บท 37: Ch 37

"Adepti's era has passed. If even the Liyue Qixing can't confront this reality, what future does Liyue have?" Keqing boldly stated.

"Mmm... another bold statement," Paimon exclaimed in amazement.

"That's all I wanted to say. I didn't need to say this much, but you're a good listener, Traveler," Keqing remarked. She reminded the Traveler and Paimon that Liyue's top merchants consider ascending to the Qunyu Pavilion the pinnacle of their business careers, and guests usually prepare a gift. Perhaps they could use this to gain some goodwill from Ningguang.

Keqing then explained the method to reach the Qunyu Pavilion and took her leave.

Watching Keqing depart, Paimon said to the Traveler, "Hmm... Even though the Yuheng doesn't respect the Adepti, I think she's quite impressive."

"I agree with some of what she said."

The next step was to think about the gift. Paimon claimed that last night, she dreamt of an exceptionally noble dessert—a 'Sugar-Frosted Slime'! Gifting this to Ningguang would surely astonish her.

"['Sugar-Frosted Slime'?]"

"How do you make something like that based on a dream?" the Traveler was exasperated.

However, Paimon seemed confident and enthusiastic. "Just make it based on the feeling of ['Pikaa']! Let's gather the ingredients quickly! Riches and glory await us!"

During the ingredient gathering process, they also managed to rescue a starstruck merchant who had been imprisoned by the Treasure Hoarders. With Paimon's not-so-subtle hints, the merchant, Lao Meng, agreed to give them a splendid gift box. After everything was prepared, Paimon placed the Slime dessert in the ornate box, sprinkled some powdered sugar, and added a couple of freshly picked flowers.

"Alright, our riches and glory are all in this box. Let's go find Ningguang at the Qunyu Pavilion!"

The Traveler wasn't so confident, feeling a bit apprehensive about presenting this 'Pikaa'-inspired supreme dessert as a gift to the esteemed Ningguang.

In Liyue Harbor, they found a guide to the Qunyu Pavilion. Following a conversation and the use of the passphrase mentioned by Keqing, the guide confirmed their identities and said, "Good answer. You may ascend here. By the way, you're the guests arranged by Lady Ningguang today, right?"

"That's right!" Paimon leaped with joy.

The guide secretly pondered, "But that's not the guests' passphrase; it's the 'Yuheng Special Permission' passphrase. What's going on here?" Nevertheless, they didn't dare to ask any further questions or show any disrespect.

The scene changed, and the Traveler and Paimon successfully reached the Qunyu Pavilion. Although they couldn't see it, they could feel the cool breeze around them.

Ningguang personally came out to welcome them, accompanied by two secretaries.

"We've been waiting for you, the ones who've returned from the clouds," Ningguang said.

"Oh, it's Ningguang!" Paimon immediately chimed in, "Nice to meet you. We've prepared a gift for you; we hope you'll like it!"

"For me?" Ningguang squinted her eyes and smiled. "Thank you very much. I invited you here, and yet you've gone through the trouble."

Ningguang's secretary received the gift on her behalf. While they didn't know what it was, judging by the external packaging, it was clear it wasn't some ordinary item. "These two seem quite knowledgeable," they thought.

Paimon's performance concluded, and now it was the Traveler's turn to discuss serious matters.

"It's my first time in such a high place... The Qunyu Pavilion is truly beautiful."

"This palace's floating position above the mountains offers a clear view of the entirety of Liyue Harbor."

"Ever since my business years, I've been saving up funds for its construction. After becoming the Tianquan, I invited top artisans to expand it continuously..."

"It started as a room-sized structure, and now it can shroud the true moon over Liyue."

"I believe that someday its shadow will encompass all seven nations."

Ningguang was candid about the past and future of the Qunyu Pavilion.

"This Tianquan has quite the ambition..." the Traveler mused.

"Few outsiders are eligible to ascend to the Qunyu Pavilion. But the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius has been in correspondence with me and holds you in high regard."

"So, from your first day in Liyue, I've been deploying our eyes and ears..."

"Finally, when you headed to the Wangshu Inn, I roughly understood your movements."

"What!?" Paimon was surprised, "So, the owner of the Wangshu Inn, Master Verr Goldet, is one of your people?!"

Ningguang shook her head slightly. Paimon patted her chest, relieved. It would be absurd if that were the case. Even Tianquan Ningguang wouldn't have such far-reaching influence.

But then Ningguang's next sentence nearly took Paimon's breath away, "Every part of the Wangshu Inn is under our control."

Paimon: "%$%...!!"

She subconsciously wanted to ask if the Adeptus at the rooftop, the Demon-Subduing Great General Xiao, was also one of "your people?" However, she shook her head. It was highly unlikely.

By common reason, Xiao probably wouldn't qualify as a "person." He also didn't belong to the Wangshu Inn.

In comparison, the Traveler seemed much calmer. "Not long ago, we even met the Yuheng Star..."

"Near the Geo Archon's statue, right?" Paimon asked. "You're not watching us from the sky all the time, are you?"

"Hehe, observing from such a distance would be difficult," Ningguang responded.

Paimon questioned, "But you can hear and see us, right? I find it hard to believe that you're so interested in us."

Ningguang nodded, "Indeed, with ears and eyes, I'm very interested in you, so paying attention is only natural."

The conversation gradually turned to the core issue.

"Keqing said that the Seven Stars wouldn't plot against the Geo Archon," the Traveler said.

"Hmm, you've had quite a bit of interaction with the Adepti, so it's natural for you to have doubts about us. I invited you here this time to clear up some misunderstandings," Ningguang mused, taking a moment to think. She walked to the edge of the Qunyu Pavilion's platform.

Beneath her feet was the vast land of Liyue, while further away lay the boundless ocean and its various islands, some appearing as shadows cast by colossal sea creatures, and others resembling the sharp dorsal fins on the backs of sea monsters. Especially the scene at the Solitary Cloud Pavilion.

"Have you heard of the Archon War?" Ningguang inquired.

"I've heard of the term," the Traveler replied.

"There were many gods in the world, and a long-lasting war until it finally ended two thousand years ago. During that time, countless lives were lost, and much blood was shed."

"In the end, only seven victors remained on the continent of Teyvat. They established nations and cities atop the remains of the defeated, beginning the era of the Seven."

"Do you see the Solitary Cloud Pavilion? It's not a natural formation, but a massive spear, thrown by the Geo Archon during the war. Beneath the spear, it suppresses the former lieutenants of the Archon, the ancient gods who couldn't seize a seat among the Seven."

"Not only do gods die, but even the rulers of the Seven have changed over two thousand years. The Archon's passing is an unimaginable catastrophe for Liyue, but the Seven's system in Teyvat... won't collapse."

Though she was just a mortal, Ningguang seemed to know many secrets, seeing farther than anyone else.

"Another Archon will appear sooner or later, but will we forget the Geo Archon? By then, the relationship between the people of Liyue and the Adepti gods will definitely be different."

"Even in the new era, the Seven Stars of Liyue remain from the Geo Archon's old days. Do you think we can bear the accusation of raising our blades against the Geo Archon?"

"But why did you hide the Adepti's legacy transformation techniques?" the Traveler asked, raising this key question.

Ningguang let out a deep and meaningful laugh, "That day at the Jade Chamber was unexpected, and I was unprepared as well. You should have seen it all on-site."

"The enemies of the Seven Stars had already infiltrated Liyue Harbor, and if we didn't act, we'd be at a disadvantage."

"Hiding the Adepti's legacy transformation techniques was a necessary move. This way, I can turn light into darkness and use stillness to overcome motion."

Though Paimon didn't fully grasp the last sentence, she focused on the main point and couldn't help asking, "Who are these 'enemies' you mentioned?"

Ningguang, however, turned to the Traveler and asked, "Traveler, what do you think?"

"It's him," Tartaglia couldn't help but laugh lightly. The 'enemies' mentioned were referring to himself. It seemed that the Seven Stars had taken several precautions against him. Nevertheless, Tartaglia didn't mind. In fact, he relished the feeling of being an enemy to the world.

"The scenery outside is lovely, but it's a bit too windy at this altitude. The hall is already prepared for guests. Please follow me inside."

.....

Upon entering the hall of the Qunyu Pavilion, it was clear it was extremely luxurious and elegant. Even the paintings and antiques displayed on a small corridor alone were worth a fortune. Tartaglia turned around and could only manage phrases like "not bad" or "impressive." He had never been interested in these things. If it had been a 'rich person,' they might have made more amusing comments. Perhaps they would have appreciated Ningguang's sense of aesthetics.

After a few rounds, without obtaining any important leads, Tartaglia was ready to continue with the main task.

"Feel free to treat this place like your own home," Ningguang offered. "Can we really?!" Paimon's big eyes sparkled with delight. "I invited you here, so naturally, I see you as friends. When friends come to play, happiness is the most important."

At this moment, the Traveler noticed something in the room. "Is that...?"

"Wow, is that the 'legendary wall'?" Paimon exclaimed.

"Oh? Your sources are quite well-informed," Ningguang remarked.

"Even storytellers talk about it, and many people are trying to buy the paper from that wall. It's become famous! Because that wall holds secrets of Liyue, merchants are always passionate about secrets."

Ningguang explained nonchalantly, "But... Traveler, the business secrets of Liyue mean nothing to you. You're very special, and you're well aware of that, aren't you?"

Without waiting for the Traveler's response, Ningguang seemed to already know her answer and continued, "If possible, I'd like to gain your trust. But if I asked you to choose a more trustworthy person between me and Keqing..."

From Tartaglia's perspective, none of the Seven Stars could be trusted. But for the current storyline of the mobile game, he temporarily immersed himself in the Traveler's role. While Ningguang had many tactics at her disposal as the Geo Archon, she was also a businesswoman. Businesspeople primarily focus on profits. In comparison, Keqing's 'disrespectful' attitude toward the Adepti made her more trustworthy. At least her attitude was clear. While the deeds of the Geo Archon were admirable, not even the people of Liyue could completely trust her.

After stating her position, Ningguang smiled gently. "You would choose Keqing, wouldn't you? You have this level of intuition. I originally thought Keqing was a bit too straightforward for her role as one of the Seven Stars. Some things still need my behind-the-scenes support. But after she said, 'The era of the Adepti gods has passed. If even the Seven Stars of Liyue dare not face this reality, what future does Liyue have?'..."

"Some of my doubts have been dispelled," Ningguang stated. "I don't deny the loss of the Geo Archon, which seems advantageous to the Seven Stars. But for the sake of Liyue, I cannot be bound by the rumors of 'Seizing the Throne of the Seven Stars.'"

"Are the Foolish People involved in spreading these rumors?" the Traveler inquired, seeking confirmation from Ningguang.

"Ah, it appears you've understood everything I wanted to convey since earlier," Ningguang acknowledged. The protagonist in this mobile game, the Traveler, could sometimes come across as naïve and easily manipulated, but was not entirely ignorant. There were times when their intelligence shone through.

As Ningguang outlined the events, her words carried deep implications. For Tartaglia, it allowed him to understand the person who might become his future 'enemy' to some extent. According to intelligence reports, the research base of the Foolish People outside Liyue Harbor had been completely destroyed. In this matter, he had set a trap for Ningguang, using the advantage of his progress ahead of time in the game, which brought an information gap.

However, someone like Ningguang could be tricked once, but tricking her a second time would be much less likely. Moreover, this incident would likely attract the uncompromising 'retribution' of the Geo Archon.

Next, the influence of the Foolish People in Liyue Harbor was bound to be continually squeezed to the limit. It was almost as if they had lost their foothold in Liyue Harbor. However, Tartaglia was not concerned. After all, Zhongli had promised him. When the time came, they would have a fierce battle, and the victor would naturally have the privilege of choosing the spoils. This method was in line with Tartaglia's style. The spoils, of course, would be Morax's divine core. Of course, all of this was based on him achieving victory. Tartaglia was confident in this, at least in himself.

"...By the way, may I say something?" Paimon had been unable to interrupt the conversation between the Traveler and Ningguang before. Now, during their break, she quickly seized the opportunity to ask, "I've heard that guests who bring a gift get some benefits. Do we get anything?"

Paimon had a hopeful look in her eyes. The atmosphere that was deep and serious just moments ago had vanished instantly. The Traveler rubbed their forehead. "Paimon, can't you say something else?"

"Hehe, it's alright. I like straightforward people," Ningguang chuckled. "You've been through a lot in these recent times. As compensation, you can choose something you like from me to take with you."

"Great, hehe! Just waiting for this moment..." Paimon's big eyes squinted to mere slits as she couldn't stop smiling. "I've planned it all along. What I want is... the papers on that wall!"

The Traveler: "???"

When did you start making decisions for me?

Faced with the Traveler's perplexed gaze, Paimon explained, "Don't look at me like that! Don't you understand? Even a piece the size of a thumbnail from that wall can be sold for a fortune!"

"If... if it's an intact sheet... I can't even imagine how much Mora it would be worth! Go pick a sheet, get the biggest one!" Paimon encouraged.

Approaching the 'legendary wall,' Tartaglia saw that it indeed had several pieces of paper stuck to it. However, only the front few were legible. The general content indicated that Ningguang had plans to collaborate with Mondstadt's Dawn Winery. In the lower left corner, there was a newly pasted note with images and text. Without hesitation, Paimon chose this piece.

Evidently, she had seen through Ningguang's strategy—this was exactly what Ningguang wanted her to obtain. The content wasn't a treasure or an opportunity for getting rich but rather information related to the Foolish People's research on the Forbidden Curse Scrolls. On the map, the location was specifically marked with a red circle. It appeared that in the game, Ningguang had only discovered some clues and suspected that the Foolish People were researching and replicating, but had no concrete evidence. This was why they were sending the Traveler to investigate first.

Once Paimon realized she had fallen into the trap, her enthusiasm waned immediately. "So... can we not go there?"

"No, I believe that the less we fully trust Ningguang, the more we need to personally verify her claims. So, before going to Di Hua Marsh to find Zhongli, we should visit the place mentioned in this information. To see if the Foolish People are really up to something shady," Tartaglia said with a grin.

Of course, they were involved in unsavory activities. To fulfill the ideal of Her Majesty the Tsaritsa, these covert means were necessary. Tartaglia had never considered himself a good person. He would use any means necessary to achieve certain essential goals.

Before long, they arrived at the marked location on the map. After defeating the Foolish People soldiers there, they proceeded to decrypt the area nearby.