said, her gaze serious as she looked back at the Rite of Descension plan on her desk. No matter what, she couldn't let anyone jeopardize the Rite.
"Since you've been discovered, stop following him for now. Look into this instead."
Ningguang pulled a report from a stack of documents and handed it to Yelan. The cover read "Snezhnaya's Cultural Research Division in Liyue."
"This is...?" Yelan asked, accepting the report and carefully reading its contents. It contained various pieces of intelligence about the research division.
"There are rumors they've been investigating the Sigil of Permission. You know how dangerous that could be. If possible, see that it's destroyed."
"Understood," Yelan replied, slipping the file into her coat before vanishing behind the screen.
After Yelan left, Ningguang glanced back at the Rite of Descension plans and called out toward the doorway.
"Baishi."
"Yes, Lady Ningguang? What are your orders?" came the immediate response.
"Make the necessary arrangements. I want to meet with the new manager of the Northland Bank tomorrow at the Jade Chamber. Tell him it's to discuss future business opportunities."
"Understood."
The Next Morning
Luo Qing had stayed up late the night before, expecting Yelan to come seeking revenge. Worried she might ambush him, he'd remained vigilant until the early hours, only falling asleep when he was sure she wouldn't return.
He'd just woken up when there was a knock on his door.
"Master Luo Qing, there's someone here to see you downstairs," Natalia called respectfully from the other side.
"To see me?" Luo Qing asked, rubbing his eyes.
"They said they're from the big house in the sky," Natalia replied.
"The Jade Chamber?" Luo Qing blinked, puzzled. Yesterday he'd caught one of Ningguang's spies, and now, they wanted to see him already? What was Ningguang up to?
Descending to the lobby of the Northland Bank, he found Baishi waiting for him. She had arrived early, expecting to quickly meet with the manager.
Instead, a man named Igor had told her that his master typically slept until noon and that she was early.
When she asked why they couldn't just wake Luo Qing up, Igor had explained that his master had decreed that even the Geo Archon himself couldn't disturb his sleep. Anyone who dared to wake him would face his wrath.
If they interrupted Master Luo Qing's slumber, they'd be dancing on Yujing Terrace with poles by evening.
After hearing that, Baishi's mood soured. This was an invitation from Lady Ningguang! Liyue merchants would pay fortunes just for a chance to set foot in the Jade Chamber, yet this man dared to keep her waiting because he was sleeping?
Anyone else wouldn't have dared to make her wait a second.
She had other work to do! She couldn't afford to waste time here!
"My name is Luo Qing, manager of the Northland Bank in Liyue." Luo Qing yawned, looking relaxed. "Your master wants to meet with me?"
"Luo Qing... A Liyue name?" Baishi's brow furrowed, confused. This man was supposed to be from Snezhnaya, so why did he have a Liyuean name and appearance?
"Oh, I was a Liyue orphan. I grew up in Snezhnaya," Luo Qing explained casually.
"My apologies, Mr. Luo Qing," Baishi said, her tone softening. Knowing he was originally from Liyue made her feel less antagonistic, and she found herself sympathetic to his story.
After all, there were orphans everywhere in this world, even in the prosperous Liyue.
Ningguang's dream was to reduce their number until every family in Liyue was happy and whole.
"My name is Baishi, and I'm Lady Ningguang's secretary. She would like to invite you to the Jade Chamber to discuss potential future cooperation between Liyue and the Northland Bank. Would Mr. Luo Qing have time to join her?"
"Oh, I'd be delighted," Luo Qing said with a smile. "But since it's Lady Ningguang inviting me, I can't go empty-handed. Miss Baishi, would you mind waiting a moment while I prepare a gift?"
"Of course. I can wait here, but please note that Lady Ningguang has already prepared lunch for you. It would be best not to keep her waiting," Baishi replied.
"Don't worry, I won't take long."
Luo Qing gave Igor a meaningful look, and the latter nodded, following him back upstairs.
Once inside his room, Luo Qing began rummaging through his belongings, giving instructions to his three followers.
"Igor, you and Sergei need to head to the harbor and find a ship heading to Guyun Stone Forest. Make sure it departs tonight. You'll accompany me there later."
"Yes, Master Luo Qing," they replied in unison.
"What about me, Master Luo Qing?" Natalia asked eagerly, raising her hand.
"You're coming with me to the Jade Chamber. I'll need you to back me up," Luo Qing said offhandedly.
"..."
[Frustration Value from Natalia +1]
"Ugh, fine," Natalia sighed, her expression falling.
Field missions could earn merits, while a diplomatic meeting was just a formality. She didn't understand why the two men got to go with Master Luo Qing while she was stuck playing support.
Seeing the smirks on Igor and Sergei's faces only made her more annoyed.
"Got it! Finally!" Luo Qing exclaimed, holding up a black disc he had found in his belongings with a satisfied grin.
"Master Luo Qing... you're going to use that as a gift?!" the trio gasped in unison.
They knew exactly what it was.
It was the very BGM they used to dance to back in the training camp — the one featuring Master Luo Qing's heartfelt singing!
"A good gift must come from the heart!" Luo Qing flicked the disc with his finger, producing a crisp sound. He seemed utterly confident.
"Master Luo Qing... if I may speak frankly, aren't you worried this might cause a diplomatic incident?" Igor asked hesitantly.
"Hmm? What's that supposed to mean, Igor? Are you saying you don't like my singing?"
"N-no! Go ahead, it's a great gift!" Igor stammered quickly.
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