Episode 174.1: Discussing the Flat-Chested Princess's sorrow over her nemesis not being the Cat Immortal.
『 The scene shifts to early the next morning.
To find a way to reach the Jade Chamber, the two arrived at Mt. Tianheng.
"Look, up there! That's the Jade Chamber." At the summit, Paimon pointed to a giant floating structure in the sky. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Oyama Mahiro (Onimai): "Is that the Jade Chamber?" ]
[ Umaru Doma (Himouto): "It's so big." ]
[ The Herta (Honkai: Star Rail): "It has overcome the limitations of gravity and flown so high." ]
[ Cloud Retainer (Genshin Impact): "Indeed, a marvel of craftsmanship." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Thank you for the compliment, Cloud Retainer-sama." ]
[ Saitama (One Punch Man): "But how do shr get up there? It doesn't look like she can fly." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Stare—" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "....., don't look at me. I can't pull you up, Traveler." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): ".—....." ]
[ .....]
『 "Wow, that's pretty high up. Question is, how do we get up there?" Lumine looked around, trying to find a path to the sky, but found nothing.
"Ah, this is bad, Paimon's supposed to be your guide, but Paimon doesn't know where the way up to the Jade Chamber is..." Paimon chided herself in annoyance, looking at Lumine with a helpless expression. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ganyu (Genshin Impact): "Ah, it's my fault for not explaining it clearly." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "No need, it was my oversight for not specifying." ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "The me in there probably thought the Traveler would ask themselves, no need for special instructions." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "I trusted Paimon, but she....." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Hehehe." ]
[ Esdeath (Akame Ga Kill) "One thought they would say, the other thought they would ask. Interesting." ]
[ Yukinoshita Haruno (Oregairu): "Hahaha, how amusing, they're really cute." ]
[ Lisa (Genshin Impact): "Yes, our little cutie is always so adorable." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "....." ]
[ .....]
『 "You're only realizing this now? If I had known, I should have asked Ganyu more questions." Lumine also regretted not being fully prepared.
"Since we're heading to the Jade Chamber, directly pinpointing it on the map sounds like a good idea!" Paimon quickly changed her, proposing a new plan.
"There must be a way up nearby, let's split up and look!" Paimon suggested, her eyes sparkling with the light of exploration.
The two immediately began their search and eventually discovered a suspicious mechanism on high ground.
"Look, this mechanism is right here; it must be related to the Jade Chamber!" Paimon excitedly pointed to her discovery, her eyes gleaming with hope.
"Could this be a passage to the Jade Chamber? Or an enticing trap?" Lumine had doubts, but couldn't hide her curiosity.
"No way! Just trust Paimon's instincts!Let's activate this mechanism and see." Paimon was full of confidence, urging Lumine to act. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "This is just an ordinary mechanism, nothing special..." ]
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Does that mean it was all for nothing again?" ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "That's how it is." ]
[ .....]
『 Lumine used her Anemo power to touch the mechanism. Instantly, a gentle breeze brushed past, and an Anemo field materialized out of thin air.
However, using the Anemo field only allowed them to reach a central platform, still far from the Jade Chamber.
"Sigh, is this as far as we can go?" Paimon looked regretful, a hint of unwillingness in her tone.
"It's all because this Anemo field isn't strong enough; otherwise, we would have already soared into the sky!" Paimon grumbled, appearing somewhat dissatisfied.
"I think we should go back to Liyue Harbor and ask the Millelith about the situation," Lumine suggested, planning to find another way.
"Huh, why?" Paimon turned around, asking with a puzzled expression.
"The way to the Jade Chamber shouldn't be a secret, otherwise Ganyu wouldn't have..." Lumine speculated, feeling that asking directly might be the correct solution.
"Oh, so that's it! No wonder Ganyu told us to find our own way; that really is a bit unreasonable." Paimon slapped her hand, as if solving a century-old mystery. "Alright, I'll listen to you, let's..."
"Wait, what's that down there?" Paimon, sharp-eyed, suddenly noticed something and cried out in surprise. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Lumine (Genshin Impact): "Everyone, look how many times Paimon has successfully led us astray at crucial moments." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Paimon didn't mean to!" ]
[ .....]
『 "That's where the Guizhong Ballista is. How about we use it to shoot you up there with a 'whoosh'?" Paimon's imagination ran wild, proposing a shocking idea.
"Oh no, you can't! I'll die that way, do you have a problem with me?" Lumine quickly interrupted, looking helpless.
"Hehe, I just forgot to consider safety factors." Paimon stuck out her tongue, a little shy.
"Oh, right, I remember now, the Guizhong Ballista seems to have a telescope on it."
"Exactly, exactly! We can use that telescope to see if there are any other paths to go up." The two immediately agreed and headed straight for the Guizhong Ballista.
As they approached the Guizhong Ballista, they found Millelith soldiers standing guard.
"Halt! Who goes there? How dare you trespass into forbidden territory!" The Millelith soldiers, seeing them, sternly reprimanded.
"Forbidden territory? Isn't this just the wilderness of Mt. Tianheng?" Lumine was also confused.
"Yeah, yeah, what are you even talking about!" Paimon echoed.
"We were invited, we're VIPs! How can you treat us like this..." Paimon was full of suspicion.
Suddenly, a light bulb went off in Paimon's head: "Wait, could it be... that Ningguang deliberately set a trap?"
"On the surface, she invited us to the Jade Chamber, but in reality, she arranged for the Millelith here, planning to catch us red-handed." Paimon's thought process was as erratic as ever.
"It wouldn't go that far; we haven't even mentioned the invitation yet." Lumine, however, remained calm, suggesting another possibility.
"Hmph, I'm really angry! This is entrapment, dishonorable!" Paimon persisted, directly "accusing" the other party. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Lisa (Genshin Impact): "Little Paimon really needs a good scolding, this kind of behavior won't do~." ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Lisa-a" ]
[ Lisa (Genshin Impact): "Hmm?" ]
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "Big Sister Lisa, Paimon will correct herself in the future." ]
[ .....]
『 Yang, one of the Millelith soldiers, decided to control the first two.
Though unwilling, Lumine could only prepare to deal with the sudden conflict.
"Stop! What's all this about? Who is making such a ruckus?" A commanding voice suddenly rang out from nearby.
Everyone turned to look, only to see a girl dressed in purple, with cat ear decorations on her head, standing there with a stern expression. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Is that me?" ]
[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "Is this also an adeptus?" ]
[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "Hua...." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "Me? I am not an adeptus. I am Keqing, the Yuheng of the Liyue Qixing, responsible for land and construction. This area also falls under my jurisdiction." ]
[ Yukinoshita Haruno (Oregairu): "Oh? What did little Yukino think of?" ]
[ Yukinoshita Yukino (Oregairu): "Nothing, absolutely nothing." ]
[ .....]
『 "Lady Keqing, these two strange people suddenly appeared. They seem to have designs on the Guizhong Ballista." The soldier, seeing who arrived, quickly reported straightforwardly.
Paimon's face fell upon hearing this: "Hey, hey, who said we're strange people?"
Immediately after, Paimon, not to be outdone, pressed on with a barrage of questions: "We are guests, and we're looking for the Liyue Qixing. Who are you?"
"What a coincidence, I am one of the Liyue Qixing."
Keqing smiled faintly, introducing herself: "I'm Keqing, the Yuheng of the Qixing."
"About you, Traveler, I've heard a little. You are Ningguang's guest, aren't you? I didn't expect to meet you unexpectedly in this wilderness."
Keqing spoke calmly, revealing both her name and identity.
Paimon's eyes lit up: "Wow, to meet such an important figure in such a remote place, what a surprise!"
"This Guizhong Ballista was broken yesterday, yet it's restored to its original state overnight. I came here specifically to investigate this matter."
Keqing explained, pointing to the surrounding Millelith guards, "They are responsible for guarding, not for arresting people."
Paimon suddenly understood: "So it was all a misunderstanding, I really didn't expect that."
Lumine smiled helplessly: "Actually, it was quite easy to guess."
Keqing changed the subject: "However, it's strange. A mechanism created by Adepti was repaired by mortals. This is quite rare, even for the Qixing."
Paimon was about to boast that they had fixed it, but Lumine stopped her with a look, signaling not to cause trouble.
Then, Paimon curiously asked Keqing why Ningguang would specifically invite them to the Jade Chamber as guests.
Keqing mused, thinking that Ningguang might hope they would maintain a neutral stance and not fall headfirst into the adepti's camp. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Xiao (Genshin Impact): "Disrespectful to the adepti." ]
[ .....]
『 Paimon stated directly that they hadn't taken sides and that the adepti were also acting to protect Liyue.
Keqing mercilessly said that those adepti were inherently arrogant.
She even suspected that ordinary people couldn't possibly conspire against the Rex Lapis, and Ningguang's previous series of actions were probably to cover something up.
While Paimon agreed with Keqing's view, she also insisted that the adepti should be given due respect.
Keqing retorted, asking if it was their leisurely disregard for time that should be respected, or their condescending attitude towards mortals?
However, Keqing changed her tone, emphasizing that this was only her personal attitude, and Ningguang definitely had other intentions.
She also had to admit that the adepti had been surprisingly restrained this time; despite the Archon's misfortune, they were willing to negotiate instead of resorting to forceful means.
Lumine pressed, "Is there really no room for peaceful negotiation?"
Keqing believed that Ningguang might have a glimmer of hope in her heart, but reason told her it was impossible.
The era of the adepti had passed, and the Qixing had to face this reality.
Paimon thought Keqing's remarks were truly bold and straightforward.
Keqing smiled faintly, ending the topic, and urged the two to hurry to the Jade Chamber, reminding them that Ningguang's schedule was packed.
She also revealed that the so-called wealthy merchants were merely trying to gain benefits from Ningguang, which was why they came with lavish gifts.
Paimon's eyes lit up at the mention of "benefits," and Lumine quickly signaled her to restrain herself.
Paimon argued that giving gifts was a traditional Liyue etiquette, not for benefits, to which Lumine could only shake her head helplessly. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Hahaha, Paimon is really interesting." ]
[ Chika Fujiwara (Love Is War): "Huh? Aren't you on the run? How can you still talk?" ]
[ Tartaglia (Genshin Impact): "Oh, my friend, those two points are not in conflict." ]
[ Keqing (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ .....]
『 Keqing let the two slowly consider what kind of welcome gift to bring, and then pointed out the path to the Jade Chamber before leaving on her own.
After Keqing left, Paimon and Lumine both felt she had quite a personality. Lumine even thought some of Keqing's views were not without merit.
Paimon's mind raced, pondering what to give Ningguang. Finally, an idea struck her:
She decided to personally make frosted Slime desserts, believing that would surely bring a smile to Ningguang's face. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "Thank you for Paimon's kindness, but I don't like Slimes." ]
[ Xiangling (Genshin Impact): "Slimes are so delicious though." ]
[ Xingqiu (Genshin Impact): "Most people can't accept it, I suppose." ]
[ Hu Tao (Genshin Impact): "+ 1" ]
[ Chongyun (Genshin Impact): "+ 1" ]
[ .....]
『 So, Paimon hurriedly urged Lumine to gather ingredients, preparing to make this special gift.
During the collection process, they discovered a person held captive by the Treasure Hoarders. After rescuing him, they learned his name was Meng Dan.
He was a supplier for Liyue's Mingxing Jewelry, who came to the mountains to collect antiques. This time, he and the Treasure Hoarders had their eyes on the same ruins, so he was held captive.
Meng Dan also asked Lumine if she lacked anything, offering to give her whatever he had. Lumine simply said no.
Paimon, however, said she needed a beautiful box to hold her snacks. Meng Dan immediately said Mingxing Jewelry had plenty, and he would tell the boss, so she could just ask for one. Meng Dan then left directly.
Paimon was very happy. She continued to look for materials.
After gathering the materials, the two went to Liyue's Mingxing Jewelry.
The boss was very grateful to the two for saving Meng Dan and brought out an antique box.
Paimon was very happy to see the box. After making the frosted Slimes, she put them in the box and sprinkled some powdered sugar.
After finishing, they learned that the guide to the Jade Chamber was at Yujing Terrace.
They found the guide at Yujing Terrace, exchanged the secret code, and the guide led the two to the Jade Chamber.
The guide was also very puzzled because the secret code they used was not for guests, but for those specially authorized by the Yuheng, which the guide couldn't understand.
Above the Jade Chamber, the two met the legendary Ningguang. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ NPC#1 (Genshin Impact): " It's Lady Ningguang!" ]
[ Ningguang (Genshin Impact): "..." ]
[ .....]
『 "I've been waiting for you, returnee from Jueyun Karst."... Ningguang, upon receiving the announcement, slowly walked out from the depths of the Jade Chamber.
"Oh, it's Lady Ningguang!" Paimon exclaimed in surprise upon seeing Ningguang appear, quickly greeting her, "Nice to meet you. We came prepared, and we hope you'll like this token of our appreciation."
"For me? Thank you so much. I should be the one entertaining you two, but instead, you've gone to trouble." Ningguang said with a gentle smile upon hearing this.
"Not at all, not at all, don't mention it, hehe~" Paimon waved her hands repeatedly, looking nonchalant.
"The Jade Chamber is truly magnificent. Standing at this height, it's my first time." Lumine gazed at the surrounding scenery, remarking to Ningguang.
"This palace floats atop the mountains. From here, one can take in the full view of Liyue Harbor."
"From the moment I began studying commerce, I started accumulating funds to build it. After becoming the Tianquan, I invited numerous skilled craftsmen and have continuously expanded it to this day."
"Initially, it was only the size of a single room. But now, it can rival the bright moon in Liyue's night sky."
"I believe that one day, its shadow will cover the land of the Seven Nations." Ningguang recounted to the two, her words revealing her grand ambitions.
"(This Tianquan does not lack for ambition...)" Lumine silently labeled this Tianquan as "ambitious" in her heart.
"Moreover, very few can actually ascend to the Jade Chamber. However, I have corresponded with the Acting Grand Master of the Knights of Favonius and learned many things about you, for which I commend you greatly."
"Therefore, from the very first day you arrived in the Liyue region, I deployed my eyes and ears." Ningguang inadvertently revealed a startling fact.
"What?" Paimon was greatly startled upon hearing this.
"It wasn't until you went to Wangshu Inn that I gradually figured out your whereabouts." Ningguang continued.
"Could it be that the owner of Wangshu Inn, Verr Goldet, is also one of your people?" Paimon asked curiously.
"Not so, the entire Wangshu Inn belongs to me," Ningguang stated frankly. 』
『 .....』
〜Dimensional livestream, Chat Room〜
[ Paimon (Genshin Impact): "@&%*!" ]
[ Verr Goldet (Genshin Impact): "You found out, hehehe~" ]
[ .....]
『 Paimon was speechless upon hearing this, not knowing how to respond.
"Not long ago, we also had the good fortune to meet the Yuheng, " Lumine said with a smile.
"Was it that fleeting glimpse by the Guizhong Ballista?" Ningguang recalled the moment of that meeting.
"You weren't hiding in the clouds, secretly observing us, were you?" Paimon mischievously cast a suspicious glance at Ningguang.
"Hehe, from such a distance, if one truly wanted to spy, they'd have to cultivate the skill of seeing through to the soul." Ningguang chuckled softly.
"Actually, merely by hearing and observing, I developed a strong interest in you. It's only natural to pay a bit more attention."
Thus, Ningguang naturally explained why she knew their whereabouts.
"Keqing once said that the Qixing would never do anything to harm Rex Lapis." Lumine relayed Keqing's words of trust.
"Hmm, you have many dealings with the adepti, so, understandably, you don't trust us. I invited you here this time to clear up some misunderstandings." Ningguang stated the reason for inviting them up and walked towards the edge of the Jade Chamber.
Lumine and Paimon also followed her. 』
『 .....』